Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Oldmansour on March 11, 2016, 05:06:00 AM
-
>You are Byakuren Hijiri, 18 years old, resident of the city of Mayoiga, caretaker (owner) of Rin Kaenbyou, resident of the Moonside apartments, and third year student of Mayoiga High. A few days ago, you were the most popular girl in school, one of the most well-known and liked girls around town. And then you touched a strange doll, and saw a world not your own. That was the day that everything changed, and you became Magical Lotus, the Hero of the Heart.
>You find yourself in the Metal Tiger shrine once again this night. Having seemingly convinced Satori not to harm herself and helping her work through some of the guilt she felt as a result of her actions while under the influence of the evil splinter in her mind's eye, you have just sent a group of mikos towards Satori's room and are presently conversing with the horse youkai you safeguarded during the fight last night.
>"She's fine, don't worry; was in bubbly spirits last I saw her this afternoon."
>Koko giggles. "Sounds like another blonde named Lily I know."
-
>Chuckle lightly
>Funny, that
-
>Chuckle lightly
>Funny, that
>"I still can't believe that happened. I mean, you hear about these kinds of things happening, but actually seeing one... It's not like you see in books at all."
-
>"I'm not sure anything can quite prepare one to stare down an embodiment of death. I'm just glad we managed to put an end to it before it could do too much harm."
-
>"I'm not sure anything can quite prepare one to stare down an embodiment of death. I'm just glad we managed to put an end to it before it could do too much harm."
>"And what was the deal with that flaming fox? And the owl?"
-
>"That is a bit more... complicated. But suffice it to say that while they remain dangerous, I have hope that we can be allies again in future, without the need for a common foe."
-
>"That is a bit more... complicated. But suffice it to say that while they remain dangerous, I have hope that we can be allies again in future, without the need for a common foe."
>To her credit, Koko does not seem as confused as your explanation may have made her. "That sounds more like a problem for Kiku to handle. She was handling that kind of thing even while Satori was in charge."
-
>"I intended to speak with her about this, yes."
>We are traveling with the whole group back to Satori, yes?
-
>"I intended to speak with her about this, yes."
>We are traveling with the whole group back to Satori, yes?
>Koko nods. "She really is the best at dealing with dark forces." She grins. "We wonder if she'd beat the monsters she came across, or just scare 'em off."
>Negative. You stopped to speak with Koko while the other three headed back down the hallway. They haven't got there yet, though. It's a lengthy hall.
-
>Chuckle
>"Well, I think we'd best catch up."
>Let's go catch up with the others and go see what Satori has to say
-
>Chuckle
>"Well, I think we'd best catch up."
>Let's go catch up with the others and go see what Satori has to say
>"Oh, right, sorry." Koko says quickly as you turn and chase after the other mikos.
>"Can I ask you something?" White Rose says to Koko. "If the wolf was close to hear, that means I should have heard all of you. Especially voices."
>"Yuzu-chan's real quiet. And her voice is low-pitched when she's in wolf form."
>Your comrade nods. "That makes sense."
>When you return to Satori's room, you can feel the tension in the air. None of the three newly arrived mikos there look really grim or excessively serious, but you can tell they're staying as far away from Satori as they can, while Doremy has gone back to being the stone-faced protector you saw when you first entered. Kiku, rather prudently, seems to have placed herself between her fellow mikos and Satori, who is standing again, her meal finished. She didn't leave much.
>Satori smiles and nods to you when you enter. "Thank you, Lotus, White Rose."
-
>Nod politely and let her continue
-
>Nod politely and let her continue
>"And thank you all for coming, too." she says to her fellow mikos, in a more subdued voice.
>"Is this important, Satori?" the senoir miko asks.
>"Yes, Karura. I wouldn't have asked you to come here if it wasn't." She pauses to swallow visibly. "It's about something that should have happened a long time ago. Something else I stole from Kiku. Something I need to give back."
>"If you're suggesting what I think you are, Satori, this should be done before the entire Sisterhood of the temple."
>Satori blanches. "Yes. You're right. But, I.... I'm not-"
>"Was this your idea?" she asks you.
-
>Shake our head
>"No. She just asked me to gather a couple of you."
-
>Shake our head
>"No. She just asked me to gather a couple of you."
>"And I agreed." Kiku says to her comrade. "Which you all should know, if you were listening. Your ears are that good, Yuzuriha." The canine youkai returns her gaze evenly, but does not reply. "And that's precisely why I agreed. I don't think Satori could face all of you any more than all of you could face her. Not without letting your emotions get the better of you."
>"That's mighty considerate of you, Kiku." Karura tells her with a faint smile.
>"Practicality."
>"Sure, we can go with that."
>Kiku scowls at the silver-garbed miko, but it is Satori who speaks next. "I think you're both right. You've always excelled at keeping your emotions in check, Kiku. But I knew you were a better person than you thought you were. You were just afraid to admit it. And that's just one of the reasons you deserve to be the elder of this temple.
>"Satori?" Kiku blurts as Doremy helps Satori to her feet again.
>"A decade ago, you were chosen to be the head of this temple. I stole that position from you. And I may never be able to make up for that act. But the very least I can do is give you what is rightfully yours." The woman pulls herself to her full height, though not easily, you note. "I, Satori Komeiji, do hereby surrender the title of Elder of the New Mayoiga Shrine of the Metal Tiger to you, Kiku, and all the powers and responsibilities that come with the title." The struggle with the formality of that declaration getting to her, Satori visibly slumps. "I know you'll do a better job than I did."
-
>Smile encouragingly at the both of them
-
>Smile encouragingly at the both of them
>"Congratulations, Kiku-sama!" Koko says brightly, wasting no time in applying the new elder's honorific.
>The other three mikos, though, are less enthusiastic. "Karura is right, Satori." the winged youkai says. Kiku deserves the full ceremony for the transference of power."
>"And maybe we will have one, Mayumi. Later." says Kiku. "When the time is more appropriate. But perhaps now is not the time for ceremony. Save this part, perhaps." Turning to Satori, Kiku takes a breath and says, "I, Kiku, acknowledge my new title and the role that comes with it. In the name of the Metal Tiger, Byakko, I will strive to serve this temple, this city and this country to the best of my abilities."
>Setting aside her formality, she again turns back to her sisters. "We should all now be trying to put past wrongs behind us. You may have heard, but I will say it again: I have forgiven Satori. I do not expect all of you to do so quickly, and I will not order you to. But I will ask that you at least consider that Satori was, at the very least, not wholly responsible for her actions since we have known her. For half a century, a piece of pure evil did dwell within her. But that evil is gone now, and we are all of us free from its influence. It's time we began moving past that."
>"And we owe Magical Lotus and White Rose our thanks for that chance, as well as their comrade Lily. Without their aid, we'd still be under the influence of that creature. Or dead. They didn't just save Satori, they saved us, as well." And the tiger youkai lowers her head to you in thanks. Satori is quick to follow suit, as do Koko and the short winged miko Mayumi and the canine Yuzuriha.
-
>Bow our own head politely
>"Thank you. I'm just glad things have worked out as well as they did. The wounds of all those years may not be so easily erased, but now at least there is the chance to heal."
>To the other mikos: "And I wish to reiterate what Kiku said: the influence of the entity we destroyed last night was so malign that not even the gentlest of hearts could remain uncorrupted by it. You are not the only ones in this room whose minds were violated by another."
-
>Bow our own head politely
>"Thank you. I'm just glad things have worked out as well as they did. The wounds of all those years may not be so easily erased, but now at least there is the chance to heal."
>To the other mikos: "And I wish to reiterate what Kiku said: the influence of the entity we destroyed last night was so malign that not even the gentlest of hearts could remain uncorrupted by it. You are not the only ones in this room whose minds were violated by another."
>While the three junoirs, at least outwardly, seem to consider your words, Karura is not as receptive. "I find that difficult to accept, since the fact is that, by her own admission, this thing spent all this time doing what Satori herself wanted to do."
-
>"Do you think that even a person's desires can truly remain uncorrupted by such a being? After so many years of dwelling inside her mind, I expect it's difficult for even Satori herself to be sure of where she ended and it began. The revulsion she feels at her own actions now is proof enough for me that they were nothing she ever would have done, had her mind been truly her own."
-
>"Do you think that even a person's desires can truly remain uncorrupted by such a being? After so many years of dwelling inside her mind, I expect it's difficult for even Satori herself to be sure of where she ended and it began. The revulsion she feels at her own actions now is proof enough for me that they were nothing she ever would have done, had her mind been truly her own."
>"And what makes you an expert on the subject?"
-
>"Because I have seen Satori speak openly about her actions, while the deathbringer was still inside her - and she did so without remorse or hesitation or doubt. I saw, perhaps, the very worst of what she was capable of, the most unguarded of her plans and desires. After that, there is no way that I can consider the woman who stands here now to be of the same mind."
>"And do not forget, I also saw the deathbringer itself as it dwelled within her, coiled around her mind and throughout every part of her being. Just a fraction of this kind of intrusion was enough to make you believe things that hadn't happened. What do you think a hundred times that might be able to do?"
-
>"Because I have seen Satori speak openly about her actions, while the deathbringer was still inside her - and she did so without remorse or hesitation or doubt. I saw, perhaps, the very worst of what she was capable of, the most unguarded of her plans and desires. After that, there is no way that I can consider the woman who stands here now to be of the same mind."
>"And do not forget, I also saw the deathbringer itself as it dwelled within her, coiled around her mind and throughout every part of her being. Just a fraction of this kind of intrusion was enough to make you believe things that hadn't happened. What do you think a hundred times that might be able to do?"
>Your passion seems to take the silver garbed miko a little aback. She doesn't reply to you, but the look on her face tells you that you probably got through to her.
>Instead it is Satori that speaks to you next. "Lotus... Thank you. I do deserve their suspicion. At least, for now, I do. Your words are... more than I deserve."
-
>"I disagree. You, too, deserve a chance to move forward from the legacy of that psychic parasite."
>To the mikos, more gently: "Obviously, a breach of trust as you experienced is not something that heals overnight. But I would ask that you try to judge Satori for the person she is from this day forward, and not just the one she was; to do otherwise is to deny the corruptive influence of that entity, and you saw for yourself last night just how powerful that influence could be."
-
>"I disagree. You, too, deserve a chance to move forward from the legacy of that psychic parasite."
>To the mikos, more gently: "Obviously, a breach of trust as you experienced is not something that heals overnight. But I would ask that you try to judge Satori for the person she is from this day forward, and not just the one she was; to do otherwise is to deny the corruptive influence of that entity, and you saw for yourself last night just how powerful that influence could be."
>With Karura still stewing, Yuzuriha answers for her senior sister. "As a rule, we aren't a vindictive temple. And most of us here aren't the kind to nurse grudges. This situation is a bit unique, but there aren't many of us that, in general, can stay angry forever."
>"What we all need is time, I think." Kiku adds. "We've taken some steps tonight. That is a start."
>"May I ask you something about that entity, Magical Lotus?" Mayumi asks you.
-
>"Feel free."
-
>"Feel free."
>"Are you sure it was destroyed? What I mean is, can you be sure it didn't infect someone else the way it did Satori Komeji?"
-
>"In this case, yes I am sure. We were very thorough at the end."
-
>"In this case, yes I am sure. We were very thorough at the end."
>"Magical Lotus is uniquely skilled in the detection of forces of darkness." Kiku informs her subordinate. "If there was any sign of that entity to be found here, or any other lingering evils, I believe she would have found them by now."
-
>Nod
>"You can rest easy. This is one chapter that I believe is truly closed."
-
>Nod
>"You can rest easy. This is one chapter that I believe is truly closed."
>Mayumi seems visibly relieved. "Then, may I ask what your current plans are?"
>"Since you've run out of evil to fight here." Koko adds lightly.
-
>Smile a little
>"I'd be just as happy if there isn't another crisis to deal with for a while yet, quite frankly."
-
>Smile a little
>"I'd be just as happy if there isn't another crisis to deal with for a while yet, quite frankly."
>"Then you weren't planning on sticking around here?" Karura asks you.
-
>"Oh, if you meant this evening in particular, I'm in no rush to get anywhere else."
-
>"Oh, if you meant this evening in particular, I'm in no rush to get anywhere else."
>"I meant in the long-run." She jerks her head towards Satori, jostling her thick hair enough to give you a glimpse of her right ear, which is gently pointed in a non-human way. "Since you seem to have a vested interest in her well-being, I was wondering if you planned to hang around to back up Kiku."
-
>"I have extended an offer to help in whatever way I can, but I'm afraid there are other matters that will still require my attention. I don't plan on leaving the city itself anytime soon, though."
-
>"I have extended an offer to help in whatever way I can, but I'm afraid there are other matters that will still require my attention. I don't plan on leaving the city itself anytime soon, though."
>Kiku says, "Well whatever your plans for the future are, on behalf of the attendants of the Metal Tiger Shrine, you are welcome here at any time."
>"Here, here." Koko adds.
-
>Bow politely
>"Thank you."
-
>Bow politely
>"Thank you."
>"And naturally, that goes for you as well, White Rose." Kiku says to Rin. "As well as any other members of your group."
>"We'll pass that along." White Rose assures her.
>Satori begins, "May I... May I ask just, one more thing?"
-
>"Of course."
-
>"Of course."
>"I have a sister, Koishi Komeji. She lives here in town, she works at Mayoiga High, and at the Center for the Recently Ascended. If you see her, could you... Could you check her, like you did me? To make sure she's.... okay."
-
>Nod
>"Sure. I'll make sure to do that."
-
>Nod
>"Sure. I'll make sure to do that."
>"Thank you very much."
-
>"It's no trouble at all."
>"Here, let me give you my phone number, if you ever need anything else."
>Offer the number to our shiny new Lotusphone
-
>"It's no trouble at all."
>"Here, let me give you my phone number, if you ever need anything else."
>Offer the number to our shiny new Lotusphone
>"May I presume that this offer extends to us as well?" Kiku asks politely.
-
>"Certainly."
-
>"Certainly."
>"Then allow me to return the favor, should you have the need to contact us yourself."
>"Unless you've got your ways to do that." Yuzuriha remarks.
-
>Nod
>"Nothing wrong with a phone number."
-
>Nod
>"Nothing wrong with a phone number."
>You exchange your new number with Kiku, who gives you the number of the shrine. And her personal cell number, just in case. She plays the part well.
-
>What about Satori?
-
>What about Satori?
>Oh, right. Her, too.
-
>To Kiku: "Did you still want me to lend a hand with the assembly?"
-
>To Kiku: "Did you still want me to lend a hand with the assembly?"
>"What assembly?" Karura asks.
>"I had intended to call a general assembly tonight." Kiku informs her. "To address the events of the past. I had planned on including Satori in that assembly, which is one of the reasons I am glad that Lotus and White Rose are here. I was going to ask their assistance providing security."
>A confused Koko asks, "Security?"
>Yuzuriha answers her, "For Satori. From us. Right?"
>"Precisely." Kiku replies bluntly. She aims her hard gaze at her fellow sisters, especially Karura. "Would that have been necessary?" The silver garbed miko and Yuzuriha exchange a look. A somewhat guilty one on the latter's part, you note. "However, Lotus brought it to my attention that it might be difficult for Satori to be put through that at this time. So while I still intend to speak to all the serving Mikos here, Satori will not be a part of that. At least not at this time. That said, Lotus, White Rose, the choice is yours. I do not feel that your presence is as necessary as it once was, but you are still welcome. It is unusual for outsiders to witness an assembly of this manner, but you are no ordinary outsider. You may stay, if you wish, but I feel the situation is contained. Moreso than it was, at the very least."
-
>"I leave that up to you. If you would still like us to be present, that's fine by me."
-
>"I leave that up to you. If you would still like us to be present, that's fine by me."
>"You may leave. I know you have had a trying day."
-
>Nod
>"Well, if you need anything, you know how to get in touch with me."
>Look to the assembled people, and then Satori
>"Be well. All of you."
>Let's go back home
-
>Nod
>"Well, if you need anything, you know how to get in touch with me."
>Look to the assembled people, and then Satori
>"Be well. All of you."
>Let's go back home
>"And you as well, Magical Lotus, White Rose." Kiku bids you.
>"Come back and visit anytime!" a cheerful Koko adds with a swish of her tail.
>Content that the situation at the temple is now partially mended at least, you and Rin set out for home. Despite the lateness of the night and the exertions of the day, you elect to hoof it home, save a few bob after dropping a couple hundred on your new Lotusphone. It's an easier walk going this way, as things are mostly downhill this way. The snow has stopped as well, though it is still very cold. Proximity to Rin helps alleviate that problem a little, though you do find yourself hoping the rest of the winter to come isn't quite this cold. Not that you'd mind the excuse to spend more time cuddling with your catgirl, but there has to be better ones than that.
>After a lengthy, bracing yet uneventful walk, you return to the Moonside apartment complex. By this time Reisen has to be home, and Sekibanki's motorcycle is no longer in evidence.
-
>Uneventful is good these days
>Let's step inside and get warmed up
-
>Uneventful is good these days
>Let's step inside and get warmed up
>As always, Rin gets the door for you and you enter your residence once more, the two of you kicking the fallen snow and slush from your boots before doing so. You waste little time in turning the heat up a little, and while you might enjoy sitting in front of a fire with your Rin, a warming apartment serves your more practical needs.
-
>Let's kick back and relax for the rest of the evening. It's been a hectic day and things have mostly ended as well as can be expected, so let's enjoy being in a warm apartment with soft things to sit on and no emergencies to attend to.
>Hopefully.
-
>Let's kick back and relax for the rest of the evening. It's been a hectic day and things have mostly ended as well as can be expected, so let's enjoy being in a warm apartment with soft things to sit on and no emergencies to attend to.
>Hopefully.
>You and your Rin have definately earned your rest tonight. The cares of tomorrow can wait till this day is done.
>You don't spend a great deal of time vertical now that you're home, as the fatigue of the day wastes no time catching up to. After a cup of sweet tea served by your Rin, you and she decide to get yourselves some much needed sleep. Just sleep, this time. Rest is required.
>Your subconscious seems to agree with this assessment, and your dream tonight is a pleasant one, if not necessarily an entirely peaceful one. As you stand amongst a stand of trees, a group of scared and dirty people huddled around you, you watch a distant figure in flowing black robes standing before a raging torrent of water, the result of a broken dam. The male figure with the short gradient hair holds up his hand, clutching a strand of jade beads, and invokes a spell.The water divides as though cleaved by a massive blade, spreading out to harmlessly pass by either side of the village behind the man. Though his focus is mostly on his spell, he spares a look back at you. Your brother smiles at you peacefully, despite the effort he puts forth, despite the toll it must take on his body. He is doing what he loves. He helps people. And while you wish he would stop taking quite so many risks, you are unspeakably proud of your elder brother.
>You awake before Rin in the morning. Nearly afternoon, actually, as you seem to have slept a couple hours longer than you usually do. Nice to have the freedom to do that. Actually you correct yourself, as Rin has moved from her previous location. No longer sleeping next to you, she is currently curled up at the bottom end of your bed in her cat form.
-
>Myouren is younger than us, right?
>Smile at Rin, then stand up and stretch and get ready for the day
-
>Myouren is younger than us, right?
>Smile at Rin, then stand up and stretch and get ready for the day
>Yes. Curious.
>Good morning, Hero. the voice of the Purpose says a few minutes after you rise.
-
>Good morning. I do hope there isn't another emergency to report already this morning?
-
>Good morning. I do hope there isn't another emergency to report already this morning?
>There is not. the dry voice replies. In fact, you could consider this report good news. While you were asleep, someone on the other side of myself attempted to penetrate into this world. This attempt was unsuccessful, but the unusual thing about the event was, it seemed as though some force in this side was assisting in keeping the barrier intact.
-
>Oh? Do you have any idea what that would be?
-
>Oh? Do you have any idea what that would be?
>That is the thing I found most unusual. I could sense nothing at all from this side. Only the fact that myself was resisting more than my own efforts would have allowed for enabled me to discern any external force at all. Whatever or whoever it was was invisible to my senses.
-
>Curious. But... probably good? Do you think that this attempted breach would have been forceful enough to succeed without this... reinforcement?
-
>Curious. But... probably good? Do you think that this attempted breach would have been forceful enough to succeed without this... reinforcement?
>Impossible to tell without being able to gauge the full power of the being attempting the breach. If the being had sufficient stamina, then yes. I cannot be certain, but I believe it may have been one of the Champions.
-
>Well, I am just as glad not to have another of their number to deal with for now. Let's hope it stays that way for a while.
>Was there any other news?
-
>Well, I am just as glad not to have another of their number to deal with for now. Let's hope it stays that way for a while.
>Was there any other news?
>A question. I am awake that Terrans require sleep, but is it unusual for a sleeping Terran to attempt speech?
-
>Well, we can't do it intentionally. Was one of us mumbling in our sleep?
-
>Well, we can't do it intentionally. Was one of us mumbling in our sleep?
>Yes. You were.
-
>Oh. Um... what was I saying?
-
>Oh. Um... what was I saying?
>The same two words over and over. "Brother." and "Why."
-
>"Why?"
>Can we think of anything in our dream that would have us questioning like that?
-
>"Why?"
>Can we think of anything in our dream that would have us questioning like that?
>Are you asking me why you would say that?
>Not that you can remember. Well I suppose there was 'why' he was the one diverting a river and not you since you're the one with the power, but that's a matter of logic rather than subconsciousness. But then again, people don't always remember the entirety of their dreams, either.
-
>No, I was just wondering about it myself; I can't imagine you would know why I was saying that if I don't.
>Can we remember anything else if we try to focus a little?
-
>No, I was just wondering about it myself; I can't imagine you would know why I was saying that if I don't.
>Can we remember anything else if we try to focus a little?
>Only a very faint image of a wooden shack in the middle of nowhere.
-
>I did actually have a question for you, though; something I should have asked a while ago. This ring that you gave me... where did it come from?
-
>I did actually have a question for you, though; something I should have asked a while ago. This ring that you gave me... where did it come from?
>It was a test, Hero. To see if you could become the Hero I believed you could be. Had I emotion, I believe I would regret the necessity of it, but at the time it was the only way.
-
>That doesn't really answer my question.
-
>That doesn't really answer my question.
>Apologies, I will try again. But it is somewhat difficult to explain. What I am is power, a power that has a Purpose, a will. For one reason alone was I made, and that Purpose is all I am. You are a means by which I exercise myself. The power you wield is your own, but the... The key that opened the door is the ring that you wear. In touching my power, your own manifested and began to grow. That is also why your powers are extra effective against the Prisoners of Makai, because of your interaction with myself.
-
>You mean to say the ring you gave me was manifested from your own power?
-
>You mean to say the ring you gave me was manifested from your own power?
>That is as accurate as I believe I can get in your words.
-
>If I may say so, making rings that draw someone into their own subconscious seems a curious power for a barrier with a singular purpose to have.
-
>If I may say so, making rings that draw someone into their own subconscious seems a curious power for a barrier with a singular purpose to have.
>My Purpose is to ensure those imprisoned in Makai remain there, and that those that manage to escape be returned to their prison. If not through this extension of myself, then though aiding someone that has power enough.
-
>Hmmm... was there some particular reason your appearance changed between me accepting the ring and coming to my senses again?
-
>Hmmm... was there some particular reason your appearance changed between me accepting the ring and coming to my senses again?
>There were two reasons. At that time, I had not developed a great deal of skill at manipulating the appearance of this extension. Also, considering the simplistic nature of the youma present at the time, I speculated that a change in appearance would make it believe I had disappeared.
-
>Disappeared? Even if you were still standing in the same place?
-
>Disappeared? Even if you were still standing in the same place?
>A change in appearance can sometimes be sufficient to fool the simple.
-
>Hmmm....
>If the Purpose has nothing else to ask, thank it for its answers and finish getting ready for the morning.
-
>Hmmm....
>If the Purpose has nothing else to ask, thank it for its answers and finish getting ready for the morning.
>It does not, which leaves you to your own devices.
>You note as you make your way out of your room, after you get changed, that it's later in the day than you normally rise, about half past 10. Not a bad thing in this case, as you don't seem to have missed any new catastrophe, and you really do need your rest. The real surprise is that Rin slept in longer than you and then didn't rise with you, that's a bit out of the ordinary for her. She must have needed her rest as well. Which means the task of breakfast this morning falls on your shoulders. Oh, the burdens of the hero.
>As you pour a couple of eggs into a pan, though, the kasha walks out of your room, stretching out with one arm and rubbing her eyes with the other. "G'morning, Mistress." she mumbles in Eire.
-
>Smile
>"Good morning."
-
>Smile
>"Good morning."
>Still plainly not quite awake, she mumbles something else in her native tongue. Some of the nuances are lost on you, but it sounds something like, "Sorry I slept in."
-
>"Oh, don't apologize. Besides, I think we've more than earned our rest."
-
>"Oh, don't apologize. Besides, I think we've more than earned our rest."
>Rin yawns and nods. "Or more. I had a lotta weird dreams last night."
-
>"Oh? Anything interesting?"
-
>"Oh? Anything interesting?"
>"Well... This is probably gonna sound a bit weird, but I kept dreamin' about your brother."
-
>"...really?"
-
>"...really?"
>Rin pauses in mid-stretch. "Uh.... Not like that."
-
>Laugh and shake our head
>"No, no, I just... I dreamt about him last night, too. Sort of."
-
>Laugh and shake our head
>"No, no, I just... I dreamt about him last night, too. Sort of."
>"You can sort of dream about someone?"
-
>"Well, you can dream about people as different than they are in the waking world. In my dream, Myouren was... using magic to part a great flood of water coming from a broken dam. I was watching from some distance away with a group of other people - huddled together and frightened. He was protecting us, I think, from the flood. He smiled at me as he did so, and I remember I feeling incredibly proud of him for doing all this. And then, I guess I must have woken up."
>"Curiously, I have the distinct recollection that in this dream he was older than me."
-
>"Well, you can dream about people as different than they are in the waking world. In my dream, Myouren was... using magic to part a great flood of water coming from a broken dam. I was watching from some distance away with a group of other people - huddled together and frightened. He was protecting us, I think, from the flood. He smiled at me as he did so, and I remember I feeling incredibly proud of him for doing all this. And then, I guess I must have woken up."
>"Curiously, I have the distinct recollection that in this dream he was older than me."
>"That's different, all right. The age flip-flop, I mean, it makes sense that you'd dream him as being a superhero, 'specially since you're one now. Makes sense ta me, anyway."
-
>Chuckle lightly
>"Perhaps. And what was he like in yours, if I might ask."
-
>Chuckle lightly
>"Perhaps. And what was he like in yours, if I might ask."
>"Kinda like that, actually." she replies as she sits down at the table, seeing as you've got the cooking handled. "I mean I don't remember a dam, but I do remember him calling up a big rainfall to put out a big ol' forest fire. Saved a bunch of kids all huddled up near little creek. Then there was this big dragon-thing that was attacking a town, and he turned the thing's fire breath back on it, and the thing flew away. Thing I remember most though, there was this town, and there was a mob of youkai fighting a gang of humans. Was like the whole town was fighting it out. And then he walked into town, and people stopped and listened to him talkin', and then all the youkai went home. There was peace."
-
>"Hmmm... I wonder if the telepathic link we share means we can influence each other's dreams, or if this is just an amusing coincidence?"
-
>"Hmmm... I wonder if the telepathic link we share means we can influence each other's dreams, or if this is just an amusing coincidence?"
>"Well, did ya share dreams with Lily or Kiku?"
-
>"Well, I wasn't sleeping next to them, either."
>Give her a little kiss
-
>"Well, I wasn't sleeping next to them, either."
>Give her a little kiss
>Rin's ears twitch in pleasure at your little gesture of affection. Though not one to let more mundane matters completely slide by the wayside, she cautions you, "Don't let your eggs burn."
-
>"I can multitask."
>Multitask!
-
>"I can multitask."
>Multitask!
>In the minutes it takes you to finish preparing two servings of scrambled eggs, toast and a side of tofu bacon (which is better than your friends seem to think it is, thank you very much), you and your Rin exchange a casual conversation about dreams in general, and another quick kiss. You're inclined to chalk the odd coincidence that you both should have dreams involving your brother on the same night as just that, a coincidence, until Rin says off-handedly, "Thing I find kinda weird, though, is that your brother was some kinda hero in each scene I saw, but every time he was done doin' hero stuff, he went back to this run-down wood shack in the middle of nowhere, like it were his home or somethin'."
-
>Does that... ring a bell?
-
>Does that... ring a bell?
>You also dreamed of a somewhat decrepit looking wooden shack in an isolated patch of ground.
-
>"That... also sounds like what I dreamt."
>Try to describe the shack in more detail to her, if we can
-
>"That... also sounds like what I dreamt."
>Try to describe the shack in more detail to her, if we can
>Your own recollection of that shack is shaky at best. It was a very run-down looking building, a simple one-story thing made of rude logs. Rin, however, provides a bit more in the way of details. "There was a bit of... canvas, I think's the word, coverin' up one of the windows, I think it was broke. Kept seein' it in different seasons, snow one time, rain the next."
-
>Does this ring any bells also?
-
>Does this ring any bells also?
>The canvas over the window gels with your memory of the shack. You and Rin almost have to have dreamed of the same shack.
-
>"That was in my dream, as well. I... find myself increasingly skeptical this is all a coincidence."
-
>"That was in my dream, as well. I... find myself increasingly skeptical this is all a coincidence."
>"You think I was crashing your dreams?"
-
>"That makes it sound far too deliberate. I don't really know how I would put it exactly, but it does seem rather odd, no?"
-
>"That makes it sound far too deliberate. I don't really know how I would put it exactly, but it does seem rather odd, no?"
>"It's new ta me, that's for sure."
-
>Smile a little
>"Well, I don't mind you borrowing dreams from me if you don't."
-
>Smile a little
>"Well, I don't mind you borrowing dreams from me if you don't."
>"Of course not." your Rin replies easily. "I'll try ta make 'em all good ones."
-
>"Still, I fear they may struggle to compete with waking up to see your face beside me."
>Smile and kiss her
-
>"Still, I fear they may struggle to compete with waking up to see your face beside me."
>Smile and kiss her
>That's an act you sincerely doubt you'll ever tire of.
>Once you and your Rin part, the kasha smiles a happy smile as she looks at your mouth. "Did you go and get that tongue of yours silver'd when I weren't lookin'?"
-
>"Let's say I've felt inspired lately."
-
>"Let's say I've felt inspired lately."
>"I ain't never been insp'ratnal before." she remarks, not quite getting word right.
-
>"Love is a wonderful thing."
>Of course, breakfast is also important
-
>"Love is a wonderful thing."
>Of course, breakfast is also important
>"Amen ta dat."
>But since you don't have to love on an empty, you and your Rin return to your plates.
>Just as you and she are finishing up, you hear the sound of motorcycle engines pulling in to your apartment yard. You've heard those three engines as a group often enough to recognize them as Reisen, Nitori and Marissa's bikes. The trio must have gone out for one of their drives.
-
>"I think I'd like to head out to the CRA once I'm finished warming up to the morning. I promised I would take another look at the remains of the devouring tar, and hopefully I can take a look at Koishi while I'm at it."
-
>"I think I'd like to head out to the CRA once I'm finished warming up to the morning. I promised I would take another look at the remains of the devouring tar, and hopefully I can take a look at Koishi while I'm at it."
>"Want me ta come with?"
-
>"That's up to you. I'm fine either way."
-
>"That's up to you. I'm fine either way."
>Rin grimaces slightly, briefly. She still has a bit of an issue with that 'up to you' thing now and again. "Well, if you wanted some time for yourself, if you think it's safe."
-
>"I'm not anticipating trouble, but your company is always welcome, of course. I just didn't know if you had anything else you'd rather do today."
-
>"I'm not anticipating trouble, but your company is always welcome, of course. I just didn't know if you had anything else you'd rather do today."
>"Nowhere I need ta be, not 'till 6:30."
-
>"Well, then I suppose we can go together. I could introduce you to Marigold."
-
>"Well, then I suppose we can go together. I could introduce you to Marigold."
>"Ah yeah, yer ki..." She trails off, an unsure look on her face. She probably isn't sure if you approve of that descriptor for Marigold.
-
>"I'm not really sure what the proper word for this situation is, to be honest. She calls me mother, but I think myself and Lily only nudged her a little along her way to sentience, if you know what I mean. I mean, obviously I care for her well-being, but...."
-
>"I'm not really sure what the proper word for this situation is, to be honest. She calls me mother, but I think myself and Lily only nudged her a little along her way to sentience, if you know what I mean. I mean, obviously I care for her well-being, but...."
>"Maybe that might make ya more of.... Oh, what's the word? Middle-Wife?"
-
>"Do you mean 'midwife'? And, um, hmmm.... Maybe 'godmother' is the better term here?"
-
>"Do you mean 'midwife'? And, um, hmmm.... Maybe 'godmother' is the better term here?"
>Rin's face scrunches in thought. "'fraid I don't know that one."
-
>"It's like.... Actually, I find myself struggling a little at how to describe exactly what it is, but sort of like... an honorary part-time guardianship? Someone who isn't necessarily related, but who takes on the role of like... a fairly involved aunt or something?"
>"This whole situation is more than a little unusual, to be fair."
-
>"It's like.... Actually, I find myself struggling a little at how to describe exactly what it is, but sort of like... an honorary part-time guardianship? Someone who isn't necessarily related, but who takes on the role of like... a fairly involved aunt or something?"
>"This whole situation is more than a little unusual, to be fair."
>Rin chuckles helplessly. "Oh, how many times're we gonna say THAT between now and new year's." she says rhetorically.
-
>"I believe 'strange' is becoming the new normal."
>Smile
>"It's not all bad, though."
-
>"I believe 'strange' is becoming the new normal."
>Smile
>"It's not all bad, though."
>A thoughtful look crosses Rin's face. "Y'know, ya might need a bigger place than this at this rate. Maybe a lot bigger." she says after a moment's pondering.
-
>Chuckle softly
>"Well, Marigold has a place to stay for now, at least. Later, well... we can figure out something then, if we need to."
-
>Chuckle softly
>"Well, Marigold has a place to stay for now, at least. Later, well... we can figure out something then, if we need to."
>"So I don't need ta keep an eye out fer "For Sale" signs?"
-
>Laugh
>"I'm afraid the salary for 'Saving the World' is still a little low for that."
>Assuming nothing else of consequence happens, let's finish up and get ready to head out to the CRA
-
>Laugh
>"I'm afraid the salary for 'Saving the World' is still a little low for that."
>Assuming nothing else of consequence happens, let's finish up and get ready to head out to the CRA
>Dear Rin still seems to ponder the matter for a moment, her tails swishing unconsciously, before muttering something that sounds like 'Worry about that later' in Eire. She does take some things very seriously sometimes, especially when it comes to you.
>Ten minutes later, you and Rin are both decked out in sensible winter-warding clothing and ready to brave the elements once more.
-
>Well, let's get going!
-
>Well, let's get going!
>The stiff breath of winter greets you as Rin opens the door for you. Another mightily cold day. It isn't snowing yet, though, but the feel of the wind more than compensates for that. Hyozan and Letty don't seem to mind it, as usual, as the yuki-onna and her dog stand outside on the balcony looking towards the high school down the road. From here you can see the heavy trucks parked outside the school and the people working on the scaffolding repairing the hole in the wall from Keine's rampage. School will most likely be back in session by Monday, if not sooner. But it won't be tomorrow, at least, according to your neighbor. There'd have been an announcement about that, and there hasn't been, she tells you. Some good news there, and after Rin and Hyozan exchange a greeting, you and your kasha take your leave of Letty.
>Since there doesn't appear to be any special hurry today, you and Rin opt to take the bus to the CRA rather than brave the frigid headwind. You make a note that you may need to refresh your supply of cash before too much longer. Been a while since you've replenished that particular supply.
>The bus is fairly crowded when you and Rin embark, which is unsurprising for a Friday. You and Rin are forced to stand, which you really don't mind, though the unshaven man standing in front of you has a fairly different opinion and doesn't seem to be overly shy about sharing it. At least until a rather grizzled older gentleman politely, yet pointedly, tells him to belt it, which you can't help but not draws more than one smile from other commuters.
>The woman standing behind you is a much better source of conversation. It's a red-haired, red-winged classmate of yours, who actually didn't recognize you until her sizable wings accidentally brush across your face. Lily has much softer wings, you note to yourself. After she apologizes to you, Reisen's voice to comes into your mind, Byakuren?
-
>Yes?
-
>Yes?
>Will you be needing me in the next few hours?
-
>Barring an emergency, I don't expect to.
-
>Barring an emergency, I don't expect to.
>In that case, I'll head over to the Fire Bird shrine. I want to make sure the Champions weren't involved in that attack.
-
>Attack? What attack?
-
>Attack? What attack?
>You haven't heard? It's been on the radio for the past couple hours.
-
>I hadn't, no. What happened?
-
>I hadn't, no. What happened?
>The was an incident at the Fire Bird shrine this morning. The news reports claimed that a rogue dementia caster went berserk there and attacked some of the mikos. And if that's all it was, then that's okay, that happens with dementiaists. But with everything that's happened, I wanted to make sure there wasn't another force involved.
-
>Did the news say anything about injuries?
-
>Did the news say anything about injuries?
>Three people were reported injured in the attack. Four people if you count the dementiast himself. The news reported that the temple head, Youmu Konpaku, gave him the business.
-
>I should ask Kiku if she knows anything.
>Gently reach out to Kiku: Kiku?
-
>I should ask Kiku if she knows anything.
>Gently reach out to Kiku: Kiku?
>I'd be surprised if she didn't.
>I am here. the tiger youkai's voice replies.
-
>I just heard about the attack at the Fire Bird shrine that was on the news. Do you know anything more about it than was included in the public statement - particular anything that might tie it to one of the larger threats afoot?
-
>I just heard about the attack at the Fire Bird shrine that was on the news. Do you know anything more about it than was included in the public statement - particular anything that might tie it to one of the larger threats afoot?
>Haruka did mention that the man was no ordinary dementia caster. His power was augmented by power of another kind, one she wasn't entirely familiar with. It is possible that the man was a servant of the Champions, wielding the same kind of power that woman you defeated at the CRA did, but I can't say that for certain at this point. I had planned to investigate the possibility personally once my business here is finished.
-
>Reisen also said she was planning to scout around there for signs of the Champions' power; I was already on my way to the CRA before I heard the news.
-
>Reisen also said she was planning to scout around there for signs of the Champions' power; I was already on my way to the CRA before I heard the news.
>If the Champions were involved, it certainly wasn't as dangerous as some of their other outings. Nor does it seem to have the same purpose as their other attacks. From what I've been told, this was a dementia incident like any other, at least in terms of its form. Such things are hardly unheard of.
-
>Yes, hopefully that's all it is. Recent events have just made me a little wary, that's all.
>Relay this information to Reisen.
-
>Yes, hopefully that's all it is. Recent events have just made me a little wary, that's all.
>Relay this information to Reisen.
>Justifyably so.
>After you pass on the info to the rabbit, she replies, We all seem to be on the same page here. You feel a sense of expanded communication as Reisen opens her mind to speak to you and Kiku both. Kiku, this is Reisen. There hasn't been any more dementiaist sightings in the area since the attack, has there?
>Not to my knowledge. And my sisters would know one. Would you?
>Yeah. I probably know more about dementia casters than the next guy; I know one when I see one. This is the first time I've heard of one causing real trouble here in Mayoiga here in a few years.
>How did you come by that knowledge? Kiku asks archly.
>I spent a lot of years in Vegas, some of them working for a Pit boss. The rabbit chuckles quietly, a sound more releived than amused. There's one bit of luck to this whole event, Byakuren. We could've been living there instead.
-
>Does that place have so unseemly a reputation, or something?
-
>Does that place have so unseemly a reputation, or something?
>Among the general public, the city of New Vegas, usually abbreviated as simply Vegas, is regarded as a city with two faces. On the one hand, it's one of the most popular cities in the world, full of theaters, amusement parks, hotels. But when the sun goes down the seamy underbelly of the city comes to life. Vegas is regarded as a natural gathering point for all manner of immorality, scum, crime and other unwholesome activities that most of the rest of the 'civilized' world sternly disapproves of.
>Ironically, Marissa quite likes the city. Her father's power is somewhat limited there compared to the rest of Eagleland. If she ever goes back to her home country, you wouldn't be surprised to see her take up residence there.
-
>I'm just as happy we're not, thank you very much.
-
>I'm just as happy we're not, thank you very much.
>Amen to that. That's one city I'm in no hurry to visit again. Food was good, though.
>I should ask, Byakuren, while we talking about them. You've never met or dealt with a dementia caster before, have you?
-
>We've never actually met any before that we know of, right?
>Assuming so: Not that I'm aware of.
-
>We've never actually met any before that we know of, right?
>Assuming so: Not that I'm aware of.
>Correct.
>They're a distinctive bunch. The magic they practice does any number of terrible things to a person's mind and emotions. They all tend to be unstable, often violently so. If you ever end up dealing with one, don't expect them to react the way a completely sane person would. They're unpredictable, and very dangerous.
-
>I might almost be getting used to that, somehow.
-
>I might almost be getting used to that, somehow.
>I suppose so at that. Well, I suppose we can talk more about that if and when we have to fight one ourselves.
>You mentioned the CRA. Kiku asks you. Are you also responding to some disturbance?
-
>I promised Haruka the other night that I would investigate the remains of the devouring tar to make sure there were no further signs of activity from it, or in the vicinity. But also, I wanted to take a look at Koishi, like Satori asked.
-
>I promised Haruka the other night that I would investigate the remains of the devouring tar to make sure there were no further signs of activity from it, or in the vicinity. But also, I wanted to take a look at Koishi, like Satori asked.
>Ah yes, she works there. That had slipped my mind. Kiku admits.
-
>I'm hoping, quite frankly, that the day will pass without incident at all.
-
>I'm hoping, quite frankly, that the day will pass without incident at all.
Furthur incident, you mean.
-
>Yes. Give us some time to take care of things without bouncing from emergency to emergency.
-
>Yes. Give us some time to take care of things without bouncing from emergency to emergency.
>Indeed. I'm going to have enough on my plate today without anything else cropping up.
-
>I imagine so. In any case, if either of you stumble onto anything suspicious at the shrine, let me know immediately - even if you're not fully sure yet. The fewer risks any of us take, the better.
-
>I imagine so. In any case, if either of you stumble onto anything suspicious at the shrine, let me know immediately - even if you're not fully sure yet. The fewer risks any of us take, the better.
>Understood. Reisen replies, while Kiku gives you a monosyllabic noise of acknowledgement.
-
>Then may the universe be kind to us today.
>Mosey onward!
-
>Then may the universe be kind to us today.
>Mosey onward!
>Signing off with Reisen and Kiku, you fill Rin in on what your partners had to say. Your kasha voices a similar opinion regarding her hope that things remain clear. After all, a demon attack would absolutely ruin her meeting her mistresses' daughter.
>The bus disgorges the two of you a little over half an hour later, and after a short stroll down a snow-dusted sidewalk, you find yourself once again in front of the Center for the Recently Ascended. No unpleasant odor or sensation crosses your senses this time, save the frigid wind of this winter afternoon. A street performer sits against the wall near the main doors, a young-ish man in a black jacket with mud-colored hair and a scraggly goatee. He is presently coaxing an ancient folk song out of a old ehru, filling the air around the building with a lovely, if somewhat melancholy, sound. Hard to tell if the people inside are enjoying it or not, but the two young women standing in front of him certainly seem to be.
-
>Business first. We need to speak with one of the higher-ups for access to the basement, and since they already know that 'Lotus' helped take care of an incident down there, it would probably be easiest if Lotus was the one to inquire.
>Let's go find somewhere sheltered to transform, and then head into the CRA and see if we can go speak to Hironobu for a moment
-
>Business first. We need to speak with one of the higher-ups for access to the basement, and since they already know that 'Lotus' helped take care of an incident down there, it would probably be easiest if Lotus was the one to inquire.
>Let's go find somewhere sheltered to transform, and then head into the CRA and see if we can go speak to Hironobu for a moment
>It takes a little walking to find somewhere without either prying eyes or cameras, taking the form of the back end of the dumpster situated along the north wall of the CRA. Hardly glamorous, sometimes, is the life of a henshin-hero. Leaving the fragrant wheelie bin behind, you and Magical White Rose enter into the Center.
>The carpet has been changed since the last time you were here. Its dimensions are identical to the old one, but this one is a dull blue. Neither is Kikuri manning the desk today. A young man with thin brown wings, thinner brown hair, a rust-colored suit and a somewhat sour expression greets you as you enter and inquire into the availability of the man in charge.
>"Hhh, boss's off today." he rumbles in a gravelly voice. "Business at the big house. Uh, I could see if Hatoko's available for yer?"
-
>"If you would, please."
-
>"If you would, please."
>The balding youkai grunts then picks up a phone next to him. As he punches in a number, he squints at you. "Yer look kinda familyer. I seen yer around here?"
-
>We don't actually recognize him, right? At least not especially.
>Assuming so: "It's possible. I've been here once or twice before."
-
>We don't actually recognize him, right? At least not especially.
>Assuming so: "It's possible. I've been here once or twice before."
>You do not.
>The youkai rumbles out a thoughtful noise before speaking into his phone. "Ma'am? There's a.... What'd you say yer name wus?" he asks you.
-
>"Lotus."
-
>"Lotus."
>"Idn't that a flower?"
-
>"It's that, too."
-
>"It's that, too."
>With a grunt and a shrug the man says. "Lotus here t... Oh yer herd. Right. Right. Right." The balding bird hangs up his phone. "She'll be down in a minit."
-
>"Thank you very much."
>Let's wait for Hatoko
-
>"Thank you very much."
>Let's wait for Hatoko
>The balding man grunts again and returns to a stack of papers placed to his left. A stack of sudoku puzzles, you note.
>Hatoko doesn't keep you waiting long, and emerges from the door on the right scant minutes later. The colorful youkai is wearing another bright kimono today, this one a white and blue affair with purple floral patterns. The really impressive thing is that it manages not to clash with her multihued hair and wings. "Lotus!" she exclaims upon seeing you again. "And a new friend with another lovely outfit. How are you both?"
-
>"Quite fine, thank you. And yourself?"
-
>"Quite fine, thank you. And yourself?"
>"A little chilly." the bright-winged bird says with a somewhat helpless smile. "I don't think I've known it to be this cold in this city before."
-
>"It feels like winter's come early this year."
>Quietly, assuming we're reasonably out of earshot: "In any case, I was hoping we might be able to get access to the basement again for another few minutes."
-
>"It feels like winter's come early this year."
>Quietly, assuming we're reasonably out of earshot: "In any case, I was hoping we might be able to get access to the basement again for another few minutes."
>Hatoko's face changes quickly, all business. "More trouble?
-
>"Not as far as I know, thankfully. I just wanted to confirm that the original problem was well and truly gone, now that some time has passed. It's simply a precautionary measure."
-
>"Not as far as I know, thankfully. I just wanted to confirm that the original problem was well and truly gone, now that some time has passed. It's simply a precautionary measure."
>Hatoko appears not to be worried, but she does ask, "Does this have anything to do with that sheet of lead we found outside the salt pool?"
-
>"Yes, actually. Did you do anything with it?"
-
>"Yes, actually. Did you do anything with it?"
>"We couldn't." Hatoko says with a frown. "It seems to be fused to the floor somehow."
-
>"Well, I'd like to take a look at it, if that's alright?"
-
>"Well, I'd like to take a look at it, if that's alright?"
>"Of course." the bird says with a nod. "If you'll come with me?" she adds with a gesture towards the stairwell door.
-
>"Thank you."
>Follow along
-
>"Thank you."
>Follow along
>The tall woman folds her wings in close to her body as she makes her way down the staircase, leading you and Rin back down to the door you used the last time you came here. She explains that there is an elevator that goes down to the pool area when White Rose asks, but she states that it's often faster to walk. Better for a body, too. She also informs you that the freshwater pool is presently occupied by two recently ascended youkai who haven't quite got comfortable breating atmosphere yet, but they shouldn't disturb you. As is not uncommon among 'newborns', one of the two, the shark, isn't all the outgoing just yet. Evidently she bites strangers.
>The large room where you swiped your bagel the last time you were here is nowhere near as empty this time. Half a dozen seats are filled with the employess of the CRA, all either on break or on lunch. A tan-skin man with a rather ridiculous mohawk calls out to you and your Rin, but Hatoko informs him that you two are here on business and that he still needs a haircut. The colorful bird sits down to join him at his table, leaving you and Rin to carry on unencumbered by civilians.
>The air down here is no longer oppressive or ominous, apart from being a couple stories below ground. But even so, you have to fight to keep a shiver from running down your back. The memories of your experience the last time you were here, both with the Tar and then the Water Champion, may follow you for a long time.
>Just as Hatoko described, that sheet of lead is still there, right where you left it. A very innocuous leaving by a very malevolent thing.
-
>Cast our mystic senses towards the sheet of lead and then the surrounding the area. Be cautious, but thorough. Do we sense anything at all amiss, however slight? Any sign that the metal at our feet is anything more than a sheet of lead?
-
>Cast our mystic senses towards the sheet of lead and then the surrounding the area. Be cautious, but thorough. Do we sense anything at all amiss, however slight? Any sign that the metal at our feet is anything more than a sheet of lead?
>You pause for just a moment before turning your mind towards that lead once more. The memory what happened when you touched that Tar with your mind is going to be with you for a very long time. But after collecting yourself, and taking a deep breath, you scan the patch of lead with your mystic senses. To your immediate relief you sense nothing out of the ordinary. Your thorough mental probing provokes no otherworldly or magical sensation of any sort from the lead sheet. It is a dense patch of metal, and it descends down into the floor- you don't imagine it'll be cheap to remove all that lead and then fix up the floor after. But at least it will just be removal with no extra threat beyond that which usually comes from mundane construction efforts.
>But, while the lead is just that, you are sure it's nothing more than a hunk of inert metal, there are other magical auras around. Most are above you, and very very faint. Best guess is they are people with latent magical powers or abilities that either have not been trained or their powers are not very profound. The strongest aura has the now familiar sensation of the magic of the shrine maidens around town. Water element dominant, if you're not mistaken. And most bizarrely of all is a peculiar sensor 'ping' coming from beneath you. That one is strange not only for its location, but because it's a type of aura you've never sensed before.
-
>Is there another floor below us that we know of, or does that mean this ping is coming from inside the ground?
>Focus on that one a little more and see if we can get a better idea what it is
-
>Is there another floor below us that we know of, or does that mean this ping is coming from inside the ground?
>Focus on that one a little more and see if we can get a better idea what it is
>When you were here with Kiku, she mentioned detecting a chamber about 20 feet below this area with an unusual metal content. She was confused about the sensation, so you're inclined to think it probably isn't part of the CRA. A wild guess would be an old bomb shelter. Old Mayoiga had a number of such shelters before the last war, none of which seemed to provide any benefit against the blink bomb that destroyed the city. Without knowing what stood here before the CRA building did, though, there's no way to know for sure if that's true.
>As you narrow your focus on that subterranean aura, you sense that, whatever it is, it waves at you. As though it can sense your mental probing.
-
>Waves at us? Does it feel... friendly? Or, at the very least, not malicious?
>Do we have any idea at all what or who it might be?
-
>Waves at us? Does it feel... friendly? Or, at the very least, not malicious?
>Do we have any idea at all what or who it might be?
>You can't sense any obvious hostility. On the other hand, you can't sense any obvious beneficence, either.
>You sense a humanoid shape, but not enough detail to guess at species or gender. It has a strange kind of power, but not enough to threaten you or Rin. You're not even sure it could threaten the miko you sense above ground, not with the amount of energy you sense right now. And you also sense that it is now moving up, in your direction.
-
>Moving up? Like, directly through the ground towards us, or just upward in a way that might suggest it using a stairwell or elevator somewhere we aren't aware of?
-
>Moving up? Like, directly through the ground towards us, or just upward in a way that might suggest it using a stairwell or elevator somewhere we aren't aware of?
>It direction is diagonal. It could be using a stairway, albeit a somewhat steep one.
-
>Well, maybe we'll get a better idea what it is before too long, then?
>To Rin: Well, the good news is that I can't find the slightest trace of the tar's presence anymore. Probably it really is well and truly gone. More oddly though, I sensed a strange kind of presence below us. I... think it waved at me, metaphorically-speaking.
-
>Well, maybe we'll get a better idea what it is before too long, then?
>To Rin: Well, the good news is that I can't find the slightest trace of the tar's presence anymore. Probably it really is well and truly gone. More oddly though, I sensed a strange kind of presence below us. I... think it waved at me, metaphorically-speaking.
>Proximity does tend to aid your sixth sense's sharpness.
>What'd ya find, some kinda mole?
-
>I have no idea, to be honest, though it felt humanoid.
>Let's give it a bit and see what happens
-
>I have no idea, to be honest, though it felt humanoid.
>Let's give it a bit and see what happens
>Mole youkai, maybe? White Rose speculates. Nevertheless, you note her shift from casual to defensive, and her glance from light to wary.
>About half a minute later, an area of the wall across from the entrance to the salt pool locker room begins to shimmer and waver slightly, like the surface of pool. White Rose moves up to stand in front of you, a motion almost automatic on her part. "Relax, you two." a faint, feminine voice drifts out from behind the wall. "I'm just here to talk."
-
>Is this the same presence that we felt beneath the floor?
>And not a voice that we otherwise recognize, right?
>Assuming both of these are true, motion to Rin to stand down and greet her amicably.
-
>Is this the same presence that we felt beneath the floor?
>And not a voice that we otherwise recognize, right?
>Assuming both of these are true, motion to Rin to stand down and greet her amicably.
>It is.
>It is not.
>Rin relaxes, but she doesn't move from her position in front of and to the side of you as a humanoid figure passes through the wall. The human woman appears middle-aged, dressed in clothing that went out of fashion more than thirty years ago. She is pale. Very pale, in fact, and her brown eyes are dull and lifeless. She is flanked on either side by a small faint flame that leaves no embers and shines an almost invisible blue light. The woman turns towards you after she emerges fully into the hallway and smiles, a gesture that, for some reason, makes you rather nervous. "So we meet at last." she says in a voice with more verve than her body displays.
>White Rose tenses once more, on guard again.
-
>"At last?"
-
>"At last?"
>"I've been keeping an eye on you ever since you started stalking through town like a thunderstorm." She turns her head slightly to look at White Rose. "You seem tense."
>"Yeah." Rin intones. "'cuz you're dead."
-
>"That doesn't mean she's hostile."
>"But you say you were... 'keeping an eye on me'?"
-
>"That doesn't mean she's hostile."
>"But you say you were... 'keeping an eye on me'?"
>"I guess." Rin says with a frown.
>The woman nods. "After I saw that fight at the Metal Tiger shrine, and your destruction of that splinter, I knew I had to speak with you the first chance I got. Which happened to be now. I have some information you may find useful."
-
>"Oh? What is it?"
-
>"Oh? What is it?"
>"There are two more splinters like the one you destroyed still in this city. Some of them have been destroyed over the years and some have been taken out of Mayoiga, but two remain within the city limits."
-
>"There are? Where?"
-
>"There are? Where?"
>"One of them is in the possession of Tobias Scatterclaw. But that one is out of your reach, since a confrontation with him would cause far too much destruction. If you went after him and his splinter, the resulting battle would destroy at least half of this city. I think you would agree this is more harm than good."
-
>"Left unchecked, might the splinter not represent as great a threat itself - if not already, then eventually?"
-
>"Left unchecked, might the splinter not represent as great a threat itself - if not already, then eventually?"
>"No, not unless one of his own kind comes after him. Scatterclaw isn't interested in widespread carnage anymore, not like he used to be. And he's not like Satori. He has not been corrupted by the splinter, he commands its power. He uses it only to aid in his communion with the dead and dark places."
>"And how do you know that?" White Rose asks.
>"My knowledge is vast." the woman replies simply.
-
>"I believe it takes a little more than being well-informed to know such details about as dangerous and isolated a man as that."
>"But where is this second one?"
-
>"I believe it takes a little more than being well-informed to know such details about as dangerous and isolated a man as that."
>"But where is this second one?"
>"The second is in the possession, or rather HAS possession, of the being you know as Motormaster. That one will be a more immediate threat to you. It would have been anyway, but especially now that you have something that it wants, and badly."
-
>"Reisen."
-
>"Reisen."
>The woman nods. "The very same. Motormaster doesn't know yet that Reisen has a new owner, but it will. And when it does, it won't be as honorable or patient as Konngara."
-
>"This splinter? Is it as strong as the one that was in Satori?"
-
>"This splinter? Is it as strong as the one that was in Satori?"
>"Yes. But Motormaster doesn't have the same natural abilities that Satori did. It can't assault you the way she did. The splinter you fought augmented Satori's natural gift, but Motormaster has no gifts to augment."
>"You keep calling Motormaster 'it." Rin asks, confused.
>"It has the ability to change its gender, thanks to the power of the splinter. Neither 'he' nor 'she' is appropriate at this time."
-
>"Do you know where we can find them?"
-
>"Do you know where we can find them?"
>"I do. At this moment, Motormaster and some of its friends are in the graveyard, rather originally I've always found, referred to as as the 'mana tombs'."
>You're vaguely familiar with that place. It's a small graveyard somewhere in the southeast quarter of the city. It got that name because that majority of the people buried there are spellcasters of some sort. It's sort of a magician's graveyard.
-
>How far away from here is that?
>And from the Fire Bird shrine, for that matter?
>"A graveyard? Surely they can't be expected to remain there for very long now, though?"
-
>How far away from here is that?
>And from the Fire Bird shrine, for that matter?
>"A graveyard? Surely they can't be expected to remain there for very long now, though?"
>You're not sure, exactly. You know of its existence, but not its location.
>"That is one thing I don't know." The dead woman gives you a wry smile. "It rather depends on the amount of alcohol and narcotics they consume. But Reisen has the ability to learn enough of Motormaster to know where to find it at any given time, if she does not already know."
-
>"That is a fair point. Is there anything else we should be aware of?"
-
>"That is a fair point. Is there anything else we should be aware of?"
>The dead woman tilts her head back and lowers her eyelids, and the sense of her presence fades slightly. "You still plan to challenge the Fire Champion in her stronghold?" he asks after a moment.
-
>"Is there some reason you believe we should not?"
>Uh... when was that scheduled for, anyway?
-
>"Is there some reason you believe we should not?"
>Uh... when was that scheduled for, anyway?
>"If you exercise great caution, then you may win. And I don't mean caution just with the two Champions and the Ice Avatar and the other defenses they will array against you. The barrier between this world and Makai is thin there. If you win, I would suggest you repair the barrier there before moving on. You've already seen what one creature of Makai can do. Neither of us wants to let another one in."
>Today. Assuming the earlier attack on the Fire shrine hasn't altered Haruka's plans to join you.
-
>"So you know that Ice has found her Avatar, but Fire has not?"
-
>"So you know that Ice has found her Avatar, but Fire has not?"
>"Not precisely. The Fire Champion...." The dead woman pauses and seems to sag, the floating flames next to her flickering. "Already?" she mutters before collecting herself. "The Champion of Fire has made a connection with her Avatar, but that Avatar is not in the city yet. They haven't connected like the other Champions have yet."
-
>"Should I assume that her Avatar is likely to make to make her own way to Mayoiga before too long, rather than the Champion leaving to meet her?"
>"Do you know who the Ice Avatar is?"
-
>"Should I assume that her Avatar is likely to make to make her own way to Mayoiga before too long, rather than the Champion leaving to meet her?"
>"Do you know who the Ice Avatar is?"
>"I assume so myself. None of the Champions have left the city since they arrived. Either they will not leave, or they cannot leave. I haven't figured out which yet."
>"Not yet. I know it is a woman, but the chill surrounding her is colder than the grave. I haven't penetrated it yet. But I do know where you can find her."
-
>"Where?"
-
>"Where?"
>"Southern Cross hospital."
-
>Is that, by any chance, where Eirin works?
-
>Is that, by any chance, where Eirin works?
>It is.
-
>"I have an... uncomfortable suspicion about that."
-
>"I have an... uncomfortable suspicion about that."
>The dead woman looks at you inquisitively.
-
>"Dr. Eirin Yagokoro. Air said that Ice's Avatar was a Lunarian and... well, there aren't a great many of them around. She does work at that hospital."
-
>"Dr. Eirin Yagokoro. Air said that Ice's Avatar was a Lunarian and... well, there aren't a great many of them around. She does work at that hospital."
>"The exile. Yes. That would make sense. That one has always been cold."
-
>Exile? Do we know anything about her being 'exiled'?
-
>Exile? Do we know anything about her being 'exiled'?
>Not really. Eirin was not the type to talk about herself or her past.
-
>So we do know her at least a little, personally, then?
>"Exile?"
-
>So we do know her at least a little, personally, then?
>"Exile?"
>A little is about all. You've spoken to her a time or two while Myoren was a guest of that hospital. You yourself would describe her as fairly cold; her bedside manner leaves a little to be desired. But her medical knowledge is second to none, and unlike others in that position, she didn't seem to use that to feed her ego or to look down on people that didn't share her knowledge. She seemed a least slightly impressed by your interest in medical issues yourself. While she wasn't what you'd call 'friendly', she didn't seem like a bad person. Of course, neither did Sanae or Patchouli.
>"She was banished from the moon centuries ago, just before the first war between the moon people and Gensokyo. I don't know why."
-
>"I wonder why. For that matter, I wonder if foreknowledge of Ice's Avatar's identity - assume I'm even correct - is actually helpful to us, though it guess it can't hurt."
>"Incidentally, might I ask your name? I'm sure you must know ours already."
-
>"I wonder why. For that matter, I wonder if foreknowledge of Ice's Avatar's identity - assume I'm even correct - is actually helpful to us, though it guess it can't hurt."
>"Incidentally, might I ask your name? I'm sure you must know ours already."
>"All information is helpful." the dead woman says with a knowing smile, but as she does so her whole body flickers, her skeleton hanging in the air for a heartbeat before the flesh reasserts itself. "If not always immediately, then eventually."
>She shakes her head slightly. "You are not ready to know my name. One day. One day. But a poet I knew once called me 'The Ultimate Truth.' Call that name... and I will hear."
-
>"Are you... Forgive me if this is terribly rude, but are you only able to maintain a visible presence in the world briefly?"
-
>"Are you... Forgive me if this is terribly rude, but are you only able to maintain a visible presence in the world briefly?"
>The dead woman nods. "I speak through the dead. I would have liked more time, but this body is incompatible with me. It will be bones again soon."
-
>"Is there any last thing you think we should know, then?"
-
>"Is there any last thing you think we should know, then?"
>Her flesh now flickering more frequently, the dead woman tilts her head back once more. "Protect Yuyuko." she whispers.
-
>"Is she in danger? Moreso than the rest of us, I mean?"
-
>"Is she in danger? Moreso than the rest of us, I mean?"
>"Not from the Champions..." the dead woman whispers as the flames to either side of her flicker one last time, then vanish. "From herself...." Her last word fades away like one falling down into a deep ravine, and the veneer of flesh and fabric fades completely. A collection of old bones clatter to the lead floor.
-
>Call out after the ghost one last time, in case she can hear us: "Thank you!"
>Then stare down at the bones on the floor
>Well, this is going to be a bit difficult to explain.
-
>Call out after the ghost one last time, in case she can hear us: "Thank you!"
>Then stare down at the bones on the floor
>Well, this is going to be a bit difficult to explain.
>When ya think things can't get any weirder... Rin says telepathically as she curses vocally in her first language. I don't like it, Mistress. I don't trust that thing.
-
>Mysteriously knowledgeable entities showing up just long enough to give us hints seems to be becoming a pattern. What she said about the splinters does contradict what Junko said last night, but Motormaster is easily enough investigated - I'm certainly not willing to assume she's wrong about them. And the sooner we look into it, the better.
>Do we know what Koishi actually does here, incidentally?
>Have we ever interacted with her before?
-
>Mysteriously knowledgeable entities showing up just long enough to give us hints seems to be becoming a pattern. What she said about the splinters does contradict what Junko said last night, but Motormaster is easily enough investigated - I'm certainly not willing to assume she's wrong about them. And the sooner we look into it, the better.
>Do we know what Koishi actually does here, incidentally?
>Have we ever interacted with her before?
>Does that mean you wanna go right to that graveyard?
>She serves as a counselor here, much as she does at school.
>Not in a professional capacity, but you have spoken to her. You find her to be a bit eccentric, but a good-hearted person.
-
>Not alone. If Motormaster really does have a splinter in them, we all should be there - if it's even half as strong as Satori's, we can't take unnecessary risks. But I'd still like to act swiftly.
>Take a last sweep around the area, and assuming we find nothing else, head back to Hatoko
-
>Not alone. If Motormaster really does have a splinter in them, we all should be there - if it's even half as strong as Satori's, we can't take unnecessary risks. But I'd still like to act swiftly.
>Take a last sweep around the area, and assuming we find nothing else, head back to Hatoko
>So much for an fight-free day? Rin muses wryly.
>And there's something else that corpse said I don't get. she continues as you finish your scans of the area. That's the hospital that Lily's mom got taken to. Lily's spent a lotta time there over the past couple days. She ought to have sensed something if an Avatar worked there, right?
-
>Could you sense either Sanae or Patchouli's connection to their Champion, when they weren't actively invoking their power?
-
>Could you sense either Sanae or Patchouli's connection to their Champion, when they weren't actively invoking their power?
>Well, no. I mean when they transformed, yeah, but not since then. Your kasha frowns in thought as you close down your probing, content that the Tar has been thoroughly neutralized, and that this 'Ultimate Truth' thing is gone. I don't know... I just got a bad feeling from her, Mistress, a real bad feeling. she insists as the two of you turn around and head back for the stairs.
-
>Is this because she was speaking through the dead, or do you think it's something more than that?
-
>Is this because she was speaking through the dead, or do you think it's something more than that?
>The dead thing'd be enough. Rin grumbles. But it's more than than too. I can't... The way she said 'You aren't ready to know me yet.' What could she mean by that?
-
>I don't know either. But it's clear we can't simply ignore her information, nor do I plan to take any action based on it that I would not otherwise, save for further investigation. If there is indeed another splinter inside Motormaster, I should be able to detect it, and should certainly wish to deal with it regardless.
-
>I don't know either. But it's clear we can't simply ignore her information, nor do I plan to take any action based on it that I would not otherwise, save for further investigation. If there is indeed another splinter inside Motormaster, I should be able to detect it, and should certainly wish to deal with it regardless.
>Well, that'll make Reisen happy, that's for sure. But what about the other splinter, the one she said was in Scatterclaw? The redhead makes a face. That's a weird name, even when you're think-talking.
-
>Well, that ghost wouldn't be the first to imply he's out of any of our leagues. I don't like the idea of such a powerful and dangerous figure remaining unchecked to close to home, but if he's apparently left well enough alone for this long.... we have enough pressing concerns already without disturbing another - even if his power has been overstated.
-
>Well, that ghost wouldn't be the first to imply he's out of any of our leagues. I don't like the idea of such a powerful and dangerous figure remaining unchecked to close to home, but if he's apparently left well enough alone for this long.... we have enough pressing concerns already without disturbing another - even if his power has been overstated.
>'Don't kick the hornet's nest', right? she asks, though her phrasing implies uncertainty as to whether or not she's using the phrase correctly.
-
>That's a good way of putting it.
-
>That's a good way of putting it.
>And, after the Champions are gone?
-
>Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
-
>Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
>Rin chuckles. Bet that'd make Kiku happy. Cleanin' up the town, an all that.
>Most of the people who were in the break room in the first basement have left by the time you and Rin return there. Only Hatoko remains of those who were there, seated next to a lovely looking woman with long blonde hair and brilliant white wings in a plain white robe. She seems to be one of those with a faint aura of magic, though it is very faint indeed.
>Hatoko looks up as you and White Rose come up the stairs and looks at you expectantly.
-
>Motion her over
>"Could I speak with you for a moment?"
-
>Motion her over
>"Could I speak with you for a moment?"
>The colorful youkai wastes no time in standing and crossing the room to you. Glancing back at the other youkai in the room, who seems to be engrossed in a very old book, she turns back to you and asks, quietly, "You found something?"
-
>Quietly: "Nothing hostile or dangerous or related to the previous incident, but... This may sound strange, but we apparently attracted the attention of the ghost of someone buried beneath the CRA. She said hello. Her, uh... bones appear to have remained in the hallway after she passed out of the living world again. Near that sheet of lead."
-
>Quietly: "Nothing hostile or dangerous or related to the previous incident, but... This may sound strange, but we apparently attracted the attention of the ghost of someone buried beneath the CRA. She said hello. Her, uh... bones appear to have remained in the hallway after she passed out of the living world again. Near that sheet of lead."
>Hatoko's colorful wings flutter in surprise. "Come again?"
-
>"Yes, I'm as surprised by this as you are, but you can see for yourself, if you like."
>Mosey on over towards the bone pile, if she's curious
-
>"Yes, I'm as surprised by this as you are, but you can see for yourself, if you like."
>Mosey on over towards the bone pile, if she's curious
>"I think I had better." Hatoko manages to say at last. Thus, she follows you and Rin back down the stairs and to the entrance to the salt pool locker room. The bird youkai gapes in surprise at the clump of old bones lying in the hallway. "How.... How did this happen? Where did those bones come from?"
-
>"Do you know of any structures beneath the CRA? Possibly an old bomb shelter or something?"
-
>"Do you know of any structures beneath the CRA? Possibly an old bomb shelter or something?"
>"Beneath?" Hatoko considers that question for some time. "I suppose it's possible. I don't know of anything like that, but that doesn't mean there isn't one. I'd have to look into it."
-
>"The shrine maiden who was with me the other day said she sensed some metallic structure down there, and that was where this ghost seemed to come from. After she dissipated, these bones were left behind where she was standing. I... can honestly only assume they came from someone who died down there, decades ago. I couldn't give you a name or anything, I'm afraid."
-
>"The shrine maiden who was with me the other day said she sensed some metallic structure down there, and that was where this ghost seemed to come from. After she dissipated, these bones were left behind where she was standing. I... can honestly only assume they came from someone who died down there, decades ago. I couldn't give you a name or anything, I'm afraid."
>Hatoko presses her hand to her head and takes a deep breath. "I'm a long way from an expert on ghosts, but I've also never heard of one dragging its bones with it. They sometimes lead people TO their bones, but they don't bring their bones to them."
-
>"I'm afraid I'm not much of an expert, either; this is the first time I've spoken with one, as far as I know. But I figured you'd need some explanation for where the bones in the hallway came from, and that's the best I can provide at the moment. Sorry."
-
>"I'm afraid I'm not much of an expert, either; this is the first time I've spoken with one, as far as I know. But I figured you'd need some explanation for where the bones in the hallway came from, and that's the best I can provide at the moment. Sorry."
>The kimono-clad raises her head to look you in the eye. "Are the people here at risk right now?" she asks seriously.
-
>"Everything seems clear to me, and I was thorough. I have no reason to think anyone here is in danger."
-
>"Everything seems clear to me, and I was thorough. I have no reason to think anyone here is in danger."
>Hatoko breathes a sigh of relief. "All right." she says with a nod. "I realize there are things you're not telling me, and that's fine. Everyone has their secrets. The safety of the people that work here and the people we help are my only concern. If there was something I needed to know, you would tell me?"
-
>"Absolutely. The reason I am here at all today was to make doubly-sure that no one else here might be in harm's way. I can find absolutely no evidence of a threat lingering."
-
>"Absolutely. The reason I am here at all today was to make doubly-sure that no one else here might be in harm's way. I can find absolutely no evidence of a threat lingering."
>Hatoko seems to accept this. She then looks over her shoulder. "Which leaves just the mystery, then."
-
>"Yes. I would be curious to find out what it is exactly that's buried beneath here."
>"On an unrelated note, is Koishi Komeiji working today?"
-
>"Yes. I would be curious to find out what it is exactly that's buried beneath here."
>"On an unrelated note, is Koishi Komeiji working today?"
>"I'll see what I can find out. It might take some time, though. You mentioned a metallic structure of some kind beneath us. You mean directly down, or, where?"
>"Dr. Komeji? Yes." Hatoko checks her watch. "I believe she should be with Marigold, unless she got waylaid. Or distracted."
-
>"Oh, that's convenient. I was also hoping to see Marigold again while I'm here. And it's relatively directly below us, from what I remember. Maybe twenty feet or so?"
-
>"Oh, that's convenient. I was also hoping to see Marigold again while I'm here. And it's relatively directly below us, from what I remember. Maybe twenty feet or so?"
>The bird youkai examines the floor and wall as she asks, "So did the wall open for it, or did it just pass through?"
-
>"She passed through."
-
>"She passed through."
>"Where?"
-
>Point to the spot she appeared
-
>Point to the spot she appeared
>Hatoko turns and heads down the hallway to examine the wall. She mutters something under her breath then takes two steps back. "I'll need to get a crew down here. The wall may need to come down. Probably talk to someone from the Shrines, make sure there's no more ghosts where that one came from..."
-
>"She seemed friendly enough, for what it's worth, and I haven't been able to sense anything else at the moment. Though I do understand your concern, of course."
-
>"She seemed friendly enough, for what it's worth, and I haven't been able to sense anything else at the moment. Though I do understand your concern, of course."
>"Mmm." she mutters, distracted, before turning back to you. "I think I'd better get started on this. If you ladies will excuse me?"
-
>"Of course. And thank you again."
>Let's go track down Koishi and Marigold
-
>"Of course. And thank you again."
>Let's go track down Koishi and Marigold
>Hatoko manages a smile. "I suppose I should thank you both as well."
>Rather than trudge all the way back up the stairs, Hatoko invites the two of you to use the elevator with her. It'll get you closer to where you want to be without having to navigate the building. While you prefer stairs in general, they're better for you after all, you don't fancy getting lost in here trying to find who you're after, so you accept her offer.
>The colorful bird disembarks on the first floor, while you and Rin continue on to the third floor. This floor is rather less active than the first floor was, and you see only two people between the lift and your target. One is a blue-haired woman intently reading from a clipboard who takes no notice of you at all. The other is a stern-faced goat-horned Oni who demands to know what two outlandish girls like you are doing up here. White Rose cleverly mentions that you have Hatoko's permission, and the angry man shakes his head and stomps away, muttering about proper procedures and the need for a stiff drink.
>The room where you find Koishi and Marigold is the sort of room you'd expect a counselor to work out of. Your 'daughter's' attention is on a rather colorful book open on the desk she sits at, studying it intently. A plate with two sandwiches sits to her right, seemingly untouched. Koishi is seated on an old couch on the left-hand side of the wall, idly spinning a pen around her fingers.
-
>Knock politely on the door
-
>Knock politely on the door
>"It's open." Koishi replies without looking up.
-
>Walk in and smile
>"Hello, Marigold."
-
>Walk in and smile
>"Hello, Marigold."
>The raven-haired young youkai tears her eyes away from her book to look at you, takes a quick, furtive glance at Koishi, then nods. "Hello." she replies quietly, politely.
>Koishi, on the other hand, jumps to her feet. "It's you." she blurts.
-
>"It, uh... is? Yes?"
-
>"It, uh... is? Yes?"
>Koishi's expression is unreadable as she briskly crosses the room, and for a moment you're half afraid the woman is charging you. When she gets within range, though, she does not attack. She reaches out and hugs you, fiercely. "Thank you." she whispers.
-
>Put on arm of our own around her gently
>"I'm just glad we were able to help."
>At such close range, can we sense anything at all dark in Koishi? Even the slightest hint of something like the splinter that was in Satori?
-
>At such close range, can we sense anything at all dark in Koishi? Even the slightest hint of something like the splinter that was in Satori?
>You cannot. Your mystic senses show nothing even remotely close to the evil thing that had been polluting Satori's body. And at this range, especially when in physical contact, if there was anything to see, to sense, you definitely would have.
>In fact, what you sense from Koishi is nearly the opposite of evil. Her third eye, while closed, radiates a kind of light when you turn your senses on it. A white light, and while you're not sure if you'd call it purely good, it is at least mostly good.
>Put on arm of our own around her gently
>"I'm just glad we were able to help."
>The younger of the two Komeji siblings nods, then pulls away from you. "And, I'm sorry." she says with a profound regret.
-
>"For what?"
-
>"For what?"
>Koishi smiles sadly. "Everything I can't talk about. I won't be able to say it later. I'm glad I could say it now."
-
>"I'm not sure I understand."
-
>"I'm not sure I understand."
>A little hopefully, Koishi says, "I hope you never do. I really do." She then lowers her head and walks around you, and out of the room.
-
>I wonder I understand even less after asking.
>But if Koishi seems well on her way to somewhere else, let's step inside and say hello to Marigold
>"I hope I haven't interrupted anything."
-
>I wonder I understand even less after asking.
>But if Koishi seems well on her way to somewhere else, let's step inside and say hello to Marigold
>"I hope I haven't interrupted anything."
>I know I sure do. Rin replies.
>Marigold waits for a moment, and in a quiet voice, answers, "You have not, Mother."
-
>Move over and take a look at her book
>"What are you reading?"
-
>Move over and take a look at her book
>"What are you reading?"
>The volume in front of her has a page of text next to a full-color spread of spider lilies. "A book on flowers." she answers. "I don't understand all the biggest words yet, but I find I like flowers. I have wondered if Lily might have influenced me."
-
>"Well, I think they're very pretty, too."
-
>"Well, I think they're very pretty, too."
>"I understand that people need to work in this world to get by. I think I would like working somewhere that gave me the chance to help things grow." The soft-spoken woman pulls a loose black hair out of her eyes. "It is an appealing idea."
-
>"Work is always better when we're doing something that feels meaningful to us. and there's something calming to the idea of working in a nursery. They always smell so... alive."
>"But before I'm impolite: Marigold, I'd like you to meet Rose. She's a very important person to me."
>Give her hand a little squeeze
-
>"Work is always better when we're doing something that feels meaningful to us. and there's something calming to the idea of working in a nursery. They always smell so... alive."
>"But before I'm impolite: Marigold, I'd like you to meet Rose. She's a very important person to me."
>Give her hand a little squeeze
>Rin returns the squeeze and smiles in the doing.
>Marigold rises and bows to your significant other. "I am very pleased to meet you, Rose." She pauses just a little before using Rin's magical name. "My name is Marigold."
>"How polite." Rin replies, impressed, then bows. "Uh, likewise."
>She don't know me, but she knows you? Rin asks you.
-
>Well, she's never met you before in either form, has she? I honestly would probably have introduced you as Rin, if we weren't in a public place right now.
>"How have things been here, since I last had the chance to drop by?"
-
>Well, she's never met you before in either form, has she? I honestly would probably have introduced you as Rin, if we weren't in a public place right now.
>"How have things been here, since I last had the chance to drop by?"
>Oh no, that's fine. But, how'd she know you? I mean I sorta thought it was you when I saw you that day at school, but how'd she know? Or, did you tell her it was you?
>"Quite well. I have learned many things since we last saw one another. The counselors often tell me that I have made 'excellent progress.' I do not wish to argue, but I am not so sure. There seems to be many things to learn yet."
-
>She saw right through this form the first time I was here, without seeming to take any effort to do so. I still don't understand quite why.
>"There are. But we each spend their entire lives learning and yet will never run out of new things to learn. That's part of the joy of life, I think. And fortunately, it only takes a tiny fraction of that knowledge to be able to take care of ourselves and manage in society."
-
>She saw right through this form the first time I was here, without seeming to take any effort to do so. I still don't understand quite why.
>"There are. But we each spend their entire lives learning and yet will never run out of new things to learn. That's part of the joy of life, I think. And fortunately, it only takes a tiny fraction of that knowledge to be able to take care of ourselves and manage in society."
>"The counselors tell me it will not be long before I am ready to enter society myself." She hesitates slightly, then confesses, "Well, some of them do."
-
>"Do you find yourself getting along better with some of them than others?"
-
>"Do you find yourself getting along better with some of them than others?"
>"I make some people uncomfortable."
-
>Frown
>"Oh? What makes you think that?"
-
>Frown
>"Oh? What makes you think that?"
>Marigold smiles quietly. "I am unusual, Mother. I seem to possess the natural ability to understand and read people. And some of those people do not appreciate this ability. They find it, and me, unsettling."
>"But I do not mind. I do not completely understand yet, but it is simply a part of who I am. And it has proven helpful to others here. There are some youkai here that have not learned how to communicate as quickly or effectively as I have learned how to do. My gifts allows me to communicate effectively with people like that."
-
>"That sounds very helpful, to be honest. And I'm sure that even those that feel uncomfortable around you at first will warm up over time, once they see how gentle-hearted you are."
-
>"That sounds very helpful, to be honest. And I'm sure that even those that feel uncomfortable around you at first will warm up over time, once they see how gentle-hearted you are."
>She kinda sounded like you there, Mistress. Rin observes.
-
>Do you think so?
-
>Do you think so?
>Well, you got a way of readin' people yourself. And ya never boast about it, neither, it's just part of who you are.
>"That would be nice." Marigold replies, glancing down toward the floor. "But I wonder if I will change, like those youkai do. After all, I am still young, like them."
-
>"We all change as we grow - even humans. The only difference is that some of us change in ways that are easier for others to see. But however you grow, you'll still be you, Marigold - and that's a fine thing to be."
-
>"We all change as we grow - even humans. The only difference is that some of us change in ways that are easier for others to see. But however you grow, you'll still be you, Marigold - and that's a fine thing to be."
>"How did you change?"
-
>"I used to be a lot more... bitter, when I was younger. Bitter at all the unfairness in the world and the people that perpetuated it or didn't seem to care. I had cause enough to be that way, but in the years since I've learned there is more good than I was willing to see then - that even people who seemed unjust were often struggling with their own lives, and trying the best they could to get by. I try my best now to think well even of those who've done wrong, because I understand that they too can have good in them, and might only need someone willing to give them a chance; bitterness only hurts the person being bitter. It's these kinds of things that sometimes one only learns by living."
-
>"I used to be a lot more... bitter, when I was younger. Bitter at all the unfairness in the world and the people that perpetuated it or didn't seem to care. I had cause enough to be that way, but in the years since I've learned there is more good than I was willing to see then - that even people who seemed unjust were often struggling with their own lives, and trying the best they could to get by. I try my best now to think well even of those who've done wrong, because I understand that they too can have good in them, and might only need someone willing to give them a chance; bitterness only hurts the person being bitter. It's these kinds of things that sometimes one only learns by living."
>Rin mutters something quietly, but just loud enough for you to hear. And even though she uses her native tongue, you know that she had wondered aloud, "Even Konngara?"
-
>Even she would not be the person she is today were it not for the actions of those who raised her. Maybe someday she'll be able to see beyond this, too.
-
>Even she would not be the person she is today were it not for the actions of those who raised her. Maybe someday she'll be able to see beyond this, too.
>A sound of surprise escapes Rin's lips as you speak into her mind. She seems slightly abashed at her bitter mutterings.
>"Was there someone who helped you learn those lessons?" Marigold asks you, curious. "Koishi says that people often have special people that help them learn special things." She doesn't let you answer, though, before she turns to face Rin. "Was it you?"
>The kasha starts to reply, then pauses. "I wasn't the first person that was important to her." she says after a moment's thought.
-
>"I met a very close friend of mine at a time when I found it difficult to be close to anyone. I'm not sure where I'd be today if it weren't for her."
-
>"I met a very close friend of mine at a time when I found it difficult to be close to anyone. I'm not sure where I'd be today if it weren't for her."
>Rin squeezes your hand a bit tighter. "And neither would I."
>Marigold smiles at the kasha. "You love my mother very much."
>With a brief, shy glance at you, Rin smiles and answers, "More than I ever thought I could love anyone."
-
>Smile at her
>"I love you, too."
>Lean in and give her a little kiss
-
>Smile at her
>"I love you, too."
>Lean in and give her a little kiss
>Marigold's eyes twinkle briliantly at the show of love between you and your Rin. Evidently the young woman doesn't necessarily mind one of her mothers kissing a woman other than the other one. She even goes so far as to say "Lovely..." aloud.
>Rin blushes a little at Marigold's descriptor. "Your mother was the first person that was special to me. She saved me."
>"Yes." Marigold smiles at you. "She would do that."
-
>"I never realized back then that I was meeting someone who would become so precious to me. Life's funny like that."
-
>"I never realized back then that I was meeting someone who would become so precious to me. Life's funny like that."
>"Have you married her yet?" Marigold asks eagerly.
-
>Boggle, then laugh a little. Marigold was an engagement ring, after all.
>"I'm afraid we only even kissed for the first time a few nights ago."
-
>Boggle, then laugh a little. Marigold was an engagement ring, after all.
>"I'm afraid we only even kissed for the first time a few nights ago."
>Some traits do remain from previous incarnations, after all.
>"People get married in less time." she counters.
>Rin glances at you, then says, "Best not to rush into things."
>"But you love her."
>"Absolutely. But marriage ain't that simple. Lotta things ta think about and get straighted away first."
>"Like what?"
-
>"No matter how much you love someone, a lifelong vow is not something to be made lightly or swiftly. Besides, weddings are expensive and complicated affairs to organize, and then there's all the paperwork...."
>Chuckle a little
-
>"No matter how much you love someone, a lifelong vow is not something to be made lightly or swiftly. Besides, weddings are expensive and complicated affairs to organize, and then there's all the paperwork...."
>Chuckle a little
>Marigold nods slowly. "I still have much to learn." she muses.
-
>"It's not uncommon for people to be in a committed relationship for years before proposing marriage. It's a big step, and it's important to make sure that both people are ready to take it; better to wait than to move too quickly."
>"It doesn't have to mean you love someone any less."
-
>"It's not uncommon for people to be in a committed relationship for years before proposing marriage. It's a big step, and it's important to make sure that both people are ready to take it; better to wait than to move too quickly."
>"It doesn't have to mean you love someone any less."
>The young youkai's eyes drift to the ring on her finger. "Yes. Things can be complicated sometimes. And things don't always come together the way people want them to." She looks up then, looking between you and Rin, then smiles gently. "But, sometimes they do."
-
>Give Rin's hand a squeeze and smile
>"Yes, sometimes they do."
-
>Give Rin's hand a squeeze and smile
>"Yes, sometimes they do."
>Perfectly innocently, Marigold then asks you, "Is she the only one so far?"
-
>"So far?"
-
>"So far?"
>"You have a big heart, mother." Marigold points out.
-
>"Well, if you're asking if she's the first person I've loved like this, then... yes. A great many people are dear to me, but even among them, she's special."
-
>"Well, if you're asking if she's the first person I've loved like this, then... yes. A great many people are dear to me, but even among them, she's special."
>"Were you askin' if there was more besides me?" Rin asks her.
>"Yes." Marigold says with a nod. Then she frowns. "That was rude?"
-
>How is polyamory looked upon in this society, anyway?
-
>How is polyamory looked upon in this society, anyway?
>It's the exception, not the norm, but it's hardly unheard of in Yamato. It is perfectly legal, as it is in more than half the countries in the world. Even encouraged in some parts of it. It would be highly unusual for someone as young as you to have multiple spouses, but even that isn't entirely unheard of.
>It might not do your reputation any favors, though. It would most likely make you appear rather reckless in matter of the heart, or in the worst case scenario, that you were taking advantage of your loved ones. Anyone who knew you would know better, of course, but the general public is not always the most understanding bunch.
-
>"Well, a lot of people consider it unfaithful to be romantically involved with more than one person at once. That doing so would mean you're unsatisfied with them, or didn't truly love them, or planned to leave them."
-
>"Well, a lot of people consider it unfaithful to be romantically involved with more than one person at once. That doing so would mean you're unsatisfied with them, or didn't truly love them, or planned to leave them."
>"But you're not like that." Marigold protests.
-
>"No, but a lot of people think this way and I would never want to risk hurting someone I cared about so deeply."
-
>"No, but a lot of people think this way and I would never want to risk hurting someone I cared about so deeply."
>White Rose nods. "Other people complicate things sometimes."
>"Hmmm. Yes. That's true." Marigold says quietly. She seems disappointed at that fact, though.
-
>Laugh softly
>"You almost look a little sad that I don't have multiple girlfriends."
-
>Laugh softly
>"You almost look a little sad that I don't have multiple girlfriends."
>"Well, I know you can make a lot of people happy."
>"She's got a point." Rin adds.
-
>Chuckle at Rin
>"Are you endorsing this idea?"
-
>Chuckle at Rin
>"Are you endorsing this idea?"
>That question gives Rin pause. After a moment's thought, she replies, "I wouldn't argue against it."
-
>Just because you wouldn't argue against it doesn't mean it wouldn't bother you. I know you better than that.
-
>Just because you wouldn't argue against it doesn't mean it wouldn't bother you. I know you better than that.
>Well... It's just, it's not... my place to tell you how to run your love life. she answers humbly.
-
>I beg to differ! You're my girlfriend, and that makes it absolutely your business! There's no one on earth whose business it is more than yours. You know I would never want to do a single thing to hurt you, Rin.
-
>I beg to differ! You're my girlfriend, and that makes it absolutely your business! There's no one on earth whose business it is more than yours. You know I would never want to do a single thing to hurt you, Rin.
>But, I'm still your slave. she objects feebly. That's still how I think. She almost sounds ashamed to admit it.
-
>I know it's hard to get used to things being so different, but you're more than that to me - much more. Telling me when you feel uncomfortable about something is what I want you to do. If we're going to be a couple, it's just as important that I respect your wishes as vice versa.
-
>I know it's hard to get used to things being so different, but you're more than that to me - much more. Telling me when you feel uncomfortable about something is what I want you to do. If we're going to be a couple, it's just as important that I respect your wishes as vice versa.
>My wish- Rin starts, then cuts herself off, to think. My wish... is for you to be happy. And I think I'd say that even if I didn't belong to you.
-
>Well, it makes me very happy indeed to be able to do this.
>Lean in and kiss her again, then grin at her
>"How about this: if I ever have any other women lining up to kiss me, they all have to get your stamp of approval first."
-
>Well, it makes me very happy indeed to be able to do this.
>Lean in and kiss her again, then grin at her
>"How about this: if I ever have any other women lining up to kiss me, they all have to get your stamp of approval first."
>Rin gapes. "Me?"
-
>Don't stop grinning
>"Well, you are my girlfriend, after all."
-
>Don't stop grinning
>"Well, you are my girlfriend, after all."
>The kasha considers that quite seriously for a moment. She really does have a cute thinking face. Eventually, though, a smile spreads across her face. "I can live with that."
-
>"Then it's a deal."
>Give her another quick kiss, then turn to Marigold
>"I do hope I'm not embarrassing you over there."
-
>"Then it's a deal."
>Give her another quick kiss, then turn to Marigold
>"I do hope I'm not embarrassing you over there."
>"I don't get embarassed." Marigold replies plainly.
>"You don't?" Rin asks.
>"I don't seem to. Not like other people seem to."
-
>"That's... that's a little unusual, but I suppose in some ways it's a good thing for you. After all, people feel embarrassed all the time about things that aren't worth feeling bad about. As long as you can understand the why of the things that embarrass other people and be sensitive to that, but that's one of the things your counselors are here for, after all."
-
>"That's... that's a little unusual, but I suppose in some ways it's a good thing for you. After all, people feel embarrassed all the time about things that aren't worth feeling bad about. As long as you can understand the why of the things that embarrass other people and be sensitive to that, but that's one of the things your counselors are here for, after all."
>"Yes. I've asked about that. Koishi told me that shame is a 'societal construct.' That means that people make their own shame, yes?"
-
>"No more than we make all our emotions, but what people feel is shameful stems from the conventions of society and how they believe or fear other people will react to them."
-
>"No more than we make all our emotions, but what people feel is shameful stems from the conventions of society and how they believe or fear other people will react to them."
>"But don't people make society?"
-
>"True, but no one person does, and no person grows up outside of one. We all inherit parts of the society that others made for us before we were even born."
-
>"True, but no one person does, and no person grows up outside of one. We all inherit parts of the society that others made for us before we were even born."
>"You might not get a lot of that stuff yet, but society's new to you." White Rose adds.
>"Yes. There are many things I haven't learned yet. I know that some questions are rude, and some are not rude, and it is not good to be rude. It makes people feel bad."
-
>"That's probably a good way to look at it, yes. But everyone makes mistakes sometimes, even those of us with a lot more experience, so it's important not to be too hard on yourself for it and apologize if you hurt someone by mistake."
-
>"That's probably a good way to look at it, yes. But everyone makes mistakes sometimes, even those of us with a lot more experience, so it's important not to be too hard on yourself for it and apologize if you hurt someone by mistake."
>Marigold nods in understanding. "Then, may I ask you a question that might be rude?"
-
>"Feel free."
-
>"Feel free."
>"Are you only interested in kissing women?"
-
>We are, right? At least in the romantic sense, anyway.
-
>We are, right? At least in the romantic sense, anyway.
>Certainly at the moment. But you're not about to rule the possibility out forever. After all, you're still young, and really only recently coming into your sexuality. You imagine there's a lot left to discover.
>Plus there's the possibility of children in the future, which is something else you don't want to rule out. Here on Earth, that still requires male-female interaction. Rumor has it the Lunarians have figured out a way to get around the male necessity, but if they have, they're keeping that secret awfully close to the vest. Reisen might know.
>Assuming your newfound magical powers don't offer an option in that area.
-
>"At least in the romantic sense."
-
>"At least in the romantic sense."
>"And that is fine with you?" Marigold asks Rin.
>"She doesn't nee-" the kasha starts, then clamps her mouth shut for a moment to think. "Well... If they're good people. And they're good for her. After all, part of my job is to protect her, in lots of ways. I guess that includes this way."
-
>"I rest easier knowing you're at my side."
-
>"I rest easier knowing you're at my side."
>Marigold smiles. "So, mother protects the world. And you protect mother."
>"As best as I can." Rin replies modestly.
>The young youkai sighs then. "I wish she did not need protection."
-
>"I think we all need others to rely upon from time to time. It's nothing to feel bad about."
-
>"I think we all need others to rely upon from time to time. It's nothing to feel bad about."
>"I meant from the dark things in the world. The ones that corrupted me." Marigold replies evenly. Her matter of fact use of the word 'corrupted' makes Rin wince in sympathy.
-
>"I am safer in the face of them than most people would be. And if taking that risk means that others can stay safe then, well... I do it gladly."
>Smile at her
>"There's one good reason standing right in front of me."
-
>"I am safer in the face of them than most people would be. And if taking that risk means that others can stay safe then, well... I do it gladly."
>Smile at her
>"There's one good reason standing right in front of me."
>"Thank you." she replies politely. "But I do wish I could keep you safe, too."
>Her words draw a strong reaction from the ring on your finger.
>marigold continues, "Perhaps some day. Now, though, I understand that I need to be here."
-
>"You're learning quickly. I have no doubt the day will come that you'll feel able to make a difference in the world."
>"And if there's anything I can do to help, just ask."
-
>"You're learning quickly. I have no doubt the day will come that you'll feel able to make a difference in the world."
>"And if there's anything I can do to help, just ask."
>Marigold considers your offer, then says, "Then I will ask that you don't let what happened here happen here again. One of the most common complaints I have heard here since I arrived is that they have been short handed since the 'incident' you resolved. They have had extra volunteers, thanks mostly to Marissa I have heard, but volunteers are not professionals. Or so it is said. They cannot afford more people incapacitated."
>"Incawha?" Rin blurts.
>"It means disabled, unable to function as normal."
>Rin whistles. "Yer kids' better with the language than me." she remarks, sounding impressed.
-
>"The people we rescued from the basement have still not yet recovered?"
-
>"The people we rescued from the basement have still not yet recovered?"
>"Only one."
-
>"Do you know what kind of shape they're in?"
-
>"Do you know what kind of shape they're in?"
>"No, I don't. I have not asked."
-
>"Well, I hope they'll be back on their feet before too long, at any rate."
>"And yes, I promise I will do my utmost to keep anyone else from coming to harm in this way. I consider it my duty."
-
>"Well, I hope they'll be back on their feet before too long, at any rate."
>"And yes, I promise I will do my utmost to keep anyone else from coming to harm in this way. I consider it my duty."
>"And may I ask one more favor?"
-
>"Go ahead."
-
>"Go ahead."
>"If you see Mother Lily, please ask her to stop by. I would like to see her. If she has time."
-
>"I'm sure she has time for you, Marigold. I promise I'll let her know."
-
>"I'm sure she has time for you, Marigold. I promise I'll let her know."
>"Thank you."
-
>Smile
>"Remember, we're here for you if you need us."
>Then let's try giving her a gentle hug. She does still seem to think of us in some sense as her mother, but at the same time she's been rather formal, so don't push it if she seems uncomfortable by this
-
>Smile
>"Remember, we're here for you if you need us."
>Then let's try giving her a gentle hug. She does still seem to think of us in some sense as her mother, but at the same time she's been rather formal, so don't push it if she seems uncomfortable by this
>"I will remember."
>Not entirely certain how your rather unusual 'daughter' feels towards physical expressions of affection, you give Marigold a little hug, just to test the waters as it were. The black-haired youkai proves to be quite receptive of your love, returning your hug with gusto. She's stronger than she looks. Or perhaps enthusiastic.
-
>If she's giving it more gusto, let's give it a little more gusto ourselves
>"You're a good girl, Marigold. And I'm glad that things seem to be going well for you here."
-
>If she's giving it more gusto, let's give it a little more gusto ourselves
>"You're a good girl, Marigold. And I'm glad that things seem to be going well for you here."
>"Thank you very much, Mother."
-
>Let's spend a little more time chit-chatting and then take our leave of the CRA so that we can get back to work
-
>Let's spend a little more time chit-chatting and then take our leave of the CRA so that we can get back to work
>Marigold may be a little on the unusual side, but you suspect her reserved and polite manner of speech may simply be a personal idiosyncracy moreso than anything else. If she keeps that pattern of speech as she grows, it'll actually serve her well in some of the more reserved, conservative parts of Yamato. Assuming she wants to stay in the country, of course. After a few minutes, though, Marigold announces that she is hungry, and that lunch will be served shortly. Not that hungry yet yourself, you and Rin take this as a cue to depart.
>The streets are fairly quiet when you leave the CRA, not a whole lot of traffic on the go in this part of the city. The street performer whom you saw on the way in has left, leaving five young women sitting with the backs against the building, with very satisfied looks on their faces.
>Lotus? Reisen's voice comes to you.
-
>Yes?
-
>Yes?
>I have something to report on that attack at the Bird Shrine.
-
>What is it?
-
>What is it?
>It seems the Champions were at least partially responsible for the attack. One of them, at least. The dementia caster that attacked this place was wearing a power-enhansing ring at the time, which Haruka destroyed. I've studied the remnants of that ring, and it has the energy signature of the Air Champion.
-
>Air... Do you have any idea what the dementia caster was attempting to accomplish there?
-
>Air... Do you have any idea what the dementia caster was attempting to accomplish there?
>Yes. Defeat Haruka. This particular caster has apparantly been visiting the shrine off and on for the past three years or so. Sometimes he helps out with the mikos training, but most of the time he tested his power against Haruka. Without much success, I gather.
-
>So it seems that his motive may have been unrelated to the Champions'? If it predated them being here.... But I assume this time was more violent than normal?
-
>So it seems that his motive may have been unrelated to the Champions'? If it predated them being here.... But I assume this time was more violent than normal?
>Signifigantly. Dementia casters are never entirely stable, but the power of the demons, to quote one of the other shrine maidens I spoke with, totally unhinged him. In a sense, it was a good thing he came here instead of the Dragon or Turtle shrine. From what I can see, if someone as strong as Kiku or Haruka hadn't been the one he came after, things would have been far worse.
-
>That is good. Though even if his motive does not suggest direct Champion involvement, it does mean Air has been creating rings also and there may be other people in her service in the city. Something to keep in mind.
>On that note, I have something of my own to report.
>Let's pull Kiku into this conference call
>I have some good news from the CRA, but also some potentially bad. The good news: I can detect no remnant of the devouring tar whatsoever, and Koishi is also untouched from any corruption - I am sure of this. But while we were investigating, I was contacted by a strange ghostly being who claimed there was another person in the city corrupted by a splinter just like Satori's.
-
>That is good. Though even if his motive does not suggest direct Champion involvement, it does mean Air has been creating rings also and there may be other people in her service in the city. Something to keep in mind.
>I think we have to assume that all the Champions can and have created these kinds of power rings.
>And they make people go nuts. White Rose adds.
>Reisen disagrees, Not necessarily. Christine was wearing one of Ice's rings, and she wasn't berserk in anyway. That could have something to do with the Ice Champions' power, or it could have something to do with the ringbearer. There's no way to tell at this point.
>On that note, I have something of my own to report.
>Let's pull Kiku into this conference call
>I have some good news from the CRA, but also some potentially bad. The good news: I can detect no remnant of the devouring tar whatsoever, and Koishi is also untouched from any corruption - I am sure of this. But while we were investigating, I was contacted by a strange ghostly being who claimed there was another person in the city corrupted by a splinter just like Satori's.
>Kiku sighs roughly. Another giant deathbringer. That's all we need.
>How'd that ghost come by that information? Reisen asks.
>The supernatural often possess knowledge beyond. Kiku replies, regaining her composure. Though it can be difficult to interpret sometimes. And it does not surprise me that Lotus encountered another one. Our leader seems to have a knack for attracting people, be they flesh or spirit or something between the two.
-
>She said she had been actually waiting for the chance to speak with me, it's true.
>And she was fortunately quite specific in where she believed this deathbringer was located: in the one known as Motormaster.
-
>She said she had been actually waiting for the chance to speak with me, it's true.
>And she was fortunately quite specific in where she believed this deathbringer was located: in the one known as Motormaster.
>Even from across town, you can feel Reisen shudder. Motormaster...
>What is this Motormaster? Kiku asks.
>Answering for Reisen, Rin says, A street racer. And a bully and a jerk. The kind of owner slaves like us really fear.
>And he's wanted me ever since he saw me. Reisen adds.
-
>If what this being said is true, perhaps the deathbringer is also partially responsible for this temperament. Either way, I wish I confirm it immediately and deal with it if it turns out to be true. As Motormaster has no powers of their own, the deathbringer in them should be easier to manage, though I'd still like all of us assembled before I try anything.
-
>If what this being said is true, perhaps the deathbringer is also partially responsible for this temperament. Either way, I wish I confirm it immediately and deal with it if it turns out to be true. As Motormaster has no powers of their own, the deathbringer in them should be easier to manage, though I'd still like all of us assembled before I try anything.
>How do you Motormaster doesn't have any powers of his own? Reisen asks.
-
>Well, that is what the being said, at least. I suppose she could have been truthful about one part and lying about the other, but I'd assumed not. I still intend to take as much firepower as we can muster.
-
>Well, that is what the being said, at least. I suppose she could have been truthful about one part and lying about the other, but I'd assumed not. I still intend to take as much firepower as we can muster.
>A wise precaution. Kiku says approvingly. Did this spirit also mention were this Motormaster can be found?
-
>She said she was currently at the Mana Tombs, with some friends. I don't know how large the place is, and I'd rather put as much distance between the deathbringer and civilians, if there indeed is one.
-
>She said she was currently at the Mana Tombs, with some friends. I don't know how large the place is, and I'd rather put as much distance between the deathbringer and civilians, if there indeed is one.
>The magician's graveyard. Kiku muses. I am familiar with it. It is relatively isolated, as far as things go in a city this size. If there is another deathbringer in our future, it would not be a bad place to fight one. At least in terms of collateral damage. The terrain may not be too advantageous to us.
>But fighting in a graveyard means that Motormaster and his crew won't be able to use their bikes to the best of their abilities, either. Reisen adds. If we have to fight them before any giant, that will be an edge.
-
>His crew are also collateral damage here, keep in mind. Once the deathbringer is free, I doubt any loyalties Motormaster currently has will matter very much.
-
>His crew are also collateral damage here, keep in mind. Once the deathbringer is free, I doubt any loyalties Motormaster currently has will matter very much.
>None of them are exactly innocent, either, Byakuren. Reisen says.
-
>Does that mean I should be indifferent to their deaths?
-
>Does that mean I should be indifferent to their deaths?
>The Lunarian rabbit is not prompt in reply. I suppose not.
-
>We'll figure something out. How quickly can the two of you be there?
>For that matter, how quickly can we?
-
>We'll figure something out. How quickly can the two of you be there?
>For that matter, how quickly can we?
>That's more than halfway across town. says Reisen. That won't be fast, even for Rider.
>Wouldn't flying be faster? Rin asks her.
>Reisen chuckles. You haven't seen what Rider can do. But maybe Glider might be faster... But I can tell you this, girls, I don't think we need to run ourselves into the ground getting there. If Motormaster's at that graveyard, that means him and his crew are consuming massive amounts of drugs or booze. They won't be leaving in a hurry.
>You're sure of this? Kiku asks.
>Everyone on the racing scene knows it.
>You aren't sure, as you don't know precisely where it is.
-
>We have a smartphone. We can find out precisely where it is; that's half the reason we even bought it
-
>We have a smartphone. We can find out precisely where it is; that's half the reason we even bought it
>The marvels of modern technology.
>Pulling up a map of the city, you find that the Tombs is a fair size of a graveyard. Lotta magicians must have died here over the years. By conventional means, it would take you well over an hour to get there, probably closer to two. Flying would take you around fifteen minutes if you went flat-out, give or take a minute either way.
-
>No need to go flat-out if it means getting there before anyone else does
>What about if we flew at a moderate pace?
>Even if we don't need to rush our fastest, the sooner the better, as far as I'm concerned.
-
>No need to go flat-out if it means getting there before anyone else does
>What about if we flew at a moderate pace?
>Even if we don't need to rush our fastest, the sooner the better, as far as I'm concerned.
>Anywhere between half an hour to an hour, depending on how fast you want to go. 'Quickly but not so quickly as to tire yourself out' pace would put you there in.... thirty-five minutes or so. But you and Rin are closer than either Kiku or Reisen. Depending on how quickyl they can move, you would estimate at least an hour for all of you to gather at that point.
>Do you suspect Motormaster will still be there in an hour? Kiku asks Reisen.
>I'd bet on it. I know that Motormaster himself has a reputation for being functional no matter how many poisons he's taken, but if he's with his crew, they don't bounce back as fast. In an hour, they'll still be there. As a matter of fact, they might even be less cognizant of reality than they are now. It won't make them easier to reason with, but it might make them easier to deal with the other way. Which is good, since it might take me an hour or so to get there.
>I as well.
-
>Very well. Then shall we meet outside the Mana Tombs in an hour or so, then?
-
>Very well. Then shall we meet outside the Mana Tombs in an hour or so, then?
>Agreed. Kiku says promptly.
>Reisen, for her part, is rather more subdued when she says, I'll be there.
-
>Then I shall see you there. And Kiku: please make sure to tell Satori first that Koishi is safe and sound. I'm sure it will be a relief to her.
-
>Then I shall see you there. And Kiku: please make sure to tell Satori first that Koishi is safe and sound. I'm sure it will be a relief to her.
>And to me as well. The thought of a repeat of that incident with another Komeji was entirely unappealing.
-
>You can say that again. Let's hope this one goes more smoothly.
>Then let's give Lily a call
>Lily?
-
>You can say that again. Let's hope this one goes more smoothly.
>Then let's give Lily a call
>Lily?
>Not much chance of that... Reisen mutters darkly.
>A very surprised yelp answers your call.
-
>Are you alright?
-
>Are you alright?
>Lily first replies with an inarticulate moan. Ju... Just a sec! she manages to stammer between other noises. Noises that sound rather similar to the ones you and Rin were coaxing from each other at times.
-
>Did we... did we not sense any of that 'pink' aura first that Kiku mentioned when she tried to contact us?
>Either way, give her her time
-
>Did we... did we not sense any of that 'pink' aura first that Kiku mentioned when she tried to contact us?
>Either way, give her her time
>Evidently not. Perhaps it only works when two ringbearers are in coitus? That's an area that might be a bit delicate to experiment with.
>It takes a couple of minutes before you hear from Lily again, the little blonde breathing heavily. Nice timing. she remarks with an audible smile.
-
>I'm dreadfully sorry for intruding.
-
>I'm dreadfully sorry for intruding.
>What's up?
-
>I've received information that another deathbringer may be inhabiting someone in the city. I plan to confront them and - if true - drive the deathbringer out and deal with it. I'd like us all assembled beforehand - no unnecessary chances.
-
>I've received information that another deathbringer may be inhabiting someone in the city. I plan to confront them and - if true - drive the deathbringer out and deal with it. I'd like us all assembled beforehand - no unnecessary chances.
>Another... what?
-
>Like the entity that was in Satori, sorry.
-
>Like the entity that was in Satori, sorry.
>That big black evil thing? she yells suddenly, very awake. Another one? Where?
-
>It hasn't been unleashed yet, don't worry. This isn't an emergency, just trying to deal with things before they potentially become one. If our information is the correct, the person it's inside is currently at the Mana Tombs. We're planning to meet up with the others there in a little over an hour.
-
>It hasn't been unleashed yet, don't worry. This isn't an emergency, just trying to deal with things before they potentially become one. If our information is the correct, the person it's inside is currently at the Mana Tombs. We're planning to meet up with the others there in a little over an hour.
>Mana Tombs? Isn't that something out of a game?
-
>It's a graveyard in the southeast end of the city.
>Provide appropriate addresses
-
>It's a graveyard in the southeast end of the city.
>Provide appropriate addresses
>I'll be there as fast as I can. She's all business now.
-
>The others won't be there before at least an hour, so there's no need to rush any faster than that. Just so long as you get there.
-
>The others won't be there before at least an hour, so there's no need to rush any faster than that. Just so long as you get there.
>She pauses, then says in a lighter tone, Thanks. I, uh, needed a minute or two anyway.
-
>I'm very sorry to pull you away from more pleasant things.
-
>I'm very sorry to pull you away from more pleasant things.
>Yeah, well, we're heroes now. Comes with the job, right?
-
>It's the things like this we fight to keep safe.
-
>It's the things like this we fight to keep safe.
>Big time. Uh, but, uh.... Do you think I... might have time to stick my head in the shower? I'm kinda sweaty.
-
>So long as you think you can get there by an hour and fifteen minutes or so, it's all fine.
-
>So long as you think you can get there by an hour and fifteen minutes or so, it's all fine.
>Oh yeah, no problem, boss.
-
>Then I shall see you there.
>And don't forget to give the lucky girl a good luck kiss before you go!
-
>Then I shall see you there.
>And don't forget to give the lucky girl a good luck kiss before you go!
>Lily giggles. No way I'd forget that.
-
>See you soon.
>Explain any parts of the plan to Rin that we need to and make our way to the Mana Tombs. Use whatever means of transit will get us there in the appropriate length of time. No need to rush, but don't be late either.
>And let's try to meet up at a far enough distance that Motormaster's crew couldn't actually see us, in case they're paying attention or even care
-
>See you soon.
>Explain any parts of the plan to Rin that we need to and make our way to the Mana Tombs. Use whatever means of transit will get us there in the appropriate length of time. No need to rush, but don't be late either.
>And let's try to meet up at a far enough distance that Motormaster's crew couldn't actually see us, in case they're paying attention or even care
>At the moment, the fastest and most convenient means of conveyance appears to be flight, and since Rin's discs seem better suited for the job than yours, you and your kasha board one of her flying discs and take off into the sky.
>The journey is not entirely uneventful. After about ten minutes or so, as the two of you are drawing near to one of the four main roads of the city, Rin happens to glance back over her shoulder, and her eyes narrow. "We're being followed."
-
>Follow her gaze. Can we recognize anyone? Sense anything?
-
>Follow her gaze. Can we recognize anyone? Sense anything?
>Some distance behind you, but almost certainly following your flight path, is a humanoid figure with black wings. You can't be sure at this range, but your guess would be a tengu. A normal tengu at that, since she doesn't appear to possess any kind of supernatural aura.
-
>Could it be Hatate? She was recording us the other day, and tried to accost us for an interview before that. It wouldn't be so strange if she tried to chase after us, either.
>Or is it just plain too far away to tell that?
>Can we think of any magic we have at-hand that would let us get a better visual look from this distance?
-
>Could it be Hatate? She was recording us the other day, and tried to accost us for an interview before that. It wouldn't be so strange if she tried to chase after us, either.
>Or is it just plain too far away to tell that?
>Can we think of any magic we have at-hand that would let us get a better visual look from this distance?
>This tengu's hair appears to be too light a shade for it to be Hatate.
>You could attempt to simply 'magic' your eyes directly, though you'd rather not try that on the move if you could help it. Alternatively, you could get creative with your Sapphire Light. A little judicious rejiggering of that light could produce a lensing effect. You could construct a sight-enhansing tool for yourself, such as a spyglass or binoculars.
-
>Let's try that lensing thing if it's not too hard and take a closer look
-
>Let's try that lensing thing if it's not too hard and take a closer look
>Having never done anything quite like this with your light before, it takes a couple of whacks to put anything useful together, but on the fourth attempt, a blue hard-light construct of a telescope shimmers into being and, with a look through the small end, this one appears to do the job you want it to. You make a note to study more on lenses later, in the event you need a better scope. And to try different colors, since the use of this one puts the tengu you're looking at in a fairly strong blue filter.
>Despite the discoloration, you can now make out enough of the tengu's features to recognize her. It is not Hatate, but it is one of her fellow tengu that works with her on the school newspaper. If you're right, she handles the interviews moreso than photography. Her, shall we say, ample tracts of land and know-how on how to use them help her in getting her questions answered. She is a pretty girl, and under normal circumstances might make an amusing diversion, but this is hardly the time.
-
>"It's one of Hatate's associates. So nothing sinister, though I'd certainly prefer she not be around for the coming confrontation."
-
>"It's one of Hatate's associates. So nothing sinister, though I'd certainly prefer she not be around for the coming confrontation."
>Rin looks around. "I can try to lose her, but I don't know if I can. I don't know if I can fly as good as someone born with it."
-
>"I don't really think that would be helpful. Besides, I imagine we're only going to look more interesting if we start fleeing. Let her look, I guess; we can't hide from the public all the time, no matter what we do. If she gets too close for her own safety later, we can figure something out then."
>Carry onward
-
>"I don't really think that would be helpful. Besides, I imagine we're only going to look more interesting if we start fleeing. Let her look, I guess; we can't hide from the public all the time, no matter what we do. If she gets too close for her own safety later, we can figure something out then."
>Carry onward
>"Understood."
>The blonde tengu does a good job of keeping pace with you, though after she draws a little closer to you and Rin, she maintains her distance from the two of you. Exactly why she does so is unclear, but trying to keep your mind on the task at hand, you chalk it up as a problem delayed.
>Once you and Rin draw close to the Mana Tombs, you see that your map was accurate, it is a very large place, with a large number of structures hinting at subterranean constructs as well. Before looking for your target, you and Rin examine the areas outside the graveyard for a suitable rendezvous point. You spy two possibilities. There is a western-style church to the west of the graveyard, with a stand of trees around and behind the building, enough to provide cover and concealment. The other is a garage to the southeast of the graveyard that appears to be abandoned.
-
>Can we get a general sense of whether the graveyard has other people milling around/inside it currently?
>How are we doing for time?
-
>Can we get a general sense of whether the graveyard has other people milling around/inside it currently?
>How are we doing for time?
>There's only one person in sight: A man standing just inside the south gate to the graveyard, wearing what you guess is a security guard's uniform.
>You appear to have been the first couple to arrive. You estimate at least ten to fifteen minutes before the others start to arrive.
-
>Do we have a clear enough view of the place from here to see that Motormaster and crew are not visible from the air? Or are we still too far away?
>If we have 10 or 15 minutes at least, are there any cafes or other very mundane places nearby where we could drop in for a few minutes and maybe bore the tengu into leaving?
-
>Do we have a clear enough view of the place from here to see that Motormaster and crew are not visible from the air? Or are we still too far away?
>If we have 10 or 15 minutes at least, are there any cafes or other very mundane places nearby where we could drop in for a few minutes and maybe bore the tengu into leaving?
>From where you are, and you can see the vast majority of the aboveground parts of the graveyard, there is no sign of Motormaster or their crew, assuming the dude in the uniform isn't part of said crew.
>And she's still back there, too.
>Taking a look around the surrounding streets, you don't see much in the way of commercial ventures around. This area appears to be heavily residential. And fairly affluent as well. There's a barber shop, a pet store- No wait a minute. On the east side of the street, across from the graveyard, there is a coffee shop/book store. That might serve the purpose. Perhaps not the best location for a cafe, directly across from such a potentially ominous locale, though that may explain it's somewhat morbid name of 'Lucretia's Last Words.'
-
>Cheerful
>Let's duck in there anyway and kill a few minutes
-
>Cheerful
>Let's duck in there anyway and kill a few minutes
>A sign of a morbid sense of humor, perhaps.
>Either way, it serves your purposes, so you and Rin set down on the sidewalk outside the cafe part, like any other flyer, and enter in.
>Despite the odd sense of naming the owner has, he or so runs a pretty nice looking cafe. And warm, too, which is much appreciated on cold days like you've been having. It's surprisingly spacious and offers a very wide variety of food and drink. You opt for a decaf coffee and a glazed croissant, while Rin goes for a large cinnamon bun. Which smells delicious. This actually isn't too bad at all. Were it not for your disciplined mind reminding you that you can out this way for a purpose, you could lose yourself in this little date with your lover.
>Around five minutes later, though, something very unexpected happens. As Rin is looking towards the door, it opens, and her expression changes to one of shock. Glancing in that direction, you see why. The black leather-clad Motormaster has entered the premises.
-
>Look natural, don't pay too much obvious attention
>But still scan for the presence of that splinter, as subtly as we can
-
>Look natural, don't pay too much obvious attention
>But still scan for the presence of that splinter, as subtly as we can
>It doesn't take much effort to sense that foul thing. The corruption you sense from Motormaster's body is even more profound than that which you saw in Satori. The shrine maiden's body was woven through with those black thorny vines, while the biker's body is practically completely black. The sensation is revolting.
-
>How did we not notice this the first time?
>Does Motormaster seem to be doing anything here besides coming to get tea?
>Don't stare.
-
>How did we not notice this the first time?
>Does Motormaster seem to be doing anything here besides coming to get tea?
>Don't stare.
>Perhaps because you weren't transformed the last time you saw Motormaster, your senses weren't as keen. You didn't see the corruption in Satori, either, until you were transformed and at point-blank range with her.
>Let's see. Keeping your eyes mostly averted from the imposing biker, you and Rin both take stock of their presence. Right now Moto doesn't seem to be doing much other than standing in the doorway, most likely enjoying the fact that they seem to have set the cafe's residents on edge. It's definately the type to enjoy spooking a room, from what you know of it. And it IS an imposing figure they present, with that black and purple leather outfit, the face hidden behind that purple visor and the gleaming, heavy silver chain around their waist. Two weeks ago, that sort of figure might have given even you pause.
>Not now, though, of course.
>The black-clad figure crosses the room, and Rin seems confused as she watches the biker move. Motormaster speaks with the young man behind the counter, a cat-eared young man with a yellow-jeweled circlet around his head, and while you can't quite make out what they're saying to each other, the catboy seems at ease, even friendly, with the helmeted biker.
>Mistress, didn't that corpse tell us that Moto had been drinking and drugging? Rin asks.
-
>Yes, and Reisen seemed to think that was likely as well, if they were in the cemetery. Maybe they have a high tolerance for such things. The corruption inside them is absolutely unmistakable, though.
>Are they saying anything interesting?
-
>Yes, and Reisen seemed to think that was likely as well, if they were in the cemetery. Maybe they have a high tolerance for such things. The corruption inside them is absolutely unmistakable, though.
>Are they saying anything interesting?
>He's talking normal. Rin replies. I mean like normal-normal. I seen people drugged up, and they don't talk normal, not at all. Drunk, maybe, but not drugged.
>Rin's ears twitch slightly. Motormaster's talking about someone called 'Breakdown', how he got tired of his whining and needed a break.
-
>Well, we can't start a fight here. Let's just... wait and see where they decide to go next.
>Wait observantly
-
>Well, we can't start a fight here. Let's just... wait and see where they decide to go next.
>Wait observantly
>Understood. I'll keep my ears out.
>Rin reports a fairly normal conversation between the biker and the feline, and after a few minutes the latter hands over a bag that, according to run, contains several walnut bread rolls, as well as a tray holding a sizable roast beef sandwich and a cheap beer. Evidently Moto intends to stay a while, which seems to go against what Marissa's told you of them. Supposedly only people that defeat Motormaster at bike racing see their face, and the way that helmet is built, it would have to be removed before someone to eat.
>As Motormaster sits down at the table farthest from the door, the most out of sight one there is in the place, you feel a brief pulse of malign energy from the biker. Automatically you avert your gaze from the leather-clad figure. As does Rin. As does everyone else in the room, you notice. Everyone except the feline behind the counter.
-
>Automatically as in 'to try not to be conspicuous' or because we felt some actual compulsion in the malign energy itself?
>Do we sense anything unusual/supernatural from the feline? Or does he just seem to be talking this casually in the more mundane way?
-
>Automatically as in 'to try not to be conspicuous' or because we felt some actual compulsion in the malign energy itself?
>Do we sense anything unusual/supernatural from the feline? Or does he just seem to be talking this casually in the more mundane way?
>Definately compulsion. A little analysis of your experience leads you to believe that that pulse was some kind of aversion spell. A way to force people not to look at someone or something. But it wasn't magic in the traditional sense. It was very much like the sensation you sensed from the titan, albeit in a more muted form. Normal people wouldn't sense the energy, just the instant need to look away from something.
>There don't appear to be any supernatural emanations from the feline. It's possible Motormaster excluded him from that aversion technique. If he was somehow immune to the spell, you can't detect how that might be.
-
>Is it mild enough that we think we could push past it if we wanted to?
>Though perhaps we shouldn't, if we want to remain inconspicuous and we don't sense anything more threatening from what they're doing
-
>Is it mild enough that we think we could push past it if we wanted to?
>Though perhaps we shouldn't, if we want to remain inconspicuous and we don't sense anything more threatening from what they're doing
>You believe you could, if you wanted.
>Whether or not you should is of course up to you. And at the moment, you sense no other power from Motormaster.
-
>To Rin: I'm going to suggest we don't fight that aversion to look in Motormaster's direction unless anything else happens. Given what they just did, it's bound to draw their attention.
>To the whole team: I'm afraid there's been a slight change in plans. Motormaster just walked into a cafe near the graveyard to have something to eat; we were actually just waiting here for the rest of you to arrive. The corruption in them is unmistakable, but we can't start a fight in the middle of this place.
-
>To Rin: I'm going to suggest we don't fight that aversion to look in Motormaster's direction unless anything else happens. Given what they just did, it's bound to draw their attention.
>To the whole team: I'm afraid there's been a slight change in plans. Motormaster just walked into a cafe near the graveyard to have something to eat; we were actually just waiting here for the rest of you to arrive. The corruption in them is unmistakable, but we can't start a fight in the middle of this place.
>Understood. I can hear him if he gets up to anything anyway.
>Kiku replies, 'Them?'
>He could have brought some of his crew with him. Reisen suggests.
-
>Oh, uh... the same being that told us that Motormaster had a splinter within them also said that - at least in their current state - they were neither male nor female. Motormaster came here alone, yes.
>In fact, I believe they came here to get away from some of their crew.
-
>Oh, uh... the same being that told us that Motormaster had a splinter within them also said that - at least in their current state - they were neither male nor female. Motormaster came here alone, yes.
>In fact, I believe they came here to get away from some of their crew.
>Why would they do that? Kiku asks.
>Well remember, he's not expecting trouble. Reisen points out. Not too many people ever give him trouble, and there's not a lot of trouble he can't handle. At least when it comes to run of the mill people and things.
>They said something about a 'Breakdown'? Rin asks her. That name mean anything to you.
>Yeah, that's one of his, all right. Pretty good racer, but he's really paranoid. He might even be schizophrenic. I promise you, I once saw him tear a side mirror off someone's bike because he thought the thing was staring at him. I'm not actually sure why he and Motormaster run together. Regardless, I don't think he'll be as much trouble as the others. He can be scared off.
>It may not be that simple. Kiku intones. I fear we may have another problem, Lotus. Six of them at least.
-
>What do you mean?
-
>What do you mean?
>I am presently near the west gate of the cemetary, and I had been attempting to scan the area for signs of that splinter. And while I have been unable to sense that, I have detected six evil energy signatures clustered within the graveyard.
>Six? Reisen asks.
>Yes. Is that number signifigant?
>Motormaster's regular crew numbers six.
-
>So they may be affected, too, somehow. Does the power you sense feel similar to the deathbringer we fought?
-
>So they may be affected, too, somehow. Does the power you sense feel similar to the deathbringer we fought?
>I thought that was the case myself. But it is not. These energy signatures are unrelated to that entity. They are Blackblood Jewels I am sensing.
>That's impossible. Reisen blurts. There's no way they could be Blackbloods. Someone would have noticed by now, especially with Offroad or Brake-neck.
>You're familiar with the Jewels? Kiku asks, surprised.
>Very. One of my past owners was Grey-jeweled.
>Kiku exhales sharply. That must have been difficult.
>She was better than the woman she won me from. Though not by much...
-
>Do we have any idea what they're talking about?
>If not: I'm afraid I'm not familiar with these jewels of which you speak.
-
>Do we have any idea what they're talking about?
>If not: I'm afraid I'm not familiar with these jewels of which you speak.
>You do not.
>Kiku answers, I would be surprised if you were. Knowledge of that nature is not widespread.
>Certain individuals in this world wear jewels of power. These jewels grant them access to pools of unique energy. They are not sorcerers in the traditional sense, their power is not like that of the divine or the arcane. But they can be just as dangerous, especially the ones that wear darker jewels. You see the Jewels come in two types: Blood and Blackblood. The difference between them is the difference between good and evil. And I mean that literally. Blackblood Jewels are inherently evil, just as Blood Jewels are inherently good.
>Unfortunately for us, it is Blackblood Jewels I sense now. Six of them.
-
>What level of power are we talking about here?
-
>What level of power are we talking about here?
>Potentially? Extreme.
>The strongest of the Blackbloods, the Black Jewels, could probably give one of the Champions a run for their money. Reisen adds to Kiku's reply.
>It depends on the individual. The darker, stronger, jewels are much less common than the lighter jewels. I can't determine at this point the precise levels of power I'm sensing. They are active, but they don't seem to be doing much.
>I think I can explain that. says Reisen. The Jewels counteract poisons automatically. If that is Motormaster's crew, and they are taking narcotics or drinking alcohol, you may be sensing their Jewels trying to keep them healthy. It takes an extreme amount of drugs or alcohol to affect a Jeweled Blood like they might a normal person.
>Kiku hmms, seemingly impressed. You are quite knowledgeable.
>About some things. I've had a lot of experience since I came to Earth.
-
>How are they 'inherently evil'?
-
>How are they 'inherently evil'?
>Kiku pauses. I beg your pardon?
-
>These Blackblood jewels. What about them is 'evil'? Do they affect or influence their users, beyond simply providing a source of energy for them to use?
-
>These Blackblood jewels. What about them is 'evil'? Do they affect or influence their users, beyond simply providing a source of energy for them to use?
>It's a documented fact, Byakuren. Kiku answers. Every known bearer of a dark Jewel has been, to use the casual term, a villain of some kind, ranging from burglers to rapists.
>It seems to be their nature. Reisen adds. In their blood. It stems back to their origins. Dark Jeweled blood are those whose ancestry can be traced back to the dragons of Avantador, the ones that brought the world to ruin.
>And those that don't make that claim instead claim to be the descendants of demons and devils. There's no consensus on which side is correct.
>What about the other side? asks Lily. The not-dark Jewel wearers?
>They claim to carry the blood of Angels. Reisen replies. I've seen them in action, too. I wouldn't argue that claim, not the ones I saw anyway.
-
>So these jewels aren't simply tools that anyone could be trained to use?
-
>So these jewels aren't simply tools that anyone could be trained to use?
>They're actually born with them. Reisen replies. Anyone who can draw power from the abyss, that's what the Blackbloods call their source, is born with a Jewel. After they reach puberty, they undergo a secret rite for a second Jewel, their Jewel of Rank. As far as I know, no one can use someone's Jewels save the person they're a part of.
>What do you know of this Rite? Kiku asks her.
>Only it's name. The Blackblood who owned me called it The Darkening. One of her sons was nearing his rite, and I was going to be his reward if he came away with a darker jewel.
>What happened? Lily asks, concerned.
>Don't worry, Lily, I was alright. A group of Blood, good Blood, attacked the mansion before the ritual happened. I was rescued by their leader, a Dawn Jeweled Lord named Kiyomaru Daidouji. But we can talk about that later.
-
>Does this mean they cannot be separated from their jewels either?
-
>Does this mean they cannot be separated from their jewels either?
>Kiku replies, They can be, yes. But just taking their Jewels from them doesn't sever their link to the abyss, not completely. Only breaking a Jewel can do that.
-
>Is this harmful to them? Because I'm wondering if perhaps we should go deal with them first - before Motormaster gets back. How inseparable are they?
-
>Is this harmful to them? Because I'm wondering if perhaps we should go deal with them first - before Motormaster gets back. How inseparable are they?
>Define 'harmful'. Kiku says in answer to your first question.
>I wouldn't really use that term for them. answers Reisen to your second. I don't know that I'd call them friends in the traditional sense of the word. They're a gang, though, and all that entails. They watch each others' backs.
-
>I mean, will it do meaningful physical or mental damage to them?
-
>I mean, will it do meaningful physical or mental damage to them?
>Physical, no. Kiku replies in a loaded tone.
-
>That's a 'yes' to mentally, isn't it?
-
>That's a 'yes' to mentally, isn't it?
>I'm afraid it is. Reisen answers for her. The Jewels are part of who they are. When they shatter, it's like.... Like a bird youkai losing their wings. The body might recover, but the heart and soul?
>These are no innocent victims. Kiku reminds her. If you are familiar with these Blackbloods, you should know that.
>Yes, I do. And the truth is, if they are all Jewel-wearers, then breaking them would doing some good, just like getting that splinter out of Motormaster. If they're Blackbloods, Byakuren, I can promise you they've been misusing the gift they were born with.
-
>Well, I've already purified one type of corruption considered impossible to heal. Who says I can't do it again?
>I think we should go deal with them while Motormaster is having lunch, and maybe we'll be able to ambush them when they return. Unless, of course, Motormaster goes somewhere else afterward instead. But even then, this is probably better than facing both at once.
-
>Well, I've already purified one type of corruption considered impossible to heal. Who says I can't do it again?
>I think we should go deal with them while Motormaster is having lunch, and maybe we'll be able to ambush them when they return. Unless, of course, Motormaster goes somewhere else afterward instead. But even then, this is probably better than facing both at once.
>I agree. says Reisen. And even if this splinter wasn't a factor here, I'd still suggest we strike at the gang. If we can elminate those Jewels, the city will be a safer place.
>Kiku concurs. And it is most tactically sound to strike while the enemy is divided. It would be preferable still to have some more distance between this Motormaster and his crew before the conflict begins. Poppy, is this possible?
>The rabbit considers that for a moment. Maybe. But I don't think we can do that without splitting ourselves up in the process. And I don't know if we should do that, not before we know what color Jewels we're up against.
-
>Kiku, you said you were already at the cemetery, right? Lily, Reisen, how close are you now?
-
>Kiku, you said you were already at the cemetery, right? Lily, Reisen, how close are you now?
>Pretty close. Lily replies. Maybe, uh, three minutes? Give or take?
>I'm close to Kiku now. says Reisen. A minute, maybe two.
-
>Then let's meet up by Kiku's position and go deal with these six as quickly as we can.
>Do so!
-
>Then let's meet up by Kiku's position and go deal with these six as quickly as we can.
>Do so!
>Careful to keep your eyes off of Motormaster, who Rin reports is still doing no more than minding their own business, you and Rin depart from the cafe.
>What else do we need to know about these Jewels? Rin asks of Kiku and Reisen, the apparent resident experts.
>Reisen answers first, Well, like Kiku said, Jeweled Blood aren't like traditional magicians. They can use some of the same sort of tactics, but they also have psychic abilities as well. They can attack the mind just as much as they can attack the body.
>At least some of them can. Kiku corrects. The Blood's capabilities changes from person to person. The darker the Jewel, the stronger the Blood, and usually, the more varied abilities they possess. We should expect assaults on multiple fronts.
>Well, not from Wildrider or Brake-neck. They're too crazy for mental attacks. They'll come straight at us. Same with Drag Strip. Vice is probably the most dangerous of them, discounting Jewel strength. Unless one of the others has a much darker Jewel, we should target him first.
-
>Is it possible we could just try putting them to sleep before they even know we're coming? They're busy drinking and have no reason to expect any kind of attack. You can waft your ability around corners, can't you Lily?
-
>Is it possible we could just try putting them to sleep before they even know we're coming? They're busy drinking and have no reason to expect any kind of attack. You can waft your ability around corners, can't you Lily?
>Uh-huh, I sure can.
-
>Then I say we sneak near to them and do that. I can feed you power, if the resilience to alcohol that their jewels grants them also makes them resistant to something like that.
-
>Then I say we sneak near to them and do that. I can feed you power, if the resilience to alcohol that their jewels grants them also makes them resistant to something like that.
>And what do we do with them if this plan works? Kiku asks.
-
>I can try to purify their jewels while they're incapacitated. And if that doesn't work... well, we can at least get them out of the way until Motormaster is dealt with, I guess.
-
>I can try to purify their jewels while they're incapacitated. And if that doesn't work... well, we can at least get them out of the way until Motormaster is dealt with, I guess.
>It is worth a try. Provided you can get close enough, Lily. And provided your spell does not alert them through their Jewels.
>Oh, it will. Reisen says soberly. At least Breakdown will notice. But don't worry, Lily, we'll cover you.
>Thanks, Reisen! Lily exults as you turn a street corner, spying Kiku standing outside the western gate of the graveyard, an ofuda in her hand.
>And then Rin speaks to you, on a private channel. I know I may be worrying too much, Mistress, but that corpse back at the CRA's still bothering me. She never said anything about Motormaster's crew having any kind of power. How do we know this isn't some kinda trap?
-
>Every conflict we engage in may hold dangerous surprises, whether deliberate or not; I wish I could say otherwise. But whether that spirit's omission was accidental or intentional, I still don't believe we can let things with Motormaster remain as they are right now.
-
>Every conflict we engage in may hold dangerous surprises, whether deliberate or not; I wish I could say otherwise. But whether that spirit's omission was accidental or intentional, I still don't believe we can let things with Motormaster remain as they are right now.
>No, I agree. But, maybe I should scout the place out first? They might not notice a cat.
-
>If this plan works, we may not even need visual contact to engage, but we'll see as we get closer.
-
>If this plan works, we may not even need visual contact to engage, but we'll see as we get closer.
>Kiku gives the two of you a quick nod as you approach. If one good thing comes of this, Lotus, it is that now that I have sensed an active Jewel, I may have a better chance of detecting inactive ones. The fewer we have of them in this city, the better.
>We have a problem. Reisen reports. I'm coming in from the north, and I can see the tomb Motormaster's crew is parked in. And one of them is outside the tomb.
>They posted a guard? Kiku asks.
>No. Reisen answers, sounding disgusted. He's having sex.
>Oh. Well, does that not mean he will be easier to surprise?
>Maybe. But most of the ways we have of taking him out will alert the others.
-
>Even if we put him to sleep? Well, 'them', I suppose.
>How big a tomb are we talking?
-
>Even if we put him to sleep? Well, 'them', I suppose.
>How big a tomb are we talking?
>I can't see into it. It was their bikes that tipped me off. That and I can see Vice.
>Our spells would alert at least one of the others.
>I have to agree. says Kiku. Blood Jewels possess divination and detection abilities as well.
>What if we didn't use spells? Rin suggests.
>Lily asks, What do you mean?
>If they're both, um, distracted, couldn't one of us sneak up on them and rap 'em over the head?
-
>I'd really rather not rap a potential civilian over the head. Do you think we could just sneak past them? Alerting one person by magic is better than alerting five of them.
-
>I'd really rather not rap a potential civilian over the head. Do you think we could just sneak past them? Alerting one person by magic is better than alerting five of them.
>Reisen reports, Not unless they move. They're in the wrong position. Rin might be able to manage in her cat form, but the rest of us wouldn't have a chance.
-
>This may be a silly question, but Lily, can you 'bottle' those sleeping flowers of yours to uncork somewhere else where they wouldn't generate as much proverbial racket as conjuring them in the first place?
-
>This may be a silly question, but Lily, can you 'bottle' those sleeping flowers of yours to uncork somewhere else where they wouldn't generate as much proverbial racket as conjuring them in the first place?
>The energetic blonde giggles at your phrasing. I don't think so, though.
>Perhaps we can. Kiku suggests. If we combined our spells, I may be able to contain your spell in mine, to facilitate delaying it deployment. The tiger visibly frowns in concentration. But I don't know how long I could suspend the spell.
>I don't think it would work anyway. Reisen says. Your own spell would still be active. Breakdown would sense it coming.
>Maybe not. Kiku counters. My powers are unique among us. I was a spellcaster before gaining the powers Lotus gave me. This has afforded me many different ways to employ my powers, especially now that I am free from Satori's... I mean, free from the deathbringer's influence. If I do this right, this Breakdown person would sense nothing more than inert lead. Until it is too late.
-
>I think it's worth giving it a try. I don't see an obviously better option for the current situation, and it could be useful for the future to know how well this works.
-
>I think it's worth giving it a try. I don't see an obviously better option for the current situation, and it could be useful for the future to know how well this works.
>Lily, change course and meet me outside the church near the graveyard. We'll try this there.
>Isn't that a little close? Reisen asks Kiku.
>It's as far away as I want to try to transport an active, untested spell. Especially since we have limited time.
>I see your point. I'll stay on point up here, to keep an eye on things.
-
>Let's make for that point ourselves
-
>Let's make for that point ourselves
>Leaving Poppy to keep watch over your quarry, you and White Rose follow Kiku across the street, towards the very western looking church. It doesn't surprise you too terribly to find such a building in this area. If this graveyard is devoted to more western-style magicians, it stands to reason they'd bring their religion with them as well, in the form of this church. The church is encircled by a stand of trees, not incredibly thick, but thick enough to keep your actions away from prying eyes.
>Lily comes winging in a little less than two minutes later, already in her Magical Lily guise. "Sorry for the wait!" she calls out as she alights herself just off the ground.
-
>"No worries."
-
>"No worries."
>"Chrysanthemum purity ascent." Kiku says by way of greeting, transforming into her own magical girl guise. "I suggest you and White Rose step back, Lotus." she advises you. "We wouldn't want Lily to put you to sleep in the process of trying this."
>"I wouldn't!" Lily protests.
>"All the same."
-
>"Of course."
>Do so
-
>"Of course."
>Do so
>Kiku nods then turns to Lily. "Alright, Lily. Hit me."
>The blonde draws her left hand across her body, then pauses, frowning. "Are you SURE this is gonna work?"
>"If I could channel Lotus' offensive energy, I am sure I can modify your weaker spell in a less invasive way. Now stop wasting time and fire." she says sternly.
>Lily blanches. "All right." With obvious uncertainty, she waves her hand forward, incanting "Spring Evening Dozings.", sending a stream of multihued flowers towards the waiting tiger.
>Kiku slashes her clawed hand forward and recites, "Chrysanthemum Lead Balloon." The grey wave of power left by her glowing hand expands out in a circular shape, growing to encircle the flowers created by Lily's spell. Once the lead has completely enveloped Lily's flowers, Kiku clenches her still-glowing fist, and the sizable ball of lead shrinks, and then separates, as five orbs of dull grey lead drop heavily to the ground, each one just about the size of a ten-pin bowling ball. Kiku growls, frustrated. "That was not supposed to happen." she snarls through clenched teeth.
-
>"Was it all supposed to stay in one ball?"
>Can we sense Lily's power still active in each of these?
-
>"Was it all supposed to stay in one ball?"
>Can we sense Lily's power still active in each of these?
>"Yes. One small ball. This is... less helpful."
>You can, but it's very faint. Had you not been looking for it, you might not have noticed it at all. Kiku's lead sheets should prove to be effective screen against all but the most intense scans.
-
>"We could always try a second time."
-
>"We could always try a second time."
>"True. But since I don't know exactly why that happened this time, I can't guarantee it won't happen again."
-
>"Do we have anything to lose by trying?"
>"Worst case: we can probably still use these. We don't need to smuggle them through a crowd, after all."
-
>"Do we have anything to lose by trying?"
>"Worst case: we can probably still use these. We don't need to smuggle them through a crowd, after all."
>"Well, there is the risk that we could be detected. I have no way of knowing how sensitive the Jewels are to our power. For all I know, we've already given ourselves away."
-
>Reisen, any sign anyone there felt that?
-
>Reisen, any sign anyone there felt that?
>Not yet. I'd have been surprised if there had been. I knew it was coming, and I barely felt anything. At a guess, I'd say it would take at least a Red jewel to have detected that without actively scanning for it.
-
>"Well, I'll leave it up to your discretion, Kiku, whether you wish to try again. But barring that, how do we actually use these?"
-
>"Well, I'll leave it up to your discretion, Kiku, whether you wish to try again. But barring that, how do we actually use these?"
>"They can be triggered to open by either Lily or myself at will. Or they detonate on impact."
-
>"Would they brain someone before the lead shell dissipated?"
>"For that matter, would the effect work on any of us, I wonder, if we were nearby when they were opened?"
-
>"Would they brain someone before the lead shell dissipated?"
>"For that matter, would the effect work on any of us, I wonder, if we were nearby when they were opened?"
>"I meant impact against a wall, Lotus." Kiku says. "My plan was that, since our target is mostly subterranean, to roll the orb down the stairs into the crypt. Similar to a grenade. If it didn't go off on its own, I could trigger it myself..." Kiku trails off, a thought occurring to her. "Maybe that's what did it. When I used my spell, I was debating the best way to manipulate this spell so as to handle all the targets. That may have split the lead into more parts than I'd wanted, due to the number of targets. Wouldn't explain the weight or the size, but..." She straightens then. "Try it again, Lily. I believe I can make it work this time."
>"It shouldn't." Lily says to you. "It'll work on anyone that isn't one of us."
>"You're sure?" Kiku asks.
>Lily just smiles. "Of course I'm sure. Trust me!" Then the peppy blonde readies her spell again. "You ready Ki- Chrys?" she asks, correcting herself.
>The tiger shakes her head slightly, and nods silently. The two replay their spells one more time, and as before, the large metal orb that Kiku creates shrinks and splits. This time, however, it divides into only two small orbs, one of them slightly larger than the other. Kiku seems much more satisfied with this result.
-
>"For inside and outside?"
-
>"For inside and outside?"
>"Precisely."
-
>"Should they be released at the same time, then?"
>Reisen, is there a good vantage to toss a small sphere at the man outside and the stairs of the crypt without being seen by him in either case?
-
>"Should they be released at the same time, then?"
>Reisen, is there a good vantage to toss a small sphere at the man outside and the stairs of the crypt without being seen by him in either case?
>"I think they'll have to be. Otherwise, the people in the crypt would sense the discharge and be able to defend themselves. Even now, we still have to hope that they don't react in time."
>From the same location? I think so, yes. If we approach from the south-facing side of the crypt, one of us should be able to get the drop on Vice and throw a sphere down the stair- We have movement here. she breaks off suddenly. One of them just came... It's Breakdown. He just came up out of the crypt.
-
>Any sign of alert?
-
>Any sign of alert?
>With him? Always. But he does seem especially agitated. She pauses. Hell's fire. Girls, he's wearing a Grey Jewel, I can see it from here. That's the second strongest Jewel of them all. I think he might have detected you.
-
>Wouldn't it be rather paranoid to assume that some magic in the vague neighborhood was cause for concern?
-
>Wouldn't it be rather paranoid to assume that some magic in the vague neighborhood was cause for concern?
>I already told you, he IS paranoid. Extremely. He thinks stop signs stare at him.
-
>Though I suppose that might mean that his alarm wouldn't alarm anyone else there, if it's just an everyday thing by now.
>How long do you think these orbs are good for, Kiku? Could we wait a couple minutes and see if this blows over?
-
>Though I suppose that might mean that his alarm wouldn't alarm anyone else there, if it's just an everyday thing by now.
>How long do you think these orbs are good for, Kiku? Could we wait a couple minutes and see if this blows over?
>That's a good point. Wildrider's the only one of the bunch that takes Breakdown seriously, but she might not if she's stoned out of her tree. But either way, I'm going to have to move. If he sees me hovering here, he might take a pot shot at me.
>A couple of minutes and then some. Kiku replies confidently.
>I think. Lily adds quietly.
>You think?
>Well I've never tried this before! Lily protests.
-
>Well, we risk something either way, so I vote we wait and see for the moment. Get yourself somewhere safe in the meantime, Reisen.
-
>Well, we risk something either way, so I vote we wait and see for the moment. Get yourself somewhere safe in the meantime, Reisen.
>Understood.
>A moment later, you feel a sensation of power, of awareness, pass over you and your friends. It is a frantic, fractured awareness, but a powerful one. That can only be Breakdown using his Jewel to scan the area.
>Lily, however, doesn't reach that conclusion as quickly. "What's that?" she asks, looking nervously around.
>"Hush." Kiku admonishes her. "I believe we are being scanned."
-
>Gesture for Lily to be quiet as well
>Then let's be as magically inconspicuous as possible
-
>Gesture for Lily to be quiet as well
>Then let's be as magically inconspicuous as possible
>The perky blonde clamps her hand over her mouth.
>The probing sensation lasts for quite a while. And is a fairly unpleasant one all in all. You sincerely hope it doesn't feel that way when you're scanning something. It is not sustained, but comes and goes, passing back and forth frantically, never settling on one place for more than a second before moving again.
>And then, just as suddenly as it started, the sensation is gone, pulling back in sharply.
-
>Wait a few moments to see if Reisen reports anything, and if she does not and there are no further signs of activity, page her: Everything clear your way?
-
>Wait a few moments to see if Reisen reports anything, and if she does not and there are no further signs of activity, page her: Everything clear your way?
>Breakdown got distracted. Another one of the gang came up, Drag Strip. They're talking, but I can't tell what they're saying.
>Can you tell what color Jewel Drag Strip wears? Kiku asks.
>Not yet. I think her Jewels are inside her clothes.
-
>Wait another moment
-
>Wait another moment
>They're going back inside. Reisen reports several seconds later. And Vice and the woman are going with them.
>Then, everyone of our target is inside the crypt? Kiku asks.
>For now, yes. But like I said, I couldn't tell what they were saying. I can't... Hold on. she says suddenly, just before you sense Breakdown probing the area around you once again. The sensation is brief, but intense, but as before, the biker pulls its senses back after a moment. Breakdown stopped for a second there, but now he's following the others.
>Chrysanthemum, Lily, I really hope that spell of yours works on him at least. Reisen continues. I've seen a Grey Jewel in action. We don't want to fight one if we have any choice.
-
>Then let's go. Everyone, be as quiet as you can.
>Let's creep back towards the crypt and get ready to deploy our surprise, but keep our guard up
-
>Then let's go. Everyone, be as quiet as you can.
>Let's creep back towards the crypt and get ready to deploy our surprise, but keep our guard up
>Kiku and Rin exchange a knowing look, and the two of them transform into their feline forms. Kiku takes the smaller orb in her mouth, while you take up the larger one. It's heavy, but not overly heavy. You shouldn't have a problem hucking the thing down a flight of stairs.
>Don't you think Breakdown might feel that, too? Lily asks.
>Kiku shakes her head, a very human gesture. The change is not magical. It's not a use of power of any kind, really. It is simply a function of our bodies and beings, no different from you flapping your wings. And cats are, of course, much quieter than humanoids.
>You did say to be as quiet as possible, Mistress. Rin says quietly, but with a touch of humor.
>Do these guys have real names? Lily asks Reisen suddenly as the four of you cross the street, which must be a very odd sight.
>The rabbit laughs. Sure they do. But they don't get mentioned as often as their street names. Most of the street racers in this town are like that, especially in the underground circuits. Usually because they're trying to hide from the authorities. Except for Vice. she adds with disgust. Rat bastard brags about his past with the law. I'll be honest, Byakuren, I almost wish you had given me permission to club him unconscious. Believe me, he has it coming, and then some.
-
>One way or another, they're going to be dealt with today.
>Let's keep sneaking
-
>One way or another, they're going to be dealt with today.
>Let's keep sneaking
>And Motormaster too. Reisen says, her voice a mix of trepidation and what may be a kind of excitement. Don't feel the need to hold back this time, ladies. These bikers aren't like Patchouli.
>Fear not, Poppy. Kiku assures her. You will find that I rarely hold back.
>I can vouch for that. Lily adds.
>And you were just a part-timer. the tiger drawls. I wasn't nearly as harsh with you as my Sisters. The blonde's exaggerated groan drawls laughter from your group.
>The sensation of sneaking through a graveyard is a bit of an eerie one. Not the sort of thing you'd do every day, even if this one is a rather nice graveyard. Now that you're inside the fence, you can sense a persistent tingle across your mystic senses, as though the whole field was blanketed with low-level sorcery. Which makes a kind of sense, as this is a sorcerer's graveyard. It's not strong enough to disrupt your powers or senses, but it is a sensation you could do without.
>Reisen reports no more sign of the biker gang nor any sign of Motormaster coming back, and you and your group zero in on the large stone crypt with seven motorcycles parked outside of it. Kiku reaches the south-facing wall just as it starts to snow. Best split up. Kiku suggests. Byakuren, you and Rin go left, Lily and I will go around the right side. Any sign of movement, Poppy?
>Not so far.
-
>Follow her suggestion. Carefully.
-
>Follow her suggestion. Carefully.
>Kiku gave you the side with only the one bike to walk around, that being Motormaster's big black Twin Spark, you and Rin reach the corner of the crypt's entrance before the blonde and the tiger. There used to be a pair of human-scale statues standing on either side of the stairs, but only one of them remains unmolested. The other one, the female counterpart to the male on the opposite side, shows signs of frequent vandalization, capped off by a grey motorcycle helmet draped over her head.
>A moment later, the now human-form Kiku, carrying the smaller lead orb in her hand, pokes her head around the left corner of the crypt. Are you ready? she asks, her psychic voice a whisper.
-
>We are, right?
>Assuming so: Ready.
-
>We are, right?
>Assuming so: Ready.
>Right.
>On your count. she replies, giving you the lead.
-
>Give the count, then let's do this!
-
>Give the count, then let's do this!
>On the count of three, you and Kiku toss your cargo down the stone steps leading down into the waiting crypt. The lead orbs clang hollowly down the steps, belying their magical payload within. From below, you hear a male voice exclaim shrilly "What's that noise?!"
>Now, Lily! Kiku yells in your minds. At the silent command of Lily and Kiku, the orbs split open disgorging their magical flowers into the air of the enclosed crypt. The shrill voice screams once in surprise, as do at least two separate female voices.
>Before waiting to see the results of Lily's spell, Kiku throws an ofuda to the ground in front of the stairs and chants a short spell, erecting a wall of metal at the top of stairs, sealing off the crypt. "That will keep anyone from fleeing the spells' effects."
-
>Can we sense any of the jewel's powers at work in the crypt. Or, hopefully, falling quiet?
-
>Can we sense any of the jewel's powers at work in the crypt. Or, hopefully, falling quiet?
>Just one. You believe it's Breakdown's Jewel. It appears to be the only one generating an active energy field. And it seems to be growing in intensity.
-
>We didn't have a direct view of the group from the top of the crypt stairs, did we? Even before the lead wall was in the way.
>Assuming so, can we think of any way we can strike back at or dispel this welling power without being able to see it?
-
>We didn't have a direct view of the group from the top of the crypt stairs, did we? Even before the lead wall was in the way.
>Assuming so, can we think of any way we can strike back at or dispel this welling power without being able to see it?
>It appears to be sheet steel rather than lead, but otherwise correct.
>You'd have to either blast through Kiku's wall or get her to take it down, but otherwise your Light can serve the same sort of functions as any ranger weapon. In that, you don't necessarily have to see your target to shoot at them. You'd just need to point your scepter around the corner and fire. And, in this case, hope you don't hit the civilian down there.
-
>Well, if we can't see where to aim, how are we going to hit it? Can we metaphorically home our fire in on a specific magical sensation?
>Would an Indigo Lotus or Amber Lotus even do anything to a civilian?
-
>Well, if we can't see where to aim, how are we going to hit it? Can we metaphorically home our fire in on a specific magical sensation?
>Would an Indigo Lotus or Amber Lotus even do anything to a civilian?
>You can sense Breakdown's aura. There's nothing stopping you from aiming at that.
>In all likelihood, probably not. Amber might make them drop something they're holding if it could be used as a weapon, but it probably wouldn't hurt them. But hitting bystanders is something you'd prefer to avoid simply on principal.
-
>Give it another moment, and if the power doesn't seem to wane a little in the face of Lily's spell:
>To Kiku: Give me a gap in your barrier.
>Then aim an Indigo Lotus down it towards Breakdown's aura
-
>Give it another moment, and if the power doesn't seem to wane a little in the face of Lily's spell:
>To Kiku: Give me a gap in your barrier.
>Then aim an Indigo Lotus down it towards Breakdown's aura
>Breakdown's power only grows. And starts to move as well. He appears to be headed for the stairs.
>A gap? Kiku seems surprised, but she nods after seeing the look on your face. She lays her hand against the metal wall and a circular hole about the size of a basketball appears in the wall near you. Without exposing too much of your body, you align your scepter with the hole and fire a burst of Indigo light down into the crypt, in the direction of Breakdown's aura.
>The biker had enough time to get to the bottom of the stairs before you fired, so your light doesn't need any tricks to reach its intended target. Although you are fairly confidant your light strikes its target, it doesn't appear to have any noticeable effect on the biker's aura of power. You do, however, immediately sense that same panicky, scattered sense of scanning you felt before. "You won't get me!" Breakdown yowls, and a burst of power explodes up from the crypt. The burst of Grey energy reduces Kiku's metal wall to little more than iron filings and keeps on going, hurtling up into the sky.
-
>Was that actually a blast of energy, or did he actually burst off into the sky himself?
>Anything else in the way of the blast?
>Any signs of activity from anyone else down there?
-
>Was that actually a blast of energy, or did he actually burst off into the sky himself?
>Anything else in the way of the blast?
>Any signs of activity from anyone else down there?
>Energy blast.
>Not that you can see.
>No.
-
>Let's return fire with a Violet Lotus before the dust settles
-
>Let's return fire with a Violet Lotus before the dust settles
>Turning your scepter on Breakdown once more, you unleash your Violet light this time. With the metal wall down, you can see the biker for yourself now. He's a wild-haired man with dark blue hair and an unkempt goatee. His body is painfully thin, like he hasn't eaten well in weeks. His Jewel, glowing grey, hangs from a gold chain around his neck, the light it emits highlighting his willowy frame as it rests against his shirtless torso.
>At the sight of your incoming attack, Breakdown emits another yelp and dives desperately to his right, leaving your light to splash against the stones of the crypt.
>"Should we go down after him?" Lily asks.
>Kiku shakes her head. "No. That would only increase the chances of waking up the others down there. We must lure him up here."
-
>Lily, can you try flooding the crypt with your sleep magic again? Even if it doesn't work on him this time either, it might still give him cause to try and flee away from it.
-
>Lily, can you try flooding the crypt with your sleep magic again? Even if it doesn't work on him this time either, it might still give him cause to try and flee away from it.
>Good idea. Lily says with a nod. The little blonde starts to step around Kiku, but as she does so, Breakdown screams from below, a tormented howl. You think he might have been trying to say "Go away!", but his scream is accompanied by a wave of psychic energy. The Grey power assaults your mind with the force of a frantic sledgehammer blow, disorienting and disabling. A look around shows your comrades suffering as you are under the mental assault of the deranged biker.
-
>Well, we've formed a bulwark against a worse physic assault than this. Let's do it again.
-
>Well, we've formed a bulwark against a worse physic assault than this. Let's do it again.
>Rallying your mental defenses against Breakdown's assault isn't as straightforward as it was against Satori. The biker doesn't seem to be using the same kind of psychic ability that she did. His assault seems to be coming from somewhere much darker. It's not a truly pure psychic attack like hers.
>Reisen's voice echoes in the minds of your group, Everyone, try defensive techniques! Lotus, your Sapphire Light!
-
>That bulwark we formed against the Deathbringer the other night - let's do it again.
>Do it again!
-
>That bulwark we formed against the Deathbringer the other night - let's do it again.
>Do it again!
>I'm with you! Rin replies quickly, linking her hand with yours.
>With you, boss! Lily adds, and the three of you pool your energies together as you did when facing the titan of death. This time the three of you call out together, "Rainbow Lotus Bulwark!", and the shifting dome of colorful light blooms around the four of you, cutting off Breakdown's mental assault. At least, mostly. While the pressure on your mind ceases and the disorientation passes, you can still feel an unwelcome presence skittering through your brain. Breakdown's mania and paranoia still lingers.
>Kiku slumps against the crypt wall, her hands pressed to her head. "Gods... his mind..." she whispers.
>"Where'd you go where'd you go?!" Breakdown howls from below, his frantic energy pressing over and bouncing off of your bulwark.
-
>Take just a moment to try and clear our minds and regain our focus
>Could we shape our Violet Lotus into something more wide-angle, and home in on Breakdown's aura in a way that would not require a direct line of sight, while also being more difficult for him to dodge?
>And then have our allies feed power into it to make up for whatever power we lose by making it less concentrated?
-
>Take just a moment to try and clear our minds and regain our focus
>Could we shape our Violet Lotus into something more wide-angle, and home in on Breakdown's aura in a way that would not require a direct line of sight, while also being more difficult for him to dodge?
>And then have our allies feed power into it to make up for whatever power we lose by making it less concentrated?
>Giving your head a quick, but vigorous, physical and metaphysical shake dispels the lingering remnants of Breakdown's power.
>Sorry. Reisen apologizes as she steps forward from behind the large gargoyle she'd been hiding behind. She's chosen her Caster form, and is presently surrounded by a shimmering field of energy, although it dissipates as she moves towards you. I should have anticipated that kind of attack and warned you.
>Does every Jeweled Blood have that kind of power? Kiku asks, still visibly shaken.
>To an extent. Believe it or not, we're actually lucky. I think Breakdown's more unstable than I thought. That means he probably won't be able to attack us psychicily like other Grey ranked Blood could.
>A wider-angle shot would simply impact on the wall Breakdown's currently hiding behind.
-
>Could we curve it, though?
-
>Could we curve it, though?
>Curving a narrower shot would seem to be the more effective option.
-
>Then let's do that
-
>Then let's do that
>Not needing a hole in your screen this time, you simple point your scepter forward and fire off your Violet light. The biker below lets out a surprised scream as he sees the beam curve around the stone wall, and you are confidant that you strike him. Your beam doesn't last long, though, before a surge of Grey power counters your attack.
>Breakdown answers your attack with one of his own, sending a sickly yellow band of power bending around the corner and up the stairs, drilling into your bulwark. This power is Blood power, but it doesn't seem to be coming from the same Jewel that he's been using up to now.
-
>Do we have any idea where else it did come from, then?
>Do we get any sense that our Violet Lotus actually had an effect on him, aside from startling him? (Or at least that it would have, had it been allowed to continue?)
>How well is the bulwark holding up against this attack?
-
>Do we have any idea where else it did come from, then?
>Do we get any sense that our Violet Lotus actually had an effect on him, aside from startling him? (Or at least that it would have, had it been allowed to continue?)
>How well is the bulwark holding up against this attack?
>It came from Breakdown's exact location. Your best guess is that either his Jewel has multiple settings, or that he has two separate Jewels.
>Difficult to say. His aura doesn't seem to be any different now, but your beam didn't make contact for very long. You have no reason to suspect your Violet Light might not have some effect on him, given more time to shoot him. It's the getting of that time that seems to be tricky.
>Pretty well, actually. This yellow power is noticeably weaker than the Grey power he'd been using up to this point. That's not to say it's WEAK, but it's not as bad as the Champions, or the titan. You can handle this beam much more easily than other things you've faced so far, especially with your Bulwark.
-
>Lend me a little of your power for this one.
>Then lets try another, stronger, curveball Violet Lotus
-
>Lend me a little of your power for this one.
>Then lets try another, stronger, curveball Violet Lotus
>Rin takes your hand immediately, and you sense her power likewise twining with yours.
>Fortified by White Rose's energy, you once again engage your Violet light, this beam having nearly double the intensity of your previous blast. Breakdown's yellow beam cuts off immediately when your blast strikes the hiding biker, but Breakdown once again counters your beam with a surge of Grey power, this one, like your own blast, nearly twice as strong as the surge he used before. That Grey Jewel of his possesses incredible power. You don't think he's as strong as the Champions, but he's not miles away from it. "C-cut it out!" he shrieks at you from below.
>This isn't working. Reisen observes. It could take us half an hour to drain that Grey Jewel this way. And the longer we wait, the better chance of one of the others waking up or Motormaster coming back. We need another approach.
>Got any ideas? Rin asks her.
>The rabbit nods. One. But I think you'll have to drop that shield of yours first. If it works, he'll come tearing up out of there and either kill himself splattering on your shield, or tear through it and you in the process.
-
>I can't say either of those two alternatives sound very appealing, but what's your idea?
-
>I can't say either of those two alternatives sound very appealing, but what's your idea?
>Reisen gives you a slight grin. I'm going to threaten his bike.
-
>Nod
>Alright. And let's be ready for him when he comes. Like Reisen said, time is of the essence here.
>And let's make sure we all stand aside the most direct path out of the crypt, just in case he really does barrel on through. If we're not directly visible from the stairway, so much the better.
-
>Nod
>Alright. And let's be ready for him when he comes. Like Reisen said, time is of the essence here.
>And let's make sure we all stand aside the most direct path out of the crypt, just in case he really does barrel on through. If we're not directly visible from the stairway, so much the better.
>Bracing yourselves for what Reisen warns you will be a surefire explosion from Breakdown, you and your fellow magical girls stand a bit farther back from the staircase while Reisen moves around towards the group of bikes. Are you sure this will work? Kiku asks the rabbit.
>Trust me. Bikers can be fanatical when it comes to their bikes. A man I raced against once told me that he'd rather have someone tap-dance on his balls than let anything happen to his bike. Lily winces at Kiku's unusually blunt turn of phrase. "Well, what have we here?" she calls out loudly. "Nice bikes we got here. 'specially this pretty white and blue one." she drawls, all manner of bad things implied in her tone of voice.
>"NO!" Breakdown howls. "You-you STAY AWAY from my BIKE!" The shirtless man, surrounded by a flaring Grey aura, comes rocketing up the stairs, propelled by a wave of power like the wash of a space shuttle's engines. The panicking biker, just as Reisen predicted, impacts against your bulwark, with a force very nearly equal to that of the death titan's blows. Your bulwark holds, but you wouldn't want to take too many of those, especially not if Motormaster is in the same league.
-
>Everyone, With me!
>Now that we can get a good look at him, let's see if we can hit his jewel head-on with a Violet Lotus. And well, if we can't see it, make do with him.
>If this seems to be of limited effectiveness, now that we have full visual contact to appraise it, switch to a Scarlet Lotus instead. Human or not, we can't afford to be too gentle.
-
>Everyone, With me!
>Now that we can get a good look at him, let's see if we can hit his jewel head-on with a Violet Lotus. And well, if we can't see it, make do with him.
>If this seems to be of limited effectiveness, now that we have full visual contact to appraise it, switch to a Scarlet Lotus instead. Human or not, we can't afford to be too gentle.
>Seeing his Jewel isn't hard at all. It's hanging there from his thin neck, glowing brilliantly. It might not be incredibly big, but at this range, you'd be hard-pressed to miss it. It's just a matter of whether or not your power will reach it, given the field of power around him. That hasn't diminished after he crashed into your bulwark. But nevertheless, it makes a very tempting target. So you raise your scepter once again, zero in on the Grey Jewel dangling from Breakdown's neck, and fire your Violet light.
>Whether through simple proxmity or some imperceivable weakness in his own defenses, your purple beam penetrates the grey energy surrounding Breakdown and strikes his Jewel. And this direct contact has a profound result. You feel- No, you swear you can even see- your light dropping down into some unimaginable abyss. An intense darkness, a black hole of life and wellspring of depravity at once. It is from this abyss that Breakdown draws his power. More, the biker is somehow a part of this darkness. His soul is bound to it, born from it. Your light spreads out to try and fill it, but you can't even see the sides of the pit.
>The connection too grants you an insight, as it sometimes does, into not just the soul of the man, but his mind. You see nothing but an almost animal fear. You are astounded by the rampant paranoia that assaults his mind. He fears every shadow, every sound, every light. You wonder at how he could even function.
>As these revalations occur to you, Breakdown stops. The blind panic on his face fades. And he looks at you. He seems confused, but not angrily so. His body still twitches slightly, but his voice is calm for the first time when he asks, "What you trying to doing to me?"
-
>"I am trying to heal the darkness that is bound to your soul."
>No matter how deep, we can do this. We have all of our friends here to help us.
-
>"I am trying to heal the darkness that is bound to your soul."
>No matter how deep, we can do this. We have all of our friends here to help us.
>"Believe it not," White Rose adds, "We'd rather help ya than fight ya."
>"That's right." Lily adds brightly. Poppy, coming back around to the front of the crypt, neither says nor does anything to indicate her agreement. Chrysanthemum, however, perhaps a little surprisingly, nods her agreement at the sentiment.
>As you maintain your efforts, pouring more power down that hole that is his Jewel, Breakdown shudders in this whole body. You can see in his mind, through your link, an image. A helmeted head, its purple visor glaring silently, balefully, at the paranoid biker called Breakdown. And you can see that he fears that face, Motormaster's face, more than anything else. "I, I can't let you." he stammers, his voice shaky once more, and his Jewel flares is response, pushing back your Violet light, not fiercely enough to break the beam, but enough to sever your link to his mind and soul.
-
>"If you fear Motormaster, do not worry. We are here to heal them as well, and we are prepared to go the distance."
>Don't let our beam get pushed away
-
>"If you fear Motormaster, do not worry. We are here to heal them as well, and we are prepared to go the distance."
>Don't let our beam get pushed away
>Even mentioning the splinter-corrupted biker's name makes Breakdown wince in fear. "No, no no!" The force he exerts against your Violet light spikes again. You feel Rin lend her powers to yours once more, but even as your beam strengthens from her efforts and yours, Breakdown's resistance rises just as quickly. He has you locked in a stalemate.
>Lily. Kiku says quietly. While he's focused on Lotus, perhaps your Dozings spell would affect him now?
>Maybe, but... The blonde looks at you hesitantly, unsure if she should follow Kiku's advice.
-
>Try it.
-
>Try it.
>If you're sure... "Spring Evenings Dozings." the blonde incants her spell once again, throwing a cloud of sleeping flowers into Breakdown's face. The unexpected flowers causes Breakdown to cough and wave his arms in front of his face, and as he does so Kiku swings into action. Rather than employing her magical girl powers, she produces a paper charm and hurls it at the biker. Breakdown's aura flares again, disintegrating the charm and Lily's flowers, but not with enough force to completely negate your beam.
>"Caster: Lightning Beam!" Poppy announces as Breakdown's flare of power starts to fade. The rabbit has chosen her time to strike well. The laser-like beam of crackling electricity pierces Breakdown's shield and strikes the manic biker where his left shoulder meets his chest. The blast spins him around and knocks him completely off his feet, sending him tumbling back down the stone steps of the crypt.
-
>Does he seem knocked senseless, or just momentarily flummoxed?
>Do we even have an open shot at his jewel anymore?
-
>Does he seem knocked senseless, or just momentarily flummoxed?
>Do we even have an open shot at his jewel anymore?
>Very senseless. And with him tumbling down those steps, he's most likely going to be in worse shapes when he reaches the bottom.
>Not until he stops moving. Assuming he lands face-up.
-
>If he seems actually unconscious/incoherent, try to catch him with a Sapphire Lotus before he bashes his brains out on the stairs and set him down on the ground
>Otherwise, wait for him to come to a stop and assess the situation again
-
>If he seems actually unconscious/incoherent, try to catch him with a Sapphire Lotus before he bashes his brains out on the stairs and set him down on the ground
>Otherwise, wait for him to come to a stop and assess the situation again
>Knowing that someone in his position can come to serious harm, you display your charitable nature once again and send your Sapphire light after the biker, bringing him to a much gentler halt than he otherwise would have experienced. If he was more aware, you're sure he'd thank you for it.
>Lily frowns at Reisen. "Was that really necessary."
>Poppy steps forward, looking down the steps at Breakdown, who appears to be conscious, but just barely, groaning quietly and trying to move his head, which is bleeding from a small cut on his right cheek. "Caster: Lightning Orb." The rabbit sends another electric burst down at Breakdown, wracking his body with electricity. "Absolutely necessary." she says in an even tone. "We don't have time to mess with him. Nor do we have the energy to waste."
-
>"The first may have been, but surely that wasn't."
>Let's go down and see if we can purify his jewel without him pushing back against it
-
>"The first may have been, but surely that wasn't."
>Let's go down and see if we can purify his jewel without him pushing back against it
>"It was just as necessary." Reisen argues. "Unless you wanted him to get up and start shooting you again."
>"Rei-Poppy." says Rin. "This isn't like you."
>"I know who and what we're up against." the rabbit says grimly.
>"And that was easier than it could have been." says Poppy as you start to go down after Breakdown. "Much easier. I've seen what a Grey Jewel can do. I can only assume Breakdown either didn't know how to fully use his power or that he couldn't focus enough to bring his full power to bear." Now I need you to attend to something else. she says, switching to telepathy. Did you hear that clicking sound during the fight?
>Yeah, actually I did.
>Check it out. Someone else may be in the graveyard, and we don't want them here when Motormaster shows up. Then she turns to Kiku and Lily. And I think you two should go down below and make sure the others stay asleep. If they wear dark Jewels as well, they might already be coming around. I'll stay up here and keep an eye out for Motormaster.
>Good idea. Kiku agrees, jerking her head towards the stairs. "Come along, Lily." Still frowning at Reisen, Lily shakes her head and falls in behind the tiger.
>At the least, Reisen's aggression does have the benefit of giving you free reign to turn your power on Breakdown's Jewel unopposed. Though not before you wince sympathetically. The biker's body sports burns over his arms and back, none more severe than where Poppy's Lightning beam struck him. Reisen didn't kill him, but you have the uncomfortable thought that one more shot might well have done that. You wouldn't have expected that from her, either.
>"Is he okay?" Lily asks in a very quiet voice as she pauses behind you.
-
>"He's alive, at least. I'll do what I can for him."
>Let's give another try at purifying his jewel without opposition
-
>"He's alive, at least. I'll do what I can for him."
>Let's give another try at purifying his jewel without opposition
>Lily glances back up the stairs, then lowers her voice again. "Reisen... kinda scared me there."
>"She felt it was necessary." Kiku says. "And I do not entirely disagree. Given the prospect of facing another Titan at the same time as a Blood Jewel, this was the better of the two options for us."
>As you aim your scepter at Breakdown's Jewel again, Kiku warns you, "On that subject, Lotus, I suggest you not expend too much energy. I believe Motormaster will be much more dangerous than Breakdown, and we may need all the power we can draw upon."
>Finally free of distractions, you unleash Violet energy upon Breakdown's Jewel again. As before, you feel your power simply dropping down into that bottomless abyss. Free to focus fully on the task, you sense that the abyss has varying and distinct levels, at least nine levels that your power passes through before reaching the level that Breakdown has been drawing power from. Weirdly, you also sense his connection to a higher level, one three levels above the level of the Grey. That might be where that Yellow beam came from. He must have two separate Jewels, each with their own reservoir of power, each with their own connection to this seemingly infinite blackness. An examination of his body shows that he does indeed have another Jewel, a bright Yellow Jewel, on a ring on his left hand.
>Try as you might, you don't really seem to be having any discernible effect on the Abyss, Breakdown's connection to it or his Jewel itself. You sense that you COULD potentially do something to his Jewel, in that you could shatter it. But you're reasonably certain that this would have as many negative consequences on the biker as it would positive. Reisen was right. You're not dealing with something like a Youma, or someone like the Avatars. Breakdown isn't someone that's been corrupted by darkness, he was born into darkness. It's a part of him, an extension of who he is. That Jewel isn't something you can purify in the same way you've done other things.
>And yet, that's not to say you can't do anything for Breakdown. The beginnings of an idea are starting to form in your head, but you can't quite get them to come together just now. The looming threat of Motormaster, the sounds of Kiku and Lily employing their magic on the other bikers, the unanticipated aggressiveness of Reisen... You've got a lot on your mind, and you're grappling with a power you barely understand. The idea is there, at least in fragmented form, but for right now, it is eluding now.
>And Rin doesn't help when you hear her telepathic voice, Reisen was right, girls. Someone was takin' pictures of us fighting Breakdown. Hatate's here, and so's that other Tengu that was tailing us, Byakuren. They were watching us fight.
-
>Well, if we don't seem to be making any headway, let's cut the Violet Lotus. Kiku's right - we can't afford to expend ourselves too much.
>I guess we didn't shake her after all. And while I would just as soon what just happened not make the news, I'm more worried about their own safety right now. Where are they?
-
>Well, if we don't seem to be making any headway, let's cut the Violet Lotus. Kiku's right - we can't afford to expend ourselves too much.
>I guess we didn't shake her after all. And while I would just as soon what just happened not make the news, I'm more worried about their own safety right now. Where are they?
>Disengaging your Violet Lotus, you make a note to come back here later and try again. Just because Violet Lotus may not have worked, it doesn't mean that you don't have the power to help them in some other way. Once you can focus on the task and not have to worry about being interrupted by a powerful corrupted biker in the process.
>There's a big tree northwest of the crypt you're in now. The two of them were camped out there. How'd you miss them, Reisen?
>I don't know. the rabbit admits. I must have been tunnel visioned on the crypt.
>I've been trying to convince them to leave. Rin reports. It's not going so well.
-
>I'll see if I can.
>Let's go talk to them
-
>I'll see if I can.
>Let's go talk to them
>Too late. says Reisen grimly.
>Why too late? Rin asks her.
>He's coming.
-
>Then we just have to hurry.
>Get moving!
-
>Then we just have to hurry.
>Get moving!
>Who is this Hatate? Kiku asks.
>Lily fields that question, explaining the intrepid Tengu's position on their school's newpaper and her reputation for getting her eyes on stories with a skill and persistance that rivals some professional reporters. And that she was the one who provided the news with the images of the battle with the Death Titan.
>As she does that, you hustle back up the stairs, taking a quick look around to find the tree Rin mentioned. It's a sizable pine tree, and the two Tengu Rin mentioned are perched in a collection of branches about half way up the 20 foot tree. Hatate, true to form, snaps a picture of you as you run up to the base of the tree, to stand next to Rin. "It's Lotus, I believe?" she calls down.
-
>"It is, but you need to get out of here. This place is about to become very dangerous and we won't be able to guarantee your safety."
-
>"It is, but you need to get out of here. This place is about to become very dangerous and we won't be able to guarantee your safety."
>Hatate nods. "Okay."
>White Rose blinks. "You changed your mind fast."
>The brunette tengu chuckles. "Not what I meant. I meant, 'okay, I understand.' Still not leaving." she says casually.
-
>"This isn't a joke. I respect your commitment to journalism, but you could die if you stay here."
-
>"This isn't a joke. I respect your commitment to journalism, but you could die if you stay here."
>"That's what White Rose said, too." Hatate replies easily. "And I'll tell you what I told her: I know you girls are connected to something big. Giant black creatures and flaming flying foxes don't come out of nowhere. I don't really want to let you out of my sight until I get to the truth of the matter."
>"Lunar Spectrum Shift: Saber." you hear Reisen intone sharply from behind you and to your right.
-
>"Getting yourself killed won't help anyone. You saw the other night what these things are capable of."
>Is Lily nearby?
-
>"Getting yourself killed won't help anyone. You saw the other night what these things are capable of."
>Is Lily nearby?
>"If it isn't us, Lotus, it's gonna be someone else."
>"And we were here first." the blonde tengu says proudly.
>I warned ya. Rin observes.
>Negative.
-
>Can we tell where Motormaster is, and how far away?
-
>Can we tell where Motormaster is, and how far away?
>Motormaster is currently standing on one of the paved walkways that wind through the cemetery, somewhere between 50 and 60 feet to your southeast. And Poppy is standing about ten feet in front of him, now in her Saber form. "Saber Blade." you hear her intone, manifesting her long sword.
>The black clad biker folds their arms. "You have got a lot of balls to pull a blade on me." their deep voice growls at the rabbit.
-
>Do we think we could put them to sleep, or is that still outside our repertoire?
-
>Do we think we could put them to sleep, or is that still outside our repertoire?
>You haven't really mastered status ailments yet.
-
>Lily, Kiku, are you almost done down there?
-
>Lily, Kiku, are you almost done down there?
>Yes. Kiku replies.
-
>Hatate seems dead-set on staying here, and I'm not sure we have enough time to put them to sleep and carry them somewhere safe. We may need to just try and keep the battle away from them.
>"There's nothing noble about being reckless with your lives. I just pray that neither of you has to die before you realize that. ...at least try to keep your distance."
>Let's go catch up to Reisen
-
>Hatate seems dead-set on staying here, and I'm not sure we have enough time to put them to sleep and carry them somewhere safe. We may need to just try and keep the battle away from them.
>I may be able to scare them away. Kiku suggests.
>Lily asks, How?
>Well, I AM a tiger. the miko replies dryly.
>"There's nothing noble about being reckless with your lives. I just pray that neither of you has to die before you realize that. ...at least try to keep your distance."
>Let's go catch up to Reisen
>The blonde tengu grins. "Thanks, both of ya, but we'll be fine."
>Hatate, though, nods a bit more soberly. "We'll take it under advisement. And you take care of yourself, too." she cautions.
>"Do you have any idea what I did to the last guy that pulled a blade on me?" Motormaster growls at Poppy as the biker stares her down.
>"Yes, I do." Poppy replies, her grip on her sword fierce.
>"I was in a GOOD mood then. I'm not now." Motormaster pauses as they see you and White Rose approach. "Three of you, huh? If this is one of that half-wit Drag Strip's cock-eyed ideas of a challenge, I'm not amused."
-
>Hatate went chasing after the Champion of Fire of her own volition. I doubt a tiger is as frightening, unless you actually attacked them.
>"This has nothing to do with them. It isn't even about you, but about the entity that has taken hold of you."
>Let's keep our guard up. We don't know what kind of power Motormaster can muster on short notice, and we know they're in a bad mood
-
>Hatate went chasing after the Champion of Fire of her own volition. I doubt a tiger is as frightening, unless you actually attacked them.
>"This has nothing to do with them. It isn't even about you, but about the entity that has taken hold of you."
>Let's keep our guard up. We don't know what kind of power Motormaster can muster on short notice, and we know they're in a bad mood
>Do not underestimate me, Lotus. the tiger youkai drawls. She wouldn't be the first journalist I've frightened away.
>"Wonderful." Motormaster snarls sarcastically. "A mage and a lunatic. If you want to get out of my face before I get really pissed, this is your only chance."
-
>I think I'd rather we stick together. The stronger we are, the sooner we can end this, and the less likely anyone gets hurt. On that note: hurry.
>"Are you not aware of it yourself?"
-
>I think I'd rather we stick together. The stronger we are, the sooner we can end this, and the less likely anyone gets hurt. On that note: hurry.
>"Are you not aware of it yourself?"
>"That you're both crazy?" the helmeted biker sneers.
-
>"I am sure it must seem that way."
-
>"I am sure it must seem that way."
>The big biker unfolds their arms and reaches down to the gleaming chain around their waist. "Don't say I didn't warn you." he grumbles as they unwrap the weapon from around their waist.
>Poppy raises her sword in response, but neither one of them moves before the air is shattered by the sound of a thunderous feline roar. Kiku, in her tiger form, bursts out of the crypt, with Lily flying along beside her. Motormaster seems unfazed. "Your pet?"
-
>"A friend."
>Let's start gathering power for a particularly potent Violet Lotus. Maybe if we blast the deathbringer inside Motormaster hard enough to start with, it won't be as fiesty when it emerges. Well, assuming this works the same way as Satori's did.
-
>"A friend."
>Let's start gathering power for a particularly potent Violet Lotus. Maybe if we blast the deathbringer inside Motormaster hard enough to start with, it won't be as fiesty when it emerges. Well, assuming this works the same way as Satori's did.
>"Touching. I'll bury his bones next to yours." And then the biker charges, raising his chain over its head. He moves much faster than a human should, but as fast as he is, Poppy and White Rose are just as quick. The rabbit dashes forward to intercept Motormaster while Rin raises her hands and employs her usual attack, "White Retainer's Fire!" The stream of white and red flames flies from her hands over the shoulder of Poppy, who doesn't even flinch at the incendiary blast that flies past her.
>Motormaster's spinning chain starts to crackle in the air, and the biker surrounds his weapon with dark purple and black lightning. He lashes out with the chain and strikes White Rose's flame, dissipating the attack harmlessly. Poppy, hoping to take advantage of the distraction provided by White Rose, feints right and slashes at Motormaster with her blade. But the biker reacts faster than she had anticipated, and with his free hand, he lashes out and catches Poppy's magical blade. You swear you can hear the malicious grin on their face when Motormaster says, "You beat the Grey. But you won't beat the Black." And with a vicious snarl, Motormaster kicks Poppy in the stomach, sending the rabbit hurtling backwards like she'd been hit by a car.
-
>Caught the blade with his hand? Any signs of damage from that stunt?
>Does this power Motormaster is using feel separate from the corruption we sensed in them earlier, or could it be that this is it - not a deathbringer at all, but a black jewel?
-
>Caught the blade with his hand? Any signs of damage from that stunt?
>Does this power Motormaster is using feel separate from the corruption we sensed in them earlier, or could it be that this is it - not a deathbringer at all, but a black jewel?
>Yes, actually. There is a bit of blood dripping down from his gloved hand, so he's not completely sword-proof. Just very sword-resistant.
>No, it's definately not a Black Jewel, you'd sense the similarity between it and Breakdown's Jewels. For Motormaster to claim they were wearing a Black Jewel, that could mean they were lying about it for some reason, or that they truly believe they ARE wielding a Black Jewel. That could be how this splinter has concealed itself, by masquerading as another kind of evil power. Or Motormaster could simply be either delusional or insane.
-
>"Fight, men! They are not invincible!"
>If Reisen looks like she's going to careen into something solid before stopping or gaining control of herself, and we can reach her with it in time to stop this, try to catch her with a Sapphire Lotus and cushion/redirect her fall.
>Barring that (or after that, if time permits), hit Motormaster with a Violet Lotus
-
>"Fight, men! They are not invincible!"
>If Reisen looks like she's going to careen into something solid before stopping or gaining control of herself, and we can reach her with it in time to stop this, try to catch her with a Sapphire Lotus and cushion/redirect her fall.
>Barring that (or after that, if time permits), hit Motormaster with a Violet Lotus
>Your viking flunkies roar their battle cries and charge onward!
>The runaway rabbit is currently headed in the general direction of the tree Hatate and her big-breasted tengu friend were hiding in. For a number of reasons, you don't want Reisen anywhere near that area, so you put your Violet light on hold for the moment to fire off your Sapphire light in the shape of a lasso, encircling Reisen and bringing her to a much less sudden stop than she might have managed otherwise.
>"White Rose Guarding Ring!" Rin screams as you sense a burst of energy come from Motormaster. Your kasha's protective wheel absorbs the ugly black energy and then sinks to the ground where she flung it, leaving a faint white ring on the ground.
-
>Okay, now go for the Violet Lotus
-
>Okay, now go for the Violet Lotus
>Releasing Reisen, you point your scepter back at Motormaster and blast at him with your Violet light. The biker spins his chain in front of his body like a shield, halting your beam before it can reach his body.
>Kiku, having circled around you and Rin, bounds towards Motormaster, hoping to take advantage of his distraction and catch him on his right flank. But the biker refuses to be fooled, and he holds his left hand, palm up, across his body and manifests another chain, two of them, from his palm. These black and purple chains fly out and entangle Kiku's neck and legs, bringing her to the ground with a crash. "I killed a lion before." the biker crows. "You think a tiger scares me? NOTHING scares me!"
-
>Try hitting those chains he just manifested with an Amber Lotus
-
>Try hitting those chains he just manifested with an Amber Lotus
>You hear Reisen shift into her Caster spectrum as you unleash your Amber light upon Motormaster. The big biker swings his silver chain and intercepts your beam once again. This time, though, things don't go as he'd planned. The silver chain in his right hand flies out of his grip in a burst of amber energy, and the chains holding Kiku dissolve into thin air. Motormaster starts to say something, but the Fire Bolt spell Reisen casts cuts the biker off when it strikes him in the head. The fiery projectile splashes off of Motormaster's helmet, which glows a dull blue in response, and while the biker reels to the side, the spell does not take him from his feet.
>"Why you runt!" the black-clad biker screams, shaking their fist at Reisen. Motormaster flexes his arms and surrounds his body with a field of thick, intense grey energy, the power aura taking the shape of what can only be described as wheels under his feet. The biker barrels forward on those wheels, heading towards Reisen.
-
>If our Amber Lotus could dispel the previous projections, maybe it can work on this one, too. Hit Motormaster again!
-
>If our Amber Lotus could dispel the previous projections, maybe it can work on this one, too. Hit Motormaster again!
>This time, your Amber light strikes Motormaster directly, despite his great rate of speed. Unlike with his chains, though, this time your light doesn't seem to have any noticable effect on the biker. Rin sends out another burst of flame, but this shot has no more effect than yours did. "Nothing stops Motormaster!" the biker leader roars in defiance of your attacks.
>Seeing your attacks fail to penetrate Motormaster's kinetic field, Reisen changes spectrums once again, this time changing to Glider. She launches herself into the air, but Motormaster has closed the gap more quickly than Poppy had anticipated. "Where do ya think you're goin?" he sneers. The biker jumps up with his arm outstretched, catching Poppy by the ankle before she can make her escape. When Motormaster lands, he bodily slams Poppy into the ground.
>Rin calls in one of her flying discs and mounts it, charging after Motormaster. Lily, her leaf shield active, flies in that way as well.
-
>Okay, switch back to Violet Lotus again
-
>Okay, switch back to Violet Lotus again
>Motormaster raises his foot, clearly about to bring it down on Poppy's back. But rabbit's reflexes save her from that painful fate, and rolls to the side with little room to spare. Motormaster growls and starts to correct his aim when your Violet light strikes him in the shoulder. The beam makes him flinch backwards, giving Reisen time enough to get back to her feet and put some distance between her and the biker.
>"I feel a tingle." Motormaster growls out. "Is this supposed to hurt?"
-
>I'm going to need you all to strike with me.
>Let's go for a Violet Lotus combination attack with everyone that's available, and see if he can feel this one.
-
>I'm going to need you all to strike with me.
>Let's go for a Violet Lotus combination attack with everyone that's available, and see if he can feel this one.
>Rin flicks a bit of fire over at Lily, charging her shield with elemental fire. Lily hurls her charged forward as Rin casts her White Retainer's Flame, coinciding with your launching of Violet Light. Motormaster makes no motion to even try to dodge the three-fold blast of energy, which strikes the biker in the center of his chest. Your Violet light blows the biker off his feet.
>That is still an impressive trick. Kiku remarks as she pads up to stand next to you.
>Motormaster leans up from his now prone position, their purple visor glowing with power. Black smoke boils out from the corners of the plexiglass.
-
>Does he seem weakened at all, aside from being off his feet? Like, do we feel this is getting through to the corruption inside him?
-
>Does he seem weakened at all, aside from being off his feet? Like, do we feel this is getting through to the corruption inside him?
>Difficult to say. The corrpution within Motormaster doesn't seem to have lessened any, but there does seem to be movement within the biker's body.
>"No...." he hisses. His voice has changed. It's higher pitched now, and slightly distorted, almost seeming to echo itself. "Your power, it threatens us. How can you do this?"
-
>"We are the light to your darkness."
-
>"We are the light to your darkness."
>The prone biker does not climb back to his feet. He levitates up from his prone position. "We have killed those who knew the truth of us before. And in the presence of us, even light can die."
-
>"Perhaps. But not this time."
>Gather power and brace ourselves
-
>"Perhaps. But not this time."
>Gather power and brace ourselves
>The biker's leather clothes crackle and shift, visibly stiffening into something resembling into black wood.
>As before, Reisen is the first one to charge at Motormaster, once again in her Saber spectrum. That's her fourth change in a very short space of time. You have to wonder if that might start to take a toll on her body. If it is, though, it doesn't show right now, as the rabbit's charge is not a drop slower than her first one.
>Motormaster doesn't meet her sword with his hand this time. As Reisen draws near, the biker manifests another weapon from his wounded hand, this time a massive two-handed sword that dwarfs Poppys' Saber Blade. The two weapons meet with a wildly different sound from each one. Poppy's sword rings like struck steel, but Motormaster's long silver sword emits a dense *thunk*, like someone had struck a block of wood rather than a metal weapon.
-
>Wood burns
>Hit them with a Vermillion Lotus.
-
>Wood burns
>Hit them with a Vermillion Lotus.
>Applying simple logic to the biker's choice of apparent choice in armor, you aim your fiery light at Motormaster, still jousting with Poppy. It's hard to tell which one of them has the edge in skill, but Motormaster definitely has the edge in strength. Parrying a crosswise slash from Poppy, the biker thrusts her sword back, forcing Reisen off balance long enough for the biker to catch the rabbit in the stomach with another one of his powerful kicks. This time Poppy doesn't fly backwards, but she does stagger, folded over and holding her gut.
>With some distance between him and Poppy, Motormaster turns his attention to your attack. Given his reaction time displayed so far, he does have enough time to get his sword in the way of the beam, but he doesn't even try to raise his weapon. He simply takes your shot in the solar plexus and his armor immediately catches fire. And Motormaster laughs as he burns, a greasy pall of sick-looking smoke rising from his burning body, vile-looking black ash being thrown out from the flames. You know you did at least some damage to the biker, but something about that smoke and those ashes gives you a very bad feeling.
>Lily and Rin, who had been flying in towards Motormaster, instantly change course and bank away from that smoke. "It's poison!" Lily cries out, pressing her hand over her mouth and nose. "Poison!"
>"The air withers at our touch." Motormaster intones in that echoing midnight voice. "We poison the clouds and split the sky." The big biker raises his silver sword over his head, lightning dancing on the blade. Motormaster swings his sword, and a circular ring of electricity blasts out from him.
-
>Let's get to the air quickly and get over that lightning ring. Shield ourselves if we don't think we'll be able to make it in time
>Then see if a Violet Lotus at the cloud of poison itself can purify it
-
>Let's get to the air quickly and get over that lightning ring. Shield ourselves if we don't think we'll be able to make it in time
>Then see if a Violet Lotus at the cloud of poison itself can purify it
>The lightning ring doesn't leave you a great deal of time to mount your blue flying disc and get into the air, only just enough. Your feet tingle as the electricity misses you by but a few inches. Kiku, who had been flanking you, takes the lower road, flattening herself out and letting the lightning pass over her, making an awful lot of hair stand on end.
>You return fire with Violet Light, targeting the toxic cloud billowing out from the flaming biker. The purple light suffuses the cloud and dissipates it into clean, harmless air. And is has a bonus effect as well, as your light travels down through the cloud and strikes Motormaster, making the biker visibly flinch. The flames on the biker's body, however, do not go out, and poisonous smoke begins to waft up from the flames again as your light passes.
>You hear Rin start to encant her flame attack, but Kiku announces, Rin, no! You'll just make the flames on his body stronger.
>I got this. Reisen says in your minds as she says aloud, "Saber: Water Brand!"
>As Poppy's blade starts to glow a liquid blue, Motormaster collects himself. "Shadows..." the biker mutters, before blasting out at you with a jagged beam of black energy. The blast strikes you in the stomach and knocks you off of your disc, down to the ground. But you note as you fall that the beam jumps from you in a chain, down to the ground to strike Kiku on her back.
-
>Damage assessment, both us and anyone else affected
>If we're at least alright and don't see any other issues that need immediate attention, return fire with a Scarlet Lotus
-
>Damage assessment, both us and anyone else affected
>If we're at least alright and don't see any other issues that need immediate attention, return fire with a Scarlet Lotus
>If this were an RPG, that blast would have taken off a noticable chunk of your hit points. Your stomach and hips are wracked with pain, as is your upper back from the fall to the ground. Not enough snow to provide adequate cover. In truth, you'd much prefer to lie here for a minute until the aching goes away, but nothing is broken or rendered immobile, so you haul yourself back to a leaning up position. Kiku appears to be in much the same position as you, though she seems to be shaking off the effects a bit more quickly than you. Either the blast was weaker when it hit her, or the fact that she didn't fall to the ground meant she took less damage than you. In fact, she's already back to her feet.
>With you and Kiku dealt with, Motormaster turns their attention to their two airborne enemies. The biker raises his sword again and a pair of lightning beams lash out at Lily and Rin. The electric beam strikes Lily's leaf shield, but instead of charging the shield like attacks normally do, the attack makes Lily's shield explode, and the blonde is knocked from the sky by the force of the impact. White Rose fares no better. She kicks up her flying disc to block the attack, but this offers her even less protection than Lily had, the disc shattering like glass, allowing some of the lightning to penetrate to strike White Rose. Sparks dance over her torso as she falls to the ground.
>Poppy, the only one standing, charges as Motormaster attacks the other two, pointing her sword at the biker and firing a power beam from her sword. Unlike the last time she used that beam, this one appears charged with the watery element of her sword, and the beam strikes Motormaster in his chest, driving him back a step and extinguishing the flames that had been producing that toxic smoke and poisonous embers. But the biker's body reacts to the watery power in a similar manner to the flames you hit him with, and blackish-purple ooze starts to seep from Motormaster's body, coating his limbs and torso like a sickly second skin.
>Poppy doesn't arrest her charge when she sees this, but she does snap her sword out to the side, dismissing the watery enchantment upon it. "We choke the rivers and spoil the streams." the corrupt biker hisses, hurling a blob of toxic slime at Reisen. But his distraction allows you an opportunity, and you make the most of it by unleashing your Scarlet light upon Motormaster. The biker snarls as he eats your red and white bursts of power, and rather than dodging or blocking, he decides to return fire. Motormaster's sword flashes, and a stream of U-shaped electric waves slash out from his sword, at various orientations, stream in towards you.
-
>Scramble out of the way, throwing up a barrier if needed
>Can we gauge whether Crimson or Violet Lotus seemed to phase it more?
-
>Can we gauge whether Crimson or Violet Lotus seemed to phase it more?
>Difficult to say. Motormaster's physical reaction was stronger to your Violet light than Scarlet despite the fact that it wasn't aimed directly at him. On the other hand, the first time you hit him with your Violet light, it didn't seem to affect him at all until you supercharged it with Rin and Lily, which makes you think Scarlet might be the better option. At this point, it's something of a toss-up.
>Scramble out of the way, throwing up a barrier if needed
>In your prone position, your evasive ability is somewhat compromised, so you throw up a basic blue light shield as you roll out of the way at the best speed you can. Your shield only manages to block one of those blades before shattering, but that's not so bad, as that one was one of the two that had the best chance of hitting you. The other one, the fourth blade, manages to catch you on your left arm before you can get completely out of its way. The lightning cutter slashes through the flesh of your forearm, leaving the skin around the wound numbed while the wound itself screams.
-
>We can scream later. We need to get ourselves back on our feet.
>Let's try to move towards where Rin is and toss out another Scarlet Lotus as we move - even distracting fire is useful
>We need to coordinate our attacks
-
>We can scream later. We need to get ourselves back on our feet.
>As you pull yourself back to your feet, you hear the sound of weapons clashing again. Reisen has gotten close to Motormaster again, and has locked swords with him again. "We feel we know you." the biker says in that echoing voice of theirs. "You seem to be a Lunar Rabbit, and there is but one in this city. But you are not that one. Are you?"
>"You think I'd tell you if I was?" Poppy spits, then agilely sidesteps Motormaster's downward stroke and aims a slash of her own at the biker's ribs. Poppy's blade strikes Motormaster's body and penetrates the layer of ooze but fails to get through the armor Motormaster's leather has become. Even so, you see after she pulls her sword free that Reisen's blade still draws blood from the biker, a faint cut and a trickle of blood the only sign of a slash that, had her opponent been an ordinary human, would have cut them nearly in two.
>Let's try to move towards where Rin is and toss out another Scarlet Lotus as we move - even distracting fire is useful
>We need to coordinate our attacks
>Seeing Rin still struggling to get back to her feet, you make for her as quick as you can. Both you and Kiku seem to have the same idea about distracting the biker, as she roars and charges Motormaster as you fire off your Scarlet light once again. Your shot catches Motormaster in his unwounded side and makes him flinch, not much, but enough to give Poppy a chance to evade his slash and launch a counterstrike. Having learned that she can't cut through Motormaster's skin right now, she thrusts her sword forward at the biker's helmeted head. Motormaster jerks his head to the side, and Poppy's blade cuts through the helmet on the right side of his head. As the biker reels back, Kiku pounces, not directly at Motormaster, but over the biker's shoulder, avoiding contact with his poisonous second skin. As she does, she takes a swipe at his head as well, cutting into his helmet on the left side. Blood flies from both wounds.
>Like that? Rin asks groggily as she starts to pull herself up as you pull up above her. But the success of those strikes is short lived as Kiku screams. The claws she cut Motormaster with are smoking.
>"Is every part of you poisoned?" Reisen snarls as she enchants her blade again, this time with the Earth Brand.
>Her swing fails to connect, though, as Motormaster intercepts her strike and lashes out at her with his free hand, striking her across her armored chest with his fist. "No mere poison." the biker intones as Reisen goes flying back from him. "We are death given flesh."
-
>Let's try to dowse the poison on Kiku's claws with a little Violet Lotus, if they're still smoking
>Do we think we could join our powers with Reisen so as to enchant her blade with our Violet light in a similar way to her other brands? At least for a short while? That armor of Motormaster's seemed to like that rather less than anything else she's thrown at it
-
>Let's try to dowse the poison on Kiku's claws with a little Violet Lotus, if they're still smoking
>Do we think we could join our powers with Reisen so as to enchant her blade with our Violet light in a similar way to her other brands? At least for a short while? That armor of Motormaster's seemed to like that rather less than anything else she's thrown at it
>Motormaster is currently standing between you and Kiku.
>You believe so, yes. In fact, you might just be able to empower her sword with almost any of your Lights. But you'd either need to be standing next to Reisen, which you believe would have a longer duration, or have a clear shot at her sword, which might not be doable while she's in melee. Though as she is not, at present, in close with Motormaster, the option is available to you.
-
>Reisen, hold up your sword!
>Take hold of Rin's hand and, twining our powers together like earlier, let's light up Reisen sword with Violet light.
-
>Reisen, hold up your sword!
>Take hold of Rin's hand and, twining our powers together like earlier, let's light up Reisen sword with Violet light.
>Reisen hesitates for only a moment, before raising her sword over her head. "We'll see about that."
>Rin joins your power with yours, and you send your enhanced Violet to Reisen's sword. Rather than simply enchant her blade, though, your power leaps up the length of her sword, overriding her earth brand, and extends fully six feet, more than doubling the length of the weapon with your power.
>Unfortunately for you, Motormaster returns your beam with one of his own, and a massive column of lightning blasts from his sword at you and White Rose. Rin manages to put herself between you and the blast but neither one of you has the time to evade the massive lightning beam.
>The next thing you know, you're lying on the ground again, with someone lying on top of you. There's smoke rising from both of your bodies, and you can smell the odor of burnt flesh. That shot must have made you black out momentarily. Someone is crouching near you, calling you name. You think it's Lily, but it's hard to be sure. There's a dreadful ringing in your ears.
-
>Try to pull ourselves back together
-
>Try to pull ourselves back together
>Easier said than done. The pain wracking your body is incredible. You can feel you've been burned on your arms, shoulders and legs. If Rin hadn't taken-
>Oh, gods, Rin! That thought snaps your mind back to reality faster than a splash of cold water. The kasha is lying unconscious on top of you, face-down, and you're certain the burns on her body are even worse than yours.
>"Not so fast." Lily advises, her concerned voice only somewhat managing to pierce the ringing in your ears. "That was a bad hit you took."
-
>How is the battle going? Can we tell?
-
>How is the battle going? Can we tell?
>Reluctantly taking your eyes off Rin, you turn your attention back towards Motormaster and your comrades. You're in bad shape, but Motormaster is even even worse shape. The sight that meets your eyes when you look upon the biker is a gruesome one, as his entire left arm and a decent chunk of the left side of his torso is lying on the ground, having been cut away from his body. And yet, despite this, Motormaster is somehow still on his feet.
>Reisen and Kiku standing in front of and behind him respectively. Kiku has resumed her human form, and while her left hand shows what you'd describe as acid burns, but she and Reisen are in no worse shape than you left them. You can't have been out that long. If you had to guess, Reisen took advantage of Motormaster turning his power on you to attack with that Violet blade of her. Obviously it had serious impact.
-
>Still, we can't let them do this alone
>Do we think we could use our power to heal our wounds more actively?
>If not, just try to at least get back to our feet. Be very, very gentle with our poor Rin....
-
>Do we think we could use our power to heal our wounds more actively?
>While you have demonstrated the ability to heal in some forms before, it usually takes the form of removing corruption or reversing damage that is 'pure evil' type damage, for want of a better word, or some of the effects the Champions have demonstrated. This current damage came from raw electricity, and while its user was most definately evil, the lightning itself was not.
>But you do have an idea. You might not be able to heal yourself, but there might be something you can do for Rin. There's risk involved, but the thought is there, and you are certain it would work.
>Your power, like your heart, is selfless by nature. And the physical and emotional connection you share with Rin is uniquely profound. You could use your power to heal her wounds. By donating your energy to Rin, you could reverse the damage inflicted upon her by Motormaster. To use an analogy, it could be considered a kind of magical transfusion. It might work with Lily, and you're less sure about Reisen and Kiku, but it would most certainly work with Rin.
>The problem is the exchange rate. You're not sure how much energy you'd have to use to get her back to full health, but you do know it would be a LOT. You could easily pass out again, and for much longer, if you give too much.
-
>As painful as it is to see her like this, we can't afford to do that while we're all still under threat by something which our power has been the most effective against. We need to end this as soon as we can, so that we can help her.
>Let's try to get back to our feet again.
>Is Reisen's blade still enchanted with our Violet light? Or was that expended in the attack or lost when we lost consciousness?
-
>As painful as it is to see her like this, we can't afford to do that while we're all still under threat by something which our power has been the most effective against. We need to end this as soon as we can, so that we can help her.
>Let's try to get back to our feet again.
>Is Reisen's blade still enchanted with our Violet light? Or was that expended in the attack or lost when we lost consciousness?
>While you have formulated a new ability, present circumstances prevent you from utilizing it comfortably. So you reluctantly decide to, with Lily's help, move Rin gently off you and get back to your feet.
>The enchantment has worn off. Whether it was consumed in the attack (it WAS the shorter duration form you used) or faded when you blacked out is unclear.
>"Your killing days are over." says Reisen to the wounded biker, brandishing her sword before her. "You've gotten away with it for too long."
>You hear Motormaster's breath leave their body in an angry, hurt groan. There's no way they couldn't be hurt, not with everything you've done it them. But the biker is somehow still on his feet, and more worryingly, the wound in his torso is not bleeding. In fact, you can't see internal organs or veins at all. Just a blank black mass of something that might be flesh or it might be goo. "We have endured death. We have endured imprisonment. We have endured birth. We have endured life. We have endured killers. We have endured heroes. And we will endure you." The black mass bubbles like boiling water and expands, filling in the parts of the torso that Reisen had cut off, as well as growing a new limb.
>But there's something odd about that new growth, beyond the demonstration of the growth itself. The new growth is nearly devoid of the corruption of the splinter. It resembles nothing more than inert matter, with barely any trace of the black thorny lines you've come to associate with the splinter. It is almost as though Reisen's Violet blade didn't just cut away Motormaster's body parts, she cut away their corruption, at least a part of it.
-
>Inert matter? Does it not look human, then?
>Have we got another enchantment in us, since that last one certainly seemed to leave a dent in it
-
>Inert matter? Does it not look human, then?
>Have we got another enchantment in us, since that last one certainly seemed to leave a dent in it
>Not beneath the surface.
>Maybe in a moment or two. Reisen and Kiku both seem to have the situation in hand, at least for now. There doesn't seem to be an immediate need for you to jump back into the fray. Unless something changes, you should take the opportunity to get your wind back.
-
>Then let's try to get our wind back
-
>Then let's try to get our wind back
>"You sure you're okay?" Lily asks worriedly as you pull your fangs back in, leaving Motormaster to your comrades for a moment.
-
>"I can't afford to not be okay."
-
>"I can't afford to not be okay."
>Gently, Lily slips her hand into yours. "I figured you'd say that." she says with a smile. "But take your time. I'll keep you and Rin safe."
>"Endure THIS. Saber: Frost Brand!" Poppy enchants her sword again, pale white energy surrounding her blade, but Motormaster responds before she can take more than a step forward. The biker's visor flashes and a beam of purple energy blasts out at Poppy. The rabbit manages to get her sword up in line with the beam just in time, but the force of the blast stops Poppy dead in her tracks and spins her backwards.
>Chrysanthemum strikes as Motormaster has his attention on Reisen, invoking and launching a silver spear at the biker, which impales Motormaster like a skewer. The biker lurches forward but still stays on his feet, and turns Kiku's attack back on her. The spear stuck through Motormaster corrodes and splinters, and bursts of metallic flak fly from Motormasters' torso at Reisen and Kiku. The tiger manages another casting, erecting a wall of iron in front of her to block the splinters, though not by much as they barely stop before penetrating the wall entirely. Reisen doesn't escape quick as unscathed. She dives and rolls to her left but some of the flak catches her on her calf and foot.
>She comes up on one knee and points her sword at Motormaster and unleashes a blast of icy energy, not at Motormaster's body this time but at his head. And this time the biker simply ducks beneath it rather than take the hit and absorb the element. His visor flashes again and unleashes another blast of energy, this one catching the rabbit on her right breast and throws her to the ground.
-
>When we've joined power with our allies, the result has been more than simply the sum of those powers. Lily is still relatively intact, right? Could we sort of proverbially lean on her energy without simply taking the same amount from her? To sort of shoulder our burdens together with strength greater than either of us alone (particularly our poor battered self)?
>Barring that, can we at least fire a Violet Lotus at some blind spot in Motormaster's position, aimed for the part of him still obviously corrupted?
-
>When we've joined power with our allies, the result has been more than simply the sum of those powers. Lily is still relatively intact, right? Could we sort of proverbially lean on her energy without simply taking the same amount from her? To sort of shoulder our burdens together with strength greater than either of us alone (particularly our poor battered self)?
>Barring that, can we at least fire a Violet Lotus at some blind spot in Motormaster's position, aimed for the part of him still obviously corrupted?
>Clarification request. Did you wish do to this in the context of transfusing healing energy into Rin?
>A blind spot, no, not from your current position. Motormaster would have to turn to face Kiku for you to be sure you were out of his line of sight.
-
>Clarification request. Did you wish do to this in the context of transfusing healing energy into Rin?
>Not necessarily. Even just bolstering our collective selves until the threat can be neutralized and we can tend to her wounds properly.
-
>Not necessarily. Even just bolstering our collective selves until the threat can be neutralized and we can tend to her wounds properly.
>That may actually be possible. Though you'd have to stay pretty close to Lily to get meaningful results, perhaps even in direct contact with her.
-
>Let's explain that to her and give it a try
-
>Let's explain that to her and give it a try
>It takes you a couple attempts to explain just what you have in mind to Lily. She isn't stupid, but you are trying to explain a somewhat complicated idea, and she is a bit on the simply side. In the time it takes Lily to grock onto your idea, Motormaster has turned to deal with Kiku, and the tiger rewards this new attention by turning her iron wall into a mobile battering ram, sending the thing shooting forward across the ground towards the biker. Motormaster deals with this unconventional projectile by delivering a powerful kick to the wall, shattering the solid metal barrier like a piece of old wood. But Kiku appears to have expected that, and unleashes her Metal Nails, the metallic energy carving into Motormaster's torso, sending the biker staggering backwards. As he does, though, the leather-wood armor of his body shifts again, acquiring metallic properties, albeit rusty and dirty metal.
>Lily takes your hand in hers, and for good measure, she lays her left wing sportively across your back. That feels nice, those wings of hers. Sort of alleviates some of the pain in your back and upper arms.
>It's only now, standing like this with Lily, that you realize that your ring is resonating.
-
>Resonating how? In the way we were planning it to?
-
>Resonating how? In the way we were planning it to?
>In the way that it resonated with other people capable of wearing one of your rings.
-
>So not to Lily?
>If not, could it be Hatate again? Is she even close enough, or is anyone else nearby?
-
>So not to Lily?
>If not, could it be Hatate again? Is she even close enough, or is anyone else nearby?
>No. Your body and spirit are responding to Lily, in a couple of positive ways, but your ring isn't.
>You think it has to be Hatate. The sensation now is very much the same as when it responded to her before, except it's much stronger this time. You can't see her, or her tengu friend, but she has to be somewhere nearby for your ring to be reacting to her.
-
>Hopefully that doesn't mean she's getting herself even more into the line of fire....
>Are we actually doing whatever it was we were going to do with Lily, or did we just get distracted? If not, let's get on with it. Have to get back into the fray!
-
>Hopefully that doesn't mean she's getting herself even more into the line of fire....
>Are we actually doing whatever it was we were going to do with Lily, or did we just get distracted? If not, let's get on with it. Have to get back into the fray!
>The help might be nice, but you'd far prefer that no one else get any more involved than necessary.
>You have been, and are. And you feel better. Far from perfect, but there is improvement.
-
>Thank you, Lily.
>Let's give Motormaster a moment to see if he does turn towards Kiku and give us a blind spot to fire a Violet Lotus from. (We can try slowly shifting in that direction, too)
>But if he follows up on Reisen before the rabbit can defend herself, or turns toward us, fire that Violet Lotus immediately
-
>Thank you, Lily.
>Let's give Motormaster a moment to see if he does turn towards Kiku and give us a blind spot to fire a Violet Lotus from. (We can try slowly shifting in that direction, too)
>But if he follows up on Reisen before the rabbit can defend herself, or turns toward us, fire that Violet Lotus immediately
>Anytime, boss.
>He is presently facing Kiku. Doing more than that, even, as his right hand flashes forward and sends a beam of electricity forward. Kiku's eyes widen for a moment before the lightning beam strikes her in the gut, sending her to the ground.
>Kiku's misfortune affords you an even better opportunity for you to strike, and you do so in the form of your Violet light. Your beam takes the biker in his right flank and he growls under your assault. "Try all you want, women. The results will not change! We will endure!" Motormaster's hand glows as he spins towards you, and he hurls a glob of poisonous-looking muck in your direction.
>"Spring Lily Leaf Shield!" Lily cries as she flutters before you, activating her shield and intercepting the biker's attack. While her shield does not become charged as it usually does, this time wilting and melting away, it still blocks the attack. "You can keep saying that, but we never quit!"
-
>"Not so long as your corruption endangers others."
>If Reisen is open, let's try enchanting her blade with Violet light again.
>If not, let's give Motormaster another shot - and in general try to aim for the parts of him that still show visible corruption
>For that matter, are the parts that are corrupted and less corrupted visually distinct, or is that just something we're sensing?
-
>For that matter, are the parts that are corrupted and less corrupted visually distinct, or is that just something we're sensing?
>To the naked eye there would be no difference. But you can see beneath the surface, and can see the partition between the mundane flesh and the spread of the splinter.
>"Not so long as your corruption endangers others."
>If Reisen is open, let's try enchanting her blade with Violet light again.
>If not, let's give Motormaster another shot - and in general try to aim for the parts of him that still show visible corruption
>The big biker spares a glance at you, and laughs. "Oh, we will do far more than endanger others." he says in that echoing voice. "Far, far more..." Lightning dances up and down his arms. "We owe you a debt of pain, heroes. You will scream before the end."
>Reisen is open and back on her feet. She appears steady, but she's taken so many hits that she can't be entirely hale and hearty. Still, she seems able to unleash that sword of hers once more, so you give her a quick heads up and fire your Violet light.
>As you create the Violet Brand again, Motormaster snaps his arms out to the side and unleashes his lightning. 10 blades of electricity, each almost a foot wide and over ten feet tall, blast out from the biker in 10 different directions, cutting deep groves in the ground as they travel out.
-
>Are they moving in a straight line? Effectively fanning out?
>Who's in the path of them? All of us? Anywhere we think Hatate and co might be hiding?
>Is there any useful cover nearby?
>For that matter, has physical obstruction proved to block these lightning attacks in past?
-
>Are they moving in a straight line? Effectively fanning out?
>Who's in the path of them? All of us? Anywhere we think Hatate and co might be hiding?
>Is there any useful cover nearby?
>For that matter, has physical obstruction proved to block these lightning attacks in past?
>Yes.
>Each of you is in the line of fire of at least one blade. There's still no sign of Hatate, so you're not sure if she's in danger or not.
>They've already gone through a number of tombstones effortlessly. You're not sure even the thick walls of the crypts will stop them.
>And for that matter, Rin is still down. You don't believe you can move her and get out of the way of the lightning before it gets to you.
-
>Can we launch a Sapphire Lotus at Rin from a distance and pull/push her out of the path of a blade while we're moving out of the way of the one coming towards us as well?
-
>Can we launch a Sapphire Lotus at Rin from a distance and pull/push her out of the path of a blade while we're moving out of the way of the one coming towards us as well?
>You're both being threatened by the same blade, as Rin is virtually directly behind you and Lily.
>But yes, you believe you can pull Rin out of the way like the prettiest anchor in the world. And if that fails, then the Sapphire light should protect her.
-
>Then let's do this
>And make sure to keep contact with Lily
-
>Then let's do this
>And make sure to keep contact with Lily
>After gauging the distance between the blades to make sure you don't dodge directly into another one, you attach your Sapphire anchor chain to White Rose and break to the left, having more room to maneuver that way. But you and Lily aren't in sync in your movement, and neither one of you moves quite as quickly as you might normally. The far edge of thundering blade catches the two of you, not near enough to the front to cut into your flesh, but enough to send more than a few volts coursing through your bodies. Being closer to the blade, Lily gets the worst of it. The blade also connects with the Sapphire tether connecting you to Rin and severs it, but you believe your protective magic kept your lover safe from the attack. You, on the other hand, are left struggling to stay on your feet as at least half the muscles in your body seem to have seized with the electric attack, and many more than that feel like they're on fire.
-
>To Lily: I'm... sorry.
>Let's try to collect ourselves again. If we have to let ourselves slump to the ground in the process, do so.
-
>To Lily: I'm... sorry.
>Let's try to collect ourselves again. If we have to let ourselves slump to the ground in the process, do so.
>The blonde, who took a facedive, trys to sound game. I've... had worse.... She sounds about as convincing as she looks.
>Perhaps taking a knee might not be a bad idea right now. So you do. Heavily.
>"We are unstoppable!" Motormaster roars triumphantly. "You were fools to think you could ever stand against the might of Motormaster! You- ARGH!" The biker's bragging is cut off by an angry, pained scream, and you hear the sound of fire from his direction.
>From behind you, White Rose growls, "Your voice is annoyin'."
-
>She's okay!
>She's okay?
>How's everyone else?
-
>She's okay!
>She's okay?
>How's everyone else?
>Instinctively, you snap your head around to look at Rin. Once the burst of pain passes, you can look past the spots dancing in front of your eyes to examine her. 'Okay' may be something of an exaggeration. She has electrical burns on her face, on her arms, on her legs and on most of the exposed skin of her torso, of which there is more than usual since that lightning cannon damaged her clothing as well. Had she been human, there's no doubt that blast would have killed her. As it is, she may be some time in recovering, but she is at least conscious again.
>"And you talk too much." Reisen rumbles as she charges at Motormaster, seemingly unhurt by those lightning blades. Kiku doesn't seem to have been so lucky. She's on her back a couple of feet from where she was, the broken ruins of metal around her mute testament to her failed effort to block the attack. Though her shield appears to have at least taken some of the edge off Motormaster's attack, as she's already getting back to her feet, slightly scorched in a couple of places and bleeding from her nose, but with plenty of fight still left in her.
-
>Let's try to muster at least a distraction-grade Violet Lotus to complement Reisen's charge. Aim for the corrupted side of Motormaster
-
>Let's try to muster at least a distraction-grade Violet Lotus to complement Reisen's charge. Aim for the corrupted side of Motormaster
>With your eyes compromised as they are, you can't be certain of your aim, but even if you miss, your fire could still keep Motormaster's attention on you. So, as Lily groans and starts to get back to all fours, you raise your scepter and fire a a Violet beam at the enflamed biker. Motormaster takes an angry swipe at your beam, deflecting it off into the air. His other hand starts to glow black, the sign of that shadow-chain attack of his, but Reisen's battle roar makes him turn before he can fire at you. He raises his hand to strike out at Poppy, but too late. The warrior magical girl drives her Violet-branded sword into Motormaster's chest cavity, the point sticking out from Motormaster's back.
>"Unstoppable THIS." Poppy says in a midnight voice, and with a mighty surge of power, she pulls her sword up through Motormaster's body, splitting him nearly in half from sternum to collarbone. The biker groans weakly as his bifurcated body topples backwards to the ground.
-
>Could that... do it?
>Please let that do it
-
>Could that... do it?
>Please let that do it
>The bruised and bloody bunny looms over the cloven body of Motormaster, breathing heavily as she watches the biker's blood ooze out onto the fouled ground around him. "You never looked better." she intones, an epitath to someone that she obviously feared, but loathed all the more. Tearing her eyes away from the fallen Motormaster, she looks over at you. "You three okay?" she calls.
-
>"I'm... still in one piece, at least."
>Don't assume that Motormaster is really dead just because their body is in two pieces. What can we sense of the corruption there? Any activity of any kind?
-
>"I'm... still in one piece, at least."
>Don't assume that Motormaster is really dead just because their body is in two pieces. What can we sense of the corruption there? Any activity of any kind?
>Lily and Rin groan simultaneously. Kiku is a bit more spry, and has returned to her feet. She sniffs the air experimentally, and growls. "Do not relax, Poppy." she warns.
>Technically it's just his upper body that's been cleaved. He's still intact from his stomach down. And you think Kiku may be right. The corruption of the splinter, though reduced, has not been completely eradicated. You don't know if Motormaster's body is still alive, but you have the dreadful feeling that your fight with the splinter of evil is not over yet.
-
>The corruption isn't gone yet. Quickly, everyone. Let's join all our powers into a single blast before it can mobilize itself again - whatever you can muster.
>Let's get the lot of us as together as we need to be, and lead with a Violet Lotus on cue with the rest of them. If we can join all of us together before it can react, maybe that will be enough.
-
>The corruption isn't gone yet. Quickly, everyone. Let's join all our powers into a single blast before it can mobilize itself again - whatever you can muster.
>Let's get the lot of us as together as we need to be, and lead with a Violet Lotus on cue with the rest of them. If we can join all of us together before it can react, maybe that will be enough.
>Calling your two sisters in Light over to you, you hope to finally put away this foul biker in one final shot. And while Chrysanthemum does as you ask right away and starts to hustle over towards you, Poppy hesitates, her grip tightening on her sword. It's like she wants to finish Motormaster herself. But at last she turns, and starts to head towards you.
>But her hesitation proves costly to her. After she turns her back on him, Motormaster's visor flashes, and his purple optic blast strikes Reisen right between the shoulder blades. With a cry, the rabbit falls, and you see the blast has penetrated her back armor. Motormaster starts to levitate back to his feet, his upper body beginning to stitch itself back together and toxic smoke beginning to stream out of his open wounds. "You will not win."
-
>We can't wait for Reisen. All of us that are together now, fire! For all the people that will be jeopardized if we fail. For all the people he has already harmed. For the people we love!
-
>We can't wait for Reisen. All of us that are together now, fire! For all the people that will be jeopardized if we fail. For all the people he has already harmed. For the people we love!
>Drawing on the will, support and power of Lily, Rin and Kiku, you unleash a truly massive surge of power at the damaged biker. You are tired and hurt, and your friends are tired and hurt. And the more this fight drags on, the greater the odds that someone else will get hurt with all the flying around. This has to end NOW.
>But Motormaster has other ideas. He is strafing to his right, on those wheel-like power energy projections he employed earlier, but this alone will not be enough, and he knows it. Your blast travels over the arm and sword Reisen severed from his earlier. With a wave of his arm, Motormaster makes the severed limb detonate in a cloud of poisonous energy. This blast takes some of the sting off your blast, but it continues on. Motormaster then sends forth a cloud of toxic smoke from his body to form a barrier between him and your Violet light. Again, your blast weakens as it pierces Motormaster's defences, but does not stop. Finally, with a defiant roar, knowing he can't completely outrun your blast, Motormaster raises his hands and calls down the lightning upon himself, enveloping himself in a blinding shell of electricity. This, too, fails to stop your attack, and even though your Violet light doesn't hit him square, even though he defended himself well, he failed to escape the touch of your Violet energy.
>Lily's wings sag. "Did that do it?"
>"It better have..." Rin groans, now back on her feet. Reisen groans as well, trying to get back up.
>And then Kiku swears. "I don't believe it!" she exclaims. Motormaster is STILL standing.
-
>Appraisal of Motormaster's condition
-
>Appraisal of Motormaster's condition
>Visually, he's whole again. Beneath the surface, while it is hard to see the splinter's corruption at this distance, that's partly because there's a whole lot less to see. The splinter survived your attack, but by the looks of it, not by much.
-
>The splinter is nearly gone! We can still end this!
>Even if we don't have much energy left, neither does it. Let's try one last time to excise this corruption once and for all.
-
>The splinter is nearly gone! We can still end this!
>Even if we don't have much energy left, neither does it. Let's try one last time to excise this corruption once and for all.
>Neither Lily nor Rin has the ability to join their powers with you at the moment. They can't fire shots like back to back just now. You can barely manage it yourself. But Kiku is still with you, and you lean on her strength. Literally and figuratively, as the tiger youkai uses one arm to help keep you upright, and the other to help you aim. With her strength fueling yours, you unleash your Violet light one more time.
>But the biker is ready again, and he unleashes a trio of those vertical blades of lightning again. The first blade dissolves upon your violet light, and the second one shatters as well. But when your beam hits the third blade, the two attacks cancel each other explosively, sending up a multihued cloud of steam and superheated air.
>Then the cloud turns black as Motormaster exerts his power upon it, turning it into a mass of poisonous air before the biker sends the cloud roiling forwards towards your entire group.
-
>Do we even have enough juice left in us to purify that cloud like we did the last one?
>If not (or barely so): Can anyone else handle that? I'm almost empty, and I need to land one more shot on Motormaster directly.
>Though if push comes to shove and no one else can handle it, and it gets close to us, find some reverses within ourselves to purify it ourselves. Can't let anyone here be harmed if we have even an ounce left to give.
-
>Do we even have enough juice left in us to purify that cloud like we did the last one?
>If not (or barely so): Can anyone else handle that? I'm almost empty, and I need to land one more shot on Motormaster directly.
>Though if push comes to shove and no one else can handle it, and it gets close to us, find some reverses within ourselves to purify it ourselves. Can't let anyone here be harmed if we have even an ounce left to give.
>"I have this." Kiku says boldly, stepping forward. The tiger youkai produces another ofuda, but instead of hurling it at the cloud or using it to cast a spell, her hurls it into the sky. When it reaches a point over Reisen, Kiku snaps her hands and the ofuda's magic enacts. A soothing rainfall drops down on a broad area around Reisen, and the first thing you notice about this spell is the soothing effect it has on your wounds. It doesn't really heal your injuries per se, but the pain ebbs a bit , your vision clears the rest of the way, and it even feels as though your reservoir of power refreshes a little bit. The releived sighs that escape Lily and Rin tell that they feel the same thing. And the rain also has the effect of dispelling Motormaster's cloud of gas as well, the smoke dissipating into the air. Kiku seems to know Water magic as well.
>But as the cloud fades, Motormaster unleashes another blast of shadowy energy at you, the same shot that chained off you the last time it hit you.
-
>If we get out of the way in time, would that expose anyone else behind us who might be less mobile?
>If so, deploy a Sapphire Lotus in place and suggest Lily to shield with us
>Otherwise, try to get out of the way
-
>If we get out of the way in time, would that expose anyone else behind us who might be less mobile?
>If so, deploy a Sapphire Lotus in place and suggest Lily to shield with us
>Otherwise, try to get out of the way
>There doesn't seem to be anyone directly behind you, unless Hatate's back there. But the beam is tall enough that it's very likely to hit Lily if it doesn't hit you. So as much as you'd prefer to save your energy for offense, right now shielding is the safer option for all parties concerned.
>So you deploy your Sapphire Lotus in front of the two of you, and the broad blue barrier blocks the beam. Mostly. The beam still chains to another target, in this case, Kiku, who had been standing in front of and to the side of the beam and shield. The tiger staggers under the attack, but its weakened chain does not take her off her feet.
>Pressing the attack, the black-clad biker charges forward, rolling on those wheels of his while invoking the lightning, and he surrounds himself with a quartet of massive orbs comprised of pure electricity.
-
>Is Reisen still out for the count?
>Let's get out of the way and try to get airborn
-
>Is Reisen still out for the count?
>Let's get out of the way and try to get airborn
>She's on her feet again. Groggy and a little wobbly, but upright.
>Reeling your Sapphire light back in, you use it to at least try to get some air. Motormaster seems to have other ideas and he sends a slashing wave of poisonous-looking energy at you.
-
>Try to reshape the shield out from us to block this while getting airborne from the charge itself
-
>Try to reshape the shield out from us to block this while getting airborne from the charge itself
>You have to sacrifice a little upward speed to generate a thick enough shield to block Motormaster's attack, but this is a fair trade compared to eating that blast. So you alter your Sapphire light to absorb the power wave headed towards you. All things told, this blast wasn't an especially powerful one. Whether this is due to the hasty nature of the attack or a sign that Motormaster's running low on power, you're not sure.
>If he is running low on energy, he's certainly not running low on strength. The rolling biker delivers a stiff clothesline to the back of Poppy's as he charges past her, the impact putting her in the dirt once again. Chrysanthemum, still off-balance from that chain shadow blast she took, is unable to evade the kick the big biker aims at her. Motormaster's charging boot impacts with Kiku's jaw, sending her spinning through the air, landing stomach-first on a broken tombstone.
>And then there's those lightning orbs, two of which are heading in your direction. They're not especially quick, but they changed course to track you when you got into the air. They must have homing abilities.
-
>If the lightning orbs moved one direction and Motormaster moved another, does that mean we have an open shot at him now?
>And are the orbs moving slow enough that we could take that shot without getting hit by them in the process?
>In which case, do so
-
>If the lightning orbs moved one direction and Motormaster moved another, does that mean we have an open shot at him now?
>And are the orbs moving slow enough that we could take that shot without getting hit by them in the process?
>In which case, do so
>You do.
>Yes. Though not by much. You have time for a quick shot, but not a sustained one.
>Which Light do you wish to employ?
-
>Violet, as per usual
>And make sure to actually get out of the way before we get hit again
-
>Violet, as per usual
>And make sure to actually get out of the way before we get hit again
>Taking advantage of the momentarily-motionless Motormaster, you unleash another burst of Violet light at the big biker. The blast catches him in the right chest and seems to stagger him, but he manages to stay on his feet.
>You then have to turn your attention to the two lightning orbs headed your way. Heading up and away from Motormaster, the orbs chase you still. You hope they have a limited range, otherwise you'll have to either block them or shoot them down, and you're not entirely keen on either option right now. As you go evasive, you see Lily and White Rose, now back on their feet again, join hands and powers.
>"Spring Lily Petal Cyclone!"
>"White Retainers' Guarding Ring!"
>The two women send a spiralling column of flowers petals out at the evil biker, each petal surrounded and connected by an aura of grey-white energy. This attack strikes one of the other two lightning orbs and detonates it in a cloud of electricity. The column then encircles Motormaster in a vertical cylinder of flower petals. "Stone walls and iron bars cannot hold us." Motormaster bellows as he starts to spin his 'wheels', generating a toxic-looking cloud of smoke that the Petal Cyclone contains, for now. "Your succeed at nothing!"
>As Motormaster continues to roar his defiance, his exhaust cloud now concealing him as it fills his prison, the two orbs chasing you flicker and fade out of existance.
-
>How are Reisen and Kiku? Do they look like they'll be back on their feet in the next moment? And are they close enough together to reach at the same time?
>In fact, how close together are all five of us, if we wished to assemble in like... the next two seconds?
-
>How are Reisen and Kiku? Do they look like they'll be back on their feet in the next moment? And are they close enough together to reach at the same time?
>In fact, how close together are all five of us, if we wished to assemble in like... the next two seconds?
>Around thirty feet apart. That kick put some distance between the two of them. Reisen might be, but probably not Kiku. No.
>Not close enough to assemble in that time frame, even if Kiku wasn't sprawled over a tombstone. And the more immediate problem is the last lightning orb, headed towards Reisen.
-
>Throw out a Sapphire Lotus to block the orb heading for Reisen, then hurry over in that direction.
>Everyone, together! Before he breaks free.
-
>Throw out a Sapphire Lotus to block the orb heading for Reisen, then hurry over in that direction.
>Everyone, together! Before he breaks free.
>Not certain that Reisen would be able to defend herself before it's too late, you point your scepter at the rabbit and surround her with your Sapphire light. The lightning orbs detonates against it in a fierce eruption of electrical energy. You're glad you only had to block the one. Any more than that would have been a difficult trick to pull off.
>Reisen is back on her feet by the time you get down to her. The rabbit is not in good shape. The blast Motormaster shot into her back penetrated her armor and blood trails down from the sizable wound. She's also bleeding from her nose and mouth and an ugly welt is starting to come in over her left eye. Yet her expression is as resolute as it was when this throwdown started. Lily and Rin aren't ship-shape or Bristol-fit either but neither one of them complains as they move around either side of Motormaster to rendezvous with you. But they barely manage to get around the big biker before their combined spell fails. The exhaust Motormaster is kicking up dissolves the column of flower petals as though the gas was a powerful acid and begins to spread over the battlefield in all directions.
-
>Everyone as one - let us make this the last shot it takes to end this!
>With our friends at our side and our powers joined together, let us pour all the strength we can still muster into one more Violet Lotus. There has been enough pain and suffering and darkness today. No more!
-
>Everyone as one - let us make this the last shot it takes to end this!
>With our friends at our side and our powers joined together, let us pour all the strength we can still muster into one more Violet Lotus. There has been enough pain and suffering and darkness today. No more!
>Can we do it without Kiku? Lily asks, noting that the tiger is beyond the range of your power-joining ability.
>We have to. White Rose answers as she lays her hand on yours. Her bleeding hand, you note. As if you needed another reason to defeat Motormaster. And so, with Lily, Reisen and Rin by your side, you focus your energies once more and bring forth your Violet light in a several feet-wide cannonblast of power. Your light easily pierces the cloud of poisonous exhaust Motormaster had been emitting, wiping it out in a burst of light, but the corrupted biker isn't entirely out of power himself. He raises his hands, one wrapped in electricity, the other in a polluted-looking swirl of wind, and unleashes his power. A twisting, twisted mix of lightning and toxic air flies forth from his hands, meeting your Violet light in mid-flight, the collision of energies sending sparks of shards of light and dark energy flying over the battlefield.
>"Try all you want!" Motormaster taunts, his evil voice resonating even over the terrific sounds of conflicting energies. "Our power is as older than the stars. We are more powerful than mortality. And we will drink of the pleasures of this world as we stand on your bones!"
>And then you feel Kiku's power invoke, and a basketball sized orb of metallic energy slams into Motormaster's back, exploding into a cloud of sharp flower petal-like shrapnel, and then collapsing in on the biker's body, blasting him with the power of Magical Chrysanthemum. You don't know if Motormaster could have held your attack off forever, but he definitely can't after absorbing the impact of Kiku's spell. His assault of air and lightning falters, and your blast pierces through to wash over Motormaster's body, suffusing him entirely in your purifying Violet light.
>When the light fades, your heart sinks briefly when you see that Motormaster is still on his feet, until you see him waver, hear him emit the faintest of moans, and fall forward to the ground.
-
>Did we... did we do it?
>Please say we did it.
-
>Did we... did we do it?
>Please say we did it.
>He sure looks down for the count.
-
>And can we sense any sign of the corruption left at all?
>If not and it really does seem to be over, let's turn around and give our friends a heart-felt hug. Heaven knows, we've earned it.
-
>And can we sense any sign of the corruption left at all?
>If not and it really does seem to be over, let's turn around and give our friends a heart-felt hug. Heaven knows, we've earned it.
>Not as far as you can see. The biker's prone body shows no outward sign of the malign power you'd been fighting, and if there is anything of that splinter left in Motormaster's body, it must be so small as to be no bigger than a normal splinter. Neither your eyes nor your extra senses give you any further cause to believe that the biker has not been purified completely. It does indeed appear to be over. And none too soon, either.
>White Rose gratefully returns your embrace while Lily does a little victory hop, fanning her wings. "We did it!" she cries victoriously, flashing a V for victory sign before joining you and Rin in a group hug.
>But Poppy does not. The rabbit still looks rather grim and she walks apart from the three of you, over to the fallen biker. Poppy actually jabs Motormaster in the ribs with the tip of her sword, and none too gently. Motormaster doesn't seem to react at all.
-
>Walk over to Reisen and put a gentle hand on her shoulder
>It's over. The corruption is gone now.
>But be just a little ready to intervene on the off chance Reisen is not content with just this
-
>Walk over to Reisen and put a gentle hand on her shoulder
>It's over. The corruption is gone now.
>But be just a little ready to intervene on the off chance Reisen is not content with just this
>"Is that it?" Reisen asks, her voice hoarse and hollow as she stares down at Motormaster. "We just leave him here?"
-
>The Motormaster you knew may have been a hateful, violent person, but with the splinter cleansed from them, that may no longer be true. The change of heart that Satori experienced when we freed her from her corruption was profound, and hers was not nearly so... consuming as Motormaster's. That person who menaced the racing circuit may already be gone.
-
>The Motormaster you knew may have been a hateful, violent person, but with the splinter cleansed from them, that may no longer be true. The change of heart that Satori experienced when we freed her from her corruption was profound, and hers was not nearly so... consuming as Motormaster's. That person who menaced the racing circuit may already be gone.
>Reisen takes a very long breath. The grip on her sword does not relax. "But I still hate him. I'm still... afraid of him."
-
>Let's put our arm around her gently, and assuming she does not protest, hold her in a protective embrace
>"It's okay; we're here for you, whatever happens. Hate can fade in its own time."
-
>Let's put our arm around her gently, and assuming she does not protest, hold her in a protective embrace
>"It's okay; we're here for you, whatever happens. Hate can fade in its own time."
>She does not protest. She doesn't seem able to take her eyes off Motormaster. But the tension in her shoulders does slack a little. Then she looks up and glances back over her shoulder, towards Rin. You suspect the women are having a private word.
>She has a point, Lotus. Kiku says to you. Satori was in a place to answer to those she's wronged. And this biker may have done worse. DO we just leave him here?
-
>I don't really like the idea of leaving him here unattended, no. But I'm not really certain what to do with him otherwise, yet. I'd like a chance to ascertain myself what manner of person he is now before handing him over to the police - if it's anything like it was with Satori, he may be confused, as well. Did you have any suggestions?
-
>I don't really like the idea of leaving him here unattended, no. But I'm not really certain what to do with him otherwise, yet. I'd like a chance to ascertain myself what manner of person he is now before handing him over to the police - if it's anything like it was with Satori, he may be confused, as well. Did you have any suggestions?
>Not one that you'd accept.
-
>I'll hear it out, anyway.
-
>I'll hear it out, anyway.
>In an sincere, even tone, Kiku replies, I would have let Reisen kill him.
-
>No, you're right - I won't accept that. Whatever crimes Motormaster may have committed, if that... vile being had so firm a hold over them as it felt like, then they too are a victim in all this. I won't pass judgement on them without seeing who they are while their mind is wholly their own.
>I appreciate your sincerity, just the same.
-
>No, you're right - I won't accept that. Whatever crimes Motormaster may have committed, if that... vile being had so firm a hold over them as it felt like, then they too are a victim in all this. I won't pass judgement on them without seeing who they are while their mind is wholly their own.
>I appreciate your sincerity, just the same.
>You did ask. Kiku adds wryly, We'll consider it further proof that you're a more forgiving person than I.
>Reisen takes a long breath, tilting her head up to look up at the snowy sky. "Motormaster may have made me miserable, but he's done worse to others. I could judge him now... But maybe that's not my place. Maybe they need to judge him first."
-
>Do we have any idea how the legal code views crimes committed under provable possession or mind control?
>"And in the interim?"
-
>Do we have any idea how the legal code views crimes committed under provable possession or mind control?
>"And in the interim?"
>That's one area of Yamato law you haven't read up on. Assuming it exists at all.
>"In the interim... Is up to you." she says, glancing back down at you. "You're my master."
-
>Do we think we have it in us to make another oubliette at the moment? Assuming this one only needs to be strong enough to hold a presumably-unpowered person for an afternoon or so? Would that make it much easier to form?
>For that matter, now that we have a moment to sit and think, can we piece together that idea for helping Breakdown?
-
>Do we think we have it in us to make another oubliette at the moment? Assuming this one only needs to be strong enough to hold a presumably-unpowered person for an afternoon or so? Would that make it much easier to form?
>Containing Motormaster in their non-powered form would be a far simpler thing than imprisoning and holding the Champions. You could probably manage it yourself, but the better option would be to ask at least one of your friends for assistance. You don't want to drain your tanks too much in one day, especially if one of the Champions decides to make itself obnoxious.
>For that matter, now that we have a moment to sit and think, can we piece together that idea for helping Breakdown?
>Seems like a long time now since you had to deal with Breakdown and that idea slipped away from you. And the presence of Motormaster still hangs over your head, too. You could always just leave him here. With his powers removed the police should be more than capable of handling him. Plus, even with Reisen seemingly mollified for the moment, you'd feel better for you, Reisen and Motormaster himself to get the rabbit away from him. Just in case Reisen's emotions get the better of her.
>But by the same token, you know you can't stay here forever, so if you're going to do something for Breakdown, and perhaps the other members of Motormaster's gang, it's going to have to be now, while you have the opportunity. Assuming anything CAN be done for them. That abyss of power you touched before is a thing you understand even less than you do Makai, but you do know that the connection Breakdown shares with it is something he was born with. That evil is a part of him in the same way his right arm is, despite the harm it may have done to him. That power could very well be a contributing factor to the psychological damage you witnessed in him, but even with all your power, you're not sure you can do anything about that. He was born in darkness, and that's not the sort of thing you can Violet Light away. You want to help him, very much, but to do that might require fundamentally altering his being, but simply shattering that Jewel, shattering his connection to the Abyss, is certain to cause a whole different set of problems. You would need to find an alternative, a way to let him keep that connection-
>Or maybe not. Maybe, just maybe, you could alter that connection, reroute Breakdown's supernatural ties to something that isn't inherently evil, as that abyss seems to be. That could give him a chance to live the rest of his life free of the influence of that abyss. And you think you even know what that might be: The light of sentient emotions. The same power that you and your friends tap into. Lily is fueled by her joy and cheer, Rin by her devotion, loyalty and now love, and Kiku, though driven at her core by fear, has learned how to use her fear positively, as a motivation. That emotion, that light, is a wondrous source of energy, perhaps as deep and profound at that Blackblood Abyss.
>But tying Breakdown into that Light won't be as simple as simply giving him one of your rings. It will require a unique Light of yours, and would be a significant investiture of energy on your part. Especially as his connection to the Abyss is so deep. And the process would be profound, beyond anything you've ever done before. It could change Breakdown and the others in other ways beyond altering their Jewels. All his life has been written by the abyss and his connection to it. In rewriting that connection, you could very well alter him physically and mentally along with it.
>Isn't that good, though? Breakdown has never had a chance to life his own life. Darkness has had a hold on him since he was born. Before he was born, even. You don't know that much about these Jewels; they might always be born with them, finding no relief in the wheel of reincarnation. He was not born innocent. Mayeb never born innocent. The life he's led, the life all Blackbloods lead, is one inherently tainted by that Abyss, that black hole of life, that source of depravity and evil. You would be giving them a chance to be free of that evil, to lead their own lives. If they chose to still do wrong, at least that would be their choice. They'd be free to make that choice, rather than drawn inevitably to it as they all are now.
>But you'll need the others help. At your full power you might be able to do this alone for one of them, perhaps some of them, but probably not all of them, not with Breakdown being as strong as he is. And you are not at your full strength.
-
>Do we think we even have enough power between all of us at this point to do this for them?
-
>Do we think we even have enough power between all of us at this point to do this for them?
>You believe so, yes. But it could depend on how powerful the other five bikers are, if you wish to try this on all of them.
-
>I think the best course of action for now may be to imprison Motormaster in a weaker, more temporary version of the oubliette we used to hold the Champion of Water - just long enough for us to ascertain their temperament and personality, now that the splinter is excised, and then decide the most appropriate way to deal with them.
>As for the other bikers....
>Let's relate our plan to the others
-
>I think the best course of action for now may be to imprison Motormaster in a weaker, more temporary version of the oubliette we used to hold the Champion of Water - just long enough for us to ascertain their temperament and personality, now that the splinter is excised, and then decide the most appropriate way to deal with them.
>How would this one look? Lily asks. Like, we made a park for Louise.
>As for the other bikers....
>Let's relate our plan to the others
>Impossible. Reisen says after you finish explaining. You can't do that with the Jewels.
>Healing a youma was impossible too. Rin replies. Until Byakuren did it lots.
>Reisen frowns. Maybe. But I still have my doubts. I mean... Are you sure you can pull this off? You could end up pouring all your energy into the abyss and getting nothing for it.
-
>I very much think it is possible. I know it may sound like reaching, but... I want to try. It seems like such a terrible fate to be born tethered to such a place, damned to never be able to rise above it. What kind of people might they have been, if they had only been born free of it?
>And I don't think we need to make anything as large as a whole park for Motormaster. I mean to check on them before too long; a comfortable room might even suffice.
-
>I very much think it is possible. I know it may sound like reaching, but... I want to try. It seems like such a terrible fate to be born tethered to such a place, damned to never be able to rise above it. What kind of people might they have been, if they had only been born free of it?
>And I don't think we need to make anything as large as a whole park for Motormaster. I mean to check on them before too long; a comfortable room might even suffice.
>I don't think I like this, Byakuren. Reisen says with a slight shake of her head. It's too great a risk. That abyssal energy might backlash on you. You could be risking your life.
>She may be right. Kiku agrees carefully. The Blood's magic is potent. You would be exposing yourself, and the rest of us, to great risk, for the sake of criminals.
>But that's what she does. Lily says with a smile. Byakuren fixes people. I'll give it a shot
>If you need me, you know I'll help. Rin says, though she doesn't sound entirely enthusiastic. If you're sure about this.
-
>Do we feel we could do this in a way that would at least allow us to break off quickly if things start to go wrong?
>If so, reassure them of this
-
>Do we feel we could do this in a way that would at least allow us to break off quickly if things start to go wrong?
>If so, reassure them of this
>You think you... MAY be able to. You're fairly confidant, but you'd be lying if you said you were 100% confidant of that. At least at this point.
-
>I think I can cut things short before anything goes wrong, if it does go wrong. But you're right that this is unexplored territory and I cannot fully promise the outcome, so I won't pressure anyone who doesn't feel comfortable with the idea. But I do want to try; we may not get so convenient an opportunity again.
-
>I think I can cut things short before anything goes wrong, if it does go wrong. But you're right that this is unexplored territory and I cannot fully promise the outcome, so I won't pressure anyone who doesn't feel comfortable with the idea. But I do want to try; we may not get so convenient an opportunity again.
>Rin and Lily exchange a quick look then nod in unison. We're in. Then Rin glances at Kiku. You?
>The tiger pauses. You haven't been sure which way she'd vote. She can be downright cold sometimes. But to your slight surprise, she nods once. I will help. If this works, we eliminate six Blackblood Jewels in one fell swoop. I won't object to a nonlethal way of doing that.
>I still say it would be better to break them and leave them to the authorities. says Reisen. And safer, too, for everyone. For all you know, Byakuren, they could turn out to be worse than they are now.
-
>I don't believe so. And saving people from darkness is what this power of ours is for - even if that darkness is one they were born in. I think everyone deserves the chance to lead a better life - even those who have done harm to others in the past. I am willing to take that risk if it can give them that chance.
>Besides, I think we'll be fine. I wouldn't suggest this if I felt the odds were against us - I value you all too much for that.
-
>I don't believe so. And saving people from darkness is what this power of ours is for - even if that darkness is one they were born in. I think everyone deserves the chance to lead a better life - even those who have done harm to others in the past. I am willing to take that risk if it can give them that chance.
>Besides, I think we'll be fine. I wouldn't suggest this if I felt the odds were against us - I value you all too much for that.
>So does that mean you were planning on trying this on him, too? Reisen asks, pointing her sword at Motormaster.
-
>But Motormaster isn't a jewel user, as far as we know, is he?
>If so: Despite what Motormaster himself seemed to believe, I don't think he's a Blackblood. The power he wielded felt very different than Breakdown's to me, and seemed to stem from the corruption we have already excised.
-
>But Motormaster isn't a jewel user, as far as we know, is he?
>If so: Despite what Motormaster himself seemed to believe, I don't think he's a Blackblood. The power he wielded felt very different than Breakdown's to me, and seemed to stem from the corruption we have already excised.
>Correct. He claimed to wear a Black Jewel, but either he was lying for some reason or he was delusional.
>Reisen grunts but still looks unconvinced. Kiku suggests, If you are uncertain about this course, Poppy, perhaps you should stay above ground and keep watch for us. To make sure we are not disturbed.
>That's probably not a bad idea. Reisen agrees. Unless... You think you'll need me? she asks you.
-
>Do we think we have enough power without her? Or at least enough to give it a try?
>If so: I think the four of us can manage, and I don't want to press you into something you're doubtful about. But first, I think we should confine Motormaster safely away from here.
>Let's combine our power with the others and make a quick and miniature oubliette to put Motormaster in. Just something stable enough to last perhaps a day, against no significant power. Making it look like a simple, yet modestly comfortable room, should be sufficient.
-
>Do we think we have enough power without her? Or at least enough to give it a try?
>If so: I think the four of us can manage, and I don't want to press you into something you're doubtful about. But first, I think we should confine Motormaster safely away from here.
>Let's combine our power with the others and make a quick and miniature oubliette to put Motormaster in. Just something stable enough to last perhaps a day, against no significant power. Making it look like a simple, yet modestly comfortable room, should be sufficient.
>You think so, but it depends on how strong the other five are. If they all wear powerful Jewels, you might need Reisen to purify them all. But it won't work with her if she's not convinced it will, you're sure of that. She'd have to want it to work as much as you and the others do.
>Agreed. replies Reisen, on board with that idea at least.
>Even though you don't need near as much power to hold Motormaster, you'll still need a keystone to access their cell later. Needing something personal, something related to the biker, you search his prone body for a moment and come up with the key to his motorcycle. Reisen assures you that that'll do the job. And with that in hand, the five of you share a bit of energy between yourselves and cast one last spell at the prone biker: "Magical Rainbow Oubliette." The shimmering sphere of magical light fades into being around Motormaster's body and removes the biker from the physical plane, shunting him into your pocket prison.
>"Never thought we'd be using that on a human." Kiku mutters once the spell fades.
-
>"It is convenient in situations like this."
>Now, let's take care of the others.
>Descend into the crypt!
-
>"It is convenient in situations like this."
>Now, let's take care of the others.
>Descend into the crypt!
>Only now does Reisen put her sword away. She has a fairly satisfied look on her face. She turns with the rest of you and heads back towards the crypt. It too, like a lot of other real estate in this place, has suffered some damage. One of the two statues has been completely destroyed, and the roof of the crypt shows some charring. And there's another complication standing at the top of the stairs: Hatate.
>You know, now that we've beaten Motormaster, I'm wondering. Reisen remarks. Can I have his bike?
-
>I think we should leave that until we see what will become of Motormaster himself.
>Hatate is just standing there in the open waiting for us? Or does she seem to be investigating something?
>Assuming the former, and she does not otherwise seem injured: "Yes?"
-
>I think we should leave that until we see what will become of Motormaster himself.
>Hatate is just standing there in the open waiting for us? Or does she seem to be investigating something?
>Assuming the former, and she does not otherwise seem injured: "Yes?"
>It's probably stolen anyway. Reisen gripes.
>Standing and waiting. Well, her camera gives evidence as to what else she's been doing, but right now she's just waiting. And seems uninjured.
>The young tengu has a reputation for being fairly collected and unflappable, but she can't seem to keep an expression of wonderment off her face. Or out of her voice when she says, "I have a lot of questions."
-
>"I'm sure you do. But before I can answer any of them, there's still some vital business we need to take care of. Downstairs."
-
>"I'm sure you do. But before I can answer any of them, there's still some vital business we need to take care of. Downstairs."
>Hatate smiles eagerly. You get the feeling that may not have been the best thing to say to her, as you've just made her curious. You're not sure you want her hanging over your shoulder while you try this spell on the biker gang in the crypt. And though she does stand aside, you have no doubt at all she means to follow you.
>Reisen evidently picks up on this as well. If you want, Byakuren, I could handle her. I was planning on staying up here anyway, and I can keep her out of your hair.
-
>I would appreciate that. Just don't be too curt with her - I fear it may only encourage her.
>Proceed
-
>I would appreciate that. Just don't be too curt with her - I fear it may only encourage her.
>Proceed
>Not to worry. Reisen replies confidantly. I've had a lot of experience with this type. More than her words, her tone of voice reassures you. She sounds more like her usual self than the side of her you saw in battle. "What our leader meant is that MOST of us have work to do down there. I on the other hand can try to answer some of those questions of yours, if you'd like." The tengu journalist seems fairly conflicted, and you and your comrades take advantage of her momentarily diverted attention to move past her and down into the crypt.
>It's as well you didn't waste any more time on Hatate as well. At the bottom of the stairs, where you left him, is Breakdown, and despite all the magic thrown at him, he is beginning to show signs of stirring.
-
>Then let's get to work on him first, before he can possibly object in a violent fashion a second time
-
>Then let's get to work on him first, before he can possibly object in a violent fashion a second time
>While you'd much rather not work at a rush, there doesn't seem to be a lot of options. At least you don't until Kiku walks around you and pulls out another ofuda, placing it in the back of Breakdown's head and incanting a quick spell. The talisman fades as the spell takes shape, and the biker stills. That was my last sleep spell. she says as she stands back up. We'd better do this before the others start to come around.
>How'd he start to recover so fast? Lily asks.
>Blackblood Jewels are said to bestow great resilience upon their wielders. Even against our unique magic. We were fortunate Poppy's lightning was as effective as it was. The tiger youkai walks back over to your group. I only hope that resilience doesn't cause us to use too much power on this biker. Not if you hope to repeat this spell for the others.
>Well even if we only get it to work on this one, at least he's the strongest. Rin says. We can handle the others.
>Dourly, Kiku replies. Hopefully.
>"Aw, cheer up, Chryssy!" Lily speaks with that big smile of hers. We already won!
>Kiku blinks. Chryssy? You and Rin can't help but giggle aloud. Trust Lily to be able to inject some lightness into any situation.
>But then you return your fellow magical girls to the task at hand. Time is limited and your task is large. Is some ways, you are about to remap someone's life. There is still a part of you that wonders: Is this the right thing to do? Do you have the right to do it? And what kind of life will you be giving to this man and those like him? But you calm yourself, knowing that this is, almost beyond any doubt, the only chance Breakdown will ever have. Blackbloods can't be 'cured' like other criminals and wrong doers. If they're as bad and as dangerous as you believe they are, each of these bikers is on a course to premature death, and will doubtlessly do more harm along the way. Potentially a lot more harm, judging from the power you saw in Breakdown's Jewels. You may be the only one- No, the only group capable of doing more for these people than killing them or jailing them. And if they choose to resume their lives of crime once you leave them, at least then it would be their choice, rather than a consequence of their birth, a fate they had no choice or control over.
>So you point your scepter down at the prostrate biker, and Lily, Rin and Kiku place their hands over yours. This time there is a joining not just of power, for more than power is needed for this task. Intent and emotion are as important as the power, coming together to forge a truly unique kind of magic. Lily offers the simplest of emotions, that pure and innocent heart of hers sending out nothing more than a desire for everything to be okay. Kiku's offerings are, inevitably, laced with fear. She can't help that, it's who she is. But her fear this time is a fear for the future of Breakdown and his kind. Like you, she knows that Breakdown's future is a dark one without your help, and that what you can do for him is, if only a little, going to improve his odds at life. And Rin, who has known almost nothing but the life of a slave, offers Breakdown her hope that he can escape the path of his life. Rin was able to find someone who offered her better than she had known, and now Breakdown has that same chance. All the remains is to give his power a name, a name that comes from the four of you. "Magical Prismatic Transcendance."
>The magic that pours from your scepter is a color not entirely like any your eyes have ever beheld. A mixture of pinks, whites, reds, yellows and light greens, it is something more than each. It doesn't seem to take as much power as you'd thought. This is a special kind of energy. It is more than the purifying light of your Violet Lotus. This feels more like... redemption. Redemption for a tortured soul.
>But like Reisen said, there is a danger. When your magic touches Breakdown, you have a sense that in order to redeem him, you may very well expose yourself even more fully to his damaged and diseased mind. You have faith in the strength of your own mind- the fact that you survived your experience with the Tar a few days ago is proof of that- but the risk must be considered.
-
>We have our friends and loved ones here beside us. Their strength and warmth bolsters us, shelters us, reminds us of who we are. With them at our side, we can endure anything.
>Let's do this
-
>We have our friends and loved ones here beside us. Their strength and warmth bolsters us, shelters us, reminds us of who we are. With them at our side, we can endure anything.
>Let's do this
>You and your three comrades wrap yourselves in the protective shell of your togetherness. Even the usually standoffish Kiku. That tiger's been the source of a great many surprises since you've gotten to know her. But then, what kind of friend can't surprise another every now and again.
>From the sensations you're receiving, you would gather Breakdown hasn't had much in the way of friendship during his life. You think this is mostly due to his rampant paranoia, and you wonder how he ever managed to fall in with someone like Motormaster. More accurately, why someone like Motormaster would want someone like Breakdown around. Perhaps as someone powerful that was easy to control? Seems likely. Surely Breakdown can find someone better than that to befriend this time around. He's be very hard pressed to do any worse.
>The rainbow that is your magic suffuses Breakdown's body completely, and though a seemingly unending torrent of fears and nightmares escape his tormented mind, they wash over your soul like dirty water, leaving no stain, only a sense of discomfort. The strength and security you share with your friends not only shields your minds from being tainted by the thoughts that had to have tormented Breakdown terribly for as long as he can remember, they keep you from witnessing the worst parts of them. You are glad of this not just because of the misery you are spared, but because you would not want to invade a man's nightmares. Some things should only be shared among trusted friends.
>The key to this mess, though, remains his Jewels, and his connection to that unholy abyss, and that is where your awareness of your magic's effect on Breakdown stops. You know that your power is affecting that connection, but all you can sense is your power falling away, down, down, down, passing through things unknown and unknowable to you. Things that, despite not being able to sense them now, you are sure contributed to the fracturing of Breakdown's mind, as well as many more minds like his, you have no doubt. You may never destroy that abyss, but this day, there will be at least one man who will be free of its corruption. You feel that black emptiness pulling, sucking, trying to consume your energy, your very souls as it does its work on Breakdown. But your will is strong, your conviction unwavering, your faith in your friends unshakable. You WILL save this man. Everyone deserves a chance to lead their own life, and you and your friends will be the one to give this man that chance.
>And then you feel a sharp lurch to the side through your magic. Your beam breaks off and Breakdown's body disappears beneath that scintillating rainbow of energy. All except the Grey pendant around his neck and the Yellow Jewel on his finger, which pulse once with power, then their energy shrinks, and then the two pulse again with great strength, sending out shockwaves of Grey and Yellow energy. The impact of that wave, at this distance, is enough to knock all four of you off your feet and send you sprawling backwards.
-
>Let's collect ourselves, pull ourselves to our feet, and see what we have wrought
-
>Let's collect ourselves, pull ourselves to our feet, and see what we have wrought
>You give your head a quick shake as the light starts to fade from Breakdown's body. What you see makes you stare in disbelief. He's... different, all right. In fact, he isn't 'he' anymore. The body lying face down on the floor of the crypt, while still on the thin side, is now quite feminine. In fact, a closer look at his, uh, her, upper body offers proof of her now female body. She's also more clothed somehow, as your magic seems to have generated a simple but still rather nice combinating of a white and blue blouse and black trousers held up with a dark blue belt for the thin woman with the still-wirey but now longer dark blue hair.
>"Bloody hell..." a stunned Rin mutters as she, too, realizes what has happened to Breakdown.
-
>"Oh dear...."
>How could this have happened? Do we have any idea?
-
>"Oh dear...."
>How could this have happened? Do we have any idea?
>Even Kiku seems startled. "That was not my intention."
>"She's pretty, though." Lily says, still smiling.
>You WERE inducing an extremely radical change in someone. Perhaps this is simply a side effect?
>And you may be able to ask her about it soon. She's coming around again.
-
>
Clearly this is Lily's fault somehow
>Well, let's see how this goes....
-
>Clearly this is Lily's fault somehow
>Well, let's see how this goes....
>At least it isn't Lancer's this time.
>The blue-haired woman known as Breakdown groans softly as she gets her hands under her. "Easy there." Lily cautions as she darts over to Breakdown's side. "You've had a whale of a day."
>Lily, be cautious. Kiku warns her.
>Why? She's not evil anymore. Lily replies lightly as she helps Breakdown to her feet. "How do you feel?"
>The biker seems to sway on her feet for a moment. "What have you done to me?" she asks in a thin, shaky voice.
-
>"We, um... we tried to heal your connection to the abyss - your fear and nightmares. This exact result was not... entirely anticipated."
-
>"We, um... we tried to heal your connection to the abyss - your fear and nightmares. This exact result was not... entirely anticipated."
>The blue-haired woman presses her hand gently to the side of her head. She wears the expression of a woman who's lost something. "It's quiet..."
-
>Give her a few minutes. No need to overwhelm her with explanations when she's trying to come to grips with the sensation.
-
>Give her a few minutes. No need to overwhelm her with explanations when she's trying to come to grips with the sensation.
>You're pretty sure you know what she means, but Lily doesn't seem to get it. "Well, we ARE in a tomb."
>The biker looks around the room slowly, then something halfway between a sob and laugh escapes her lips. "I can't hear them.... It's finally stopped..." A slow smiles starts to spread across her face, but it drops away suddenly when her eyes land on one of her fellow bikers, a woman with thick hair and a lion's tail and ears. "The others, you didn't..." Her head snaps around to look at Lily, and the blonde flinches back at the intense look Breakdown aims at her. "You have to hurry, they'll kill you if they wake up. You have to change them too, before Motormaster comes back. I can help, but we have to hurry."
-
>"I won't object to the sentiment, but I feel I should point out that you don't need to worry about Motormaster anymore. We've excised the dark power that dwelled within them."
-
>"I won't object to the sentiment, but I feel I should point out that you don't need to worry about Motormaster anymore. We've excised the dark power that dwelled within them."
>"You what?" Breakdown shakes her head. "That's impossible, he wears the Black."
>"No he didn't." Lily disagrees. "He had a piece of evil stuck in his... Where was it this time, boss?"
-
>"Everywhere; it was suffused through his entire being. But Lily is correct - despite what Motormaster seemed to think, his power did not come from a jewel like any of yours. It was something different altogether."
-
>"Everywhere; it was suffused through his entire being. But Lily is correct - despite what Motormaster seemed to think, his power did not come from a jewel like any of yours. It was something different altogether."
>"But... Like calls to Like. He wore the Black, we could sense it. That's why, well, that's one of the reasons I was afraid of him."
>"It's possible the corruption within him misled you." Chrysanthemum suggests.to her. "It may have been masking itself, passing itself off as a Black Jewel, to disguise its true nature. We've encountered that kind of evil before. It's very good at hiding itself."
>Breakdown only seems to pay half attention to what Kiku said to her. She mutters something in Francais, which you understand as, "I'm still afraid of him, but...." Then she shakes her head. "Then you.... Killed him?" she asks, her unbelieving tone masking a note of hope.
-
>"He's not dead, no. But the source of his power has been destroyed and we've locked him safely away for the time-being. This corruption that was within him can have a powerful effect on one's personality, so I want to ascertain what he's like with it removed - once he regains consciousness. I have no intention of allowing him to roam free while he's a threat to anyone - yourself included."
-
>"He's not dead, no. But the source of his power has been destroyed and we've locked him safely away for the time-being. This corruption that was within him can have a powerful effect on one's personality, so I want to ascertain what he's like with it removed - once he regains consciousness. I have no intention of allowing him to roam free while he's a threat to anyone - yourself included."
>Breakdown takes a moment to digest that bit of news, then smiles a slightly rueful smile. "No wonder you beat me so easily. If you could beat him and still be standing. But it can't have been that easy with him." she continues, serious again. "And it won't be with the others. I wore the darkest Jewel, but Drag Strip's more dangerous than me. She wears Red but she can control it more than I could control the Grey. I don't know if you want to change her like you did me or lock her away like you did Motormaster, but you'd better do it soon."
>"And you're okay with that?" White Rose asks her. "Changing them?"
>Breakdown smiles again. "If you do to them what you did to me, you'd be doing them the greatest favor of their lives." She sighs. "And more than they deserve. More than I deserved."
-
>"Everyone deserves the chance to lead a decent life. I don't feel like you had ever been given that chance. So yes, I want to offer that to them as well."
>Let's get to it, before the rest of them start waking up.
-
>"Everyone deserves the chance to lead a decent life. I don't feel like you had ever been given that chance. So yes, I want to offer that to them as well."
>Let's get to it, before the rest of them start waking up.
>"You might think differently, if you'd heard what we'd done. Especially Vice." She straightens up. "But like I said, I think I can help you. Save you some time at least. The bond I shared with the others is still intact. We formed a Coven. I'll explain that later, but if you can send your power into and through my Grey Jewel, you can affect the other five at once."
>"Your Jewel still functions?" Chrysanthemum asks her.
>"Yes. Both of them Not like they used to, but I think I can still do just about everything I could before. Why your power didn't break the Coven bind, I don't know, but we can use it now. Assuming what you did to my Jewels means your powers are compatible with mine."
-
>"If you think it will work, we can try it."
>Let's try it
-
>"If you think it will work, we can try it."
>Let's try it
>As before, you and your three friends lay your hands upon your scepter. This time, however, you raise the weapon above your head. With one hand on the Grey Jewel around her neck, Breakdown raises her other hand and joins with yours. You can sense the connection she shares with the Jewels of the others. It's very faint, barely perceptible to your senses, but it's there. You do believe you can work with this.
>But as you send your spell out towards the other five bikers and start to work on them, you realize that there's a problem. As you expected, converting Breakdown took a fair amount of energy. Drag Strip's Jewel is nearly as strong, and the evil in all of the others seems to run deeper than it did in Breakdown. Without Reisen's help, you do not have enough energy to purify all five of the bikers. You can change Drag Strip and three of the four weaker ones, or the four weaker ones but not Drag Strip.
-
>Are we already in the process of using this magic, or is there opportunity to inform Reisen that it really did work, but that we might need her help to finish the job?
>And could we do four of them now and then get help from her for the last one, or would we ourselves be too out of juice by that point, even with her help?
-
>Are we already in the process of using this magic, or is there opportunity to inform Reisen that it really did work, but that we might need her help to finish the job?
>And could we do four of them now and then get help from her for the last one, or would we ourselves be too out of juice by that point, even with her help?
>You can put your spell on pause, for want of a better term, to talk to Reisen.
>It depends on which one you leave for last. If you left one of the weaker ones, then Reisen could help you once you deal with the others. Assuming their inner evil isn't too great. If you left Drag Strip for last, you MAY still be able to pull it off, but the odds are not as good. That Red Jewel's gonna be tough to overmaster.
-
>Then let's deal with Drag Strip and as many of the rest as we can. We can call in extra power for the remaining one, once this is a done deal.
-
>Then let's deal with Drag Strip and as many of the rest as we can. We can call in extra power for the remaining one, once this is a done deal.
>Which one do you wish to leave for later?
-
>Start with Drag Strip, leave whoever seems most harmless on first brush for last
-
>Start with Drag Strip, leave whoever seems most harmless on first brush for last
>The most harmless would appear to be woman wearing the Blue and and Indigo Jewels. Breakdown identifies her as Offroad. Her Jewels are the weakest, and the evil in her does not appear to run quite as deep as it does in the others. You believe she'll be the easiest to work on. Though she, and the other female members of the gang, do make you passing curious about something. You turned Breakdown from a male into a female. Will you do the reverse for the females? You wonder for a moment, but after some quick thought you get the impression that it doesn't work that way. Something to wonder about later.
>As you suspected, sinking enough power into Drag Strip to change her essence is a task in and of itself. She's very nearly as powerful as Breakdown, and although her spirit does not resist in the same way Breakdown's did, you sense a challenge there. It is as though the woman, even unconscious, is fighting you, though you sense not because of any enmity or fear, but just for the challenge of it. Breakdown simply states that that's normal for her. Drag Strip challenges everything and everyone she can, asleep or awake.
>The Yellow Jeweled woman isn't much easier to work on either. Her Jewel is strong, but beyond that her mind is even more fragmented and damaged than Breakdown's was. Touching her soul is rather uncomfortable. You strongly suspect that this woman is insane. You'll definitely be doing her a favor by curing her, but the power it takes to put her mind back together is significant. It's a massive mess in there, and you find yourself slightly relieved you didn't meet her while he was awake. Even with a weaker Jewel, she would have been more difficult to defeat than Breakdown was.
>The second weakest of them, the man with the Aqua Jewel and the truncated horns that denotes an Oni bloodline, doesn't present too much in the way of unexpected difficulties, but the man lying next to him, the one in the orange leathers, is another story. He wears a Green Jewel, and the evil in him runs deep. Very deep. You get the uncomfortable feeling that the dark paths this man has walked are not wholly the fault of the Jewels he bears. The resistance his spirit offers is great, more than any of the others. The power it takes to affect him is very nearly as much as you needed to change Breakdown. He does not want to be changed. But it is for his own good, not to mention the good of those around him. But the extra effort it takes to turn him leaves you and you colleagues with very little left in the tank, even with Breakdown's assistance. You're more sure than ever that you'll need Reisen to turn Offroad.
>As before, when your spell finishes its work on each Blackblood, a rush of power escapes their Jewels. But this time you have someone there to provide some backup. After the Aqua Jewel's surge of power, which isn't too profound, Breakdown draws on her Yellow Jewel and throws up a protective shield around you and your group. She warns you that it probably won't be enough to shield you completely from Drag Strip's Red Jewel, but it's the best she can do with her Grey Jewel tied up in your spell. And true to her word, the shield holds against the rush of Yellow power from the woman she called Wildrider, but your spell finishes its work on Drag Strip before the other man, and that Red surge breaks Breakdown's shield. She tries to replace the barrier, but the Green Jewel of the man called Vice surrenders to your spell before she can, and the wave of Green power strikes you and your group, bowling you over again.
-
>Let's take a moment and collect ourselves, then evaluate the current status of things
-
>Let's take a moment and collect ourselves, then evaluate the current status of things
>It takes longer to collect yourself this time than last. This has been a properly tiring experience. Potentially rewarding, but certainly trying. You'd almost rather simply lie there for a while rather than get up again. Your body aches all over. "Sorry about that." you hear Breakdown say as she helps Lily back to her feet. "I couldn't get another shield up in time."
>"Don't worry about it." Lily replies, though she sounds a little punch-drunk herself.
>Next to you, Rin is still lying down, holding her head. "Wasn't the hard part supposed to be over?" she murmurs.
-
>"This is a better kind of tired, I think."
>We did pull it off, though, right?
-
>"This is a better kind of tired, I think."
>We did pull it off, though, right?
>"I could live with tired, but I've about had it with getting knocked around."
>"Agreed." Kiku rumbles from a couple of feet away.
>You certainly seem to have done. The two men you were working on are, like Breakdown before them, are now female, and the two who started as female are still that gender. Most importantly, you can sense not a trace of any of the power associated with Blackblood Jewels from the four of them. Only the one called Offroad remains unchanged. Fortunately, she still is asleep, so she's not presently in a position to give you any trouble.
-
>"Well, hopefully we're almost done with that for a while."
>Let's take it easy for another few minutes, then call up Reisen
>I am happy to report that the process was a success - more or less. All but one of the Blackblood Jewels are gone now, and Breakdown seems very grateful for us helping still the voices in their mind. There's just one slight problem. Well, perhaps more than one, but one I'm hoping you'll be willing to help with.
-
>"Well, hopefully we're almost done with that for a while."
>Let's take it easy for another few minutes, then call up Reisen
>I am happy to report that the process was a success - more or less. All but one of the Blackblood Jewels are gone now, and Breakdown seems very grateful for us helping still the voices in their mind. There's just one slight problem. Well, perhaps more than one, but one I'm hoping you'll be willing to help with.
>I'll need a minute or two. Reisen replies, sounding slightly distracted.
>As she replies, the woman called Drag Strip groans. "What the hell happened?" you hear her mutter, her harsh voice colored by an Eagleland accent.
-
>"How do you feel?"
-
>"How do you feel?"
>"Like I just lost, but I don't know what I was fighting." the yellow-clad biker grumbles as she raises her head to look at you. She's not a bad looking woman either, and while she wasn't changed nearly as much as Breakdown was, she still has a sign of your magic on her new evil-free body. Her dark purple hair now has light blue bangs and ends. "Why do I get the feeling that I know you?"
-
>"If you can remember fighting while you were asleep, then I suppose you might be able to remember what you were fighting against."
>"But don't worry; I never meant you any harm in the first place."
-
>"If you can remember fighting while you were asleep, then I suppose you might be able to remember what you were fighting against."
>"But don't worry; I never meant you any harm in the first place."
>"Yeah. I know that too." the biker replies as she gets to her feet. She's rather tall. "Must be awful strong, too. Don't know why, though."
-
>Let's just smile and politely introduce ourselves
>"I'm Lotus."
-
>Let's just smile and politely introduce ourselves
>"I'm Lotus."
>The woman cracks a cocky grin and points at herself with her thumb. "They call me Drag Strip, and there ain't nobody faster on two wheels." She may be boasting, but her tone is light, almost friendly. "And not that I mind having more pretty girls around, but where's the rest of my gang?"
>"Um... Here." Breakdown replies shyly.
>Her Red Jeweled companion's head whirls to look at her, disbelieving, but the look fades after a moment's contemplation. "BD?"
>The blue-haired woman flushes slightly. "Yeah."
>"What the hell happened to you? Never mind, I know what happened to you, but... Okay, so you've got breasts, but, how come I ain't got a dick?" she asks you bluntly.
-
>"I'm afraid your guess is as good as mine, at this point. This wasn't an... expected side-effect."
-
>"I'm afraid your guess is as good as mine, at this point. This wasn't an... expected side-effect."
>"Hey, I'm not complaining." the grinning woman replies. "I like my plumbing the way it is." Then she gives Breakdown a hard look. More specifically, her chest. "Heheh, and I still win."
>Breakdown blushes again, then smiles. "You haven't changed much."
>"Who'd want me to change?"
>What is the delay? Kiku asks Reisen.
>I'm convincing Hatate and the police to go away. It's taking longer than I thought, one of them's Blood. the rabbit replies as the Yellow Jeweled woman groans and stirs.
-
>Then I'll get straight to the point. The four of us had enough power to transmute the jewels of everyone but Offroad, but we're almost completely tapped out now. We need your help if we're to fix the last of them.
-
>Then I'll get straight to the point. The four of us had enough power to transmute the jewels of everyone but Offroad, but we're almost completely tapped out now. We need your help if we're to fix the last of them.
>Another Blackblood? Kiku asks as you explain your situation to Reisen.
>No, a Brightblood. Not a strong one. I'll explain later, I'm having trouble talking to you both and dancing at the same time.
>Kiku speaks again, and you sense that she has excluded Reisen from the group call. Perhaps one of us should go back up and assist her? she suggests.
>Lily, however, seems surprised. She did say 'dancing', right?
-
>I... assume that must be metaphoric.
>Presumably we still need to be the one to direct this jewel transmutation magic, yes? Would ourself and Reisen be enough to handle Offroad?
>Assuming so: Perhaps you should go sub in for her, Kiku. At least to hold them off for a bit so that Reisen can come help us tie up this one loose end here before she wakes up.
-
>I... assume that must be metaphoric.
>Assuming so: Perhaps you should go sub in for her, Kiku. At least to hold them off for a bit so that Reisen can come help us tie up this one loose end here before she wakes up.
>Maybe not. Rin suggests. She DID say that one of her forms was Dancer.
>Ohh, I wanna see that! says Lily.
>Perhaps you should ask her another time. Kiku remarks as she pushes off the wall she had been leaning against. I will do what I can, Lotus.
>Drag Strip looks around the tomb as Kiku starts marching up the steps. "So which one's Motormaster?" she asks Breakdown.
>"Actually, Motormaster's... Somewhere else. They put him somewhere after they beat him."
>"How come?" Drag Strip asks you.
>Presumably we still need to be the one to direct this jewel transmutation magic, yes? Would ourself and Reisen be enough to handle Offroad?
>You do. The spell was your creation, formed from your will and desire to help these people. As for Offroad, you believe that you and Reisen, provided she's willing, should be enough. Obviously the more people involved the less energy it will take from you, but you and Poppy should be enough for this woman. Depending on how much fuel Reisen has left in the tank, of course.
-
>"Despite what you may think, Motormaster did not have a jewel of his own. His apparent Blackblood power stemmed from a separate entity that had taken root in him - an entity we had to excise. Motormaster lost consciousness after the battle, so we placed him somewhere safe and comfortable until we can ascertain his current condition and well-being."
-
>"Despite what you may think, Motormaster did not have a jewel of his own. His apparent Blackblood power stemmed from a separate entity that had taken root in him - an entity we had to excise. Motormaster lost consciousness after the battle, so we placed him somewhere safe and comfortable until we can ascertain his current condition and well-being."
>Drag Strip's grin broadens. "Hot damn! That means he didn't outrank me after all. Girl, you just made my day. But that don't answer why you didn't just do to him what you did to us."
>"Because it only works on Blackbloods." the Yellow Jeweled woman grumbles as she raises her head to look at Drag Strip. Even in her new body she's a little rough looking. Her thin grey hair is dark enough to be confused for black and it clings to her head. The look she aims at Drag Strip is faintly superior. "I've got a new mind, and I could figure that out, What's your excuse?"
>Drag Strip growls at her weaker companion, but Breakdown places a hand on her shoulder. "Do you really have to start arguing with each other already?"
>"Why not?"
>Breakdown sighs at Drag Strip's casual sarcasm, then returns her attention to you. "That does raise a question, though. I don't think we can call ourselves Blackbloods anymore, not after what you did to us. So, what are we, now?"
-
>"Well, you can call yourself whatever you like, I imagine. But for jewels that are neither Black nor Bright, but grounded in emotions of the heart... Heartsblood, maybe? I don't know there's ever been jewels quite like yours before."
-
>"Well, you can call yourself whatever you like, I imagine. But for jewels that are neither Black nor Bright, but grounded in emotions of the heart... Heartsblood, maybe? I don't know there's ever been jewels quite like yours before."
>Drag Strip chuckles. "I like that."
>"You would." Wildrider mutters. "Sounds kind of vampire-y."
>"Vampires are cool."
>"Being changed didn't improve your tastes any."
>Drag Strip snorts, "Can't help having better taste than you, zombie girl."
>"So carve yourself some fangs."
>Breakdown sighs again as the two wrangle with each other. "Well, I've been called a lot worse." she says to you. "We all have. Look, Lotus..." she starts. "Don't think I'm ungrateful or anything, but... Well, once you're done with Offroad, then what? I mean, you changed us. Did you... have a plan? For after?"
-
>"I wanted to give you a chance to live your life free from the grip of the abyss - free from the voices and the darkness. What you choose to do with that life is up to you; I understand if that might take a little while to figure out."
>"Of course, if there's anything I can do to help...."
-
>"I wanted to give you a chance to live your life free from the grip of the abyss - free from the voices and the darkness. What you choose to do with that life is up to you; I understand if that might take a little while to figure out."
>"Of course, if there's anything I can do to help...."
>"Do ya ride?" Drag Strip asks you.
-
>"I myself don't, but one of our number is fairly experienced at it."
-
>"I myself don't, but one of our number is fairly experienced at it."
>"Damn."
>"Damn?" Wildrider asks her.
>"Yeah, damn. Was kinda hoping we could trade in Motormaster for her. Ditch that jackass tyrant, pick up a bombshell babe with kickass magic?" Drag Strip gives her partner an enthusiastic thumbs up. "Major win!"
>Wildrider considers that, then nods. "I think I agree with you, for once."
>"And we could teach ya!" Drag Strip offers you. "Never be as good as me of course, but we can get ya mighty close!"
>"Excuse me." White Rose interjects. "Are you asking Lotus to take over your gang?"
>Drag Strip gives her a puzzled look. "Ain't that what I said?"
-
>"I, um... I'm flattered at the offer, but I'm not sure I'm really cut out for the job. Besides, I have people I'm responsible for already."
-
>"I, um... I'm flattered at the offer, but I'm not sure I'm really cut out for the job. Besides, I have people I'm responsible for already."
>"Aw, come on." Drag Strip persists. "We need a new boss, and Breakdown here ain't gonna be it. Sorry, BD. You might still outrank us, but that don't make you a leader."
>"No, I know." the blue-haired biker says with a nod. "I never wanted to be Queen, and I still don't."
>"'sides, we can take orders." Drag Strip assures you. Then she glances at the one called Vice. "Well, most of us. And since you fixed us, you probably won't even have to crack any heads in the process!"
>"Or pay for our bad habits." Wildrider muses, checking out your arms. "Have you two noticed that none of us are high anymore?"
>"We're not?" Drag Strip gapes as Breakdown checks out her own arms. "Fuck me, you're right, I'm not. And I don't feel like something's missing, either." She whistles. "Damn, girl, now I want you in charge even more!" The other two bikers nod their agreement.
-
>"Do you even need someone to give you orders? Motormaster's tyranny wasn't the only reason you were together, was it? And, even if it was, that era is over; you're your own persons."
-
>"Do you even need someone to give you orders? Motormaster's tyranny wasn't the only reason you were together, was it? And, even if it was, that era is over; you're your own persons."
>"Every gang's gotta have someone in charge." Wilrider points out reasonably. "Breakdown doesn't have the drive for it, I don't have the know-how, and Drag Strip couldn't lead ants to a picnic."
>"Oy!"
>Ignoring Drag Strip's protest, Wildrider continues, "So why not the woman that made us what we are. Plus you DID beat Motormaster. We owe you for that if nothing else."
-
>"If you owe me anything, there is no way I would rather be repaid than for you to live a good and honest life."
>"To be honest, I wouldn't even know the first thing about leading a motorcycle gang. I don't even know what you do."
-
>"If you owe me anything, there is no way I would rather be repaid than for you to live a good and honest life."
>"To be honest, I wouldn't even know the first thing about leading a motorcycle gang. I don't even know what you do."
>Drag Strip falters. "Well... Neither do I, now. I mean, I don't know everything you did to us, but I don't think we're criminals anymore. And we're not drug addicts anymore."
>"Well, what do you do?" Breakdown asks. "I mean, you don't spend all your time going out and changing Blackbloods into Heartsbloods."
-
>"We protect this city and the people in it from supernatural threats."
-
>"We protect this city and the people in it from supernatural threats."
>"Like us?" Breakdown asks, a bit self-deprecatingly.
-
>"To be honest, you were the first Blackbloods I'd ever personally encountered. We were here for Motormaster. But... yes."
-
>"To be honest, you were the first Blackbloods I'd ever personally encountered. We were here for Motormaster. But... yes."
>"Well hell, we can do that!" Drag Strip boasts. "We're still the toughest gang in town."
>"Well, we're up there." Wildrider counters.
-
>"There's more to this job than applying force in the direction of dangerous beings, but I have no doubt that those powers of your could do a lot of good if used for the right cause."
-
>"There's more to this job than applying force in the direction of dangerous beings, but I have no doubt that those powers of your could do a lot of good if used for the right cause."
>"That's up to you, boss." Drag Strip replies with that sharp grin of hers.
-
>"You're not going to take no for an answer, are you?"
-
>"You're not going to take no for an answer, are you?"
>"I never do."
>"She means it." Wildrider observes. "You want to get rid of her, you need to challenge her to something."
>"And I never lose!"
>The dark-haired Wildrider draws herself to reply, but Breakdown holds up her arm. "Just let that one pass, for now. Please?" Then she turns back to you. "But I think you're right, Lotus. I think we do have the power to do some real good. And for the first time, that doesn't sound like a joke to my ears. But we're a gang. That means we know all about the strength in numbers, and we know the value of strong leadership." She looks between Lily and White Rose. "I don't know you well yet, but I think you are a strong leader."
-
>"I try my best. And even if this situation is new to both of us, I'm certainly willing to offer whatever guidance I am able. But I do have full-time commitments elsewhere that I can't step down from."
-
>"I try my best. And even if this situation is new to both of us, I'm certainly willing to offer whatever guidance I am able. But I do have full-time commitments elsewhere that I can't step down from."
>"Okay fine, then I challenge you." Drag Strip declares, pointing her finger at you. "I win, you're our boss. You win, we find someone else."
>"What kind of challenge?" White Rose asks warily.
>"You said one of your guys is a biker, right? We'll have a race."
-
>"She's also injured and worn out, and I still need her help to heal Offroad. That's hardly a fair challenge."
-
>"She's also injured and worn out, and I still need her help to heal Offroad. That's hardly a fair challenge."
>"I can give ya an hour."
-
>"Well, you'll have to ask her yourself, when she gets here. I don't speak for her in these sorts of matters."
-
>"Well, you'll have to ask her yourself, when she gets here. I don't speak for her in these sorts of matters."
>"Oh yah? Where's she at?"
>"Here." Reisen's voice comes from the stairs. The rabbit and Chrysanthemum are making their way back down into the crypt. Whether she was using Dancer or not above ground, she has changed Spectrums to Caster once more. "Apologies, Lotus. That took longer than anticipated."
>You do, though. she adds telepathically. You do own me now, and I don't mind you speaking for me. Believe me, far worse than you have.
-
>That may be so, but giving you a real say in your own life again is one of the reason I freed you from Madame Knowledge in the first place. I'm not about to ask you to race someone over a matter like this, if you didn't want to yourself.
-
>That may be so, but giving you a real say in your own life again is one of the reason I freed you from Madame Knowledge in the first place. I'm not about to ask you to race someone over a matter like this, if you didn't want to yourself.
>Reisen smiles faintly. When we have the time, we're going to have to talk about the things you would feel comfortable ordering me to do. Then she says aloud, to Drag Strip, "I am called Poppy. And I'm surprised it took you this long to challenge my leader, Drag Strip."
>The biker seems proud. "You've heard of me. Not surprised."
>"I know about all of you. But not everything. There's one thing I need to ask you, before my leader and I can help Offroad."
>As she speaks to the bikers, Kiku contacts you on a private channel, I realize these are unexpected circumstances, Lotus, but perhaps you should consider their offer. I can think of a number of benefits to such an arrangement.
-
>I know they might be useful allies, and that they could probably benefit from some direction with their 'new lives', but I have to admit that this all feels a little out of my depth. And can I really have time to 'lead' a gang while I've still got Lotus work and ideally some kind of 'normal' life besides?
-
>I know they might be useful allies, and that they could probably benefit from some direction with their 'new lives', but I have to admit that this all feels a little out of my depth. And can I really have time to 'lead' a gang while I've still got Lotus work and ideally some kind of 'normal' life besides?
>I suspect that may depend on how independant these women are. But I don't know if that will be a problem. Consider what we know of the Motormaster we fought. Did they seem like the type who would have tolerated company all the time? They may have demanded obedience from their gang, but that doesn't mean they wanted their gang around them all the time. And I think at least the two called Breakdown and Wildrider will want to spend some time on their own, now that they are changed people. She pauses, then adds dryly, Though Drag Strip might pose something of a problem. He is... challenging.
>"And what's that?" Breakdown asks Poppy.
>"Did she come to you people on her own?" the rabbit asks her. "I know she used to be a champion, before she fell in with you. I just don't know why she did."
>"Vice." the biker answers quietly. "You probably heard he's a dealer. He caught her in a weak moment."
>"He always was good at finding people like that." Drag Strip adds with profound distaste. "Guy was a coward. I'd have stuck a knife in him ages ago, if Motormaster wouldn't have gutted me for it."
>Reisen sighs and lowers her head. "I suspected. But I had to be sure."
>And talking of the devil, the Green Jeweled Vice begins to stir as Reisen turns back to you. "When you're ready, Lotus, I will help you." There are some of the bikers I would not have done this for. she admits privately. But I will do this for Offroad. I always wondered if she was with Motormaster by choice. Now I know.
-
>"Thank you."
>Let's get down to it and transmute the last of them
-
>"Thank you."
>Let's get down to it and transmute the last of them
>Lily and Rin move to join you, Reisen and Kiku. Five of you to change the easiest one seems like overkill, but it is the best way to handle things, you judge. More hands make for lighter work, as they say. The Blue-Jeweled Offroad is clad in dull grey and blue biker's leathers, her thick, greasy hair an unhealthy shade of green, and a fairly nasty looking hatchet belted at the back of her waist, right over a bag of a white powdery substance. You wonder what she'll look like once you've finished.
>Drag Strip and Wildrider draw closer as you being your spell, their faces pictures of curiosity. They've felt the procedure, but they've never witnessed it before. And judging from what you're sensing from within Offroad, you're doing her a favor in more than one way. You can sense the drugs in her system. You're not sure, but you suspect that if she didn't have her Jewels providing her body with extra resilience, that amount of narcotics would have killed her. The combined power of the five of you magical girls not only expunges the evil from Offroad's essence, it also cures her body as it did with all the others, though none was so badly needed as hers. She had the weakest Jewles and had consumed the most drugs. You get the uncomfortable feeling this was not abnormal for her. This woman had been victimized by more than just the circumstances of her birth.
>The addition of Poppy makes the process even less energy consumptive than it otherwise might have been, another plus. Not that you'd refuse a chance for a nap once you get through here. Your power has cleaned the woman's hair as well as her soul. Her thick hair now appears freshly washed, and is a darker, more vibrant shade of green than it was before. The blue in her clothing is now a brighter hue as well, and, peculiarly, the shaft of her hatchet, formerly dull black, is now a glossy blue, the same shade as her Jewel.
-
>Well, that's one way to clear your hair.
>Let's give ourselves another moment to rest and see what, if anything, is going to come of this race business
-
>Well, that's one way to clear your hair.
>Let's give ourselves another moment to rest and see what, if anything, is going to come of this race business
>Not necessarily one you'd recommend to everyone, but obviously effective.
>With your task now finally complete, that leaves the one other outstanding bit of business. Poppy turns back to the conscious bikers. "So you all want Lotus to lead you?"
>"That's what we said, babe." Drag Strip replies.
>"Don't call me 'babe'." Poppy admonishes her, not harshly, but firmly enough. "And even if she wanted to, and I accepted in her stead, she's right when she said I'd have no chance against you, not right now. I don't think I could beat Vice in a race right now. You'll have to wait at least until tomorrow night." She glances back over her shoulder at you. "Assuming you want me to do this. I know it's in your nature to help people, but that doesn't mean you have to indulge Drag Strip."
-
>"Whether you feel like beating her or not is up to you."
>Truly, I don't have an issue with dismissing Drag Strip's insistence without a match to decide things, but I didn't know if you'd enjoy the opportunity or not.
-
>"Whether you feel like beating her or not is up to you."
>Truly, I don't have an issue with dismissing Drag Strip's insistence without a match to decide things, but I didn't know if you'd enjoy the opportunity or not.
>"If you can." Drag Strip says confidently.
>I can beat her. Reisen replies confidently. I've done it before. If she fights fair, I can beat her. And I'm more sure now that she'll play fair, now that I've felt that spell of ours. And as for enjoying... I'm a biker myself, Byakuren. I love having a chance to ride. But, I won't do it unless you're sure you want to take the risk that I might lose. I don't know if you'd want to be saddled with this bunch, even after they've been 'fixed'.
-
>I have faith in you. And if it doesn't work out, well... I'm sure I'll manage somehow.
-
>I have faith in you. And if it doesn't work out, well... I'm sure I'll manage somehow.
>In that case, that just leaves when. I think I'll be alright by tomorrow night, I can challenge her then. Unless you'd prefer some other time.
-
>Whatever's best for you is fine by me.
-
>Whatever's best for you is fine by me.
>"Tomorrow night, then. On the Amethyst Road."
>Drag strip's grin broadens. "You know the roads here too? That means I must've seen you around here before."
>"I doubt it. I only came to town a couple of days ago. But I know the Mayoiga scene. Amethyst will give us the chance to challenge each other without too many prying eyes around."
>"Don't make too many large wagers on that." Wildrider warns her. "Word has a way of getting around this town. It's not as big as you might think."
>"And what are we supposed to do in the meantime?" Breakdown inquires.
>Kiku steps forward. "I would recommend you explore your new freedom. You are now free of the taint of being a Blackblood, and free of the narcotics you'd been poisoning yourselves with."
>"And you're free from Motormaster as well." Reisen adds.
>The three bikers look at each other. "Well, when you put it that way..." Wildrider muses.
-
>Smile
>"Tomorrow night, then?"
-
>Smile
>"Tomorrow night, then?"
>"You'd really just let us walk around town?" Breakdown asks. Then she glances at Poppy. "If you know about us, then you know none of us are exactly saints."
>The rabbit pauses to look at you, then returns her attention to Breakdown. "You WEREN'T saints. Whether or not you are now... I guess we'll see."
-
>"Indeed. I'd like to think that things will be different now, for all of you."
-
>"Indeed. I'd like to think that things will be different now, for all of you."
>Wildrider barks out a laugh. "I honestly can't tell if you're generous or stupid. You're taking a risk letting us just walk around town."
>"Not as big as before." Drag Strip points out. "I mean, we still got the same power, but now we all got a conscience."
>With much sarcasm, Wildrider remarks, "Just try not to argue with yours so much."
>Breakdown, somewhat shyly, looks down. "I'll try not to disappoint you."
-
>"Thank you. I am sure things will work out okay, if you truly want them to."
-
>"Thank you. I am sure things will work out okay, if you truly want them to."
>"Um... I know this might not sound important," Breakdown begins, "but, were you planning on taking Motormaster's bike with you? Or did you put it whenever you put him?"
-
>"The bike's still here; why do you ask?"
-
>"The bike's still here; why do you ask?"
>"Well, I was thinking... You said that, Motormaster had been corrupted by something, some evil force, right?"
>"Correct." Kiku replies.
>"Well, if he turned out like us, then maybe, when you let him out, he won't be so bad. And I was thinking, maybe, I should look after his bike for him. Until then."
-
>"Feel free. And I hope you're right."
-
>"Feel free. And I hope you're right."
>"You don't owe that jackoff anything!" Drag Strip says sharply.
>"Except maybe a kick in the balls for all the shit he's put us through." Wildrider adds.
>"Well..." Breakdown looks back up at you, avoiding the somewhat unfriendly glances of her fellow bikers. "She gave us a chance. Shouldn't we do the same?"
>Wildrider makes a sour face. "You can." she says dismissively before walking over to check on Vice.
>For her part, Drag Strip shakes her head. "You're a hell of an influence on people, Lotus."
-
>"Harm done is rarely healed by doing further harm, but one thing is certain: you will never have to be subjected to Motormaster's cruelty again."
-
>"Harm done is rarely healed by doing further harm, but one thing is certain: you will never have to be subjected to Motormaster's cruelty again."
>"And you... You really don't think we'd go out and, and be cruel ourselves?" Breakdown asks very hesitantly.
>Lily beams at her. "Honey, I really don't think you have it in you."
>The blue haired biker looks between you two. "You have a lot of faith in people, don't you?"
-
>"I like to think I'm a good judge of character."
-
>"I like to think I'm a good judge of character."
>"Ah, so that's why you're making ears here race me." Drag Strip drawls in that casually arrogant voice of hers. "You know what a prize I'd be to have on board, but you wanna see how good I can ride first. I don't blame ya. I'd want to see what I can do too!"
>"You always want to see yourself show off." Wildrider observes to no one in particular.
>"Who doesn't want to watch the best?"
>Believe it or not, says Reisen wryly, This is actually LESS boastful than she was before. And a damn sight less confrontational about it.
-
>They don't need to be saints, just... people. Their own people.
-
>They don't need to be saints, just... people. Their own people.
>"Wait a second." Breakdown says as she looks up sharply. "You said you fought Motormaster, but, what about our bikes? Were they damaged?"
>Drag Strip's eyes go wide in horror as that possibility crosses her mind, and she makes a mad dash for the stairs up, swearing all the while.
-
>Do we have any idea their condition, or did we not notice them one way or the other?
>If we did see that they were unharmed, try to reassure them of this
>Otherwise, take this opportunity to ask Reisen and Kiku: What was happening topside while we were down here, anyway?
-
>Do we have any idea their condition, or did we not notice them one way or the other?
>If we did see that they were unharmed, try to reassure them of this
>Otherwise, take this opportunity to ask Reisen and Kiku: What was happening topside while we were down here, anyway?
>You saw that Motormaster's bike had been undamaged, but all the other bikes were on the other side of the crypt. You didn't notice them on the way in.
>Poppy was dancing. Kiku replies matter of factly.
>Reisen's cheeks redden a hair and her ears droop as she clarifies, Hatate wanted to see my other Spectrums, the ones I didn't use in the fight. I saw a chance there to get rid of her, and the cops that were on their way over. They wanted a word with us, but I didn't know how long that spell of yours was going to take. So I shifted to Dancer and used its powers to, uh...
>You charmed them? Lily asks eagerly.
>The rabbits ears droop even lower. Dancer has that power. she mutters.
-
>How thoroughly does it work?
-
>How thoroughly does it work?
>What do you mean?
-
>How charmed were they? Does it just make them more receptive to suggestions or actually compel them to do things? Will they think they made the decision to leave of their own accord or will something strange about the interaction occur to them later? How long does it last, for that matter?
>I don't mean to sound like I'm grilling you, but it's useful to know these things if we have cause to draw upon it again in future.
-
>How charmed were they? Does it just make them more receptive to suggestions or actually compel them to do things? Will they think they made the decision to leave of their own accord or will something strange about the interaction occur to them later? How long does it last, for that matter?
>I don't mean to sound like I'm grilling you, but it's useful to know these things if we have cause to draw upon it again in future.
>Think of it like... a form of hypnosis. Using that dance, I can make suggestions, instill simple compulsions. 'Turn around', 'Drop your weapon', things like that. The longer I can hold someone, the stronger the command I can plant. But it only goes so far. I couldn't, for instance, make someone immediately surrender if we were fighting them, and I don't think I could force someone into a threatening position. Assuming it could even work in combat. All of Dancer's skills can be resisted through willpower alone. As for how long it lasts, I'm not acutally sure. I would guess it depends on the person.
>In some ways, it's a more useful form of my own hypnotic power. Except I'm more vulnerable while using it. It's easy to hide a hypnotic gaze. A bit less easy to hide a dance.
-
>They need to be watching you dance, I assume? Does it take effect immediately?
-
>They need to be watching you dance, I assume? Does it take effect immediately?
>Yes to your first question, a qualified yes to your second. It depends on how strong their will is, and how resistant they are to enchantment-style magics.
>Having not received an answer from you, Breakdown turns and follows Drag Strip up the stairs.
-
>Oops, thought she'd already gone
>Well, might as well go survey the damage ourselves
-
>Oops, thought she'd already gone
>Well, might as well go survey the damage ourselves
>She had not.
>The five of you follow the blue haired biker up into the snowy wintry air, and as you reach the top of the stairs, you hear the sound of a motorcycle engine turn over. "That's my baby!" you hear Drag Strip exult. The six bikes belonging to the gang aren't in the same place as they were before, but only one of them shows any obvious signs of damage. The orange and black motorcycle in the middle of the group shows signs of scoring along its back half. Most likely the result of one of Motormaster's multi-directional electrical attacks.
-
>How badly beat up is the rest of the cemetery, anyway?
>"So I guess they made it out in one piece? Mostly, at least."
-
>How badly beat up is the rest of the cemetery, anyway?
>"So I guess they made it out in one piece? Mostly, at least."
>Pretty fragged, actually. It's a miracle that the bikes survived as well as they did.
>"Except for Vice's." Drag Strip replies, giving her engine a couple of experimental revs. "Beh. He had it coming."
-
>"Well, I'm glad the rest of them survived. It's rather unfortunate so much damage was done to the rest of the place, but the entity possessing Motormaster was... not particularly concerned about such things."
-
>"Well, I'm glad the rest of them survived. It's rather unfortunate so much damage was done to the rest of the place, but the entity possessing Motormaster was... not particularly concerned about such things."
>"And I suppose you never chipped a brick." Drag Strip asks.
-
>"I can't guarantee that much, but my magic is far less physically destructive."
-
>"I can't guarantee that much, but my magic is far less physically destructive."
>"Neat trick." The yellow clad biker grins a lazy yet challenging grin at you and idly toys with the Red pendant around her neck. "I might wanna see that myself one of these days."
-
>"You may get your chance, but I, for one, have had quite enough fighting for today. If there's nothing else you need from us for now...?"
>Assuming things seem peachy enough here, let's bid our farewells, take our leave of the graveyard, and find somewhat safely isolated to change back. Man, have we ever earned some downtime.
-
>"You may get your chance, but I, for one, have had quite enough fighting for today. If there's nothing else you need from us for now...?"
>Assuming things seem peachy enough here, let's bid our farewells, take our leave of the graveyard, and find somewhat safely isolated to change back. Man, have we ever earned some downtime.
>Drag Strip assures you that she didn't mean today. Seeing how wounded and drained you all are, there'd be no fun in it. "One day." she says. She then invites Reisen to take a spin with her, but the rabbit refuses. She needs some downtime herself, she claims. And she also chides Drag Strip for trying to see Reisen's skills before the race. Drag Strip takes the reproach with the cocky grin of hers and reiterates the sentiment of looking forward to the race.
>Breakdown, for her part, asks if you have a cell phone and a number that you are willing to share. In the event that you need her form of support should anything else bad cross your path. Which isn't a bad idea, and you also point out that Breakdown, or any the other transformed bikers, can call should you need something themselves, even if it's just someone to talk to. They may now have a chance at the kind of life that was impossible for them before, but you still feel a sense of responsibility towards them.
>After exchanging numbers with the gentle biker, she heads back down into the crypt to check on Wildrider and the others, while Drag Strip peels out of the graveyard for a drive. You and your comrades wearily drag yourselves back to the little stand of trees where you transformed before, finding it still devoid of humanoid life. Only a curious looking raccoon is there now. Once Rin and Kiku have assured you that it is a normal raccoon, not a youkai, the five of you revert back to your civilian forms. And the five of you, nearly to a man, slump with fatigue. You yourself feel your knees buckle and you sway sideways. Rin tries to support you, but she's no more stable than you, and the two of you manage to arrest your velocity enough to sit gently down on the snow-covered grass. Lily goes over herself, but Reisen manages to keep her upright, while Kiku crouches down for a moment before taking a knee.
>"Thanks, Reisen." Lily warbles out. "But I think I'd like to lie down." The bunnygirl assists Lily in getting down to the ground before the winged blonde flops over backwards and splays out on the ground.
-
>Are we feeling more exhausted now that we're back to our normal form?
>"Well... we did a good deed."
-
>Are we feeling more exhausted now that we're back to our normal form?
>"Well... we did a good deed."
>Partly yes. But there was also the sensation of release as well. Things have a way of not really feeling 'over' until you get your civvies back on.
>"Several." agrees Kiku. She sounds weary, but quite satisfied. "We have truly made our city a safer place today."
>"Well... I hope." Reisen adds. "I'm sorry, girls, I hate to be a wet blanket. But I still don't know if just letting those bikers walk around town is entirely safe."
-
>"You knew their old selves better than any of us did, so I can understand, but did Breakdown really seem like a public menace at this point?"
-
>"You knew their old selves better than any of us did, so I can understand, but did Breakdown really seem like a public menace at this point?"
>"Outwardly, no. But he... Well, she, was never the most stable of them. But it's still Vice that worries me the most. He was a drug dealer and a rapist. I don't like the idea of him walking the streets, even changed as she is."
-
>"No, I suppose not. Maybe I should have spent more time to get to know them better as they are now, but... well... we're all exhausted, I think."
-
>"No, I suppose not. Maybe I should have spent more time to get to know them better as they are now, but... well... we're all exhausted, I think."
>"She's right, Reisen." Rin says to her. "Even if Vice or any of them wanted to cause more trouble, none of us are in any shape to fight them. That goes for you, too. I think you took more hits from Motormaster than anyone else."
>"And as you discovered, there's at least one Brightblood on the police force." Kiku reminds her. "Vice only wears the Green. She can be dealt with by one who wears the Jade."
>"Or Grey." Lily offers. "Breakdown can handle her."
>Reisen looks around. "I can see I'm outnumbered." she mutters wryly, grinning slightly. "Well, I suppose if Vice DOES go back to his old habits, I know where to find her."
-
>"That we do."
-
>"That we do."
>"In the meantime, should I see about finding some transport for you all?" Reisen asks. "Getting all of you home on my bike would be a bit of a challenge."
>"Shouldn't you relax a bit too?" Rin asks her.
>"I'm not as drained as the rest of you. I only helped in transforming Offroad, and she was the weakest of the bunch."
-
>"Did you have something in mind?"
-
>"Did you have something in mind?"
>"There's a bike racer that lives not too far from here. We call him Old Man Winter. He's a friend of mine. If he's home, I could see about borrowing his car."
-
>"Well, I mean we could just call a taxi. But I suppose if you are friends, it mightn't be such an imposition...."
-
>"Well, I mean we could just call a taxi. But I suppose if you are friends, it mightn't be such an imposition...."
>"He owes me a favor, anyway." Then she smiles. "Besides, this'll be a much better ride than some van."
-
>"Well, in that case, be my guest."
-
>"Well, in that case, be my guest."
>She nods. "Just hang out here, girls, I won't be long." And with that, she transforms back into Magical Poppy, Glider Spectrum, and takes off into the air.
>"You have chosen a very resilient new ally, Byakuren." Kiku remarks approvingly. "The damage Motormaster inflicted on that rabbit was signifigant."
>"She's tougher than she looks." Rin says. "She's had to be."
-
>"Never again in her own home, so long as I have a say in it."
-
>"Never again in her own home, so long as I have a say in it."
>"I hope so." Kiku says cautiously. "But, and forgive me for saying so, you are now in possession of one of the rarest slaves in the world. It's only a matter of time before word travels of that fact, and you start to draw attention for it. And if she has been owned by Jewelled Blood in the past, they may well want her back."
-
>"If that day comes, we can handle them. I will not let her liberty be threatened again."
-
>"If that day comes, we can handle them. I will not let her liberty be threatened again."
>"I fear that the threatening may be inevitable. But, at least this time, you won't have to fight for someone you care about alone, as you did with the Oni Konngara."
>"Damn right." Rin answers instantly.
-
>Give Rin's hand a squeeze
>"Thank you."
>"Thank you everyone, truly. None of this would have been possible with you."
-
>Give Rin's hand a squeeze
>"Thank you."
>"Thank you everyone, truly. None of this would have been possible with you."
>The kasha squeezes your hand in return, and cuddles up a little closer to you. Kiku smiles faintly and inclines her head. "You don't need to thank me, Lotus. This is what I do." she says in a rather warm tone, especially for her. Lily, for her part, answers you with a snore.
>Rin chuckles at the sound. "Talk about being able to sleep anywhere."
-
>Smile
>"Such a light-hearted spirit."
-
>Smile
>"Such a light-hearted spirit."
>"And yet hardy enough to fight Blackbloods and demons. Who would've thought?" Kiku muses. The tiger sits down upon the snow cross-legged. "You know, Byakuren, it occurs to me, now that I know there are Brightbloods in the city, that we may have an opportunity to acquire more allies in our struggles."
>"These Brightbloods," Rin asks her. "They're, like, the opposite of Blackbloods?"
>"In the simplest terms, yes. As Blackbloods claim to carry the blood of devils, Brightbloods claim to carry the blood of angels and other Heavenly creatures. What few Brightbloods have been documented as such in our history have all been heroes of one kind or another. The famous vampire hunter Hannah Fernandez, for instance, was a Brightblood."
-
>"I'm certainly not opposed to more allies, but do you think their power will hold up against a Champion any better than anyone else's magic has?"
>"Not that they're the only things we've had to worry about lately, I guess."
-
>"I'm certainly not opposed to more allies, but do you think their power will hold up against a Champion any better than anyone else's magic has?"
>"Not that they're the only things we've had to worry about lately, I guess."
>"I think there's a chance. Assuming that their belief that they carry holy blood is true. You see, the Champions have mentioned more than once that they have enemies among the 'celestials'. If they refer to the entities whose blood the Brightbloods carry, then they may also carry the power of the Champions' enemies."
>"And even if they don't," she says as she adjust her posture, "They could still help us battle the Avatars, leaving us free to focus on the Champions themselves."
-
>"I certainly wouldn't say no to extra help. If there's any lesson to take away from today's battle, it's that our enemies can still be even stronger than we expect."
-
>"I certainly wouldn't say no to extra help. If there's any lesson to take away from today's battle, it's that our enemies can still be even stronger than we expect."
>"And will be. We were very lucky today, Lotus. If we had been forced to fight any one of those Blackbloods at the same time as Motormaster, we very well could have lost."
>"I don't think so." Rin disagrees. "You saw how Motormaster fought. I know how he was. He wouldn't have cared about his allies safety. He would have been as dangerous to his partners as he would have been to us."
>Kiku thinks about that, then nods. "You may well have a point there. But to return to the first point, the problem with cooperating with Brightbloods is finding them. They tend to keep very, very low profiles. I suspect Reisen only recognized the one she did from her experience with the Bllod. Tell me Byakuren, do you believe she would be willing to talk about her experiences? The knowledge she possesses could greatly increase what we at the Four Shrines know."
-
>"I am... not certain. But under the circumstances, I think it fair to ask."
-
>"I am... not certain. But under the circumstances, I think it fair to ask."
>"And, if she agrees, depending on how much information she can provide, it is possible the Superiors of our group may be willing to compensate her for it. As you are her legal owner, that would mean making the offer to you."
-
>"I can play intermediary for whatever is legally required, but the choice is ultimately hers."
-
>"I can play intermediary for whatever is legally required, but the choice is ultimately hers."
>"Of course. I was simply alerting you to the possibility. Though I suppose a famous model such as yourself may not need compensation as much as the next woman."
>Rin gives her fellow catgirl a grin. "Was that a joke?"
>"Merely an observation." the tiger replies with a perfectly straight face.
-
>"I am fairly comfortable... for a high-school student."