>Relationships.
>Do we have any experience with beasts like the one attacking us right now?
>Who am I?
>how far is the closest school building not directly in front of us from our position?
> Keep running while trying to get as much obstacles between you and the beast.
> Think of a place in the local area where we can get an advantage, any advantage.
> How fast is this beast? Can we out run it? Can we dodge it if it get's close to us?
> Think of luring it upstairs while we take another way down to ditch it.
>hmm, do we know the layout of this building well? Also, is the boiler room downstairs?
> Explosions? Surprises? GO FOR IT.> Seconded.
> Explosions? Surprises? GO FOR IT.
>MAKE A DODGE ROLL!That's... going to be extremely painful.
>also if we were to stick a knife in the boiler, than pull it out, releasing the pressure while safely ducking out of the way, so the full force of the explosion hits the monster in front of us... That might be good too.
That's... going to be extremely painful.
> Is there any way to get out of the explosion's swath of destruction without aggravating our wound too badly?
>actually mabye we should just dodge and run, and let that beast slice through the boiler for the same effect (HUGH EXPLOSION!)
> Head home and get our wound taken care of.
>That's one way to boost our self-esteem.
>any first aid kits in the school?
>pick up the nine knives which should be scattered around the floor
>Do we have a friend yet who is friendly enough that we have told him/her about the F.M.P's? Maybe he/she thinks we are a little crazy but still is our friend anyway? Is it one of our close friends? If so, call him/her and head over to his/her house.
> Groan.
> "Well that sucked."
Sabre saves the day again!
>Let our nose lead us onwards!
>Awesome sauce, time to win over the girl of our dreams.
Time to wait for reality to kick in. Anytime now.
> Occupation (Not sure If we Checked :V)
> Observe Surroundings.
>gotta pretend like we're doing something productive while she changes. Stare at her sword! I'm pretty sure it's something we would want to look at anyway.
>"When did you start fighting these F.M.Ps? From the stuff that I've had to do, you must be amazing at killing these creeps."
>"Then again, the giant sword probably helps. Speaking of which, where did you get it?"
>"As nice as this B&B is, wouldn't it have been easiler to go to your place... you do have one right?"
>"Are you going to enroll at the _________ Academy?"
>"Sorry if this seems like a lot to ask, but it's nice to know I'm not alone either in going through this ordeal."
> Lets get down to business.
> Pack up, Go home.you're through
> "So... Is there some kind of super secret order or something that takes care of those things? If there is, it'd have been nice if I'd been made aware of it sooner."
>invite natalie to stay at our house to talk if her "accommodations" are not available at the moment. On condition of working as a bodyguard, to make up for the spent money and rent
We must worship a mouse god, because how did we provide all this CHEESE.
> Best get to business. Head over to our doctor friend.
Sure why not.
>Visit the Doc.
>Wonder if our parents were part of the "order" and were perhaps recuited and either were slain or don't want to be found. In fact what was the last we remember of them?
>Did they ever seem "abnormal" or have "powers." Inheritance of such would come in handy right about now.
> "God DAMMIT."
> Dive out of the way.
>"Ya, I think I'm okay. I'm gonna go see the doctor... Dr. Phisher. I wonder if I could get a ride there. I'm feeling very dizzy.:
>think to ourselves: "ASDAWEFAEJ! Do I have a senient existance residing within my neural network?!?!" "If I do, thanks for the major save!"
>First order of business after we get treated is to figure out the origins of our family name... We should also find out Natalie's last name as well.
> "I don't even know anymore. Everything feels so messed up."
> We might want to cut back on our anime and manga consumption.
I was gonna go with "find friends"We still could if you want. Honestly, we'll probably find her anyway later in the day, though that could go both ways.
YES. This is going to be all kinds of fun~ Especially since I'm still riding on a summer-long P3P kick. :3
> Why not do both?
> "I guess you could say..."
> Time skip and sit beside her on the bench.
> "... that I found out my power."
> Grin.
>Sure, let's make an impression!
>quickly glance to see if anyone is watching
>jibe natalie a little, "So what can you do, besides chopping giant monsters in half?"
>"I take it that sword is an artifact of some kind, and no one 'normal' can see it."
(That was a signal to pick what subject and which relationship you wanted to develop, since you guys didn't specify earlier. :V)Too used to traditional quests. My bad. :3
Lily in Bio!> Seconded.
Lily in Bio!
> Gently knock on the doorway to try and keep her from being startled.
I can't believe I forgot about this. (http://mirrors.rit.edu/instantCSI/)
>After a quick look around to make sure no one is looking, you grin at her. "Well, I guess you could say..." Time to have a bit of fun.
>You seat yourself right next to her on the bench while time is stopped and prepare for the epic laughs.
>Time resumes.
>"That I caught up on lost time," you finish.
I can't believe I forgot about this. (http://mirrors.rit.edu/instantCSI/)
> I think we should support the poor girl. :3
> "Hmm... Well it might be better to wait until she's more settled in for the movie bit, but showing her around sounds like a good way to break the ice so you two can get to know each other."
> "Well if they seek us out, it'd be easy to set up an ambush right? Why don't we do that?"
> Throw a group of throwing knives towards the biggest concentration of the enemies and then follow it up by slashing as many of the survivors as we can during a timestop.
> Dammit Natalie. Would've been nice to know about this before hand.
> Try to distract it by running backwards to keep an eye on it, dodging as necessary.
>let natalie go in first while we wait for our time stop ability to recharge
>after it does, FINISH HIM!
>Ask on the way home. Last time it was a full moon when the creature came back to life, so that's still likely not happening.
> "Are you okay? What were doing on the bridge?"
> We should take this slow if it really was a suicide attempt.
>Add another tick to the harem count
>Eff it, take her to our place...
Oh my God you have no idea how amusing I'm finding this whole adventure. :3
> Give her a hug and let her get it out of her system, awkward as it may be.
> We ARE normal dammit! At least when we aren't fighting monsters or using time-stop abilities.
> Check to see if there's anything good on TV.
> If that fails to amuse us, ponder if we should show Dayna around town.
> Well we've got the money, so lets get her some clothes.
hmm, this is starting to remind me of a few references...
>After buying clothes, we get ice cream... because nothing can resist ice cream, not even demon lords... maybe.
I got just the thing, and it's quite 'us'.Timestop abilities are the best abilities. :3
>Make sure nobody's looking, then timestop.
>Then, walk over to the guys hasslin' little Dayna, and administer a swift bop to their heads.
>And then, before we let time flow once more, find a place nearby to lounge in that isn't being watched, and lounge there.
=After Time Resumes=
>"Well, didn't your mothers ever teach you to be polite to a lady?" directed at the guys hassling Dayna.
I got just the thing, and it's quite 'us'.
>Make sure nobody's looking, then timestop.
>Then, walk over to the guys hasslin' little Dayna, and administer a swift bop to their heads.
>And then, before we let time flow once more, find a place nearby to lounge in that isn't being watched, and lounge there.
=After Time Resumes=
>"Well, didn't your mothers ever teach you to be polite to a lady?" directed at the guys hassling Dayna.
> Naw, lets leave her out of this.
> Dodge anything they throw at us and strike at the first opening.
> We'd best get together with Natalie on the next break to talk about this.
> There's only one thing to do...
> Raise our hand and ask to go to the washroom.
> "Oh... crap..."
> Try to fight it.
> Head for the boiler room.
> Try and text Dayna on the way.
> Inform Dayna of what happened.
> "Do you know what we're dealing with? I've got absolutely no clue."
> Good thing Dayna's on our side.
> Go back to class and wait 'til the next break.
> "Well... Sounds like you had a nice nap despite nearly getting killed."
> Sigh.
> "So did you hear about that rumor?"
> Try calling Lily to see if she's available.
> If she's fine with it, bring Dayna along as well.
>Since they're having fun, we may as well let them enjoy themselves. Dinner can come later.
>Yeah...Curry sounds nice, or maybe Mapo Tofu, extra hot.
(You aren't the only one who knows references.)
Sure, some kind of take out food might be good later.
> Well... A late dinner can't hurt once in awhile right?
>We must control. We must control. Time, Space, Destiny, Fate, Resurrection. Who are we becoming? We can leap, bound, dart, dash, sprint, move like lightning. But where are we headed? The way is unclear, that path is jaunted, distorted, black. We do not know yet what we desire, what we want above all else. Let our heart lead us. Yes, deep within the well, what do we seek?.... Clarity, Purpose, and... Control.
>seemingly unaware of circumstance, our body moves like clockwork, hands, limbs, joints, extend of a will of their own to meet and clasp the circular frame of the pocketwatch.
>Ah there is the beat, how soothing. Tick, tock, tick, t---
>What need have we for another knife? The ones we already possess are sufficient enough for any need that requires them.
> Smile.
> "I see... It would be better to trust another Izayoi over a disembodied voice now wouldn't it?"
> Accept the outstretched hand.
Any objections?
> "N-nah. I'm good. Just got a little dizzy all of a sudden."
> Best not to worry her at the moment. If it comes to it though, we can always tell her.
> How long 'til Friday?
>Freaking English. We really are in no mood to study. The test will be a major headache. Anyone we know good with :wikipedia: ?
> Wonder how Natalie suddenly became Lily.
> "Well at least it beats roaming around in the dark."
> "I'll take the lake. Be careful though."
>"Yes, your eyesight and sense of direction seem to be better anyway."
> No harm in checking the campsite first anyway. Right?
> Check the van, using time stop powers if necessary.
> Can we discern where the sound came from? If so, time stop and incapacitate the bastard.
> Instead of incapacitate the bastard, Disarm him, and interrogate him for information.
> "Well it'd be nice to know what the hell happened here."
> "Alright. I'll help you and honestly, the only reason I'm holding you two hostage is that I thought you were up to something suspicious, but it seems like you're more or less in the same boat as I am. First I've heard of an ice girl though..."
> How's our ability recharge?
> Do we have any extra charge?
> If not, play the dodging game.
> If so, go for the hands.
> Inventory.
> "Natalie...?"
> Pass out.
> Deep breaths. We gotta calm down.
> "Y-yeah. I'm fine. Where am I exactly?"
> "Hey... Uh was there a girl before a passed out?"
>"Please tell me about the caves! What was there? What happened there?"
>Oh, We'll give him 'proof' alright.
>"What kind of challenge do you want me to perform?" "I'm up for ANYTHING!"
> Sigh.
> "I'd come across it after Natalie, the girl who who was investigating the caves, saved me one night weeks ago while I was fighting a phantasm. Needless to say, the stuff I showed you were upgrades to my main power."
> Focus on the goal ahead. We absolutely have to save Natalie.
>true, but let's also see if we can fish for info on this place from the captain.
> "Not at the moment. If possible though, I'd like to focus on saving my friend and the team you sent into the cave."
> Unless otherwise stated, head for the elevator.
sure thing. But where are we about to step into?
> Go first. Can't waste time what with the situation.
> Shake his hand.
> "Likewise. S'quite the operation you got going here."
Here's a thought, maybe we can carry ol' frosty-freeze out with us to Dayna.We could try, though it'd probably be easier to bring Dayna inside instead of bringing Frosty out.
If they are sisters, she'll be happy to see her safe. And since she knows us well enough to trust us, she'd see that Old Chilly is in good hands with us.
And since she probably came here for us too, it all evens out. Maybe we'll even get ol' chilly on our side too, by virtue of already having Dayna, and chilly having lived through our little tussle.
Afterall, I have a sister meself, really rowdy one too.
> "It'd probably be best for me to stop her."
> Facepalm.
> "I really should've expected this though..."
>Sigh in amused annoyance.
>"At least she's not killing anyone though, that's an upside to all this."
>Point out how they're all still alive, just KO'd. "See, you can easily tell that they're all still quite alive, just knocked out. Though I'd wager that they'll definitely be feeling it in the morning."
> Recline against the wall as well.
> "So. How'd you get involved in all this?"
> "Yeah I'm ready."
> Look at Dayna.
> "You wanna join us? We could probably use some help for this."
> "That glow's pretty ominous... Should we split up or pick a route?"
> "Yeah. Might as well go for the glow route then."
> Head for the glow tunnel.
> Keep cautious.
> Head into the tunnel carefully.
> "Natalie? You there?"
>Time to show these undead True Death.
>Make with the Timestop Stabbiness, cut 'em to bits. Don't even leave a trace of them to reform with!
> Dear God...
> I-it's the only way isn't it?
> At least try to make it so she can survive the wound.
(Just for the record, you seem to have confused Dayna and Natalie's names a couple of times)
> Take the bastard out with everything we've got.Dammit Amra. You're too damn good at this. ;-;
> At least hold on 'til we're out of the cave.
> We're probably gonna have to console Lily later as well...
> Sigh.
> "I wish I could enjoy this view right now... but it'll take awhile for things to get back to a sense of normalcy..."
> "I don't think I said it before, but thanks for coming for me Dayna. That meant a lot."
> Once we're ready, hit the hay.
> Do we have Caller ID?
> If not: "I'd better take this Dayna."
> "I'd appreciate it more if people just used the damn mailbox."
> "By the way Dayna, that was the Captain. They're dropping Elunamaria off here around two."
> Check out the window for anyone suspicious then read the letter.
> Silently stow the letter somewhere safe until after the meeting.
> "Seems like we've got a meeting with the hunters."
> Is the school aware that Natalie is deceased?
> If so, we may want to call Lily up and try to comfort her.
> If not, call up McHarl now and inform of the meeting on Saturday. Gotta do it sometime after all.
> Sigh. This is gonna be extremely hard.
> Take a deep breath and dial Lily's number.
> Ask her to meet us somewhere, we'd better break the news in person.
> Try to keep our voice from wavering.
> "Hey Lily. I was wondering if I could meet you somewhere. It's extremely important..."
> "You wanna come with me?"
> "...Thanks."
> Head to the library with Dayna. We should be able to compose ourself better with her there.
> Oh God. What now!?
> Try to find the source.
> Screw it. We can't let people die in front of us again.
> Stop at the apartment and get inside, using time-stop when necessary.
> Cough. "H-hey."
> Grin a bit.
> "If possible... I'd rather tell you somewhere more private."
> "Alright... I'm sure that this raises a lot of questions, but first I have something important to tell you... It's about Natalie."
> Take a deep breath to calm ourselves a bit more and look around the room.
> Are Dayna and Luna around?
> What time is it?
> Sigh, grinning.
> "Yeah. I think we got most of it out of our systems."
> "Hey. You feeling better now?"
> ...
> WHAT!?
> Try not to cough on your water.
> "I-I see..."
> Sigh.
> "You know, I honestly think you should give this more thought. I mean, you just found out about this today! I just think you should take a couple days to think it through more thoroughly... to make sure this is really what you want."
> Lets study up on whatever our weakest subject is.
> It'd be nice to know a bit more about the Hunters, so do a little investigating, but not enough to raise suspicions. We don't want them becoming hostile towards us.
> Keep trying to glean info from the PDF.
> If nothing else really pops up, try preparing a bit for Saturday.
> "Huh... Alright then, lets get going."
> "Nah, if things get messy we'll just get out of there. Don't want to make things worse, you know?"
"That they are just that, refugees if they have seen the folly of their leaders, then they are no more then victims them selves."Naw, that seems good.
(too long? Not snarky enough?)
"That they are just that, refugees if they have seen the folly of their leaders, then they are no more then victims them selves."
>"And besides, if it wasn't for Dayna," spare a slight glance to her. "Pops McHarl," Nod towards him. "And everyone else who fought beside me at that time, I wouldn't have made it out of that fight alive."
>Determined expression.
>"Because of that, I consider them friends. And asking me to turn on a friend is something I'll never do."
> "Spark? I'm... not quite sure I follow."
>"Well, she did help train me some to improve my speed, and that's saved me more times than I can count. Our own fight included."
>Give a slight grin. "But having an ability like mine sure helps, as draining as it can get at times."
> Give those two a bit of time. They might open up a bit after awhile as it's expected that they'd be so wary.
>"You mean like a special ability, like my Timestop, right?"
>Did we leave Natalie's Claymore back home?
> Grin.
> "Seems like you're getting along with everyone."
>To Ol' John:
>"So to put it simply, she gave me the difference in power?"
>"For example, let's say I'm at a 750, and that she was at a 1400. That would mean that she gave me the difference of 650, bringing me up to 1400. Correct?"
>Sigh exasperatedly, yet amusedly.
>"Job never ends does it, eh guys? Come on, time to save the day again."
>Let's go to where the shout was heard!
>"That scream's pretty strange, and definitely not natural, but I'll give."
>Deep breaths Mac, gotta keep calm.
>"I guess it's because I treat her how I'd prefer to be treated, kindness, respect, and above all else, like an equal. Not some figurehead to be marveled at."
>Back to the plan. "But enough of this, because for now, we've got work to do. I'll answer any other questions you've got after we figure this out and get back home."
>Grin in that lopsided manner we are oft to do. "Afterall, any friend of Dayna's is a friend of mine. Personally speaking though, I'm looking forward to a nice shower and some dinner after all this. How's pasta sound? Ah, but I wonder what Dayna wants? I'll have to ask later, since it's never a good idea to only get one person's input on what dinner should be if you're in a group. Just isn't done y'know. ..Agh, getting sidetracked while on the job, I really am weird as far as humans go huh?"
>Mentally facepalm for getting sidetracked while on the job, then split off to find the source. But keep our guard up.
> Try waiting for the scream and then time-stopping to the area.
> Yeah. Head home and get some much needed rest.
>"So, what do you two want for dinner tonight? I was thinking pasta."
Er... You meant Natalie at that one part right?
> Mull it over a bit more. Maybe she meant the destruction and intelligence levels in our enemies are getting higher?
> Try to keep suppressing the urge.
> "Yeah?"
> Might as well not try to hide it.
> "Not really ..."
> Wonder if Dayna's nocturnal since it was supposed to be Sunday morning.
> Flop back onto the bed and lay there for a bit to calm down.
> Take some deep breaths and then get some shut-eye.
((Evertime I read ">Your life is a goddamn mess." I flash back to that Persona letsplay.))
> Turn to face Lily.
> "I'm just working some stuff out right now. Sorry if I worried you."
>"It's been one heck of a week...Maybe now things can settle down....But then again, that's probably just wishful thinking, going by what's been happening."
> "Heh. You're right. Gotta be optimistic."
> Grin at her.
> Breakfast! Gotta get the energy for the awesomeness ahead of us somehow!
> "Heh, sorry about that. I've just got so much energy for some reason!"
>"Heh, maybe it's because today's been about as normal as things'll get around here."
> Clock-keeper? That's new.
> "Heh, guess I was just a little too enthusiastic."
> "I don't know... Maybe go to a movie or something? Gotta get out of the house on a great day like this."
> Stretch a bit.
"Or maybe a picknic? Or we could go for a hike.."
So many things to do!
> Are they talking to us or about us?
> If about us, try to ignore and continue walking.
> If to us, deep breath and try not to look flustered.
"That kind of relatives, if you know what I mean. Showing them what Japan has to offer."> Or whatever country we live in.
> Cock your eyebrow. As if to say "Yes?"
> What's the movie anyway?
> Give a small grin. Maybe it was too boring for them?
>Well, let's wake them up. Gently of course.
> "Who knows? I take it the rest was nice though?"
> "So where'd you two like to go next? The park and the mall are pretty close."
>"I was considering the park myself, but it's up to you two on what the destination is."
> Kinda ruins the moment, but we can't really ignore it, what with everything that's been happening.
> Answer our cell.
> "So much for a nice day off."
> "C'mon you two, we've gotta get somewhere safe."
> Mentally make a note to find the jackass that leaked the information.
Don't use time stop yet though.
Are there any train/subway lines nearby?
> Once the doors open, activate our power and get past the mob.
> If we can't get past it, find a hiding place while time stopping.
> "We might want to drop in on her then, see what she wants."
> Try to stay hidden and head for Lily's if they agree.
"Can you tell me what's weird? Were keep lily safe."
We are NOT letting lily get hurt, SHE wouldn't want it.
> "Nah, it wouldn't be good if we messed with them. Just adds fuel to the fire. We'll only intervene if their about to damage the mansion or something."
How about that park we recently left? Think that'll give 'em a fine little runaround?Yeah that sounds good.
Anywhere we give will be at risk..
We could give a police station..but sometimes police just make mobs worse.
How about that park we recently left? Think that'll give 'em a fine little runaround?
Yeah that sounds good.
> "We're near Lily's. Had a bit of a close call earlier, but we're ready anytime."
> Ensure that Luna's around for the evac.
> Try to stay calm and collected. We need a cool head if we're gonna survive this.
> Deep breath.
> Time-stop and try to draw her attention away from Luna and Dayna.
> Don't stoop to her level, continue to try holding her off, or at least occupied, until McHarl gets here.
> "...how're Dayna and Luna?"
> "We're in a Hummer. McHarl managed to get to us, so we're being evacuated."
> Well this'll be fun.
> Time stop and set up a barrier of knives to pelt her with.
> After that, make with the stabbing.
> We don't have time for 'what ifs'. She thrives off fear and like hell we'll give her the satisfaction of throwing us into despair.
> Follow her.
> "Ugh, crap."
> Slowly open our eyes and sit up.
> Look around.
> "So much for trying to rid myself of manga clich?s."
> Nothing we really CAN do except follow that path.
> Here's hoping we're welcome there.
> While we're at it, time skip a little just to make sure we're still good in a pinch.
> Poke around a bit.
> "Anyone around?"
Lets check the city first.
People would be good to find.
> Screw it. It's not like everyone's out for a picnic and they'll be back soon.
> Grab anything we deem necessary, as well as some unripped clothes if we can find some.
> Also we might want to tone down our knife-happiness a tad. That can't be very healthy.
> Well if our body is objecting, we might as well spend the night here. We can just set out in the morning.
> Head out, but set a good pace. Not too fast and not too slow.
> Time-stop behind them. Lets settle this quickly and with little fighting.
> "You know, trying to kill someone isn't exactly the best greeting."
> Stay frosty.
"hmm, is villages getting 'eaten' normal around here?"
> It's not like we have a choice what with the bad rap humans seem to have around here.
> Do it subtly so that they don't notice.
> "Ah, no thanks. Just collecting my thoughts."
> Well, since we're here keep an ear out for interesting gossip.
>We should look into the Merchant Caravans and Mercenary Guild too, best to have plenty of options available.> Ah, good point. Never know if they're time-sensitive or not after-all.
> Best not to take advantage of the girl. We've got enough to keep us going for now.
> That phantasm bit sounds interesting. Lets look into that after we eat.
>We should look into the Merchant Caravans and Mercenary Guild too, best to have plenty of options available.
> Might as well look into the caravans first. We can always check the guild later.
> "Yeah, I'm interested."
> Better stay a little incognito. Don't want to raise anything by being found to be human.
>"But I gotta wonder though, just how good are we talking?"
>Maybe by getting on with the mercs, we could have gotten payment from them, and this guy.
> Hmm... Well if he has to do with anything shady, we can always decide later whether to cut our losses or not if hell is raised somehow.
> Head over to the guild then to check whats what. If we have to tell our employer where we're going, do so.
>Rogue huh? Wonder if they're the stabby sort too?
> Huh. Almost like an RPG or something.
> Well we don't really need a job yet, but if there're no bulletin boards with postings or anything get in line.
I'm thinking that if there's no time limit on this one, we can finish our job with the merchant dude, and travel back here to lend a hand with the cave.Sounds good. He did say they'd been waiting for help for ages, so I'd assume that there isn't a time limit.
I figure, we may as well make the best of it as we figure out a way home.
>"Traps huh? There a time you need this done in? Because I could probably lend a hand on this once I've got this other job I have done."
>Slight grin. "The family motto always did say to never leave a job unfinished."
>Oh yeah, we should probably introduce ourselves to this guy, it'd be a good idea if we're gonna help him out later.
I'm thinking that if there's no time limit on this one, we can finish our job with the merchant dude, and travel back here to lend a hand with the cave.
I figure, we may as well make the best of it as we figure out a way home.
Get the girl out of there first though, even if it means losing initiative against the thugs. Priorities.
Lets scare them a little, might give us an idea of what might attack the caravan.
> Grin.
> "I have my ways. Sorry for the confusion though."
>"But for now, just consider me the guy who saved you from a pretty sticky situation. But I gotta wonder though, what's the story behind them?"
>Point towards the confused would-be bullies with a thumb.
Why not?
Escort her home, if she lives with anyone it could be a way to get contacts. We are pretty desperate for information.
Why am I not complaining about my life more?
Maybe its nice to play the hero with out getting cut up, for once.
> Seconding the escort. Awkward situatons would lead to little or no sleep while escorting her home would eventually result in at least some decent sleep.
> Pack anything we need and head out!
> Nod.
> "Sounds good."
>"Heh, time is no obstacle, so shall we get this going then?"
>Let's make for middle along with him when he moves to go there.
>"Hey chief, don't you feel that? Feels like something's coming. Off to the left. Feels big, dunno what it is. Want me to check it out?"
> Keep cautious and alert, keeping an eye out for visible signs of trouble.
> Try not to gawk at the colossal reptiles.
> Have a quick look around to ensure everything is good.
>Something's fishy....this is an awful lot like the tricks they pulled in those old westerns isn't it?
> Look over at Frank.
> "Permission to counter-attack?"
Well, time to kick ass, something we're good at! But first, I need a refresher on what we can do, and what it does!
>List of Techs.
>"Time...Is no object to the one who bears the clock. I'll show you all what I can do..! Let's run the welcome wagon over these guys!"
>Mackenzie's World, followed by Silver Acute 360: Attack, directed at the snipers! The other moves will get their chances soon enough. But first the snipers gotta go!
> Don't pursue. That's more or less just giving into the bloodlust at this point and all we really needed to do was defend the caravan, not wipe out the attacking party.
>Well, nothing to do means we can just walk around in the area, hopefully we can cool off more that way.> Agreed. See if we can't learn some more about this world while we're at it.
>Well, nothing to do means we can just walk around in the area, hopefully we can cool off more that way.
> Agreed. See if we can't learn some more about this world while we're at it.
>Let's head over then. "Well, that was a rather nice workout. Though I think I lost count of how many I bested....Wonder if chief was keeping track?"
>Shrug. "But at any rate, how's things been holding up?"
> Ask Frank about the Raiders while keeping an eye out for more suspicious activity.
>"I gotta admit chief, that was a pretty clever trick they pulled. Using those animals like they did."
>Meet his frown with our own. "Yeah, I got a funny feeling that something's going on up north. I'll have to check on that once I'm done with this job."
> Ask Frank what the land is like up north, like lakes, ground cover and whatnot.
> We might as well finish the work we'd checked out first since the North thing came up after we left town.
> Head back to town!
> First things first. Check out a tailor for some new clothes.
> If it's not Ceracia, replace her name with 'really' in the next command.
> "Ah, it was no problem Ceracia!"
> Pay for the stuff.
>Nod. "Yeah, recently got done with a job involving escorting a caravan. I've got another job in the works that has me lending my abilities to a group of other adventurers. And then after that's done, I plan on looking into something I heard about on my last job that had me interested."
> Try a Map Shop anyway. We've got time and those things should come in handy eventually.
> This whole situation sounds a little crazy now... not that it's stopped us before.
> "I'm pretty much set. You guys all good?"
>"Well, what all do we have to work with? Given that we've got a Mage, perhaps spells for earthmoving, or explosions would suffice for carving a path. Failing that, I might be able to slip in and look around for another possible entrance."
>Would we be able to slip in?
>"Hmm...I can just barely slip in. You guys want me to check it out?"
>Is the tunnel still traversible even with the pit?
>If not: Let's pull up completely, and head back to poke our head our of the crack to report on the pit.
>"Sheesh, I dunno if this place is even feasibly explorable, a huge pit popped up under me a little bit ago. Good thing I have good reflexes though, otherwise even I'd be a goner. That pit lead down to a bigger cavern though, so we might be able to use that as an alternate entrance."
> "Damn."
> Look around and try to make out our surroundings.
> Stay frosty while trying to get a better look at the creature.
> Lay down some ranged knifing on the fleshy mass.
> Are there any rocky overhangs that we might be able to bring down on the monster?
>"Thanks for the save you guys, that thing ended up dragging me down there when I was trying to head back to let you guys know about the pit."
>What sort of move do we have that'd be able to chip in and help take that thing down?
> Attempt a double Buriallusion then. Let's take this sucker down.
> "Fweh. That took a bit out of me."
> Take some deep breaths and head onwards.
>Alright, let's use our 'advantage' to search then.
> We move fairly quietly right?
> Sheepish grin.
> "Heh sorry. People tend to do that a lot since I like to move quietly."
>Grin. "Let's just say it's an ability I have."
>Chuckle a little. "Well, I can scout them out easily enough. After all, that's why you guys brought a guy like me along. So which one you guys want me to case out first?"
>Hmm....Timestop, and work our way back.> Agreed.
>Hmm....Timestop, and work our way back.
>"Tch...Something interfered with my abilities on the way back. Never had anything like that happen before. Felt like a membrane, all jarring and gooey."
>"I think we should avoid that tunnel for the time being."
> Take stock of the rest of the room to make sure there're no obvious traps.
> "You guys wanna go and check the last one too? Not really sure it might be a good idea to tamper with this stuff."
> Well crap.
> Keep snooping around carefully. Don't want to get screwed over like whoever or whatever the smell belongs to.
> ...
> Is there any discernible way out?
>...Oh piss. We've played enough RPGs to know where this is going. That thing's obviously a Mimic.
>Let's look around for something to throw, if we avert the whole surprise attack thing they've got going for them, it should be easy enough to kill, should it come down to a battle.