Project Apocalypse Session 10 Log Session Start: Sun Feb 13 19:16:00 2000 ============================================================================ Cast of Characters: Dragonmaster Lou as Gamemaster, Bartender, Dominic, Drunk 1, Drunk 2, Ninja, Deimu, Old Man, Isaac, Man, Raphael Aerian as Xorn Bryann as Dragoona (Dragonmaster Lou as ~Dragoona) Lucia as Rista Mark Kroush as Cain (Dragonmaster Lou as ~Cain) Scott Kroush as LeBeau (Dragonmaster Lou as ~LeBeau) Seath as Ashmodeel (Dragonmaster Lou as ~Ashmodeel) Danny Capote as Richard ============================================================================ ===GAME ON!=== --We're still in Monteco's bar... enjoying some drinks...-- Bartender: "Anything else I can get for you guys?" * LeBeau is downing another bottle of Irian rum, HIMSELF. * Dragoona is currently guzzling down some vodka, getting herself as wasted as can be. ;) Dominic: "Umm, are you sure you guys should be drinking that much?" * Ashmodeel is quietly sipping his merlot and looking down at the others. LeBeau: "'Ey, ah kin 'old my liquor." Dragoona: "Any reason why we shouldn't, Dom?" ^_^ Dominic: "The fact that there are still a bunch of Tenshi running around?" * Dragoona looks slightly flushed, but doesn't seem drunk yet. Dragoona: "Oh, blah." ^_^ * Dominic sighs and orders some lemonade. * LeBeau pours some Rum for Rista. "Ya wan' some, chere?" Dominic: "Anyway, I gotta get back to the Arcadia... Just stopped here to get some supplies..." * Dominic split! --Two drunks seem to be talking quite loudly in the corner...-- * Rista eyes LB, sipping at her moonshine. "no thanks, hon.. I'm covered." * Dragoona wonders if the drunks will spout out random plot-related goodies like drunks usually do. Drunk 1: "Yaaaw... I *hic* hoid 'bout this Izzaak guy..." Ashmodeel: . o O(Good God, I'm stuck with a group of lushes.) Drunk 2: "Yaaawww... *hic* I heaya he eez making dis potion..." * LeBeau looks over to the drunks' conversation. "'Dis soun's 'nterestin'." Drunk 1: "Poshun?" * Dragoona takes another swig of vodka and looks at Ashmodeel in a less than proper way. ;) Drunk 2: "Yeah... Youse know how da Iceberg Stone is unda watuh? This poshun lets you breeve there." * Dragoona blows a kiss to Ash. ;) * LeBeau gets out his cards. "Mebbe ah kin get more info from 'dem wit' 'dese." * Ashmodeel gives Dragoona a raised eyebrow and sips his wine. Drunk 1: "Really? Dat would be nice -- eet wood make it eazier to kiss da Iceberg Stone fer luck." Drunk 2: "Yah, but Izaac don't give nobody da poshun... Not even for cash or booze..." Drunk 1: "Figgurs... Tawk 'bout bein' stuck up..." LeBeau: "Now, w'at's 'dis 'bout a potion? Drunk 1: "A poshuh? Wat poshun?" * LeBeau starts dealing out his cards. "Come now, fellas... Ah 'ear'ed ya talkin' bout a potion... and some Izzak fella..now, w'at's 'de deal?" Drunk 2: "Oh, dat poshun... Yah, some alkemist named Izzak is makin' one." * Dragoona ruffles Ashmodeel's hair "C'mon, hun... don't play hard to get... hehehe." * LeBeau picks up his cards. "An' j'est w'ere may he be?" Drunk 1: "Izzak leeves by hisself in a houze southeast of towne." LeBeau: "A'ight, fellas...show me yer cards. * Ashmodeel starts sweating, "Um Dragoona, I'm going to go over there . . . alone." Drunk 2: "Cardz? Wat cardz?" LeBeau: "Look in front'a ya, pal." * LeBeau keeps a stoic poker face on. Drunk 1: "Oh, dose cardz... Umm... Eet looks like I have too pear!" Dragoona: "But why, Ashie?" ^_^ Dragoona: "I just want to snuggleeee." ^_^ Drunk 2: "Izzat eet? I have a pair of 2s!" Drunk 1: "Ya beat me, bro!" LeBeau: "Deuces and fives... not bad... but get a load of 'dis... 4 queens." *Lays down his cards.* Ashmodeel: "Because I would never forgive myself, my dear knight." Drunk 1: "Whoa... Heeze got da lowest of us all... Heeze just got ladiez." * LeBeau picks his cards up and walks off. "T'anks fer de info, fellas." Dragoona: ^_^ "You sure?" Drunk 2: "*hic* Yah meesta, you donna play cardz." * Drunks 1 and 2 pass out. Dragoona: "I mean, you're pretty sexy with that hair and all." :D LeBeau: "Hehehe...'dat was easy." * LeBeau walks back to Rista. "Now Ah know 'ow we kin get to da stone." * Ashmodeel loosens his collar a bit, "Um . . . positive." * Rista looks like she's happily passed out at the bar. * Dragoona purrs seductively to Ashmodeel. ;) * LeBeau takes a sniff of Rista's jug of shine. "Ya coul' fuel a Technomage Airship wit' 'dis stuff... an' she KILLED IT?" * Ashmodeel downs the rest of his wine. Dragoona: "I's not that bad, LB... She let me have some too.. ^_^ It's good stuff." * LeBeau lightly taps Rista on the cheek. "Wakey, wakey." Dragoona: "Now... magey-kins." ^_^ LeBeau: "An 'ere ya are 'ittin on Ashmodeel?" * Dragoona glomps onto Ashmodeel. LeBeau: "She's j'est plain s***faced." * Ashmodeel has a worried look on his face. * Ashmodeel tries to pry Dragoona off of him. * LeBeau again lightly taps Rista on the cheek. "Wake up, Rista." LeBeau: "Aw hell..." * Xorn watches Ashmodeel and Dragoona amusedly. * LeBeau picks Rista up. * Ashmodeel shoot Xorn an evil look. * Dragoona kisses Ashmodeel passionately. ^_- LeBeau: O_o; "Dragoona's really s***faced." * Xorn misses the meaning of the evil look. * Rista clings to LB. * Ashmodeel pries Dragoona away again, but has a slight smile on his face. LeBeau: "'Dat wasn't expected." Ashmodeel: "Ah, Dragoona please." . o O(Don't tempt me.) * Dragoona keeps her grip as solid as ever. LeBeau: "'Kin we git goin?" Bartender: "Might I suggest several cups of septuple espresso?" * Rista snuggles closer to LB. Ashmodeel: "Ah Dragoona, I think that it is time for you go to bed . . . alone." Dragoona: "You don't wanna accompany me?" ^_^ Ashmodeel: "Uh no, that would be illegal in most countries." Dragoona: "I'm sure there's more to you than that robe..." ^_^ Bartender: "Not in Montego, almost everything is legal here..." * LeBeau is slightly amused by the conversation between Ashmodeel and Dragoona. Ashmodeel: "Shut up, shut up." LeBeau: "Ya gotta love 'dis town, right, Ash?" * Dragoona squeezes Ash's ass. :O Bartender: "I think I have a solution to your problem..." Xorn: "A few grenades would solve the problem, I'm sure..." * Ashmodeel's face turns the brightest shade of red possible. * Bartender tosses Ashmodeel a large, wooden mallet. Ashmodeel: "Are you suggesting I conk her with this?" * Bartender nods. Ashmodeel: "But, but when she wakes up, she'll kill me!" * Dragoona takes away the mallet. "Oh, but you don't want what I have to offer?" ^_^ Bartender: "How much do you want to bet she won't even remember when she wakes up?" * LeBeau gestures to Dragoona as a small field of smoke engulfs her... "Smoke Puff." Ashmodeel: "She took it!" Dragoona falls asleep as a result of the smoke... LeBeau: "'Dere ya go, Ash." Ashmodeel: "Thank you LeBeau." LeBeau: "No prob." * Dragoona is clamped onto Ash still in an indecent manner. ;) * Rista opens her eyes, says something about the happy elves, babies and something completely unintelligible, and clings to Henri tighter. Bartender: "Well, that works, though that's not how my boss would take care of women problems... Then again... my boss is the top pimp in all of Monteco..." Ashmodeel: "I think we should be off now." * Xorn nods in agreement. * LeBeau nods and walks out of the tavern. Bartender: "If you guys need any, umm, attention, I could fix you up with a good deal from my boss..." LeBeau: "Ah don' t'ink so... Ah got Rista 'ere fer dat." * Ashmodeel ignores the bartender and carries Dragoona out of the tavern. LeBeau: "An' Ash 'as Dragoona." --It is still a sunny, warm day in the Meditteranean climate of Iria...-- * Ashmodeel yells back, "No I don't!" LeBeau: ^_^ ~Cain: "So, where now?" * Dragoona is unconscious and sprawled over Ash's body. She can't answer Cain right now, obviously. ;) --The item shop is still open...-- Ashmodeel: "I should probably take Dragoona back to the Arcadia. Rista as well." LeBeau: "'Dere's dis fella outsida town 'dat's makin' a potin 'dat'll 'llow ya to breate undawatah..." * LeBeau wonders what it'll take to wake up Dragoona. * Ashmodeel heads for the Arcadia. * LeBeau heads for the exit to town. LeBeau: "'EY, Ash...bring yer butt on..." Ashmodeel: "Well make up your mind, Dragoona isn't exactly light as a feather." * Ashmodeel follows LB. * Xorn follows as well. --The weather is beautiful, sunny, and dry.-- LeBeau: "'Den let Xorn carry 'er." Ashmodeel: "No, that's quite all right. I can handle her." The Smoke Puff begins to wear off on Dragoona... * Dragoona slowly opens her eyes... * Dragoona notices she's staring at Ashmodeel, with one hand on his buttocks and the other on his neck... * Dragoona screams loudly. VERY loudly. * LeBeau starts laughing. "Ah knew she woul' do 'dat." * Ashmodeel puts Dragoona on the ground and quickly moves to a safe distance. Dragoona: "ASHMODEEL NO HENTAI!" * Dragoona slaps Ash. Xorn: "Alcohol has such interesting effects..." ~Cain: "Look who's talking..." * Rista opens her eyes, and stares at LB... "What the?.. What happened?" * Richard rides up to the group with his horse and looks at each of them. Ashmodeel: "Hey! That is not exactly fair." LeBeau: "Ya was drinkin' somethin' that coul' fuel a Technomage airship." * Xorn looks at Richard. Richard: "Excuse me, but would any of you happen to know the way to Monteco?" * Dragoona is still in shock from the position she was in 5 minutes ago. LeBeau: "We j'est came from 'dere" Xorn: "Yes, it's over there." *points* Richard: "Oh, thank you very much. I just came from some guy's house and he wanted me to buy him some supplies. Thank you again..." * LeBeau points Richard the way to Monteco. * Ashmodeel mutters, "Damn women . . ." * Dragoona glares at Ash. "Mind explaining, then?" LeBeau: "Easy...ya were s***faced, Dragoona... an' hittin on Ash." Ashmodeel: "You were a trifle drunk my dear." * Richard rides off in the direction that the group pointed to. Dragoona: O_o Dragoona: Bulls***, LB!" Ashmodeel: "But I was the perfect gentleman, no thanks to you Dragoona." Dragoona: "I'd never do something like that!" LeBeau: "Ah don' lie, Dragoona... Ah'm a cardshark... but not a liar." Rista: "Who let me get drunk?! HENRI! I thought you had more sense than that!" * Dragoona blinks. Dragoona: "I..." Dragoona: "I need to take a shower. I feel dirty." -_- LeBeau: "'Ah was also drinkin', Rista... though ah came on some info 'dat was rather useful..." Ashmodeel: "You feel dirty. I'm going to have to soak myself in bleach after that fiasco." * Xorn chuckles dryly. Xorn: "You were quite intoxicated, Dragoona." * LeBeau heads toward the direction of the man's house with the potion. Dragoona: "Maybe you should drink some of it too, Ash." ^_- Rista: "... Info?" * Ashmodeel raises his hands in frustration and follows LB. ~Cain: "Dragoona tried to make herself Ashmodeel's bitch." LeBeau: "Yeah... some fella's makin' a potion 'dat'll alow ya to breate undahwatah... we kin use 'dat ta ge ta' de Founder's Cave, Ah'll bet." * Dragoona sweatdrops. Dragoona: "Shaddup, Cain." Dragoona: "I did no such thing." --You can see a modest house just up ahead...-- * Ashmodeel gives Cain a murderous look, "I would suggest you clean up you language around women, Cain. Or I'll do it for you." ~Cain: "Whatever, coon-ass." Ashmodeel: "Don't tempt me, I'll in just the right mood to send you to the tenth level of hell." --The house is now close by -- noises can be heard coming from inside...-- LeBeau: "Eh?" * LeBeau knocks on the door. --The door opens as soon as you touch it... There is an old man being threatened by someone with a large katana. He appears to be dressed like a maskless ninja!-- LeBeau: "'EY! W'ATCHA T'INK YER DOIN'?" Dragoona: "Hey, swordboy. I think Kurosawa was looking for you." Ninja: "Now look hear, old man, you'd better stop your experiments... Theran doesn't like that..." Dragoona: "He needed his star." :P * Ninja turns around. Ninja: "Excuse me? Just who do you think you are?" LeBeau: "Ah'm Henri LeBeau... captain of Iria's guard... an' you are?" Dragoona: ^_^ "If I said I was Sailor Moon, what would you do?" ^_- Ninja: "It doesn't matter who you say you are!" Ninja: "The name is Deimu, although I'm also known as the Hitokiri..." Dragoona: "Then why did you ask us, Battousai?" :P Deimu: "Hmph, impertinent..." Deimu: "Leave me alone, otherwise you may pay dearly..." * Dragoona draws her sword. "Funny, I was about to say the same to you." Ashmodeel: "I think, my dear ninja, that you have it the wrong way." * LeBeau pulls out a card. "Well, Ah'm a gam'lin man..." * Xorn hefts his grenade launcher. Deimu: "Very well then, if you must do this the hard way..." ===BOSS COMBAT! HITOKIRI DEIMU-SAMA!=== ===ROUND 1=== * LeBeau puts Rista down and grabs his bo staff from out of his trenchcoat. Deimu's arm begins to take the appearance of being surrounded in flame... Dragoona: "Flame, eh?" ^_^ Rista: "..." * Dragoona starts channeling mana into her sword. ^_^ * LeBeau channels his light tech into his card... * Rista closes her eyes and starts chanting. ~Cain attacks! LeBeau: "Ya see, bein' a cardshark, ah always 'ave a winnin' 'and." First attack... Deimu parries... Second attack... Deimu parries... Dragoona casts Bahamut's Fang! Deimu is hit for 239 damage. * Dragoona holds her blade in front of her and promptly chucks it into Deimu. :P Deimu casts Ryo-no-haduken on LeBeau! Deimu unleashes a dragon-shaped fireball in the direction of Lebeau! LeBeau: O_O; Rista: "...HENRI!" LeBeau is hit for 21 damage. Deimu defends... Dragoona: "Relax." Dragoona: "LB's fine." LeBeau: "There goes almost half my HP." LeBeau casts Winning Hand! * LeBeau throws a light enhanced card at Deimu. Deimu is hit for 244 damage... Ashmodeel casts Grey Lightning! Deimu is hit for 235 damage... Xorn attacks! First attack... Deimu dodges... Second attack... Deimu dodges... Rista casts Chaos! The waves of chaotic magic home in on... Cain! Chaos Effect: MgD down... Cain's MgD down 5 Deimu steps closer to the party... ===ROUND 2=== Deimu holds his sword in the air, the blade surrounded by flames! LeBeau: "Aw hell..." * Dragoona copies Deimu's move to a 't'. * LeBeau draws another card out of his pocket... Rista: "..." Deimu casts Hamara Doumu! Deimu leaps high in the air, impacting the ground in the middle of the party with his sword, unleashing a devastating fiery explosion! * LeBeau tries his best to dodge. * Rista ducks. Ashmodeel takes 16 damage. Cain 38. Dragoona 42. LeBeau 20. Rista 23. Xorn 22. ~Cain attacks! First attack... Parry! Second attack... Parry! * Dragoona shrieks in pain, but the attack also makes the flames grow stronger... ~Cain: "I gotta be able to hit this guy..." * LeBeau falls to one knee, bleeding heavily. Dragoona casts Bahamut's Fang! * Dragoona impales the ninja-boy with her now flaming sword! Deimu takes 234 damage. LeBeau casts Winning Hand. * LeBeau throws another light card at Deimu. * LeBeau goes back to bleeding profusely. Deimu takes 233 damage. Ashmodeel casts Pulse Beam! * Dragoona also bleeds. ;P Deimu takes 59 damage Xorn attacks! First attack... 25 damage... Second attack... 21 damage... Rista casts Chaos! The waves of chaotic magic home in on... Cain! Chaos Effect: Sleep... Deimu steps closer to the party... ===ROUND 3=== Deimu sheaths his katana... * Dragoona channels yet more flame into her blade... ~Cain sleeps... Dragoona casts Bahamut's fang! Deimu is hit for 233 damage! * Dragoona casts Bahamut's fang! :P Deimu casts Battou-Jutsu on the back row! Deimu slashes the entire back row (all of Ashmodeel :P) with a lightning-fast attack from his sheath... Ashmodeel is hit for 31 damage... LeBeau casts Winning Hand! Deimu is hit for 231 damage! * LeBeau throws ANOTHER light card at Deimu. Ashmodeel casts Grey Lightning! Deimu is hit for 245 damage! Xorn attacks... First attack... 30 damage... Second attack... 29 damage... Rista casts Health Blessing on LeBeau! LeBeau recovers 40 HP! Deimu steps even closer to the party, standing right next to Cain... ===ROUND 4=== Deimu holds his blade out at shoulder level, his left hand holding the tip... * Dragoona holds her blade like a blade. :P Deimu casts Gatotsu Form Zero! Cain is hit with a very violent and powerful close range impalement from Deimu's sword! Dragoona: "... Ow." LeBeau: "CAIN!" .oO('dat 'adta 'urt.) Dragoona: "That looked very painful." Gatotsu From Zero does instant critical damage... 982 damage. Cain is defeated... Rista: "... Gods... Cain..." * Ashmodeel is silent. Deimu: "Heh, well, it's been fun, but looking at the time, I have other business I must attend to... Theran has asked me to perform a few more assassinations..." * Dragoona looks at the bloodied Cain. Dragoona: "He's... dead, Jim. O_o Quite. Deimu: "Anyway, seeing as how Theran is such a busy man, he's given me quite a few assignments... Before I leave, however, let me minimize the chances of you guys following me..." * Deimu smashes the only Blue Dragon Statue in the house, preventing you from healing yourselves! * Deimu leaps up in the air, cuts a hole in the roof, and escapes through it... Dragoona: -_- Dragoona: "Go away, Kenshin-boy!" Dragoona: "Go do your flying sushi attacks elsewhere!" Old Man: "My word... Is... he all right?"" Dragoona: "Uh, considering the large puddle of blood beneath him, I'd say no." O_o Old Man: "Here, put him on my sofa..." Dragoona: "I don't have anything to help him with either..." * Dragoona picks him up and puts him on the guy's sofa. * Old Man looks Cain over... Old Man: "He's in terrible shape... He may not make it... All we can do is let him rest and pray..." * Richard rides up to the house, dismounts his horse, and enters cautiously looking around. "Isaac, I got the supplies you needed..." Dragoona: ^^; "Hey. You're that guy from before." Old Man: "Richard! Good to see you... Unfortunately, things here aren't so good..." Richard: "Yes, your directions, however vague they were, were helpful to me. Thank you very much." * Richard looks at Cain. "I'm sorry for your comrade..." Dragoona: "He seems..." Isaac: "He may still make it... Unfortunately, that bastard Deimu had to show up and harass us again..." Dragoona: "In bad shape. Usually the shape one's in when you get stabbed through the heart..." O_o Isaac: "Don't give up hope... He may still pull through... I'll do my best to treat him..." * Richard hands the old man all the things he bought in Monteco. "Again?" Isaac: "Yes, again... Although before he was bothering me to make him my underwater potion... Now he wants me to stop for some reason." Ashmodeel: "That is all we can hope for." * Isaac applies some herbs to Cain's wounds... Dragoona: "So we can't get any of it, most likely, sir." Dragoona: -_- "We're trying to collect the power of the Founders so that we can show Theran who's boss." Isaac: "Actually, since you seem interested in it, I could give you some, just to piss Deimu off, heh... He's had it coming to him for a long time..." Isaac: "I see... An even better reason then to help you!" Dragoona: ^_^ Dragoona: "Well..." Isaac: "Even if your methods are kind of disturbing..." Dragoona: "First thing's first." Ashmodeel: "We would heartily appreciate it." Dragoona: "We gotta help Cain over there." Isaac: "Leave him to me... I know quite a few things, including how to treat wounds... It'll take time, but I may be able to save him..." Ashmodeel: "Dragoona, there is not much we can do for him but leave him with Issac." Isaac: "Are you sure you want to gather all the Founders' Crests?" * Richard seems out of place inside the cabin so he walks out. "If you need me Isaac, I'll be outside with my horse." Dragoona: "Any reason why not, sir?" * Isaac nods to Richard. Isaac: "What a wonderful young man... He's been a godsend..." Ashmodeel: "Is there a reason why we should not?" Isaac: "Well, I've studied a lot of things... Alchemy, physics, archaeology, medicine, and prophecy... There is a prophecy that said the Founders would only be reunited on the eve of the Destroyer's awakening..." Ashmodeel: "That is closer than you think." Dragoona: "That's reason two." ^^; Isaac: "That's why I'm concerned, although the other things necessary to wake him up are highly unlikely to happen." Dragoona: "Theran's trying to make it more likely, it seems." Isaac: "I doubt it... One is practically impossible... The Destroyer can only be awakened by both a Tenshi and an Esper." Dragoona: "..." Isaac: "Working together..." Ashmodeel: "The world is changing rapidly. Old enemies are resurfacing. Traitors appear from the least expected places." Dragoona: "Uh..." Isaac: "Or so the prophecy stated..." Dragoona: "Well... both Tenshi and Espermechs have resurfaced, sir..." Isaac: "True, but given as how the Tenshi and Espers are mortal enemies, it' s unlikely they'd ever work together to free the Destroyer." Dragoona: "Stranger things have happened, sir." Dragoona: "I tried to hit on the mage over there (Indicates Ash) for instance." Isaac: "Well, that's only part of it... You see, when they imprisoned him, the Espers and the Founders took all five pieces of Antonius's armor and scattered them across the world. He can only be awakened when all those pieces of his black armor are reunited." Ashmodeel: "Must you bring that up, Dragoona?" Dragoona: "Well, if it weren't for your personality, you are kinda cute." :P Ashmodeel: "I really have no time for such frivolities." Isaac: "So you see, the odds of finding a Tenshi and Esper working together *and* gathering all five pieces of the black armor are extremely rare." Dragoona: "Hai." Dragoona: "But..." Dragoona: "That doesn't make sense - why would there only be two options?" Isaac: "What do you mean?" Dragoona: "From what Theran has said, it seemed like there should be at least one more..." Isaac: "The Dark Mana?" * Dragoona winces. Dragoona: "Yes." Dragoona: "I think it was something like that." * Xorn finds a wall to lean against and listens. Isaac: "That's the third key, actually... I didn't mention it because I had assumed you had already learned that in your dealings with Theran." Isaac: "The Dark Mana, the Tenshi and Esper working together, and the Black Armor must all come together in order to awaken Antonius." Dragoona: "What the HELL is this 'Dark Mana,' anyways?" Isaac: "I don't know... It's a strange mana that is not of this world, that does not originate from the mana pool." Isaac: "You see, all magic on this planet stems from a pool of mana hidden somewhere known as the mana pool, or, according to the Esper texts, the 'Blood of God.'" * Richard walks back inside the house quietly after tending for his horse. Ashmodeel: "In essence, Dark Mana is not necessarily evil, but it comes from a source alien to this planet." Isaac: "The Espers believed in two gods, a god of life and a god of death. These gods fought with each other eons ago and the god of death won. However, the god of life left behind his blood, which we call mana, and from it all life sprouted forth on the Espers home." Dragoona: "..." Isaac: "Exactly... Mana is rarely inherently good or evil, it's how its used." Isaac: "You see, mana itself is the power of life... It nurtures and is nurtured by life..." Isaac: "That is why Theran's plan is so dangerous." Ashmodeel: "If he gets a hold of the source of mana, he runs the risk of disrupting the delicate balance between life and death." Isaac: "Exactly... That's why he must be stopped at all costs... At first, I thought he sent Deimu to get my potion to help him find the pool, though now I feel he may have found another way." Ashmodeel: "Could it be that he has found a Tenshi capable of underwater travel?" Dragoona: "... Huh?" Isaac: *sighs* "Perhaps... I honestly don't know... This planet has many mysteries that I am only now beginning to understand." Isaac: "Theran may have wanted my potion to search underwater for the mana pool." * Isaac peers up through the hole left in his roof by Deimu at the Sapphire and Silver Moons. Dragoona: "Like 'Why are we born?' 'Why do we die?' and 'Why is beer so magically delicious?' Those sort of mysteries?" ^^; Isaac: "No, stranger ones... Like why this world we're on behaves so strangely compared to our neighbors in the heavens." Dragoona: "You mean people are up there?" *points to the moons* Isaac: "I honestly don't know... However, our relationship with our moons is very strange..." * Richard looks at the hole, finally noticing it's there. "Oh, Isaac, I'm gonna have to do something about that." Isaac: "Don't worry about it... It rains about once a month here anyway, so there's time..." Richard: "It never hurts to be cautious..." Isaac: "Anyway, my fair knight, you see, every object in the universe exerts a pull on every other object called 'gravity.' Gravity is why our world is so strange." * Isaac nods at Richard. Dragoona: "Uh, sure." * Xorn grows exceedingly bored with the lesson on "gravity." * Richard looks at Cain's body... Dragoona: "Gravity." Dragoona: "Why we fall - things pulling towards other things." Isaac: "You see, I've been charting the movement of heavenly bodies for years... Our world doesn't move like others... It moves as if it was designed not to affect our moons with its gravity. Its motions cancel its previous motions out... It is very strange -- no other world in the sky does this." Isaac: "Yes, and by my calculations, our world should have fallen into either of our moons a long time ago, but it never did." Dragoona: "Uh..." Dragoona: "Fun." Isaac: "It gets stranger... Our world's gravity is too strong... It should only be one tenth of what it actually is..." Dragoona: "But then we'd be all floaty." Dragoona: "And that doesn't make sense." Isaac: "That's just it, our world doesn't make sense in so many ways... A world this size should not have the gravity it has..." Dragoona: "... Sure." Dragoona: "Whatever." Isaac: "Just trust me on this one..." Ashmodeel: "Issac, I have heard a few mages in Savanti put forth the theory that our world could be artificial." Dragoona: "I am, because I have no idea what the hell you're talking about." ^_^ Isaac: "I think they are on to something... I feel the same way from my own research..." Isaac: "There is no other way to explain our planets unusual behavior and properties other than someone made it that way." Isaac: "Anyway, do you still insist on finding the Marina Crest of Iria?" Ashmodeel: "I believe that is the best course of action as it would prevent others from gaining the crests." Isaac: "Sadly, I feel you are right..." Isaac: "However, I need one ingredient to make my potion... There is a plant, known as the Hydra Plant, that grows inside a cave not far from here... Its root is the key ingredient for my potion." * Richard looks at the group. "I don't mean to intrude, but if Isaac doesn't need me here, would you mind if I accompanied you?" Isaac: "Actually, I could use some help treating Cain here..." Richard: "Okay." Isaac: "However, once things are such that I can take care of him on my own, you're welcome to join them." Isaac: "If they'll allow you, of course." Isaac: "Anyway, if you get me the root, I'll make you the potion. Deal?" Dragoona: "Um, I guess so." Isaac: "Very well then, the cave is just to the south... Good luck and good hunting!" ~LeBeau: "A'ight. Le's go, mes amis!" * Dragoona winces at the worse-than-normal french and lemmings out. ;) --The weather is still beautiful here, and the cave can be seen up ahead.-- * Xorn wanders off towards the cave. --The cave seems somewhat damp inside, but not too bad.-- * ~Dragoona heads on in. * Xorn follows --Not too far into the cave, the path splits into left and right entrances.-- Ashmodeel: "Any ideas?" Rista: "I... think we should split up..." Dragoona: "..." Dragoona: ^_- "Up to you guys." Dragoona: "I'm going left though." ^_^ * Dragoona goes left. ^_- Ashmodeel: "She should not go by herself." * Ashmodeel follows Dragoona. * Dragoona stops all of a sudden." ^_- Dragoona: ^_^ "You really do care, Ashie!" ^_- * Xorn shrugs and follows them. Ashmodeel: "It would be a travesty if our group lost a perfectly good swordswoman." Ashmodeel: "Don't mistake my feelings." ~LeBeau heads left, but waits for Rista. Dragoona: "Rista?" * Xorn keeps walking past the two. * Rista starts over to where LB waits. ~LeBeau heads left, presumably with Rista. :) --The path goes down a fairly steep incline, heading deeper and deeper underground.-- * Dragoona goes that way. ;) Rista: "My shoes don't like this one bit..." --In the distance, a tiny gleam of light can be seen...-- Dragoona: "Eh?" --The gleam is barely noticeable because of its size, but it's still quite bright.-- * Xorn heads towards it. * Dragoona does too. --The gleam gets larger, but very slowly, as if it was coming from a tiny object to begin with.-- * Rista follows the others. --The gleam seems to be coming from an object at a dead end...-- --The shiny thing turns out to be a small ring with a silver chain through it, as if it was worn as a pendant. It seems to be made of solid diamond and is in the shape of a dragon.-- Ashmodeel: "What is this?" Dragoona: "What's..." * Dragoona picks it up. * Dragoona puts it on impulsively. ^_- -Dragoona acquires Diana's Ring (All Stats += Level, Randomly casts "Diana's Memory") {Can only be equipped by Dragoona} ~LeBeau: "Ah wonder what such a ring would be doin' here?" * Dragoona hums a happy tune. Rista: "..." ~LeBeau: "Are you sure you want to wear that, mon amie?" * Xorn looks around. Xorn: "Well, there seems to be nothing else here... Shall we try the other path?" Dragoona: "What's wrong with it?" --The ring glows briefly after Dragoona puts it on, then fades back to normal.-- Dragoona: "..." Dragoona: "Uh... ^_^ I hope that isn't a bad thing." ~LeBeau: "Ah'm with Xorn on dis one..." * Xorn shrugs and heads off, with or without everyone else. Ashmodeel: "Lead away, Xorn." Dragoona: "Well..." Dragoona: "That'd be the plan." :P --Soon you're back at the fork in the cave's path...-- * Dragoona goes the other way, obviously. * Xorn goes the other path. --The path seems to be much shallower than the other in incline...-- --Noises can be heard coming from up ahead...-- Dragoona: "Wha..?" --There seems to be some movement in the shadows...-- * Xorn readies his grenade launcher. ^_^ Dragoona: "Great." Dragoona: "Monsters." * Dragoona draws her sword. --The party is suddenly jumped by several reptilian and piscene monsters!-- ===COMBAT!=== Dragoona: "Spiffy. JUST SPIFFY." Three War Turtles in front, two Flying Fish in back! ===ROUND 1=== Dragoona attacks War Turtle A! * Dragoona proceeds to administer a holy ass-whuppin' on War Turtle A! First attack... 32 damage... Second attack... 32 damage... LeBeau casts Thunder Bolt on Flying Fish A! * LeBeau throws a lightning bolt at Flying Fish A. Flying Fish A has critical weakness to Thunder attacks. 66 damage! Ashmodeel uses a Mountain Dew on himself! 50 HP recovered! War Turtle A attacks LeBeau! LeBeau is hit for 17 damage. LeBeau: "Ow... 'dat 'urt." War Turtle B casts Water Gun on Rista! Rista is hit with an intense blast of water for 22 damage. War Turtle C attacks Dragoona! Dragoona: "Gack!" Dragoona: "Hey! Get away!" Dragoona is tackled for 8 damage. * Dragoona tries to get away the evil chibi-thing. Flying Fish A attacks Dragoona! Dragoona: "HEY!" ;_; Dragoona is hit for 10 damage... Dragoona: "Why are you attacking me?!" ;_; * Dragoona is bleeding profusely. Flying Fish B attacks Ashmodeel! Critical hit! Ashmodeel is hit for 27 damage! Xorn attacks Flying Fish A! First attack... 27 damage! Second attack... 21 damage! Rista casts Chaos on Flying Fish B! The waves of chaotic magic home in on... Flying Fish B! Chaos effect: Daze! ===ROUND 2=== --The ring-pendant Dragoona's wearing glows briefly...-- Dragoona: "What the...?" LeBeau: "Eh?" Diana's Ring casts Diana's Memory! The ring begins to glow brightly! The translucent image of a blue-haired young woman appears before the party! * Dragoona blinks as the ring brightens! O_o A strange sadness temporarily befalls Dragoona before blue sparkles travel between the lady to her, strengthening her! All of Dragoona's stats have increased by 104! Dragoona attacks War Turtle A! * Dragoona proceeds to lop off the poor thing's head. ;P First attack... Critical hit! 272 damage! Second attack... Critical hit! 269 damage! War Turtle A is no more! Rista: O_O LeBeau casts Thunder Bolt on War Turtle B... * Rista blinks. "Whoa..." * LeBeau throws another lightning bolt at War Turtle B. * Dragoona gasps "Whoa." War Turtle B has critical weakness to thunder attacks... 62 damage. Ashmodeel casts Grey Lightning on the War Turtles! LeBeau: "'Dis is gonna 'urt." War Turtle has critical weakness to thunder attacks. B suffers 590 damage and is soup! C suffers 542 damage and is soup! Flying Fish A attacks LeBeau. LeBeau: "Git back, ya oversized crappie." LeBeau is hit for 20 damage. Flying Fish B attacks Ashmodeel Ashmodeel is hit for 18 damage. Xorn attacks Flying Fish A! First attack... Critical hit! 42 damage! Second attack... 24 damage. Rista casts Heal Blessing on herself! Rista recovers 40 HP! ===ROUND 3=== The effects of Diana's Memory are still working for Dragoona... Dragoona attacks Flying Fish A! First attack... Critical hit! 288 damage! Flying Fish A has been fileted! * Dragoona leaps towards the other fish. Second attack on Flying Fish B... Critical hit! 272 damage! LeBeau casts Thunder Bolt on Flying Fish B. * LeBeau proceeds to fry Flying Fish B with a bolt of lightning. Flying Fish B has critical weakness to thunder attacks. 56 damage. Flying Fish B, still dazed, attacks itself! Flying Fish B hit itself for 40 damage! Flying Fish B commits suicide! Dragoona: "... Sushi." VICTORY! 35 XP, 100 MXP, 4 SXP, 500 Cira acquired! The effects of Diana's Memory wear off... * Dragoona falls to her knees, nearly completely spent. * Rista runs over to Dragoona. "Hang in there..." --The creatures were carrying an object... It appears to be a root of some sort...-- * LeBeau picks up the root. -LeBeau acquires Hydra Root ~Ashmodeel: "That's the root Isaac said he needed for the potion." Dragoona: "Y... yeah..." LeBeau: "A'ight. 'Den le's git it to 'im." * ~Ashmodeel heads back towards the exit. * LeBeau follows Ash. * Dragoona bleeds. ^_- --The light of the entrance can be seen up ahead...-- * Dragoona is going with everyone else, but has seen better days. :P --You finally reach the exit... Someone happens to be waiting for you there...-- * Richard looks at the others from atop the horse. Richard: "Did you guys get the root?" LeBeau: "We sho' did." --Suddenly, the sound of slow applause can be heard from above...-- *clap* *clap* *clap* LeBeau: "Eh?" * LeBeau draws his bo staff. * Richard nods. "Then Isaac should be able to make your potion..." He looks up, being interrupted by the clapping. --There is a man standing atop the cave entrance... He slightly resembles Gabe...-- LeBeau: "Who 'de..." Dragoona: "Oh. S***." Man: "Well done... Unfortunately, the root will not be able to help you." Rista: "......" Richard: "This one of your friends?" Man: "Why don't you just give up the fight? It's pointless." LeBeau: "Not likely, pal." Man: "Are you sure? Because if you don't, I may be forced to kill you, unfortunately." LeBeau: "W'y don' ya j'est tell us who ya are?" Man: "My name is Raphael, one of the Arch-Tenshi, along with my brothers Gabe and Uriel." * Richard draws his bow and knocks an arrow, taking careful aim. Dragoona: "...'Arch-Tenshi'?!" LeBeau: "Arch-Tenshi?" Raphael: "I wouldn't recommend you drawing your bow... And yes, I am one of the 'Arch-Tenshi,' the most elite of our ranks." LeBeau: "'Dese guys're killers' Rich... Don' do it." Richard: "And I wouldn't recommend you harassing these good people. Their business is not of your concern. Raphael: "Please, don't call me a killer... I only kill when necessary." Raphael: "Unfortunately, it is... They are trying to interfere with my Emperor's plans, and I cannot allow that." Dragoona: "Your... emperor..?" * Richard keeps his stance with his bow ready, but he doesn't shoot. Raphael: "Yes, my Emperor... Who myself and my brothers serve." Raphael: "Please, why don't you just give up this quest of yours and save us all a lot of trouble..." LeBeau: "'E's nuttin' but a grunt..." Rista: "......" Raphael: "As if you're any better, Mister LeBeau. Working for the Irian Guard..." LeBeau: "At leas' it's hones' work. Ah was a t'ief fer a long time." Richard: "There's nothing nobler than working in an army, sir..." Raphael: "And who's to say my job isn't honest? I am a soldier, just like you." Dragoona: "......" * Raphael briefly looks towards Rista. LeBeau: "W'at, killin' folks 'dat 'ave nuttin' to do wit' de fate o' de worl'? 'Ya call 'dat hones'?" Raphael: "You know nothing... I have yet to kill anyone, and I intend not to kill unless it's absolutely necessary. That's why I ask you not to continue your mission." Raphael: "I have not been given orders to kill you -- I am only hear to warn you." Richard: "Look, you stay out of our way, and we'll stay out of yours. It's not that difficult..." LeBeau: "Ah t'ink e's tryin' ta confuse us." Raphael: "Unfortunately, if you continue gathering the Founders' Crests, we won't be able to stay out of each other's paths." Dragoona: "....." Raphael: "And I am not trying to confuse you, I am just being honest... Give up your quest, and you'll be safe. Continue, and I cannot promise what will happen, especially if you have to face my brothers. They aren't as hesitant to kill as I am." * Raphael again looks towards Rista, this time a little longer. LeBeau: "W'o ta say we'll be safe if'n we give up? Ah t'ink it best if'n we don'... J'est ta be sure 'dat y'all don' win' up destroyin' 'vr't'ing." Raphael: "Very well, since you don't want to give up, the least I can do is try to make the battle a bit more fair..." Richard: "Look, sir, we're in a hurry. They're friend is on the verge of death, and we need the root to cure him. So please, let us be on our way." * Rista backs away from Raphael... * Raphael raises his arms to the sky and begins to chant. * Raphael begins to glow with a white light... * Dragoona backs up... * Richard holds his stance, continuing to keep his aim on him. * LeBeau slowly starts to back away from Raphael... Raphael casts Angel's Whisper on the party! The entire party is showered by blue sparkles from the heavens... Max HP/SP/Skills restored! Raphael: "That should do it for now..." Dragoona: "..." * Richard lowers his bow and nods. * Dragoona notices she's not bleeding any more. LeBeau: "...... W'at is 'dat jackass up to?" Rista: "... I don't want to find out.... I really don't..." Raphael: "However, I cannot promise that I can be as friendly with you the next time we meet... I do hope you give up your foolish quest and live quiet lives..." * Raphael again looks at Rista. "And you there, why do you stay with these people? You are much better than that." Rista: "... What are you talking about?" LeBeau: "Rista?" Raphael: "Don't tell me you don't know... I can tell you've suspected it for a while now..." * Rista flashes a look to Henri... Rista: "... I... I don't know what you're talking about..." Raphael: "I'm surprised my brother, Gabe, didn't notice it when he met you... He was probably too occupied with killing you to notice..." Raphael: "My lady, you're one of us..." LeBeau: "Rista?" LeBeau: "W'at's 'e talkin' 'bout?" Raphael: "Not a pure-blooded one, but you are descended from a fellow Tenshi..." * Rista 's eyes grow /very/ wide.. "What..?! No... you... you must be mistaken... I was born in a small village... I'm just a healer!" Raphael: "I'm a healer as well... My name even means 'Healing of God.' What difference does that make?" Dragoona: "..." Richard: "Henri, that's your name, right? Even if she is a Tenshi, she is still the same person I'm sure you know and love. She will never double-cross you." Raphael: "I can tell you've been wrestling with the idea for some time now, but please, just face it... We're kin." * Rista shakes her head, her knees growing weak. "No... I'm /not/. I'm just a simple person..." * LeBeau pulls a card out of his pocket. .oO(Looks like jokers're wild today.) Raphael: "You are far more than that, my dear lady... I suppose you're not ready to realize your destiny yet, however... I'll give you some time, but remember, when you're ready to join the rest of your family, I'll be there for you." Dragoona: "Dude, this is seriously f***ed up right here." * Raphael looks towards the rest of the party. "And as for you, again, I beg that you do not continue this quest. I would rather not have to kill you, but if I must, I will... Farewell..." * Richard looks down at LeBeau and Rista then looks back up at Raphael. "Please let us be on our way now. Like I said, they're friend is on the verge of death, and he needs them." * LeBeau starts to channel his light mana into the card and it emits a slight glow. * Raphael teleports off... Dragoona: "..." Dragoona: "Can we go now?" LeBeau: "Ah 'ope so..." * Richard looks at LeBeau and Rista again. "Come, Isaac needs the root for the potion if you want to get the next crest." * LeBeau looks at Rista, then puts his card away, and picks her up. * Richard rides off ahead of the others towards Isaac's house. --The path before you is clear all the way to Isaac's house. However, the path before you for the rest of your lives is shrouded in fog... With all these revelations, what happens now?-- * LeBeau follows Richard....thinking silently to himself. ===SESSION END===