Dart 2010/05/16(Sun)14:10 No. 178370 ID: cf68aa
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The spell flies past Amy's head. She stares at Dart as he shouts into the sky

>"NO! I WON'T! NOT TO HER!"

"N..."

>"SHUT UP! I WON'T I WON'T! YOU CAN'T MAKE ME DO THIS! NO! I DON'T NEED HER! SHE'S NOT PART OF THE PLAN!"

>"She's the only one who understands...."

He looks at Amy.

>"Amy...."

Amy 2010/05/16(Sun)14:12 No. 178371 ID: cf68aa
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She tries to touch him. He pushes her away

>"STAY AWAY FROM ME! DON'T TOUCH ME DAMMIT!"

He looks at the school

>"Mizuno! You got five minutes to get out before I Meteor the whole damn school!"

He takes one last look at Amy then vanishes. He seems to simply slip away from this world
-----------------------------------------------

>"..."

Wow. This is way more complicated than we thought. I suspect the Dark World is involved in this somehow.

So, we have 5 minutes. We also have a choice: give Mizuno back, or let the school be destroyed. I say we give her back, but let her keep a Cell Stone and tell her to keep in touch. Maybe she'll let us know what Dart's motivations are, since it's going to be difficult to speak with him. I wonder if we can persuade him to do things differently?

Either way we need to get our friends out within the next 5 minutes. GET DIGGING.

@everyone: Dart's gone, we have 5 minutes to evac. Get moving!

dart's possessed by something and seeing amy gave the good side enough power to fight it. whelp, when mizuno thaws we have some talking to do.

for now though @everyone: we have 5 minutes, start digging.

[Cast Miracle on the Red Cell Stone]
[Cast Ol Rethono on Dart from the Red Cell Stone]

>>178409
[no, he is already gone]

>>178410
(True)
[Confirm that Dart is in range before casting anything]

@Alex & Cecil: Sorry to give you the runaround, but we need you at the entrance. Alex, we need you to turn the Cell Stone Mizuno has into a copy of the black one we took from her - including sticking it on his network. Cecil, I need you to thaw Mizuno out, take a sample of her blood, Zeroon her, and hand her back the box.
Then send her on her merry way.

After that, gather up everybody and escape via the dark world. Head in the direction of Central for ten minutes, then return to the light world to confirm your location. If the school is still intact, then you can return.

@Rai: Nevermind, he missed. Incidentally, we know where the demon that destroyed the school got off to. If you know Dart's true name, then we might be able to save him from it.
Also, I think we need to sit down and have a frank discussion. We like both you and the job you've been doing as king, but if we had more information we might have been able to clean up this whole mess days ago.
Oh, also: The situation seems to be resolved, but we still have Amy Sky here.

@L: You're hundreds of years old, and I'm betting you're old enough that you were already The Immortal Alchemist when Dart was born. If you can help us find his true name, then I think we can end this much sooner.

>>178426
I'd like to state a correction here: Don't cast Zeroon on her. It's too mana-intensive. Just use some more mana efficient healing spells to get her back on her feet.

>>178427
no, don't send her away, why is that a good idea? just take her with us and tel, her we are sorry about before but we just saw dart and it turns out that he is possessed or something. so while he may still be good, something is making him do evil.

Suggestion 2010/05/16(Sun)16:11 No. 178431 ID: cf68aa
File 127405147574.png - (16.19KB , 573x402 , 1004.png )

>>178426
They follow this plan. Mizuno looks uncertain but is still glad to be alive. In return for not killing her she agrees not to say anything to Dart about them. She vanishes. Cecil and the others begin their search and soon find Chel and RJ. The heal them and go into the Dark World. After some time they return to see the school is undamaged. Cecil states that it's too dark to do anything else and they set up camp.

King Rai's stone is being suppressed.


Master L

>Why would I know his name? He just popped up one day outta nowhere.

[Pick a tent to join]

>>178427
We have an excessive number of mana potions, and we need to act fast. Zeroon meets those goals.

>>178429
Send her away OR the school blows up. Again.

Don't worry, if Cecil follows my instructions we can retrieve her later.

>>178431
[Switch to Amy. Link L's hearing and understanding of sounds to Amy's.]

>>178431
@Master L
Seriously? Damn, we just hoped you'd been around long enough, but if he just popped up out of the blue... do you know anything at all about him that we don't already know?

>>178436
Let's hold off on rewiring their senses until we see how they are doing. Then we can ask about it.

But yeah, Amy and Master L first. From Amy's perspective I suppose.

I kindof want to have Chel listen to the Red Stone...

>>178443
Chel and Nari next, then.

>>178443
Cecil has it, and he happens to be with his fiancée at the moment...
If you want to listen to the Red Stone now, then send Nari to get it.

Wait, where is Gene?

@Gene
Where the hell are you? If you're dead I swear we'll kick your ass.

@Cecil: Would you cast Light on King Rai's Cell Stone? We need to talk to him, and we need to signal for him to unblock his mind for a moment. Oh, also, couldja hand the Red Cell off to Chel? We need to do some research on it.

@L: How is Amy holding up? What have you told her so far? Not to pry, but we have experience helping people through trauma and we need to be ready to step in if she gets too unstable.

>>178493
Talking to Rai isn't a good idea right now. I don't think it will be for a fairly long time. We really don't need a crazed uber-mage king jumping down our throats.

>>178496
yeah, if we show up in person with Amy then we have a much stronger position. we can also explain what seems to be up with dart.

>>178496
That's not a concern.

What is a concern is King Rai might try for strong-arm tactics, but that's a known risk.

>>178513
A stronger position? Yes.
A riskier proposition? Also yes.

He can't effectively lash out at us in the heat of the moment when we're miles outside his range, meaning that we have enough time to talk him down if we slip up.

@L: We intend to convince Rai to support our efforts, and are wondering what advice you can give us in that regard.
Also, why is it that almost everybody that's above the law has a few screws loose? Gawain, Rai, Dart, the I Shop owner - do you have ANY idea who or what he is? - King Sils, etc...
You seem to have escaped that fate, but you're loaded down with regrets.

Cecil 2010/05/16(Sun)22:19 No. 178578 ID: cf68aa
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>>178468
Gene
>Away. Far far away.
-----------------------------------
>Oh! The red stone. I forgot about that.

She quickly gets dressed and takes the Red Stone to Chel. She taps gently on Chel's tent. She opens it and smile.

"Hello Cecil."

>"Hey Chel. Listen, I need to ask a favor. This stone has been whispering something but I don't understand what it's saying. Can you listen in for me?"

"No problem. Oh, and Cecil"

>"Yes?"

"Could you please close the soul link while you're having fun? My poor daughter has been squirming all night"

>"o-oh.. Eh heh..."

>Awkward....

>>178578
Ehehe, we usually try to step in directly in that situation and cut down the feed. If you can remember to do it yourself, more the better.

Or you can just have Nari join you two. Just... throwing that idea out there.

@Gene
Well we're just glad you're ok. You should at least be up to speed on what went down though, even if you don't want to join back up with us.
[Give a summary of what happened, from meeting Mizuno to returning from the dark world]

If you don't want to follow through on the deal to teach Cecil Sage magic that's fine... but if we fail to defeat what controls Dart sooner or later you too will be confronted by it. Better to have strong allies.

We might be here perhaps a while longer to search through what remains. You are welcome to come back if you wish.

>>178578
[Switch to Chel]
ACK! Poor Nari!

@Alex & Cecil:
It turns out that Nari has been feeling everything you're done through the soul link. You can either invite her over so she could be properly involved or close the link, but just closing the link will not only leave her high and dry, but also incredibly excited and frustrated in front of her mother.
How does that suggestion sit with you two?

@Gene:
Bah, you worry too much. We froze Mizuno, then Dart came by and picked her up. It's safe now.

@L:
How's Amy doing? Any way we can help?

Cecil, if you don't know how to close the soul link, maybe Chel can tell you. We've been... doing it sortof intuitively. Or maybe you could just call us to you every time. Though that seems inconvenient.

I don't think we should broach the subject with Alex until we're sure they get along properly. Also, Nari's body is a little young still, though I guess it's not as objectionable as before.

@I Shop:
Say, do you think you could create an altered form of Phoenix Down that steals souls from the Dark World?
If you can do that then your market would expand dramatically, and we could easily secure large-volume purchases for you. The same applies for improved Phoenix Down that use Zeroon on the target, of both varieties.

Chel 2010/05/17(Mon)21:40 No. 179037 ID: cf68aa
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>>178589
Gene
>I'm a man of my word. I'll teach him when he gets back to central. I found Lord Z's books! I'm going to be busy reading this.

>>178634
Master L
>Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

>>178674
I shop Owner
>I'll look into it...
--------------------------------
Cecil "I'll be sure to cut it down."

>"Or you can have her join you two~"

"Wh-What!?"

>"Just suggesting~"

"Uhm.. I'll think about it."

Cecil leaves. Chel takes the stone with her back into the tent.

>So this is the little red stone?

yeah, now that we have some quit time can you try listening to it? it may just be rambling but if it actually says anything that would be interesting.

>>179037
Yep. Who was it? What kind of person were they? What are they trying to tell us?

@Alex: The link was open, you drove Nari wild. Would you oppose teaming up with Cecil to 'give her a hand', so to speak?

[Check to see if Amy is asleep]

>>179037
Red Stone: So. Speak up, we should be able to hear you now. What's your name? What magic can you use, exactly?

A rambling stone?
NOW WHERE HAVE I HEARD THAT BEFORE
It could be a link to another mass mind, like us.
Or death incarnate.

Chel 2010/05/17(Mon)21:55 No. 179049 ID: cf68aa
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>>179041
Alex
>Uhm.. I don't know mya. That'd be like a threesome wouldn't it? I'm not sure how I feel about that mya. And she's still young an innocent mya.
-------------------------------------------
Chel
>"Hey little guy. What's your name? Can you tell me anything about yourself?"

Orindea....

>"Orindea? That's a nice name. Please tell me more."

Prince.... Betrayed.... Laurent saved me.... Told me I was safe.... I help the wizard defeat Dart.... I want to help...

>>179049
Asked how Laurent saved her. Also tell her she's been very helpful so far.

>>179054
Don't tell her that! OOOOUGH can't anyone keep a secret here?

>>179055
tell her what?

@alex: well... Chel has given her the birds and the bees talk... and she's around 30 years old.


oh, she wants to help, that actually changes some things.

>>179049
It's willing to help? That's good. When we cast a spell from it it takes a percent of the souls power, but it shouldn't suffer for it and as long as a tiny amount is left we can release the soul to rest. Let it know we'll eventually give it release if it wishes. And ask how aware it is of us wandering head voices.

Besides that, ask about the prince, betrayal and Laurent and the rest.

@Gene
Glad to hear it. We can then focus on other things besides rummaging through Lord Z's rubble.

Hope 2010/05/17(Mon)22:09 No. 179063 ID: 476456
File 127415937783.jpg - (80.16KB , 1100x850 , youtwoshoulddoit.jpg )

>Uhm.. I don't know mya. That'd be like a threesome wouldn't it? I'm not sure how I feel about that mya. And she's still young an innocent mya.

well i have a handy chart to absolve any guilt.

>>179049
@Alex
Ya know, she is growing up whether you like it or not... do you want her to stumble through it by herself, with us occasionally stepping in to answer questions and limit the soul bind, or would you rather she learn directly, hand in hand with those she loves?

No rush on any of this, we know you have your own issues still. But you three are all part of each other. And a soul bind is an act of love itself.

@Alex: Alright, we understand. That would be moving a bit fast.

>>179049
Ok, what else can you tell us? What kind of person were you in life? How did you die?
Take your time, Orindea. We're not in any rush at the moment, and we could use a better understanding.

@Alex: Well, think about it this way. Everything you've been doing to Cecil you've been doing to her while she's been in the tent with her mother. If you're worried about her innocence, that ship has already sailed. It would just be considerate to bring her to your tent.

@Chel: What would happen if you cast Soul Heal on a partially-depleted soul in Red Tincture?

Chel 2010/05/17(Mon)22:22 No. 179068 ID: cf68aa
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Alexis
>.. I'll think about it okay mya? I mean.... She does love her and me... Mya my head hurts. I need time to think okay mya?
-------------------------------------
Chel
>I could use soul heal on it easily. It should restore it.

>"so what else can you tell me? Do you remember how you died?"

The man decided... I knew too much.... Killed me... Thead..... Laurent saved me... Saved my soul... I was not taken beyond the gate....

@alex: sure, that's all we'll ask for now.

the gate? what gate is she talking about?

>>179068
What man killed her? Dart?

>>179068
Aha! Laurent = Master L.

Ask Orindea if she wants to remain as he (she?) is or move on when we finally defeat Dart.

@Alex
Yeah it's ok... just rest for now. Been a long day after all.

>>179068
Couldja cast it, then?

@Alex: That's all we ask, thank you.

@Orindea: What was Laurent's last name? What was your last name? We've been casting spells through you, so could you give us a list of the spells you know?

Chel 2010/05/17(Mon)22:49 No. 179084 ID: cf68aa
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>"What gate?"

'the' gate... The one for the dead....

>"Who killed you?"

The man....

>"when you were alive could you cast spells?"

Warrior...

>>179068
Couldja cast it, then?

>>179084
@Orindea: What was Laurent's last name? What was your last name? How long ago did you die?

>>179084
I think we've about reached the limits of it's awareness. Maybe it's mind gets tired. Ask it if there is anything else it want's us to know. Then thank it for it's help, and promise we'll let it rest when Dart is defeated.

>>179084
Ask why it didn't want to go beyond the gate.

Ask what it knew that was 'too much'.

Chel 2010/05/17(Mon)23:05 No. 179096 ID: cf68aa
File 127416273987.png - (3.31KB , 300x300 , 1010.png )

>"what's Laurent's last name?"

Laurent.. Is last name.....

>Why didn't you go beyond the gate? What did you know?"

Rest.....

The stone gets darker.

>>179096
Alright. Heal the soul, we can talk to it later.

So, Chel, what was your mother's full name when she was born?

Also, do you have any questions or things you would like to talk about?

>>179102
>>179098
(No don't even bring her up, seriously. Asking about her true name will be an obvious sign that she's dead. We can wait until she is with King Sils)

Thanks a lot Chel, this has been very helpful. Just hold onto the stone for now, it doesn't much matter who holds it anyways. We'll check on the others for now. Goodnight.

[Switch to RJ]

>>179105
(Considering we just conclusively showed that death is only a minor irritant to us, I'm pretty sure it's not that big a deal. Also, there are other reasons to ask BESIDES them being dead. We just tried to get L's name, after all.)

>>179109
Uh... think about who RJ is with right now. You sure you wanna switch to them? I'd rather

[switch to Nari]

RJ 2010/05/17(Mon)23:35 No. 179117 ID: cf68aa
File 127416450994.png - (15.57KB , 500x500 , 1011.png )

Chel casts Soul Heal on the stone then quickly falls to sleep with her daughter.
-------------------------------------------------

>Oi, hey guys. Whas up?

>>179117
I see a nipple! :3

>>179117
Not much. Oh hey, I just realized we never asked anyone about the fight we missed. Tell us about it!

>>179117
Ah you know, communicating, recovering forgotten secrets, relationship consoling. Just the usual stuff.

How have you two fared, with the rubble and all? Hope you weren't in too much pain, we tried to rescue everyone quickly but it got complicated.

>>179119
Oh come on.

RJ, you know you're cute, and we're randomly impulsive. Please don't take offense~

>>179117
Not much, how's Felix?

Oh, we did some research and found out something interesting about Merfolk. Get this:
"Of all the sapient species, Merfolk women are by far the most fertile. This is important for adventurous people to remember; while almost all species carry some risk of child, with Merfolk that risk is replaced by absolute certainty.
Currently we believe that this stems from the Merfolk being able to determine the worth of potential mates and avoid those who they would consider unworthy."

Good thing you've been using protection, 'eh?

>>179123
wait, where did you get that info?

>>179134
You know, we have a book on merfolk. Reading's a wonderful skill.

RJ 2010/05/18(Tue)00:22 No. 179137 ID: cf68aa
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>>179122
>Meh, its allright. I don't really mind in the dark

>>179123
Good thing you've been using protection, 'eh?
...you've been using protection, 'eh?
...using protection
...protection

>>179137
oh, well, then, uh.... pray being 1/4th has watered it down enough?

>>179137
What? Oh. OH!
You should probably wake up Felix and talk to him, since I think it's a bit too late for contraceptives.
Maybe he could use his magic to check for life?

>>179137
Calm down. It's not as if there's no such thing as a magic morning-after.

>>179137
Hey uh... it's only been a few days yeah? I'm sure there's a way to be sure about that concern, as Cecil and Alex have a rather... particular book of magic that should include such things. Ask them about it tomorrow, or we can if you like.

>>179142
Err... Those things have a time limit, my friend. Having Felix check for life will tell us if we're looking at prevention or abortion, which RJ needs to know before she can decide.

>>179149
We'll know for sure tomorrow, no sense freaking the poor girl out any worse. Stop jumping to conclusions.

RJ 2010/05/18(Tue)00:50 No. 179157 ID: cf68aa
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>>179141
>NO WAY! I am not telling him! I can't, he'd flip out! I gotta do somethin!

>>179142
>Right!

She rushes out of the tent and runs to the I Shop.

>"Oi! I need mornin after things!"

"Ah, having fun stranger? I'm afraid I'm all sold out. Sold my last batch during the mating season. I might get more in stock later around a week from now."

>"I can't wait that long!"

"I have condoms."

>"It's a little late for that ya know!"

"Sorry stranger. I can offer you a pregnancy test. It's very accurate and will actually work within moments of conception"

>"Give me it!"

She grabs it and runs off.

"It works by-!"

She makes it back to the tents with a small stick looking thing.

>>179157
I, uh, I think you... uh, need to widdle on it.

>>179159
let's not jump to conclusions, it could be magic.

@I-shop: sorry, but she ran off before we could catch that, how does it work?

>>179157
RJ! Calm down! Take some deep breaths and try to collect yourself!
You won't be able to read the directions if you're in a panic!

@I shop: Sorry about that, she's in a blind panic after a moment of realization. I'm sure you're no stranger to this sort of thing, right?
So, it works by what?

>>179157
Um I think usually you have to pee on those things. Maybe we should ask him ourselves.

@I Shop: Um... how does that pregnancy test work?

Um yeah sorry, we'll avert our... gaze.

@I-Shop
God damn, just wanted to help but I'm afraid we freaked her out something fierce. I don't suppose that sex magic book has something to help with this? And how late is too late for a morning after? And how does being a 1/4 Merfolk effect things?

And... she's pretty damn cute, huh?

A week? no problem! *holds up a rusty coat hanger*

alternatively, you spawn externally like any fish so no worries about pregnancy! just uh... watch out for that time of the month...

I Shop Owner 2010/05/18(Tue)01:05 No. 179169 ID: cf68aa
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>>179164

I shop
>if she's part merefolk then she's pregnant. No doubt. Kinda cute I guess.

>How it works? I don't want to sound crude stranger but she'll need to urinate on the open ended side of the stick. On the other side it'll either say yes or no.

@i-shop: thanks

@RJ: yep, pee on the open end and the other side will give you a yes or a no.

>>179169
Say... were you born in the Dark World?

>>179169
Ah, thanks. That's what we suspected, but it never hurts to check.

Is everything alright? You're grimacing instead of smiling, and we can see one of your eyes as a light-devouring hole in space.
You've helped us a lot, and we return favors when we can. Ask, and we'll see what we can do.

[Back to RJ]

>>179169
Damn our limited perspectives. Being wandering head voices doesn't lend itself well to practical, knowledge. Ok look just two questions, will that magic sex book be of any help here, and is there anything else about merfolk reproduction she and we should know? She only found out about her heritage herself a couple days ago.

>>179175
I can answer the first one: No, and Yes. If she's already pregnant then all that can be done is an abortion, which the book likely covers.
As far as the second one goes? We have a book on that, and we shouldn't ask the I Shop owner for information we already have.

Which reminds me - we need to look up demonic possession.

I Shop Owner 2010/05/18(Tue)01:20 No. 179178 ID: cf68aa
File 127417085287.png - (7.03KB , 400x400 , 1015.png )

>>179175
>I doubt there's anything in there that'll help her stranger. Though you might want to tell her that her pregnancy won't last as long as normal. Her body is going to go through changes a lot quicker then normal. Her body does have the ability to adapt though so she won't tear open from the stretching.

>>179172
>Dracrindo stranger.

>>179174
>thanks stranger. This smile better?

there's the smile we know and love.

>>179178
Your eye is still very clearly not visible.
It's not the aesthetics at issue, it's your well-being.

Ah, but anything more would be prying. We'll leave you in peace. Good night, stranger.

[Switch back to RJ already]

>>179178
Oh, from overseas? How are you liking it here?

RJ 2010/05/18(Tue)01:33 No. 179185 ID: cf68aa
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>>179182
>hehe... Overseas....
-------------------------------------

>Okay so I tinkled on that stick thing.

>How long do I have t




>Aw damnit.....

>>179185
Congratulations!

I'm sure the guy will be happy to hear the news. :3c

>>179181

Do not question the well being of the man with the scary "don't fuck with me" symbol above his store. I'm sure he's doing just fine.

>>179185
If it's any consolation your pregnancy is going to be very short compared to full-blooded humans. You're gonna swell up like a baloon!

yes, it's supposedly very fast.

>>179185
I Shop owner said "If she's part merefolk then she's pregnant. No doubt.", so the test isn't a surprise to us.

I don't know if I should console you or congratulate you. On the upshot, you said before that you wanted people in your life that you could really trust, and lamented your lack of family.
Felix is in much the same boat, so after the initial shock I'm quite certain he'll want to be involved in this.
Could you see yourself staying together and raising a family with him?

It's not what you wanted, but at least some good could come of it, right?

>>179191
Oh, and you should probably show that to Felix soon. I think he would rather find out NOW instead of one day noticing that you've got a bulge.

RJ 2010/05/18(Tue)22:46 No. 179622 ID: cf68aa
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>>179191

>This is so fast... I didn't think doin it would... Well I knew this happened but I didn't think..

>I'm gonna be a mom... And Felix is the dad.

>This is crazy. I never...

>>179200
>>179187

>No! I can't tell him! What if he didn't want the kid!?

wait hang on i got it! we could try poking him in his dreams and see how his subconscious would feel about it!

>>179623
oh and [switch to felix's dream]

>>179622
Well you can't NOT tell him. Anyways what about you, are you sure you want a kid? Or maybe just not yet?

Our understanding of birth control options is still rather limited. There could be a simple way to abort it at this point, before it can have a chance to grow into a little person.

..Which brings up the question of when a child becomes a person, and gets it's soul.

...

There is a way to test that. You could name it, and then check the watch to see if it points back to you.

>>179622
BWAHAHAHA! *SNRK*

You're kidding, right?

Ok, serious faces. Your response is funny, but the reasons why are not.
He suffered a sudden traumatic loss of his emotional anchor and support system, and has been grasping for something else to cling to to keep his life from spiraling out of control.
Remember, as far as Felix knows he was walking along to Central one day then suddenly woke up halfway across the continent to find that his family was dead and he's missing both his gender and years of his life.

I think it's less that you didn't think, and more that your minds both quietly decided to overlook the risks.
It's been what, two days? Two days before that we had a rather interesting conversation at the start of the Catfolk festival where the topic came up.

Completely besides that, you're being silly - if he doesn't want the kid then waiting is just dragging your worry out, and if he does then you're just tormenting yourself for no reason. Either way it's pointless to wait.
If you're going to keep the kid, then you should tell Felix now so he can find out now under good conditions instead of later on accident. More importantly, he'll be far more comfortable about it if you don't try to hide it from him.

Wake Felix up, hug him, and tell him. Right now.
He WILL be shocked, he'll PROBABLY run off in a panic for awhile, but he WILL return.
Don't let it upset you when he panics; that's a normal reaction to these things.

On the other hand, a gradual transition might cause him to panic less.

Like, drop some hints. Start a little subtle and build rapidly.

>>179643
No, in this situation the panic is a good thing since it forces him to come to terms with the situation.
Besides that, he deserves honesty and openness.

RJ 2010/05/18(Tue)23:30 No. 179648 ID: cf68aa
File 127425060782.png - (18.92KB , 500x500 , 1018.png )

>>179629

>No... I'm keeping it.

She goes back into the tent and cuddles with Felix.

>>179640
>I don't wanna tell him now. I'll tell him in the morning when he's awake and less likely to freak out ya know?

>If I have a baby in me can I still do it?

>gah... I need rest..

>>179648
Sleep on Felix's chest~!

yes you can still do 'it'.

>>179648
Yea, you can. Well, up until it's almost time to give birth, anyway.

Go ahead, get some sleep. You'll feel better about all this tomorrow.

>>179648
You'll be ok with Felix while at least... we don't have all the details, but I think you'll have a quick pregnancy and then lay an egg, which will then take some time to hatch. Not like a bird egg, but probably softer, smoother and tougher like sharks have.

Sorry we'll let you rest. And try not to worry, you'll have everyone's support I'm sure of it.

[Switch to the first who is awake of Amy, Cecil, or Alex. If none of them are, TIME SKIP to morning with RJ]

>>179648
Good for you on taking the responsible route. I bet you'll be an awesome mom.

>>179654
no, no eggs, it's a regular baby

>>179660
Perhaps, but lack of belly button suggests otherwise.

>>179662
most likely her mom was half mermaid so still laid eggs but RJ is just a quarter, so the live birth genes overpowered the egg genes.

Cecil 2010/05/19(Wed)00:28 No. 179672 ID: cf68aa
File 127425408748.png - (17.15KB , 500x500 , 1019.png )

-------------------------------
"ey...st....
Hey... Lis....
HEY, LISTEN! HEY, LISTEN!"

Cecil is woken up by an annoying blue orb

>..... What the hell?

i... i don't know. ask it what it wants.

>>179672
...what the hell?

>>179672
That's not our fault for once. Listen, I guess.

>>179672
Grab it, magic up a jar, and put it in there.
Then check to see if you have any new jewelry on.

Cecil 2010/05/19(Wed)00:34 No. 179677 ID: cf68aa
File 127425446979.png - (4.53KB , 300x300 , 1020.png )

>"What the hell do you want?"

It's voice changes.

"This is a message from King Rai to all powerful elemental magic users. Starting today the following spells are illegal; Aer, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Omega and Zeroon. Anyone caught using these spells will be imprisoned. If you have any questions or concerns you may come to Central City and talk to me. That is all."

The blue thing vanishes.


>What!? Zeroon is banned!?

WHAT?! let's get packed up and go bug him, something along the lines of 'zeroon just enabled us to bring amy back to life!'

>>179677
Alright. You, Amy, and Alex go talk to Rai. The others can keep looking for Laura and Z.
Be quick; Zeroon is pretty damn important.

WAIT!! how do we know rai sent it and it's not a trap?

>>179677
SonofaBITCH! What is he thinking? We could try to contact him, but I doubt he'd pay attention. He was suppressing his cell stone last we checked. We should head down there and give him a piece of our mind.

>>179679
Correction, get ready to leave and then cast Light on Rai's Cell Stone. We need to confirm he sent the message and get some initial information.

@I Shop: I don't know if you were sent the message, but Aer, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Omega and Zeroon are all illegal now. If you have any idea why, that would help us reverse this decision.

Everyone's panicking about Zeroon but the real thing we have to worry about is Aer. What possible reason would there be to ban such a simple spell?

Well, I'll tell you. We used it to escape from Lord Cerin.

King Rai 2010/05/19(Wed)00:53 No. 179689 ID: cf68aa
File 127425561287.png - (23.93KB , 500x500 , 1021.png )

>>179684
I Shop Owner
>Sorry stranger, can't help you there.
-----------------------------------------

A light glows through King Rai's Cell Stone

>Hmm?

>>179689
Hey, is this line open, for once?

Did you just ban Aer, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Omega, and Zeroon? If so, why?

@rai: hey, did you just send out fariy things saying aer, the alpha-omega line and Zeroon are banned? wanted to make sure it's not a trap before we talk to you in person.

>>179689
Hello! We just got the strangest message that claimed to be from you saying that Aer, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Omega, and Zeroon are all banned, and that we should talk to you in person about it.
Since we stared down Dart the other day and he blinked, we suspected this might be a trap of some sort.
Oh, and we have news both good and ill. Plus a surprise you'll completely love - I'll give you three guesses for that.

King Rai 2010/05/19(Wed)01:02 No. 179694 ID: cf68aa
File 127425612384.png - (24.77KB , 500x500 , 1022.png )

>Oh, the recent banning of spells. Yes I made and approved that list.

>None of the spells are major and I had a reason ban them. If you wish to complain you may do so here.

>>179694
>None of the spells are major
...You're kidding, right?

Here's the thing, we're sorta in the saving the world business at the moment, and Zeroon is kinda vital for not dying. If it weren't for it we would ALL BE DEAD as of yesterday. Whatever your reasons may be, we're going to need an exception from them.

But yeah I think we'll all come down to talk in person.

okay thanks, on our way.

>>179694
@Cecil:
The message was sent by Rai. Move out, and move fast. We need to get this done.

@Rai:
We're going to have to have a talk about that, then. Aer is likely the single most useful spell we know, and Zeroon has saved our lives several times - as well as certain other things.

We'll get into the details once Cecil arrives.

>>179694
Could you... just tell us the reasons without having to be there in person?

@cecil: oh and take Amy, and Alex, L will come just to stay with Amy.

@Cecil: Screw it. We can't revive Amy or Z without Zeroon, so we might as well all head back while we work this out.
Hotels are better than tents, after all.

>>179702
laura or Z you mean.

>>179703
Right.

Cecil 2010/05/19(Wed)01:37 No. 179705 ID: cf68aa
File 127425822813.png - (23.35KB , 500x500 , 1023.png )

Time passes as Cecil and her party make their way back to Central. They arrive there. Cecil and Alexis go to see the King while everyone else goes into their previous Hotels(Paid for by Master L).

Cecil and Alexis arrive at the castle and are greeted by a fit man with long silver hair. He's wearing light armor and has the Royal Army Crest on his chest.

???
"Hello, how may I help you?"

>"Uhm... Hello. I'm Cecil and I-"

"..."

The man stares at Cecil

>"Uhm... Yes...?"

"You don't recognize me...?"

>"I'm afraid n... Norue!? General Norue!? You changed!"

"I can say the same to you. All I did was cut my hair."

>"I like it!"

"Thanks. now what is it that you wanted?"

>"Oh, right! We need to speak to the King about this new banned spell list"

"In a moment. He's busy"

fine, have a seat and ask him if he knows why rai decided to ban those spells.

>>179705
Lets just wait for Rai to be free.

>>179705
Um... could we ask how he's busy? It would suck if he was getting assassinated right now.

Cecil 2010/05/19(Wed)01:51 No. 179710 ID: cf68aa
File 127425907140.png - (26.09KB , 500x500 , 1024.png )

>>179708
Cecil waits until she's allowed to go up to see the King. She enters his room with Alex closely behind

"Hello again Cecil. I assume you're here because of my recent Ban List?"

>"Yes. I was wondering why was it that you banned Zeroon? The spell has helped my group countless times and we would be dead without it"

"I banned it because it was one of the leading cause of Dark Mana usage. Someone's loved one is injured badly and they use Zeroon to heal them, even though it would result in Dark Mana. This could result in the loss of the souls of innocent people. It had to be stopped."

that is a very good reason, could we get a special permission thing or something? since the group can pool our mana so we can cast it without using dark mana. a helpful side effect of us head voices.

>>179710
"Ah, I see. I can't fault your reasoning, but if somebody's pushed that far I really doubt the threat of jail time will stop them.
I would like to apply for an exception, as I've never used Dark Mana for Zeroon even in the most dire and demanding situations.
Could you go down the list of reasons for the spells on the list? Then we can move on to other topics you might find more important."

Cecil 2010/05/19(Wed)02:17 No. 179714 ID: cf68aa
File 127426064228.png - (25.96KB , 500x500 , 1025.png )

>>179712
>"Ah, I see. I can't fault your reasoning, but if somebody's pushed that far I really doubt the threat of jail time will stop them. I would like to apply for an exception, as I've never used Dark Mana for Zeroon even in the most dire and demanding situations. Could you go down the list of reasons for the spells on the list? Then we can move on to other topics you might find more important."

"The Greek Spells and Aer have been used a lot recently to cause chaos in Central. The banning of those spells are not permanent and they will be made legal again soon enough."

>"And Zeroon?"

"Probably not."

>"King Rai... Can I still use it? My group needs it to finally defeat Dart."

"No. If you do I will be forced to arrest you"

>... He's serious.

>>179714
"That's too bad. You see, I recently discovered a method by which it can be used to cure death, and with Dart being possessed by the demon that attacked the school I had thought you would like the aid of the currently-deceased Lord Z. Or at least the revival of the other students.
But if it's banned then I can't share the secrets of how it works. Too bad; Amy Skye is shaken up over Dart and the school, and I would have liked to bring back some of her friends.
Such a shame.

Unless, of course, Alex and I joined the Royal Army Mages and were put on special assignment to counter Dart, thus granting us the use of such spells..."

>>179715
Ignore that, use this instead:
"Banning Zeroon because people use Dark Mana to cast it is like banning boxcutters because they can be used as a murder weapon.
If they break the law by using Dark Mana, the additional charges don't mean much because they don't care about the jail time in the first place.

Rai, have you ever done something you knew was wrong, but did it anyway because there were no costs that wouldn't pale in comparison to the consequences of not doing it?
If they're desperate enough to use dark mana to cast Zeroon, then I doubt there's any punishment that would discourage them.

Meanwhile? Some people will be going to jail for saving lives without using dark mana, and others will die because people won't risk jail time to help them.

If you want to curtail dark mana usage, then there are better methods to use. Requiring healers to stock phoenix downs, subsidizing the costs of items that cast either Zeroon or Sub 0, looking into what's causes the most Zeroon usage and fixing the problems at their source, or similar methods.

Dark mana isn't even the only problem; did you know that the castle shop is selling gloves imbued with red tincture? You know what that is, you know what that means, and it isn't even 100 paces away.

I'm sorry, Rai, but banning Zeroon isn't going to help, and will just cause more problems.
As far as the rest go, you could just ban their usage within the limits of any town or city.


Meanwhile, we have other things to discuss.
If Alex and I joined the Royal Army of Mages, would you assign us to discretionary roles in defeating Dart? No special exceptions, no favoritism, just assigning the best-fit people to counter an enemy of the state.
I ask because last night I discovered Dart isn't acting of his own volition, but is actually possessed by what I believe to be the demon that attacked the school. If I was allowed the use of certain forbidden spells I would be far more likely to not only defeat him, but free him from its grasp.

Which brings me to a happier subject.
We had to delve into the Dark World - Dracrindo, is it? - and do some soul retrieval, but Amy Sky is alive and well. Right now. In Central.
Would you like me to send for her?"

>>179714
Cecil, what would it take to become Above The Law? I don't suppose your passing that little test was enough. Perhaps learning Sage magic from Gene when he's finished studying it himself would do so... and then there's Amy. Why don't we invite Master L and her up here?

We should really consider his reasons.
Zeroon is powerful, but we do not 'need' it. It simply makes things easier.

Cecil is a powerful, versatile spellcaster. He has been able to learn the basics to just about every form of magic he's come across within days. This is a sign that we need to return to developing Those talents.
People die. It's not a happy thing (most of the time) but it's a fact. A part of nature the living fear most of all. And one of the most unnatural things to recover from.

>>179736
If it was unnatural to recover from death, why would a natural force like magic give us the power to do so? Even then, you can hardly say that Zeroon and others like it are affronts to the natural order, as it cannot itself reverse death or prevent a natural death.
You're looking for signs and portents in the acts of people? Then consider the significance of finding out that Dart isn't in control of himself, which was only and could only come from the seeing Amy alive.

Zeroon is a powerful tool, but you speak as if we see it as a hammer that turns the worlds to nails. That is laughably far from the truth; Cecil learned Soul magic within the past two days, he will be learning Sage magic today, he has been spending his free time learning new spells in the Alchemy, Wizard, and Soul circles. We have deferred the creation of new spells and circles of magic because he is already booked solid as far as learning magic goes.

Your complaints are lacking in both substance and support, and I scoff at the idea suggestion that we should weaken ourselves without due cause.

>>179729
Being somebody that nobody wants to try to hold accountable. Including King Rai.

Perhaps the best excuse we can give is that the Red Stone we have can be used for Zeroon without the loss of its soul.

What's it take to craft new spells? Might have to look into making replacements. Either that or fuck the consequences. Or find a new base of operations in a different nation.

basically, to be above the law you need to be powerful enough that no one want to mess with you so the 'above the law' status is more 'this person is so powerful that trying to arrest them is impossible'

Cecil 2010/05/19(Wed)20:13 No. 179939 ID: cf68aa
File 127432521196.png - (25.26KB , 500x500 , 1026.png )

"Banning Zeroon because people use Dark Mana to cast it is like banning box cutters because they can be used as a murder weapon. If they break the law by using Dark Mana, the additional charges don't mean much because they don't care about the jail time in the first place. Rai, have you ever done something you knew was wrong, but did it anyway because there were no costs that wouldn't pale in comparison to the consequences of not doing it? If they're desperate enough to use dark mana to cast Zeroon, then I doubt there's any punishment that would discourage them. Meanwhile? Some people will be going to jail for saving lives without using dark mana, and others will die because people won't risk jail time to help them. King Rai, banning these things wi-"

"Cecil."

>"Yes?"

He turns around and stares her in the eyes

"Know your place."

With an intense pressure Cecil is forced to her knees. She can't even lift up her head to look at Rai. She grabs at her neck as she feels the air being sucked out of her

"I am the King of all humans. How dare you tell me how to run my kingdom."

>"R-Rai..."

Alexis
"Rai stop it!"

Cecil feels the pressure vanish. She stands up again and Alex runs over to hold her

"If that is all you may leave."

>I keep forgetting... He may have been my teacher... But at no point was he ever my friend..

>>179939
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

AND THIS IS WHY WE HAVE DEMOCRACY AND CHECKS AND BALANCES FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK

just leave. we'll figure something out.

>>179939
Cecil, do you think he should meet Amy and L? If so...

"There's also someone you should meet..."
@Master L and Amy
Could you two come up here and knock some sense into Rai? He is being unreasonable.

>>179947
NO NO NO!! BAD MOVE!

Out. Out we go.

We'll just make do with Major Heal.

>>179959
Well, that's why I'm asking him first... He will have to know eventually.

[Just to be clear, if Cecil doesn't agree then send no message to Amy and L]

Cecil, you know Gene is working on Lord Z's old books, and will teach you Sage magic. At that point you may well become Above The Law, making all this concern moot.

I've maintained from the beginning that Rai is evil. I continue to maintain this belief. How can you trust someone that glows red from time to time?

>>179963
>How can you trust someone that glows red from time to time?
Quiet you, or you'll hurt Orindea's feelings.

>>179939
"If we joined the Royal Army Mages, would you see to it that our first assignment is eliminating Dart?"

Cecil 2010/05/19(Wed)21:39 No. 179988 ID: cf68aa
File 127433037875.png - (24.68KB , 500x500 , 1027.png )

>No.. I can't tell him about Amy. Not yet..

>"What if I join the Royal Army?"

"We're not recruiting at the moment. Goodbye Cecil"

After a few moments of awkward silence Cecil and Alex leave. Alex holds her hand as they step out of the castle and into the streets.

>Well there goes two of my most powerful spells.. Now what?

let's just rejoin the group, maybe gene found a sage spell that works as good as zeroon, we'll check.

@gene: find anything good in there?

>>179988
Looks like you have two options.

a) Manage without them or find other options.

b) Be an outlaw.

>>179988
Three way marriage with Alex and Nari. Then you will be Prince(ess?) Cecil Von Central-Sils III, and exempt from Rai's law.

You gotta do what it takes, right?

Anyway, we can't worry about this now; you need to learn Sage magic, so we can spend some time figuring out a solution while you do that.
Oh, and once you've learned all the Sage magic? Craft a Sage Grimoire.

[Switch to RJ]

>>179988
Can the authorities know when you cast those spells, if someone doesn't actually see it happen? We're a bit unsure how strict and enforceable these laws are in practice. Let's just avoid using those spells especially where anyone can see.

Anyways, Gene is alive and well and researching Sage magic from Lord Z's books. When you learn that from him when you use it you'll be breaking the law anyway, but at that point you may very well be considered Above The Law. He'll probably take a while, but we can check on his progress now.

I suppose we could try and meet up with Gene, going to Fai now seems pointless since he's so dedicated to being neutral. We can always use teleport stones to visit other cities. We can continue our quest to deliver cell stones to important people much faster that way. What about Chel and Nari, they should visit with King Sils. Shouldn't take but a moment with the teleport stones.

@Gene
How long do you imagine it'll take before you have enough learned that you can teach? No rush, we're in Central just wondering if we should head your way now or meet with you later.

@Alex
Can you disconnect Rai's cell stone from our network, just in case he decides to spy on us with it or us it against us somehow? He's usually blocking us anyways so it won't make much difference on our part.

>>180000
The primary reason we would want to go see Fai is to learn Glass magic.

@L:
Rai's a bit of an asshole, isn't he?
You're still above the law, right? You haven't lost too much power?
OH! Also! Who was Orindea?

>>180000
Just an edit, I want to see if Alex can isolate it temporarily, rather than take it offline permaently.

>>180003
Ah yes, I'd forgotten about that
(...How do we know about that? Well I guess we saw some of it.)

!@%^$%$ 2010/05/19(Wed)22:13 No. 180011 ID: cf68aa
File 127433240439.png - (20.50KB , 500x500 , 1028.png )

>>180000

>That does seem like a good idea. And if I use the others teleportation stones I can go to multiple areas.

>I would still like to visit Fai though. Or maybe I can go to the Arena to meet Eronen.
>Without those spells I'll survive but only if I train more...

>Check on Gene for me okay?

>>180003
Master L
>Doubt it. In a fight I think I'd lose against Rai now. Any tough spells I cast will eat at whatever's left of my stone.
>Also no clue as to who the Orin dude is, sorry.

>>179989
----------------------------------

>>180011
Ahh fuck

[cast Major Heal via the Red Stone]

@Cecil: OH GOD! gene is in a really bad sort. we could link so he isn't dead but he is bleeding a lot.

>>180011
FFFFFFFFFFFF

[Direct Cecil to Gene]
@Cecil:
Gene's dead, so we need healing and phoenix downs. I hope the book wasn't taken...

>>180014
[If we are not being held by a party member, cast Sub 0 on them]

>>180016
[agree, if we are on gene, heal. if on anyone else use sub zero.]

>>180017
[Actually, Sub 0 everybody in the room. We can drag them to a healer and sort it out there.]

Gene 2010/05/19(Wed)22:30 No. 180027 ID: cf68aa
File 127433340073.png - (21.18KB , 500x500 , 1029.png )

>>180014
>DEAD!? What!?

Cecil runs to try and reach Gene.
-----------------------------------------

>>180012
The spells works at 81% power. Some of Gene's wounds stitch together. He's still bleeding heavily but he regains concioness

>D-damn it... Can't die here... So close..

He tries to move but it only opens the giant hole in his chest and neck even further. He leans back and gasps for air.

>I won't leave this place alive... Voices.... Tell Cecil... I made a book.. It has Sage Spells...

He begins to lose consciousness

>Foreign literature.... On the Writing Desk....




>A Murder...

>>180027
Yea, like THAT has ever stopped us before.
[Cast Sub 0 on Gene]

@I Shop: We're in central, and find ourselves suddenly needing items that cast Zeroon on the target.

>>180027
We'll bring you back as soon as we can. Godspeed, Gene.

Cecil 2010/05/19(Wed)22:54 No. 180039 ID: cf68aa
File 127433484264.png - (7.63KB , 500x500 , 1031.png )

--------------------------------------------
>>180034

The Red Stone casts Sub 0 at only 35% power. The magic is further reduced by Gene's Magic Cloak. Cecil rushes to where Gene is at. He opens the door and steps inside

Everything is destroyed. There is a large puddle of blood on the floor and more on the walls.

he told us he made a book on sage at

>Foreign literature.On the Writing Desk.A Murder. go to that section of the library.

>>180039
FFFFF

Find him with the Goldeon Watch! Who has it?

>>180039
Take a sample of the blood, then check out the foreign literature on the writing desk.
Then look for the book.

So, it looks like Rai has been spying on us. He stole the body so we couldn't resurrect Gene, then banned Zeroon so we couldn't bring him back from blood.

Lets teach Chel and Nari wizard magic. As long as they are the ones to cast the spell, we can resurrect Gene from the blood sample outside of the human lands so that Rai has absolutely no for arrest.
Alternatively, marry Alex and Nari then zeroon Gene while outside of his sphere of influence.

@RJ: Could you check the locations of "Gene Nilremm" and "Geist"?

>>180046
There's a problem with having someone else casting Zeroon. Like Rai said, people tended to drain all of their mana casting it, causing soul drain from random people and creating soulless.

The only vaguely safe way we have to cast Zeroon is via the Red Stone, and we saw that bringing someone back from a blood sample can cause trouble even then.

So, we no longer have that spell, at least... in human lands. Just deal with it.

>>180050
I'm pretty certain that foiling a murder plot by finding a way to resurrect the victim IS 'dealing with it'.
At any rate, we need to find that book.

Cecil 2010/05/19(Wed)23:23 No. 180055 ID: cf68aa
File 127433660579.png - (9.98KB , 400x400 , 1032.png )

>>180040
>There's no book! There's not even a library! Or a writing desk!
---------------------------------------------

RJ

>'Old on.. Okay it's pointin west. Tha help?

yes, west it is!

Cecil 2010/05/19(Wed)23:32 No. 180058 ID: cf68aa
File 127433717810.png - (16.20KB , 500x500 , 1033.png )

>>180056
Cecil runs west. She leaves Central City and finds herself in the plains.

There's someone else there. They're holding a human shaped icicle and walking away from central

>>180055
There's no writing in the room at all?

@RJ Thanks. Could you check "Geist" next?

[Cast Will of the Kings through Gene's Cell Stone, and manifest through that]

>>180058
[Cast Sub 0 on the figure]

careful, they killed gene and we know how powerful he was.

>>180058
Careful, if this guy managed to kill Gene we're in serious trouble! Make the first spell count. Of course, we don't know the situation very well so we shouldn't make it a lethal spell.

Freeze, Bind, or use Rune Thought on them.

Cecil 2010/05/19(Wed)23:43 No. 180066 ID: cf68aa
File 127433778593.png - (26.89KB , 500x500 , 1034.png )

Cecil pulls out her staff

>"Sub 0!"

The person quickly turns around and blocks the spell with the frozen figure in his hand.

"So rude. Kids these days don't know how to treat their elders."

>"!? Who are you!?"

"Now now, proper etiquette says you should always introduce yourself first."

>"Give me Gene!"

"Gene? Oh the chunk of ice in my hands..? Don't wanna."

>"Hand him over now."

"Make me."

>>180066
Cecil, cast Nill to swap Gene's book on Sage magic for a normal Cell Stone. If you can't do that, then swap it for Gene.
[Cast Rune Thought on the enemy via the Red Stone]
[Cast Will of the Kings behind the enemy via the Red Stone]

>>180066
"DAMMIT BITCH I DON'T GOT TIME FOR THIS SHIT"

>>180066
Show him what you've got. Blast him with lightning while throwing up a Spike in the direction he dodges.

>>180066
Knock her forward with earth alchemy from her back, hopefully it'll unbalance her. Summon Will of the Kings to uneven the odds.

[Cast Rune Thought on her through Gene's Stone]

@Master L
Do you know where a library is around here? We need to find a book Gene wrote before someone else does. Look in the Foreign Literature section, for a Murder mystery book on a writing desk.

>>180072
@Master L: Er.. I think the message meant that Gene was murdered, but we already knew that.

[Cast Ol Reth on the enemy]
[Cast Banish on the Shoujen or Shenjou curse the enemy is afflicted by]

>>180075
>>180072
[VIA RED STONE]

Cecil 2010/05/20(Thu)00:06 No. 180081 ID: cf68aa
File 127433918063.png - (27.38KB , 500x500 , 1035.png )

>>180069
Cecil tries to cast Nil to gain the Sage Book
>"Nil!"

Nothing happens. The enemy drops Gene and backs away.

The Red Stone casts Rune Thought. The person loses their ability to use Dark Mana

It casts Will of the Kings. The Will appears for a moment but soon vanishes. the spell lacked the power to keep it in the material world.

Cecil casts lightning. As the person dodges it she follows up with a Earth Spike.
It strikes the person and sends them flying back.

He looks at Cecil and pulls out a glove with runes on it. He quickly puts it on.


"Thead!"

By pure luck Cecil dodges the spell

>Thead!

>If I hadn't dodged that..!

>>180081
FUCKING GODDAMNIT JUST KILL HER

I DON'T CARE HOW

>>180081
[Cast Ol Reth on the enemy via Red Stone]
[Cast Banish via Red Stone on the Shoujen, Shenjou, or other curse the enemy is afflicted by that wasn't placed by one of us.]
[Cast Miracle on Cecil via Red Stone.]

Cecil, if you can get a Disturb Mana off that would help a lot. Meanwhile, Soul Blade and Soul Shield, then a strong enough gravity spell to make them collapse to the ground.

@All: Cecil is fighting one of Dart's minions outside of town. We could use some flanking here.

Gah, cast Rune Thought on them yourself. Our attempt fizzled.

>>180083
Bring up the earth in front of you, and cast Will of the Kings because apparently we suck at it.

And uh... try throwing your soulless at him!

>>180099
that's a good one! let's see how he likes a face full of soul ripping.

>>180099
Not the Child, though. That would hardly be effective in combat, let alone against a sociopath.

Cecil 2010/05/20(Thu)00:31 No. 180119 ID: cf68aa
File 127434066697.png - (15.76KB , 500x500 , 1036.png )

>"Rune Thought!"

"Rune Thought!"

Both Cecil and the person are hit by the spell. Cecil quickly makes a stone wall and hides behind it. Back in Central Alexis and Felix move out to join the fight.

>Damn it! There goes even more of my spells!

>>180119
[Cast Petrify on the target via the Red Stone]
[Cast Banish on the Rune Thought affecting Cecil via the Red Stone]

>>180119
Throw your soulless! And if you can use your soul blades that will help.

[Use the Red Stone to cast Miracle on Cecil]
[Use the Red Stone to cast Blazen on Cecil]

>>180123
Cast light on his eyes, then Debarrast him.

Start casting spells using the wall for cover. Whatever element you're most skilled at. Ice, right?

Just keep him busy until we get some backup.

Cecil 2010/05/20(Thu)00:57 No. 180145 ID: cf68aa
File 127434227723.png - (44.01KB , 500x500 , 1037.png )

>>180123

The Red Stone casts Miracle then Blazen resulting in a more powerful Blazen!

[New Red Stone power acquired! Blessed Spell!]

Cecil is covered in flaming armor. She gets out from behind the stone wall.
All her fire spells are more powerful and she is immune to Ice Magic.

"What the hell!?"

>>180145
BURNINATE THEM!

>>180145
Fuck YES! If you can make some burning soul blades that would be keen, if not just go in swinging.

>>180145
Cast Fire on him!
[Cast Petrify on the target via the Red Stone]

shoot fireballs!

I don't think Cecil can actually cast anything. Just kick his ass.

i got it! use fire alchemy on the flames you are generating!

Cecil 2010/05/20(Thu)01:17 No. 180153 ID: cf68aa
File 127434343626.png - (54.64KB , 600x600 , 1038.png )

>>180147

Cecil uses her Soul Blades. They extend out and catch fire as well. She runs in and strikes at the Cerin Member. The person doges the first attack but a second swing cuts off their arm. The flames heat it to the point where the wounds don't even bleed. The person stumbles back.

"What the hell are you!?"

>>180153
"Mad."
Then cut him in half.

"Cecil Von Central"

>>180153
No words, just lop off their legs and remaining arm.
[Cast Blessed Sub 0 on target via Red Stone]

>>180155
No no no...

"Magi C!"

>>180153
"Dart's regret."

Cecil 2010/05/20(Thu)01:41 No. 180162 ID: cf68aa
File 127434487740.gif - (94.52KB , 450x450 , 1039.gif )

>"Mad."

Cecil cuts the person in half. The person is dead before they even hit the ground. Soon the flames vanish

>That was a tough battle.. If not for this stone..

well, when you get a chance tell her thanks, and use soul heal on it.

>>180162
Ok, make sure that you didn't lose anything important while you were on fire.
Search the corpse first, and pile anything valuable or interesting away from the body. Then check the eyepatch.

After that, check this Cerin member for any booby-traps or failsafes. Once the others arrive we're going to drag him and Gene to the hospital, get them patched up, and resurrected.

However, Gene comes back first, and he drains this guy's mana. Then you resurrect and freeze so you can de-curse as needed.

>>180162
Yeah, but it is unreliable. Thankfully it seems we can cast a luck spell to boost it's effects. As long as we continue to soul heal it, it should never run out of energy either. By the way, the name of the persons soul in it is Orindea, and it does want to help us defeat Dart.

Check out Gene, defrost, heal, use a phoenix down and see if he has that book on him. You may not be able to cast yet and probably... lacking supplies, but Felix and Alex are on the way.

@Orindea
Not sure if you can hear us like this, but thanks for the help.

yeah, make sure he doesn't have black hole stone thing like felix had. take everything and use detect magic if magic is still coming off him then something bust be inside.

>>180162
Cecil, I want to say that you look AWESOME when Blazen is active. It's form-fitting. Very nice.

Is there any way to tell if he/she was afflicted with Shoujen or Shenjou or something? We need to find out if we should even bother resurrecting them, or if we should just burn the corpse so Dart can't bring them back.

>>180162
@All:
The fight's over, but we still need to gather everything here and leave before Rai decides to confiscate it all - so, how about we head for Fai's mountain?

@L:
You might have some insight on this and you're an ally here, if not a friend:
Why the crap are all the powerful people we've met so completely off their rocker?
I'll just go down the list:
Dart gets a pass, because he's possessed by the demon - which, by the way, you saw the summoning circle for right outside Zerin's riddle puzzle.
Gawain insinuated that he was going to fillet Alex if she didn't join the Royal Army Mages.
King Sils has sharpened spikes for teeth; few kinds of people have sharpened teeth, and none of those are both sane and stable.
The Tigerkin leader is psychotic.
The Catkin leader is paranoid.
The I Shop owner is possibly the most reasonable of any of them, and he doesn't seem to care one way or the other about anything outside his business.
I don't know much of anything about Fai, aside from the fact that she's vicious when provoked.
Norar kidnapped a princess, soul petrified her, raped her repeatedly, and then planned to do the same to the resulting daughter that he tortured mercilessly - glad he's in jail.

That's not even mentioning King Rai, since we're pretty sure he's using the Cell Stones to spy on us.

At least our party's most powerful people aren't too bad:
Gene's an elitist jerk.
Felix is in recovery from major emotional trauma.
Alex is recovering from issues that we won't go into.
You have your own issues, but you seem a lot more sane and stable since your fight with Gaia.
Cecil's one of the most powerful of us, and he's kind and reasonable... but then again he has US.

So, why is it that great power brings great insanity?

@I Shop
I don't suppose you have any special robes or anything that keep Blazen from leaving you wearing nothing more than a few singed rags? I mean it's an awesome spell but damn.

Cecil 2010/05/20(Thu)22:55 No. 180595 ID: cf68aa
File 127442134015.png - (11.51KB , 500x500 , 1040.png )

>>180549
I Shop Owner
>That'll be G10,000 for the million degree suit.
-------------------------------------------------

>>180293
[You can't get into contact with Master L]

>>180169
Cecil checks the body. It doesn't seem to have an objects on it but it does seem to have a spell cast on it.. Cecil freezes the person and goes to examine Gene

>!? What the...

>His arms and legs are missing..

>>180595
Keep him frozen. Backtrack and see if you can find his missing limbs. That would make healing easier.

Also, we can't contact Master L. That's bad.

@Everyone: Hey, anyone seen Master L?

>>180595
Check the Red Cell Stone, then seal the spell on the corpse and see if you can tell what it is.
Forget Fai's mountain, we need to head for Dark Elf lands. Something's not right about this.
Oh, and L isn't responding.

@I Shop: Ah, that's a bit too steep for now. Maybe later.

@Amy: We're checking to see if you're ok. Think at us if you can hear us. Do it twice if L's in trouble.

I know this is all a very serious moment here, but Cecil try not to think about how you're probably naked right outside a city.

>>180595
Easier to carry that way, I guess. Assholes, can't just disable and kidnap like a sane villain would. I don't suppose Major Heal can handle all that damage?

@I Shop
That much huh? How much for a million degree bag to hold important stuff in?

...Maybe we can get by having Cecil disrobe before use. Not that we're being cheap about it but it sounds so much more entertaini-I mean, efficient!

@Amy RJ, Chel, and Nari
Hey is L with any of you? Are you guys in trouble? I hope you guys are ok I really don't want things getting any worse...

Try to stay grouped together and be careful, the Cerin are on the move and who knows what else is going on. If you get in trouble use your teleport stones to head to the Dark Elf kingdom.

Cecil 2010/05/20(Thu)23:15 No. 180616 ID: cf68aa
File 127442254251.png - (22.69KB , 500x500 , 1041.png )

I Shop Owner
>I do have a flameproof bag for only G120.
-----------------------------------------

Cecil takes the body of Gene and the Cerin and begins her walk back to central. The others begin looking for Master L.
----------------------------------
Nari

>Hey! I found a letter from L! And it has two Cell Stones on it.

>>180616
Cecil, go around and collect blood samples from everybody. We're starting up a Life Assurance Agency, and party members get free rides.

After you seal and identify the spell on the corpse.

@All: Ok, L and Amy appear seem to be eloping.

@Whoever has the Goldeon watch: Couldja check Amy Sky's location? I'd like to make sure this isn't a ruse.

@I Shop: We'll take that. Also, if you have a similarly priced crushproof bag we'll take that as well.

>>180616
...Yeah they deserve a bit of time to themselves. Wish they'd kept the stones but whatever, we'll catch them later.

Cecil, if we turn the Cerin over to the guard, do you think they'd take care of Gene for us? They can still cast Zeroon right? I just don't want to get in even more trouble with the king,
and if Gene has anything on him suggesting illegal magic it may not be worth it.

Actually forget that. Get both those icicles somewhere safe with the rest of our group, and change your clothes. Now onto the next issue: We need to find Gene's book. It wasn't on Gene so we need to check around. His last words suggested the library, so let's get over there.

You should be able to find it yourself, I'd rather the rest keep together to watch each other.

Also, who has the Dagger right now?

>>180625
No, I don't think we should trust King Rai, and certainly not with anything having to do with Dart.
We need to get this guy out of Rai's reach, so I suggest we have Alex transport these two, Chel, and Nari to the Dark Elf settlement. Once there they can pick up Wolfric's body (And some cash, I think) before continuing on to the capital.

Cecil 2010/05/21(Fri)00:40 No. 180656 ID: cf68aa
File 127442764618.png - (12.40KB , 500x332 , 1042.png )

The Goldeon Watch points NE when asked about Amy. Cecil drops the bodies in her room and goes to the library. She examines the shelves

>I still have the Goldeon Knife.

>hm... There's not a single book on any writing desk here. Was there anything more to his message?

he said exactly this:
>D-damn it... Can't die here... So close..
>I won't leave this place alive... Voices.... Tell Cecil... I made a book.. It has Sage Spells...
>Foreign literature.... On the Writing Desk....
>A Murder...
try looking for secret passages.

>>180656
Go to the foreign literature section, find the writing desk there, and cut into the top of it with the dagger.

maybe it's in the dark-world library? another thing to try is see if we can get the watch to find 'gene's arm' or something.

>>180660
[Check Red Stone status]
Actually, detect magic. If Gene used magic to hide it then there should be some signs of it.

Cecil 2010/05/21(Fri)01:13 No. 180671 ID: cf68aa
File 127442962355.png - (12.84KB , 500x500 , 1043.png )

>>180657
>there are none that I can see..

>>180660
>That'd be against the law. The desks are thin though and there's nothing underneath any of them.

>>180668
Cecil casts Detect Magic. Nothing happens.

>I guess it really is just hidden among the hundreds of tomes here.

She looks at more of the books. She can't read any of the books spines.

>>180671
Wait, maybe we're over thinking this.
Look for a book named "On the writing desk" in the foreign lit section.

Hrmm. A Murder? A murder of crows?

A writing desk.

Why is a raven like a writing desk?

Alice in Wonderland is pretty foreign literature I think.

Yea, we're not having much luck here.
Thaw out Gene, heal the fatal wounds, resurrect him, and have him show us where it is.
Then freeze him again so he doesn't have to suffer while waiting to get to a healer.

Cecil 2010/05/21(Fri)01:32 No. 180682 ID: cf68aa
File 127443075240.png - (19.43KB , 500x500 , 1044.png )

>>180679
>Yes.. This may be the best opti-

>>180676
>Alice in Wonderland? Never heard of it...

Cecil looks around. Near the back there is a small section of books written in common. She scans through them and finds a old tattered book 'Alice in Wonderland.' She opens it.

There is a smaller book within it.

>>180682
That's our prize. Don't let anyone see the smaller book. Just buy the fake one while the small one is in it.

>>180682
Ok, take it and go. Grab everybody and everything and get out of Central. Head for the Dark Elf settlement so you can grab Wolfric, then head on over to the Dark Elf capital.
We've got a lot of work to do.

[Check the status of the Red Stone already!]

Hey we need some money. Check for job openings.

>>180685
not in central. we are finished here, i admit it's partially so we can get away from rai.

>>180684
Oh, and the girl in the box. We need to find a way to fix her.

(Because it came up on IRC)
@I Shop: Out of curiosity, where do you get your stock? Do you make it yourself?

Cecil 2010/05/21(Fri)02:16 No. 180691 ID: cf68aa
File 127443339195.png - (17.39KB , 586x606 , 1045.png )

>>180690

I Shop Owner
>I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you. Hehehe....
--------------------------------------------

Cecil and the party pack up and head off to the Dark Elf Settlement. Alex and Cecil take turns using Move Earth. As they travel they talk about the recent events like Amy and Master L leaving as well as the odd decisions King Rai has been making. The others begin to fall asleep. They reach Resad first and decide to call it a night
RJ helps to rent out rooms for everyone. There are three rooms in the same floor and everyone is sleeping with the usual person.
Cecil tells Alex that she'll be stepping out to look for work. Alex kisses her and wishes her good luck. Cecil can't help but notice that every once in a while Alex will rub her left arm.
She makes her way to the place where she first picked her job

>Man.. This brings back memories. This is where I first met RJ and the I Shop owner. It's because of this place I solved a blood feud.

>I even got my first bra here.

>Anyway the jobs available are 'Helping to find a lost child' 'Healing someone from an unkown illness' and lastly 'Finding the Clear Stone'.