What had transpired... He had no idea how it was possible but he had managed to channel it successfully. Very successfully in fact. The magic had bound his opponent up, and a fearsome one at that. The attack that he was readying was halted in its tracks, but he knew his advantage wouldn't last for long. This last strike had to end it! Vance conjured up the fire around himself and his staff and launched himself towards Veilen. I'll win this for the pride of the Dorian family! And then Shani... We'll see about what you said. Of course, this is but my first combat. With a bit of luck, I'll find someone else that I can repeat this tactic on. I don't have anything else I can do effectively after all. Vance used Fire Dash. "Oh my God." She exclaimed as Gaius delivered Zephyr an incredible punch. She blinked in surprise for a couple of moments. That was... So fast. She was a little mad at Zephyr actually, for beating her like that only to go down in one punch. She was about to go and help him, when someone came over. She recognised Jack from one of the missions she had been on, and immediately narrowed her eyes in suspicion. He was weird, like that Ander guy. Both of them seemed to want to talk to her for some reason and both of them were really weird about it. They were both older than her too, like, a few years older so she was pretty worried. Now he was stopping off for a social call? This wasn't going to be good. "Yeah, I guess. What is it?" She asked. She took an unconscious step back away from him, just so she was slightly out of reach.
PEOPLE OF THE IMPERIAL CITY! WELCOME TO THE ARE- Wait, wrong thing. Despite me forgetting that this isn't The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, without any further ado... LOWEEEER THE GATES! Conrad used Strike Raid. He did 24 damage. With Strength, Speed and Weapon he did (16 + 20 + 6) 66 damage. Not bad. Alisa's defence reduced 20 damage dealing 46. Alisa used Barrier Surge. She did 11 damage, but with Defence and Weapon it dealt (28 + 5) 43 damage. Conrad attempts to dodge. HE DODGED IT! (8) He takes no damage! Conrad HP: 60 (+6) MP: 95 (+25)(+4) Weapon: Arming Sword (2-10) +0 SPD Abilities: (4)Strike Raid: Throw your weapon at the enemy. Stuns some foes. (25 damage+Stun) (4)Strike Raid: Throw your weapon at the enemy. Stuns some foes. (25 damage+Stun) (2) ~Blitz: Perform a series of jumping attacks. (1-5 attacks, 5 Damage) (2) ~Blitz: Perform a series of jumping attacks. (1-5 attacks, 5 Damage) (4) Stop: Manipulate time to bring surrounding enemies' movement to a complete halt for 1 round of combat. (15MP) (4) Sliding Dash: Punish faraway enemies with a charging attack. (18 Damage) Items: Crystal Crown: Raises max HP, max MP, max AS, Strength, Speed, and Defense. Also enhances Magic. (+6, +4, +1, +3, +2, +2, +2) Titan Chain: Significantly raises Strength and Speed (+4, +3) 500/200 Gem of the Diamond Spirit(AKA Orb of Blingity): (+2 magic, grant Bright beam, 1-15, stun(low chance)) Strength: 12 (+7) Speed: 15.5 (+5) Defence: -0.5 (+2) Magic: 5.5 (+4)Alisa HP: 60/94(+9)(+3) MP: 100 Weapon: Tower Shield +5DEF -2 SPD Abilities: (2) Barrier Surge: Cloak yourself in a barrier and rush the enemy. (15 damage + 1 Round invulnerability) (4) Fire Surge: Rush the enemy while a ring of fire revolves around you, hitting targets multiple times. (30 damage + 4 continuous fire damage) (2) ~Blitz: Perform a series of jumping attacks. (1-5 attacks, 5 Damage) (3) Esuna: Recover from all negative status effects. (10MP) (5) Binding Strike: Perform a spinning attack that binds some foes. (20 damage + chance to stop enemies attacking for a turn) Items: Gaia Bangle: Significantly raises max HP and Defense (+9, +3) Omega Arts: Raises max HP, Strength, Speed, and Defense. (+3, +3, +3 +3) Angel Bangle: Raises max HP and Defense. (+6, +2) Strength: 17(+3) Speed: 4(-2)(+3) Defence: 15(+5)(+3)(+3)(+2) Magic: 6 Skyheart's Self Knockout Stage Round One: Aoki used Fire Dash. She did 23 damage, but with Speed and Magic and Weapon she did (6 + 17 + 10) 56 damage. Charlotte's defence reduced 19 damage. Only 37 damage was dealt. Charlotte used Thunder Surge. She dealt 31 damage, but with Speed and Magic she dealt (3 + 6) 40 damage. Aoki's defence reduced 1 damage, taking 39. Aoki HP: 37/70 (+6) MP: 120 (+14) Weapon: Keyblade: (4-10) -1 SPD Abilities: (4) Magnet: Use magnetic force to pull enemies in and deal continual damage.(6MP, 12 damage over 2 turns) (1) Cure: Recover a small amount of HP. (8MP, 5HP Healed+Magic Stat) (4) Stop: Manipulate time to bring surrounding enemies' movement to a complete halt for 1 round of combat. (15MP) (3) Esuna: Recover from all negative status effects. (10MP) (4) Sliding Dash: Punish faraway enemies with a charging attack. (18 Damage) (4) Fire Dash: Cloak yourself in fire, then punish faraway enemies with a charging attack. (25 damage + 5 fire damage continuous for 2 turns) Items: Lucky Ring (x4) : Brings luck to the wearer, increasing the drop rate of items/Jewels (20% enhanced Drop Rate) Crystal Crown: Raises max HP, max MP, max AS, Strength, Speed, and Defense. Also enhances Magic. (+6, +4, +1, +3, +2, +2, +2) Strength: 17(+3) Speed: 4(+2) Defence: -1(+2) Magic: 17(+2) Charlotte HP: 101/105 (+9)(+9)(+9)(+6) MP: 75 (+4)(+10) Weapon: Hand and a Half Sword (5-14) -1 SPD Abilities: (5)(+1) (3)Esuna: Recover from all negative status effects. (10MP) (2)Barrier Surge: Cloak yourself in a barrier and rush the enemy. (15 damage + 1 Round invulnerability) (4)Fire Surge: Rush the enemy while a ring of fire revolves around you, hitting targets multiple times. (30 damage + 4 continuous fire damage) (6) Wishing Edge: Strike an enemy three times with a single jumping attack. (15 damage per hit) (6) Thunder Surge: Cloak yourself in electricity and rush the enemy, stunning foes on contact. (35 damage + Stun) Items: (6) Gaia Bangle: Significantly raises max HP and Defense (+9, +3) Gaia Bangle: Significantly raises max HP and Defense (+9, +3) Gaia Bangle: Significantly raises max HP and Defense (+9, +3) Crystal Crown: Raises max HP, max MP, max AS, Strength, Speed, and Defense. Also enhances Magic. (+6, +4, +1, +3, +2, +2, +2) Strength: 16(+3) Speed: 1(+2) Defence: 5(+3)(+3)(+3)(+2) Magic: 5(+2) Zwei used Strike Raid. It did 22 damage, but with Strength, Speed and Weapon he dealt (21 + 12 + 25) 80 damage. Rho's defence reduced 2. Rho was out. So err, yeah. That kinda happened. Zwei HP: 65 MP: 65 Weapon: Throwing Knives (2-5 knives dealing 1-5 damage) +1 SPD Abilities: (4)Strike Raid: Throw your weapon at the enemy. Stuns some foes. (25 damage+Stun) (5) Binding Strike: Perform a spinning attack that binds some foes. (35 damage + chance to stop enemies attacking for a turn) (4) Sliding Dash: Punish faraway enemies with a charging attack. (18 Damage) (2) ~Blitz: Perform a series of jumping attacks. (1-5 attacks, 5 Damage) (4) Stop: Manipulate time to bring surrounding enemies' movement to a complete halt for 1 round of combat. (15MP) (1) Cure: Recover a small amount of HP. (8MP, 5HP Healed+Magic Stat) Thundara: Strike surrounding enemies from above with stronger lightning that shocks other nearby foes if it connects.(6MP, 12 damage, deals half to other targets) Aerora: Call on the wind to lift enemies into the air and send them flying for more damage. Stuns many foes.(10MP, 16 damage on impact+Stun) Items: Potion: Restore HP to the User, or to a target of the user's choosing. (+30 HP) Titan Chain: Significantly raises Strength and Speed (+4, +3) x2 Angel Bangle: Raises max HP and Defense. (+6, +2) Tourmaline Ring: Increases Strength, Speed and increases maximum AS (+1, +1, +2) Skill Ring: Increases Strength, Speed and slightly increases maximum AS (+4, +2, +1) Strength: 21 Speed: 13 Defence: 5 Magic: 5Rho HP: -12/60 MP: 50 Weapon: Two Handed Sword (6-16)(+9) -2 SPD Abilities: Blitz: Perform a series of jumping attacks. (1-5 attacks, 5 Damage) Sliding Dash: Punish faraway enemies with a charging attack. (18 Damage) Esuna: Recover from all negative status effects. (10MP) (4) Stop: Manipulate time to bring surrounding enemies' movement to a complete halt for 1 round of combat. (15MP) (4) Magnet: Use magnetic force to pull enemies in and deal continual damage.(6MP, 12 damage over 2 turns) (1) Aero: Call on the wind to lift enemies into the air and then send them flying. Stuns some foes. (5MP, 8 damage on impact+Stun) Items: Shard of the Bedrock Spirit: This piece of Bedrock is infused with the power of the spirit. +3 Strength, maximum physical weapon damage increased by 9 Ttian Chain: (+4 Str, +3 Spd) Strength: 26(+3)(+4) Speed: 4(+3) Defence: 2 Magic: 2 Calxiyn used Binding Strike. She did 35 damage, but with Strength, Speed and Magic And Weapon she did (24 + 16 + 4 + 6) 85 damage. No stun (7). Therity's Defence reduced 6 damage for a total of 79 damage. Calxiyn HP: 60 (+3)(+3) MP: 65 Weapon: Keyblade: (4-10) -1 SPD Abilities: (5) Binding Strike: Perform a spinning attack that binds some foes. (35 damage + chance to stop enemies attacking for a turn) (4) Sliding Dash: Punish faraway enemies with a charging attack. (18 Damage) (4)Strike Raid: Throw your weapon at the enemy. Stuns some foes. (25 damage+Stun) (1) Cure: Recover a small amount of HP. (8MP, 5HP Healed+Magic Stat) (5) Aerora: Call on the wind to lift enemies into the air and send them flying for more damage. Stuns many foes.(10MP, 16 damage on impact+Stun) Items: Omega Arts: Raises max HP, Strength, Speed, and Defense. (+3, +3, +3 +3) Titan Chain: Significantly raises Strength and Speed (+4, +3) Titan Chain: Significantly raises Strength and Speed (+4, +3) Heartguard: Raises max HP and Defense. Equip more to boost effect. (+3, +4) Strength: 20(+3)(+4)(+4) Speed: 7(+3)(+3)(+3) Defence: 3(+4) Magic: 5 Therity HP: -4/75 (+3)(+9) MP: 75 Weapon: Mage’s Staff (3-10 damage) Abilities: (5) Binding Strike: Perform a spinning attack that binds some foes. (35 damage + chance to stop enemies attacking for a turn) (2) ~Blitz: Perform a series of jumping attacks. (1-5 attacks, 5 Damage) (4) Sliding Dash: Punish faraway enemies with a charging attack. (18 Damage) (4) Magnet: Use magnetic force to pull enemies in and deal continual damage.(6MP, 12 damage over 2 turns) (5) Aerora: Call on the wind to lift enemies into the air and send them flying for more damage. Stuns many foes.(10MP, 16 damage on impact+Stun) (5) Thundara: Strike surrounding enemies from above with stronger lightning that shocks other nearby foes if it connects.(6MP, 12 damage, deals half to other targets) Items: Omega Arts: Raises max HP, Strength, Speed, and Defense. (+3, +3, +3 +3) 700/500 Gaia Bangle: Significantly raises max HP and Defense (+9, +3) 400/200 Skill Ring: Increases Strength, Speed and slightly increases maximum AS (+4, +2, +1) 625/200 Jewels Strength: 18 (+3)(+4) Speed: 7 (+3)(+2) Defence: 1 (+3)(+3) Magic: 5 Vance Dorian used Binding Strike, dealing 30 damage! With Strength, Speed and Magic (10 + 4 + 21) he did 65 damage! Vance stunned Veilen (10)! Veilen's defence reduced 4 damage, for a total of 61 damage dealt! Veilen was stunned by Vance's attack and could not attack this turn! Vance Dorian HP: 70 (+9)(+9) MP: 115 (+45)(+1) Weapon: Improved Mage’s Staff (5-13) Abilities: (5) Aerora: Call on the wind to lift enemies into the air and send them flying for more damage. Stuns many foes.(10MP, 16 damage on impact+Stun) (5) Thundara: Strike surrounding enemies from above with stronger lightning that shocks other nearby foes if it connects.(6MP, 12 damage, deals half to other targets) (4) Fire Dash: Cloak yourself in fire, then punish faraway enemies with a charging attack. (25 damage + 5 fire damage continuous for 2 turns) (1) Cure: Recover a small amount of HP. (8MP, 5HP Healed+Magic Stat) (2) ~Blitz: Perform a series of jumping attacks. (1-5 attacks, 5 Damage) (4) Sliding Dash: Punish faraway enemies with a charging attack. (5) Binding Strike: Perform a spinning attack that binds some foes. (20 damage + chance to stop enemies attacking for a turn) (4) Stop: Manipulate time to bring surrounding enemies' movement to a complete halt for 1 round of combat. (15MP) Items: Magic Armlet: Slightly raises max MP and Magic. (+1, +2) 155/50 for 310 Magic Armlet: Slightly raises max MP and Magic. (+1, +2) 155/50 for 310 Silver Ring: Increases Magic and slightly increases maximum AS (+1, +1) 160/50 Jewels Gaia Bangle: Significantly raises max HP and Defense (+9, +3) 400/200 Mage Earring: Highly increases maximum AS and magic (+2, +4) 620/300 Jewels Gaia Bangle: Significantly raises max HP and Defense (+9, +3) 400/200 Phoenix Coat: The hide of the Sapphire Phoenix empowers and protects the wearer, bursting into flames at the will of the wearer. (+3 Magic,+ 3 Defence.) Grants Ability - Flames of the Phoenix: When the wearer is attacked, the attacker takes 5-15 damage. Strength: 11 Speed: 4 Defence: 1(+9) Magic: 16(+1)(+2)(+2)(4)(+3) Veilen HP: 14/75 (+3)(+6) MP: 98.5 (+1)(+10) Weapon: Decaforce Sword (4-12 damage) Abilities: (5) Aerora: Call on the wind to lift enemies into the air and send them flying for more damage. Stuns many foes.(10MP, 16 damage on impact+Stun) (1) Cure: Recover a small amount of HP. (8MP, 5HP Healed+Magic Stat) (2) ~Blitz: Perform a series of jumping attacks. (1-5 attacks, 5 Damage) (5) Binding Strike: Perform a spinning attack that binds some foes. (20 damage + chance to stop enemies attacking for a turn) (4) Fire Dash: Cloak yourself in fire, then punish faraway enemies with a charging attack. (25 damage + 5 fire damage continuous for 2 turns) (5) Thundara: Strike surrounding enemies from above with stronger lightning that shocks other nearby foes if it connects.(6MP, 12 damage, deals half to other targets) (6) Mine Shield: Set 5 explosive magical traps which stun enemies when tripped. (12MP, 10 damage per mine) (4) Magnet: Use magnetic force to pull enemies in and deal continual damage.(6MP, 12 damage over 2 turns) (4) Stop: Manipulate time to bring surrounding enemies' movement to a complete halt for 1 round of combat. (15MP) (3) Esuna: Recover from all negative status effects. (10MP) (6) Wishing Edge: Strike an enemy three times with a single jumping attack. (15 damage per hit) (6) Fire Strike: Cloak your weapon in fire and perform a spinning attack at the enemy. (weapon damage + 7 continuous fire damage) (6) Thunder Surge: Cloak yourself in electricity and rush the enemy, stunning foes on contact. (35 damage + Stun) Items: Energy Bangle: Slightly raises max HP and Defense (+3, +1) Magic Armlet: Slightly raises max MP and Magic. (+1, +2) Angel Bangle: Raises max HP and Defense. (+6, +2) Strength: 11.5 Speed: 2 Defence: 3(+1)(+2) Magic: 24.5(+2) Come on Gai- I mean Gaius vs Zephyr! Gaius used Binding Strike. It did 27 damage. With Strength, Speed, Magic and Weapon he did (32 + 23 + 5 + 6) 93 damage! He missed the Stun (7). Zephyr's defence reduced 6 damage, for a total of 87 damage. Damn son, nearly as good as Lucia. Gaius HP: 70(+3) MP: 75 Weapon: Fists of Fury (4-10 damage) + 5 Speed Abilities: (1) Quick Blitz: Perform a jumping attack. (5 Damage) (2) ~Blitz: Perform a series of jumping attacks. (1-5 attacks, 5 Damage) (4) Sliding Dash: Punish faraway enemies with a charging attack. (18 Damage) (5) Binding Strike: Perform a spinning attack that binds some foes. (20 damage + chance to stop enemies attacking for a turn) (5) Fira: Launch a stronger ball of fire toward enemies. (6MP. Deals 10 Damage) (1) Cure: Recover a small amount of HP. (8MP, 5HP Healed+Magic Stat) (6) Fire Strike: Cloak the your weapon in fire and perform a spinning attack at the enemy. (weapon damage + 7 continuous fire damage) (6) Wishing Edge: Strike an enemy three times with a single jumping attack. (15 damage per hit) Items: Titan Chain: Significantly raises Strength and Speed (+4, +3) Titan Chain: Significantly raises Strength and Speed (+4, +3) Titan Chain: Significantly raises Strength and Speed (+4, +3) Heartguard: Raises max HP and Defense. Equip more to boost effect. (+3, +4) Titan Chain: Significantly raises Strength and Speed (+4, +3) Strength: 24.5(+4)(+4)(+4) Speed: 13.5(+3)(+3)(+3)(+3) Defence: 2(+4) Magic: 5 Zephyr HP: -15/66 (+3)(+3) MP: 67(+1)(+10) Weapon: Improved X - Gloves (5 - 10) + 1 Speed Abilities: (5) Binding Strike: Perform a spinning attack that binds some foes. (35 damage + chance to stop enemies attacking for a turn) (5) Aerora: Call on the wind to lift enemies into the air and send them flying for more damage. Stuns many foes.(10MP, 16 damage on impact+Stun) (4) Sliding Dash: Punish faraway enemies with a charging attack. (18 Damage) (1) Cure: Recover a small amount of HP. (8MP, 5HP Healed+Magic Stat) (2) ~Blitz: Perform a series of jumping attacks. (1-5 attacks, 5 Damage) (4) Fire Surge: Rush the enemy while a ring of fire revolves around you, hitting targets multiple times. (30 damage + 4 continuous fire damage) Items: Omega Arts: Raises max HP, Strength, Speed, and Defense. (+3, +3, +3 +3) Omega Arts: Raises max HP, Strength, Speed, and Defense. (+3, +3, +3 +3) Magic Armlet: Slightly raises max MP and Magic. (+1, +2) Titan Chain: Significantly raises Strength and Speed (+4, +3) Strength: 30 (+3)(+3)(+4) Speed: 13 (+3)(+3) Defence: 9 (+3)(+3) Magic: 7 (+2) Lucia used Poison Edge (calling it now, Stupid damage inbound). She did 27 damage. With Strength, Speed and Weapon she did (32 + 29 + 12) 100 damage exactly. (Yup, stupid damage.) Aias' Shard of the Whatever Spirit It Was Again reduced the damage by 10%, making it 90. His defence reduced 33, meaning the attack did 57. Aias used Barrier Surge. It did 13 damage. With Defence and Weapon he did (36 + 5) 54 damage. Err... GG Beuce? Lucia HP: 16/70 MP: 80.5 Weapon: Throwing Knives (2-5 knives dealing 1-5 damage) +1 SPD Abilities: (4)Strike Raid: Throw your weapon at the enemy. Stuns some foes. (25 damage+Stun) (4) Sliding Dash: Punish faraway enemies with a charging attack. (18 Damage) (1) Cure: Recover a small amount of HP. (8MP, 5HP Healed+Magic Stat) (6) Wishing Edge: Strike an enemy three times with a single jumping attack. (15 damage per hit) (6) Poison Edge: Perform a jumping attack that poisons some foes. (30 damage + 6 continuous) Items: Titan Chain: Significantly raises Strength and Speed (+4, +3) Titan Chain: Significantly raises Strength and Speed (+4, +3) Titan Chain: Significantly raises Strength and Speed (+4, +3) Titan Chain: Significantly raises Strength and Speed (+4, +3) Titan Chain: Significantly raises Strength and Speed (+4, +3) WAND OF ****ING LIGHT BITCHES Strength: 13 (+20) Speed: 18.5 (16) Defence: -0.5 Magic: 5.5 Aias HP: 50/80 (+27) MP: 95 Weapon: Gangsta Chain: +8 defense, -2 speed Abilities: ~Blitz: Perform a series of jumping attacks. (1-5 attacks, 5 Damage) Barrier Surge: Cloak yourself in a barrier and rush the enemy. (15 damage + 1 Round invulnerability) Fire Surge: Rush the enemy while a ring of fire revolves around you, hitting targets multiple times. (30 damage + 4 continuous fire damage) Cure: Recover a small amount of HP. (8MP, 5HP Healed+Magic Stat) Quick Blitz: Perform a jumping attack. (5 Damage) Items: Gaia Bangle: Significantly raises max HP and Defense (+9, +3) x3 Shard of the Clay Spirit: The power of the redoubtable Clay Spirit carries forth in this shard. +3 Defence, Reduces 10% of incoming damage before defence is applied Holy Brick of Antioch: This brick, left behind by the passing of the Clay Spirit grants the user its strength; +4 Strength. It can be thrown at an enemy for 1-50 damage. If the user spends a turn saying a prayer, and counts to three before throwing, it deals 1-100 damage) Strength: 14 (+4) Speed: 1 (-2) Defence: 17 (+20) Magic: 5 Beucette used Sliding Dash. She did 18 damage, but with Strength, Speed and Weapon she did (24 + 25 + 5) 72 damage. Ra has... -1 defence. 1 HIT KO! Beucette HP: 50 MP: 60 Weapon: Ego the Sword 4-12 (+2 speed) Abilities: (1) Quick Blitz: Perform a jumping attack. (5 Damage) (2) ~Blitz: Perform a series of jumping attacks. (1-5 attacks, 5 Damage) (4) Sliding Dash: Punish faraway enemies with a charging attack. (18 Damage) Binding Strike: Perform a spinning attack that binds some foes. (35 damage + chance to stop enemies attacking for a turn) (4)Strike Raid: Throw your weapon at the enemy. Stuns some foes. (25 damage+Stun) Items: Titan Chain: Significantly raises Strength and Speed (+4, +3) Titan Chain: Significantly raises Strength and Speed (+4, +3) Titan Chain: Significantly raises Strength and Speed (+4, +3) Strength: 13.5 (+4)(+4)(+4) Speed: 17(+3)(+3)(+3) Defence: -1 Magic: 10 Ra HP: -2/70 MP: 126(+1)(+1)(+1)(+70) Weapon: Mage’s staff (5-13) Abilities: (5) Fira: Launch a stronger ball of fire toward enemies. (6MP. Deals 10 Damage) Mine Shield: Set 5 explosive magical traps which stun enemies when tripped. (12MP, 10 damage per mine) (2) ~Blitz: Perform a series of jumping attacks. (1-5 attacks, 5 Damage) (4) Sliding Dash: Punish faraway enemies with a charging attack. (18 Damage) (5) Aerora: Call on the wind to lift enemies into the air and send them flying for more damage. Stuns many foes.(10MP, 16 damage on impact+Stun) (5) Thundara: Strike surrounding enemies from above with stronger lightning that shocks other nearby foes if it connects.(6MP, 12 damage, deals half to other targets) (8) Cura: Recover a large amount of HP. (16MP, 15 Healed +Magic Stat) (6) Quake: Shake the earth and cause 1-8 boulders to burst forth which knock enemies into the air and stun them in the process.(12MP, 8 damage per rock) (4) Fire Dash: Cloak yourself in fire, then punish faraway enemies with a charging attack. (25 damage + 5 fire damage continuous for 2 turns) (5) Binding Strike: Perform a spinning attack that binds some foes. (35 damage + chance to stop enemies attacking for a turn) Items: Magic Armlet: Slightly raises max MP and Magic. (+1, +2) Magic Armlet: Slightly raises max MP and Magic. (+1, +2) Magic Armlet: Slightly raises max MP and Magic. (+1, +2) Mage Earring: Highly increases maximum AS and magic (+2, +4) Mage Earring: Highly increases maximum AS and magic (+2, +4) Mage Earring: Highly increases maximum AS and magic (+2, +4) Strength: 11 Speed: 4 Defence: -1 Magic: 23(+4)(+4)(+4)(+2) The Tournament Placements are coming in now folks! 14 - Rho - After being unable to survive Zwei's insane fan of throwing knives, Rho left the tournament and immediately sought medical assistance for the stab wounds! Or at least, I hope so. Might bleed out otherwise. 13 - Therity - Apparently large keys are dangerous, and Calxiyn managed to find the keyhole in her defences and unlock her victory! 12 - Zephyr - Having received what must have been the hardest punch on the nose ever, so hard that it left the man stunned, Zephyr had to be carried off the field! 11 - Ra - Ra was clearly so confused by Beucette's strange commentary that he was helpless against the woman's mighty blow! That sliding manoeuvre really caught him below the belt!
Edric was watching the tournament with a mug of beer in his hand, cheering whenever a particularly spectacular kill happened. There were a couple of neat 1 hit KOs that looked like they bloody hurt. He relished in watching the combat. If only he could go out there and play himself, that would be fun. No matter, he was content to sit and watch. After all, they were all putting on a good show for him. He spotted Cassandra sitting down a few rows ahead, and remembered what happened at the trial. He did feel a little bad about getting that mad at her upon hindsight. She didn't deserve it and only tried to do what was best for Mikasa. They just had differing opinions on what was best exactly. He stood up and navigated his way over to her, then took the seat next to the Knight. "Hey, Cassie. Jus' wanted ta' apologise fer gettin' tha' pissed at ya durin' the trial." He apologised, then took another sip of his beer. "I didnae mean ta get soo angry, 'twas jus' the blood boilin' 'cos of the stress o' the whole affair, ye ken? Hopin' ye en't too pissed at me." Dale, who had also been ignored by his RP'er for a while was finally getting a post stating where he was. Dale was sitting and watching at the end of one of the rows of seats with his arms folded and his right leg crossed over his left. He was observing the place with a critical eye, not only the contestants but also what other people were doing, who they were talking to. It was interesting to see what people were doing, and it wasn't like he had anyone to talk to anyway. Perhaps he'd talk to Johanna over on the field if there was nothing too interesting going on out here. Just thinking about her made his heart beat a little faster. He remembered confessing his feelings for her, and she hadn't thrown him off. He was confident that she felt the same now, and looked forward to confirming it. Then, finally... Finally he would be able to be rid of the doubts that he'd had for years. He'd be able to freely, and openly, love Johanna like he had wanted to. The thought put a smile on his face. Alessia saw that Zephyr was going to fight Gaius. She hadn't seen Gaius around for a while, but then again they'd been on totally different missions and it wasn't like they talked much anyway. He had attitude, so he was kinda funny to watch at the banquet when they started. Those guys... She had seriously considered going up there and fighting with them just to see what happened all the way back then. She kind of wished that she had. They had such a tight bond of friendship, and she wanted to have some friends like that. She didn't really have any though, the only person that was really close to being her friend was Zephyr (Happy now Mok?). "Go on Zephyr! You beat me so you better do well!" She shouted encouragingly. She stood there watching the fight. It was going to be a quick one, that much she was sure of.
Caliborn raised an eyebrow when she asked him the question. He sat there and thought about it, trying to figure out why. Admittedly, the answer came quickly, and was rather simple. "That's a rather simple answer. I haven't found anyone that I wish to marry yet. When I do, I'm sure that I will. But until that point, I will happily wait until that person comes." He answered. He smiled a little wider when he noticed that she had blushed. It was kind of cute. She probably wasn't used to the affection, but she didn't seem to dislike it. In fact, she seemed more relaxed which was vastly better than the previous situation. "And yes, we do. I suppose that means I have a long time to find that person, and a long time to spend with them after. Maybe I'll manage to see most of what there is to see in that time."
Caliborn allowed himself to pull her tighter, especially as she began to cry fully. He felt Mikasa press herself into the hug and he knew from that point, that it was going to be alright. He had broken through her boundaries. All of the walls that she had put up were breached, and now Mikasa was back. He smiled at her and looked down, seeing her smile too. And they told me that it was pointless, that she was gone, and that I may as well give up. I think that I should make a point of telling them that they were absolutely, completely wrong. "I know you are Mikasa, but I forgive you. You can rebuild, that's alright. I'll be here." Caliborn replied. He stroked her hair softly. "I'm just glad you're back. Really, I'm just glad that you're happier, that you're smiling." He looked out the window. The day seemed a little bit brighter outside, which was good news. He stayed there for a while, knowing that she would probably want this to last a little bit longer. After how she was feeling up until now, he couldn't blame her. It was worth it though, if her sadness had been suddenly turned into a smile. And it was over, just like that. She thought that she would be able to do well in the tournament. Her defences were strong, she had practiced hard! And for what? She stood up and dusted herself off. She hated to admit it, but she was a little pissed off. "Well played." She said as politely as she could, and then walked off. Having lost completely like that, she was livid. How could this happen? It was like a strange mysterious force had just decided to say **** you and decide that everything was going to go totally against her. ****'s sake, seriously. That should have gone way better. And to think that she had offered help to that unbearable boy! UGH! He was facing one of the winners from the previous round. Honestly, it didn't look good. The man's tactics were... Impressive. He was honestly concerned about this one and hadn't fancied his chances. He was going to be absolutely humiliated. In front of Conrad, who knowing his luck would probably win and in front of his daughter, and perhaps more embarrassingly in front of Shani who had made him quite the promise. Honestly, things seemed that they would be going very, very badly very, very quickly. He would have to somehow deal sufficient damage, and quickly. He believed that based on his own estimates, he was a little faster than his opponent but otherwise, he was almost completely outclassed. There was only one chance. He had to chance skill and a little luck and stun the man before he had a chance to unleash a powerful attack. Only through that could he possibly achieve victory. Besides, nobody would be expecting this from him. Vance ran at Veilen, who was wielding a sword, a far more practical close combat weapon and struck out, channelling magic through the staff and praying that it worked as hoped. "May the best man win!" He exclaimed as he struck. Vance used Binding Strike
"That's where you're wrong, Mikasa." He said as soon as she told him that he would be happier without her. He crossed the distance between himself and her cot, then sat down next to her. He debated for just a second, before doing it, knowing that it was a risk, but right now... Right now he felt that this is what she needed. He pulled Mikasa into a gentle hug. "No, I don't hate you. I couldn't hate you. And it's not too late. I'm still here, and you haven't driven me away at all. And it's not better if you're gone, why would you say that? We're a team, you and I. You're someone that I can't replace. You're no burden to me. And I wish you wouldn't say things like that about yourself, because it isn't true." Caliborn held Mikasa a little tighter, as if to show her that she wasn't worthless. She was important. She always was. However she had gotten it into her that she wasn't, he had no idea. But she needed to understand now, more than ever, that she was totally wrong. "It wouldn't never be better if you're gone. I'd miss you." He whispered as he held her. "And if you can't protect me in here, then come out here with me. I promise, I'll get you out as soon as I can."
"The necklace? I did that because I knew you had been upset, and I thought that it would make you happy. Your fighting talents? You came to the Guild. We worked together as a team. I asked you to work with me because you were alone, and I saw no reason why you should have to stand alone. I have could have worked with others, but I knew that they would have team mates." Caliborn replied, a great deal more quiet now. The mood of the conversation was constantly shifting. How could he get through to her? And then she compared him to the man that betrayed her at the Tower of Heaven. He understood some of the parallels, but still thought it an unfair comparison. Of course, how could she know his intentions? "There's a difference, between he and I. I know I made a mistake. I want to correct that. Something that he never did. He was never sorry for stabbing you in the back. I'd hoped that after all of this time you'd know that I meant you no ill will. I see now." He felt almost like saying that he was sorry he even spoke to her. But that was petty, and it wasn't going to help. He wasn't there to reinforce her broken mindset. He would have to keep trying until he ran out of options. There was only so long that this could keep going, and it felt like things were entering their closing stages. Neither were arguing as strongly as before. It seemed as if she truly wasn't going to budge. He heard her voice crack, because of the pain of everything. He felt terrible for her, for what she was suffering. And there was seemingly nothing that he could do. "So, are you truly unwilling to make peace with me?" Caliborn asked sadly. Depending on her response, everything would be decided. If he hadn't gotten through now... Then he never would. "Do you hate me that much, for my mistakes?"
"I'm sorry that you couldn't have what you wanted exactly. And you do mean a lot to me, but that doesn't mean that I should lie to you and tell you what you want. That's not how things work. I stand by what I've said. And the love that I do have for you won't change - I'll still care for you. I still do. If I could love you the way you wanted, I'm sure I would." Caliborn spoke, still unwavering and unfaltering. He wasn't going to give up like this. Admittedly, it did sting when she threw everything that he had said back in his face, but that was the way of things. This wasn't going to be an easy fight. She was stubborn, and didn't want to admit defeat yet. "If you didn't want anything to do with me then you wouldn't have argued with me in the first place. This entire conversation would never have happened. And perhaps I do dream grandly, but is there anything wrong with that? Is there anything wrong with trying to share something with someone you care about? I don't think there is. And well, as you said. I haven't got anything else really. I may as well stick to my fools' errands until I run out of life. After all, we Wizards can live a long time, and I am patient." She lay down and faced away. Now she just looked sad. As if she were looking outside, and wishing that she could be out there. That's how she looked to him at least. Almost... A little desperate. As if there was something out of the window that would take the pain away. If that was what it was then... That was exactly the point he was trying to make all along. "You know, it doesn't have to be like this. You don't have to shout, or argue. You don't have to make yourself this way. I know you're hurt, but still. This isn't how things have to be. They never were, even when we argued before. We have, but you never once thought this necessary." He said.
"You're right in some ways. People don't need me. And you're right, my family are too far away. I could go back, but really, there's nothing there for me. And you're right, all that I really have is my position and the power that I have over some people in this Guild." Caliborn replied. She wasn't making any good points now, it was just petty complaining and this one, this splashed harmlessly against the fortress walls of his mind. Almost out of spite, but also out of pride, he smiled. She had reminded him of something. His pride. He was proud of what he had in the Guild. He was proud of what he could do there, why he stayed at the Guild. "But you see Mikasa, you didn't think about something. Why do you think I'm at the Guild? You're right, I'm not needed. And that's fine. Because despite not being needed, there's still a lot that I can do. Other guild members can look to me for advice, for comfort. Something that people need at times. I can lead people on missions, help developing wizards come into their own. I'm proud of what I do Mikasa. I have my pride in what I do. So, I don't need you, Mikasa. It's not about me not wanting to let go of you. I just don't think that you're right. And I think you're making a mistake. You're in front of me, telling me that you want to die, that there's nothing for you to live for and that it's all over. It isn't. There's more for you to live for Mikasa, a lot more of it, the world is full of things for you to live for. You just haven't found them yet." He made sure to lock eyes with her, to let her see that he was proud of himself. There was no fear, no anger and no regret. The more he spoke about himself, about what he had to say, about what he thought, the more confidence he got. He stood up to his full height as he continued. "That Mikasa, is what I live for. I live to see more of what this world has to offer. All of the strange things and the beautiful things that exist out there, I want to see them all." Caliborn explained. "And that, is what I want with you. I want you to be able to live, I want as many people to be able to see the world and what lies within it. I want you to see all the things that this world has to offer, especially now that I know what happened. I don't blame you for thinking that there's nothing in this world for you to live for, nothing good that you want to experience. I just think you're wrong, and I hope that you'll be able to see the things that I see. There's a lot wrong, but there's a lot right. Mikasa, there's more to our world than we can possibly know. Surely there's something you have to live for, to like, to love. And I'll be here with you, helping you find it. Because you mean a lot to me. If I could only share what few things I have seen with someone, it would be you. And if there were someone that I'd like to travel with and explore with, that would be you too. So do you see now, even if just a little, why I'm standing here talking to you?"
"Face it Mikasa, I never would have had given that Guild Master title to you. It wouldn't have worked. And besides, you've been trying to seduce me, it hasn't worked a bit." He put his hands on his hips and looked at her disapprovingly as she tried to make herself seem a little bit more attractive. She was flaunting herself a little bit, but he had no intention of falling under the spell. There was more serious business at hand. "And your petty attempts aren't going to work now. And Trevor? No. He's got George and Derk in his head. You'd never have got anywhere. George is too power hungry and he'd never have given anything to you. He's far too self interested. You'd have been used up for all your worth and thrown away." Needless to say, his opinion of Trevor's other personas was not exactly high. Derk was too unstable and George was simply unlikeable. She was acting a little superior, but he was still getting a step ahead of her. However... As soon as she stood up and threw the necklace at him, his resolve fell. He caught it nimbly. She doesn't need anything from me anymore? So, is she really... Going to just... He took a step back, shocked and looked down at the thing in his hand. But then he remembered- The look in her eyes. A glare of crazed amusement. His fist tightened around the necklace and he looked up at her. "I see... So you're going to take cheap shots now..." Caliborn did his best to keep his tone and face even, despite the anger that she would sink so low to take cheap shots at him. "Is that what it has come down to? Just trying to be as hurtful as possible? That just goes to show... You're trying to deny what I'm saying. You have to do this because there's no other defence. I'm not going to lose to your spite."
He couldn't deny that what Mikasa said hurt. But he refused to believe it entirely. He knew that she was angry, and he knew that she was scared. She was throwing up every wall that she could to hide herself, to try and get away from the truth, but he would not give up. He knew words like these. They were designed to hurt, to target the seams. And they did. But that was not going to make him falter. Although he came close, he noticed something. He saw her reaching for the necklace that he had given her, clearly with the intention of taking it off. It was there for a split second, and that was enough. The hesitation. She began to rattle it a little, as if to provoke him, but he had seen it. She couldn't bring herself to do it. "Sure, you might tell me that but I don't think you believe it. I don't think you've ever believed that. Because there's more to your life than the trial! You're telling me the trial was fake? As if I believe that! And I definitely don't believe it because you couldn't have maintained that mask for all those years. All the years I've known you, you've followed me and worked with me. We've been a team, and I know you. No, you had nothing to gain for all those times. There was nothing you could have gained from me after we got through the S-Class trials. I had absolutely nothing to offer you." Caliborn shot back, refusing to back down. "You followed me, worked with me, all that time for a reason. And that reason is because you hoped for something more. You didn't want to use me, you enjoyed my company! 'Never loved me'? Don't make me laugh! Ask Johanna, or Dale, or even Cassandra and Evanora! They could tell you that you did! You didn't have anything to do with them for the most part and yet here we are, you and I arguing! If you're as cold as you want to make us believe, you would have just left as soon as you were S-Class. So there's no lie that can convince me here, because the rest of your life tells me otherwise!" It was time to point out her error. The one thing that was the obvious hole. "Mikasa, I know that you're there. It's a very simple reason." Caliborn nodded at the necklace. "You're still wearing it. Everything else, your scarf, your jacket, your manoeuvre gear and your blades, but that necklace is still there. And it's still on your neck. You're not dead inside Mikasa, you're not made of stone. I know you're in there, the woman I've known for years."
"There was a Mikasa Ackerman." He stated, looking her in the eyes. "She's the girl I bought a necklace for to tell her that she was special to me. Mikasa Ackerman was happy when I gave that to her, and she promised me that she wouldn't lose control again, that she would be good. Mikasa Ackerman is the woman I've spent a lot of time with over the past few years, the one that I watched mature into a powerful Wizard. Someone powerful enough to challenge someone with 10 years more experience than her. And Mikasa Ackerman is the woman who despite telling me that she hates me, still refuses to let something happen to me. The woman who doesn't dare risk me. So don't you tell me that Mikasa Ackerman doesn't exist. Because she's right there, in front of me, you're just hiding her away because you're scared. You're scared of the past, and you're hurt by what I told you. I understand that. But don't lie to me and tell me that you aren't in there, that you never were there because you were. You've been here all along, you just never faced it." He continued talking without regard. A small part in the back of his mind wondered what the two women were thinking. The woman that was supposedly lost and unresponsive was biting back. She was responding to him, fighting. She claimed to have no passion, and yet she screamed because she was hurt. "I do care about you Mikasa. That's why I'm here. That's why I've come back, because I shouldn't have walked away from you just because you told me to. I shouldn't have left just because I hurt you. I should have stayed there, apologised and tried to make things better when it happened. I admit it! I screwed up, but I'm not perfect! Nobody is!" He made a bold move. He took one step forwards towards her. In this state, it was probably dangerous, but he had to show her. He had to reinforce the point. "Just like you won't let any harm come to me, I won't stand idly by when harm comes to you. If I didn't care, I'd be out there on the tournament grounds having told Poryluscia and Theodosia to do their work without a second thought! But I didn't. Because I know you're in there, because I know you're you and I care about you so damn much that I don't want you to live a lie of a life!" He would not lose this fight. No chance. For the first time in all of the years that he had known her, he had finally got her to open up. It was his time. His greatest failure. The one he couldn't save. He'd save her. She wouldn't be a failure anymore. She would live, she would be saved. She would find meaning in this life by the Gods!
"No, you don't want to go back there. You don't truly mean that." Caliborn replied. He winced as she was screaming. She's still in there. There's something inside that's salvageable. There is something in there. Despite her fury, despite the fact that what was happening was definitely not good, a spark of hope relit itself. She wasn't happy, but she wasn't dead yet. She was still ready and willing to fight. She could still move. "I know you don't want to go back there because that's why you wanted to leave in the first place. I know it was wrong to see that, but honestly, what do you expect me to do? Just leave you for dead? Without ever understanding, without ever knowing what happened to you? No! I can't accept that! I can't accept not understanding what the person who means most to me in this whole damn guild went through! And you know, in case you forgot, I wanted to remember. I wanted to understand! I wanted to be able to give you the revenge that you would never be able to get yourself!" Caliborn gestured wildly. "And honestly, what you're saying is wrong. You are strong enough to go to the Tower. You are strong enough to win. You've got this far in your life! What do you think you've worked for all of this time? Hell, even if you're not strong enough yourself, then I'll stand with you, the Guild will stand with you! We will make up for what you lack but I promise you this - If when we meet the mastermind behind it all, you want to fight him alone, to prove you're strong enough - It's all yours." He continued on, not prepared to stop now. "And what about the people still there? Maybe your friends are gone, maybe they're not, but there's still going to be yet more people suffering in there! Are you just going to sit there wishing you could die when there are people in that Tower who are jealous of your freedom? Your friends, they tried their hardest, they even gave themselves up for you! So you would have a chance Mikasa! And you'll just waste it? You'll just let all their sacrifice go in vain? No, I don't believe that for a second. You're not Mikasa Ackerman. Mikasa Ackerman would be standing up and fighting right now! She wouldn't just sit there, and let it all happen! No damn it, she would get out there and fight! You have to go back there Mikasa. You have to face the past. You're ready now. You've been ready ever since you became S-Class but you just refused to accept it! It's time now. No more holding back! This has to end! And if you won't do it, then I'll have to!" He was never one for arguing, or for shouting, but it was necessary now. He had to wake her up from her delusions. He had to make her see the truth of the mistakes that she was making. He had to drag her out of this miserable state and get her back into fighting condition. He wouldn't let that girl who came to Sapphire Eclipse at only fourteen, full of strength and determination wither and die. He wouldn't let the sacrifices and the pain of the ones that he saw in her memories go in vain. She was ashes now, but he would try his best to make the phoenix rise.
Caliborn stood stock still as the memories rushed over him. He was hit by a wave of emotions - Despair, hope, hopelessness and a burning anger. He felt the pain as he watched those events play out. Tears welled in his eyes but he brushed them away, unwilling to allow himself to demand that the flow stopped. He had to be strong, he had to experience that. For her. To understand even a fraction of what she went through. By the time it was done, he staggered backwards and sat on the chair, clutching his head. His head pounded, and his chest burned. He closed his eyes and was silent for a minute, contemplating what he had seen. Unconsciously, Caliborn had released his head and his hands lay in his lap, his knuckles clenched white. He was baring his teeth. Seeing all of that... Horror. Unspeakable deeds, he understood why Mikasa was her. Though compared to hers, his must be a candle, his rage burned like a wildfire inside him. Those people... What they stood for... What they did... He couldn't tolerate their existence. After a minute of fiery contemplation, the Dragonslayer stood up on unsteady feet. He waved his hand, as if to ward off any attempt to help. He stood there, shaking for a couple of moments and wiped away more tears from his eyes. When he opened them, they were bloodshot and red, but full of something that was rarely seen on his serene face. Anger. He took a couple of deep breaths. "I... See now..." He said in a shaky voice. He looked over at the lifeless doll that was his old friend. He grimaced. Images of everything that she experienced shot through his mind and his eyes opened wide. He remembered how it felt, the smell, every touch and burn and lash of pain and- Snap. He had picked up the chair and broken its back over his knee. He dropped it and allowed the broken pieces of wood to fall. He looked at Theodosia. "I don't know... How... You can see all of these things and not... Be brought to tears... However..." He stood up to his full height and looked over at Mikasa again. "What I have seen... Cannot be allowed to continue." Caliborn began. "Mikasa, I don't know if you're still in there but... I have something to say to you. I don't know how much you suffered in the Tower of Heaven but I know this - That it has to burn." He walked closer to her, though staying out of range of her punches and kicks. He ignored the two other women in the room. "If you're still in there, if you're still suffering in there, then come out, if only one last time. Those people in that tower, they never paid for what they did. It is time to make them. You and I, we can take a group of guild members to the Tower of Heaven. We can breach it, and tear it down. We can rescue the friends that you were forced to leave behind, we can avenge everyone who died, everyone who had to suffer that with you! I know this, that I am not happy to let this thing exist. I will go, with or without you. I will break the Tower of Heaven for you if I have to. Because what happened to you... It was wrong. Monstrously wrong. And they shall suffer the same fate as monsters for what they did to you. I will not forgive them, and I will not forget what I saw." It was a long shot, she probably wasn't in there anymore. But he had to try. One last ditch attempt to make her come out of her shell. The only way to fix this was to confront the past, and it was high time that she mustered the strength to do it. Caliborn held out his hand one last time. "Mikasa Ackerman. Stand up. Once the tournament is over, we are going back to the Tower of Heaven. This time, they will suffer. Not you. Not a little girl who had her innocence stolen away from her. That won't come back, but at least you'll see some closure to the nightmare that has haunted you your whole life."
"She can be rescued from this I am certain of it. And if she can't, and we do have to mindwipe her, I want to understand what made her this way." Caliborn stated, standing up and facing Theodosia. "Show me the memories." Maybe one day, even if she was lost, he could avenge what was done to her. That was his plan, if it was possible. Of course if he knew then... Perhaps depending on what it was, he could help her come to terms with the past. She would have to face it eventually .
Caliborn released Mikasa as soon as he was hit. The blow stung and he spat up a bit of blood where his inner cheek was shredded against his teeth. He backed off, rubbing his face. Suffice to say, that it was painful. However, what was most disturbing was her reaction. There was a difference between a thought out act of emotion, such as reacting because she was angry. Her body didn't give off any emotional signals. So... He needed to test and gauge her reactions. First, he made a feigned punching action towards her. This time, he was ready for the response. A grip like an iron vice seized his wrist but Caliborn, expecting this reaction was able to quickly break the grip and twist away. She was clearly running self defence mechanisms. He backed off and knelt down, inching closer while holding his hands up in front of him open palmed to show that he meant her no harm. She was fine, at a distance, but as he drew closer she shrunk back as if he was some kind of dangerous creature to be avoided. He had seen this sort of thing before in certain wild animals. However, despite that she was human and couldn't undo that no matter how hard she tried to act off primal instinct. That meant that she had space to comprehend. Eventually, she would run out of ability to ignore him and he was more than happy to wait. After all, he had to undo his mistakes. He pulled over the chair and sat in front of her, about a meter away. "Listen Mikasa, I know you're in there. You're playing the animal instinct thing but really, we both know that it's an act." Caliborn began. He took in a deep breath and blinked once before continuing. "But I need to understand something. What is that made you the way you are? I wasn't going to ask before, but what is it that you flash back to? What is it that hurt you so badly that it broke you? After all of this time, I still don't know. I thought you would have mentioned it some day. I refuse to ask that woman either. She can keep her memory wipes to herself, I won't force that on you and I won't let them do it either. It would destroy you, Mikasa. Everything you've been through, whatever you suffered, would be meaningless and I don't want that for you. It seems that people voted for keeping you here, I guess my lawyering was enough." He gave a light smile at that, despite how tense that false court case was. "And that means you'll be here with us, the rest of the guild. Despite everything, I'd like to understand. I'd like to help. Ultimately, I want to be someone you can have guidance from, and have a friend in. After all, I think that I owe you at least that much." He looked down at the floor and continued to speak. "So, what happened to you Mikasa? Were your parents killed? Did someone take you away from them? Were you abandoned by them? What is it that you remember? Why is it that Poryluscia talked about you remembering a time where people didn't listen to you, and bad things happened? What is it about a traitor that scares you so much? What was it that made you lash out at Dale?"
Derrick sighed as Olivia began her tirade. This was getting an awful lot more complicated than he had intended. She was certainly in a bad mood today. Honestly, what did this woman expect of him? Hadn't she seen him rushing about trying to do something about the various things happening around here and having to run the Gauntlet for the crow? He looked at her. "Alright, well he didn't say anything about not going anywhere so feel free to head to Oxenfurt I guess. Just don't get mixed up in Veceslav's business." He said, before all hell broke loose with her angry torrent. "Listen, I've been a bit busy trying to manage some of the things going on around here. We've had a woman showed up severely injured and that needed dealing with. Before that, I managed to piss off the old man and had to do a run for him. Speaking of the Crow, he just buggered off out of nowhere to go and deal with at least two extremely pissed off Witchers about to start an insane mass murder by the sounds of it. I now haven't got as much **** to do, we can talk now. Okay?" Why did he get the impression that this was pointless and that she was going to get pissed at him anyway? Something told him that it was heading that way anyway... Delaine took the coin gladly and put it in her purse and flashed a smile at the young man who had just paid. Finally, he gets it. "Alright, if you want to catch some shuteye, then go through that door over there." She pointed at a door that was at the other end of the room, past most of the tables which were all occupied and crowded with people around them. "Through that door is the main room. There's about ten cots in there, take a look around and pick whichever you fancy. Now, is that all you want? If you want food, you'll need to pay for that obviously, but you can have some if you want. You'll have to wait for Corwyn to cook it though."
The only way to convince me? The way that they were talking... It sounds like she's far too gone. I refuse to accept that. The door was opened and he stepped inside. The room was as he remembered it, but she was not. The door closed behind him as the horror of her situation sunk in. His heart sank at the sight and his face fell with it. "Mikasa..." He gasped. For lack of any idea what else to do when faced with such a sight, he approached her. He took in the bruises and cuts, all clearly self inflicted with a sense of horror. So this... Is what I've done. "I am so, so sorry." He was at a loss for words, so he sat down next to her and put his arms around her as comfortingly as he could. He could feel that her body was fragile, compared to the sense of toughness that she radiated before. She looked a little pathetic like this, and he nearly refused to believe that this was Mikasa. This wasn't the girl that he knew. "You don't have to go anywhere, Mikasa. You can stay here, at the Guild. With Johanna, and Evanora and me." He didn't know who else to name, so he named the safe people and risked mentioning himself. It was because he abandoned her that she was like this. He looked around, noticing that something was missing. "Hey, where's the necklace that I gave you?" Had that been taken away too? Was she truly at such a loss that she didn't even resist that being taken away? It had seemed so precious to her before. He hated to see this. He hated the fact that this was the way it was. It wasn't right that the young girl that had appeared in the guild so strong and impetuous was reduced to just... This. For the first time, he truly asked himself - What made her this way? What happened in her life that was so bad that it caused this?
Caliborn was almost relieved when the two people appeared to relieve him from Calxiyn. She was insistent and really, he didn't want to her to pry. After all, what happened was private. She didn't need to know about what was happening in his private life, especially when it came down to Mikasa. It was prone to misunderstanding, as the woman herself had shown. "It's fine Cal. Thank you for the concern." He replied as she left. He nodded when he was asked to follow them. He had a sinking feeling that he knew what this was about. There was only one thing- No, person, that it could be. He was soon proved vindicated in this assumption as he stood outside the door to Mikasa's cell. The report that the two women gave was troubling to say the least. She was saying, for that he was glad. He didn't think that she would survive well on her own. At least she would be receiving help here. However... She apparently hadn't moved. Just sat there staring. While it would be hard to prove it, he knew in himself that her current state was his fault. He was glad though, it would have been utterly disastrous had he lied. It would have crushed her even more if she ever found out the truth. However... The current suggestion was too much. To wipe her memories, to steal her very identity? But knowing that she felt like she wanted to die... No. He couldn't allow that. There had to be another way. He had to fix her hatred of her life somehow. He had failed her. She couldn't be happy, even if her memories were taken away. He was convinced that it wouldn't make too much difference. What he had done would have scarred her. And to remove what he said? That would only make her live through it again. There was another solution, somewhere. "No. She wouldn't want this. To forget everything, that wouldn't be good. It would make her entire life up until this point meaningless. She and I have history, as you should have figured out, what happened between us is part of what has caused the present issue. Those memories of whatever damaged her will be forgotten, but she and I... That won't be undone. If she forgets, she'll just fall into the same trap and she'll get burned again chasing after me. No, she can't have her memory stolen away. She needs to come to terms with her life, somehow." Caliborn replied. There was no anger, just a calm rational voice to explain his thoughts. There was something he had to do. He knew that they had not left off on the best of terms. There would be an answer. He put his hand on the door. "Before anything is done, let me try something first. I need to talk to her."
Caliborn smiled slightly when Cal followed him to try and help. She was energetic, and it was nice that she was trying, but he didn't want to talk about it with her. He'd have much preferred the company of Cassandra, or perhaps Evanora when talking about this. Not a young lady around half his age. She was right though, something had happened with Mikasa, but not what she probably thought. "You could say that, I suppose." He answered. He looked her in the eyes. "Listen, Cal. I don't really want to talk about it. The wound is fresh, one might say. I need handle this part by myself and then I'll tell someone about it. It's more complicated than what you think." Pretty much the exact opposite of what you think happened. I rejected her, and now Mikasa suffers for it. The exact opposite of everything that I wished to achieve. I should have lied to her. She's bound to be taken away now, so... I should have lied. She could have remained in happiness. I could disappear, or she would move on. She could have lived with that memory that she was loved. It would have been better that way. And I would be able to go on. I'd regret it, but at least she could live in a happy belief. I don't think that anyone would begrudge my leaving anyway. I could go on, find another Guild or maybe see the world. That would be enough for me. But no... I told her something that utterly destroyed her. And I shall stay here. After all, there's no memory to preserve. She hated that I had no romantic feelings for her, but the real sadness is that she never understood in my own way that I did love her, and what I would have done to preserve that happiness.
