[SP-F22] - Gemini Bound - Chapter 1

[Freyd 0]

"Hey!  Ass!  Why you being such an ass again!? ...ass."

Blue.  It had to be blue.  Freyd turned to find four copies of Chase emerging from the snow-covered woods.  The sky was dark with night by now, though he couldn't recall the sun setting.  The snow strangely supplied light to the immediate clearing though it dimmed if you went more than twenty feet away.  This whole bizarre place had the sense of a mindscape about it, as if he had fallen into his own subconscious and was being assaulted within his own thoughts and memories.

"Yeah.  We've butted heads too many times not to expect to find you here.  How've you been ChaseR?  Still rocketing up the ladder?"

"I'm tier 47, now, biatch!  RAWR!"  His clothes were outlandish, complete with utterly ineffective oversized shoulder pauldrons that looked like he'd stolen them off an M-1 Abrams battle tank.  His voice was also an octave or two higher.  Freyd grinned, amused as he gazed upon a smaller version of ChaseR that looked like he was about thirteen years old, wearing armor designed for a full, Halo-sized human/spartan person-thingy.  He'd never spent much time on that particular game's lore.

The four phantoms charged forward without another coherent word.  Strangely, their mouths looks to still be moving, just not producing understandable sounds.

Vanity Tag: @ChaseR

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:943/1030 | EN:53/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Tempest (x8 AoE Stun +8 for hits): 16 EN – (Rested, Finesse 3) = 12 EN

BD: 6 + 4 = 10 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #49.  Stunned.
BD: 5 + 4 = 9 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #50.  Stunned.
BD: 7 + 4 = 11 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #51.  Stunned.
BD: 2 + 4 = 6 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #52.  Stunned.

False Gemini #49 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #50 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #51 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #52 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.

[Freyd 0]

"Chase," Freyd tried.

"RAWR"

"Yes, I head that the first time.  What are you trying to accomplish here?"

"VICTORY!!!  RAAAAAWWWWRRR!!!"

Freyd stuck his hand out, holding the nearest Gemini by the forehead as it comically tried to swat at him with its stubby sword.  He swore that it said 'Fisher-Price' on the side, and sounded like hollow plastic as it swung pointlessly back and forth in the air between them.

"You're embarrassing youself.  Honestly, you're better than this.  Just take a moment and think and-"  He was interrupted at the other three charged him, all of their enlarged helmets having fallen over their eyes.  Fine, let's let this happen.

Releasing the one he was holding, all four false ChaseR's were allowed to collide, their collective rage burning itself out as they tore each other limb from limb.

"Seriously, kid, you need to dial back the GRRR a little bit.  It's not healthy, and is eventually going to send you crashing into the wrong opponents path."

Vanity Tag: @ChaseR

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:943/1030 | EN:38/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 2

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE + 8 for hits): 20 EN - (Rested, Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 15 EN

BD: 7 + 4 = 11 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #49.  
BD: 2 + 4 = 6 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #50.  
BD: 7 + 4 = 11 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #51.  
BD: 4 + 4 = 8 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #52.  

False Gemini #49 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288) 
False Gemini #50 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)
False Gemini #51 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)
False Gemini #52 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #49 (ID 167508 - LD: 7 + 10 = 17; CD 10):

4,840 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even CD + [3*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd LD)
1x Rare Trinket [167508]

Loot for False Gemini #50 (ID 167509 - LD: 1 + 10 = 11; CD 1):

2,640 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
4x T3 materials (odd CD & LD)
1x Rare Trinket [167509]

Loot for False Gemini #51 (ID 167510 - LD: 9 + 10 = 19; CD 2):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even CD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd LD)
1x Perfect Consumable [167510a]
1x Rare Trinket [167510b]

Loot for False Gemini #52 (ID 167511 - LD: 3 + 10 = 13; CD 3):

2,640 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
4x T3 materials (odd CD & LD)
1x Rare Trinket [167511]
 

[Freyd 0]

"So, you really are that much of a shit, aren't you?  I wasn't sure at first, but now?"  The voice was deep, older, and wrapped in a splendidly out of place suit.

"Really?  There was actually some doubt?"  A second Oscar appeared from behind a nearby tree, hands stuffed into his pants pockets and making his jacket flare out.  The guy was three inches short of a mountain.  He really didn't need to try to make himself look bigger, but then maybe that was his real point.

"The man's a total sociopath.  You expected otherwise?"  The condescending tone of the third was thick enough that you could wipe your face with it.

"No," said the last one, in a quiet but definitive voice, "but he's been told he is enough times that he's actually come to believe it."

That one caught Freyd's attention.  Leave it to Oscar to deliver the mind games.  Where Raidou would understand his motivations, Oscar would cut through all the meaty filling to get at the juicy marrow of truth.  It was the last thing he wanted right now.

Fuck.  Not him!  Not here!

Vanity Tag: @Oscar

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:943/1030 | EN:28/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Tempest (x8 AoE Stun +6 for hits): 14 EN – (Rested, Finesse 3) = 10 EN

BD: 3 + 4 = 7 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #53.  Stunned.
BD: 4 + 4 = 8 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #54.  Stunned.
BD: 3 + 4 = 7 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #55.  Stunned.
BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses False Gemini #56.

MD: 4 - 4 = 0 (miss). False Gemini #56 misses Freyd.

False Gemini #53 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192)
False Gemini #54 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192)
False Gemini #55 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192)
False Gemini #56 | HP: 400 | DMG: 150 
 

[Freyd 0]

"You planning on picking up that blade, boy?  Fights are generally less fun without them."

"Don't need it."  Freyd replied candidly, his eyes locked on the quiet copy. 

Part of him wanted to believe that it was possible - that he was no different than anyone else.  Something was just... missing, but could still be found.  'To what end?' He asked himself.  Would it make him any more effective, or unlock any useful insight to help them escape this death trap?  There were enough 'normal' people around.  Who would miss him?  Wrong question.  Who would do the things that needed to be done if everyone was too tied up in morality or endless debates about how it would make them feel.   It was all just pointless, paralyzing baggage, and he was better off without it.

"That's rather cocky, coming from a man who just denied having any excess of pride, don't you think?"

"No more than criticism from the analyst who denies his own issues."  Ouch.  Touché.  That might have been a little too close for a warning shot.  Both sides were engaged now, but in a contest of wills.  The clashing blades could be heard in the backs of their minds, though both still held their physical weapons in hand.  It was a novel experience to feel the system exchanging blows without needing the physical exchange.  Freyd wondered if it might be a property unique to this place, or however the interaction of the false gemini might be altering it.

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:943/1030 | EN:13/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE + 8 for hits): 20 EN - (Rested, Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 15 EN

BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (384 + 36 bleed = 420) damage to False Gemini #53.
BD: 7 + 4 = 11 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #54.  
BD: 7 + 4 = 11 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #55.  
BD: 8 + 4 = 12 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #56.  

MD: 1 (miss).  False Gemini #56 misses Freyd.

False Gemini #53 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 420) (36 Bleed, 1/2)
False Gemini #54 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)
False Gemini #55 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)
False Gemini #56 | HP: 112 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #53 (ID 167522 - LD: 6 + 10 = 16; CD 7):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity II + [2*hp] from even LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd CD)
1x Rare Consumable [167522a]
1x Rare Armor/Shield [167522b]

Loot for False Gemini #54 (ID 167523 - LD: 9 + 10 = 19; CD 10):

5,280 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even CD + [4*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd LD)
1x Perfect Weapon [167523]

Loot for False Gemini #55 (ID 167524 - LD: 18 + 10 = 28; CD 10):

4,840 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [4*hp] from even CD & LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
[F22] Map of Intermediate Dungeon [167524]
 

[Freyd 0]

Three of the four figures spontaneously vanished, as if vanquished by some invisible force matching the blows of their banter.

"What's the matter, chump?  Too afraid to actually get your hands dirty?"  The last Oscar hefted his impossibly large, wicked-looking axe.  It looked suitable for cleaving off bits of your soul.  "Why won't you fight?!"

Freyd, whose weapon remained planted tip down in the soil before him and hadn't moved since this particular group of Gemini had appeared, maintained a placid, clinically detached expression on his face as he watched Oscar's passion burning itself out.

"I don't have to fight you, Oscar.  You spend so much time fighting your disenchantment with this world and your place in it that time can harm you more effectively than any enemy.  No blade will strike you down.  You will simply lose the will to fight, and then defeat yourself."  The giant axe slipped from the shade's grasp, rendered unwieldable by the truth of Freyd's words.  It fell and struck its own wielder, ending him instantly.

"Can't let that happen," Freyd told himself when it was done.  "We need to go fishing, or something, and hash this out."

Vanity Tag: @Oscar

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:943/1030 | EN:5/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Calamitous Tragedy (x12): 12 EN - (Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 8 EN

BD: 2 + 4 = 6 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #56.  

False Gemini #56 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (112 - 288)

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #56 (ID 167526 - LD: 16 + 10 = 26; CD 2):

4,400 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [4*hp] from even CD & LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x Perfect Consumables [167526a] [167526b]
2x Perfect Armor/Shield [167526c] [167526d]
 

[Freyd 0]

The scenery shifted again, with a splash, dropping Freyd into the middle of a shallow creek still deep in the winter woods of his mind.  This place is literally inside my head, isn't it?  And the water indicates the direction of flow for my thoughts?  Liquid purpose.  Cool.

Pushing his way to the nearest bank, he was surprised by the strength of the current.  Resolve, he corrected, not merely purpose.

"Where does it lead, I wonder?"  In real life, outside of the game, he had always been aimless, doing things as a means of avoiding the prescribed purposes of his parents.  Now?  Now he found to keep people alive and worked to get them out of this hellhole.  Right?  That was the plan, wasn't it?  What else was there?

It shouldn't require any effort to answer that question, and yet Freyd had to confess to himself that he had come to find life here more satisfying than out there.  Then why would I fight to leave?  

***

Freyd rests (EN recovery 1/2)

Freyd regains 60hp

Spoiler

LD: 5 + 10 = 15.  No dungeon found.

 

[Freyd 0]

For everyone else, he supposed.  It wasn't a very compelling response.  It seemed lacking in conviction.  To escape Cardinal's endless machinations?  That sounded more suitably selfish and unheroic.  Freyd had never played the selfless hero, nor even had any aspirations to be one.  He was driven by the intention to escape, or so he'd always told himself.  But now, actually taking a moment to think about it, the answer seemed insufficient.  Training the next rank, passing on knowledge and information, taking the risks that others could or would not.

That sounds... 

He shook his head, dismissing the notion outright.  That didn't sound like him at all, and it wouldn't be.  There were plenty of other heroes out there, and they could have all the limelight they wanted.  He wasn't interested in the slightest.

That was it!  Maybe he should be focusing on helping to bring more fighters to bear?  The newbies were coming along, and he'd been helping them.  What other options could there-

"Not this runt again!"

***

Rest 2/2.  Full energy restored.

Regain 60hp.  Full hp restored.

Vanity Tag: @Cordelia

[Freyd 0]

Wait?  What?  If he was the runt, why was he looking down at this crazy white-haired woman glaring at him like some sort of military drill sergeant?

"Cord?  What are you-"

"SHUT IT, NOOB!"  Froth flew from her mouth as she barked at him, her beauty marred by her twitching eyes and excessive tension.

"I thought people were supposed to have reverted back to their original appearance after Kayaba revealed his little scheme to everyone.  There can't possibly have been this many super-hot chicks in the game.  Where has everyone been upgrading their looks?"

"I SAID SHUT IT!" 

Her hair become more disheveled the more she ranted.

"Oh dear," Freyd added, haltingly pointing to a little makeup failure on her cheek.  All four Cordelias panicked and started searching each others' faces as if catastrophe was upon them.  Freyd rolled his eyes, then grabbed his blade and gave them all a slash spanking for their lack of focus.  They yelped in surprise, not too sure what to make of the situation.

"Aren't you supposed to be one of the most fearsome warriors in Aincrad?"  He really wasn't convinced.  But, to be fair, other than a brief outing against the Sundered Vanguard, he knew very little about the woman, and half of that had been spotting her and Mari talking by the beach, in their party clothes.  He might have gotten the wrong impression.

Vanity Tag: @Cordelia

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:88/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Tempest (x8 AoE Stun +8 for hits): 16 EN – (Rested, Finesse 3) = 12 EN

BD: 2 + 4 = 6 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #57.  Stunned.
BD: 7 + 4 = 11 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #58.  Stunned.
BD: 5 + 4 = 9 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #59.  Stunned.
BD: 8 + 4 = 12 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #60.  Stunned.

False Gemini #57 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #58 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #59 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #60 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.

[Freyd 0]

One of them caught him with a slash from her own blade, which just made him want to get beyond this particular encounter.  The false gemini had proven to be mostly pale shadows of those players they sought to emulate in here, so he wasn't overly concerned.  He suspected that the true Cordelia would be appalled at the caricatures his mind had conjured. 

Oh, well.  Maybe we just wipe the slate clean and start fresh on this one?

The same one who had nicked him with her blade evaded his own and stood defiantly.  He honestly, she really didn't wear that much eye shadow?  Was his subconscious scraping the bottom of the barrel already? Such an exemplar as her deserved better.  Maybe he'd get a chance to see her in action on the front lines.  That way, after they fought side by side, her pathetic dream-shadow duplicate things could actually stab him better.

On second thought...

Vanity Tag: @Cordelia

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:943/1030 | EN:75/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE + 6 for hits): 18 EN - (Rested, Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 13 EN

BD: 2 + 4 = 6 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #57.  
BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses False Gemini #58.
BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (384 + 36 bleed = 420) damage to False Gemini #59.  
BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (384 + 36 bleed = 420) damage to False Gemini #60.  

MD: 9 (Crit +1).  False Gemini deals (151 - 64 = 87) damage to Freyd.

False Gemini #57 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)
False Gemini #58 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150
False Gemini #59 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 420)  (36 Bleed, 1/2) 
False Gemini #60 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 420)  (36 Bleed, 1/2) 

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #57 (ID 167537 - LD: 5 + 10 = 15; CD 10):

4,400 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even CD + [2*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd LD)
1x Rare Armor/Shield [167537]

Loot for False Gemini #59 (ID 167538 - LD: 14 + 10 = 24; CD 4):

4,400 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [4*hp] from even CD & LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
1x Perfect Trinket [167538a]
1x Perfect Weapon [167538b]

Loot for False Gemini #60 (ID 167539 - LD: 11 + 10 = 21; CD 8):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even CD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd LD)
1x Perfect Armor/Shield [167539a]
2x Perfect Consumables [167539b] [167539c]
 

[Freyd 0]

Cordelia's last remaining duplicate was a right mess.  Disheveled white hair, crazed, rage-filled eyes, and angry flared wrist and neck ruffles.  Her entire ensemble seemed to have collapsed, which Freyd could only suspect was something the woman would find thoroughly unacceptable.  Their few encounters suggested a prim and proper bearing to her, which must have been why he was equating this level of chaos with her evil twin.

She made ready to charge at him, unleashing all that anger and madness, but never managed to take another step.  Her body froze on the spot, then shattered an instant later.  Cordelia's eyes wide with surprise until they vanished along with the rest of her.  Her shadow burst and faded only to reveal another equally lethal threat: Setsuna.  The chill of her icy katana crackled as the falling motes of her predecessor dared to touch it.  Here was one of Firm Anima's most potent assassin, and a fickle one at that.

"She was in my way," said the steely-eyed teen.  Yup, definitely fickle.

Vanity Tag: @Cordelia

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:943/1030 | EN:67/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Calamitous Tragedy (x12)): 12 EN - (Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 8 EN

BD: 3 + 4 = 7 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #58.  

False Gemini #58 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #58 (ID 167541 - LD: 14 + 10 = 24; CD 10):

7,040 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [4*hp] from even CD & LD + [6*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
1x Perfect Consumable [167541]
 

[Freyd 0]

Shiva's Embrace, her notorious katana, was not to be easily dismissed, nor the woman-child wielding it.  Fortunately, most of the weapons wielded by these visions were no more than duplicates themselves.  Had they been real, Freyd would have long since tried to devise the means of obtaining them for himself.  Setsuna was his subordinate, at least in so far as Firm Anima's loose command structure was concerned.  She also had exceedingly high standards, and demanded suitable mastery from anyone who would dare presume to issue her any orders.

"Now we may have the standoff I had previously desired."  She assumed her combat stance as three additional copies of herself emerged from a previously nonexistent mist.  They spoke as one.  "Prove you are worthy to lead."

"I already have.  Did you forget the little dance of dueling Gemini we had while searching for your familiar?  Stop thinking in only two dimensions."  Freyd looked upward into the trees, expectantly.  The moment they did the same, he struck.  How ironic that copies of his own Gemini couldn't tell that he no longer had mastery of his own Disguise skill.  It didn't mean that their shared experience of it couldn't be useful.

Vanity Tag: @Setsuna

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:943/1030 | EN:55/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Tempest (x8 AoE Stun +8 for hits): 16 EN – (Rested, Finesse 3) = 12 EN

BD: 5 + 4 = 9 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #61.  Stunned.
BD: 3 + 4 = 7 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #62.  Stunned.
BD: 4 + 4 = 8 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #63.  Stunned.
BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (248 + 36 bleed = 284) damage to False Gemini #64.  Stunned.

False Gemini #61 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192)  Stunned.
False Gemini #62 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192)  Stunned.
False Gemini #63 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192)  Stunned.
False Gemini #64 | HP: 116 | DMG: 150 (400 - 284)  (36 bleed, 1/2).  Stunned.

[Freyd 0]

It wasn't intended to be a fair fight, and Freyd had no qualms about duping a false Setsunas.  He might be more tactful if it ever came to a duel with true one.  She was a little bottle of cold calculating murder, ready to be unleashed.  Others might fear that.  Freyd just saw her potential, provided she could be properly directed.  A contingency might become necessary if she ever turned that energy back against the guild.  He also wouldn't be surprised to see her earn an orange icon one day.

The false Setsunas raged, but remained stunned by his initial onslaught.  It might be best not to let them recover.  A series of quick additional strikes ensured that they were done away with.  No loose ends. He looked each of them in the eye as he ran them through.  It was only proper and fitting to face their helpless wrath directly as they fell.

Vanity Tag: @Setsuna

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:943/1030 | EN:40/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE + 8 for hits): 20 EN - (Rested, Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 15 EN

BD: 8 + 4 = 12 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #61.  
BD: 6 + 4 = 10 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #62.  
BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (372 + 36 bleed = 408) damage to False Gemini #63. 
BD: 3 + 4 = 7 (hit).  Freyd deals (288 + 12 bleed = 324) damage to False Gemini #64.  

False Gemini #61 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)
False Gemini #62 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)  
False Gemini #63 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (208 - 408)  (36 bleed, 1/2).    
False Gemini #64 | HP: 116 | DMG: 150 (116 -324)  (36 bleed, 1/2).  

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #61 (ID 167551 - LD: 16 + 10 = 26; CD 11):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd CD)
[F22] Map of Intermediate Dungeon [167511]

Loot for False Gemini #62 (ID 167552 - LD: 7 + 10 = 17; CD 11):

3,960 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [3*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
4x T3 materials (odd CD & LD)
1x Rare Trinket [167552]

Loot for False Gemini #63 (ID 167553 - LD: 11 + 10 = 21; CD 6):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even CD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd LD)
1x Perfect Armor/Shield [167553a]
2x Perfect Consumables [167553b] [167553c]

Loot for False Gemini #64 (ID 167554 - LD: 4 + 10 = 14; CD 2):

4,400 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [4*hp] from even CD & LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
1x Rare Trinket [167554]
 

[Freyd 0]

"Such actions are inconsistent with previously stated norms and goals.  The prophet falters in his purpose?"

Freyd's narrowed eyes turned to see a gaggle of Nessas emerging from the darkness.  The mists were dissipating without Setsuna's aura to support them.  Oh boy... as if this wasn't weird enough already.

"Correction is needed, mayhaps."  The tall, slender woman split into four images, each distinct and different from the form to which Freyd was accustomed.  That was a new trick, whether from her or the gemini.  He knew enough of this woman's resolve to be wary, but not to determine whatever this might be.

"Generating of the warmth and gushy happy!"  said a blinder with near-phosphorescent green eyes to match her dress.

"Deleting presence of offense with rapidity!"  replied a fiery redhead, with mocha coloured skin and simmering eyes.

"A void is the prophet.  Tarry here not."  The voice of the darkly clad one with cropped black hair was curt, yet also strangely familiar.

"Forgetting will be the result, again."  The last figure spoke with regret, her elaborate purple and white garment in contrast to her saddened expression.

Freyd waited for each of them to finish doing their thing.  It was a rare chance to glean something about this mysterious woman.  Nisahime was a strange and potentially powerful enigma.  He quickly confirmed that their revelations were likely limited by his own recollections and offered little new data.

"Yeah.  So, this black bisector offers purple shift as red parallel."  Grief's harbinger took it from there.

Vanity Tag: @Nisahime

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:943/1030 | EN:28/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Tempest (x8 AoE Stun +8 for hits): 16 EN – (Rested, Finesse 3) = 12 EN

BD: 8 + 4 = 12 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #65.  Stunned.
BD: 3 + 4 = 7 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #66.  Stunned.
BD: 7 + 4 = 11 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #67.  Stunned.
BD: 5 + 4 = 9 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #68.  Stunned.

False Gemini #65 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192)
False Gemini #66 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192)
False Gemini #67 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192)
False Gemini #68 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192)
 

[Freyd 0]

Each version of the unbound Nisahime shattered in turn.  Freyd half-wondered if her own domesticated Gemini would come out to play, but he likely didn't have enough data to pull something like that off.  As strange as she was, he felt a kinship in her apparent detachment from all things.  She also seemed to possess an inherent facility with the system that intrigued him.  If she could subdue her Gemini so easily, what could she do to Cardinal, given time and power?  The prospects were extremely enticing.  He'd have to track her down again, if he ever got out of this mess.

Regarding the actual situation at hand, he seemed to have gleaned whatever valuable insights his inner eye had discerned from past observation.  It was time to put these Inside Out extras to rest and move on.  His true gemini must still be lingering about, and he had to find it.

Vanity Tag: @Nisahime

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:943/1030 | EN:13/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE + 8 for hits): 20 EN - (Rested, Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 15 EN

BD: 5 + 4 = 9 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #65.  
BD: 5 + 4 = 9 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #66.  
BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (384 + 36 bleed = 420) damage to False Gemini #67.  
BD: 8 + 4 = 12 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #68.  

False Gemini #65 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)
False Gemini #66 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)
False Gemini #67 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 420)  (36 Bleed, 1/2)
False Gemini #68 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #65 (ID 167563 - LD: 9 + 10 = 19; CD 6):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even CD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd LD)
1x Perfect Armor/Shield [167563a]
1x Perfect Trinket [167563b]

Loot for False Gemini #66 (ID 167564 - LD: 3 + 10 = 13; CD 10):

4,400 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even CD + [2*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd LD)
1x Rare Armor/Shield [167564]

Loot for False Gemini #67 (ID 167565 - LD: 14 + 10 = 24; CD 2):

4,400 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [4*hp] from even CD & LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
1x Perfect Trinket [167565a]
1x Perfect Weapon [167565b]

Loot for False Gemini #68 (ID 167566 - LD: 1 + 10 = 11; CD 10):

4,400 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even LD + [2*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd CD)
1x Rare Armor/Shield [167566]
 

[Freyd 0]

Had he really met so many already?  Thinking back and reviewing on all the false gemini, there were very few individual he could recall who had yet to be accounted among them.  Hopefully, that meant that he was drawing closer to the point of origin and source of all this trouble: his own, true gemini.  What would he do when he finally caught up to it?  Would there be anything left to find once all of his experiences had been drained from it?  The image of his own body as a desiccated husk appeared in his mind, but fortunately not before him.  

The scenery shifted around him again, twisting his equilibrium and forcing him to kneel and grab onto the ground to anchor him as the world reoriented itself once more.  The warmth of a distance morning sun radiated on his face.  Opening his eyes, he found that the snow had retreated and signs of new life were budding on the surrounding trees.  The breeze remained cool, but there was a hopeful sign of change in the air all around him.  

***

Freyd rests (EN recovery 1/2)

Freyd regains 60hp

[Freyd 0]

Blades of grass grew from the barren soil, parting around his splayed fingers.  Bird chirped in the sky overhead, and amidst the branches of the sparse forest.  Was this it?  Had he finally run the full gauntlet and emerged on the other side with some semblance of whatever sanity he had when he first entered.  It offered relief to think that he had endured.

Standing took a bit of effort, his brain still adjusting to the wibbly-wobbliness of these seasonal shifts.  Spring had clearly arrived to the Forest of Memories.  Dusting the loamy soil off his knees, Freyd felt an overwhelming need to stretch, as if some massive weight was lifting from his shoulders.  But the truth was that his journey still had some distance to travel.  Those closest and most significant to him still lay ahead, as well as those who might offer him his gravest challenges.

Damn.  The head games continue.

***

Rest 2/2.  Full energy restored.

Regain 60hp.  Full hp restored.

[Freyd 0]

"Oy, watcha doin' layin' about 'ere?  Don't ya know that Dingo and I been takin' care of all yer shite fer weeks on end now!  When d'ya plan on liftin' a finger to help us out, ya right slacker?"  

Ah.  That would be Quip.  There was no mistaking the salty woman's lip and endless browbeating.  Having her tend his shop was like having a Scottish wear-bear as a housekeeper who also happened to live in your linen closet and walked around randomly re-arranging all your things because you'd allegedly put it in the 'wrong' place, despite all evidence to the contrary.  Quip was an enigma, and a bit of a nuisance, but she was a good person.  Freyd had rescued her and her brother Dingo from a foolhardy attempt to recover an item they had gullibly believed was able to restore their lost sister to life.  Quaestor, a neighboring player to Freyd's place on floor thirteen had clued him in to their insane gamble.

Four image of the short, stocky woman surrounded him, her battle axe and shield at the ready, tightly wound blonde braids sticking out from beneath her cap.  Somehow, she was wearing a leather apron as armor.  It was too absurd an image, and Freyd couldn't help but laugh at it, missing most of his attacks.

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:94/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Tempest (x8 AoE Stun +2 for hits): 10 EN – (Rested, Finesse 3) = 6 EN

BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses False Gemini #69.
BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (256 + 36 bleed = 292) damage to False Gemini #70.  Stunned.
BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses False Gemini #71.
BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses False Gemini #72.

MD: 4 - 4 = 0 (miss).  False Gemini #69 misses Freyd.
MD: 4 - 4 = 0 (miss).  False Gemini #71 misses Freyd.
MD: 4 - 4 = 0 (miss).  False Gemini #72 misses Freyd.

False Gemini #69 | HP: 400 | DMG: 150 
False Gemini #70 | HP: 108 | DMG: 150 (400 - 292) (36 bleed, 1/2)   Stunned.
False Gemini #71 | HP: 400 | DMG: 150
False Gemini #72 | HP: 400 | DMG: 150 

[Freyd 0]

"Honestly?! Is that the be you got?"  She jibed at him relentlessly at home too.  Relentlessly.

The woman had chosen her name appropriately.  As unyielding as she was in her sarcasm and barbs, Freyd knew full well the extent to which she cared for her younger siblings, and the toll that the loss of Maeve had on her.  In truth, it had nearly broken her, as she had revealed during their foray against a bunch of wayward elves on one of the lower floors.  Feisty and fierce, she was unshakable in her devotion, but you paid the price daily with a never-ending earful.

Quip's jabbering quickly turned into a motivation force for Freyd, especially knowing that it wasn't really her.  The endless drone of insults melted into the background as he focused instead on piercing her resolute defenses, if only to help shut her up.  It couldn't possibly happen fast enough.  One of her was bad enough, but four?!

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:79/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE + 8 for hits): 20 EN - (Rested, Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 15 EN

BD: 5 + 4 = 9 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #69.  
BD: 3 + 4 = 7 (hit).  Freyd deals (288 + 36 bleed = 324) damage to False Gemini #70.  
BD: 3 + 4 = 7 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #71.  
BD: 5 + 4 = 9 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #72.  

MD: 7 - 4 = 3 (miss).  False Gemini #69 misses Freyd.
MD: 4 - 4 = 0 (miss).  False Gemini #71 misses Freyd.
MD: 8 - 4 = 4 (miss).  False Gemini #72 misses Freyd.

False Gemini #69 | HP: 112 | DMG: 150 (400 - 288)
False Gemini #70 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (108 - 324) (36 bleed, 1/2)   Stunned.
False Gemini #71 | HP: 112 | DMG: 150 (400 - 288)
False Gemini #72 | HP: 112 | DMG: 150 (400 - 288)

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #70 (ID 167575 - LD: 18 + 10 = 28; CD 7):

6,600 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even LD + [7*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd CD)
3x Perfect Weapons [167575a] [167575b] [167575c]
 

[Freyd 0]

It had to be some sort of unique blather-based unique skill for her to still be carrying on like this.  Considering the mass grave of dead Gemini he was leaving in his wake, how could it possibly that Quip was the one to be able to dodge his attacks so effectively?  She was practically wider than she was tall!  It was like missing the boulder all over again.

She was still carrying on, but at least the barrage was down to a single voice.  The dull ache in Freyd's mind was finally starting to fade.

"Quip," he started trying to find a gap in her tirade, "I know... yes.. I know... would you just...  no, I didn't... could we... look... I KNOW YOU JUST CARE ABOUT EVERYBODY!"

Her mouth snapped shut as he finally forced a few words between hers.  It opened again, ready to tear a strip of him once more, but nothing came out.  It was like her voice had failed, or her scolding superpower had suddenly gone.

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:67/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE + 4 for hits): 16 EN - (Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 12 EN

BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses False Gemini #69.
BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (372 + 36 bleed = 408) damage to False Gemini #71.
BD: 3 + 4 = 7 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #72.  

MD: 3 - 4 = -1 (miss).  False Gemini #69 misses Freyd.

False Gemini #69 | HP: 112 | DMG: 150 
False Gemini #71 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (112 - 408) (36 bleed, 1/2)
False Gemini #72 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (112 - 288)

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #71 (ID 167579 - LD: 17 + 10 = 27; CD 2):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even CD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd LD)
2x Perfect Consumables [167579a] [167579b]
2x Perfect Armor/Shield [167579c] [167579d]

Loot for False Gemini #72 (ID 167580 - LD: 15 + 10 = 25; CD 9):

2,640 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
4x T3 materials (odd CD & LD)
[F22] Map of Intermediate Dungeon [167580]
 

[Freyd 0]

She suddenly dropped her axe, the heavy head thunking heavily as it impacted the ground.  She was still looking at him, too stunned to move.  Her armor literally disintegrating off her, leaving her back in the normal attire he was accustomed to seeing her in around the shop.

"Well... I... It's nay like ye gotta be like tha' about things.  I wuz only tryin' ta help ya, Freyd."  She'd never reacted well to having her true motivations laid bare.  It didn't seem to matter that there was no one around to hear it.  The woman's pride and ego were paper thin, and crumpled like a paper bag once you made it through the outer shell.

"I know, Quip.  But you were ranting again.  Sorry, but it had to be said."  She chewed on her lip as the turned to walk back into the forest.

Freyd sank Grief's Harbinger into her back as she did so, a stray pang of something echoing in his chest.  The Gemini could not escape.  He couldn't take the risk of letting her go.

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:59/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Calamitous Tragedy (x12)): 12 EN - (Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 8 EN

BD: 6 + 4 = 10 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #69.  

False Gemini #69 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (112 - 288)

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #69 (ID 167582 - LD: 7 + 10 = 17; CD 8):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even CD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd LD)
1x Rare Consumable [167582a]
1x Rare Armor/Shield [167582b]