[SP-F22] - Gemini Bound - Chapter 1

[Freyd 0]

This last copy of Vie prove surprisingly resilient.  Perhaps she was living up to her name and simply refusing to die.  Her efforts to reach Freyd were proving no more effective than his to cut her down.  Life and death, stuck in an endless dance between the trees.  The image was more than a little ironic.  The entire battle against these gemini seemed like some metaphor for the struggles between good and evil, or, at least, evil and general disinterest.  Draw it out as much as she might want, the battle would eventually end and one side would prove itself victorious.  

Freyd was beginning to wonder what the true cost of such a Pyrrhic victory might be.  What good is winning when there is nothing left to be achieved by it?  Aincrad made him wonder the same question on a daily basis.  How long could they keep fighting in here before the fight itself lost all meaning?

Vanity Tag: @Vie

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:47/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Calamitous Tragedy (x12): 2 EN (miss) + 1 turn recovery = 1 EN

BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses False Gemini #27.

MD: 7 - 4 = 3 (miss).  False Gemini #27 misses Freyd.

False Gemini #27 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150  

[Freyd 0]

"That's the big question, isn't it?  How long can you actually last in here before your mind stretches and snaps like an oversoaked noodle?"

"This from a creature that is literally calling itself False Life?  Let the philosophical debated stay in my head, and how the heck did you know what I was thinking anyway?"

"You've been carrying these doubts with you for a long time.  Longer than I've known you, for sure.  All I had to do was remember them, and then let them consume you."

Freyd's face was completely nonplussed.  She was in his way and had to be removed.  It was no more complicated than that.  If he wasn't trapped in this damnable labyrinth of a forest, and this was his real guild mate, he'd move mountains to keep her alive.  Be in here?  She was going to be turned into fish food.  It was just a matter of time and energy.

Vanity Tag: @Vie

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:39/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Calamitous Tragedy (x12): 12 EN (miss) - (Finesse 3, turn recovery) = 8 EN

BD: 3 + 4 = 7 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #27.

False Gemini #27 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150  (208 - 288)

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #27 (ID 167288 - LD: 16 + 10 = 26; CD 6):

7,480 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [4*hp] from even CD & LD + [7*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
3x Perfect Weapons [167288a] [167288b] [167288c]
 

[Freyd 0]

"Why did you do that to Vie?"  The voice felt small in his ears, and carried a certain unmistakable lilt, and twinge of feistiness that he had come to admire.

Freyd turned, having barely bled off the momentum from the strike that had finished off the last of the previous set of false gemini.  Shit.  Not the kid too.  He actually closed his eyes at the sound of Asmura's voice, his head listing forward.  They had finally found the chink in his armor.  Clad in callous reasoning and girded with cold, rational logic Freyd was untouchable to the appeals of the heart, except where a kid was involved.  Perhaps it was the denial of his own childhood, for a variety of reasons, but a child in pain cut through those defenses as if they didn't even exist.  Worse yet, because he was so inexperienced with the emotions that flowed in such situations that  he was at even greater risk and poorly suited to confront them.

Maybe they were just sifting through his mind and using every figure they encountered against him?  He couldn't expose the vulnerability and risk them pouncing on it. "Hey Asmura.  Have you come to give me grief too?"  He muttered, suddenly feeling drawn and stretched unbelievably thin.  It took effort, but he kept the warble out of his voice.  Images of Shoji meeting Masaki after Yori's death kept flashing through his mind.  He finally knew why their connection had mattered so much to them, and it nearly overwhelmed him.

The shrimpy, bandana-wearing gemini seized their opportunity, only to be rebuffed by a much angrier, deadlier Freyd. 

No one messes with the kids.

Vanity Tag: @Asmura

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:29/100 | 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: 10 (Crit +2, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (256 + 36 bleed = 292) damage to False Gemini #29.  Stunned.
BD: 7 + 4 = 11 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #30.  Stunned.
BD: 3 + 4 = 7 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #31.  Stunned.
BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses False Gemini #32.

MD: 6 - 4 = 2 (miss).  False Gemini #32 missed Freyd.

False Gemini #29 | HP: 108 | DMG: 150 (400 - 292) (36 Bleed, 1/2)  Stunned.
False Gemini #30 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #31 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #32 | HP: 400 | DMG: 150 

[Freyd 0]

Their cries.  Oh god.  Their cries when they died!

Each vanquished gemini was another self-inflicted scar on his already blacked soul.  How much harm was he capable of causing?  How much would he willingly inflict on the delusion that it would lead to some fictional worthwhile goal?  Freyd's hands struggled to grasp his sword, so numb had they become with the anguish over the sound of a young child's death.  Only one remained, it's tiny form cradling a massive gash on one side of its body.  Her large looped earrings jingled against each other as she stumbled backwards, falling over her own feet, barely able to keep her curved sword raised in her own defense.

Freyd's face was buried deep in the darkness of his concealing cowl, as if it had somehow swallowed his spirit, leaving only some malignant wraith behind to get the job done.  Grief's Harbinger... heh... yeah... ain't that the truth.  The black sword rose above his head as it prepared to strike.

"Get out of here kid.  Show me you can flee and survive."  It came out as a threat, but in Freyd's mind it was a desperate plea to keep him from having to swing even one more time.  The gemini's eyes flared red as the thing inside the illusion shone through and it sliced its small curved sword across his chest.

Vanity Tag: @Asmura

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:943/1030 | EN:14/100 | 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 + 36 = 324) damage to False Gemini #29.  
BD: 2 + 4 = 6 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #30.  
BD: 5 + 4 = 9 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #31.  
BD: 4 + 4 = 8 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #32.  

MD: 9 (Crit +1).  False Gemini #32 deals (151 - 64 = 87) damage to Freyd

False Gemini #29 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (108 - 324) (36 Bleed, 2/2) 
False Gemini #30 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)
False Gemini #31 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)
False Gemini #32 | HP: 112 | DMG: 150 (400 - 288)

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #29 (ID 167371 - LD: 1 + 10 = 11; CD 9):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
4x T3 materials (odd CD & LD)
1x Rare Armor/Shield [167371]

Loot for False Gemini #30 (ID 167372 - LD: 4 + 10 = 14; CD 10):

5,280 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [4*hp] from even CD & LD + [2*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
1x Rare Armor/Shield [167372]

Loot for False Gemini #31 (ID 167373 - LD: 15 + 10 = 25; CD 11):

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 [167373]
 

[Freyd 0]

Freyd caught the false Asmura's wrist after her slash, wrenching it and causing her to yelp as she released her weapon.  He hauled her entire tiny body off the ground,  looking at her as if she were nothing more than some feral beast driven mad by being born from a twisted and conniving mind.  It was like looking into a mirror that shone only your darkest side.  "I gave you a chance." His voice could have chilled to the bone, if she had any.  "Do you have any idea what it takes to get second chances?"  Using more force than he meant to, or should have, he tossed the child's body aside, barely wincing as it struck a nearby tree with a sickening crunch.

If he hadn't already done so, Freyd was sure that he was about to vomit out his own Gemini a second time.  He stumbled to his knees, the air and darkness spinning mercilessly around him.  A low growl registered from Asmura's small body as she turned her hate-filled face towards him again, eyes glowing red with that same malignant possession.

*SHUNK*

*THUMP... THUMP... THUMP*

*THUD*

He didn't even recall swinging the blade, but the head bearing that demonic visage was suddenly parted from the rest of the body, landing and bouncing softly in the leaf covered ground.  The rest of the torso had followed in its journey.  Freyd's guts were churning at what he had just done.  His rational mind dismissed it as just another trick of the game, but his armor had been pierced.  Leaning heavily on the black blade, he tried to regain his footing, instead falling face-first onto the cold, muddy ground, cushioned by the same leaves that had cradled his young ward.  He felt the exhaustion seeping over him.

When had it become autumn?

Vanity Tag: @Asmura

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:944/1030 | EN:6/100 | 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: 5 + 4 = 9 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #32.  

False Gemini #32 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (112 - 288)

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #32 (ID 167375 - LD: 8 + 10 = 18; CD 5):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd CD)
1x Rare Consumable [167375a]
1x Rare Armor/Shield [167375b]
 

[Freyd 0]

The world around him burst apart in an explosion of leaves and darkness, like when you were a kid jumping into a giant raked pile, but if it swallowed you whole instead.  Was this some sort of proverbial rabbit hole?  Was he metaphorically sinking deeper into his own madness or subconscious. 

Stupid Forest of Memories.

Down became up and the sky re-oriented itself, making his innards feel like they'd just done summersaults at mach 3, on a full stomach.

Freyd still wasn't sure how all of this was going to help him track down his Gemini, but purging these damnable copies had become purpose enough for now.  For all he knew, these things could be some strange trail of memory-related breadcrumbs that would lead him to his quarry.  It was mentally drain draining, though, and that was the toll that most concerned him.  These twisted parodies of people he had met forced him to confront aspects of his relationships with them that he would much prefer to avoid.

***

Freyd rests (EN recovery 1/2)

Freyd regains 60hp

Spoiler

LD: 1 + 10 = 11.  No dungeon found.

 

[Freyd 0]

It wasn't so much that their judgments, accusations and insults hurt.  Most simply bounced harmlessly off him by virtue of his sheer lack of emotional investment.  His ego was simultaneously invulnerable and non-existent - or so he told himself.  But it wasn't quite true.  Despite his own remarkable ignorance to it, Freyd actually did care for some things and people - and certain principles.  His faith, though sparing given, was ironclad when committed.  As detached as he was, there were still tying him to the world around him, and he was glad for it.  Without them, he was firmly that he would be no more than some empty digital husk, like any one of these mobs.

Would that be so bad?

Yes.  It would.  Now shut it, and keep moving.

Hauling himself back to his feet, Freyd suddenly realized that most of the leaves were gone and that white, powdery snow now blanketed the sparse surrounding woodlands.  

***

Rest 2/2.  Full energy restored.

Regain 60hp.  Full hp restored.

[Freyd 0]

"I won't fail." 

The statement seemed directed elsewhere, not at him.  Looking up, Freyd found a young blonde woman standing before him.  Three other copies were spaced at equidistant points around him.  She wore heavy armor, somehow scarred with heavy use and battle damage - a veteran's.  Her features reminded him of a cross between Ruler's and Yuki's.  Had she always been that tall?  Maybe it was because she's been lacking in confidence when they first met. 

"Eruda."  This version looked to have learned many hard lessons; perhaps too many.

"You and the others always doubted me, but I've grown stronger than any of you!"  She screamed her accusations with bile the likes of which he had never heard in her voice.

"No doubt," Freyd replied.  "But your doubts about yourself were really the only weakness you ever had."  Her dedication had always impressed him.  She stood before him as another pillar of fortitude.  But here, in this place, her true purpose was to test his resolve.

Vanity Tag: @Eruda

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: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (248 + 36 bleed = 284) damage to False Gemini #33.  Stunned.
BD: 5 + 4 = 9 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #34.  Stunned.
BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (248 + 36 bleed = 284) damage to False Gemini #35.  Stunned.
BD: 6 + 4 = 10 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #36.  Stunned.

False Gemini #33 | HP: 116 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) (36 Bleed, 1/2) Stunned.
False Gemini #34 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #35 | HP: 116 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) (36 Bleed, 1/2) Stunned.
False Gemini #36 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.

[Freyd 0]

Grief's Harbinger struct a stark contrast against the white tank's guise, the initial blows from its attacks shattering two of the false Eruda's shield.  They sought to keep him hemmed in, but he turned that to his advantage by tearing down their defenses, rather than attacking them directly.

"Do you know what quality makes the most terrifying tank?"  Freyd asked sincerely as he sliced straps, sundered plates and dismantled their defenses piece by piece.

"Confidence!"  They screamed back in unison.

"Not quite.  It's resolve."  Having created the necessary openings, he cut down one of the copies without hesitation.

"We have that, now!  You can't beat us anymore!  Nothing can!"  She still sounded like she was trying to convince herself.

"No, you've just girded yourself with desperation to prove your worth."  Another copy fell.

"Resolve is the acceptance that your purpose is to die, and that you willingly advance regardless of that possibility."  Only one remained now.

"You have too many things to live for, Eruda.  But you're still going to make a really great tank some day."

The last of the false shadows seemed to smile as it received the felling blow.

"Abandon fear.  Abandon loss.  Dedicate yourself to a purpose and be utterly relentless in its pursuit.  Nothing else will generate more hate or help you achieve your ends more effectively."  He looked upon the fallen images as they dispersed into the winds.  "But it carries a price, and will leave you cold."

Vanity Tag: @Eruda

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:73/100 | 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: 3 + 4 = 7 (hit).  Freyd deals (288 + 36 bleed = 324) damage to False Gemini #33.  
BD: 8 + 4 = 12 (hit).  Freyd deals (288damage to False Gemini #34.  
BD: 6 + 4 = 10 (hit).  Freyd deals (288 + 36 bleed = 324) damage to False Gemini #35.  
BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (372 + 36 bleed = 408) damage to False Gemini #36.  

False Gemini #33 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (116 - 324) (36 Bleed, 2/2) 
False Gemini #34 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)
False Gemini #35 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (116 - 324) (36 Bleed, 2/2) 
False Gemini #36 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 408) (36 Bleed, 1/2)  

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #33 (ID 167392 - LD: 19 + 10 = 29; 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 [167392a] [167392b]
2x Perfect Armor/Shield [167392c] [167392d]

Loot for False Gemini #34 (ID 167393 - LD: 16 + 10 = 26; CD 10):

4,400 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [4*hp] from even CD & LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
[F22] Map of Intermediate Dungeon [167393]

Loot for False Gemini #35 (ID 167394 - LD: 13 + 10 = 23; CD 3):

2,640 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
4x T3 materials (odd CD & LD)
1x Perfect Trinket [167394a]
1x Perfect Weapon [167394b]

Loot for False Gemini #36 (ID 167395 - LD: 6 + 10 = 16; CD 9):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd CD)
1x Rare Consumable [167395a]
1x Rare Armor/Shield [167395b]
 

[Freyd 0]

"Is that what's become of you?  You're already dead, but simply going through the motions?  Where is the nobility in that?"

Freyd smiled, recognizing Ruler's voice.  Yes, she would think that way, wouldn't she?  He turned and looked at the woman who could be Eruda's twin, save for the colour difference in their preference of garments.

"There isn't any, and I don't aspire to it.  That's for the heroes of this game to achieve.  Let them feel good about themselves and those they help and protect.  I'm just the janitor, here to get shit done."

"You jest and you lie.  You have no honour and deserve no respect and no quarter." All four visions drew their swords.

"You may have missed the last part: I don't care about your judgments."  It was flippant, but true.  Ruler's ideals were of no concern to him.  He inured himself to measure by her standards - defying them as insignificant to his existence.

Vanity Tag: @Ruler

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:61/100 | 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 #37.  Stunned.
BD: 8 + 4 = 12 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #38.  Stunned.
BD: 6 + 4 = 10 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #39.  Stunned.
BD: 5 + 4 = 9 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #40.  Stunned.

False Gemini #37 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #38 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #39 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #40 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.

[Freyd 0]

Ruler played by the rules... hehehe... but this game had unwritten rules, and dirty rules in abundance, and Freyd knew enough of them to be dangerous.  Even moreso, he knew when and how to twist the less obviously combat-oriented aspects of the system to his advantage.  People have their own predictable dynamics - their own systems - that can be manipulated without having to rely on the random number generator.  Set them against each other, or wind them up and loose them on an unsuspecting target, and you could achieve miracles without ever having to roll.  

Freyd usually avoided playing that game, mostly because of the effort required and the potential for it to backfire, but it was a legitimate and effective strategy.  Ruler was too upright - too much the altruist - to consider such tactics, and he used them to defeat her.  Someone would eventually do the same to him.  He was certain of it.  There were countless other players who already knew and used these tricks without hesitation.  He had to be ready to do the same.

Vanity Tag: @Ruler

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:46/100 | 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: 4 + 4 = 8 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #X.  
BD: 4 + 4 = 8 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #X.  
BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (384 + 36 bleed = 420) damage to False Gemini #X.  
BD: 8 + 4 = 12 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #X.  

False Gemini #37 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288) 
False Gemini #38 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288) 
False Gemini #39 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 420) (36 Bleed, 1/2)
False Gemini #40 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288) 

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #37 (ID 167461 - LD: 18 + 10 = 28; CD 5):

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 [167461a] [167461b] [167461c]

Loot for False Gemini #38 (ID 167462 - LD: 9 + 10 = 19; CD 7):

2,640 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
4x T3 materials (odd CD & LD)
1x Perfect Armor/Shield [167462a]
1x Perfect Trinket [167462b]

Loot for False Gemini #39 (ID 167463 - LD: 12 + 10 = 22; CD 1):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd CD)
1x Perfect Armor/Shield [167463a]
1x Perfect Weapon [167463b]

Loot for False Gemini #40 (ID 167464 - LD: 6 + 10 = 16; CD 1):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd CD)
1x Rare Consumable [167464a]
1x Rare Weapon [167464b]
 

[Freyd 0]

"Those were jerk moves."  This one was a lone voice, calm and level as his own, and sounding from behind him.  Freyd's shoulders sank.  He'd been anticipating this encounter for some time, and the timing seemed to suit the emerging patterns.  Two tanks down, leading to a third - the most potent and effective he had ever encountered.  The Red Wanderer had finally arrived.

"Yep.  They were."  There was no point in denying it, not that he would have tried.  He and Raidou had always been able to read a common subtext.  Words were superfluous between them.

"Guess we're doing this."  The vision removed its glasses, spawning a brilliant flare as they somehow caught the dim winter sun at the perfect angle to bathe the entire area in blinding light.  Freyd had timed his blink to match, knowing that it was coming, and wasn't surprised to see three more copies materialize and all four advance in a coordinated attack.

"Yup."

Vanity Tag: @Raidou

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:36/100 | 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: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses False Gemini #41.
BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (256 + 36 bleed = 292) damage to False Gemini #42.  Stunned.
BD: 8 + 4 = 12 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #43.  Stunned.
BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (248 + 36 bleed = 284) damage to False Gemini #44.  Stunned.

MD: 2 - 4 = -2 (miss).  False Gemini #41 misses Freyd.

False Gemini #41 | HP: 400 | DMG: 150 
False Gemini #42 | HP: 108 | DMG: 150 (400 - 292) (36 bleed, 1/2) Stunned.
False Gemini #43 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #44 | HP: 116 | DMG: 150 (400 - 284) (36 bleed, 1/2) Stunned.

[Freyd 0]

A frenzied flurry of black and red ensued, leaving three red smears on the snowy ground.  Only the original fake remained.

"The real Raidou would be very disappointed."  If these things had even an iota of the calculating cunning he knew the true man to possess, it would be Freyd laying face-down in the snow right now.  Strangely, the false gemini seemed to recognize their own failings.   Perhaps the strong sense of pragmatism he ascribed to Raidou was pervasive in them as well?

"Probably."  

"I'm glad this isn't the real you.  This would be such a waste."

"Yeah.  I know."

"Guess that's really the point, isn't it?  The futility of conflict, and all that?"

"Yup."

"And you're just as broken on the inside as I am, aren't you?"

The false Raidou refused to answer that one.  Freyd smiled, saddened by what he read into that.  The two of them reflected each other almost perfectly, but there were differences.  Part of him wondered what a false Freyd would say to real Raidou if he were trapped in this introspective funhouse.  Probably the blunt and honest truth, accompanied by another lens flare.

Vanity Tag: @Raidou

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:23/100 | 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: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses False Gemini #41.
BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (372 + 36 bleed = 408) damage to False Gemini #42.   
BD: 3 + 4 = 7 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #43.
BD: 7 + 4 = 11 (hit).  Freyd deals (288 + 36 bleed = 324) damage to False Gemini #44.

MD: 4 - 4 = 0 (miss).  False Gemini #41 missed Freyd.

False Gemini #41 | HP: 400 | DMG: 150 
False Gemini #42 | HP: 108 | DMG: 150 (108 - 408) (36 bleed, 1/2)
False Gemini #43 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)
False Gemini #44 | HP: 116 | DMG: 150 (116 - 324) (36 bleed, 2/2)

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #42 (ID 167477 - LD: 17 + 10 = 27; CD 1):

2,640 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
4x T3 materials (odd CD & LD)
2x Perfect Consumables [167477a] [167477b]
2x Perfect Armor/Shield [167477c] [167477d]

Loot for False Gemini #43 (ID 167478 - LD: 11 + 10 = 21; CD 10):

5,720 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even CD + [5*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd LD)
1x Perfect Trinket [167478]

Loot for False Gemini #44 (ID 167479 - LD: 9 + 10 = 19; CD 7):

2,640 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
4x T3 materials (odd CD & LD)
1x Perfect Armor/Shield [167479a]
1x Perfect Trinket [167479b]
 

[Freyd 0]

"We should probably just do this and get it over with."

Unexpectedly, the false Raidou removed his glasses and folded them into coat pocket, then dismissed his weapon.

"You said something about resolve."  He looked Freyd over from top to bottom, focused and determined as ever.  "Show me."  He tapped two fingers to his own chest, clearly implying that Freyd should put his money where his mouth was and run him through.

"I want to see if you can actually pull it off."

Calling?  Their little poker game of wills had just taken a strange turn.  Freyd looked the shade dead in the eyes, assessing the merits of his suggestion.  It was a calculation, devoid of emotion and attachment.  This wasn't the real Raidou, but that seemed insignificant in the moment.  Could he do it if it was?  Resolve indeed.

Freyd's hands moved suddenly and without hesitation, plunging the wispy black blade into his 'friend's' chest.  Neither of them even flinched.  The wanderer's health bar plummeted, but he ignored it, his arms hanging limply at his sides, daring Freyd to be true to his words and appraising the cost on his soul.

Vanity Tag: @Raidou

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:15/100 | 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 #41.

MD: 4 - 4 = 0 (miss).  False Gemini #41 missed Freyd.

False Gemini #41 | HP: 112 | DMG: 150  (400 - 288)

[Freyd 0]

They remained locked, staring at each other in a frozen state as the false Raidou's health steadily fell, first to yellow, then eventually to red.  No further words were spoken.  They merely stared at each other in silence as the ambient sounds of the dropping HP struck increasingly critical tones.  Freyd finally broke the silence as they reached the last 3% on the bar.

"It figures that you'd be the one to give me a proper challenge in all of this."  The hints of a wry smile formed at the corner of Freyd's lip.  The gemini offered the same feature, also narrowing its eyes as it pondered the meaning of those words.  Was Freyd faltering?  Would his heart take control?  Whatever aspects of Raidou existed in its hollow reflection would appreciate the dilemma.

"But you also know," Freyd continued, losing the smirk, "that I really did mean what I said."

'Raidou' pursed his lips, blinked slowly in acceptance, and gave him grudging acknowledgment in the form of a nod.

An instant later, the image of the Red Wanderer was gone.

Vanity Tag: @Raidou

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:15/100 | 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: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (372 + 36 bleed = 408) damage to False Gemini #41.  

False Gemini #41 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150  (112 - 408)

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #41 (ID 167482 - LD: 4 + 10 = 14; CD 10):

5,280 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [4*hp] from even CD & LD + [2*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
1x Rare Armor/Shield [167482]
 

[Freyd 0]

He was thankful for the brief reprieve that followed.  He couldn't let these things bother him... no... that wasn't quite right.  He had to choose not to let these things bother him.  It wasn't as simple as not feeling it, though that part was reasonably easy for Freyd.  His challenge was navigating the logic and reasoning.  Were their criticisms and accusations legitimate, or merely the ravings of delusions pulled from his subconscious?  If he was to find any merit in all of this, it would be in the form of honest self-reflection.  Was there any truth here?  If so, then there was also an opportunity for growth, but even the mere act of considering their words carried some peril.  Ideas were more insidious and devastating than numbers, and could worm their way into his mind to fester into proper doubts.

It's a tricky thing to maintain the type of resolve he had mentioned to the Gemini tanks, while also preserving the potential for exploration and thought.  Resolve can too easily morph into obsession or fanaticism.  It's not faith, but threatens to become more like... desperation.

***

Freyd rests (EN recovery 1/2)

[Freyd 0]

Who would come next?  The last batch of Gemini had all followed a theme: unmovable, unshakeable will.  He'd already seen Yuki, so that was it for all the tanks he knew.  However this place worked, it wasn't linear.  The Gemini seemed to be drawing upon his past experiences to create their forms, but also organizing them in groups connected in various ways.  Katoka, Vie and Asmura were all new players and as young wards to him and other senior members of Firm Anima.  The pairing of Kiluia and Haine had obviously been deliberate.  The transitions between groups seemed to be more random.

Freyd was still trying to puzzle it out when four identical figures came hurtling out of the sky and crashing face-first into the snowy ground around him.

"Vigilon?"

"Hey!  You could have been a bit more considerate and been standing where we were landing, so that we could crush you!"  All four voices rang out in unison, even as they were peeling themselves off the ground.

"Oh great... the goofballs are next."

***

Rest 2/2.  Energy fully restored (Relaxed)

Vanity Tag: @Vigilon

[Freyd 0]

The four versions of the man stood, then circles around him in a clockwise direction.  It was as if they were assessing him - judging him.  Freyd casually rested Grief's Harbinger on his shoulder, his stance suggesting a general disinterest at whatever the man was doing.  Their appearances were strikingly similar.  Demeanor seemed to offer the most notable tells between them.  Where Freyd often appeared project an image of quiet and harmless obliviousness, Vigilon seemed to prefer a more severe and drilling mien.  Fair enough.  That sort of approach had its uses.  And for all he knew, Vigilon was maintaining his own ruse and facade.  It was generally safer to assume that everyone was.

"It's rather inconsiderate of you to chase yourself into these woods, but that's all you do, isn't it?  You stumble into people's lives, cause all sorts of carnage, then wander off on your merry way as if you'd somehow been given holy sanction.  You're a gnat, Freyd!  An annoyance to be dealt like the pest you are."

"You done?"  Freyd yawned as he spun his sword on the ground for entertainment, waiting for the proselytizing to end.

Vanity Tag: @Vigilon

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: 4 + 4 = 8 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #45.  Stunned.
BD: 8 + 4 = 12 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #46.  Stunned.
BD: 6 + 4 = 10 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #47.  Stunned.
BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (248 + 36 bleed = 284) damage to False Gemini #48.  Stunned.

False Gemini #45 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #46 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #47 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #48 | HP: 116 | DMG: 150 (400 - 284) (36 bleed, 1/2) Stunned.

[Freyd 0]

"You're actually a pretty decent guy, Vig.  Can I call you Vig?  It rhymes with Fig, which... I actually can't stand... yeah...so... okay, let's stick with Vigilon.  Anyway, I'm sorry to do this, but you're kinda in my my way, so..."  Freyd curled his entire body, as if implying that the false Gemini should simply exit stage left.  

"You can't just dismiss people like that!"  Freyd shushed the speaker by placing a gloved index finger against his lips.  

"Just did.  See ya around."  Two swords clashed before him, blocking his path.

"YOU ARE INFURIATING!"

Freyd just nodded.  He couldn't deny it, though he had to admit that he occasionally did it deliberately, if he thought it could be used to advantage, like now.

The four gemini attacked.  Freyd had put himself far enough out of position to place himself at disadvantage, but two of the shades still managed to dodge and survive.  One even landed a blow.  Perhaps his point was a little closer to the mark than Freyd wished to admit?

Vanity Tag: @Vigilon

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:943/1030 | EN:77/100 | 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 - (Rested, Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 11 EN

BD: 5 + 4 = 11 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #45.
BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses False Gemini #46.  
BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses False Gemini #47.  
BD: 6 + 4 = 10 (hit).  Freyd deals (288 + 36 bleed = 324) damage to False Gemini #48.

MD: 8 - 4 = 4 (miss).  False Gemini #46 misses Freyd.  
MD: 9 (crit +1).  Freyd misses False Gemini #47 deals (151 - 64 = 87) damage to Freyd.  

False Gemini #45 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)
False Gemini #46 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 
False Gemini #47 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 
False Gemini #48 | HP: 116 | DMG: 150 (116 - 324) (36 bleed, 2/2) 

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #45 (ID 167491 - LD: 3 + 10 = 13; 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 Rare Trinket [167491]

Loot for False Gemini #48 (ID 167492 - LD: 9 + 10 = 19; CD 12):

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 [167492]
 

[Freyd 0]

"Struck a chord, did we?  Pride getting in your way?  A little too full of yourself?"  

Freyd just burst into laughter, right in their faces.

"Dudes.  I fall on my face at the start of every fight.  I make epic mistakes all the time, and have absolutely no aspirations to power or position.  My self-imposed job is to do what no one else wants to do: be Aincrad's janitor, and I enjoy doing it."  The two Vigilons glanced at each other, unable to fathom that anyone would have such lowly aspirations.  Here was the man who was supposed to be haughty, and cruel, and mean.  The one who had abandoned the true Vigilon to fight a duel against pair willing to PK him, rather than help delivery righteous wrath.

"Speaking of which..."

Seizing his opportunity, Freyd swept the field clear of the last of the shades with a solitary strike.  That was better.

Vanity Tag: @Vigilon

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:943/1030 | EN:65/100 | 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: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (372 + 36 bleed = 408) damage to False Gemini #46. 
BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (384 + 36 bleed = 420) damage to False Gemini #47.  

False Gemini #46 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 408) (36 bleed, 1/2)
False Gemini #47 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 420) (36 bleed, 1/2) 

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #46 (ID 167495 - LD: 10 + 10 = 20; CD 6):

4,400 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [4*hp] from even CD & LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
1x Perfect Armor/Shield [167495a]
1x Perfect Trinket [167495a]

Loot for False Gemini #47 (ID 167496 - LD: 6 + 10 = 16; CD 9):

5,280 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even LD + [3*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd CD)
1x Rare Trinket [167496]