[PP-F21] <<Trouble in the Mines>> Blueberries and Oranges

[Mari 1]

Mari began to question Chasers age - she thought he was on the cusp of adulthood- now, he seemed like he was maybe in his early teens. It was difficult to tell - and whilst she told herself she'd try not to analyse it - she couldn't help it. He just seemed so....lost. But, weren't they all? Especially in this game? Chaser seemed hesitant to take charge - but soon. They were heading toward the mines, till he stopped right in front of her.

Oof'

Mari had walked right into him, having been lost in her own thoughts. Mari backed away to see him looking at the blanket, a look of guilt on his face. It was only a brief pause, a hesitation before they continued, more or less in silence. The kid was probably mulling over the entirety of their earlier interaction. Mari couldn't really blame him. She had been cold to him. Too selfish, and too tired to wear the pleasant mask she wore for the sake of others. Maybe it was wrong to drop it. Especially when it was so very clear that she was still needed.

The two of them stood at the precipice of darkness- one that lead deep down into a cave complex - barely illuminate. "Huh?" Mari stared at the plush blanket in his hands. "You know - I don't mind if you keep it." Mari said, already reaching out to take it. "But it'll probably get destroyed down there, it's a vanity item so its durability is practically zero." She sighed as she placed it away in her inventory. Making a mental note to give it back to him later.

There was a pause, and more hesitation. "Welp." Mari gave Chaser a small pat on his shoulder as she took the initiative. "Best get going. C'mon."

@ChaseR

[ChaseR 0]

He shook his head at her offer, simply smiling back at her. "N-No, I don't need to keep it. I'm fine, really.", he finished as she took it into her hands, letting out a sigh of relief before seeing her walk past him and with a pat, giving him the signal. "... Right!", he chirped and moved right on behind her, speeding up his pace to take the lead again. As much as he wanted to be his confident and careful self, he felt like he was much safer with her around. He had room to be a bit more careless and relaxed. Still, he had to do his job just fine. "I'm a tank. Let me take the lead.", he tried to reassure her with a somewhat warm voice, grinning back at her before turning forwards again.

It didn't take much longer of following the rails to find them broken on the ground, and around then, the first pair of Drakelings appeared before them. Two little red hatchlings playing around, although they weren't quite as innocent as it might have sounded. Everybody was terrified of them, and for all the right reasons. Small embers were being thrown left and right and the rails weren't just bitten off, but also melted at various points. "... Get ready.", he told her with a quick glance behind him and a glare different than before- it was more so a protective one rather than an outright aggressive one.

He jumped forwards towards the two Drakelings, slashing their way and trying to knock them in a daze so she could continue with an area of effect attack, and he would clean up the next turn. Provided, he didn't miss of course. Sadly, he hit one of them only, leaving it in a daze. The other flew away as soon as it noticed him and moving back, the boy prepared to block the attack only to be met with a fiery breath that went past him, cutting his health all the same despite the presence of his armor. "You okay?", he asked and looked behind at Mari, his health already regenerating as a white light shrouded his form.

Spoiler

ChaseR uses Tempest on Drakeling 1 & 2! (BD: 1, 6)
ATTACK MISSED [Drakeling 1]
18 * 8 - 15 = 144 - 15 = 129 + STUN [Drakeling 2]

Drakeling 1 uses Breath of Fire! [AoE] (MD: 6)
100 unmitigateable damage [Drakeling 1]

[1,2] ChaseR: HP: 970/1070 (-100) | EN: 94/104 (-10) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0,0] Mari: HP: 1510/1610  (-100 | EN: 158/158 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 | BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15

Drakeling 1: HP: 350/350 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 2 
Drakeling 2: HP: 221/350 (-129) | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 2 | [Stun CD; 1/3] | STUNNED

*Each Drakeling will attack with an AoE dealing 100 unmitigatable damage. After a 4 turn cooldown, the Drakeling will use Breath of Fire again. [1/4]

 

Edited September 14, 2020 by ChaseR

[Mari 1]

A tank huh? He sure as heck didn't look it, but then again, neither did Yuki at first glance and now she was right up there with the most formidable tanks around. Through sheer dedication, and perhaps throwing herself into constant danger. Chaser gave her his best grin - it was better to see that than him sobbing. His eyes were red from tears, but he still managed to pull through with a smile.

He attacked; and one of the creatures retaliated, raining wisps of fire over the two of them. Mari's health fell down, a little. Then...

Her health ticked up, all but a sliver - thanks to her battle healing. A quick glance at Chaser showed that he'd also be fine. Get ready he says. Trying to take charge. Mari let him - at least he didn't go into some sort of heroic speech. Mari pulled out he spear and let him go for the first attack - it was a little....sad, in a way. These dragons were young - about the size of a cat. Why does it always gotta be baby dragons?  Mari had a big issue with the Dragon Hunter quest for this exact reason. Killing the young for rewards felt...wrong. '

"This is probably why that Sundered Spire hates us." Mari breathed. She turned to glance at Chaser- he'd hit one but missed the other. He didn't look like he had the same reservations as she did. Mari closed her eyes and drew a deep breath. She took a few steps forward, her spear flickering with a spent Sword Art - Instead of attacking  Mari crouched down. Not caring that one had burnt her just before - "Why do ya think so many quests involve killing young things like this?" 

@ChaseR

Passive: BH + 72HP
Action:  [x9 AoE] Charged Weeping Moon (9 Energy +2 per target hit) - Do a single and powerful 360-degree spin
ID:168225 BD: 2+4=6-1=5 MISS
ID: 168226:BD 1  MISS

[1,2] ChaseR: HP: 970/1070 (-100) | EN: 94/104 (-10) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0,0] Mari: HP: 1582/1610  (-100 | EN: 156/158 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 | BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15 -2 EN

Drakeling 1: HP: 350/350 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 2 
Drakeling 2: HP: 221/350 (-129) | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 2 | [Stun CD; 1/3] | STUNNED

Edited September 14, 2020 by Mari

[ChaseR 0]

Just as half the health he'd lost returned, he expected a follow up to see- nothing. He heard her question and turned around, furrowing his brows in confusion as he pointed at them. "Young things? Wh- They're trying to kill us, they've terrorized the NPCs in the first place. You should ask Kayaba why he decided they'd be the best suited candidates.". And just as he finished his sentence, another breath of fire followed to damage the both of them despite his best attempts to take the brunt of the hit all by himself.

"Fuck! Tell you what, if they're part of the Sundered Spire, let's find them after and apologize. We can't just spare them now when they won't do the same though.", he responded as he saw the one that attacked with fire before honing in on him, quickly slashing its way with an orange trail behind his blade made out of thick ice, spreading some right on it as well as opening a gash across its underbelly. Its health dropped almost instantly and its wings froze, sending it out of the air while it bled.

He then quickly moved in and almost danced with the other rascal, hitting it before he withdrew with one more skillful slash, although he didn't afflict it with any status conditions this time. "Think about it this way, if they come back to life, it's not killing. And they will, while we won't. So just at 'em and let's do the apologizing once we run into them again, okay?", the bluehead looked back over his shoulder with a mildly worried expression, panting and keeping his blade up to leave no openings for the two to attack yet again.

Spoiler

ChaseR uses Calamity Disaster on Drakelings 1 & 2! (BD: 9, 7)
19 * 12 - 15 = 228 - 15 = 213 + 24 (BLEED) + FREEZE [Drakeling 1]
18 * 12 - 15 = 216 - 15 = 201 [Drakeling 2]

Drakeling 2 attacks! (MD: 10)
100 unmitigatable AoE damage.

[1,2] ChaseR: HP: 918/1070 (+48, -100) | EN: 82/104 (+1, -13) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0,0] Mari: HP: 1482/1610  (-100) | EN: 156/158 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 | BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15

Drakeling 1: HP: 113/350 (-237) | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 2 | T2 BLEED [1/2] | FROZEN [24] | Breath of Fire: 2/4
Drakeling 2: HP: 20/350 (-201) | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 2 | [Stun CD; 1/3] | Breath of Fire: 1/4

*Each Drakeling will attack with an AoE dealing 100 unmitigatable damage. After a 4 turn cooldown, the Drakeling will use Breath of Fire again.

 

Edited September 14, 2020 by ChaseR

[Mari 1]

"You know, I kinda wish I could have a word with him." Mari said with a small sigh - "What his intention exactly was and- Urgh.." Mari lifted her hand to block her face as she was blasted with a wall of fire again. She slowly lowered her arm to see a rather exasperated Chaser. She couldn't blame him. She was just being fussy. Mari had to remember to push it all down. She didn't like fighting, heck - she didn't even like fighting regular mobs. Still. Mari pushed that all down. 

After everything that happened, it was scarily easy to numb herself. To put all those concerns and doubts out of her mind - and when Mari opened her eyes again her cautious gaze was replaced with an unfeeling steeled stare at the two cornered Drakelings. Chaser wanted her to do something? Fine. This was fine.

A calm yet menacing aura came from her movements. Mari placed one hand on Chasers chest and gently pushed him back two steps, lest he get in the way of her strike. If Chaser had run into her now, he'd probably not have encountered her at all - and hurried on his way. This was the Mari people feared. The one who pushed everything aside and focused on what was in front of her. 

Mari stepped forward - swinging her spear forward and out, spinning on her heel as she activated the <<Weeping Moon>> Sword Art- and with the single, fluid arc- she had completely decimated what was left of the drakelings.

@ChaseR

 

Action:  [x9 AoE] Charged Weeping Moon (9 Energy +2 per target hit) - Do a single and powerful 360-degree spin
19  x 9 = 171 -15= 156
ID:168235 BD: 8 - Drakeling 1 -
IS: 168236 BD: 8 Drakeling 2
[1,2] ChaseR: HP: 918/1070 (+48, -100) | EN: 82/104 (+1, -13) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0,0] Mari: HP: 1554/1610  | EN: 157/158 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 | BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15

Drakeling 1: HP: 0/350 (-237) | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 2 | T2 BLEED [1/2] | FROZEN [24] | Breath of Fire: 2/4 - 156
Drakeling 2: HP: 0/350 (-201) | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 2 | [Stun CD; 1/3] | Breath of Fire: 1/4 -156

Skinning
ID: 168281  CD:2 FAIL
ID:168282  CD:10 Success

Total Drakeling Skin: 1

Edited September 15, 2020 by Mari

[ChaseR 0]

Chase was getting ready to jump forwards again for yet another attack, just in case Mari wouldn't step up, until she did. He didn't even have enough time to comment on how he wanted to talk to Kayaba for all the same reasons, if not for a few more. Seeing her just pushing him back and walk towards them while they were still recovering though, was... odd. Despite how merciful and calm she seemed a few seconds ago, she was now completely emotionless and before long, a single swipe was all it took for them to disappear.

He wasn't sure how to react until they'd shattered and their crystals had dissipated, just sheathing his sword and clapping his hands with a short chuckle. "W-Wow, you're... Wow. You really get in a different mood before combat, huh?", he asked and crossed his arms once more, letting out a sigh. He checked his loot window to see that they'd gotten a few skins, grinning at the idea that they'd get some more rewards out of the quest if they kept this up for a while longer. "So, Mari, off to the next pair?"

The bluehead asked with his arms crossed, giving her a small smile despite how scary she seemed. Now that he'd clarified she wasn't acting out of malice whatsoever, especially to any players, he was alright with her no matter how scary of a face she put on. He knew he could get fairly 'savage' when he was pissed off or too into the battle, too, gritted teeth, growling... much more primal than he had to. Regardless, he looked further down the path and just scratched the back of his head. "I got worried for a little while before. You almost just sat back and kept taking a beating."

Spoiler

 

ChaseR: HP: 978/1070 (+60) | EN: 83/104 (+1) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
Mari: HP: 1554/1610  | EN: 157/158 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 | BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15

Total Drakeling Skins: 1/20

 

Edited October 11, 2020 by ChaseR

[Mari 1]

Mari blinked. Huh. In that instant the battle had finished - Mari knew she had fought them. And yet...it felt surreal. Mari loosened then tightened the grip on her spear. Her hands felt cold. She felt cold. She had let go of everything and let the motions take control of her in that moment. It- succeeded in a way - they had defeated the drakelings, but the ease of it all still unnerved Mari.

"Wow, you're... Wow. You really get in a different mood before combat, huh?

"I...." Mari turned to Chaser. She swallowed and tightened the grip on her spear as she shoved its tip down into the earth. "I guess so. I really am not fond of fighting in general but-" She shifted her gaze away from him. A part of her screamed at her to be quiet. To just let this go. Agree with him and move on. But the words came out despite the protests. "I suppose Freyd didn't like that..." She grumbled, the tone of distaste on the tip of her tongue. She was still trying to figure out why he did what he did. What did he have to gain from her pain? It didn't matter. Nothing mattered.

 "Right. Next Pair." 

Mari turned from him and continued down the path. "Don't be concerned. I won't be like that in the future."

@ChaseR

[ChaseR 0]

Hearing Freyd's name towards the end kind of caught him off guard. "... Freyd? What did he say?", he asked with furrowed eyebrows and crossed arms, despite Mari's intent on moving forwards. Still, he did walk along her further down into the mines, hoping to help her feel better about herself. "Well, I've met Freyd. He's not bad, but. His mind isn't in the right place. I never got to 'like' him because he's... willing to kill. You're not the same. I'm still eighteen and Freyd can't be that much older. We're almost the same to a disgusting extent." 

With a deep sigh, he saw some more Drakelings further up ahead and prepared himself again, stretching his hind foot just a bit to prepare a dash straight for the two monsters. "Bottom line, he's an ass. Don't care about him. Okay? And please don't die. That's all, Ma'.", he finished off just like that by accident despite her asking him not to do that, lunging right at the two drakelings and swinging the flat side of his blade at them.

He hit them both, sending them flying back and looking over his shoulder with a smile and a nod, holding a thumbs up as he managed to stop their fire breath this time around. Then again, the moment they snapped out of it they'd go back at trying to burn them into a crisp, so they'd have to do with what little space he created for them.

Spoiler

ChaseR uses Tempest on Drakeling 3 & 4! (BD: 10, 7)
18 * 8 - 15 = 144 - 15 = 129 [Drakeling 3]
18 * 8 - 15 = 144 - 15 = 129 [Drakeling 4]

[2,2] ChaseR: HP: 1002/1070 (+32) | EN: 81/104 (-13) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0,0] Mari: HP: 1510/1610 | EN: 158/158 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 | BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15

Drakeling 3: HP: 221/350 (-129) | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 2 | STUNNED | [Stun CD; 1/3]
Drakeling 4: HP: 221/350 (-129) | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 2 | STUNNED | [Stun CD; 1/3]

*Each Drakeling will attack with an AoE dealing 100 unmitigatable damage. After a 4 turn cooldown, the Drakeling will use Breath of Fire again. [-/4]

 

Edited September 17, 2020 by ChaseR

[Mari 1]

"Say?" Mari tilted her head to the side, pursing her lips in thought. He hadn't really said anything. Mari slowly shook her head. "No he-" She paused as she subconsciously gripped at her chest. The pain still lingered with the memory. How he had tricked her. Cohered his strange Gemini doppelganger to attack her- and pull out her own strange Gemini-eske creature. Born from - Mari did not know what. How it left her feeling empty and hollow, and how it had convinced her that she had been far too flippant with her emotions and how she should reign them in.  "I don't think you're like that."   The Bluenette would not know what Mari meant by her words. From the few interactions she had with Chaser, he seemed to wear his heart on his sleeve. Emotional outbursts like screaming, and crying. No - he wasn't anything like Freyd. Mari didn't react to his age, just put a mental note down that he was still young - and she was right - he was on the cusp of adulthood. "Chaser do you know the Gemini quest? Those beings that generate from it? How they can spawn even outside the quest?"

There was no immediate answer from him. Nor was there an immediate reaction from Mari as he called her 'Ma' she didn't react negatively to hit - she just followed through his attack with one of her own. Talking could come later.

Her spear flashed as Mari activated a Sword Art and charged forward, barely missing one Drakeling- she managed to tear into another - jab after jab, the sickening 'schlick, schlick, schlick' as it tore through their crackling flesh.

Red menacing words danced above the first baby dragon 'Overkill' Yeh. Maybe she did go a little too hard. She shouldn't have charged. The momentum set her off kilter - and made her miss the last Drakeling. "My bad." Mari said as she pushed her hair up and out of her face. "That last one is on you." It was easier for her to keep her focus elsewhere when she was standing amidst a battle. 


@ChaseR
 

[x15] Dimension Stampede (17 Energy) - An attack with four fast stabs, only to be concluded by a jumping slam from above. 
Action: Charged Dimension Stampede
ID:168466 Drakeling 1    BD:10  > CRITICAL
 

,2] ChaseR: HP: 1002/1070 (+32) | EN: 81/104 (-13) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[,0] Mari: HP: 1510/1610 | EN: 158/158 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 | BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15

Drakeling 3: HP: 0/350  | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 2 | STUNNED | [Stun CD; 1/3]-410 OVERKILL
Drakeling 4: HP: 221/350 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 2 | STUNNED | [Stun CD; 1/3]

SKin attemp Drakeling 1:
ID: 168468  CD: 9 SUCCESS
Total Drakeling Skin: 2

Edited October 12, 2020 by Mari

[ChaseR 0]

As soon as she uttered those words, his eyes widened for all the wrong reasons. "She knows about DAY..?! I thought NIGHT was the only one that knew, alongside I. Not even her most trusted companions in Aincrad knew, so how come-?!". Despite his panicking, he tried to catch a grip and put on a feint of calmness once more, just giving a nod and a look over to her while she went ham on the monsters- a single slash and the first was dead, the other surviving. Still, the fact its health dipped almost immediately upon coming into contact with every single attack, it was scary as all hell.

Her numbers were much higher than she let on, which was... damn surprising. No wonder she'd made it this far though, especially running from guards as a PK. "... Yeah, I know. You've met them too?", he asked rather vaguely, not wanting to accidentally slip up and admit about his new ally's secret right here and now. While waiting for a response, he looked over at the final drakeling which seemed to be channelling its power for an attack once more, this time determined to hit them with its breath of fire.

Chase slid right towards the drakeling and slashed at it, only for it to avoid it just barely and discharge its attack in the air. Thankfully, it appeared to miss completely- it hit the ceiling instead and with a whimper, it flew back. He jumped back and let out a tsk, looking back over at Mari. "I've killed my Gemini, never seen him again. Or... seen me, I guess."

Spoiler

 

ChaseR uses Galaxy Destroyer on Drakeling 4! (BD: 4)
ATTACK MISSED

Drakeling uses Breath of Fire! (MD: 1)
ATTACK MISSED

[2] ChaseR: HP: 1044/1070 (+32) | EN: 80/104 (+1, -2) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0] Mari: HP: 1510/1610 | EN: 158/158 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 | BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15

Drakeling 4: HP: 221/350 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 2 | [Stun CD; 2/3] | Breath of Fire [1/4]

Total Drakeling Skin: 2/20

 

Edited October 11, 2020 by ChaseR

[Mari 1]

He seemed frazzle by her words. Although whatever unease him about what she said...he seemed to cover it up quite quickly. "Did he try that with you too?" Mari asked incredulously, not meaning to sound so harsh with her words. She bit her tongue. Realizing the tone she had used. "I mean..." Mari shook her head. "Freyd didn't try to...." She motioned something being ripped out her own chest. Mari wasn't really good with words, the action illustrated what she meant. The question she had asked without using so many words 'Did Freyd try to rip one out of you'

Another blast of fire was aimed at them, but it piltered out - the dragon weakened - perhaps mourning the loss of its bretheren. Mari took a single step forward and thrust her spear into its side. 'schlick, schlick, shlick' over and over she had dug the spear into the exposed underbelly of the dragon only to pull it back out and repeat the process till it finally shattered beneath the  brutality of her attack.

Mari paused and exhaled. "Don't." She said, a tone of warning and foreboding. "Don't let them, or him get to you." Mari didn't want Freyd to experience that same pain that she had. Mari knew she was being wishy-washy with her words. And that could probably irk the kid. Hell, she was frustrated listening to herself. But Mari wasn't good with words, even at the best of times. Mari turned back to the place where the dragon had perished.

@ChaseR
Passive: +1 EN
[x15] Dimension Stampede (17 Energy) - An attack with four fast stabs, only to be concluded by a jumping slam from above. 
ID:168677 BD:10 CRITICAL HIT
21 x 17= 357-15=342

2] ChaseR: HP: 1044/1070 (+32) | EN: 80/104 (+1, -2) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0] Mari: HP: 1510/1610 | EN: 64/158 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 | BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15 -17 EN

Drakeling 4: HP: 0/350 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 2 | [Stun CD; 2/3] | Breath of Fire [1/4]-342

ID: 168678  CD: 8 SUCCESS

Total Drakeling Skins: 3

Edited October 12, 2020 by Mari

[ChaseR 0]

The way she had worded everything indicated she wasn't talking about DAY. That was good. He did well to not outright start talking about her, either. "... Rip..? Did he try to PK you, or did he somehow use his gemini against you? I thought his gemini was killed.", he grunted, trying to make the most sense he could out of Mari's confusing explanation. It was hard to tell what she was trying to relay on to him, but... It was worrying. He knew that something felt off about Freyd, and that's what had set him on the edge so much. "... What is it, Ma?"

Another slip-up. This time, he definitely didn't notice. He just had a confused look on his face quickly looking for more Drakeling skin out of the dragon and then turning to look back at Mari. "... What did he try to do?", he asked again and tightened his grip around his own blade, furrowing both brows and frowning. He knew all too well that Freyd was up to no good and now all of his suspicions had been confirmed. The question was what he could have done to hurt her this much? She barely wavered when Chase berated her and attempted to pin the blame on her for every kill she'd made on a player. "And who's them? I can't... understand."

Spoiler

 

ChaseR: HP: 1070/1070 (+60) | EN: 81/104 (+1) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
Mari: HP: 1510/1610 | EN: 64/158 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 | BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15 -17 EN

Total Drakeling Skins: 3

 

Edited October 11, 2020 by ChaseR

[Mari 1]

"Mmm." Normally, Mari would skirt around the subject, wave it off to protect Freyd - because she'd rather be the villain than to have others villianized. Even if it were rightfully so. Yet, Mari struggled to find the reason to care about that sort of thing anymore. What did it matter if Freyd hated her, or Chaser, or anyone for that matter. Let them hate her - if it kept them pushing forward. If it gave them a single goal or an iota of motivation to get out of here, then let them hate her.

"He tricked me." She said simply, shifting to lean against the far wall of the cavern. Perhaps manipulated was a better word. Freyd had shown her some semblance of emotion, weakness. Even going as far as to give her his 'real-name' not that she believed that was true anymore. Still, Mari felt it best to keep things simple. She sighed, glancing at her Energy Bar- They'd need to regain some energy before getting too far ahead. Now was as good of a time as any. So, she continued. "He lured his Gemini-err thing to me. And had it rip out my own. He used that to-" 

To what?

"I'm...not sure what he wanted." Mari said as she shifted her gaze to the ceiling. "I guess I may just have been a test subject for some of his theories." She laughed bitterly. "Congratulations- He said to me." She placed a hand over her chest."I've engineered my own personal descent into oblivion." She repeated the words Freyd had spat at her. 

Chaser had called her 'Ma' again, shouldn't she correct that? Mari slumped down the wall into a seated position. Indicating that she wasn't going anywhere till her bar had replenished. "Ya shouldn't call me that kid." She added half heartedly. Mari didn't deserve to be called such things.

@ChaseR

[ChaseR 0]

And then it struck him. He'd been calling her that way the entire time, even if it had slipped past him- fuck sake. "... Sorry.", he quickly apologized and let out a sigh, crossing his arms and tapping his foot on the ground. He closed his eyes and tried to think back to Freyd. Had he ever sounded that... villainous? Was that even the right way to put it? It just felt... wrong. It felt inhuman. Chase mumbled something before opening his eyes. He spoke louder this time, his voice probably making its way to Mari's ears. "What the fuck is wrong with Freyd? He did that to you?"

For a green player, he was already much more malicious than Mari had proven to be as an orange cursor. "How could he do that? 'Descending into oblivion' by harming others that way. What the fuck?!", he grumbled and clenched his fists, looking the woman in the eyes. Where he wanted to ask if she was sure that happened or not, she seemed hurt enough. It was his naivety that let him ultimately not question her, but she didn't look to be in a position good enough to lie without an acting degree right now.

The bluehead crouched near Mari and looked at her awkwardly, wanting to offer a hug but just... not doing so. He didn't know her well enough, even despite his instinct telling him to just overlook that and do what he had to. And with her half-hearted disapproval of his name, it discouraged him more so. "... I'm sorry. Please, don't let it get to you."

---

ChaseR: HP: 1070/1070 | EN: 104/104 | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2

[Mari 1]

Mari shook her head and gave Chaser a dismissive wave. "It's fine I just-" Mari paused, took a deep breath and spoke the truth. "I don't think I ever deserve to be called anything of the sort. Ever again." And it was true, how could she possibly call herself a mother? Allow herself to be called that? No - she didn't deserve such a title. Not after accidentally taking the life of her own daughter.

"What the fuck is wrong with Freyd? He did that to you?"

Mari didn't have an answer- she still wasn't entirely sure herself - was she not kind enough to him? She had reached out to him during his time of need. Showed him comfort and solice - offered him an ear to listen. He in turn gave her his real name - but...what changed. Did he do what she had suggested and looked her up? Did he find her that abhorrent that it was some twisted kind of revenge. "You know-" Mari began in a low voice. "I-probably deserved it really." She shifted her gaze away from Chaser, resting the side of her head against the cool cavern wall. "I am a PKer after all. And my name litters the monument of life- so - perhaps it's some sort of justice? Vengeance? Maybe he just wanted to test out a theory, and what better test subject than a monster?" 

Mari lifted her head once more when she felt Chaser crouch down beside her. 

 "... I'm sorry. Please, don't let it get to you."

Mari offered Chaser a small, reassuring smile - weakened by how tired she was. How little she believed in herself. Weighted down by everything that plagued her. "I'll be fine." Would she though? Mari couldn't believe the words she was saying. "I just have to keep pressing forward till everyone else gets out of here safe and sound."

@ChaseR

[ChaseR 0]

Now she'd done it. Chase quickly leaned forward and threw his arms around her, hugging her tightly and gritting his teeth tightly. It still felt off, but he thought she'd need it. For all it's worth at least. "What a monster you are, wanting everybody to get out of a death game.", he mocked her and just leaned his head into her shoulder with a frown, keeping his eyes closed. "... Freyd talked about wanting to kill Kayaba. He's no less of a monster than you've been at your worse. Green or PK, he's going to do what he thinks if best, and his judgement is horseshit."

"You didn't deserve any of that, no matter what.", he continued, certain that Freyd had overstepped the boundaries this time around. He pulled his head back and looked at Mari in the eyes, the same frown still there if not wider. "Please. Don't say you deserve anything. You want the same thing I do, and I'm not a monster. Whatever you've done up to now, you're not the same as before. You... You're not a PK even if that orange crystal is above your head.", his voice lowered in volume as he looked to the side, clenching one of his fists now that both his hands were resting on her shoulders.

"... I thought all PKs are monsters. I hated them, for taking lives. And then I met you. You're not a monster, or you'd have killed me too. You're even helping me out. Don't say you deserve whatever Freyd has done to you. Please, Ma- Mari.", the bluehead quickly covered his slip-up once more with the name, returning to keeping her in a hug. He didn't know if it would help or not, but he did what felt right.

[Mari 1]

Of all the things she was expecting, to be held was not one of them - yet - somehow - this juvenile who barely had control of his own emotions had leaned forward and wrapped his arms around Mari. She drew in a sharp breath - still as a deer in headlights. Her head swam, was he doing this to trick her? To manipulate her? Was he going to stab her in the back? Thought after thought raced through her consciousness as the warmth from his embrace leeched into her cold form. A part of Mari wanted to push him away, decry him - call him a slew of insulting words - a bigger part of her, didn't want that. And just wanted this act of comfort to continue, however brief.

....when was the last time someone did this? genuinely did this?

Chaser mumbled about Freyd, his desire to kill Kayaba, and his lack of judgement. Mari wasn't sure if she believed the words or not -Freyd had always been cool, and calculating. His actions always had meaning, even the smallest quirk of his lips or the twitch of a finger. It all was done with a sense of purpose. Chaser told Mari she didn't deserve it.

But I do.

"Chaser-"

Mari finally broke out of her stupour. As welcoming as the warmth was -she knew it wouldn't last. Perhaps the kid wanted some sort of companionship, just as she did. "You can't keep saying I'm not a PKer. No matter how I am now. I Murdered those people." She placed emphasis on the word. Mari never liked the term PKer - it seemed to make light of a much darker situation. Her words were gentle, yet stern. "To denounce otherwise spits on the faces of those gone. We can't brush what happened under the table and hope for some fairytale ending. Those names need to live on and be remembered. I Killed. Retribution, Redemption - whatever you call it. That may come, but if it doesn't than that is my duty to bare."

Chaser pulled away, and Mari quickly realized just how cold the cave was - his hands squeezed her shoulders and his voice shook. With what emotion Mari did not know, but she could at least try to appreciate the sentiment  behind it, right? He wasn't lying....right?

"Thanks."  It was all she could really say to him after Chaser pulled her into another hug. Mari didn't raise her hands to return the embrace, all she could offer in return was an awkward pat on his back.

@ChaseR

[ChaseR 0]

With both eyes squinted as she kept on going and going, he only let out a 'tsk' in return and kept the hug for a minute or two more. He didn't want to overstay his welcome either, since... she was right, to an extent. She'd killed people before because 'she wasn't strong enough'. "... I don't think you're a PK unless you kill again. You're just another human that made mistakes. You said you never did it out of malicious intent, so you didn't murder them. Whatever you say, my opinion won't change.", he stubbornly insisted, huffing and slowly starting to pull back.

He fixed his overcoat's sleeves on his figure and quickly realised that she... probably didn't want to have this talk again. He still felt the need to tell her to talk to him about it, should she feel like she trusts him enough, but... It was obvious he was still a kid compared to her. "... If you want to talk about this again- talk to me, but. Sorry. I didn't want to bring it up again. Sorry if you feel worse now. I just didn't think you're being fair to yourself.". Even after trying to shut down the conversation so she could just rest easy for two moments without dwelling on it, he continued to throw his thoughts out there.

It went to show how confused he was, how new this whole conversation was to him and his thoughts being all over the place all at once- it was a mess. An absolute, complete mess. "... Sorry. I'll help you up if you feel like going back at it again.", Chase did his best to finish it off, doing so rather awkwardly and holding a hand out to Mari to pull her back on her feet and follow behind him as they went back further down the mines again.

[Mari 1]

"That's...." Mari scrunched up her brows. Mari understood that Chaser was trying to help her, but constantly saying she wasn't a murderer- when she was. Just didn't sit right with her. "I get that you're trying to help." Mari started slowly, "But you can't just sweep that under the rug. I am a PKer-" Mari paused to clear her throat, and corrected the word. "A murderer - but I do think it is possible to work towards redemption, especially in a place like this."  Chaser finally pulled away from the well-meaning yet slightly awkward hug. The cool air of the cave prickled Mari' skin, and caused small goosebumps to flare up on her arms. Mari rubbed them to bring back some of the warmth. 

Chaser offered an ear to listen - someone who was willing to talk to her about these sort of things. It was a nice sentiment, but Chaser struck Mari as someone who was a little too stubborn for that. Still...it was nice to have someone offer. Mari gave Chaser a small smile. "I appreciate that." And it was true, she did. Mari didn't really want to accept the hand, but it was a proverbial olive branch -and Mari knew it'd probably do her some good to start accepting the help. Mari clasepd Chasers hand and pulled herself up.

"Don't apologize, it's fine, really." And Mari meant it, things would be okay, right?

"You shouldn't be so hard on yourself." Mari hypocritically chided with a half smirk. "There's plenty of monsters who are gonna be hard enough as is - but..." She glanced to her energy, now full. "I suppose those Drakelings won't be an issue."

@ChaseR

 

[ChaseR 0]

Despite her good words, he looked over at her quietly with the same frown. It didn't take a mastermind to realize she was contradicting herself with her encouragement. Chase appreciated the sentiment, but... she wasn't honest about it. He tried to leave her to her own problems- to not ruin his image any further to Mari- and began to walk back to the mines as soon as he was ready. He slowly pulled his blade back out of its sheathe, holding it in front of both his hands to keep his guard up. The way that these dragons worked though, it pissed him off.

They came in pairs and what's worse, is that they completely ignored Chase- their attack spread down the narrow cavern and struck both him and Mari no matter what he tried to do. His only saving grace was if their attack missed or not. "... So much for being a tank, and monsters still find a way to ignore it...". And then came the monsters, right when he began to think about them. "Two more right up ahead.", he warned Mari and took a wide stance, a deep breath and a leap of faith right towards them, slashing at them both.

Despite his best efforts, the slash only made one flinch enough to miss with its attack. He didn't happen to activate his sword's freeze and as a result, the other spat the very same hellfire at them once more, burning them for a fair chunk of health. Thankfully though, it was no boss, thus dealing little amounts of damage compared to some monsters scarier than these hatchlings. "All yours."

Spoiler

ChaseR uses Calamity Disaster on Drakeling 5 & 6! (BD: 5, 7)
ATTACK MISSED [Drakeling 5]
18 * 12 - 15 = 216 - 15 = 201 [Drakeling 6]

Drakelings 5 & 6 use Breath of Fire! (MD: 7, 3)
100 unmitigatable damage [Drakeling 5]
ATTACK MISSED [Drakeling 6]

[1,2] ChaseR: HP: 970/1070 (-100) | EN: 104/104 | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0,0] Mari: HP: 1510/1610 (-100) | EN: 158/158 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 | BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15

Drakeling 5: HP: 350/350 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 2 | [Stun CD; -/3] | Breath of Fire [1/4]
Drakeling 6: HP: 149/350 (-201) | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 2 | [Stun CD; -/3] | Breath of Fire [1/4]

*Each Drakeling will attack with an AoE dealing 100 unmitigatable damage. After a 4 turn cooldown, the Drakeling will use Breath of Fire again.

 

Edited September 26, 2020 by ChaseR