[F10 | SP] Among the Shadows | <<Feeding Your Enemy>>

[Nymoria 0]

Feeding Your Enemy

Days had passed since Nymoria had returned from the maze. Days which she had filled with various activities; helping new players complete quests, travelling the floors in search of oddities and trinkets, and even spending days working in her shop from the rising sun to its setting point. The few times since that she’d taken to the field, Musei had been on edge. Twice she’d seen a similar weasel, one which she had sworn was the same as they’d run into in the forests of the third floor. It had been where everything had changed.

Musei had been standoffish since their return, less inclined to attend to Nymoria during the quiet hours of the day, instead choosing to spend his time alone in his own sleeping area. Where once he had run the house, now she knew where to find him at any hour; either within his sleeping area, or at the fore window of the house, staring out into the distance. The change had bothered Nymoria, only growing with each passing day. Finally, she’d decided to take matters into her own hands and provide Musei the chance to make his decision about the other weasel.

We should go for a walk. She signed towards the weasel. Musei stared at her for a few moments, before slowly sauntering towards the carrier. Nymoria made no movement to grab the pack, instead kneeling down where she had been standing. When Musei glanced at her in confusion, she simply shook her head. Clearly piquing his curiosity, the weasel turned and scrawled up her arm and onto her shoulder, like they had done when they’d first met. Nymoria waited for him to settle into place, before standing and making her way towards the front door of the house. Today we figure out how things change. Today we get answers. She closed the door behind her, locking it before heading down the path and towards the main waterfront that would provide them with a ferry towards the mainland of the floor.

-

Nymoria uses Spyglass {1} | Reduce Search Posts x5 [Dungeon, Familiar, Field Boss] for one thread

Statblock

Spoiler Notes [Theme] Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 2 | HP [680/680] | EN [104/104] | ACC [5] | DMG [22] | EVA [4] | BH [+37] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+1 BD] | LD [+1] Tier 4 | Tier 4 Equipment Repressed [Rapier | Tier 3] Enhancement: Bleed [2 Slots] Enhancement: Keen [1 Slot] Ring of Evasion [Jewelry | Tier 1] Enhancement: Evasion [3 Slots]  Hearing Aid [Trinket | Tier 1] Enhancement: Accuracy [3 Slots] Battle-Ready Inventory Uncommon Health Potion {5} [Potion | Tier 1 | Heals 5% Maximum HP] bento {1} [Meal | Tierless | Oveerhealth III] Teleport Crystal {1} Honey Cookie {5} [Snack | Tier 1 | Vitality II] Chocolate Truffles {4} [Dessert | Tier 3 | Vitality II] Dear My Friend {3} [Support Song | Tier 4 | HP Recovery III | Instant] Crystal of Support | [3/3 charges] | Heals the user and each party member for (50 * Target's Tier) HP. Requires a Post Action to use.  Skills Spoiler Utility Skills Extended Weight Limit [Active: Passive. Effect: +2 additional Battle-Ready inventory slots.] Combat Skills Battle Healing [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: While in combat, recover 1% per rank of your maximum HP (rounded down) at the beginning of your turn.] Energist [Active: Passive. Effect: Increase base Energy by 5*Tier.] Weapon Skills Rapiers [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: +7 DMG] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Stamina [Active: Passive. Effect: Reduces EN of all attacks by 2.] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Precision [Active: Passive. Effect: +1 ACC.] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Rapier Ferocity [Active: Passive. Effect: +2 DMG when using the weapon of your choice. Players cannot use Focus and Ferocity at the same time for the same Weapon Type.] [Rank 5 Shift] AOE Specialist [Active: Passive. Effect: For the following Sword Arts, +4 to multipliers and +2 to EN cost; AoE-I, AoE-II. No other Shifts may be taken.] Armour Skills Unhindered [Active: Passive. Effect: +1 Accuracy, +1 Loot Dice, +1 Evasion, +5*Tier HP. Your mitigation is capped at 0 equipment slots.] Active Extra Skills Leadership [Rank: 1. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain access to Leadership Arts every rank. In order to use a Leadership Art, it must take up a mod slot. Each Leadership Art takes up a different mod slot. Leadership Arts from different sources do not stack.] [Rank 1 Leadership Art] Elusive [Active: Post Action. Energy: 4 EN. Cooldown: 2 turns. Effect: Increase the Evasion of all players in your party by 1 for a single turn.] [Rank 2 Leadership Art] Rally [Active: Post Action. Energy: 6 EN. Cooldown: 2 turns. Effect: Increase the Accuracy of all players in your party by 1 for a single turn.] [Rank 3 Leadership Art] Steadfast [Active: Post Action. Energy: 8 EN. Cooldown: 3 turns. Effect: Status Effects that would be applied to the party for the next two turns would instead be applied to the user instead (normal rules for how status effects refresh instead of stacking apply).] Survival [Active: Passive. Effect: Increases Healing effects received from all sources by 10%. Grants immunity to all damage dealing environmental attacks/effects.] Inactive Extra Skills  Concentration [Active: Free Action. Cooldown: 5 turns. Effect: As a free action, gain Absolute Accuracy on your next attack. In the case Absolute Accuracy is already present, increase your Accuracy by 1 instead. Effect lasts until the start of next turn.] Frozen Hide [Active: Free Action. Energy: 5 EN. Cooldown: 4 turns. Effect: As a free action, apply one slot of Frost Aura and one slot of Frost Thorns equal to your tier to yourself until the start of your next turn.] Combat Mastery Damage [Rank: 3. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 * Tier additional Base Damage per rank. Ranks of this Skill obey Damage enhancement caps.] Familiar Skills Hunting Familiar [Active: Free Action. Cooldown: 5 turns. : Effect: Your familiar has a nose for treasure. Roll LD/CD (without bonuses) as if you had slain a loot-minimum mob.] Estate Buffs N/A Sword Arts Spoiler [x12] ST-I (12 10 EN) | A single-target sword art. [x15] ST-II (15 13 EN) | A powerful single-target sword art. Only available for use when ST-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if ST-II had been used and had missed the previous turn. [x20] ST-B (20 18 EN) | A devastating single-target sword art. Can only be used if the sword art used the previous turn is not ST-B and had rolled a natural CD9+. When performing an AoE attack, this CD check applies to only the first roll. [x15] AOE-I (13 11 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. [x18] AOE-II (16 14 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A powerful sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. Only available for use when AOE-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if AOE-II had been used and had missed all intended targets the previous turn. [x12] TECH-A (13 11 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy. [x12] TECH-B (13 11 EN) | DELAY | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, applies [Delay] on the enemy. [Delay] is a debuff that reduces the enemy’s ACC by 1 for one turn. [x8] TECH-F (8 6 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE STUN | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. All struck targets are stunned for one turn. Housing Buffs Spoiler Shizuka [Home] Master Bedroom [-1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat.] Living Room [Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.] Atelier (Extended Workshop) [+2 Crafting EXP per crafting attempt & +1 crafting attempt per day.] Greenhouse [+2 Gathering EXP per Attempt and additional +1 LD & CD to gathering attempts.] Storage Closet [+1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot.] Attic (Storage) [+5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests.]

Edited February 3 by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

The first ferry had left only moments before Nymoria and Musei arrived, forcing the pair to wait almost three quarters of an hour before the next arrived and was ready to depart. Neither had made any motion or movement to communicate while they waited, instead sitting in relative silence as they were passed by others on their way about their daily routines. She could almost feel the questions flowing from Musei, however, as his nervousness grew without any sort of explanation. Nymoria refused to give in, however, knowing that it would be best to wait until they had arrived at their location for the day.

The ferry had been comfortable, at least. The seats recently refurbished, and the oarsmen clearly capable as they drove the ship across the water with limited swaying. Nymoria had settled atop the second deck, taking a lookout point that provided her with a view out and into the horizon. She watched as the sun climbed into the sky, slowing cresting above the distant hills that stood as a pointer towards the other islands. The trip was short, thankfully, and as she stepped off and back onto solid land, she felt Musei shift on her shoulder.

Careful. Still some distance to go. Teleporter first. She had no doubts that the weasel was more confused now, than it had been originally. She refused to provide it any further clarification however, instead simply making her way through the town’s streets towards the device that would take her to the other floors.

[Nymoria 0]

Aryut was as busy as it always was at this time of day, and Nymoria found her path through and out of the city somewhat upheld by the various Fae and assorted creatures that blocked simple paths, requiring her to find ways around them. It was only once they had made it into the forest that she calmed slightly, letting the weasel drop to the ground and make his own way alongside her. An action that seemed to disturb Musei more than it alleviated any of his concern at their current situation.

This way. Come. The path was familiar to Nymoria, one she had taken not so long ago after she had left the area behind. She was certain Musei must have noticed it as well, as they drudged into the forest and followed the small game trails that intersected within it. Whether he had or not, however, Nymoria couldn’t quite place. The weasel followed only in a similar fashion as he had since leaving the house. His entire demeanour was reserved, an air of confusion and lack of understanding clear in every movement he made. He followed along, however, as much in curiosity as anything else.

It took a while for Nymoria to reach the small pond that they had originally stopped at, when the changes had begun. She didn’t sign anything towards Musei, instead simply settling into the same spot and leaning back against the tree as she had once done. She could see the weasel hesitate just out of reach, clearly trying to figure out exactly what was happening in the moment. His lack of certainty was obvious in the small beady eyes that stared at her, and Nymoria found herself wondering suddenly if she was doing the right thing.

She didn’t have time to question her actions too in-depth as the second weasel made a sudden appearance. It stopped on the other side of the pond, staring out towards Musei, and she saw as Musei himself suddenly tensed up. An indecisiveness took over his form, and Nymoria watched as he glanced back and forth between herself, and the other weasel.

[Nymoria 0]

Mate? She signed the single word, waiting to see how the weasel would react. Musei seemed to stare at her, before tapping a single paw on the ground. The confirmation that Nymoria had been looking for, now said aloud. There was no taking it back, and although she had known deep within her mind and heart that this moment was quickly approaching, Nymoria still found it painful to actually experience it coming to life before her. You should be with your mate.

The words seemed to shock the weasel, and she saw Musei take a couple of steps forwards, before stopping place again. He turned to stare at her, as if asking some unspoken question. Nymoria smiled, although she was sure that her sadness was visible through the smile. Her hands moved as she said what she had been thinking; what had been bothering her since their first moments coming across the other weasel. You two should be together. I am okay. You have helped me a lot, Musei. But our time together would not be forever, and if it makes you happy to be with your partner…then I am happy.

None of it was a lie, and yet Nymoria felt like she wasn’t entirely okay with everything that she had said. A part of her wanted to stop the weasel, to demand he stay. She knew it was unfair, however. That it would be demanding the weasel to make a choice that it should never have to make. Although aren’t I asking him to make that choice now, anyways? She shook away the thought, knowing that it would only cause more confusion, more doubt. Nymoria knew what she was doing; she’d spent many nights over the passed few days thinking it over. It didn’t, however, make it any easier.

Musei had paused, seemingly considering everything as he stared at her with his small, beady eyes. She could almost see the internal battle, tearing apart the small weasel’s mind and heart as it tried to make a decision it should never have had to face. Nymoria gave a single, final sign. The weasel shifted slightly, shocked by the word, before making its way towards the other standing on the far side of the pond. He took a single look back, before rushing off into the woods with his partner, and disappearing from Nymoria’s sight. She didn’t have to look up to know that his name would have been removed from her grouping list; that his presence had, effectively, been erased from her life. She chose instead, to stand and turn back towards home – a home that would now be a little bit more silent, a little bit emptier than it had been before.

Edited February 3 by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

’It is a hard thing to do, letting go of a friend.’ The woman stood before Nymoria, her presence shocking the deaf girl into motion. Her hand reached for her sabre, partially drawing it before she saw the form of the gypsy woman in truth. Nymoria stopped midway through the action of drawing the weapon, before bringing her hands up to sign towards the other.

Excuse me, you startled me. She glanced around, checking to see if there was anything else nearby that she hadn’t noticed, before returning her attention back to the gypsy woman. She looked exactly the same as the first time that Nymoria had come across her, long ago.

’Not many could do what you just did. Letting their friend go to be with the one they were destined to be with. That takes a strong, caring heart.’ Nymoria remained still as the woman spoke, her eyes trained upon the gypsy’s face, taking in everything that she said, and yet giving nothing in return. ’You should not be alone, however. I will give you those special treats that I once bestowed upon you. You may find a new friend…someone to spend your days with, however long that may be. You have proven yourself worthy of such companionship.’

She held out a familiar pouch; one which Nymoria had taken once before. Hesitantly, she reached out and took the pouch once more. As soon as it was in Nymoria’s hands, the gypsy gave a single, final comment before turning and disappearing into the woods once again. ’I will come collect it once you are done with it.’

Edited February 3 by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

She was met by darkness. Not perpetual, end of times darkness. But rather the darkness that came from a lack of light. It took Nymoria a full moment to come to the realisation that she had transported herself to another floor, but one which was covered in eternal nighttime. Alright, so…where am I?

Nymoria turned on the spot, looking around for any clues as to where she was. It took some time, but eventually the familiarity of the floor sunk into her mind, and she sighed as she stepped down off the teleporter pad. It hadn’t brought her where she wanted to go – in fact, it was far from her own home, if she were being entirely candid – but as she entered the abandoned streets of Yomi, she couldn’t help but wonder if it wasn’t the right place for the moment.

So much loss here. It’s kind of fitting for my current state. Poetic, really. She glanced down one street, seeing a flickering image as a ghostly apparition disappeared from sight, likely spooked by her presence in the area. Feet carrying her down the street, she wondered if they felt a connection to something that was gone, or if they simply remained as a presence to warn others of what could be. The musings took Nymoria’s mind away, wandering as she moved throughout the town without thought.

[Nymoria 0]

I’m hungry. The sensation was sudden, jolting her out of her lost musings and empty wanderings, and bringing her back into the moment. She had come to a stop before what was clearly once a restaurant, but now stood empty and abandoned. No sign of life within, a perfect match for the atmosphere that hovered over the town, and Nymoria herself. She crossed the street and settled against the wall of the building directly in front of the once restaurant. Opening her menu, she retrieved a collection of breads, meats and cheeses that she had picked up for the day, before beginning to break them into separate chunks for herself and Musei.

He’s not here anymore. The thought hit her harshly and strongly, and she felt herself jerk in response. She stared down at the food in her hand, unmoving for a few moments as the despair washed over her, the loneliness hitting all at once. She’d promised not to shed any tears for the loss of her companion, but in that moment she found it hard to resist. He wouldn’t want you to…he’d want you to be happy. But…do you deserve it? She shook, her entire body responding to the thoughts as she tried to drive them away. She forced herself to complete the sandwich she’d been making, a single tear rolling down her cheek as she fought against the emotions welling up inside her. Self-doubt, about the decision she had made. Self-loathing, for taking him away from a possible family and happiness for so long. Self-hatred, for being so weak that she couldn’t even keep her promise. She felt it all welling up, and breaching over the careful defences she had put in place.

[Nymoria 0]

Time had passed unnoticed as she finished her meal. She wasn’t sure how long she’d sat in the dark, eating and trying to overcome the feelings inside herself. When she finally snapped out of her reprieve, she found a lingering ghost floating passed her, her presence almost unnoticed by the thing before her as it angled away and down the street. She’d resisted, just barely, reaching for her sabre in a fear based response. Instead she’d watched as the thing floated by without casting her a second glance, before winking out of existence further down the street.

I need to break away from this…I need to do something. She forced herself up and to her feet, turning back towards the teleporter pad with a new determination. Sitting around, dealing with her emotions in this exact moment wouldn’t help her. She needed to take action of some sort. The gypsy woman gave me the treats…so I guess we find a new companion. It was the best idea she had, in the moment, and Nymoria found herself heading out from the area with at least some form of a plan in her mind.

She wasn’t quite sure where her chosen path would lead her, but she knew that she couldn’t remain sitting in the middle of a street, eating bread and cheese, for the entire day. It’s better if I keep moving forward. Keep doing things. That’s what Muse- She cut off the thought as she felt the emotions welling up behind it, knowing that it would do no good to dwell on what was already done. Instead, she chose to focus on the street before her, on the path she was taking now.

Edited February 4 by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

The empty streets sprawled out before her as Nymoria continued to follow their winding and twisting patterns. She’d managed to get herself at least slightly turned around as she’d strode blindly through them earlier, only now realising just how far from the main teleporter pad she had traversed. It would take some time to return, she knew, which meant that she needed to do something to distract herself from the thoughts of everything she had lost.

I’m going to need a new companion, that much is obvious…so what should I look for? I don’t think it would be wise to…obtain something similar. She was careful with the word choice, even in her own mind. She knew that thinking too closely to the topic would bring about emotional floods that she wasn’t sure she could deal with in the current moment. Instead, she chose to be indirect; a skill that she had learnt well throughout her younger years. Perhaps something…bigger? Would I need to retrain it? To have it learn the skills all over again…? Or would those transfer over? She wasn’t sure how the system would handle it, and she began wondering if she even wanted to have a new companion, with the same skills as Musei once had.

That’s something to figure out later. For now, I need to make a plan of action, and that starts with not wandering around aimlessly in the dark town streets, with no real idea of what I’m doing. She stopped suddenly, noticing that she had taken a wrong turn. Sighing heavily, she turned around and headed back down the street she’d just entered, retracing her steps until she was on track once more towards her destination. Flickering auras in the distance caught her eye, disappearing as soon as she paid too close attention to their presence. Imagine being followed by a ghost…

Edited February 4 by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

She shook her head at the thought, laughing slightly as she imagined being followed around by a tiny humanoid floating in the air. She knew that it was unlikely that the system would ever allow such a thing – it had strict limitations on what could be kept as a familiar, and Nymoria had never seen anything even approaching a humanoid visage by any means. Most familiars had always been animals; the types one would find as pets, even in the most exotic of essences. A few had, admittedly, been something far removed – but those were rare, and she assumed well sought after by their companion players.

Still, something original would be interesting…something to call my own. A spirit animal would be…unique. She cocked her head at the idea, wondering if it was even possible to begin with. She’d come to a stop as the thought caught her, and found herself staring off into the distance where she had last seen the glowing aura of the local populace; or what remained of it, at least. Her mind whirled at the possibilities, and Nymoria found herself distracted from the idea of pushing onwards towards the teleporter, suddenly wondering if there wasn’t more benefit in remaining within the town itself.

This would be the best place to find something spiritual, if that’s what I’m looking for…although, would that even be plausible? She wasn’t sure, but the more she thought about it, the more interested she was in attempting to find something along the lines of what she had imagined. Perhaps not humanoid, by any means, but something unique in its form and essence; something that would be as unique as she was – in it’s own way.

-

Post Action: Familiar Search
ID240468 | LD: [11+1] = 12 | Req: 15+ | Results: Failure [LD Req. -3 | 12+]

Edited February 4 by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

At some point in her walk, she’d come to a halt. Nymoria wasn’t quite sure when that was, but she knew exactly why. The idea of finding something spiritual in nature had driven her towards a singular conclusion; if she were to find a new familiar, it would most likely be on this floor. Perhaps not in Yomi itself, but somewhere within the confines and available open spaces of the tenth. Which meant that she wasn’t quite ready to leave behind the dark, desolate area that seemed to dim and consume any form of light that attempted to survive within it.

Wonderful, I can spend another few hours on the haunted floor, looking for…something that might be haunting it. This is a great idea, the best you’ve ever had. She rolled her eyes at the voice inside her head. She refused to believe that there was anything here, inside the city and safe zone at least, that could possibly hurt her – haunted or not. Instead, she reminded herself that the words were little more than an aspect of fear reaching out in an attempt to try and overcome her otherwise senseful awareness; an attempt to drive her running in fear back to her home, where she could lock herself away. Stop it. There’s no need for that. You’re fine here.

She tried to shake off the feeling, and yet found that it somehow lingered with her as she continued through the depths of streets that were covered in eternal darkness; her only relief being those few echoes of souls that provided a glimmer of light against the otherwise perpetual dark that had become their homes. Nymoria forced herself not to think about it, to simple continue heading forwards, her eyes scanning the areas for anything that could be considered familiar essence, or a sign that she was on the right path towards finding something. Just ignore the echoing darkness, and the small bouts of light that come with it…nothing to worry about there…

[Nymoria 0]

The words didn’t calm her as much as she may have desired, although Nymoria found that her immediate desire to flee the area had subsided enough that she could continue onwards without a shake in her step. She passed by numerous windows, doorways and other entrances that were devoid of any life; clear signs of the abandoned life within visible to those passing by. Numerous times she found herself stopping to view a single image before her, the entire area left untouched and uninterrupted from the passing of time; a reminder of what had once lived within.

This is what it’s like to simply disappear. To be forgotten in an instant. It’s…bleak. She felt herself shivering suddenly, the idea far too close to her own worries and concerns. She turned away from the most recent location she had stopped at – a simple tavern that still had dishes upon the tables, clearly left in the midst of a meal. The environment left an eerie feeling upon her, and Nymoria found herself once more desiring nothing more than to leave the area. And yet… At the same time, she found herself almost drown into it, her feet taking her back into the tavern to explore further. She paced the length of the room, eyeing the pieces as if she were looking for some clue, some means to figuring out what had occurred, and to understand it all better.

Her steps carried her behind the bar, where she found little in the way of interest to her on-going search for clues and understanding. Leaning against the bar, however, Nymoria found herself smiling as she imagined the tavern full of lively individuals, each moving about as they expressed some form of excitement, dread, or other emotion about their lives and day. The image that swarmed into existence before her mind’s eye brought a smile to her face, as if erasing the otherwise dreary atmosphere that the tavern – and the entire town, in extension – held over it. It was a small, imaginary spark of life returned to the otherwise dead and lifeless expanse.

[Nymoria 0]

Slowly, the imagery in her mind faded away and left only the deserted tavern that she had originally entered. With it, she felt as though a moment of joy had been stripped away; a final memory of those who had once called this place home. To Nymoria, it felt as though something important was lost in that instant; something that could never be returned now that it was gone forever.

She pushed herself off the tavern bar, stepping back around and out towards the waiting streets as she left behind the sudden cold and unwelcoming tavern. The feeling was, most likely, derived from the simple experience she had just created herself. That didn’t change her desire to escape from it, to put distance between herself and it, however. No longer welcoming, no longer warm…is that what I’m destined to become, if I keep fading away? She had no immediate answer to the question, but it brought another shiver down her spine as she realised more and more just how similar she was to the town around her.

The street was, thankfully, empty of any of the apparitions that called it home. The floating, ghostly figures that disappeared when one focus on their presence, as if they wanted nothing more than to be forgotten. A feeling that Nymoria could, oddly enough, understand and associate with more than anything else she’d found in Aincrad. They want nothing more than to simply fade away and leave all the pain and suffering behind, but they’re forced to continue…to walk these empty streets, see these empty homes…places they once lived in…forever? How terrifying. How depressing. Nymoria could feel a connection with the spirits that she couldn’t see, one which spoke out in the same desires and concepts; and yet she found herself wanting nothing more to do with them. They want their rest. We should give them that.

[Nymoria 0]

Her feet had taken her up another side street, carrying her along some unknown path that felt right to her. She knew that she wasn’t ready to leave – she still desired to find a creature that she could call friend and companion – and yet she’d slowly been coming closer and closer to the centre of the town; the location containing the teleporter pad. As if some unknown force was drawing her in towards it. She hadn’t tried to fight it – hadn’t wanted to, if she were honest. As she came around another corner, she saw a figure standing in the middle of the street, staring at a building before it, its face upturned and filled with sorrow.

That’s one of the spirits of this town. I should leave it be… Despite the words in her head, her feet were already taking her towards it, bringing her within arms reach before coming to a stop. She made no attempt to reach out, no attempt to touch it. Instead, she simply stared at it, waiting for it to notice her. When it did, in time, turn towards her with an expression of sudden shock, Nymoria was quick to sign her words. Do not be afraid. I will not harm you. I just want you to have some peace. To not be bothered. So I will watch out for you. Okay?

She was surprised that the figure stayed for the entirety of her one sided conversation. It made no sound, no response. Instead, it simply nodded slightly, before lifting its hand and pointing towards the building before them. Nymoria could see that it was once a home; a place where an individual might have lived a comfortable, full life. It took Nymoria several seconds to figure out what the other wanted.

Inside? Do you wish to go inside? The figure nodded once, its arm dropping back to its side as it seemed hesitant to move. Nymoria puzzled over the situation for a second, before signing to it once more, taking a guess at why it remained outside the location thus far. Are you scared? Do you want me to come inside with you?

[Nymoria 0]

The figure moved slowly, turning and nodding as it faced her fully. Nymoria couldn’t quite piece together the entire form of the figure, but it appeared to be a younger man, likely a young adult or older teenager. Regardless, Nymoria found herself quickly agreeing to the request. The figure moved suddenly, pacing towards the house. Nymoria jumped after it, her strides slightly shorter than the ghostly figure, and she found herself moving quickly to catch up, before passing through the threshold that had once been the door.

She followed the figure throughout the home, keeping a respectful distance from it, but remaining always in its sight so that it knew it wasn’t alone. It was an odd experience, Nymoria had to say – one where she felt almost intrusive, and yet curious to see as the figure went through the home, stopping at areas that were clearly sentimental to it. It made no attempt to explain the areas to Nymoria, in fact it made no attempt to communicate with her at all. The figure seemed to have almost forgotten her presence, if that were possible to have done. A fact that Nymoria was entirely fine with, considering what she was doing.

I wonder how many others… She considered the number of lost souls, those that were at least estimated for this floor, and found herself imagining extending her offer to all of them. She knew that most wouldn’t take it, but as she considered the few that might, she found herself wanting to do nothing more in that moment than locate and provide them each with a final moment within their chosen location. She wasn’t sure if it would do anything for them – but the figure before her seemed slightly more at peace as they came into the final room of the house; a simple bedroom that contained a collection of personal items long since abandoned. Nymoria watched as it strode towards one such item – a small teddy bear that appeared well worn – and attempted to place a hand upon the item. The hand passed straight through the item, and the ghostly figure tried once more before stepping back in defeat.

[Nymoria 0]

Would you like me to put this somewhere for you? She had shifted slightly more into the figure’s view, before signing the question towards it. It seemed to consider her words for a moment, before giving a slight nod once more. Nymoria stepped forward and around the figure, grasping the bear and gingerly lifting it from its original resting place. Dust fell from it, and she noticed a marked area where once it had stood – the only area that didn’t appear to have been untouched for centuries. Show me where.

The figure turned and led Nymoria back down and out of the house, before crossing the street towards a small park. The area was anything but eye-catching or enthralling, a simple swing set and assorted other playthings that children would enjoy. The figure crossed to one such swing set, and pointed towards the seat. Nymoria followed, crossing behind the swing and placing the bear upon its seat with care and caution, careful not to let it fall to the ground in the process. Stepping back, she glanced towards the figure, uncertain if they wanted anything further. It had, however, disappeared from sight.

Perhaps this was its final moment, a release as it saw its friend placed in a loving place? It was almost too much to hope for, and Nymoria decided that it was simply something she would never have an answer for, and a part of her hoped that it would remain that way. I should get going from here, though. There’s more areas to explore…and I might find my new life partner somewhere there.

[Nymoria 0]

Hours had passed since Nymoria had first arrived on the floor, and although she had traversed a large portion of the town following her last encounter with the spirit of one of the once residents, she had found no further beings willing to remain present when she appeared. Though they didn’t quite flee, in the typical sense at least, they were quick to fade from existence; little more than a mere shimmer in the edge of her vision that confirmed they had once been present.

I can only imagine what horrors they saw as death came for them. I wonder if I would be able to face what they face, without becoming… She wasn’t sure what she would become, if she were being honest. Still, she knew it would break her in ways that she hadn’t been broken yet. At least, still alive, she was able to face her problems with the possibility of overcoming them. Perhaps they can too…? I don’t know for certain that they’re locked into this existence for all eternity…maybe they just need assistance to become free? It was a wild thought, Nymoria knew. Many players had passed through Yomi and its dark streets before her; many who had helped to cleanse the power of the floor boss from this world. She figured that if they hadn’t found a way to free the spirits of those lost, there likely wasn’t a way.

But how do you know they even tried…? It was a minor portion of hope, and one that didn’t last long within Nymoria’s mind. A depth within her knew that she would not be able to do anything that those before her could do; she was simply a player running to catch up to the legends that had come before. The ones who had created the path that she know followed along. She was no better than them. You aren’t even as good as they were. You’re nothing more than a mask worn to pretend to the world. A broken mask, at best. A mirrored mask, able to replicate what others need to see in order to think you’re worthy.

[Nymoria 0]

The voice within her head was shaken away as Nymoria forced it from her mind. She knew better, now, than to give it any time to grow and become something more. Instead, she turned her attention towards the town around her, taking in the shop that she had come to stop before. A simple tailor’s workplace, the area appeared newer than those around it. The lights were out, and a clear sale sign had appeared off to the side slightly, confirming to Nymoria that the player who had once run it was either moving on, or had simply done what happened to many – joining the Monument and becoming nothing more than a memory.

As she turned away from the shop, Nymoria couldn’t help but think that she had, perhaps, heard the call of a raven – but she shrugged it off as nothing more than a faded memory that had caught up to her in the moment; her imagination filling in empty things that she had brought to life through nothing more than pure fancy and fantasy.

She continued down the street, making her way along the pathway that stretched out before her without any real thought or consideration for where she was going. Her mind drifted, taking in the sights and yet thinking about little at all – so much so, that she wasn’t even sure she was taking in what she saw. It’s not often that I just…wander, anymore. I’m so focused on… She cocked her head to the left, thinking about what she was focused on. Nothing really came to mind, aside from her attempt to catch up with those on the frontlines. A task that she had, essentially, completed. Not that I was at the last boss fight…I was hidden away in a room, letting everyone else fight for me. Again.

[Nymoria 0]

She came to a stop, leaning against a nearby wall as she tried to force away the voice within her head. She had missed out on the boss fight, due to her choice to pull away from the world. She couldn’t deny that, couldn’t argue that she had perhaps let some people down – but they had all arrived alive on the far side of the boss, so she had heard.

That’s because they didn’t need you there. She bit her lip, fighting back against the emotions welling up. She knew that there was a measure of truth to these words, as well, and although she didn’t want to let them simmer and stay within her, she also knew that she needed to accept them – to a degree. They didn’t need me…but not because I’m useless. They’re all capable fighters, they can handle things without me…but that doesn’t mean that they don’t want me around, that they don’t want me to assist.

Her subconscious seemed to retreat slightly, as if choosing in the moment to give up on arguing with her. An action that took Nymoria by surprise. She stood there for a few moments, wondering what had changed in the situation, what had made herself come out victor over…herself. Whatever happened, I won. That’s something to be proud of, even if it was just this one time.

[Nymoria 0]

Nymoria pushed off from the wall, intending to head away from the area when something caught her eye. She had just barely noticed it, a small glimmer of movement similar in essence to those of the individuals who had once been residents of the town. This one, however, had appeared entirely different in form from those humanoids that she had seen wandering the streets. Nymoria could have sworn that it appeared almost fox like in form, although as it disappeared from sight and left her standing there alone, she found herself questioning her own eyesight.

I’m…not sure, but I think it was a fox? Or at least the size and shape of a fox? But…what’s it doing in town? Why isn’t it out in the wilds? And why was it staring at me? The questions kept coming as Nymoria tried to piece together what she had seen before it disappeared from sight. A part of her still felt as though its eyes were watching over her; as though it was keeping an eye on her and seeing what she would do. Slowly, uncertain about whether it was still there or if she was even doing the right thing, she raised her arms and began signing towards the spot she had noticed the spiritual creature.

Hello? If you are out there, I am not going to hurt you. Please come out. I want to help you. She moved her hands slowly, ensuring that the words spelled out were easy to understand. She knew that the Cardinal’s auto translation software would ensure that anything watching would understand her almost automatically, but she felt that it was the right thing to do in the moment.

Nymoria waited several moments to see if anything would appear, but as the time ticked further and further onwards, she came to the realisation that whatever had been watching her was gone for the moment; either have retreated and run away, or simply keeping a distance from her and refusing to approach even with her promises. I should try and find it again if it is gone…perhaps it could help me to understand…something? She wasn’t quite sure what, nor why, but for some reason she found herself convinced that she needed to locate the spiritual fox.

-

Post Action: Familiar Search
ID240587 | LD: [9+1] = 10 | Req: 12+ | Results: Failure [LD Req. -3 | 9+]

Edited February 7 by Nymoria