[Game Thread] Lord Windos’ PokeRole Adventure 2: The Wild Lands

[Redstone]

Spoiler

VERY wise thinking. Sutalör, as you've learned firmly by now, was a place that took no shit and would take everything from you if given even a sliver of a chance. Best be prepared for it in FULL for now on. Heck, this lesson will serve you well back home too, since Poni Island is no slouch either and you're going to have to put up being Kahuna and your Patron's Disciple for the rest of your life....

Your mental/Bond Contact is almost meet with {S C O R N} and {C H O M P  R E J E C T} , the BGD not terribly please after you spurned its [DESIRE] for the Draco Meteor and keeping it [LOCKED, IN QUEEN'S S H A D O W ] for so long. However the feeling you convey gets Him to pause, and the offer....it is most [INTERESTING] and [APPEALING] indeed. Still, He has a LOT of reasons to [DISDAIN] you right now, and though a former Pet He was indeed [R o y a l t y] - the [W E A K] should bow to HIS [WHIMS] or be [E A T E N] , and you, despite your [SCARY FEMALE DRAGONS] were very [W E A K] compared to Him....

[A g r e e m e n t ]
[GIVE POWER FIRST]
[ F I G H T]

Feels like Gloomtail is onboard with your Plan, though He WANTS to be Taught Draco Meteor First as a 'guarantee' for his cooperation; upon doing so he'll gain + 2 Temp Loyalty (For The FIGHT) and + 1 Happiness (Perma), and He'll do his best NOT to let his Temper or Moxie get out of hand. Try to keep Him away from the [SCARY FEMALES] too - they'll rile him up and negatively affect his performance otherwise!

*Rolls...* No apparent Effect for your Prayer.

The Nurse does a doubletake at what you say and, after she proves you're indeed serious after getting put through the grinder by that very same THING, rushes off to get a contract for you to sign followed up by DELUXE Treatment to get you and you're entire Party Fully Restored WITHOUT incurring any Healing Penalties! You're Locked In Now - failure to at least TRY and Defeat the Threat will have the Center take it out of your arse to recoup the finacial cost of those Emergency Supplies !

Summoning Lani, Nalu and Kayla alongside Ecclesia it was time for a briefing of strategy (if there isnt enough space going outside for a sec). He'd make sure Gloomtail would hear his part, he would be taught the technique on the way to the location.

Gloomtail and Ecclesia would be the primary hitters due to their typing, being at less risk then the others.

He would stay with the others a ''safe'' distance away, ready to recall and haul ass on horseback should things get too intense. Nalu and Lani would stay with him. The former being rather fragile and the latter not having much to do against ghostly monsters they'd do better defending him. 

Ecclesia was to keep her distance from Gloomtail, both to prevent him from being distracted and to not have both be at risk should one be attacked. 

*determined voice* ''Remember, if we can't pull this off with extensive outside help we won't last long in the Wilds. I expect your best efforts today so we can make it out without a casualty.''

He'd look down at the Giga-Gyarados' Net Ball.. the most emergency option of emergency options. He hopes it won't come to this but there was no guarantee.

---

Anticipation slowly creeping in he'd make his way to the lobby, expecting to meet with the others.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Seddi was afraid that might happen, but he'd figured it was worth a shot anyways given the Flutter Mane had behaved so far.

Once he recovers from that brief defensive action from the FM, he'll wave the nurses off.  "Just make sure Darren's okay first.  He needs the help more than me.  And make absolutely sure that pokeball stays in his bag.  Or hand, if need be.  I don't want that critter causing any trouble here.  I'll talk with Darren about it when he's up.  Looks like someone's stuck with this ghost whether he likes it or not."

...

Glinda's puzzlement is met with a shake of Seddi's head.  "Ya did exactly what I asked ya to, Glinda.  Kusanagi's the one I need to talk with if she survived.  Hopefully she has enough sense to retreat if she can't handle it alone.  Not much glory in battle if nobody's there to witness it, victory or defeat."

He'd also return the medical supplies Oz had lended him.  He hadn't needed it, thankfully.

...

Two instances of this mysterious group showing up during the festival to continue what they started?!  Gosh darn it, he can't catch a break today, can he?!  So much for trying to relax today with Oz for a little bit...

...

Kusanagi's statement gets a frown from him.  Oh great, it got worse.  Joy.

He sighs, then nods.

"Don't strain yourself.  That was a lot.  Certainly more than I was expectin', and even more besides from what you're sayin'."

He pauses, takes a breath, lets it out.

"And no, I'm not mad, in case you were wonderin' at all.  Not surprised about what ya did either.  Doesn't mean I liked it, but I understand why ya did that."

He's not going to let this create a rift between them.  Not on his end at least.  Hopefully Kusanagi won't be bitter about that attempted tactical retreat against the power of a Malefic Monstrum.  If this partnership is going to work, they need to have an understanding with each other, of the limits they're both willing to go to in service of accomplishing both their goals.

...

"Might have a little project I'd like you two to help with later.  And I intend to look into the source of your newest friend and would greatly appreciate your cooperation with that. Not right now though.  Right now, I'd just like to know that I can rely on you two if things get dicey.  And they're going to get dicey.  Much as I hate to say it, that's all but a certainty, Muse."

* You hear Faint giggling for a little while after you let go of Flutter Mane's , but eventually its cut off as Iron Leaves purges its presence with extreme prejudice using her own Connection to your SOUL. In the process you also Heal off the More Than Lethal Damage AND get back the HP and Will Point it took away. Your partner may be muzzled, but boy that hasn't Dampened her other capabilities!

* If Seddi does a bit of poking around it (and why wouldn't he, after getting THAT sort of news and time to kill while recovering?) seems like the mysterious group was spotted throughout the Docks too, but then subsequently fled the area en-mass when a GIGANTIC GYARADOS suddenly appeared and then disappeared in the area. Their were also a few suspicious/exotic/weird church-esqe 'cosplayers' and styled people + their supporters spotted participating in the Pokeathon, but after a Beliaddon popped up there they decided that the competition was a BIT too hot for them and left early. 

Seems like this group has DRASTICALLY ramped in activity ever since the Festival started, but by sheer serendipity or Good Fortune your fellow Astral Souls have been in the right place and right times to disrupt their activities! ....Even if they have to take the brunt of Miss Fortune's Favor in the process, but that is so often the case of Fortunate, Destined individuals like you....

*Your Old Blade of Glory paused at your remark, not looking surprised per say but not quite expecting you being so tolerant either. She simply 'looked' at you for a moment....before slowly nodding.

The old otter isn't happy about how things went down - both your Retreat and how the threat escalated regardless of her best efforts - but much like you she will not let this cleave you two apart. It's still a long ways before you two can 'see' each other completely eye-to-eyeless , but...your new yet worn blade feels just a bit more comfortable in your grasp.

* You feel Muse bob up and down on your shoulder - presumably nodding - before they leave. Enigmatic though they and Bernhard seem to be, its clear at least they are rather caring people at heart.

(Will answer the second part of your post later - Please wait warmly while I update everyone else...)

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Oz was made of all kinds of ordeals she was forced to endure. From her harsh training as a Sky Scimitar. The failed mission where her friends and companions died. To use their corpses as a hiding place. And to abandon her region and old life to live the life of a wanderer witch.

None of these ordeals can compare to the ordeal she has to endure now.

Oz had to try to hold her face throat in the ground, trying as best she can to not lose consciousness, but she knows it is a losing battle. Hecate is stronger than her. Then she decided to try to talk, do anything to stop her.

Which is a very difficult thing when your daughter is strangling you.

“He-Hecate, p-p-please. Y-Y-you hur-hurting m-m-me!” Oz could barely speak, the pain was too much.



She began to feel her mind going away, little by little fainting.

Damn it…My friends need me…I…I can’t believe I will fail them again. I can’t fail them again…I…Can’t…

Damn it all…If I just had my gauntlet I could do something…If I had a way to focus spells, I could try to use a Teleport or at least a Phantom Force…Something I could focus my emotions somehow…

Wait…”focus”?

!

Then it clicked in her head. A gauntlet is nothing more than something to focus the power of Pokemon with the Magi. An artificial way for humans with connection to Earthpower to connect to their Pokemon and use their moves and powers. And summon spells.

While strangling, she tries to move her neck, seeing her necklace: The Key Stone.

It’s a shot in the dark…But it is her best chance.

One hand of Oz tries to hold Hecate as best she can.

“Hecate…I know you are hurt…And I am sorry…I am sorry for what I did to you…”

With the other hand, she grabs her Key Stone, her necklace, and show in front of Hecate.

“I…I should have trusted you. Should have trusted you, and thought about how you would feel. This Key Stone and the Mega Stone on your head is the symbol of our trust!”

Oz then closes her eyes, trying to focus the spell she has on mind.

“You are my daughter, my pride, my everything. And I love you. But I am also a medic and a healer. And I must heal people and Pokemon hearts. This includes you, sister! I refuse to give up on the people who need me! And I refuse to give up on you, my beloved daughter!”

She then uses the connection with Hecate herself, using her Bond as a way to help deepen the focus and call upon her Move: Aromatherapy.

Key Stones have the power to connect trainer and Pokemon, using the bond between the two to make the Pokemon evolve BEYOND its limits. The Mega Evolution. And to summon a Move so powerful a pokemon could not do normally by itself: Z-Move. It’s an artefact who uses the bond of both to call upon power.

In a way…very similar to the gauntlets of Scimitars.

It’s a shot in the dark. But it's the best chance Oz has to try to escape Hecate grab.

Action: Use words to calmdown Hecate, and try to use the Key Stone/Mega Necklace and use her Bond with Hecate and use Aromatherapy as a way to calm her sister/daughter. Maybe a combination of Oz words + Aromatherapy could help calm Hecate emotions (thanks for the amazing idea @PhantomUnderYourDesk !) Let’s try to use that method you mentioned Windos. If there is a time to test the theory is NOW. Between Oz Pokemon, Hecate is problably the one with deepest connection with Oz, alongside Glinda.

Considering it was your Witch's intent to Faint and cart you away so you can't join the Call to Arms your initial plea is met with resounding silence and her scowl deepening. As far as opening statements get, this one was...less than effective. 

Which was pretty bad, since you're vision was starting to get very spotting and your lungs were starting to burn.

Yet.

Yet.

Yet you still prevailed, spending Will and deepening your connection to Nature itself to brace yourself against your Sister's attempt at Tough Love.

Then, you had your Idea in a flash of Insightful inspiration as you were Teeter Dancing on the edge of oblivion.

Using your Key Stone as a Magic Focus?

In this situation?

VERY bold and risky Move....but when you're literally getting strangled for time....you got no choice but to ACT!

Before you ACT, though, you try one last desperate shot at entreating for your child to cease her drastic, hasty play to protect you. The speech comes as a surprise to your martial mistress, both the ardent feeling you were frantically yet firmly STILL trying to convey and the fact that you were still able to even take and Move around to begin with! What in the world?! She KNEW her Mother-Master was amazing, but in this case....

Plea for Clemency!
INS (4) + Contest (*3) + Empathy (2) - 4 (WHY WON'T YOU FAINT ALREADY?!)
(2)(4)(4)(5)(6) 4 Successes!

...despite her IMMENSE F E A R  and Frustration with it in this VERY ODD and stressing scenario, your little girl can't but admire your Resolve anyway. Even now, at your most vulnerable and in a situation neither of you never could have possibly imagined, your beautiful heart shined bright as ever....

...Though it doesn stop Hecate from trying to Faint you. She's still determined as ever to stop your foolishness before it can truly become terminal for the last time. Only now she's more distressed and Pained than ever at what she felt was necessary....

...Yet, for a briefest moment, her grip slackened just ever so slightly.

Enough to allow you to bring your Full Focus and Channel your own Magic and hers in earnest to try and cast one last ditch Spell to calm your Wonder Witch DOWN!

Hecate's eyes widen at the surge of power flowing between her and YOU, and is downright caught off guard when your Key Stone starts to glow too......and her Mega Stone as well ?! What in the - ?!?!?!

Key Focused EVOCATION: Aromatherapy !

SPE (14 - you're going ALL out to save your but, and you're able to get at Hecate's Power too through you Plea!) + Survival (*3 - STRUGGLING with all your Will!) + Nature (2) - 7 (VERY Unorthodox Spell Casting Method + SEVERE HAPPERING OF CONCENTRATION) - 3 Successes (KEY STONE/MEGA STONE RESONANCE?!?!) = 12D6 Dice

(3)(2)(2)(2)(3)(4) (5)(3)(1)(1)(5)(2)  3 - 3 -1 =
NEGATIVE SUCCESSES!!!

Luck Dice Activate for BOTH you and Hecate!
(1) DOH! (6) HUH?

Due to the Results, we're doing a most Strange Fused Fortune Roll - *8 Dice , ??? !!!
(1)(6)(3)(6) (3)(1)(3)(6) !!!
Snake Eyes, Trios, and Devil's Sign !!!!!

By Father Fate, Lady Luck, and Miss Fortune!!!

Coin Flip: GOOD? or BAD?
*Flips*
Heads 

Rarity of ???: (*3)(*3) 
Auto Rare
Severity: Rolling 1D20 three times, taking most interesting result at + 3 - (12) , (18) , (7)
Crit - Auto Confirmed
Wackiness: Rolling 1D100 three times, taking most interesting result at + 3 - (18) , (56) , (89)
Top Echelon Roll

*Maniacal Laughter* Oh joy!

Here
we 
GO~!

--- 

One moment, the very air froze around you and Hecate, the very Force of Magic and your Bond suddenly going taut.

Both of your expression go rigid, plain surprise, awe, and dread waring for dominance as you felt each other like never before...

*SNAP!*

SE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xKUK5G4TCw

And then your Bond suddenly draws you two IN

*F   L   A   S   H*

Oz/Hecate/You White Out........

====

@Dragonstrike , @Redstone , @PhantomUnderYourDesk

Off in the room where Darren is currently being held, treated, and observed, you all three (who were currently waiting/watching/also being treated there, but with enough distance between each other to have semi-private conversations) felt the Center *Thrum* as something just happened.

Something...BEYOND STRANGE.

Then -

*F     L      A     S     H!*

*SHIIIIIIIIIING!*

********************

SEs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1TxgIY50gk and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2PeOV07F-M

You saw a prismatic light come from a nearby stock room, along with a reverberating *noise* that make your teeth ache a a pulse of ***** that made your SOULs feel.....weird.

Said nearby stock room currently had Oz in it, who had elected to use it moments earlier as a more secluded location to discuss her Choice to Answer the Call to Arms and go Face The Hateful Sandlossugeist .

Uh...

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

......Bernhard wastes no time and with a grim expression makes use of Cyan Surge to rush over to that room that prismatic light and noise came from. He doesn't even knock (not very polite, but in case of emergency allowed in his book)

"Oz, dear, ARE YOU OKAY...?"

[Spiritmon]

Oz mind was a big fog. Slowly she open her eyes and stand up, putting her hand to her head, trying to oriented herself. "Hecate? Fortuna? Sisters? Where are you?"

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

*still sobs in a happy and very touched manner* Also fuck your computer indeed *angry fist*)



No SSRI or SNRI needed anymore when you have MAGIC ! Oh, I love~ this Zen State mechanic (can we have this in real life too please?)


Bernhard has literally nothing to say or add to Zephy's words and her reassurance. They simply...touch him on a very sensitive nerve, he just..lets them sink in.

And at the end of her words, as she gently cradles his head...he cannot hold back tears anymore, and he does not care whether Zephy sees these. He'll let her dry or catch these even. All the anxiety, all the happenings, all the troubles and problems from the previous days, him feeling like a most beloved plaything by Father Fate, Miss Fortune and Lady Luck, and noooow the regret and self-loathing and blame he puts on himself... There's only so much a man like Bernhard can handle without something breaking inside.

But...let's not worry about this just now. Let's just...look ahead and do what's right in Bern's book.

"Oh you, dear Zephy..." He'd tell her with a smile and scratching her chin, "...I TOLD you so often I don't want to be a 'hero', as you are putting it. My place is in the field of magic and alchemy, to be on par with Acrowls one glory day.... But... That shouldn't prevent us from being...heroic in this case, I guess? *chuckles* If you wish to put it THAT way...."



There's no real need to convince Equinox to listen to orders, as using her moves via the Gauntlet bypasses disobedience (very handy!). Still, Bern does desire to summon and have a word with the glowy creature: "Oh dear, where to begin.... Equinox, dear. This shall be...the first time I'll be making use of your powers and unique skills. Do not be afraid and let me draw upon them for the greater good... *glances out of the window, then back at Umbrelong with a mild smirk* Let us see how that...THING....can handle your unique skills of radiation, now can it?~" He gives her a gentle headpat.

Same with Nirix, Myra and Spritzee, they all are summoned and receive reassurance and the request to allow us drawing upon their power for what we feel is RIGHT. "You may not know... But... All of you, as my magical companions, you do mean more to me than you might think. Please..lend me your strengths. For I rely on them. Without you, I'd be nothing and weak... If any of you may not make it out alive... Know that it will not be in vain. Our time together remains, and that is what counts." (Doesn't mean that Bernhard will not try his best to have them survive!)

And while we're at it, way ahead of the plan 
- Teach Stored Power and Swords Dance to Nirix
- Teach Icy Wind to Zephy
- Teach Moon Blast to Spritzee

Aaaaand while we're also at it, send a message to Morgana, which simply reads "If you do not hear anything from me within a week from now on... Know that I have always secretly loved you, despite me resisting this not being the case"


That...should be all, I think. About time we go and find the others, now is there? The anxious and fearful Bernhard from before is gone, instead there's now a Bernhard that's brimming with Serenity and Determination.

(*Snaps!* Still got it, he he! Also, got my computer to behave again, so let such whoopsies not happen so frequently now PLEASE)

You still have to pay for the Cost via Gauntlet Stress and/or rather laborious set-up, and too much Mental Magic is...not exactly a good thing to subject yourself to. Though maybe after your rather storied history with Morgana you've developed a certain....affinity towards being on the receiving end? I dunno...you do you!

Indeed she does wipe and flash freeze/evaporate the tears away, tickling your skin and eliciting some reflexive laughter - you can almost imagine the somber but still happy smile at that. 

Even should you break, Zephy will be there to take the piece, glue them together with Gold, and restore you to more than your former glory. Always. Now....when....and then.

Your Cute! Sketcher simply rolls her eyes (not that you can see) and huffs (THAT you can detect) at your remarks, totally buying your retort.

"Yeah, yeah, Erni. Buuuut how about we indulge overselves this once? Maybe you'll re-discover your craving for such adventure and Do Goodery, he he!"

Uh....about that: You can't use her Nuclear Type Moves OR the ones I said you can't via the Gauntlet. This is due to the fact that Nuclear Energy, surprise surprise, is a rather BAD thing to subject your delicate Magi-Tech too and your oh so fragile body. The Radiant Topax only applies to its Wielder, and only Nox (as of now) can safely use the dang thing without being Corrupted or setting the speed record for Super Turbo Cancer DEATH, so don't think her/them Holding it permits the safe and clean use of Nuclear Energy buster! 

If you're wondering about HOW you're able to use Cyan Surge regardless....technically you're not. You're using a part of its Effect - the Triple Acrobatics and Speed Boost, as well as its Priority - in some hasty but intuitive Invocations by boot strapping C.S.'s Movement based Effect to Myra's Quick Attack , optionally while also Flying via Zephy's Influence and with Agility Boosts. So far you've managed to pull such fleet footed SPEED without complications or Stressing yourself and your Gauntlet, but that's just beginner's Luck couple with CRISIS Motivation and your own built up familiarity of going FAST (Sky Scimitar Flight AND Good Movepool Privliage~~!) . Start using it more regularly and SERIOUSLY in 'average' situations.....well, the results could be a Roll of the Dice .

So IF you want to utilize Nuclear POWER in Battle, you got to Summon and Use Nox in an actual Fight like, *Gasp*, a Normal Trainer, *Shudders!* !

You're pep-talk/prep-talk just gets you a very confused tilt of their/her head, but they/she very much enjoy the free affection you give. Myra looks a bit envious about it...until Nox turns a favors her with casual [Interest] , causing her to duck her head and blush a bit....

That aside, however, your oldest and most faithful partners simply give you firm and resolute nods, a feeling old, well tested Support flowing between you all. Spritzee, on the other hand, makes funny little excited hops in the air and coos in delight, before floating up to give you an eskimo kiss to show how thrilled they are! Oh, a chance to be of USE to their Master AND push both their Magic even further? Yay!!!

All Moves Successfully Taught Without a Problem! !

You don't get an immediate response back from Morgana, which is.... worrisome but not that unusual as of late. What may come of it, however....wait and see.

After all that is when the [F L A S H !] happened, so we'll get to that when at least a few others make their own responses!

[Lord Windos]

Oz mind was a big fog. Slowly she open her eyes and stand up, putting her hand to her head, trying to oriented herself. "Hecate? Fortuna? Sisters? Where are you?"

......Bernhard wastes no time and with a grim expression makes use of Cyan Surge to rush over to that room that prismatic light and noise came from. He doesn't even knock (not very polite, but in case of emergency allowed in his book)

"Oz, dear, ARE YOU OKAY...?"

Bernhard, being the one with literal SPEED HAX, is able to blur into action and onto the scene, forcing the door open....!

....
....
....What the fu -  

Off to the side, the Coven of Witches can't help but....stare. Fortuna gapping, Persaphone and Bethy confused yet FASCINATED, Meza suffering from a BSOD, and Glinda....

You...
You?
You.....let out an involuntary, verberating groan as you place three of your hands around your face and body, slowly trying to message the....Strange feeling away with one, rubbing your closed eyes with another, and the last propping you up as it twines around your hourglass waist. 

Your vision was clear as ever, the violet tint to it giving everything a nice familiar shading. 

Stretching as you stood to your full, TALL height your one free arm across your chest while still rubbing your closed eyes with another, giving Bern and the Coven a perplexed look, as your pony-tails freely floated and danced in the still air like usual.

What
Was...
"Why are you all staring as us like that???" you say, now very Confused yourself.

[Spiritmon]

Extremely confused by her reactions, Oz looks at her own three hands.

Wait. Three hands?

She looks at her own hands. A fear came to her mind. She rushed to the closest object with a reflection, a mirror, and tried to take a look about what the hell happened to 
her.

[Lord Windos]

Extremely confused by her reactions, Oz looks at her own three hands.

Wait. Three hands?

She looks at her own hands. A fear came to her mind. She rushed to the closest object with a reflection, a mirror, and tried to take a look about what the hell happened to 
her.

Yes
Indeed
Correct, three out of your four hands. What was there to be so surprised about THAT normal thing about you?

Still, since you were still feeling pretty light-headed after....you can't rightly recall what H a p p e n . 

Huh
Weird
"Strange..." you mutter, as you decided to humor that odd notion. Perhaps a Status check was in order, if you're suffering from some unwanted Amnesia.

With a *Snap Snap Snap Snap!* from your four hands you conjured forth a nice Reflective pane of energy to see yourself for a closer inspection....

Sound Effects: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DYYfScV7gI into -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMDQck-WbxY

Images Referenced: 
1. https://commishes.io/image/7705250/never...dc824bee3d
2. https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773...Q-h3dlhX28
3.  https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/image...FnCoW4bQ&s

...and you Look the Same as you always did. Perhaps your Battle-Dress - a tasteful fusion of ballroom gown and flowery cheongsam -  was a bit scruffy from the fall, and your big floppy witchy conical hat somewhat at an askew angle (which explains why those hands sprouting from it were feeling a bit funny), but otherwise you looked perfectly fine. You smooth out the imperfections with a bit of telekinetic force and readjust you hat with your two primary hand on your body, taking a moment to admire your sparkling, porcelain pale off-white (with a hint of pink) and flawless skin with a satisfied (if slightly tired) nod.

Your eyes were still closed, but that was fine - opening them would be too much of a bother, and this level of Insight and Acuity of the World worked just fine outside of Glorious Battle or Fanciful Witchcraft. Huh, now that you are looking, your lacy, supple, armored silver-pink-violent battle-greaves where a bit dingy too. Oh bother, that'll take FOREVER to get it to shine right once more. At least the flowy sleeves covering your primary arms were in proper condition!

"Hmm....everything seems to be in Order for us...." you mutter to yourself, before you glance over at your Coven, then everyone else, still looking rather Confused and now a bit worried about....whatever caused your fall and subsequent laspe of memory and this odd feeling...

Did
How
"Does anyone know what exactly happened to us just now? We can't seem to recall it," you state, as you resume rubbing your forehead with one of your hat hands...

[Mikaruge108]

in between fades, Darren sees the light flash, but doesn't think too much of it, attributing it to being a hallucination. Until he sees Oz's new form later or another player tells him otherwise, that is what he'll think