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

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Meanwhile...

Time almost seemed to slow down more and more as the fight continued and Seddi watched plans both succeed and fail.

The clashes doing their job, preventing the wolf from evading the attacks.

Kusanagi failing to clash one attack and getting her CUT technique stolen.

Bernhard's gauntlet becoming severed.

Nox enacting righteous justice as they copy the technique and CUT out the wolf's evasive capabilities.

The ground continuing to rumble as Citrine and Decidueye fight the Land Whale underneath them all.

Seddi runs over to Bernhard, and with a spinning flourish, pulls a Full Restore off his belt to fully heal the mage.  "You're not out of this fight yet."

No time for mistakes.

Persist.

Adapt.

Survive.

And then...

That howl of pain.  Desperation.

That plea for help, and those pulses from the Boa of Resolution and the Black Braid.

Music: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly Theme

As the cowboy locks eyes with the mad wolf desperately fighting back to get control, Seddi takes a deep breath.  Time almost seems to stop.

Iron Leaves....she's not too thrilled with the DANGER you're putting yourself in. While the fate of the Region and the World at large rests on What You Do....such relatively minor Conflicts like this Dameon (*Shudders*) with Disproportionate Risk to Reward should be avoided. Because, as just mentioned, a LOT rides on you two Succeeding in your Missions.

Leaves's mission first mindset, preferring to let the city deal with this mess without their assistance.  Even now, he can sense she'd prefer he take a direct route to ensuring this wolf cannot pose a threat to them.

"If things go sideways we'll be far worse off or maybe even dead 'fore we even get a shot at taking down their Boss. Mercy and politeness is a privilege of the strong, and we don't know yet how we stack up against them firepower-wise for that to be feasible or a pipe-dream. We're already risking our necks enough pulling a Savoir - why give Luck and Odds more of a bead on putting us 6 feet under or getting our immortal SOULs eaten and damned ? "

James's words echo as well.  Why take any more risks than necessary at all?

A flash of light, fist colliding with energy blade in an impossible feat of resilience and resolve.

A young lad wearing a porcelain mask, all but begging that he help these creatures escape from their torment.

Those blue eyes, directly asking him to stop them in their madness.  No matter what it takes.

When Seddi let's that breath out, he's made his choice.

Why would they take a risk like this?

Because it's the right thing to do.  Not for himself, but for those depending on him.

Nobody said doing the right thing would be easy.

Justice requires Resolve.

And so, he locks eyes with the Mad Wolf once more, as everything around seems to wait in anticipation.

He's got one shot.  One chance to save this wolf from this curse and itself.

And he...

Won't...

Miss.

Time seems to speed up again.

As quickly as Seddi ran to the wounded Bernhard, the cowboy is gone just as quickly.

And he's running straight towards the Masked Wolf, Pericot Berry in hand!

So great is his Resolve, he will spend a Will Point to make it more likely that he'll get to stuff this berry down that wolf's throat!

It's time to wrangle this wolf!

You could feel your Verdant Blade's alarm and see Ceruledge's eyes out of the corner of yours widen as you Steeled your Resolve and rode off to the Masked Wolf's rescue. 

Ceruledge would not react fast enough to interfere, their momentum yet to build up to her next Action.

Iron Leaves, however, could, and you felt Her Ball *vibrate* and *SHAKE* , threatening to burst out to bring forth your mighty stead so that She may cease your seemingly suicidal recklessness....

*A flash of light, fist colliding with energy blade in an impossible feat of resilience and resolve - Going GUNS BLAZING to Prove Himself to.... *

Remembrance

[EXCEPTIONAL: Well Done...My Master]

Hesitation

Bond Forged Through Grit and Challenging FATE itself

...

Acceptance

- Her Balls goes still.

You don't have time to ponder what your Partner feels right now.

For somebody needs to be SAVED.

Mask Wolf's eyes flared and widened in shock as you got closer, the HATE and MADNESS seeming to gain hold for just a moment.....before their natural blue shined like the Stars.

Just long enough for you to see their fear .... and their HOPE.

Bullet Time: Heroism
DEX (5) + Survival (3) + Athletics & Nature (*5) + The Courage to PROTECT (Convert (1)s and 2 Fails to Successes, ???) - MADNESS, HURT, BLOODLUST (*1 [SURPESSED]) - 8 Actions + 1 Will (+ 2 Successes) = 5D6 + 2
(5)(6)(*6)(*5)(*5) ...

In but a blink -

You were there.

*BONUS ACTION*
STR (*5) + *2  + 2 Successes + The Courage to PROTECT  + *2D6 vs Foe STR (*5) + HATE/MADNESS RESISTANCE (*2) + Instinct (*3 [WILLING]])
(*5)(*6)(*5)(3)(5)(6)(4) + (4)(2) vs (3)(5)(3)(5)(4) (6)(2)(2)(2)(3)

You grip their mouth and force it WIDE OPEN -

Trainer Action #2:  .....And shove the Pericot Berry down their throat.

*C H O M P!*

You take Lethal 4 Damage; 8/8 HP, - 1 Pain.

The Masked Wolf automatically bites down on your hand, the sheer surprise, their Instinct, and that wretched HATEFUL MADNESS spurring it to lash out at the hand that.....

Feed.....

It......?

...

INS (7) + Will (10) + 1/2 Pain (4) + Blood of a Heroic Warden (+ 3 Successes) vs HATE AND MADNESS CONSUMES YOU (10) + Disobedience (5) + Instincts/Bloodlust (5) 

(-)(4)(-)(4)(6) (4)(4)(-)(-)(6) (2)(2)(4)(-)(2) (5)(4)(5)(3)(4)(4) + 3 + *2 (A F r i e n d in need~)
(1)(3)(3)(4)(3) (3)(6)(3)(4)(2) (5)(2)(2)(3)(1) (3)(2)(5)(4)(3)

17 vs 5

Music: Neil LeVang - Ghost Riders In The Sky (1961) 4K

......You feel your punctured, Cursed hand *drop* from the Dancing Wolf's mouth.

They looked up at you, their bright, blazing blue eyes meeting your own.

Then, they take a step back, raise their head, and 

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

You're blow onto your back as a the CURSED, HATEFUL MADNESS that rooted deep within her Mind and SOUL was expelled and DESTROYED, the Pericot Berry, you, and the efforts of everyone finally allowing her Will to overcome it.

The Kamureiyō, now freed....
....collapses on her side.

Their Wound and Pain overwhelming, and their Will near spent.

Slowly, their eyes start to dim....

But before they go out completely.....

"S-seddi? B-Bern? Thank you."

Kamureiyō Faints.

A gust of wind sweeps throughout the battlefield, as everyone finally proceeded the beyond ballsy stunt you just pulled off.

"......Well ain't that a mother - "

*R O L L S*

'James' is cut off as a hole is BLASTED right out of the ground next to him, causing him to leap back in alarm and point his gun at the spot. Sand and....ice rained upon him and everyone else, and as it did out came Citrine and Deicidueye, both supporting one another as they float/flew out.

The Water Scimitar's Gauntlet was in ruins, thoroughly cracked, sparking, and covered in a thick layer of ICE - it was the last that was the only thing keeping the arcane magi-tech together on their hand. The Green Arrow looked like they go tenderized with how many gapping holes were punched through its body, match the few on their newest Fire (or Water, Grass, and Ice, rather) Forged Friend.

Both of them panted hard for a bit before their breaths slowed and evened out. Slowly, both panned their gazes over the battlefield, reading the scene...

...Got a look at the Fainted Masked Wolf, bloodied Seddi and Bern, the fallen Lopzu, the reeling Nox, Ceruledge, Octillary, and Kusanagi, and the stunned disbelief from Mr. Pinstripes as he lowers his firearm....

*HEAVY SIGHING*

"....That is that, I suppose."
"Deicidueye...."

Later on, the Magi would explain they and the owl were forced to work closely together to pin down the Land Whale long enough for them to use their FROSNOVA Spell on it, defeating and Freezing the beast solid at the cost to their Gauntlet.

However, that isn't relevant. 

For off in the distance, where the sand meet the waves, something distracts you all here.

SE:ROARING

*F L A S H*

*ZZZZZZZZZEEEEEEEEEEE!*

*Ding*

A PILLAR of PURE WHITE LIGHT that pierces Earth, Sea, and Wind, straight into the Starry Heavens.

Astral Stone were NOW in hand, burning Cold Pure, and ......

Everyone there is engulf in W H I T E  L I G H T .

[Lord Windos]

Music: Universe - Void Stranger

d @Spiritmon @Redstone @Dragonstrike @PhantomUnderYourDesk

Bright

White

Space

Pure-Pink-Blue Borealis Ribbons Stretch across the expanse

Twinkling lights and glimmering mist fill the void

Emptiness

Until...

Music: The Legends

First Came The Grandest White Witch of Fortune and Destiny
Then The Dragonic Warlock of Water and Worlds
Next The Wise Redeemed Knight of the Sword
Last The Displaced Wizard of Creativity and Renewal

One
by
one

they came

Stillness....

.....until

M y   v o i c e   r e a c h e d  o u t  t o  t h e m

SE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY-V4_Nh...KZ&index=4

I n t e r e s t i n g 

S u c h  

C a l a m i t y

R u i n


T h e  E a r t h, C h a o t ic  a n d  t w i s t e d

T h e  S e a s, R a i n  a n d  M i s t 

O t h e r  W o r l d s B e s e e c h i n g



T h e  D i v i n e  -  P r o f a n e

A r c a n a

O f  M i n e



T h e   W o r l d   C r i e d  F o r  H e l p
T h e  S t a r s  W i s h i n g  F o r  O r d e r
Y o u  l i s t e n e d
S a w
I n v o l v e d

S o  D i d  I
S o  I  S a w 
S o  I  a m

.......
......
.....
...

W i t c h
W a r l o c k
K n i g h t
W i z a r d

I  a m  i n t r i g u e d
I  a m  m o v e d
I  a m  b e m u s e d
I  a m  i m p r e s s e d
I 
A M
F A Y E T T E
Somewhere in Time - Zero Ranger

A n d  I  h a v e  a  D e a l  F o r  A l l  of  Y o u

M y   A i d 

M y  I n t e r v e n t i o n

M y  P o w e r

I  W i l  l  U s e

T o  S t o p  T h i s  D e m o n

I t s   B l i g h t

 G i v e  B a c k  A l l  T h a t  I t  C l a i m e d

A n d  b e q u e t h  B o o n  u n t o  y o u


I n  e x c h a n g e 

A  C l a i m  I  W i l l  M a k e

O n  E a c h  o f  y o u r  S o u l s

H e l d   U n t i l  T i m e

A  F a v o r  F r o m  E a c h  o f  Y o u  

P r o m i s e  M a d e  T o  S e e k  M e  O u t

T a k e  a   R e s p o n s i b i l i t y   D e a d , D e a d l y , a n d  D e a t h l y  O l d

I s  F u l f i l l e d


S o  I  s w e a r 
A s
S h e p a r d 
o f
t h e 
A E T H E R I A L

W h a t  
i s 
Y o u r 
C h o i c e
A S T R A L  S O U L S?

====

Fayette has offered you Four Souls a Deal. 

Summoned and beckoned by Oz' and Akamu's Fortunate and Magical Feats, and impressed and amused by Seddi's and Bernhard's Efforts, and respecting all of your tenacity and boldness.

She offers thus: The Hateful Sandlossugeist will be Dealt With, All the Harm and Lives it took Returned, fix all of you up, and even Grant you a Boon to bolster the Potential and Valor it Witnessed and enjoyed.

In exchange: Fayette will have a Claim on Each SOUL that Accepts, Each Soul that Accpets Must Own her a Favor, Each Soul that accepts must one day Meet Her, and Each Soul must one day accept a responsibility most grave indeed.  The Major Encounter also ends early, and you won't get the full XP or all the possible Rewards for it.

This is a Majority Vote - Whichever outcome has the most support will Win. Ties will be simply have me decide which choice is right if the tone of the conversation feels as if it favors one side over the other by the time the votes are cast.

Do you understand?

If so, deliberate and decide.

[Redstone]

W h a t  
i s 
Y o u r 
C h o i c e
A S T R A L  S O U L S?

====

Fayette has offered you Four Souls a Deal. 

Do you understand?

If so, deliberate and decide.

Tapu Ruins

A Deal of one's soul, to be indebted to a deity. Now that rings close to home doesn't it? 

Back on that fateful day, the one that would change his life forever. A debt to be paid, a boon to be earned.

To prove......


To just 'give up' now? To disregard what they had already pulled off, to not even try and vanquish the monster himself, to betray her and his purpose for some people he would never know? No, he couldn't do that.

This may be his battle to fight, but it wasn't his choice to make.

He would stay loyal, in body and soul.

The W a r l o c k was certain, mind clear and calm as the sea. He would only utter a single word.


''No''

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Music: Universe - Void Stranger

d @Spiritmon @Redstone @Dragonstrike @PhantomUnderYourDesk

Bright

White

Space

Pure-Pink-Blue Borealis Ribbons Stretch across the expanse

Twinkling lights and glimmering mist fill the void

Emptiness

Until...

Music: The Legends

First Came The Grandest White Witch of Fortune and Destiny
Then The Dragonic Warlock of Water and Worlds
Next The Wise Redeemed Knight of the Sword
Last The Displaced Wizard of Creativity and Renewal

One
by
one

they came

Stillness....

.....until

M y   v o i c e   r e a c h e d  o u t  t o  t h e m

SE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY-V4_Nh...KZ&index=4

I n t e r e s t i n g 

S u c h  

C a l a m i t y

R u i n


T h e  E a r t h, C h a o t ic  a n d  t w i s t e d

T h e  S e a s, R a i n  a n d  M i s t 

O t h e r  W o r l d s B e s e e c h i n g



T h e  D i v i n e  -  P r o f a n e

A r c a n a

O f  M i n e



T h e   W o r l d   C r i e d  F o r  H e l p
T h e  S t a r s  W i s h i n g  F o r  O r d e r
Y o u  l i s t e n e d
S a w
I n v o l v e d

S o  D i d  I
S o  I  S a w 
S o  I  a m

.......
......
.....
...

W i t c h
W a r l o c k
K n i g h t
W i z a r d

I  a m  i n t r i g u e d
I  a m  m o v e d
I  a m  b e m u s e d
I  a m  i m p r e s s e d
I 
A M
F A Y E T T E
Somewhere in Time - Zero Ranger

A n d  I  h a v e  a  D e a l  F o r  A l l  of  Y o u

M y   A i d 

M y  I n t e r v e n t i o n

M y  P o w e r

I  W i l  l  U s e

T o  S t o p  T h i s  D e m o n

I t s   B l i g h t

 G i v e  B a c k  A l l  T h a t  I t  C l a i m e d

A n d  b e q u e t h  B o o n  u n t o  y o u


I n  e x c h a n g e 

A  C l a i m  I  W i l l  M a k e

O n  E a c h  o f  y o u r  S o u l s

H e l d   U n t i l  T i m e

A  F a v o r  F r o m  E a c h  o f  Y o u  

P r o m i s e  M a d e  T o  S e e k  M e  O u t

T a k e  a   R e s p o n s i b i l i t y   D e a d , D e a d l y , a n d  D e a t h l y  O l d

I s  F u l f i l l e d


S o  I  s w e a r 
A s
S h e p a r d 
o f
t h e 
A E T H E R I A L

W h a t  
i s 
Y o u r 
C h o i c e
A S T R A L  S O U L S?

====

Fayette has offered you Four Souls a Deal. 

Summoned and beckoned by Oz' and Akamu's Fortunate and Magical Feats, and impressed and amused by Seddi's and Bernhard's Efforts, and respecting all of your tenacity and boldness.

She offers thus: The Hateful Sandlossugeist will be Dealt With, All the Harm and Lives it took Returned, fix all of you up, and even Grant you a Boon to bolster the Potential and Valor it Witnessed and enjoyed.

In exchange: Fayette will have a Claim on Each SOUL that Accepts, Each Soul that Accpets Must Own her a Favor, Each Soul that accepts must one day Meet Her, and Each Soul must one day accept a responsibility most grave indeed.  The Major Encounter also ends early, and you won't get the full XP or all the possible Rewards for it.

This is a Majority Vote - Whichever outcome has the most support will Win. Ties will be simply have me decide which choice is right if the tone of the conversation feels as if it favors one side over the other by the time the votes are cast.

Do you understand?

If so, deliberate and decide.

 "FALL - Light of Ruin: Rhongomynaid."

SE: ROARING

*F L A S H*

*ZZZZZZZZZEEEEEEEEEEE!*

*Ding*

This…was the last memory of Oz before the big finale she brought upon the hateful enemy alongside her friends and allies. Oz-Zoete-Hecate. Three minds and three souls. United as one for the sake of this world.

She never felt so…free. So…Powerful.

Is this the feeling of being a hero? Of…make a difference?

When she felt the BB goon death she could feel her anger boiled in how that monster dared to take another life. She would make that creature suffer 10x what it did. She also begins to feel a deeper sense of respect for John and his BBs…she might not like him, but she now found a new direction of respect to the member of the BBs, and his indignation when he sees one of his companions be hurt like that. If it was one of her sisters, she would feel the same rage and indignation.

It seems, despite how different and how much she loathes him for the things he did…In this fight to protect life, it’s good to have him as an ally and have a common cause.

Her thoughts are interrupted, when she finally opens her eyes, and sees herself around a big White Space. She looks around and sees her sisters and her companions. Fortuna also flies to Oz's shoulder and gives her protegé some beaks of love! Oz laughs a bit and returns the black Raven affection with double the efforts. “We did it Fortuna! We really did it! I was scared back there, but then your words, everyone's efforts gave me strength! We beat Sand-Goth! We all did it!”

Persephone appears behind Oz and just shoves her sister's hat while giggling like a Goblin. While Oz was trying to put her hat back in place, Glinda appeared in front of her, smiling, worried…but oh so much full of motherly/sister pride. Bethy was probably just close to Meza, grinning and probably saying something funny and saying something like: “Told ya my mom was right!” Oz was blushing like cherry tops, all of her fingers from her four arms timid point at each other. She is not used to receiving such attention like this from her sisters.

“W-Well…It was nothing really! The credits go for everyone! Everyone did their part and I was only able to finish the enemy because everyone also did their best! Included Hecate and Zoete. I felt…powerful. More than ever. I could feel me, Zoete and Hecate fighting together. If we win today, it will be taken by the combined force of all.”

It was then that she heard that booming and powerful voice.

FAYETTE

Giving everyone their praise, and honors. Oz still is not used to receiving such kind words, she just timidly bow in respect towards the mighty presence, unsure in how to proceed. It was then that Fayette made her offer: The chance to change Destiny. To make the dead back to life. To destroy the powerful being causing destruction. In exchange for a favor and servitude.

Oz was…agap. With their efforts able to call the attention of such divine beings, they could easily change fate! They could avoid all this suffering! And easily destroy the Malefic Monstrum with that divine being help!

Part of her wanted to accept the deal…

But…

She then looked at her other companions. She sees their struggles…but they are alive. She looks and remembers what she, her sisters, Akumo, his dragons, the Priestess, the officers, the BBs, John, Hecate and Zoete have all done together. They defeated a dangerous and terrible terrible enemy. They were able to fend off Chaos, and challenge Sandlossugeist greatest creation. They challenged “Fate” headon, and won.

Yes, the battle is far from over. There are still Sandlossugeist  to fight. And if Sand-Goth was powerful enough to change the landscape and even dimensions, what its master is capable of?

She is still fearful about the future. She was still fearful she could fail again like she did with Lucy, Sindara and Romero. Would it be fair to continue fighting and risk the futures of everyone? To refuse the deal and try continuing fighting? Wouldn't it be better to take the easier and less painful path?

Then it clicked in her mind to the point of her blink.

It was the same thing. When Glinda died. When all of her companions died. When she sacrificed her life to bring Glinda back to the land of the living.

When disaster struck, she ran. Instead of facing her demons, she let herself be tortured by them. Instead of facing life, she decided to throw away her life just because she thought her own life was less important. That everyone would be better without her. That her life…has no meaning. That was less important.

But…her life IS important. She is loved. She loves her family. And they love her back. She always thought she was weak, but today she sees her life DOES have value.

In the grand scheme of the universe and in front of such divine beings such FAYETTE, she might be nothing. She might be just a weak human…But for her, her sisters, her friends, she is Oz. Their friend and companion. The one they put their trust in. The one they give strength and teach her what is the true meaning of bravery.

That true Bravery is not the absence of fear. True Bravery is having fear and still be brave to move forward.

Oz never considered herself a hero. She was a coward for a long time in her life. She will stand up.

She will be a hero and fight alongside her friends

She’s done taking the easier path.

As the White Witch of Destiny, she is done letting “Fate” control her. She will fight for Freedom. Not just for the world…but for herself.

The White W i t c h kneels, showing all the grace and respect she can muster in her words.

“Great Being Fayette, Shepherd of the Aetherial, you honor us with such presence and deal…A part of me wants to accept the deal and end this horror once and for all…But…I…want to continue to fight. Yes, many lives could be brought back to life…But…I always take the easier way out, always the path of least resistance. And for the first time in my life…I feel I am making a huge difference to the world. For the city. For my sisters. For the ones I call friends and allies. That I now have the power to fight alongside them, along with my sisters. Both the ones here and the two souls residing within me.”

“With all the rumble of respect and gratitude…I refuse the deal, great Fayette. I want to face the future ahead of me with everyone. I want to fight alongside all, and be able to change Destiny with my hands. I am not a god…I'm just a simple human. I always was, and always will be, a Human and a Healer. And that’s enough for me.”

[Lord Windos]

Tapu Ruins

A Deal of one's soul, to be indebted to a deity. Now that rings close to home doesn't it? 

Back on that fateful day, the one that would change his life forever. A debt to be paid, a boon to be earned.

To prove......


To just 'give up' now? To disregard what they had already pulled off, to not even try and vanquish the monster himself, to betray her and his purpose for some people he would never know? No, he couldn't do that.

This may be his battle to fight, but it wasn't his choice to make.

He would stay loyal, in body and soul.

The W a r l o c k was certain, mind clear and calm as the sea. He would only utter a single word.


''No''

Quite so - in fact, you could feel your Patron reaching out to you even now, and from the feel of it She was....

...Was that horror and awe?

What?

You couldn't get more from her, however - not even if you were so brazen as to pull out the Water Mirror and commune with her in front of what might be the most Intensely B e y o n d Entities you've heard of, much less seen of felt.

She was being blocked. 

And not actively so - just being....here and in the P r e s e n c e  of this......Being was sufficient to scramble and obstruct what should otherwise be one of the most ironclad and foolproof of connections.

Dear Tapus.....just what were you Dealing with here....?

You could feel that cool, palatable RELIEF from your Patron as you Refuses....THEM, though you can feel both yourselves shrink Instinctively away as THEY bring their FULL ATTENTION upon ye.

.....A h

I  s e e

Y o u  a r e  B e h o l d e n  t o  A n o t h e r

S o m e o n e . . .

F a m i l i a r ?

You could FEEL the sudden tension from your Patron, before they relax as the scrutiny is....lessened.

. . .  I t  m a t t e r s  l i t t l e , I  s u p p o s e

C u r i o u s  t h o u g h  I  a m

T h a t  i s  n o t  t h e  r e a s o n 

W i t h i n  t h e  M i s t y  L e n s  

P r o f a n e d  a n d  D i v i n e d  b y  E a r t h  a n d  S e a ,  H e a v e n  a n d  S t a r s

W h e r e  I  c a n  a c t  a n d  r e f r a c t

A s  I  W i s h ,  A s  I  M a y


Y o u r  L o y a l t y

Y o u r  C o m m i t m e n t

Y o u r  B r a v e r y

I t  i s  . . .

You find yourself sucking in a breath -

. . .  W o r t h y  o f  A p p r o v a l

- and letting out in an explosive *SIGH* of relief

Y o u r  Q u a l i t i e s

Y o u r  R e a s o n

Y o u r  D e n i a l

I s  N o t e d

 "FALL - Light of Ruin: Rhongomynaid."

SE: ROARING

*F L A S H*

*ZZZZZZZZZEEEEEEEEEEE!*

*Ding*

This…was the last memory of Oz before the big finale she brought upon the hateful enemy alongside her friends and allies. Oz-Zoete-Hecate. Three minds and three souls. United as one for the sake of this world.

She never felt so…free. So…Powerful.

Is this the feeling of being a hero? Of…make a difference?





Her thoughts are interrupted, when she finally opens her eyes, and sees herself around a big White Space. She looks around and sees her sisters and her companions. Fortuna also flies to Oz's shoulder and gives her protegé some beaks of love! Oz laughs a bit and returns the black Raven affection with double the efforts. “We did it Fortuna! We really did it! I was scared back there, but then your words, everyone's efforts gave me strength! We beat Sand-Goth! We all did it!”



Persephone appears behind Oz and just shoves her sister's hat while giggling like a Goblin. While Oz was trying to put her hat back in place, Glinda appeared in front of her, smiling, worried…but oh so much full of motherly/sister pride. Bethy was probably just close to Meza, grinning and probably saying something funny and saying something like: “Told ya my mom was right!” Oz was blushing like cherry tops, all of her fingers from her four arms timid point at each other. She is not used to receiving such attention like this from her sisters.

“W-Well…It was nothing really! The credits go for everyone! Everyone did their part and I was only able to finish the enemy because everyone also did their best! Included Hecate and Zoete. I felt…powerful. More than ever. I could feel me, Zoete and Hecate fighting together. If we win today, it will be taken by the combined force of all.”

It was then that she heard that booming and powerful voice.

FAYETTE

Giving everyone their praise, and honors. Oz still is not used to receiving such kind words, she just timidly bow in respect towards the mighty presence, unsure in how to proceed. It was then that Fayette made her offer: The chance to change Destiny. To make the dead back to life. To destroy the powerful being causing destruction. In exchange for a favor and servitude.

Oz was…agap. With their efforts able to call the attention of such divine beings, they could easily change fate! They could avoid all this suffering! And easily destroy the Malefic Monstrum with that divine being help!

Part of her wanted to accept the deal…

But…

She then looked at her other companions. She sees their struggles…but they are alive. She looks and remembers what she, her sisters, Akumo, his dragons, the Priestess, the officers, the BBs, John, Hecate and Zoete have all done together. They defeated a dangerous and terrible terrible enemy. They were able to fend off Chaos, and challenge Sandlossugeist greatest creation. They challenged “Fate” headon, and won.

Yes, the battle is far from over. There are still Sandlossugeist  to fight. And if Sand-Goth was powerful enough to change the landscape and even dimensions, what its master is capable of?

She is still fearful about the future. She was still fearful she could fail again like she did with Lucy, Sindara and Romero. Would it be fair to continue fighting and risk the futures of everyone? To refuse the deal and try continuing fighting? Wouldn't it be better to take the easier path and less painful path?

Then it clicked in her mind to the point of her blink.

It was the same thing. When Glinda died. When all of her companions died. When she sacrificed her life to bring Glinda back to the land of the living.

When disaster struck, she ran. Instead of facing her demons, she let herself be tortured by them. Instead of facing life, she decided to throw away her life just because she thought her own life was less important. That everyone would be better without her. That her life…has no meaning. That was less important.

But…her life IS important. She is loved. She loves her family. And they love her back. She always thought she was weak, but today she sees her life DOES have value.

In the grand scheme of the universe and in front of such divine beings such FAYETTE, she might be nothing. She might be just a weak human…But for her, her sisters, her friends, she is Oz. Their friend and companion. The one they put their trust in. The one they give strength and teach her what is the true meaning of bravery.

That true Bravery is not having fear. True Bravery is having fear and still going forward.

Oz never considered herself a hero. She was a coward for a long time in her life. She will stand up.

She will be a hero and fight alongside her friend.

She’s done taking the easier path.

As the White Witch of Destiny, she is done letting “Fate” control her. She will fight for Freedom. Not just for the world…but for herself.

The White W i t c h kneels, showing all the grace and respect she can muster in her words.

“Great Being Fayette, Shepherd of the Aetherial, you honor us with such presence and deal…A part of me wants to accept the deal and end this horror once and for all…But…I…want to continue to fight. Yes, many lives could be brought back to life…But…I always take the easier way out, always the path of least resistance. And for the first time in my life…I feel I am making a huge difference to the world. For the city. For my sisters. For the ones I call friends and allies. That I now have the power to fight alongside them, along with my sisters. Both the ones here and the two souls residing within me.”

“With all the rumble of respect and gratitude…I refuse the deal, great Fayette. I want to face the future ahead of me with everyone. I want to fight alongside all, and be able to change Destiny with my hands. I am not a god…I'm just a simple human. I always was, and always will be, a Human and a Healer. And that’s enough for me.”

You know the answer to those questions.

Try as you did to hide them from yourself so long, out of fear, longing for the past, and regretful inadequency.

You were always a hero.

You always made a difference.

Its just now you're doing so on an entirely different level.

The stakes are ever higher...

...and the dangers ever more deadly and obscene

Yet....

Despite it all....

You feel like you are ready for it.

Your sisters are not actually there with you - only the other three humans are present. And yet still, you felt as if what you imagined actually did happen. Or rather would or did. 

The only ones you felt had some presence here was Glinda, who was rather confused and alarmed about what and where you were, and Hecate, who's quintessence was roused more than ever from your shared, Fused Soul. Said child of yours seemed to be more at awe about what you and she did and everything happening - the youngest of the Coven (prior to Bethy and the others) never lost that childish sense of wonder or innocence even as she grew into her own.


You don't have much time to ponder this matter, as before long THEY made THEMSELVES Known and offered THEIR [D  e  a  l]  to you all.

Hearing Akamu's Denail only served to embolden your own, any trace of unworthiness or inadequacy blow away as reflect on your own reasons to continue on the path you think is best.

Maybe not for the people and Pokemon whos lives were lost or changed.

But certainly the best for you and the ones you love with all your Heart.

Your Good Witch's relief and warm approval was a delightful balm, while Hecate.....she seemed to be getting a bit emotional - you could almost see her getting teary eyed.

Once your Denial is heard and your reasoning made manifest to THEM.....

F a s c i n a t i n g

Y o u  D e f y  M u c h A b o u t  T h y  S e l f

T h e  S a c r e d  O a t h s
O n e s  t o  D o  N o  H a r m ,  D o  A l l  W e l l

T h e  L o f t y  P a t h
W h e r e  t h e  B a s e  C a n  N o t  T r e a d

Y o u r  v e r y  R o l e  a n d  R e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s

A  W i t c h , E v e r  S e e k i n g , F o r e v e r  W a n t i n g
 A  H e a l e r  ,  A l w a y s  R e s t o r i n g ,  E t e r n a l l y  N e e d i n g

S t r a n g e r  a nd  W o n d e r o u s 

T h a t  Y o u  M a y  B e  B o t h

T r u e
T h r o u g h
A n d
T h r o u g h


Y e t


P e r h a p s  t h e r e  i s  n o  D e f i a n c e  a t  a l l

M e r e l y

T r u l y

A  d i f f e r e n t  w a y 
O t h e r  r e a s o n s
S t r a n g e  b u t  T h i n e  o w n

T o  F u l f i l  O a t h s  a n d  C e a s e  H a r m
T o  S t a n d  F a r  a n d  T a l l
T o  R e m a i n  F a i t h f u l  
T o  R e m a i n  D r i v e n
T o  R e m a i n  G o o d  H e a r t e d

T o  a l l . . .
T o  Y o u
T o  t h o s e  t h a t  w o u l d  g i v e  t h e i r  a l l  f o r  y o u . 

I t  i s . . .
. . .  m o s t  c o m m e n d a b l e.


Y o u  r   o w n   D e d i c a t i on

Y o u r  o w n  C o n v i c t i o n

Y o u r  o w n  S e l f l e s s n e s s

Y o u r   D e n a i l

I s  N o t e d 

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

...Time was STILL somewhat fake for Bernhard, as odd and strange and SO DAMN WRONG as it was. Perhaps this feeling was only amplified now that he slowly realized what must happened as he mentally put two and two together. What that *censored curses* Masked Wolf has DONE to him, what it has  F O R E C E F U L L Y  taken from him. A smart move, a very smart and clever move of that damn creature though, Bern got to give that beast that much.

A thirst for VENGANCE bubbled up within him from very deep down - alongside resentment and frustration, it mixed itself into an utterly murderous cocktail. I guess it it weren't for the severe shock and blinding pain, his state could be very well compared to the one he was in when he accidently cast [ D i e  F o r  M e ~ ] against that hoard of rats the other day.

Bernhard staggered, did his best to get back onto his feet regardless and against all odds. Or try to do so at least, not easy at all when you suffer the gushing and ugly wound of having your primary hand cut of cleanly. Then the very next moment, Seddi rushed into the view - 

- and patched up his severe wounds with a Full Restore. "You're not out of this fight yet." These words of the cowboy ringed back in his mind. His help was...with as utterly helpless, defenseless and vulnerable at MAX as Bern was right now, much appreciated, a godsent perhaps - ignoring the fact for now that Bernhard actually is VERY hesitant about accepting help, least of all admitting that he NEEDS and REQUIRES help in the first place. 

If I understood this correctly --> link to what is stated about Extra-Lethal damage in MetaThread, all 7 extra-lethal damage should be healed up via the Full Restore, leaving him at 7/14 HP, no extra-lethal damage anymore. No more loosing blood fastly and severely, and no more being at risk of fainting and hecking DYING of severe continuing blood loss and the following anemia. If that's wrong, do correct me, and I'll edit my notes accordingly.

Words of gratitude and questions to the Paldean lawman of 'Why did you do this when we have only known each other for a week, and have hardly at all interacted', 'Why am I worthy of the literally strongest healing item in your view' and 'Why do you want to keep me in this fight so badly when you do not know of how much of a use or help I can be if at all now' follow later.

For now, let's focus on getting our Gauntlet and, uhm, well, hand back.

The Full restore unfortunately can't do anything about the emotional wounds however, so these shall remain to be dealt with later as well. Oh the very joy (not)...


#####


Bernhard has JUST made it to take off his severely stained skyblue - now utterly bloodied with a crust of sand here and there - robe (damn, he'll never going to get these stains out of it) and wrap it around what remains of his formerly gauntet'ed arm, when the fight has already ended. 

Thank Lady Luck, Miss Fortune and Father Fate for having had mercy with him this day.

Immediately Bern rushed forward, reached for the Masked Wolf's tail to snatch his Gauntlet from there and to welcome back Equinox - as well as patch up the wounds she suffered, aaand praise her for a job done just spendidly, her allure is sooo out of this world if put into good and smart use! - before...

A PILLAR of PURE WHITE LIGHT that pierces Earth, Sea, and Wind, straight into the Starry Heavens.

...well, THAT happened.

IMMEDIATELY Bernhard grew defensi- Oh wait, nope, he can't. P a n i c  threathened to befall him over being THAT severely vulnerably, he grew stiff and felt like a declawed and toothless tiger that has been driven into a corner with no chance of escape.

That was until he realized he was in safety, as he remembered that very feel and presence from a week ago. He patiently waited in high anxiety to for the presence to make itself known and aware, with every word THEY spoke, Bernhard grew curious..... .....and confused.


"Fayette is your name, you say...?, he spoke up in between panting, his voice low and lacking a great portion of the strength and confidence it usually had. "I shall remember it. Say, haven't we....met before? We indeed have, now have we? Do you remember? ...because I surely do. You have my interest - allow me to, say, ask you something, if I please may."

With his remaining hand, he fished out that stylus-shaped Astral Stone from an inner pocket of his robe. "You granted us all this very portion of crystalized astral energy, now did you?" *musters it for a while, observes how it reflects light* But...why did you do this? ....What is so special about us? ....What is the PURPOSE of this?"

*more pondering, his tone lowering* "You said all that has been lost shall be found back by me, did you not? Can you...indeed help me not only get back what makes me a Scimitar in the first place, what has just been taken from me via maddened wrath and blinding hate; but also... have me reunite with Sirocc? I know she must miss me, I do miss her... If she is AWARE of me still in the first place, and over the decades has not been rendered a very shell of her former joyous and lively self she was. When our times as a pair of vagabonds driven by restlessness and wanderlust were rough, she and her antics always made me find back hope."

"Tell me... Can I trust you, the same way I trust Lady Luck, Miss Fortune and Father Fate in guiding me, in knowing the path that is unbeknownst to me?"


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


*tone takes on a mild begging* "Please tell me I indeed can, and we shall have a deal, yes."


(Little does Bernhard know this deal won't happen due to majority vote, but he can still dream. Plus, he is aware that neither Acrowls nor Zephy would be all too happy about Bern aiming to make a deal with an entity - but neither of them are here at the moment after all to tell Bernhard he can't and shouldn't~~~)

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

A thirst for VENGANCE bubbled up within him from very deep down - alongside resentment and frustration, it mixed itself into an utterly murderous cocktail. I guess it it weren't for the severe shock and blinding pain, his state could be very well compared to the one he was in when he accidently cast [ D i e  F o r  M e ~ ] against that hoard of rats the other day.

Bernhard staggered, did his best to get back onto his feet regardless and against all odds. Or try to do so at least, not easy at all when you suffer the gushing and ugly wound of having your primary hand cut of cleanly. Then the very next moment, Seddi rushed into the view - 

- and patched up his severe wounds with a Full Restore. "You're not out of this fight yet." These words of the cowboy ringed back in his mind. His help was...with as utterly helpless, defenseless and vulnerable at MAX as Bern was right now, much appreciated, a godsent perhaps - ignoring the fact for now that Bernhard actually is VERY hesitant about accepting help, least of all admitting that he NEEDS and REQUIRES help in the first place. 

If I understood this correctly --> link to what is stated about Extra-Lethal damage in MetaThread, all 7 extra-lethal damage should be healed up via the Full Restore, leaving him at 7/14 HP, no extra-lethal damage anymore. No more loosing blood fastly and severely, and no more being at risk of fainting and hecking DYING of severe continuing blood loss and the following anemia. If that's wrong, do correct me, and I'll edit my notes accordingly.

Words of gratitude and questions to the Paldean lawman of 'Why did you do this when we have only known each other for a week, and have hardly at all interacted', 'Why am I worthy of the literally strongest healing item in your view' and 'Why do you want to keep me in this fight so badly when you do not know of how much of a use or help I can be if at all now' follow later.

For now, let's focus on getting our Gauntlet and, uhm, well, hand back.

The Full restore unfortunately can't do anything about the emotional wounds however, so these shall remain to be dealt with later as well. Oh the very joy (not)...


#####


Bernhard has JUST made it to take off his severely stained skyblue - now utterly bloodied with a crust of sand here and there - robe (damn, he'll never going to get these stains out of it) and wrap it around what remains of his formerly gauntet'ed arm, when the fight has already ended. 

Thank Lady Luck, Miss Fortune and Father Fate for having had mercy with him this day.

Immediately Bern rushed forward, reached for the Masked Wolf's tail to snatch his Gauntlet from there and to welcome back Equinox - as well as patch up the wounds she suffered, aaand praise her for a job done just spendidly, her allure is sooo out of this world if put into good and smart use! - before...

A PILLAR of PURE WHITE LIGHT that pierces Earth, Sea, and Wind, straight into the Starry Heavens.

...well, THAT happened.

IMMEDIATELY Bernhard grew defensi- Oh wait, nope, he can't. P a n i c  threathened to befall him over being THAT severely vulnerably, he grew stiff and felt like a declawed and toothless tiger that has been driven into a corner with no chance of escape.

That was until he realized he was in safety, as he remembered that very feel and presence from a week ago. He patiently waited in high anxiety to for the presence to make itself known and aware, with every word THEY spoke, Bernhard grew curious..... .....and confused.

 

"Fayette is your name, you say...?, he spoke up in between panting, his voice low and lacking a great portion of the strength and confidence it usually had. "I shall remember it. Say, haven't we....met before? We indeed have, now have we? Do you remember? ...because I surely do. You have my interest - allow me to, say, ask you something, if I please may."

With his remaining hand, he fished out that stylus-shaped Astral Stone from an inner pocket of his robe. "You granted us all this very portion of crystalized astral energy, now did you?" *musters it for a while, observes how it reflects light* But...why did you do this? ....What is so special about us? ....What is the PURPOSE of this?"

*more pondering, his tone lowering* "You said all that has been lost shall be found back by me, did you not? Can you...indeed help me not only get back what makes me a Scimitar in the first place, what has just been taken by me via maddened wrath and blinding hate; but also... have me reunite with Sirocc? I know she must miss me, I do miss her... If she is AWARE of me still in the first place, and over the decades has not been rendered a very shell of her former joyous and lively self she was. When our times as a pair of vagabonds driven by restlessness and wanderlust were rough, she and her antics always made me find back hope."

"Tell me... Can I trust you, the same way I trust Lady Luck, Miss Fortune and Father Fate in guiding me, in knowing the path that is unbeknownst to me?"


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


*tone takes on a mild begging* "Please tell me I indeed can, and we shall have a deal, yes."


(Little does Bernhard know this deal won't happen due to majority vote, but he can still dream. Plus, he is aware that neither Acrowls nor Zephy would be all too happy about Bern aiming to make a deal with an entity - but neither of them are here at the moment after all to tell Bernhard he can't and shouldn't~~~)

Not quite. Though some form of ANGER and resentment played a part in C a l l i n g  F o r t h  that.....Curse, it was was perhaps the least important element in it and what lead up you to inadvertidly Casting such a....thing.

[ D i e  F o r  M e ~ ] ...

*Chittering Laughter*

F  r  i  e  n  d . . .

...An involuntary shudder trails down your back as you briefly feel a small hand patting you there, but turning around reveals nothing but your shadow and a worried Nox behind you, looking intensely focused on you yet hesitant to approach.

...Whatever sources, events, and factors lead to.....that and that, Hatred alone couldn't do. Hatred is destructive, yes, but usually not so....creatively or whimsically so. Such deep, burning, and roiling Animosity you feel is more akin to a Fire, barely held in check. Powerful, warming. Perhaps even reassuring and fortifying. 

But never let it go out of control. For if you do, let it loose without care or regard...

Your gaze drifts over to Seddi, the man who help save you in spite of you abandoning him in an earlier time of need. You think of your Partner Zephy, and how bad things would be if she was not nearly as tolerant or restrained with her passionate outbursts.

....The blaze will consume all.

Getting back on your feet was a trail without your other hand, but your vulpizard was remarkably helpful there, using their long and flexible body to help prop you up and support you as move. This was after getting the Full Restore, of course - no way were you moving so easily with a Wound like THAT.

With it, though, your Health is Fully Restored and the Bleeding is promptly taken care of as the clean slice is rapildly covered by a thick, scarred layer of skin tissue (Full Restores heal effectively Infinite Amount of HP if you're not Fainted, so it would treat the ELD and then fill up the rest of the tank, as it were). You'll have to deal with that later if you want to get your Gauntlet re-attached neatly, but that is a later problem.

---

Once the quite cunning thief was subdued - and had a certain to center yourself a bit - you were able to go over and retrieve your....Gauntlet. Nox didn't really like you getting so close to the Predator that took it from you in the first place, and would have much rather retrieved it for you. Since I presume Bern would be rather (justifiably) picky about who can handle it and not wanting to chance anyone else compounding what damages it has suffer, I will assume that he would insist on getting it himself and prevent anyone else from just taking it.

Picking it up and holding it ....you almost could feel yourself zone out, whether it be from shock or memories. 

After all, you lost your original hand to blade too, though the circumstances around that were more.....permissible to that sort of loss.

You don't get the chance to dwell on these matters before the W H I T E  L I G H T  consume you - which is perhaps for the best.

---Indeed, you were quite safe here - in fact this place had an odd sort of.....serenity to it. Looking to the borealis, you could almost feel yourself....harmonize with them on some level, though you are careful not let yourself get carried away - figurately or not. After all, there were old myths and legends about such lights in the sky able to steal SOULS, and in an thoroughly Strange place  B e y o n d  most everything you've ever remembered experiencing....better not risk it.

Once THEY make themselves known you feel even more reassured - though in a odd way. Peaceful and comforting, yet very matter of fact and impersonal. Sympathetic, yet cold. Agreeable, yet operating in...ways beyond most anyone's keen.

More than anyone here, you had the background and experience to put pick up on and put a name to these emanation:

Divine. 

Yet...

Still a part of the mortal world.

Somehow.

Perhaps that disconnect is why, after you take everything about IT in, you make a comparison to __  , which seems to take IT off guard if the literally tangible Pause pressing down on you is any indication.

N o

N e v e r  H a v e  I  M e e t  T h e e 

S u c h  a n  A u d i e n c e  W o u l d  N o t  E a s i l y  F o r g o t t e n

T h o u g h  p e r h a p s   m i s t a k e n 

F o r  o n e s  s o  c l o s e  a n d  n e w
F o r  t h o s e  t o o  f a r  o r  f e w
W i t h  T h i n g s  a k i n
T o
M e
A n d
Y o u 

W i z a r d

I  D i d  N o t  B e q u e t h  

G i f t  u p o n  t h e e 

W i t h  A s t r a l   T o u c h

M a k e t h   B o l d  T h i n e  a n d  T h i n e  C o m p a n i o n s  O w n  

O n  S t a r r y  a n d  F o r t u n e ' s  P l u c k

O n  E a r t h e n  a n d  F a t e f u l  B o u n c e

W i t h  T i m e  a n d  T r u t h

W i t h   B e l i e f  a n d  B o u n d r i e s

Y o u r  W i l l

T o  M a i n t a i n  B a l a n c e 
T o   C h a n g e  S c a l e s
T o  R e d f i n e  C o n c o u r s e

F o r  A l l  a n d  N a u g h t
F o r  W i s h  o r  N o t
H e r e - T h e r e
W h e n - W h e r e

I n  t h e  e n d

B e g i n n i n g  w h e r e  i t  m a t t e r s  m o s t

Y O U R   C H O I C E S  A R E  T H E  W O R L D ' S

Every felt the sheer [IMPACT] of what IT said....and could equally feel something else resonating with the Truthful, Willful Belief in spoke in this Space and Time. 

S i m p l y  p u t

S u c h  a  g i f t

S u c h  p r o v i d e n ce

S u c h  M i g h t

A l l  S u c h  a n d  M y r i a d  M o r e

B e y o n d  a n d  B e r e f t  S u c h  o f  M y s e l f

G r e a t  a n d  G r a c i o u s  a s  I  a m



W i z a r d

T h e  a n s w e r s  y o u  s e e k t h

L i e  n o t  w i t h  I

T r u s t  m e ,  Y o u  C a n

I  a m  H o n e s t  a n d  F o r t h r i g h t  a l w a y s

N e v e r  D e c i e t f u l  o r  C r o o k e d  a m  I 

B u t  w h a t  y o u  A s k ?

W h a t  y o u  W i s h ? 

W h a t  y o u  H o p e  a n d  P r a y ?

W h a t  d i r e c t i o n s  y o u  m a y ?

O u t  o f  m y  m e a n s  o r  r e a c h 

I  c a n  n o t  g i v e ,  n o r  c a n  I  o p e n  a  w a y .

F o r  t h a t 
W i z a r d . . . 
. . .  I  a m  s o r r y .

There is a....gentleness to ITS voice as it finishes. As if, despite W h a t  IT is, the v a s t n e s s  and  d i f f e r e n c e s  between you two....
....such Pain and Lose, Yearnings and Cherishment are not beyond IT.

. . . Y o u r  D e n a i l  i s  N o t e d.

[Dragonstrike]

Seddi listens as everyone gives their responses, pondering what he's going to say.

And one Bernhard gets his answers for his questions, that's when the cowboy speaks.

"Well, I would be lyin' if I said the chance to bring literally dozens of folks back to life and cuttin' this fight short isn't temptin'.  I think y'all put it rather nicely though.  The cost of doin' so would be great, we've got folks besides ourselves that this would impact, and are we really solvin' our problems if we aren't meetin' them head on?"

Things that he knows all too well from his own experiences.

"Y'all know I've got your backs.  If you're gonna face this danger, you can count on me and my partners to join ya."

To Bernhard specifically, Seddi says, "Same goes for you too.  We're on this journey together after all, even if we have been workin' separately so far.  It may be rough, but we'll pull through."  He saw how confused Bernhard was when he'd been treated with that Full Restore, and he can relate to some of what Bernhard's implying with those pleas to this being.  It may not be a long, detailed explanation, but a little reassurance never hurts in Seddi's opinion.

Besides, Morgana would probably wring his neck if he let anything happen to Bernhard on his watch.

Finally, to Fayette, with all his usual confidence:

"My answer is no as well.  We stand together, and we'll stand strong no matter what may come."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(...)To Bernhard specifically, Seddi says, "Same goes for you too.  We're on this journey together after all, even if we have been workin' separately so far.  It may be rough, but we'll pull through."  He saw how confused Bernhard was when he'd been treated with that Full Restore, and he can relate to some of what Bernhard's implying with those pleas to this being.  It may not be a long, detailed explanation, but a little reassurance never hurts in Seddi's opinion. (...)

...This confused the Magus even more, he is literally and figuratively unable to fathom or make sense of these words of the cowboy (because, you know, Bern being and always having been a textbook-example of a lone wolf)

A long stare follows, before he averts his gaze. It is visible and obvious however that this little reassurance DID INDEED help. No words are needed here. Oh how Bernhard feels terrible over having been at Seddi's mercy when juuuust mere hours ago he fled the scene [when that Hateful Sandlossugeist has been created and threatened to drag both Darren and Akamua down]...

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Seddi listens as everyone gives their responses, pondering what he's going to say.

And one Bernhard gets his answers for his questions, that's when the cowboy speaks.

"Well, I would be lyin' if I said the chance to bring literally dozens of folks back to life and cuttin' this fight short isn't temptin'.  I think y'all put it rather nicely though.  The cost of doin' so would be great, we've got folks besides ourselves that this would impact, and are we really solvin' our problems if we aren't meetin' them head on?"

Things that he knows all too well from his own experiences.

"Y'all know I've got your backs.  If you're gonna face this danger, you can count on me and my partners to join ya."

To Bernhard specifically, Seddi says, "Same goes for you too.  We're on this journey together after all, even if we have been workin' separately so far.  It may be rough, but we'll pull through."  He saw how confused Bernhard was when he'd been treated with that Full Restore, and he can relate to some of what Bernhard's implying with those pleas to this being.  It may not be a long, detailed explanation, but a little reassurance never hurts in Seddi's opinion.

Besides, Morgana would probably wring his neck if he let anything happen to Bernhard on his watch.

Finally, to Fayette, with all his usual confidence:

"My answer is no as well.  We stand together, and we'll stand strong no matter what may come."

----

Like the others, you can feel their is something....d i f f e r e n t about this PLACE you found yourself transported to. The Willful energy, the soulfulness of it all, the sense of harmony and integrity....

....I was not different from what you feel about Iron Leaves.

Just....a different take.

Differing aspects and outcomes.

On an exponentially higher level that you can imagine.

Yes, that....loftiness, that power...

It too reminded you of another Pokémon.

K______n

Only this B e i n g  made them seem weak.

Y i k e s.

Speaking of Iron Leaves - she's Offline at the moment, but okay. Worrisome, but you can worry some about it later.

You're not given much time to ponder these revelations between keeping an ear trained on the conversations IT is having and waiting for the prime moment to interject. The candidness of your statements, the camaradence you shared with your fellow comrades, the solidarity empathy you showed to all and the poor Magi....

I n t e r e s t i n g

V e r y

V e r y

V e r y

I n t e r e s t i n g

S o  r a r e , s o  r e m a r k a b l e

S o  N o v e l

T o  f i n d  o n e  s o  B o l d

T o  f i n d  o n e  s o  C o n f i d a n t

T o  f i n d  o n e  s o  U n d a u n t e d

A s  t o  c h o o s e  t o  s p e a k  w i t h  m e  l i k e  m o s t  a n y  o t h e r

A s  t o  c h o o s e  t o  s t a n d  w i t h  o t h e r s  u n l i k e  m o s t  a n y o n e

A s  t o  c h o o s e  t o  s t r u g g l e  w i t h  t h y  o w n  g r a c e  u n i q u e  t o  y o u

E s p e c i a l y  s o  . . .

. . . F o r  o n e  b r o u g h t  s o  c l o s e

P a s t  R u i n ' s  C l o y i n g  G r a s p

W i t h i n  t h e  S p h e r e s  o f  m i n e  D o m a i n

P r o g r e s s i n g  B e y o n d  A b s o l u t e ' s  E d g e

O t h e r s  h a v e  b r o k e n  w i t h  l e s s e r  b u r d e n

Y o u  a r e  n o  e x c e p t i o n

U n l i k e  t h e m . . .

Y o u  T r u e ,  O t h e r s  T o o

R e f u s e d  t o  a c c e p t

S u c h  a n  i n e v i t a b l e  E n d

F o r t i t u d e ' s  C a s t

S O U L  j o i n e d  w i t h  S o u l

E x t r e m e  W i l l  m e l d

Y o u

S o  v e r y

V e r y

V e r y

. . .  k e e n l y  e x t r a o r d i n a r y

Y o u r  D e n a i l

I s  N o t e d

***

@PhantomUnderYourDesk , @Spiritmon , @Redstone

All your Decisions  made, unanimously in Denial of ITS D e a l  , caused the B e i n g  to go quiet for the longest time. Despite that, though, it felt like it all past in an instant as IT once more turned its ATTENTION upon you all.

Y o u r  C h o i c e

O n e  a n d  A l l

D e n y  m y  D e a l

S t a n d  b y  t h i n e  o w n  M i g h t

B e a r  t h e  b u r d e n   o f  L o s t  L i v e s

W a l k  t h e  H a r d  P a t h

N o  m a t t e r  t h e  c o n s e q u e n c e s

N o  m a t t e r  t h e  e n d

. . .

A r e  y o u  c e r t a i n  t h i s  i s  w h a t  y o u  W i s h

T r u e ,  D e a r,  a n d  P u r e ?

Your collective silence, your joint rejection, your Will to Carry On is felt by IT and between you all.

. . . V e r y  w e l l

I  a c c e p t  y o u r  c h o i c e

W i t h o u t  G r u d g e  o r  C o m p l a i n t

F o r  w h i l e  s o m e  m a y  c l a i m

Y o u r  W i l l s  b e  s t u b b o r n l y  c r u e l

W e  a l l  k n o w

H o w  b i g  t h e  S c a r i f i c e s  y o u  m a d e

H o w  l   o   n   g  t h e  S t e p s  y o u  m a k e

F o r  y o u r , y o u r  o w n

F o r  F u t u r e ' s  s a k e

T o  p r o v e  , b y  h o o k  a n d  c r o o k

T o  r e a l i z e , b y  h a r r o w  a n d  c u t

T h a t  a l w a y s

W h e n  i t  m a t t e r s  m o s t

Y O U R  W I L L  S H A L L  B E  D O N E

Silence

Then -

Information, pouring into all of yours heads

A sense of balance filling you, clearing away all stress and trauma

Power Hidden, unlocked from deep within

I f  y o u  a r e  t o  S t a n d 

W i t h  e a c h  o t h e r

'G a i n s t  D e m o n  o f  T w i s t e d  H a t e

W h a t  l i t t l e  w i t h o u t  b a r g a i n

I  b e q e u t h  u n t o  y o u

S e n d  y e  o n  y o u r  w a y

F o r  s u c h  W o r t h y

C o m m e n d a b l e

F r e e

E x t r a o r d i n a r y 

B r a v e

S o u l s  l i k e  y o u

T h a t  s h i n e  b r i g h t  a s  s t a r s.

F a r e  t h e e  W e l l

H o p e  y o u  P r e v a i l

*M A Y  F O R T U N E  E V E R  B E  I N  Y O U R   F A V O R*

***FLASH***

- And you all on the outskirts of the Staging Zone. You, your allies (all looking very confused and a little unnerved at just Teleporting all of the sudden), and your Pokemon....

As well as the Masked Wolf, still injured and pass out, but otherwise unaltered.

The pillar W h i t e  L i g h t that pierced the very Heavens was still visible from where you stood, but slowly it narrowed and slimmed, until it vanished into the aether.

...Yet it presence was still made manifest....

For soon a gentle ephemeral Snow started to drift from the sky, all of which was painted with pink-blue borealis.

Divine Diamond Dust is in effect: + 4 Defense and - 2 Damage to Ice, Water, Psychic, Fairy, Normal, and 'Pure' and 'Spiritual' Types of Pokemon. Increase Effectiveness of above kinds + 'Wind' of Moves. Mental Debuff Resistance Added to ALL, scaling off Will. Triggers Hail/Snow Abilities, and activates/enhances Hail/Snow Moves.

Everyone's Stress and Mental Imbalances have been Eliminated - this includes shock and any lingering effects of CHAOS. Negative feelings still exist, but they are blunted, as if you had time to cool off and reflect.

Oz, Bernhard, Seddi, and Akamu have gained Knowledge about some of the STRENGTHS and WEAKNESSES of the HATEFUL Sandlossugeist - more about it in the Meta Thread to come.

Akamu, Seddi, Bernhard, and Oz all have gained Hidden Power the Move; in addition, they receive + 1 Channel (if they didn't have it) and unlock that Specialty at a cap of 2, while those with Channel already Unlocked instead receive + 1 Empathy or Lore (Whichever is lower)

All that Met FAYETTE gain the Trait Harmonious Touch of The Shepard - Psychic, Fairy, Normal, Ice, and 'Spiritual/Pure' Pokemon and beings will Take Greater Note of you; all else ???

###

For XP Gained in the respective Fights and Scenes...

*Giga-Sand-Goth: + 3 XP for Good Planning, Teamwork, and Execution (Flat, not subject to Mods), + 2 given to Oz and Akamu for good RP (Flat), + 2.5 XP per killed TCP (Subject to XP Mods; 2.5 X 10 = 25 XP), + 10 XP for defeating GSG (Subject to XP Mods), + 5 XP for using Legendary Power in one way or another (Not Subject to Neg Modes)

*Duo Leaders Masked Wolf and Land Whale: + 3 XP and + 2 XP (See above) to involved PCs each , + 2.5 XP per killed TCP and + 3 XP for subverting TCP (Subject to Neg XP Mods : 2.5 X 8 + 3 X 2 = 26 XP), + 10 XP  for subduing the Masked Wolf (S.N.M.). + 5 XP (Flat) to Seddi for Having the Courage to Protect at any Cost, and increase Empathy Cap of Iron Leaves by 1; Bern and Nox get 7 XP to split between themselves for Unbreakable Resolve to Carry On.

*Meeting FAYETTE, Shepard of the Aetherial : - 5 Will each from Characters and their Pokemon on Hand (None from Bernhard and his own, however...), but gain the previous stated benefits of Knowledge, Small Gifts, and Transportation. In addition, grant an additive 0.5 XP Mod to most recent Encounter - for those with Neg Mods this means you and your Mons that participated get a 1.0X Mod (Relevant to Ceruledge, Seddi, Kusanagi, Bern, Gloomtail, Fortuna, and Oz), while Akamu, Nalu, and Ecclessia get 1.5 XP Mods

Calculating XP...

Seddi/Ceruledge/Kusanagi: 3 + 2 + 26 + 10 + 5 = '46 XP' ; 16 XP is gained between Trainer and Mons ('Shared'), while the remaining 30 XP is to be split between Trainer and the participating Mons however you wish ('Pool') . Iron Leaves gets 5 XP from your shared bond, independent of the Combat XP, for what She Learnt.

Bernhart and Nox: 3 + 2 + 26 + 10 = '41' ; 20 XP (shared) for Bern and Nox, split remaining 21 XP between Bern and Nox however you wish (pool). Zephy gets 7 XP from your shared bond.

Oz and Fortuna: Same as Seddi and his Mons. However, Hecate will receive a 1/2 of a copy of whatever XP you give to Oz. For example, if you were to just have Oz take ALL but 1 XP (poor Fortuna...), then Hecate would get 23 XP. Additionally, + 5 XP to Hecate after getting 'copy' for what she Learnt.

Akamu, Nalu, and Ecclessia: 46 * 1.5 = '69 XP' ; 20 XP (each) to the three ('shared'), and the remaining *40 XP is to be split among the three (pool).

Gloomtail: For simplicity's sake, receives 16 + 9 = 25 XP, since they do qualify as Pseudo and therefore have the Pseudo XP Mod

To clarify what I mean by 'shared' - give the XP specified to EACH Target. For EX: 20 XP 'shared' means both Target A and Target B get 20 XP. Essentially this is 'shared experience' a Trainer and his Mons simultaneously get from participating in Fights/Encounters via their Bond and the commonality of it that is 'shared' between their side of things.

To clarify what I mean by 'pool' - the XP within that pool is to be split among Targets; in some cases it must be equal or proportional to effort (Min 1 XP per Target), and in others the Player is free to divide the XP in the pool as they wish among Targets. For EX2: 20 XP 'pooled' means you can give Target A and Target B 10 XP each, or Target A gets 19 XP while Target B is left with but a crumb of 1 XP

###

....Once you are done admiring/studying the sky and what you gained, you finally take note what is happening back at camp in the vicinity:

Something attacked it recently, judging by the damages seen and the....occasional body or viscera you see

The BLs are also nowhere to be found: apparently they didn't get caught up in GSG trap/space warping CHAOS blasphemy and subsequently were not included in the Fight & Teleportation. Hoo boy...hope they get back safely.

The Priestess is currently tending to Lopzu, and pensive expression on her face. The later is out until further notice, and quite possibly is a dead woman standing. The former says she could Restore the ragged warrior, but it would greatly exhaust her Power to do so - though the special Soothe Bell that Oz has could potentially cut the costs for doing so to a degree. The question is if you want the Sentinel's help over saving the Fate-Defying/Redefining Powers the Mysterious Priestess has demonstrated for the Big One...

Citrine takes one look at the mess, a tired and haggard expression on their face, before turning to everyone and holding up his broken Gauntlet to all and says: "I'm done. Without my Gauntlet any further contributions of mine will be minimal at best, disasterous at worst. And, frankly, I've more than done my part in handling this crisis. I'll stick around the camp and offer what aid I can, though - I am not heartless, and that much is not beyond me now."

" *Looks to Bern* Consider the debt between us Fulfilled, Master Bernhard - I am open to further deals and any assistance you wish to provide me in the future. You've amply proven your considerable reputation tonight, and I would be honored if we could continue to support one another. *Sighs* Just - and please forgive me for saying this - please don't call for my aid in matters of similar caliber to this one. At least not without me advancing my own Understanding and Mastery of the arcane arts and suitable compensation..."

The Scimitar gives everyone a bow of respect, then departs, making their way further into the camp.

'James' , 'John' and his BBs, and the Chief Officer and his Squad are still willing to help, but only 'John' remains unshaken by the shit they've been put through. In fact he's positively RARING to get at the terrible monstrosity after the shit he's pulled. His goons are less thrilled, but in the end they get over their fears and rally behind him. You can almost hear the beat of the Brotherhood they share.

'James' is less gung-ho, but he ends up calming himself down after taking a fat cigar out from his inner coat pocket and lighting it up. He would explain that he still has plenty of ammo, but he's out of White Inferno Grenades (and politely requests you don't make much a fuss of it with the cops) ; he's got a few more 'basic' kinds and another 'big' one, but doesn't want to bring them out unless shit (once more) hits the fan.

The regular officers are ordered by their Chief to rush out and help stabilize the situation at the camp, both of which do so with great haste and without complaint. Partly out of a their impeccable sense of duty, partially because they don't want to be in over their head dealing with the craziest stuff anymore. The Chief remains, simply giving a nod of his head and crossing his arms.


Upon beating feet to investigate what happened, you quickly discover the cause: The Cruel Sand Whale launched a MASSIVE assault while you guys where away. Apparently it was quietly amassing forces greater than initial scouting and estimates got and used them to try and zerg rush the defenders in wave after wave of Cursed, Tortured Palossands and its own brutal Ambushes. Roughly 12 Trainers and Non-combatants died, though Fortunately none of them got sent to its Boss.

Why? Because the Old Sailor Lady directly engaged and beat its blubbery arse so badly it was forced to retreat, though not without severe injuries sustained for herself. Asking around would say she's currently receiving treatment and bedrest in a tent near the back of the Staging Zone - anyone interested is free to visit her, if you so wish. Latest reports on the Cruel Land Whale state they left with only 5 TCPs, though those were the meanest and sternest of the bunch (Base Line Stats, Even Nastier Effects with Moves), while its Leader, BIGER than estimated, looked as if the were put through a meat grinder (Severely wounded).

Vernax and the Supply Depot remained safe and sound - though the immediate area outside was an utter, ruinous disaster of epic proportions. Seems like the Sand Whale was deliberately seeking this spot out, whether it noticed this as a place of important of something else drawing its monstrous, opportunistic interest....

About the only good news was that it the last remaining Leader hadn't budged from their own Territory (though the Sand Storm seemed to become more erratic...), while the HATEFUL Sandlossugeist had halted its baleful march after getting BLASTED by a BIG ray(?) of W H I T E  L I G H T that seemingly appeared out of VOID IT conjured in front of IT for some reason, letting out a wailing scream that heartened many. Looks like the monster bite off more than it could chew when it tried to Directly intervene in Oz' and Akamu's Fight with its Eldritch Creation....

....And that is all.  Do as you may, be it going directly to the Super Boss, dealing with the last of its Leaders, simply going around the camp helping out or trying to drum up what little support it can give now, or whatever you think is best.

Your valiant actions have bought precious time - make the best of it.