Let Your Fists Do The Talking! Akyu Quest Continued!

[Fightest]

>How close is she?
>If there is space to get closer and avoid the converging beams: shift direction, move toward her and lead in with a sheathed sword toward the anything. Hopefully being devoted to shooting, she won't be able to adapt.
>If there is no space to close in, circle around as fast as we can, unsheathe the blade and slash up a wing.

> Extremely close.
> You attempt to continue your air-dodge to place yourself in a better position, but the monk is simply faster in the air than you are. Two of the beams track across you, blasting you full-on. The sheer pressure of magic battering against you makes you feel like your very bones are being ground into a paste, and your muscles and organs liquified. You know that it's not quite that bad in reality, though. Your Conviction prevents the pain from affecting your fighting capability, but you can dimly feel that while the pain won't stop you, the sheer amount of damage done to your body will eventually take its toll.
> For now, though, you are still at peak fighting capacity - you briefly see the monk's surprised expression as you finish your maneuver and, with a fierce slash, sever one of the magical wing constructions.
> The monk grits her teeth and swings up level to you, placing herself between you and the midpoint island. You recognise Eagle Sheathes Talons in her stance, but that is only there to mask its main, most potent component, a rare one indeed - Protection of Celestial Bliss. You have never fought against this stance before, but you know that its defensive capabilities are formidable indeed, able to block and parry even the most potent attacks over and over again.
> You note that the swarm of bullets that the monk had shot back then are going to be catching up very soon.

[Hello Purvis]

>If she wants to be defensive, that's fine.  Fly around her, let her have to adjust to match us and put her between her shots and us.

[Fightest]

>If she wants to be defensive, that's fine.  Fly around her, let her have to adjust to match us and put her between her shots and us.

> Despite her defensive stance, she's still more nimble in the air than you are, and is able to adjust her position to always have you in-between her and the shots.

[Hello Purvis]

>In this case, move perpendicular to the oncoming shots, take a defensive posture, and spare a single glance toward finding a spot where we can maneuver through; or at least not get hit by everything.
>Keep the blade unsheathed for now. If she's going to try something, she gets to deal with being blocked by sharp things.

[Fightest]

Looks like interest is low. As such, I will finish this interlude and let the thread die. Curious, would have thought the concept to have ultimately drawn more people.

> The monk's demonstrated time and time again her aerial superiority, so you act to bring the advantage back on your side of the board.
> You drop straight down and, as soon as your feet touch ground, blast off perpendicular to the oncoming shots.
> You are at full speed when the first bullets begin to hit, gouging out large chunks from the islands in their path. You let your momentum carry you between islands, gravity only having the briefest of moments to catch up to you before you are on solid ground again. The monk is unable to keep you contained as you pull further and further ahead. Without her as a distraction, you are able to dodge between and through blasts, bullets missing you by calculated inches.
> Soon enough, the attack wears off and your dash, seemingly a random path, has placed you within a stone's throw from the mid-point island, and the monk still catching up.

[Kasu]

> How far behind us is Byakuren?

[Hello Purvis]

Naw, it's just low thread activity combined with some of the usuals not being around and being in a hard to solve situation. Just keep with it. =]

>Keep moving. A stone's throw is nothing for us. And, hopefully that spellcard will be wearing off shortly.
>Once we get onto solid ground again, consider what the monk is doing, and plan a counterattack, preferably to strike down another of those wings.

[Fightest]

> How far behind us is Byakuren?

> She is further away from you than you are from the midpoint.

Naw, it's just low thread activity combined with some of the usuals not being around and being in a hard to solve situation. Just keep with it. =]

Oh all right, that's good enough for me!

>Keep moving. A stone's throw is nothing for us. And, hopefully that spellcard will be wearing off shortly.
>Once we get onto solid ground again, consider what the monk is doing, and plan a counterattack, preferably to strike down another of those wings.

> In a flash, you reach the midpoint island, skidding to a halt amidst a few low stone pillars. This island is larger than most of the others, and there are a few modest houses dotted around here and there.
> From here it's straight up.
> Indeed, the storm of bullets has abated, and the monk's moth-wings have faded. She looks worn out, but you yourself are starting to feel the pain catching up to you. The next exchange could well be the last one for either of you.
> She is floating off just out of leap's range, looking for an opening.

[Hello Purvis]

>If her card has worn off, she's done. Leave her in the dust; run back a bit to open up some more space and then leap upwards. Not directly upwards, but off to the side a little, to throw off any parting shots.

[Fightest]

>If her card has worn off, she's done. Leave her in the dust; run back a bit to open up some more space and then leap upwards. Not directly upwards, but off to the side a little, to throw off any parting shots.

> Apologies for lack of clarity - Superhuman has not worn off yet, but it cannot last much longer as it is.

[Hello Purvis]

>If that is the case, draw back a bit, and use the houses as barriers if she gets to close. Try to lead her into a less open place. Stay defensive.

[Fightest]

>If that is the case, draw back a bit, and use the houses as barriers if she gets to close.

> You stay amongst the houses, using them for cover - you're quite certain they are inhabited, and the monk would be highly unlikely to endanger the people inside. A warrior must use every advantage at their disposal, and you are well-versed in doing so.
> A flicker of energy catches your attention just a fraction too late - a single bullet, streaming a trail of white energy, comes hurtling around the corner of the house, as if seeking you out. It moves with an uncanny precision, infinitely accurate in its flight-path, adjusting its movement every fraction of a moment to adjust to your own motions. Your practiced eye knows this attack, knows its nature - it is a perfect attack, and with unerring certainty you understand that you cannot dodge or block it.
> With perfect timing, the monk approaches from the opposite direction to catch you between her and the shot.

>Try to lead her into a less open place.

> Ain't nothing but open space up here, with maybe a small obstruction of some sort here or there. Good for taking in the infinite expanse of the cosmos in one's meditation.

[Hello Purvis]

>Our sword is unsheathed; slash through the bullet while moving forward to open more distance between us.

[Fightest]

>Our sword is unsheathed; slash through the bullet while moving forward to open more distance between us.

> In your arms - the slightest sign of fatigue, in your strike - the slightest imperfection: the bullet slips through the single opening you left and strikes you full-on in the chest. The impact sends you reeling back, your focus broken, the pain starting to rush through the hairline crack in the near-impenetrable wall of your Conviction.
> A crushing sweep through your legs knocks you off your feet, everything moving in slow-motion as you uncontrollably spin backwards, your view of the sky becoming obscured by the monk's form as she comes in from above with the finishing blow.

[Hello Purvis]

>Do we still have our sword? If so, bring it up to defend ourself. If she's going for a blow, she is going to have to deal with a few feet of reach advantage.
>As well, put that Myon to work, and have it fill the air with some good dense flak when she gets close, too close to effectively dodge around it.

[Fightest]

> Advance apologies for cliche storytelling technique, but this interlude needs to be wrapped up.

>Do we still have our sword? If so, bring it up to defend ourself. If she's going for a blow, she is going to have to deal with a few feet of reach advantage.
>As well, put that Myon to work, and have it fill the air with some good dense flak when she gets close, too close to effectively dodge around it.

> In a last-ditch effort to do some damage, maybe take the monk down with you, you reposition your sword for a counterattack even whilst still falling off your feet.
> Darkness creeps in at the edges of your vision, the monk's form blurring, whether through speed or simply due to your eyes failing, as she closes in. You loose a few shots in every direction, but you know you can hardly keep up a decent sustained barrage. Gravity catches up to you, the world loses its blue-and-red hues to regain full colour, and you crash down.
> ...
> Everything seems to stop. You do not hit the ground. In contrast to your usual pace, every still moment seems to last an eternity. A glowing purple-and-violet butterfly passes across your vision, gently flapping its wings in the sudden silence. You feel an achingly familiar arm supporting you. You do not know when you lost track of your sheath, but it now sits snugly over your sword, held by a sky-blue-sleeved hand.
> You hear a whisper at your ear that seems to softly echo around the entire island.
> "That's enough. Youmu, Byakuren - that's quite enough."
> You've done it. You've found your Lady Yuyuko.

[Hello Purvis]

Kurses. I was hoping to reenact the beheading of Cao Cao.

>"Wha-?"
>"My lady...I am sorry I took so long..."

[Fightest]

Kurses. I was hoping to reenact the beheading of Cao Cao.

>"Wha-?"
>"My lady...I am sorry I took so long..."

The what now? I mean, my knowledge of history is next to none, but a cursory glance shows that he died of illness.

> The monk that your lady called Byakuren gives Yuyuko a level glance, then nods and, with a sigh, releases her Spell Card.
> She then gives you a deep bow.
> "You were a magnificent opponent, Youmu, and your Lady is in good hands indeed when you are attending her. I would have us meet under more peaceful circumstances."
> Sending another glance at Yuyuko, she swiftly flies up and out of sight.
> Yuyuko watches her fly off for a few moments before returning her attention to you. Her expression is almost pained, and she speaks slowly, as if choosing each individual word very carefully.
> "Youmu. I... can't have you doing your usual duties: there are certain rules in place that I have to follow. Once... they are no longer in power, once the tournament has...ended, we can return to Hakugyokoro together. Maybe you could take this chance to find some opponents to practice your skills? There are a few with undefeated records, you know! Don't worry about me, I'm not helpless or anything."

[Hello Purvis]

The beheading was symbolic (and possibly apocryphal)

>Try not to be too heartbroken.
>"But...why?"

[Fightest]

The beheading was symbolic (and possibly apocryphal)

>Try not to be too heartbroken.
>"But...why?"

You've lost me so hard the trees have started to shake.

> Why could your lady possibly say something like this? Could she be unhappy with your service? Have you made a mistake somewhere? Could she not want you at her side any more?
> "It's all right, Youmu. You mustn't worry. These rules have to be followed, can't really help it, otherwise we wouldn't be very good judges, now will we?"

[Hello Purvis]

It's an story from one of the particularly commentaries on the Art of War.

>Do we know what she's talking about?
>If so: "...Why are you a judge, my lady?"
>If not: "...What?"

[Mr_Bob]

Computer died back on 16th. Be a few more days before permanent fixes are in place. Interest in gentlemanly fisticuffs is as high as ever.

>As consciousness fades again, "If you so wish it, my Lady, I will train to become an even more devoted and helpful servant."

[Fightest]

>Do we know what she's talking about?
>If so: "...Why are you a judge, my lady?"
>If not: "...What?"

> Vaguely, but you were too focused on finding your lady to learn the specifics.
> "For my stunning looks, no doubt, and great sense of humour."
> Yuyuko smiles briefly, and for a moment she's once again the happy-go-lucky lady that you know so well. Then the intense focus returns to her expression.
> "Heaven knows, Youmu. I certainly don't."

>As consciousness fades again, "If you so wish it, my Lady, I will train to become an even more devoted and helpful servant."

> Don't pass out on yourself quite yet! You will need some time to lie down and rest, though.
> Yuyuko smiles and ruffles your hair in just the right way to make it a complete mess.
> "Keep well, Youmu. Stay out of trouble. You'll make it through just fine - I believe in you."

> End conversation?

[Hello Purvis]

>"One...last question. That monk. Who is she, and why is she here?"

[Fightest]

>"One...last question. That monk. Who is she, and why is she here?"

> "That's Byakuren - she's quite new here, but she's got a good head on her shoulders. I'm afraid I can't tell you what she's doing here, but I daresay you will probably see her again, just like you'll see me."

[Hello Purvis]

>It's probably been awhile since we entertained a grudge, let's have a go at that.
>End conversations.

[Fightest]

While I sort out a few things, I would like input: as most pieces are pretty much in place, as it were, I am pretty much ready to start the final stretch, as it were. Do you guys want to start on that, or shall I add another arc prior to that? I certainly have ideas for the latter, so both are equally possible.

[Hello Purvis]

I wouldnae mind another arc, if it fits in seamlessly.

[Mr_Bob]

Another arc sounds entertaining, even if it comes at the price of some delays to sort details.

[Fightest]

All right then!

>It's probably been awhile since we entertained a grudge, let's have a go at that.
>End conversations.

> You are now Akyu.
> Your escape from the underground complex that housed the reactor was frantic indeed as the place exploded around you, but, with deft maneuvering on Marisa's part, the both of you and the unconscious Utsuho safely made it out and back to the Palace.
> Marisa mentioned that's she's not too good at thinking quietly, and elected to stay inside the main cathedral area, leaving you to explain - with some difficulty stemming from small thoughts - matters to Satori.
> You finish your description of the events that passed just as Utsuho, who had been tucked into bed, opens her eyes.
> Her voice is weak, like the mewling of a kitten, and seems almost empty without the metallic tinge that suffused it when you fought her.
> "O-Orin? Sa...Sa..."
> Oh no.
> Rin and Satori rush over to Utsuho's bed. A flash of recognition and a smile appear on Utsuho's face when she sees Rin. However, she has only a blank, confused expression for Satori.
> Frown.
> Time is never...
> Confusion grows on Satori's face as her eyes dart to and fro, as if reading from an invisible book just above Utsuho's head. Confusion that slowly turns into despair.
> ...lost.
> She slowly floats back to you, her eyes glistening but her expression stoic.
> Fifteen percent.
> Lost.