Maidens of the Kaleidoscope

~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Topic started by: Oldmansour on February 04, 2018, 06:45:42 AM

Title: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 04, 2018, 06:45:42 AM
>You are Byakuren Hijiri, 18 years old, resident of the city of Mayoiga, caretaker (owner) of Rin Kaenbyou, resident of the Moonside apartments, and third year student of Mayoiga High. A few days ago, you were the most popular girl in school, one of the most well-known and liked girls around town. And then you touched a strange doll, and saw a world not your own. That was the day that everything changed, and you became Magical Lotus, the Hero of the Heart.

>What started as a co-operative training day between yourselves, the shrine maidens of the Red Bird shrine and a group of Brightbloods, has rather turned on its head. Based on some information provided by a surprisingly cordial Blackblood named Razorclaw, you learned of a new threat that was about to arrive in Mayoiga. Thought to be extinct, a member of the Succubus race was about to come to town, a particularly vile example of the race named Semitur. Eager to make sure this threat didn't enter your city, your team, along with three magically trained members of the local shrines, set out for Mayoiga International Airport to intercept and destroy Semitur.
>A rather large wrinkle in that plan came a few minutes ago in the form of the Champion of Fire. Leaving its resting place, the Child was making a beeline for the airport, and you eventually discerned that the Avatar of Fire was on board the plane you were supposed to meet. Hoping to avoid a rather catastrophic incident at the airport, you and Lily left your crew and flew up into the sky to intercept the Champion. Not to fight it but to talk to it, to try and find a solution to its presence that didn't involve a very public battle, risking many lives in the process. The Champion actually proved to be fairly reasonable, but now, something appears to be going terribly wrong...

>Follow along with it
>"And we will. It's what we came here do. But if she has been taken over by an outside corruption, would your link to her make it affect you as well, as you draw closer?"
>I think Fire's Avatar may have been affected by Semitur. They seem... distressed, even frightened; they said something is wrong with their link.

>"The link... I can't hear her like, like I should." Fire mutters. She sounds like someone suffering from a concussion. "Heart and soul. But the soul... I can't hear the soul. Only a shadow, and a sound. I hear her crying."

>For a moment, you hear the sound of a girl crying.

>A Champion? Frightened? Kiku asks.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 04, 2018, 07:05:36 AM
>And dazed. Whatever has happened in the airport has had a bad effect on them.
>"I heard it too. We will save her, I promise you; my power should be able to free her from Semitur's grip. But if Semitur can affect you through her, then - and please don't take this the wrong way - but I'm not sure how safe it is for you to come with us."
>We presumably cannot actually sense Ice's presence at the moment, can we?
>We are rather out in the open here. From our previous encounters, do we know if she has actual invisibility or could she just have snuck up on us in a more mundane fashion those times?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 04, 2018, 08:56:08 AM
>And dazed. Whatever has happened in the airport has had a bad effect on them.
>"I heard it too. We will save her, I promise you; my power should be able to free her from Semitur's grip. But if Semitur can affect you through her, then - and please don't take this the wrong way - but I'm not sure how safe it is for you to come with us."
>We presumably cannot actually sense Ice's presence at the moment, can we?
>We are rather out in the open here. From our previous encounters, do we know if she has actual invisibility or could she just have snuck up on us in a more mundane fashion those times?

>"What is Semitur?" Fire asks you.
>You cannot.
>Given the size and somewhat grand nature of Ice's form, you don't believe she could sneak up on you at this time simply by mundane means. The clouds are thick and dark enough to conceal her, but you're well below the cloud line, so she'd have to cover a lot of open air to sneak up on you. If the Ice Champion is nearby, she's most likely either on the ground and out of sight, or is employing some magical means of non-detection.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 04, 2018, 09:02:10 AM
>"A succubus and an extremely powerful one. We were waiting for her arrival at the airport so that we could deal with her, though I did not expect her to act so quickly."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 04, 2018, 10:00:17 AM
>"A succubus and an extremely powerful one. We were waiting for her arrival at the airport so that we could deal with her, though I did not expect her to act so quickly."

>"She didn't, my Avatar did." Fire says, sounding a little more collected. "The link is there. Warped, tainted by... She stole something, my Avatar is not whole. No, I'm not whole, neither one of us was..." His voice trails off again, his flight speed slowing once more.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 04, 2018, 10:12:43 AM
>"Is the Champion of Ice nearby?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 04, 2018, 10:26:55 AM
>"Is the Champion of Ice nearby?"

>"Ice is MINE." the Fire Champion says forcibly, meeting your eyes for the first time since you heard the laughter. "Mine. Not yours, mine."

>They are attacking. Kiku reports. The figures are humanoid, each one possessing a dark power. They are attacking the airport. We are engaging.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 04, 2018, 10:36:51 AM
>We will try to be there shortly.

>"I was not planning to claim otherwise. But if she is unaffected by Semitur's corruption and nearby, it might be safer for all concerned if you sent her in your stead. Semitur's thralls have begun to attack the airport and I cannot delay here much longer; my allies need me. And your Avatar may as well."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 04, 2018, 10:47:02 AM
>We will try to be there shortly.

>"I was not planning to claim otherwise. But if she is unaffected by Semitur's corruption and nearby, it might be safer for all concerned if you sent her in your stead. Semitur's thralls have begun to attack the airport and I cannot delay here much longer; my allies need me. And your Avatar may as well."

>"So... That's what you're doing here." the Fire Champion hisses through barely parted teeth. "You came to steal my Avatar. You couldn't find one of your own so you had to steal mine."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 04, 2018, 10:49:59 AM
>"...no? We came here to stop Semitur. I didn't even realize your Avatar was here until you showed up."
>...can we sense any of the power we detected in Semitur's direction coming from Fire at this point? Or are they perhaps a more mundane sort of unbalanced?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 05, 2018, 03:06:34 AM
>"...no? We came here to stop Semitur. I didn't even realize your Avatar was here until you showed up."
>...can we sense any of the power we detected in Semitur's direction coming from Fire at this point? Or are they perhaps a more mundane sort of unbalanced?

>"Air, Water, Ice... You couldn't find yours so you wanted mine. Or to stop me from having mine." Prudently you and Lily back away slightly as the Fire Champion turns to face you, hot steam emanating from his body. "You didn't think I'd figure it out, DID you?"
>You can't detect any force from the airport coming at you. But the sensation of the Fire Champion's aura has changed. It's become, as you say, unbalanced. Fragmented slightly. You can't tell if this is due to Semitur's corruptive influence or a bad reaction to whatever Semitur has done to the Fire Avatar, but whatever it is, it certainly spells trouble for you.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 05, 2018, 06:40:56 AM
>Do we think we can warp Lily out with us, if we tried it? Especially if we have a moment or two to do so?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 05, 2018, 06:57:35 AM
>Do we think we can warp Lily out with us, if we tried it? Especially if we have a moment or two to do so?

>You're no more sure now than you were when you thought of the idea back at the airport. It would help if Rin was able to focus on the spell to provide more pulling force, but that assumes she isn't tied up with whatever evil Semitur's got up to back there.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 05, 2018, 07:03:32 AM
>Rin, we may need to get out of here in a hurry; Fire seems to be becoming unstable. What's your situation?
>"I said we're going to save her and we will. I could no more rip her away from you than you could stop being linked to her."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 05, 2018, 07:23:42 AM
>Rin, we may need to get out of here in a hurry; Fire seems to be becoming unstable. What's your situation?
>"I said we're going to save her and we will. I could no more rip her away from you than you could stop being linked to her."

>I'm out over the runway. Rin reports. There's five flyers out here blastin' away at us. It's weird, but, they seem kinda familiar.
>I recognize them. says Minoriko. It's Flandre Scarlet and her band, Four of a Kind. It's Flan's wings that gave her away.

>You hear the sound of a man laughing, the sound of a girl crying, the sound of liquid dripping onto a floor. Then, darkness. Then it passes.

>Semitur has corrupted them, empowered them. says Kiku. Each one carries powers of darkness and flame. Flandre Scarlet appears to be the strongest. She is fighting Sawashiro-sama and Poppy right now.

>The Fire Champion's head twitches violently. "Save...?" he mutters, confused.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 05, 2018, 07:29:59 AM
>"Yes, save. Someone else has corrupted her. We can fix her. I know we can. This is what we came here to do."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 05, 2018, 08:09:16 AM
>"Yes, save. Someone else has corrupted her. We can fix her. I know we can. This is what we came here to do."

>Fire's eyes dart about for a moment. "Save... Yes. Yes, we need to save her." he agrees at last. "We need to kill the one that did this. My other half has been stolen from me. She is lost... alone..." The otherworldly fox shudders. "She is screaming..."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 05, 2018, 08:19:30 AM
>"We will set things right again."
>Let's get a move on and get back to that plane. And step on it.
>Fire seems to have backed down again - for the moment, at least. I am concerned about letting them anywhere near the airport in this agitated state, but I'm not sure I can convince it otherwise without provoking an altercation. When it was lucid, at least, it agreed not to fight with us. I hope it does not forget this.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 07, 2018, 07:46:41 AM
>"We will set things right again."
>Let's get a move on and get back to that plane. And step on it.
>Fire seems to have backed down again - for the moment, at least. I am concerned about letting them anywhere near the airport in this agitated state, but I'm not sure I can convince it otherwise without provoking an altercation. When it was lucid, at least, it agreed not to fight with us. I hope it does not forget this.

>So you don't need our help? Rin asks as you and Lily being your return trip to the airport. She sounds a bit harried.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 07, 2018, 08:26:48 AM
>i hope not. And we'll be with you as soon as we can get there.
>Keep moving
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 07, 2018, 05:29:59 PM
>i hope not. And we'll be with you as soon as we can get there.
>Keep moving

>Good. Kiku says. We need your keen senses. In this chaos, we cannot track Semitur.
>You press on at the best possible speed you can manage, which it turns out is faster than Lily. This is not because you're the better flyer, but because Lily is straying behind to tend to the Fire Champion, who is also following you. The Champion is obviously not traveling as fast as it can. It still seems to be suffering the effects of the tainted link between it and its Avatar. But it doesn't turn its aggression or its flame on you as you fly, partly due to Lily doing her cheery best to keep the Champion's mind focused on the task at hand. The winged blonde does an admirable job at keeping the Champion grounded. So to speak. You'd be lying if you said you were at all comfortable with a less than totally stable Champion flying at your back, but better that Champion be following you than left alone out in the city. At least if it turns on you, you and Lily can defend yourself, unlike the people of the city.
>And there'll be more people there than there were when you lift, you can see. From your vantage point in the sky, you see a number of flashing lights indicative of police vehicles on the road, the majority of them heading north, towards the airport. Luckily for you, and for them, you'll get there first.

>The airspace above the airport is a light show, courtesy of the spells and energy being employed by the empowered beings there. On approach, you can see two figures in plain view above the landing field. One is a winged figure you don't know, and the other is Magical White Rose. Even with the distance between you and her, you can tell Rin is holding back as she launches a fireball at her foe.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 07, 2018, 05:59:25 PM
>Does this 'winged figure' look like one of those corrupted people that came out of the plane, as best we can guess?
>If so, let's get in close enough to see how it fares against a Violet Lotus
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 08, 2018, 11:35:28 AM
>Does this 'winged figure' look like one of those corrupted people that came out of the plane, as best we can guess?
>If so, let's get in close enough to see how it fares against a Violet Lotus

>It could be. The shape is humanoid, and the aura it is emanating is definitely one of darkness. But there's something odd about that sensation, something that feels somehow hollow, empty.
>The winged being evades Rin's projectile with relative ease, but he doesn't evade the explosion of the fireball as easily. Caught by the blast wave, the figure cartwheels uncontrollably through the air, giving you and your group plenty of time to get into range. Based on what you can see, you would guess this man is a youkai. Either that, or Semitur's corruption gave him the bat-wings extending from his back. His skin is a dark grey in color and his bare torso ripples with muscles. As a fan of Flandre Scarlet's work, you believe this is the drummer of the group, the only male among them, though his name escapes you at the moment. He is a youkai, a bird youkai of some kind. It's never been stated, but judging from the color pattern on his wings, most believe him to be a peacock youkai. Whatever he was, he is assuredly something tainted now.
>He is also, as he struggles to right himself in the air, a fairly easy target. As the Fire Champion mutters, "That doesn't feel right..." you take aim at the corrupted drummer and fire your Violet Light, striking him squarely in the back. Instantly you sense something wrong. Your Violet light has the ability to cleanse darkness, to restore a tainted soul by removing whatever corruption has been inflicted upon it. But through your Violet Light, you realize that there is nothing to cleanse. This man literally HAS no soul. It has been removed from him completely. His body contains nothing but the malignant energy of the succubus Semitur. Purging that corruption would leave the body lifeless, or perhaps might even destroy the body.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 08, 2018, 03:31:54 PM
>Does that mean we have no confidence that we could excise this corruption to render them safely incapacitated for the battle and then put their soul back afterward? Or do we think trying that might actually kill them for good?
>Barring that, do we have any way to confine or restrain them that we could feasibly pull off mid-battle?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 08, 2018, 04:59:50 PM
>Does that mean we have no confidence that we could excise this corruption to render them safely incapacitated for the battle and then put their soul back afterward? Or do we think trying that might actually kill them for good?
>Barring that, do we have any way to confine or restrain them that we could feasibly pull off mid-battle?

>Having never dealt with this sort of issue before, you're not certain. You can most assuredly purge Semitur's corruption. But whether or not this would destroy the body, or merely render it inert while you deal with the larger issue, there's no way to be sure. Given the inherent non-lethality of your powers, and your own savoir's nature, you can't believe your power would ever destroy the body of an innocent. But then again, you've never emptied a body of everything that was in there before.
>The drummer appears to have been stunned by your Violet light, but you're not sure how long that will last. You could confine him in an Oubliette, but there's no way to know what effect separating him from Semitur might have on him. A bubble of Sapphire energy would probably contain him, though his attempts to escape would result in a drain on your energy. You also have the capacity to create a new light for the purpose of holding someone in cases like this, one that would be more energy efficient than Sapphire. Useful, especially if you have to hold all five of them, plus whoever else Semitur might have corrupted.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 08, 2018, 06:20:22 PM
>Let's do that, then. Now seems like a good time for it!
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 08, 2018, 08:30:22 PM
>Let's do that, then. Now seems like a good time for it!

>Come now, Draco, you know the routine.
>What shall be the name and/or form of this spell?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 08, 2018, 10:35:56 PM
>Iron Lotus: Kila That Binds The Wicked!
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 13, 2018, 09:54:39 AM
>Iron Lotus: Kila That Binds The Wicked!

>Drawing upon your creative instincts again, your power emerges once more in a new form, taking the shape of a flat grey bolt of energy that flies through the air. The black-winged man, still stunned by his exposure to your Violet light, is again struck fully by your Iron light. A globe of pale grey energy seems to surround him for a moment, before resolving itself into a more dramatic form. The young man becomes surrounded on all sides by iron grey swords of energy, biding him in place, leaving him suspended in the sky.
>It's always nice to have a new spell work so well the first time out. Even nicer to know that you can overpower someone when you really need to. Especially if you don't want to hurt him, that helps, too.

>"Neat spell!" Lily compliments you.
>"That man has no soul."
>The blonde woman goes from smiling to confused quickly. "What do you mean, no soul?"
>"He has no soul." the Champion repeats. "He's supposed to, but it's not there."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 13, 2018, 10:00:10 AM
>"It's true. I felt it myself, when I struck him with my Violet Lotus. There is no soul within him to purify, and I fear that if I excise what dark power is keeping his body animate, there may be nothing left within it to keep him alive at all. Semitur must have... taken it somehow. Maybe taken all of theirs."
>Can we spot the plane she arrived on?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 13, 2018, 10:59:28 AM
>"It's true. I felt it myself, when I struck him with my Violet Lotus. There is no soul within him to purify, and I fear that if I excise what dark power is keeping his body animate, there may be nothing left within it to keep him alive at all. Semitur must have... taken it somehow. Maybe taken all of theirs."
>Can we spot the plane she arrived on?

>"Yes." the Champion whispers, nodding slightly. "That explains why I can't hear her clearly. The connection has been stolen."
>Lily shudders at the thought.
>Yes. It is sitting on the tarmac a few hundred feet away from you. The roof of it is in pieces.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 13, 2018, 11:04:48 AM
>No one has seen Semitur leave the plane, correct? Or anyone she might plausibly have been disguised as?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 13, 2018, 11:18:41 AM
>No one has seen Semitur leave the plane, correct? Or anyone she might plausibly have been disguised as?

>The four members of your group that you left here all report negative. We've been busy. Kiku adds grimly.
>We can handle these guys easily enough. says Reisen. It's not hurting them in the process that makes it hard.
>Can't Dancer them into submission? Lily asks.
>No. says Reisen, sounding just a little embarrassed. I mean, I don't think it would work, not with Semitur controlling them.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 13, 2018, 11:26:03 AM
>Will the technique we used to bind this person still hold if we get far enough away to apply it to the others?
>For that matter, how hard would it be to hold all of them at once? And how long do we think it might last?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 13, 2018, 12:33:25 PM
>Will the technique we used to bind this person still hold if we get far enough away to apply it to the others?
>For that matter, how hard would it be to hold all of them at once? And how long do we think it might last?

>Yes.
>It depends on how strong the others are, and how much power they exert upon your swords. Your spell is strong, but not impenetrable. As for duration, there's no time limit on it. They will last until you dismiss the spell, you lose consciousness or are otherwise unable to maintain the spell, or until your captive breaks free.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 13, 2018, 06:49:20 PM
>I can bind them in place without harming them. Then we can go after Semitur together.
>To Fire: "I am going to go gather the rest of my nearby allies and then we will deal with Semitur and get these souls back."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 14, 2018, 06:23:27 AM
>I can bind them in place without harming them. Then we can go after Semitur together.
>To Fire: "I am going to go gather the rest of my nearby allies and then we will deal with Semitur and get these souls back."

>I have a suggestion. says Kiku. Between us and Sawashiro-sama, we can handle these five. Well, four now. I suggest you focus on locating Semitur, we can keep her slaves occupied in the meantime.

>The Champion doesn't reply right away. Its head is casting about, searching for something. "Do not take long." the Champion cautions you.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 14, 2018, 07:37:17 AM
>Do you have any reason to suspect she isn't simply on the plane still?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 14, 2018, 08:03:49 AM
>Do you have any reason to suspect she isn't simply on the plane still?

>Yes. I am IN the plane right now, fighting her canine slave. There are only two other bodies on board. Everyone that was mobile fled the plane after the first corrupted person blew the roof out.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 14, 2018, 08:14:44 AM
>And do you still believe that attempting to seek her out with our supernatural senses would endanger us?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 14, 2018, 08:36:05 AM
>And do you still believe that attempting to seek her out with our supernatural senses would endanger us?

>There's- Hold. Kiku interrupts herself, giving you a moment to take in the scene around you. White Rose, now minus her foe, is floating over towards you. Haruka is engaged in a spellcasting duel with a floating woman, the corrupted woman apparently weaving black magic through a trumpet. Poppy and a second women are fighting a melee duel, Poppy in her Saber Spectrum, her foe swinging a hammer that appears to be too big for her to wield comfortably, but she isn't having any obvious trouble. Kiku and her opponent are accounted for, and there is no sign of either Subala, Carnation, or the fifth member of Flandre's band.
>There is still danger. Kiku says at last, as new bodies start to emerge from the terminal building. They appear to be a mixture of airport security and officers of a different sort, all of them carrying blaster weapons of various sizes. But I believe your senses are keen enough to find her more easily than the rest of us, and your mental defenses are strong enough to resist Semitur's power better than the rest of us.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 14, 2018, 08:41:53 AM
>Then I will try.
>Take a moment to steel ourselves, then reach out very cautiously and sense our surroundings for any sign of Semitur.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 14, 2018, 09:45:03 AM
>Then I will try.
>Take a moment to steel ourselves, then reach out very cautiously and sense our surroundings for any sign of Semitur.

>A riot of sensations touch your mind as you stretch out with your mystic senses. The senses coming from the Fire Champion would be enough to muddle some, you're sure. The loss of their Avatar's soul has befuddled even the aura of the Champion, and it takes you a moment to block out that sensation. And then another moment to block out the volatile instability you sense from them as well. They really are making your job harder, aren't they? You also find yourself distracted by the empty sensations coming from Semitur's victims. The hollowness of those five people is an evil the likes of which you've never sensed before. To corrupt a soul is one thing, to excise a soul is another. What is she doing with those souls? Is this simply a consequence of what she is? What must it feel like, to draw the living soul out of a person? You've done a lot of things yourself, but nothing like that. You wonder if you even could, if your power-
>Quickly you banish that line of thought. This must be what Kiku warned you about, the corruptive presence of Semitur, leading people astray from who they really are. She is a lot more subtle than Satori was, and much more devious. And at least as subtle. The whole area is covered with an aura of darkness, each of her victims not only feeling disturbingly empty, but they seem to be generating fields of dark power, making it difficult to scan the area. The plane, too, is a huge blot of blackness, and your senses instinctively shy away from it. Something truly terrible happened in there. The emanations of your friends and allies isn't helping matters any. The overall effect yields a limiting effect on your sensing ability, reducing your effective range to less than it ought to be.

>And through it all, you hear things like echoes of sounds. The sound of crying, of screaming, of liquid dripping into a puddle, of a fire spreading, of glass shattering. They just keep getting louder.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 14, 2018, 09:51:22 AM
>Focus. Remember why we're doing this. Can we localize anything that might be Semitur herself? Remember the dragon heart that Razorclaw told us she carried with her - maybe it's power might stand out among all this darkness?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 14, 2018, 10:34:38 AM
>Focus. Remember why we're doing this. Can we localize anything that might be Semitur herself? Remember the dragon heart that Razorclaw told us she carried with her - maybe it's power might stand out among all this darkness?

>That's a clever idea. You toy with the idea of studying this blanketing darkness more, to see if you can glean some information about Semitur from it, but you dismiss that idea almost as quickly as it forms. You're wise to Semitur's tricks, and you have the fortitude and the wherewithal to work your way around them. It would help if you could put some distance between yourself and the Fire Champion, but let's see what you can come up with first.

>You hear the sound of wings beating, and fire crackling.

>Turning your mind down again, you focus your attention on the terminal, near the closest entrance to the plane. If everyone that could flee the plane did, Semitur's almost certainly slipped into that crowd, as Razorclaw and Kenyu said she's done in the past. And you do sense a surge of magic from just near the door, but it is the sensation of magic you associate with the mikos. A large globe of magic hurls itself through the door and up into the air. At a point in the air about 20 feet above you and 40 feet away from you, the globe erupts in a burst of power, revealing a massive bird that is of no species native to earth. It is easily eight foot tall, the feathers on its chest resemble body armor, and its long trailing tail ends in a pair of barbed hooks. It also has three stones embedded in its head, each of which flashes with magical power.

>You hear the sound of a child crying.

>Something about that sight gives you pause, puts you on your guard. Its stance in the air is one of aggression. Thus, you are surprised, but not caught unawares when the monstrous bird opens its beak and discharges a narrow beam of brilliant energy at you and Lily.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 14, 2018, 10:41:54 AM
>Get out of the way!
>And we're sure this came from one of the mikos? Ascertain its source; have they been affected by Semitur?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 14, 2018, 10:52:52 AM
>Get out of the way!

>Very quickly, you and Lily split up, she going left while you go right. The brilliant beam sizzles in the air between you.

>You hear the sound of fire growing growing louder.

>Even before the two of you finish your evasive maneuvers, White Rose is on the counter attack, sending a wave of white flame against the giant bird.

>And we're sure this came from one of the mikos? Ascertain its source; have they been affected by Semitur?

>Most certainly. The magic, and the bird, bears their signature. And the door is too far away for you to make out the figure standing in the doorway, but they appear to be holding something in their hands. You guess it to be about the same size and shape as the gohei Yuna brought with her. If it is her, her aura is normal, at least at first blush, but she wouldn't have attacked you without provocation, not without some external force acting upon her.
>And you would guess that the same is true for airport security. The assembled officers, those you can see on the ground, have raised their blasters and opened fire on Haruka and Poppy. A detachment of troops is heading towards the wreck of the plane, you guess to attack Chrysanthemum.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 14, 2018, 11:04:00 AM
>Can we tell if these have also lost their souls? Or are they tainted in a way we might be able to actually fix right here and now?
>If the latter, then let's get closer and hit the group of security on the ground with a wide-angle Violet Lotus
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 14, 2018, 01:59:14 PM
>Can we tell if these have also lost their souls? Or are they tainted in a way we might be able to actually fix right here and now?
>If the latter, then let's get closer and hit the group of security on the ground with a wide-angle Violet Lotus

>They do not have the same hollow feeling that Semitur's victims from the plane do. But nor do they appear to have been afflicted with any malign energy. As near as you can tell, they still feel like ordinary sapients. If Semitur has done something to them as you believe she has, either it's something you can't detect, or it's something far less invasive or corruptive than she did with the others. She may possess more simple forms of mind controlling techniques. In which case, Amber Lotus might work just as well, if not better, than your Violet light.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 14, 2018, 06:54:13 PM
>Okay, then let's give that a try instead.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 16, 2018, 09:42:38 AM
>Okay, then let's give that a try instead.

>Pointing your scepter down, you fire off a very wide beam of Amber light. With none of the officers looking up, none of them react to your attack until your light washes over them. Straight away, every one of them drops the weapon in their hands. It would be an impressive sound, were it not blanketed by the chaos around you. Although their reaction is not universal, you get the impression that they are all confused about something.
>Another burst of summoning magic grabs your attention, Yuna unleashing another fantastical beast. It appears to be a horse, albeit one twice the size of a Clydesdale, and it has a pair of wings sprouting from its torso. These wings spark with electricity, as does the blue-skinned creatures' barbed tail. As the bird before it, this one makes a beeline for you, its beating wings leaving twin trails of lightning in their wake.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 16, 2018, 09:53:05 AM
>Let's bank away from its charge and fire a second Amber Lotus at Yuna. Let's make sure this one has some punch to it, since she might employ actual defensive magics.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 16, 2018, 09:54:44 AM
>Let's bank away from its charge and fire a second Amber Lotus at Yuna. Let's make sure this one has some punch to it, since she might employ actual defensive magics.

>Yuna is concealing herself just inside the door to the terminal. You cannot see enough of her to draw a bead on her, not from the angle and height you are at.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 16, 2018, 09:58:03 AM
>Then can we unsummon this creature directly? With means other than 'pulverizing it sufficiently'?
>Could we get line of sight on her if we dropped altitude quickly? Would this let us possibly get that shot before the summon closes on us?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 16, 2018, 10:10:52 AM
>Then can we unsummon this creature directly? With means other than 'pulverizing it sufficiently'?
>Could we get line of sight on her if we dropped altitude quickly? Would this let us possibly get that shot before the summon closes on us?

>Amber Lotus is the only technique you currently have that might work as an unsummoning spell on these creatures. And you're not certain it would work, since you're not certain if these creatures are conjured from Yuna's imagination or living beings she pulled from another world.
>Assuming she doesn't move in the meantime, yes, though you'd have to drop a lot of altitude fairly quickly, that horse is moving.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 16, 2018, 10:13:41 AM
>Then let's drop altitude as quickly as we think is at all safe, and see if we can tag Yuna with Amber Lotus before the horse reaches us
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 16, 2018, 11:43:50 AM
>Then let's drop altitude as quickly as we think is at all safe, and see if we can tag Yuna with Amber Lotus before the horse reaches us

>Hoping to take the summoner out of the fight before she can conjure anything else to throw at you, you plummet from the sky, hoping to get a better angle at the shrine maiden.
>Her conjured creature has other ideas, however, and like his avian brethren, he unleashes a ranged attack at you. A column of lightning aimed at you emerges from the equines' mouth.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 16, 2018, 06:28:42 PM
>If we feel we can bank away from this, do so.
>Otherwise, put a Sapphire Lotus between the two of us and keep descending
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 17, 2018, 03:38:31 PM
>If we feel we can bank away from this, do so.
>Otherwise, put a Sapphire Lotus between the two of us and keep descending

>The breath is coming in a fairly wide cone, but you're faster and more agile than you were when you started this adventure. Adjusting the angle of your flying disc, you bank to the right rapidly, taking you away from the angle you want to fire on Yuna, but successfully evading the horses' breath weapon.
>After the lightning passes by you, you hear Lily cast, "Spring Lily Petal Cyclone!", and out of the corner of your eye you spy the electric-hurling horse contained by Lily's twisting barrier of flower petals. With that threat dealt with, you return your attention to Yuna, correcting your course yet again and lining up to take a shot at the summoner. But as you drop from the air, you see Yuna fall through the exit of the airport. The summoner is enmeshed in a tangle of thick vines, struggling vainly against their green grasp.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 17, 2018, 06:03:02 PM
>Wait, where'd this come from?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 18, 2018, 11:01:31 AM
>Wait, where'd this come from?

>You do not know.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 18, 2018, 11:08:37 AM
>Well, we still need to dispel her, one way or another. Hit her with an Amber Lotus and then try to ascertain the source of the vines.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 20, 2018, 02:55:45 AM
>Well, we still need to dispel her, one way or another. Hit her with an Amber Lotus and then try to ascertain the source of the vines.

>Shaking your head to shake off the surprise of this development, you turn your Amber light upon the entangled miko. As you do so, you take a closer scan of those vines. They bear the signature of Minoriko's magic. She must be inside the airport, just out of sight from where you are. And you're not out of the woods from that direction either. Another batch of airport officers are tromping out the door, four of them, each carrying a blaster. The two carrying the smaller weapons, pistols, raise their weapons and fire off a pair of blue stun bolts at you.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 20, 2018, 06:18:06 AM
>Shield ourselves from the bolts, then hit the bunch of them with Amber Lotus as well
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 21, 2018, 02:56:40 PM
>Shield ourselves from the bolts, then hit the bunch of them with Amber Lotus as well

>After all you've handled, a couple of stun bolts are barely even no match against your Sapphire light. In between the gaps of their shots, you return fire, the wide-beamed Amber light engulfing the whole troop at once.Would that everything about this incident would be this simple. Would that people and creatures would just stop getting in your way at all. You wonder if your own light might be able to work a similar magic as Semitur. She could turn people to her will, why-
>Sharply you snap your thoughts away from that line. Whether it's Semitur's influence, or the result of that... whatever these experiences are that keep stabbing through your mind, you're having a hard time keeping your thoughts in order. The sooner you can find Semitur and put and end to this, the better off you'll be. Hopefully she starts running out of people to put in front of her soon.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 21, 2018, 06:53:54 PM
>If we can spare a moment between all the people shooting at us, try again to use our senses to locate that dragon heart
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 23, 2018, 01:04:03 AM
>If we can spare a moment between all the people shooting at us, try again to use our senses to locate that dragon heart

>You appear to have settled that issue for the moment. You've neutralized all the security forces as well as Yuna, and there do not appear to be any additional officers coming at you from the building. You have a moment to yourself.
>And you'll need it, too. The noise coming from the Fire Champion is even louder now than it was before, and it's being echoed as well. One of Semitur's victims, presumably the Avatar of Fire, is emitting a similar sense of psychic static, a chaotic riot of noise. This is in addition to those sounds and sights that continue to assail you, the sounds of crying, of dripping blood, of glass shattering. You're still not sure where those sounds are coming from, and with Semitur posing a unique kind of threat to your mind, you can't spare the focus to try and figure out where it's coming from.
>Trying as best as you can to put all that out of your mind, you turn your senses outwards again, trying to find that magical artifact you know Semitur to be carrying. It would help if you knew what dragon magic felt like, since the only time you ever saw a dragon, you weren't in your Lotus form. But you'll have to make do. Razorclaw and Haruka established that the thing is a potent source of magic, so it shouldn't be too hard to locate, save for the fact that Semitur isn't using it. Evidently she doesn't know how. If this heart is like the Blood's Jewels, it will be virtually undetectable unless it's active. Which is something you don't want to see. Obviously this succubus is creating enough problems without any extra help.
>You eliminate the exterior of the terminal, the ruined airplane and any of the combatants. Their auras are all accountable for and show no extra magical power sources. She has to be indoors. You thought as much, given that both Yuna and the security officers of the airport had been turned against you, and this confirms your theory. And probably somewhere near the door, since that seems to be where the bulk of the people are located. But it is difficult to get a localized sense in there. There is a blanketing effect over the terminal building, an aura of power that you're fairly confidant is one of Semitur's lures for the unwary. You also have the uneasy feeling that you are being watched.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 23, 2018, 01:22:11 AM
>But we can get no more obvious sense of her position than 'somewhere inside the terminal, probably'?
>Did the summons stop being aggressive after we zapped Yuna?
>Minoriko, are there any other hostiles you can see inside there?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 23, 2018, 01:40:55 AM
>But we can get no more obvious sense of her position than 'somewhere inside the terminal, probably'?
>Did the summons stop being aggressive after we zapped Yuna?
>Minoriko, are there any other hostiles you can see inside there?

>You may be able to, but you'll need to take great care. You can tell that the closer you get to sensing Semitur directly, the more at risk you put yourself to her influence. Especially with all the chaos around you messing up your senses.
>The summons no longer appear to be present. Either they vanished because Yuna lost control of her spell, or they were destroyed.
>Not so far. But someone turned the security against us, and then they turned Yuna. I heard some of the officers and Yuna talking to someone, and then I heard them say that we were the real threat here.
>Who was it? asks Kiku. That someone you mentioned
>I couldn't see her clearly. But it was a woman, I'm sure of that.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 23, 2018, 01:46:02 AM
>Where was she?
>Are any of the others still fighting the soulless nearby enough for us to try binding their foe without making a notable detour?
>Because otherwise that leaves... Lily, Minoriko, and Rin free to come with us inside, right?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 23, 2018, 05:50:11 PM
>Where was she?
>Are any of the others still fighting the soulless nearby enough for us to try binding their foe without making a notable detour?
>Because otherwise that leaves... Lily, Minoriko, and Rin free to come with us inside, right?

>Near the exit to the runway. I was nearby healing one of the wounded that got off the plane.
>Reisen, Lily and Haruka are engaged with one of the soulless, a blonde woman with black and red streaks in her hair, and feathered wings colored like a inversed rainbow. In fact, they seem to be having a great deal of trouble with her. The colorful girl shows no sign of injury, yet both Haruka and Reisen are burned and bleeding. There's no sign of Kiku, so you assume she's still in the wreck of the plane, probably still fighting. The third soulless is still suspended in the air by your Iron swords, and the fourth is also airborne, chasing Rin while spraying a foul-looking liquid at the kasha from her hands. There's no sign of either Subala or the fifth soulless.
>Correction. Kiku is just now emerging from the plane, in her tiger form. She appears wounded but is leaving the plane under her own power, and doesn't hesitate to jump down to the tarmac.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 23, 2018, 07:50:11 PM
>Aren't we currently by the exit to the runway, with no sign of said woman? Is there another exit she might be referring to?
>If not: Did you see where she went?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 24, 2018, 08:59:33 PM
>Aren't we currently by the exit to the runway, with no sign of said woman? Is there another exit she might be referring to?
>If not: Did you see where she went?

>It is the closest exit to your location yes. But the only woman you can see close to you is- Actually there's two, one of the security officers is a female. The other is Yuna, who is only now starting to rise to her feet. Given that it is the closest exit to the plane, you believe it is the exit Minoriko was talking about.
>I didn't, I'm sorry.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 24, 2018, 09:20:12 PM
>It's alright. Keep an eye out, but I'm going to try and free up more of us before we walk into a probable trap with just the two of us. Let me know if anything changes.
>Let's go fire an Iron Lotus at the soulless chasing Rin
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 24, 2018, 11:34:28 PM
>It's alright. Keep an eye out, but I'm going to try and free up more of us before we walk into a probable trap with just the two of us. Let me know if anything changes.
>Let's go fire an Iron Lotus at the soulless chasing Rin

>I will. Minoriko assures you.
>Assuming we don't need you out here. adds Reisen with a grimace in her voice. Flandre is much stronger than the others.
>Don't worry, I got her! Lily says confidently as you turn your attention towards eliminating another member of the opposition. You can tell that the black-winged woman is no match for Rin, but as before, White Rose holds back from unleashing her might upon the woman. She doesn't share your wealth of non-lethal powers but she does share your concern for others. Even when it means she'll take damage in the process, as you can see a few small acid burns on her clothes, tail and legs. >Ignoring the surge in anger those wounds spark in you, you deploy your grey light once more, and with your target as focused as she is on White Rose, she doesn't make even the barest evasive motion. Again your Iron swords of light appear around one of Semitur's victims, isolating her from the fight and rendering her harmless. The tall woman screams her frustration and sprays her acidic fluid at the swords holding her, to no avail. Your spell isn't permanently impervious, but it'll take someone of her power level some time to free herself.

>Thanks, Mistress. Rin says privately as she descends down closer to you. I hate this fight. Even against Youma I could shoot them, but I can't really do that against these people.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 25, 2018, 12:17:23 AM
>Yes. And I wouldn't be surprised if Semitur is counting on exactly that difficulty.
>Judging by what we can see of Flandre, it would probably be too optimistic to think Iron Lotus could hold her too, wouldn't it?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 25, 2018, 03:34:57 AM
>Yes. And I wouldn't be surprised if Semitur is counting on exactly that difficulty.
>Judging by what we can see of Flandre, it would probably be too optimistic to think Iron Lotus could hold her too, wouldn't it?

>Do I have to pull my punches with her? Rin asks, more heatedly than you'd expect her to sound.
>It probably would hold her, but not for nearly as long as the other soulless ones. Not unless you tire her out first.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 25, 2018, 03:51:13 AM
>Not long enough to deal with Semitur, probably?
>Do we have any idea how safe it would be to rough her up a little with Scarlet Lotus or similar? Given her relatively unique state of being a person but also not quite a person?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 25, 2018, 04:27:38 AM
>Not long enough to deal with Semitur, probably?
>Do we have any idea how safe it would be to rough her up a little with Scarlet Lotus or similar? Given her relatively unique state of being a person but also not quite a person?

>It would depend on how long it takes you to locate and deal with her. But if you're honest with yourself, you wouldn't put good odds on it.
>Despite the malign energy that's suffused her being and her current lack of a soul, you don't believe your offensive spells can kill her, not unless you really want them to. There's a very good chance you wouldn't even cause any permanent harm. You'll just need to measure your fire a bit more carefully than you do normally. Given Flandre's current status, and the fact that you're not completely certain how your power will interact with her body, you don't want to swing for the fences without knowing what you'll do to your target in the process.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 25, 2018, 05:00:24 AM
>Not at all. She must be stopped.
>Kiku, Rin, with me. ...as long as the rest of you think you can handle Flandre for as long as it takes us to find Semitur?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 27, 2018, 09:03:02 PM
>Not at all. She must be stopped.
>Kiku, Rin, with me. ...as long as the rest of you think you can handle Flandre for as long as it takes us to find Semitur?

>We can handle it! Lily says confidently.
>Just OOF! ... Try not to take TOO long. Reisen adds.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 27, 2018, 09:34:49 PM
>We will be as quick as we can.
>Let's get the 3 of us inside, along with Minoriko.
>Then ask Rin and Kiku: Can either of you pick up something with which to track Semitur down? I may be able to pierce the aura she's cast around the terminal with my own senses, but it's a risk I'd rather not take if it's unnecessary.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on February 28, 2018, 02:58:33 AM
>We will be as quick as we can.
>Let's get the 3 of us inside, along with Minoriko.
>Then ask Rin and Kiku: Can either of you pick up something with which to track Semitur down? I may be able to pierce the aura she's cast around the terminal with my own senses, but it's a risk I'd rather not take if it's unnecessary.

>After linking up with Kiku, the tiger cut and bruised in more than one place, the three of you head for the door. Yuna is standing there now, having been helped back to her feet by Minoriko. "That was you, wasn't it?" the miko asks her.
>Carnation nods. "I'm sorry, but I didn't think I had a choice."
>"Don't be sorry, you did the right thing."

>My nose. Kiku says grimly. I should be able to identify her based on what I smelled on that plane. Or, if she's the only person that doesn't smell. People that disguise themselves magically make that oversight more than you might think.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on February 28, 2018, 03:13:54 AM
>I can believe it; scent is not a sense that humans rely on very much to identify people. But please, lead on.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 01, 2018, 09:22:26 PM
>I can believe it; scent is not a sense that humans rely on very much to identify people. But please, lead on.

>Maybe not consciously. Kiku remarks. But we can discuss the behavior of your race later. Taking point, the tiger leads the way into the terminal building, past Yuna and Carnation. Despite the ongoing battle outside, the place here is still packed with people, at least a couple hundred. Part of this is for obvious reasons, as some of them have been hurt. Badly, it appears, in some cases. Evidently Carnation wasn't able to heal them all. Members of the Mayoiga police force are here to provide some security for the doctors working on the wounded. This puts you even more on your guard. If Semitur was able to turn the airport security against you, there's a very good chance she can do the same to the police.
>"I'm sorry about attacking you." Yuna says as you start to move past her. "I couldn't stop myself."
>As she explains herself, you feel a somewhat sinking sensation. You recognize one of the doctors treating a man with burns on his back. The very long head of pale silver hair tied into a braid is a dead giveaway. It is Eirin Yakogoro, the Lunarian doctor who, if your suspicions are correct, is the Avatar of Ice.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 01, 2018, 09:55:53 PM
>Can we sense any unusual power from her, or a link to her Champion, like we previously sensed one between Patchouli/Sanae and their respective Champions?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 01, 2018, 10:53:42 PM
>Can we sense any unusual power from her, or a link to her Champion, like we previously sensed one between Patchouli/Sanae and their respective Champions?

>You feel... cold. Very cold. A kind of cold with no hope of warmth, no dreams of summer, no eyes that can see the sun. Even the sun would be cold. Endless freezing cold...
>You feel fatigued, weary. The cold draws the strength from the living. No hope of fire, no comfort in the snow. Just cold and sleep...
>And yet she is beautiful. Even when she works. You wonder how she might look under the winter sky, a dusting of snow in her eyes, her cool eyes flashing in the light of winter. Maybe you could see it in your dreams...
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 01, 2018, 11:05:42 PM
>Woah, pull back for a second there.
>That was... odd. Do we think we can contextualize that sensation more?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 02, 2018, 01:14:29 AM
>Woah, pull back for a second there.
>That was... odd. Do we think we can contextualize that sensation more?

>It takes a concerted effort on your part to retract your mystic radar, as it were. Something holds your attention. You feel an almost tangible grasp on your mental senses. And those noises dogging you make things worse, dividing your attention, stealing your focus from what really matters. It'd be nice if you could rest for a few moments. You haven't really stopped since you started this morning. It'd be nice if you could lie down for a little while.
>But until you do, you have a task to complete. As Rin and Yuna yawn you turn your thoughts towards trying to figure out what just happened. If Eirin is indeed the Avatar of Ice, then the chaotic energy in the air around you might have caused you to have a reaction to either her or the connection she shares with her Champion, if not both. You may have been sensing the cold that is her essence. If that's the case, then you shudder to imagine what her mind must be like. If indeed you were sensing her soul, then it was almost unimaginably cold.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 02, 2018, 01:50:55 AM
>Yawn? All of us?
>Could something be trying to lull us to sleep?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 02, 2018, 01:54:41 AM
>Yawn? All of us?
>Could something be trying to lull us to sleep?

>No, just the two of them. Although Minoriko looks a bit drowsy as well.
>No, you're probably all just feeling the effects of this conflict.
>Except... Yuna hasn't really had as much action as the rest of you. Maybe there IS something fishy going on here.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 02, 2018, 02:35:17 AM
>Cautiously cast about and see if we can identify anything. Though be ginger while doing so; this is a bad environment to go mentally fishing.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 02, 2018, 10:11:21 PM
>Cautiously cast about and see if we can identify anything. Though be ginger while doing so; this is a bad environment to go mentally fishing.

>Exercising a great deal of caution, you sent your thoughts out again, trying to pick up some hint that this fatigue you're feeling is some new kind of attack against your group. Your senses are drawn back towards Eirin, against your will. That freezing sense of cold is omnipresent, unavoidable. But you can tell that this isn't right. You recall the sensations you felt from the Avatars of Air and Water, they were nothing like what you're sensing from Eirin. She may or may not be the Avatar of Ice, but that's irrelevant at the moment. That psychic sensation of hers is not right, you can tell. It's stronger than it should be, more dominant than it should be. It may be being amplified by something, but by Semitur or by the fact that she's an Avatar, you're not certain, not at this level of scanning.
>Unless this is some factor inherent to Lunarian humans. You've never mystically probed one before, after all.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 02, 2018, 11:01:02 PM
>If we think we can do it safely and without alerting her, let's probe just a little more focusedly at whatever it is feels 'not right' about this aura.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 03, 2018, 02:10:28 AM
>If we think we can do it safely and without alerting her, let's probe just a little more focusedly at whatever it is feels 'not right' about this aura.

>Which 'her'?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 03, 2018, 02:13:43 AM
>Eirin
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 03, 2018, 09:22:34 PM
>Eirin

>It takes all the focus you have, but you probe a bit deeper. There is definitely some amplification going on here. The aura Eirin exudes is being empowered by an external force, but localizing that force will be difficult That omnipresent sense of being watched, the sounds of screaming in your mind, the increasing sense of fatigue weighing you down, working your senses through the energy all around you... it's all too much. You're only human, confronting a demon that's the stuff of nightmares. And what if Fire loses control again while you're in here? What if Flandre proves too much for your friends outside? It's all too much for one person to handle. Too much pressure, too much responsibility.
>The soul-numbing chill deepens as it settles even more firmly upon you. How can she be so cold? How can she function like that? Doesn't she know what it's doing to you, maybe even to everyone around you?

>And then something else touches your mind. You feel a cold hand lightly touch your psyche. But it is not the same debilitating chill Eirin is giving off. In fact, that touch- No, that caress, stems the confusion that had been starting to run roughshod over your mind. You still feel fatigue, but you're now certain it was someone else's doing. It is like a cool hand passing over your fevered brow. And it feels familiar. Without even needing to check, you know it to be the touch of the Champion of Ice.
>This draws so much of your attention that it is only peripherally that you notice the sounds of blaster fire around you.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 03, 2018, 10:30:49 PM
>That's something we need to more than peripherally notice! Quick, what's going on? Shield...whoever is being shot at? Us?
>And if the shooters seem affected by Semitur's power again, let's give them another Amber Lotus
>Then try to take stock of the situation
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 04, 2018, 04:19:19 PM
>That's something we need to more than peripherally notice! Quick, what's going on? Shield...whoever is being shot at? Us?
>And if the shooters seem affected by Semitur's power again, let's give them another Amber Lotus
>Then try to take stock of the situation

>You've had a lot on your mind.
>Perhaps not unsurprisingly, some of the police officers present have opened fire on you. But Rin has you covered. She is presently standing in front of you, a spinning wheel of energy in front of her, intercepting the stun blasts being loosed at you and your group. "Cut it out!" she is shouting. "We're on your side!"
>"We'll determine that once you're in custody." one of the officers states flatly as he discharges another stun blast into Rin's shield.
>Prudently, the officers present have all taken cover behind chairs, pillars, suitable cover for evading hostile fire. They're not so foolish as to stand out in the open and let you blast them all with a single shot. Or perhaps Semitur, if she is the one responsible for this, has learned from that mistake.
>Needless to say, the shooting has had a rather dramatic effect on the crowd. People that had been sitting, watching the fighting outside, are now running the other way. Other officers and medical personnel are helping move the wounded farther into the airport, away from the shooting. All but two of the medical personnel are focused solely on that. Two of them, you note, are keeping an eye on you. A very handsome man with well-coifed black hair and a faint sneer on his face is keeping a very close eye on you and your group. The other one, only watching you out of the corner of her eye, is Eirin.
>As for your group, Minoriko and Yuna are standing behind Rin's shield, while Kiku has moved apart from your group, moving to your west.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 04, 2018, 06:39:43 PM
>That man... couldn't be Semitur in disguise, could it? We don't happen to see a hunk of amethyst on their person do we? Or anything else that might be identifying/suspicious (other than just their behavior)?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 04, 2018, 08:49:11 PM
>That man... couldn't be Semitur in disguise, could it? We don't happen to see a hunk of amethyst on their person do we? Or anything else that might be identifying/suspicious (other than just their behavior)?

>There DOES seem to be something a bit off about the man. It isn't until you happen to glance at his left hand that you identify the source of your misgivings. There's a ring on his finger set with a green gemstone. The same kind of stone that Vice wore. The man is Blood, a Blackblood. That's a complication you don't need. Razorclaw said that all the Blood were supposed to stay away from Semitur, to let you and mikos handle her.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 04, 2018, 09:15:31 PM
>That man over there [in the appropriate direction] is a Blackblood.
>We've curved our beams in past and we can see where the police shooting at us are hiding. Let's snake a couple Amber Lotuses around the pillars and chairs at them.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 04, 2018, 11:07:06 PM
>We've curved our beams in past and we can see where the police shooting at us are hiding. Let's snake a couple Amber Lotuses around the pillars and chairs at them.

>You can presently account for five officers in various locations arrayed against you. Do you wish to attempt to strike them all at once?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 04, 2018, 11:10:10 PM
>If that isn't too hard, sure. But if that's going to take too much concentration, it's perfectly fine to strike them in sequence. We don't want to just blanket the whole area.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 05, 2018, 04:46:59 AM
>That man over there [in the appropriate direction] is a Blackblood.

>That doctor? asks Minoriko. How can you tell?
>There's not supposed to be any Blackbloods here. Rin protests.

>If that isn't too hard, sure. But if that's going to take too much concentration, it's perfectly fine to strike them in sequence. We don't want to just blanket the whole area.

>With Rin protecting you, you have the time and the focus you need. The exertion of bending about a half dozen Amber beams will be more efficient in the long run than having a protracted battle with the cops.
>To their credit, the visible officers all duck behind their chosen covers very quickly when you discharge your Amber beams. They have no way of knowing it won't do them any good, and they are all likely caught by surprise as you curve your energy in the air, over chairs, around pillars, all to strike unerringly at your targets. You know they wear armored vests, but that does them no good against your attacks, and you hear the expected clattering of blasters hitting the floor from the area of your targets.
>What you don't expect is the silence that falls over the crowd. The running and the yelling stops as, slowly, each and every one of the gathered civilians that you can see stops to look at your group. And they do not look happy.
>Correction. All but two. Eirin and the Blackblood doctor do not look unhappy. The look on Eirin's face is indecipherable, while the male doctor, though still sneering faintly, seems slightly confused about something.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 05, 2018, 04:51:06 AM
>'Unhappy' in the way that a civilian might be if they'd just seen an unknown party take down a bunch of cops or 'unhappy' in a way that suggests they've also been mind-controlled to attack us?
>There isn't, but look at the ring on his hand. I can sense it.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 05, 2018, 07:55:49 PM
>'Unhappy' in the way that a civilian might be if they'd just seen an unknown party take down a bunch of cops or 'unhappy' in a way that suggests they've also been mind-controlled to attack us?
>There isn't, but look at the ring on his hand. I can sense it.

>For the crowd, you're not certain. Both, probably. But they're not attacking YET, so that's something.
>As for the Blood, that's even more difficult to tell. But if he has been mind controlled to attack you, he doesn't show any overt signs of it yet. He doesn't seem as angry as the other civilians, and more importantly, he isn't powering up his Jewels yet. The fact that you can sense it at all is slightly confusing. He must be using it, but you can't tell what for, the sensation is very muttered. Whatever he's doing with it, he isn't aiming it at you. Yet.
>Of course, the way this day's gone, that's probably only a matter of time.
>Doesn't that mean it's active? White Rose asks. I mean, normally we can't pick up those things unless someone's using them, right?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 06, 2018, 01:10:54 AM
>That's normally true, though I can't tell what it's being used for. There's so much... psychic noise here.
>I don't suppose any of you have picked up something we could use to track Semitur?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 06, 2018, 01:14:38 AM
>That's normally true, though I can't tell what it's being used for. There's so much... psychic noise here.
>I don't suppose any of you have picked up something we could use to track Semitur?

>Are you okay? Rin asks worriedly.
>Yes. says Kiku. I think.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 06, 2018, 01:44:24 AM
>Where?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 06, 2018, 02:26:37 AM
>Where?

>This way. Kiku's snout is pointing towards the northwest of the admission room. There's a lot of bodies in that direction, and none of the exposed faces you see line up with the description Razorclaw gave you.
>Why should they? Nothing 's been easy. Even that new spell you developed won't last forever. Every minute you're in here flailing around looking for Semitur is another minute the soulless have to free themselves, for Flandre to beat on Reisen and the others, for the Fire Champion to grow more and more unstable. What'll happen if that one turns against you like everything else has at this airport?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 06, 2018, 03:11:39 AM
>We will deal with new complications if they happen. In the meantime, try to stay focused on our immediate goal.
>Lead on.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 07, 2018, 09:43:49 PM
>We will deal with new complications if they happen. In the meantime, try to stay focused on our immediate goal.
>Lead on.

>When they happen. There's no question or doubt of that. That's all that's happened since you became the magical hero you are. Just look at what's happened so far today.
>Or to put it another way, look at what's happened since the Champions showed up. Just about everything that's happened to you since then has been their fault. Even this today is only happening because of the Fire Champion. It was because their Avatar was on that plane that everything's gone wrong. And they they are, hovering up there, and you're down here just waiting for something else to go wrong.
>And the first thing that goes wrong is that more than a few of the civilian crowd that had been retreating from the shooting are now moving in the opposite direction, moving towards you and to cut you off as you follow the trail of the feline-form Kiku.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 07, 2018, 10:10:38 PM
>Keep an eye on them, but otherwise leave them be unless they take openly hostile action
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 09, 2018, 10:14:53 PM
>Keep an eye on them, but otherwise leave them be unless they take openly hostile action

>Leaving them be is not going to be an easy task. Though there are a handful of individuals heading away from your group, mostly medical personnel transporting wounded and adults moving younger people away, everyone you can see if moving towards your group.
>"I don't like the looks of this." White Rose mutters.
>"Semitur couldn't have done something to ALL of them, could she?" Carnation asks quietly.
>"I wouldn't put it past her." says Yuna.

>Kiku growls audibly and mentally as more and more people move to stand in front of her. I have lost the scent. he spits out, plainly irritated.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 09, 2018, 10:31:53 PM
>About how many people seem like they're deliberately obstructing us versus just doing their own thing and milling about, as crowds do?
>Would it help if there weren't so many people in our way?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 09, 2018, 10:58:39 PM
>About how many people seem like they're deliberately obstructing us versus just doing their own thing and milling about, as crowds do?
>Would it help if there weren't so many people in our way?

>The impression you get from these folks is that there isn't a greadt deal of 'milling' going on. There are more than a dozen people of various races and from various walks of life standing in front of you, and just as many or more on your right side and behind you. It won't be long before you're completely encircled.
>I don't think so. The scent simply disappeared rather than was lost among other people. I suspect she knew I could track her and has now hidden her scent.
>But if she doesn't smell at all, you could still find her that way? asks Rin.
>Someone as good as Semitur is at hiding herself won't be that careless.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 10, 2018, 01:59:40 AM
>Well, we still have a direction, at least?
>Let's keep going that way
>And although it's probably pointless to try this, shooting people who have done nothing more than be inconvenient feels like bad form, so once these people are actually blocking our immediate path: "Stand aside, please."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 10, 2018, 04:18:30 AM
>Well, we still have a direction, at least?
>Let's keep going that way
>And although it's probably pointless to try this, shooting people who have done nothing more than be inconvenient feels like bad form, so once these people are actually blocking our immediate path: "Stand aside, please."

>Chrysanthemum says, Yes, but nothing else.
>Better than nothing. states White Rose.
>Your group manages to take another four steps before your path is blocked by the angry crowd. Kiku growls menacingly, but this does nothing to drive the assembled people away. And nor does your polite yet firm request. "Or what?" the young blonde man standing near the middle of the group before you replies. "You'll shoot us like you shot our officers?" An angry wave of muttered agreement sweeps through the crowd.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 10, 2018, 04:30:12 AM
>"They were under the effects of powerful mind control. We've done them no harm."
>In fact, shouldn't they already be rousting themselves by now? If so, point that out.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 10, 2018, 10:09:44 PM
>"They were under the effects of powerful mind control. We've done them no harm."
>In fact, shouldn't they already be rousting themselves by now? If so, point that out.

>"Likely story." puts in a winged man standing behind the blonde that spoke earlier.
>"Next she'll say we're under 'powerful mind control'" a teenage girl with a cheap tan and fake nails drawls.
>You suspect it wouldn't be hard in that girls' case.

>They may be, but you cannot see them around the crowd.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 11, 2018, 04:14:36 AM
>"If you aren't, then you would all do well to evacuate. There is a dangerous criminal at large in the airport and we are here to apprehend them."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 11, 2018, 10:30:22 PM
>"If you aren't, then you would all do well to evacuate. There is a dangerous criminal at large in the airport and we are here to apprehend them."

>"Looks ta me like all'a dang'rous ones're outside." growls an accented male voice from behind you.
>"Or in here." the blonde man adds.
>"Does that include me?" Yuna asks, stepping toward the blonde man. "Surely you must recognize a serving shrine maiden."
>"Yeah, with magic." an albino woman with green feathered wings and an aristocratic bearing points out.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 12, 2018, 12:26:47 AM
>"Then who would you believe?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 12, 2018, 12:58:15 AM
>"Then who would you believe?"

>"The guys you just shot at, for a start." says a woman to your right. "We here in Mayoiga don't take too kindly to folks shooting magic blasts at our police officers." A near universal chorus of agreement rings out from the crowd.
>If this is Semitur's doing, she really is clever. The local police, you know, are in fact held in high regard by the local populace. She may be using the locals pride in their cops against you. Small wonder she's gotten away with so much over the years, or that even someone like Razorclaw couldn't finish her.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 12, 2018, 01:02:44 AM
>"Then why don't you go ask them yourselves? I imagine they'll be up on their feet again shortly, if they aren't already."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 12, 2018, 01:35:53 AM
>"Then why don't you go ask them yourselves? I imagine they'll be up on their feet again shortly, if they aren't already."

>"And just let you walk around like you own the place?" the blonde man asks. "Not likely."
>This is getting nowhere. Kiku growls sharply. Cover your ears.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 12, 2018, 02:06:22 AM
>Better to do as she says than question
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 12, 2018, 04:42:33 PM
>Better to do as she says than question

>Wait, you can't! Minoriko objects as you and Rin both follow Kiku's directions. You could damage their ears at this range!
>Would you rather we stay here and debate while Semitur gets away? Kiku asks harshly. I'm betting I can scare them off, influenced or not.
>Or you could just provoke them. And I don't think you want to hurt these people.
>Minoriko's observation appears to give the tiger some pause as she hesitates. Lotus? she asks, seeking your guidance.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 12, 2018, 06:08:43 PM
>If we are to use any kind of force against them, my Amber Lotus should still suffice. I just... it felt wrong to fire upon people who had done nothing more hostile to us than block a corridor.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 13, 2018, 11:53:47 PM
>If we are to use any kind of force against them, my Amber Lotus should still suffice. I just... it felt wrong to fire upon people who had done nothing more hostile to us than block a corridor.

>I do no enjoy the thought either. But it is sometimes necessary-
>"Stand back citizens!" an authoritative voice calls from beyond the crowd. "We'll take it from here!"
>The crowd parts to your right and your heart sinks at the sight of the Mayoiga police, now a force doubled in size by reinforcements, back on their feet, their weapons leveled in your direction. The front man of the group, a huge Oni, says, "You won't take us by surprise again, Lotus. Now surrender!"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 13, 2018, 11:58:29 PM
>But we... we actually fixed Yuna, right? Not just stunned her temporarily? Are these the same police officers as earlier? Can we sense if they are brainwashed or just highly misinformed?
>Be ready with a barrier, but before taking any hostile action: "Are you aware that there is a demon on the loose inside this very airport?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 14, 2018, 12:20:01 AM
>But we... we actually fixed Yuna, right? Not just stunned her temporarily? Are these the same police officers as earlier? Can we sense if they are brainwashed or just highly misinformed?
>Be ready with a barrier, but before taking any hostile action: "Are you aware that there is a demon on the loose inside this very airport?"

>She certainly seems fixed.
>Five of them are the ones you shot earlier. The other five, including the brute of an Oni, are all new arrivals.
>The pervading sense of darkness has deepened over the room you are in. You sense the outrage of the people around you, you sense the magical auras from at least two of them. You sense the energy of the Blood males' Jewels, though they seem a bit farther away now. In fact you can sense a second Jewel somewhere in the room, but that sensation is very muted. You can sense auras of magic from three of the officers.
>You can hear the muttering the crowd around you, happy to see their officers, hoping to see the guilty ones brought down, furious at being betrayed. You can smell blood, hear liquid dripping into a shallow puddle. The sound of screaming is in your ears, making it hard to hear. And the cold, that numbing, soul-freezing cold, is still here, still drawing the life from your being the more you try to probe outwards. The comforting touch you felt from the Ice Champion is gone now. No one to help you. No way to sense the truth. Too many enemies. And that screaming, that crying...

>"No there isn't." another one of the officers refutes, a thin-looking woman with short blue hair and a scar under her left eye. "We'd have found some indication of that by now. Outside, yeah, but in here, no."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 14, 2018, 12:24:54 AM
>No, there are people here to help us. Our friends, our allies, our lovers. If ever we doubt ourselves, we know we can lean on them.
>We don't really have a choice at this point, do we?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 14, 2018, 12:56:05 AM
>No, there are people here to help us. Our friends, our allies, our lovers. If ever we doubt ourselves, we know we can lean on them.
>We don't really have a choice at this point, do we?

>Your friends... Will betray you...
>Despite the chaos and the doubt in your mind, you can't help but smile just a little. 'Lovers'. It still has a beautiful ring to it.
>I can't scare police officers like I can scare civilians. says Kiku. Not with my roar.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 14, 2018, 01:22:55 AM
>No. I meant I think I'm going to have to shoot them again. All of them. This will only get worse the longer we stand here.
>How well do we think we could blanket the entire area with mind-control-cancelling? We do have people near us to drawn on, after all. Not just 'shoot a lot of beams', but actually just blanket the whole immediate area with it.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 14, 2018, 01:49:20 AM
>No. I meant I think I'm going to have to shoot them again. All of them. This will only get worse the longer we stand here.
>How well do we think we could blanket the entire area with mind-control-cancelling? We do have people near us to drawn on, after all. Not just 'shoot a lot of beams', but actually just blanket the whole immediate area with it.

>There's almost 50 people around us, and nearly a dozen police officers. Are you sure you can affect that many? Kiku asks.
>Of course she can! Rin says instantly.

>Kiku's right, there's a lot of targets in your range. And more if you plan to include the civilians that aren't in your immediate vicinity. And you'll probably have to expend even more energy against the magic users, they probably have some level of resistance to this sort of magic. And even if you could pull this off, there's no guarantee Semitur can't just undo it again. She's done it once, why not again? In fact, you'll probably have to shoot the airport security officers again if and when they get back inside. If she could influence the regular cops twice, there's no reason to assume she couldn't do the same thing to the ones outside.
>Maybe she already has, in fact. You haven't heard from Reisen or Lily in a while. Maybe they've been captures already.
>And there's the fact that even if you were able to blast all these people at once and not drain yourself of energy in the process, which you have your doubts on, that still doesn't necessarily bring you any closer to finding Semitur. She's blended in this well so far, she could probably keep the act up after you shoot everyone.
>If it weren't so noisy in here, so cold... If you didn't have to worry about so many people, so many threats...

>"Look, ladies." the oni says. "I don't know what you've heard about the police in Mayoiga, but we're not unreasonable. Lay down your weapons and surrender, and we can clear this up at headquarters. You won't be harmed."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 14, 2018, 02:24:28 AM
>No, no. No doubt. This is the aura's doing, but we can be stronger than it. With our companions at our side, we are stronger than it.
>"If we stand down now, people are going to die. That demon will make sure of it. I will gladly submit to whatever questioning you wish afterward, but it is imperative that we be allowed to continue our mission."
>Take Rin's hand. We may need her strength - and even if not - we need her warmth. Her presence. Her anchor to a self unafflicted by the darkness in the air.
>Kiku, if we were to take to the air instead and make a break for it, do you think you could wall off pursuit? ...in a way that wouldn't damage the airport?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 14, 2018, 08:37:09 PM
>No, no. No doubt. This is the aura's doing, but we can be stronger than it. With our companions at our side, we are stronger than it.
>"If we stand down now, people are going to die. That demon will make sure of it. I will gladly submit to whatever questioning you wish afterward, but it is imperative that we be allowed to continue our mission."
>Take Rin's hand. We may need her strength - and even if not - we need her warmth. Her presence. Her anchor to a self unafflicted by the darkness in the air.

>"What do you think will happen if you don't?" the oni asks pointedly. "These blasters have more than just the stun setting, girl. I've had to shoot people in the line of duty before. I didn't like it then, and I won't like it now. None of my people do."
>As the hulking oni talks, you try once more to fend off the relentless pressure upon your mind. You'd almost rather be dealing with Satori again. At least then you knew you were doing good and that you could hold out against the evil opposing you. On the other hand, Rin wasn't able to be there with you at points during that encounter. But she is here now, and your hand finds hers as you weigh your options here, limited though they may be. Her presence alone always makes you feel better, and that sensation only strengthens with her touch.  You do worry for her, though. You have proven yourself capable of surviving things that might otherwise have killed a normal person, but staring down the barrel of nearly a dozen blaster rifles still isn't easy. What if those mundane weapons affect you- No, affect HER more than you'd expect. The thought of red blaster blots burning your Rin down... That would be a distracting though even if you didn't have other things on your mind right now.
>"Surrender." the big oni entreats again. "If what you say is true, you'll have a chance to prove it downtown. The Chief is real good at handling this stuff, maybe you could even talk to-"
>"She can talk to her now." a commanding voice rings out through the hall, and more than just your head turns to look at its source, a woman on the second floor of the room. Your first thought is that she really doesn't look like a police chief. She wears a rich purple dress underneath an elaborately trimmed white vest. Instead of any kind of normal police gear, a thin sword is belted at her right hip with a thick sculpt of a star or sun attached to its hilt. Her blonde pointy hair, styled almost like a set of animals' ears, is just slightly less outrageous than the thick purple high-collared cape draped over her shoulders. The thing is nearly floor-length and not at all practical, and to some it might promote an air of authority. To you, frankly, she just looks a bit ridiculous. Especially since she seems to be wearing earmuffs. The two women standing next to her, wearing white armored variants on the Mayoiga police uniform and carrying heavy blaster carbines, are much easier to take seriously. Unlike every other officer, however, these two are not pointing their weapons at you. Yet.
>"Magical Lotus." she calls down to you, magically amplifying her voice. "You claim that you have come to this airport to slay a demon?"

>Kiku, if we were to take to the air instead and make a break for it, do you think you could wall off pursuit? ...in a way that wouldn't damage the airport?

>Yes. Though I would have to change back to my humanoid form to do so. I would need cover.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 15, 2018, 05:17:29 AM
>Understood. I'll let you know.

>"That's correct."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 15, 2018, 05:44:10 AM
>Understood. I'll let you know.

>"That's correct."

>"You believe this demon is still inside this airport, and has not escaped?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 15, 2018, 06:05:37 AM
>"I do."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 15, 2018, 06:08:56 AM
>"I do."

>"Do you know the name of this demon?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 15, 2018, 07:47:13 AM
>"Semitur."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 15, 2018, 08:21:42 PM
>"Semitur."

>The cloaked woman nods slightly. "Semitur. We had hoped never to see that one in Mayoiga."
>"Chief! What are you doing?" the blue haired woman calls up to her. "We have the situation under control."
>"YOU are under control, and not just mine." the chief counters. "Otherwise you would remember that we had been warned of Semitur's presence here. How have you and your people escaped her power?" she asks you.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 15, 2018, 09:14:46 PM
>"Collective strength of will. But I can feel the weight of her power all across the airport."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 15, 2018, 10:40:26 PM
>"Collective strength of will. But I can feel the weight of her power all across the airport."

>"I hope you're not suggesting my officers lack will." the chief states more than asks. Her statement doesn't do much to improve the attitude of the civilians around you.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 15, 2018, 10:45:06 PM
>"Of course not. But our power gives us magic resistance far beyond most people - and even so, I cannot deny I still feel her aura pressing down upon us. Time is of the essence here."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 16, 2018, 02:15:18 AM
>"Of course not. But our power gives us magic resistance far beyond most people - and even so, I cannot deny I still feel her aura pressing down upon us. Time is of the essence here."

>"I concur. Do you know how far the range of her influence spreads?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 16, 2018, 02:33:42 AM
>If we can tell, give her an estimate
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 16, 2018, 03:06:51 AM
>If we can tell, give her an estimate

>Assuming she still has direct control, or at least influence, over the people outside on the tarmac, you know her influence is at least as broad that way and probably in all directions as well. This you relay to the chief, who nods again, the notion not even disturbing her extravagant hairstyle. "Ekotoba." she calls down to the officers below, and the hulking oni's stance stiffens. "Take your men and withdraw. Set up a -"
>"Are you kidding?!" the brute of an Oni roars, spinning to face his chief. "Leave you here alone with this-!"
>"ATTEND." the chief intones. Even though the mental haze you're in, the force of the command is painfully easy to sense. Even the civilians have stopped their mutterings, and she wasn't even talking to them. You're glad she didn't aim that at you. "You and your men will withdraw and set up a defensive perimeter outside of Semitur's range as best as we can determine. You will report to me when the area is secured. No one is to leave this building until the demon is apprehended. Not even me."
>"Not even you, chief?" the oni asks.
>"The demon is a shapeshifter. It may attempt to usurp my form and my authority. I will remain here to apprehend the demon with the assistance of Lotus' group and the shrine maidens that are here as well."
>"Unless YOU'RE the demon!" the blonde man in front of you shouts up at her. His cry is instantly taken up by those around him, and you sense one of the auras of magic among the crowd growing.

>Is that possible? Rin asks you. I mean, could Semitur have done that?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 16, 2018, 03:47:35 AM
>Do we think there's any chance at all that the chief is Semitur?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 16, 2018, 04:04:23 AM
>Do we think there's any chance at all that the chief is Semitur?

>Well that's why I'm asking you, you've got the best magic sense of us all.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 16, 2018, 04:41:13 AM
....that wasn't supposed to be in italics >.>
(That's what I get for doing this while distracted)

>Do we think there's any chance at all that the chief is Semitur? Pay close attention.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 17, 2018, 04:30:42 AM
....that wasn't supposed to be in italics >.>
(That's what I get for doing this while distracted)

>Do we think there's any chance at all that the chief is Semitur? Pay close attention.

Don't worry, I don't think the other players noticed.

>She is some distance away, and you've been hesitant to stretch your mind out that far. But the air has changed a bit. You're more grounded than you were, thanks to Rin, but the dark aura in the air doesn't seem quite so stifling. The air of cold coming from Eirin has diminished just a bit, and you feel more confidant. You can clearly sense the aura of magic around the chief, and it is not what you'd associate with anything demonic. Too, you get the sense that she is human.
>You also feel the faint touch of the Champion of Ice again. You couldn't sense it before, but you think she may be trying to tell you something.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 17, 2018, 04:38:41 AM
>Let's focus upon that. Can we figure out what she's trying to tell us?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 17, 2018, 05:15:27 AM
>Let's focus upon that. Can we figure out what she's trying to tell us?

>You believe she wants to guide your senses in a particular direction. The question is whether or not you trust her enough to do so.
>Assuming it even IS the Ice Champion.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 17, 2018, 05:17:07 AM
>Let's try trusting her. We still have our anchor to Rin to keep us fixed here, if we need to remind ourselves of where we are and why we're here.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 17, 2018, 08:49:29 PM
>Let's try trusting her. We still have our anchor to Rin to keep us fixed here, if we need to remind ourselves of where we are and why we're here.

>It's a gamble, but as you've said, time is of the essence. Even with Rin with you, you're not entirely sure how much longer you'll be able to hold off the incessant mental assault you're under. So, putting your faith in the Champion of Ice, you allow your mystic senses to be drawn by the hand of Ice. She guides you in a northwesterly direction, past the crowd of civilians. Past the police officer you didn't even notice, his body being concealed by the crowd. She guides you towards a grouping of seats, upon which you see a remarkably beautiful woman with black and gold feathered wings. Her long braided hair is the same shade of gold as her wings. She wears a little smile, the kind you'd see on someone watching a fascinating show. You can also see the legs of someone stretched out on the seats near her, but you can't see any more of that person from where you are. You pull your senses back before scanning the woman too deeply. The aura of darkness in the room is at its most concentrated there.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 17, 2018, 09:07:35 PM
>If we can convey some sense of gratitude back towards Ice, then do so
>And then be ready to shield the police chief from her own officers, if it comes to it.
>"She is no more Semitur than any of you are! This violence among ourselves is exactly what Semitur wants!"
>I know where she is, now.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 17, 2018, 10:10:01 PM
>If we can convey some sense of gratitude back towards Ice, then do so
>And then be ready to shield the police chief from her own officers, if it comes to it.
>"She is no more Semitur than any of you are! This violence among ourselves is exactly what Semitur wants!"
>I know where she is, now.

>You believe she understands.
>"Then let her have it!" the voice of the albino woman screams, and she punctuates her declaration with a surge of sickly-sensing magic. A plume of thick black smoke erupts from the area around her voice, and a creature out of a nightmare steps out of the smoke. The thing resembles the classical monster Minotaur, save that a pair of waving tentacles extend out of its head just under its normal horns. The thing's sickly looking skin is as black as the bardiche it clenches in its hands.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 17, 2018, 10:16:00 PM
>Can we tell who the woman's hostility is directed towards? Us? The police chief?
>Assuming the latter: Flight may not be an option after all; we can't leave them to fall upon the chief. Lend me your power.
>And let's get ready to Amber Lotus the whole crowd - minotaur and all.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 21, 2018, 06:25:58 PM
>Can we tell who the woman's hostility is directed towards? Us? The police chief?
>Assuming the latter: Flight may not be an option after all; we can't leave them to fall upon the chief. Lend me your power.
>And let's get ready to Amber Lotus the whole crowd - minotaur and all.

>You. You're fairly certain.
>"Dementist!" one of the officers yells, and the sound of a stun bolt rings out across the room.
>You manage to make out a, "Wait, hold your fire!" before more officers begin firing, and the sound of the dementia caster summoning again rings out. This time she summons a flying humanoid with wings made of razor blades and skin made of tar. This one is heading towards the police chief while the minotaur, which had been facing you, is now charging at the burly oni that fired on it. The sounds of screaming fill the air.
>Including from behind you, in addition to the sound of physical blows. A group of civilians behind you have pounced on Carnation and Yuna.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 21, 2018, 11:16:03 PM
>Now is definitely the time to un-brainwash everything and everyone. Go!
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 25, 2018, 04:32:12 AM
>Now is definitely the time to un-brainwash everything and everyone. Go!

>If there was going to be a time, this is more assuredly it. So you hold your scepter up over your head and invoke your Amber Lotus on everyone in the immediate vicinity and all the police officers that aren't the chief or her two nearby officers. As the light washes over every person, you feel a pushback, a resistance to your Amber energy. Each person does not resist a lot, but a lot of people resisting a little puts a fair bit of extra strain on you. Or perhaps it is not the people, but whatever magic Semitur is working on them that resists your effort. Whatever the truth of the matter, the reality is that you end up using a fair bit more energy than you thought you'd have to.
>And even worse, it doesn't have entirely the desired result. While the group of civilains that had been starting to assault Yuna and Carnation stop in their tracks, and the police officers likewise freeze, and even drop their weapons, the dementia creature in front of you does not disappear. Nor does the one charging the police chief. In fact, you hear the dementia caster cackle madly as your power touches her. "Feels like jelly!" she crows, conjuring another something into being as the minotaur bellows and charges at you.
>The creatures' bellow is almost drowned out by the sound of Kiku's roar as the tiger barrels into the minotaur's flank. Kiku and the creature fall to the floor in a tangle of claws, fists and tentacles.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 25, 2018, 04:46:42 AM
>Do we think our Amber Lotus failed to remove Semitur's aura from this demntia user or is that just... how they normally are?
>Also, hit the one charging the chief with a Scarlet Lotus
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 25, 2018, 05:28:10 AM
>Do we think our Amber Lotus failed to remove Semitur's aura from this demntia user or is that just... how they normally are?
>Also, hit the one charging the chief with a Scarlet Lotus

>No, you're confidant that your Light had the desired effect on the albino. But from what you know, dementia casters frequently have a somewhat loose grip on normalcy, or even reality. It's possible that this is the woman's normal personality, at least when she's casting.
>Leaving the minotaur to Kiku- just as well, since you're not sure you can safely shoot her opponent, you turn your fire on the winged creature en route to the chief. And just as well, since the blaster shots of her two guards, accurate and quick though they are, do not seem to be slowing the thing. The flying razor blade shudders at the touch of your fiery light, then erupts in a shower of shrapnel and slag.
>As you deal with that threat, you hear the sounds of blaster fire again from behind you. You manage to turn around most of the way in response to this new bad thing happened before the blue energy of a stun blast strikes you in your left side. Had you been in your human form, you're certain that would have disabled you. Even now, it feels like a coronal fire blossoms through the left side of your body, and the parts of you that don't go numb fire all their pain receptors at once. But it does not stun you completely, does not even take you off your feet, and you can see that the airport security officers that you shot with your Amber Light outside, at least some of them anyway, have re-entered the airport and are once again shooting at you.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 25, 2018, 05:34:13 AM
>Throw up a barrier between us and them
>We need to get to Semitur. I can't keep dispelling this brainwashing if it's going to come back this quickly. And I know where she is.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 25, 2018, 06:32:00 AM
>Throw up a barrier between us and them
>We need to get to Semitur. I can't keep dispelling this brainwashing if it's going to come back this quickly. And I know where she is.

>As they are using mundane weapons, you deploy a simple screen of blue light to intercept their stun bolts, buying yourself some time.
>Then go! Kiku shouts at you as she tears at the throat of the minotaur.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 25, 2018, 06:38:46 AM
>Right! Rin, with me! The rest of you, make sure these people are safe and follow when you can!
>Let's make a break for it, towards Semitur's location.
>Though let's give the dementiaist a parting Scarlet Lotus while we move
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 26, 2018, 01:54:02 AM
>Right! Rin, with me! The rest of you, make sure these people are safe and follow when you can!
>Let's make a break for it, towards Semitur's location.
>Though let's give the dementiaist a parting Scarlet Lotus while we move

>Leave the security to me. Minoriko says confidently, getting back to her feet and thrusting her staff out before her. "Carnation Vine Trellis!" Just beyond your barrier of blue light, a veritable forest of green vines emerge from the airport floor, fully fifteen feet across and damn near reaching the ceiling.
>Leaving your rear to Chrysanthemum, Carnation and Yuna to protect, you and White Rose, hand in hand still, break forward, charging towards the winged, smiling woman sitting comfortably, watching the events.
>Not before attempting to deal with one of the bigger threats beyond Semitur, though. The albino dementia caster, a crazed light in her red eyes, makes a solid target, one you take advantage of by unleashing your Scarlet Lotus upon the woman. Your blast does not strike the woman, however, but her latest casting. A two-headed wolf with poisonous looking green skin leaps in front of the shot, detonating as the other dementia beast did. On instinct, you arrest your forward momentum for a moment to put a bit more sideways distance between yourself and the debris the dementia wolf left behind. This proves to be a wise choice, as the beasts flesh sizzles where it touches the ground, its acidic nature burning holes into the linoleum of the floor tiles.
>The casters' grin only widens and her arms spread, likely to cast again, but this time she is struck by fire from behind. A pair of blue stun bolts strike the woman from behind, and she collapses to the ground in a twitching heap.

>Heads up, girls, those security guys are heading back inside! Lily calls out to the group, rather redundantly.
>We know. I have them. Minoriko replies. Are you okay out there?
>Uh... Sorta.
>We may need some assistance. Reisen adds a bit more helpfully.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 26, 2018, 02:01:46 AM
>How urgently? We've located Semitur.
>At the very least, we need to keep pressing onward. And be ready to guard against any more stray blaster bolts going our direction.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 26, 2018, 03:41:21 AM
>How urgently? We've located Semitur.
>At the very least, we need to keep pressing onward. And be ready to guard against any more stray blaster bolts going our direction.

>And one of her minions out here got loose. says Reisen. And the security forces that didn't go inside are shooting at us. Lily's got them held off- Never mind. she interrupts herself, sounding awed about something. Haruka just took all of them out. We can handle the rest.
>Took them OUT? Rin asks.
>Of the fight. Reisen clarifies. She used a focused cone of sound to render them all unconscious.

>With that dealt with, you and Rin press on. The only individual between you and Semitur is a lone police officer. That woman reaches for her pistol as you approach, but whether or not she was going to aim it at you you'll never know, as she too is taken down by a pair of blue stun bolts.
>The golden haired woman you believe to be Semitur looks upon your approach with a renewed sense of interest. She seems to shrug her wings and you sense, vaguely, a surge of magic run through the floor between you and her. The tiled floor of the airport instantly turns to mud, and both you and Rin stagger under the sudden shift in terrain. You also both start to sink.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 26, 2018, 03:54:47 AM
>Let's take to the air and get clear of this mud
>And if the mud isn't inclined to be obliging about that, let's try to dispel it with an Amber Lotus while we're at it - at least the part holding us
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 26, 2018, 04:39:32 AM
>Let's take to the air and get clear of this mud
>And if the mud isn't inclined to be obliging about that, let's try to dispel it with an Amber Lotus while we're at it - at least the part holding us

>"I had a feeling you'd find me eventually." the golden haired woman says easily as you and Rin struggle to extricate yourselves from the sticky mud that holds you. She comes to her feet as you manage to get one of your discs under you and take off, following Rin. The other set of legs you saw with her belong to another woman, this one a raven-haired beauty with shoulder-length hair. A youkai of some kind, her expensive looking clothes must have been made even more expensive to accommodate her black wings. This woman actually rises before Semitur does, though only to allow Semitur to rise without interference. The black-haired woman had been resting her head in Semitur's lap.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 26, 2018, 05:00:15 AM
>To Rin: I need your power with me; hold nothing back. If we cannot end this here, we may never.
>For all the lives she's ended, the souls she's stolen, the people she's toyed with - she has to be stopped now
>Join Rin's power together with us and hit Semitur with the strongest Violet Lotus we can muster
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 31, 2018, 02:25:09 PM
>To Rin: I need your power with me; hold nothing back. If we cannot end this here, we may never.
>For all the lives she's ended, the souls she's stolen, the people she's toyed with - she has to be stopped now
>Join Rin's power together with us and hit Semitur with the strongest Violet Lotus we can muster

>Don't have to tell me twice. Rin says fiercely, gripping your hand again, tighter than the last time.
>Fiercely determined, you level your scepter at the smiling woman, feel the energy White Rose channels to you, and fire. A ferocious blast of Violet light explodes from the tip of your scepter, rocketing towards the demon. The other woman in front of you, the one that had been sitting up, becomes much more animated as she dives out of the way, obviously wanting not even to be near such a violent display of power. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Rin's ears twitch.
>With a smile that drips of supreme confidence, Semitur does not even try to block your powerful surge of Violet light. She spreads her wings wide, and you start to feel the buildup of magic around her. She doesn't appear to be preparing any kind of defense, so she may be trying to prepare a spell to unleash upon you and Rin once your attack subsides. You feel yourself grin at that thought. That smug defiler of souls is in for a big surprise, maybe the last of her wretched life.
>And then Rin reaches out and grabs your scepter, angling it up and towards the distant ceiling. Your Violet blast passes over the head of Semitur, causing the demon to duck instinctively, and makes almost no contact with her. Your best shot, and Rin just made you miss.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 31, 2018, 05:24:51 PM
>Oh no....
>Rin! Did Semitur bespell her, too? How does she look?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 31, 2018, 10:53:21 PM
>Oh no....
>Rin! Did Semitur bespell her, too? How does she look?

>She looks firm, but not.... Well, you're not sure what the word is, but the look on her face, in her eyes, you feel she is still herself. So she'd better have a good reason for doing that, she just left you in a very vulnerable position.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on March 31, 2018, 11:02:56 PM
>To Rin: What's wrong?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on March 31, 2018, 11:34:34 PM
>To Rin: What's wrong?

>It's not her. she replies firmly as Semitur.... or perhaps NOT Semitur completes her spell. A form rises from the mud below you, a winged humanoid. The brown golem, sloughing off bits of goop, rises into the air towards you, its speed belying its ugly, clunky appearance.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 01, 2018, 12:02:36 AM
>What do you mean?
>Let's give the golem a good old Scarlet Lotus
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 01, 2018, 12:20:55 AM
>What do you mean?
>Let's give the golem a good old Scarlet Lotus

>That's not Semitur. says Rin as you move to counter the golem. Venting your frustration at being interrupted in your earlier attack, the golem is not so much destroyed under your intense barrage as it is disintegrated. The woman you thought was Semitur launches a blot of lightning up at you, but White Rose intercepts that attack with one of her Protective Discs.
>That other woman. Rin continues. When she dove for cover, I heard bone knocking against soft metal. That's the sound Razorclaw told me to listen for. She wouldn't give that away, or Razorclaw would have told me. It's the other woman, Mistress, not the one we just shot at.
>"You really are every bit as interesting as I thought you'd be." the woman you thought was Semitur says from below, and launches a pair of blue colored energy beams at you and White Rose. Not just blue colored though, you sense, they're Blue, like Blood magic.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 01, 2018, 12:35:43 AM
>Try to evade the beams, shielding ourselves if this is not possible
>Do we still have line of fire on the other woman?
>Can our own senses confirm any of this without exposing ourselves too much more to the corruption in the air here?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 01, 2018, 02:01:52 AM
>Try to evade the beams, shielding ourselves if this is not possible
>Do we still have line of fire on the other woman?
>Can our own senses confirm any of this without exposing ourselves too much more to the corruption in the air here?

>She's only using a Blue Jewel, nothing you can't handle. You deploy a simple shield of blue light to handle the attack, while Rin, more agile in the air, executes a neat flip maneuver to evade it.
>At the moment, yes, but she does have cover available to her.
>If that other woman is indeed Semitur, you hesitate towards focusing your mystic senses too tightly upon her, that might give her an angle with which to attack you in another way. But that first woman used a Blood Jewel. You know that only Blood can use Blood magic, and Semitur isn't Blood. She can't be, else Razorclaw or Kenyu would have mentioned it. Or Haruka, for that matter. There is a chance Semitur has the ability to absorb Blood Jewels and use them herself, but based on what you know, that woman with the Blue Jewel cannot be Semitur.
>But she is still on the attack, and still talking. "Although not very talkative." she says chidingly. "Of course, I should have anticipated that." She draws upon her Blue Jewel again, sending a cone-shaped burst of dart-shaped projectiles at you.
>There's another clue. Not the attack, so much as the lack thereof. Razorclaw told you that Semitur has the ability to charm people with her voice, but you sense nothing when she speaks to you. Either she IS affecting you in some manner so subtle that you can't detect it- there's a worry- or she CAN'T affect you because that's not her voice.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 01, 2018, 02:43:34 AM
>Block these as well
>You're sure about this?
>If we get the affirmative: Then let's make it look like we mean to attack her decoy again and change aim at the last instant. Are you with me?
>Try to angle around in a way that looks like getting a better firing angle at the decoy, but exposes the other women to a shot from us. But take care not to focus on her too obviously.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 01, 2018, 05:59:04 AM
>Block these as well
>You're sure about this?
>If we get the affirmative: Then let's make it look like we mean to attack her decoy again and change aim at the last instant. Are you with me?
>Try to angle around in a way that looks like getting a better firing angle at the decoy, but exposes the other women to a shot from us. But take care not to focus on her too obviously.

>She looks like how Razorclaw said she disguises herself. Rin replies as the winged womans' attacks splash harmlessly against your shield. The clothes, the hair. And the sound was the same. I'm sure, Mistress, that's why I stopped you before. You said that your Violet light might be harmful to the people Semitur's taken the souls of. If that woman's the same as the ones outside....
>Rather than agree to your plan right away, White Rose asks, Are you sure you don't want me to keep an eye on the Blood woman? She could shoot us as we're shooting Semitur.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 01, 2018, 06:12:42 AM
>Well, we'll both be keeping an eye on her until the last moment. Maybe we can even catch Semitur by surprise.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 01, 2018, 06:28:09 AM
>Well, we'll both be keeping an eye on her until the last moment. Maybe we can even catch Semitur by surprise.

>Okay. I'll follow your lead.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 01, 2018, 07:24:17 AM
>Then let's do this. Keep engaged with the decoy (maybe even toss out a little Scarlet Lotus to make the impression more convincing) and then when we're in position for a good shot at probably-Semitur, join Rin's power together with ours and turn our Violet Lotus on the woman at the last moment
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 03, 2018, 06:21:39 AM
>Then let's do this. Keep engaged with the decoy (maybe even toss out a little Scarlet Lotus to make the impression more convincing) and then when we're in position for a good shot at probably-Semitur, join Rin's power together with ours and turn our Violet Lotus on the woman at the last moment

>"And rude." Semitur gripes. "I came a long way to meet you. You could at least say something."
>White Rose does actually answer her, "To meet US?" she asks as you fire your Scarlet light at the woman, though you do not fire directly at the woman. If she is a decoy, you don't want to run the risk of your power damaging her. The angle of your attack leaves the woman an easy evasion route to her right, which she takes with a quick beat of her wings.
>"Ah, at last." the woman says, satisfied. "I dislike being ignored. Yes, you ladies. You've drawn a lot of attention around the world, you know." She casts another spell as she speaks, the mud on the floor beginning to churn. White Rose does not give the spell time to complete, however, as she turns a blast of her White Retainer's flame on the floor. The heat of the flames bakes the mud to clay, leaving an uneven but solid surface behind. The woman clucks her tongue in annoyance and sends a jet of flame up at Rin. This attack is not difficult for Rin to evade, and she uses it as a way to fly back to your side, in a better firing position at the woman you believe to be Semitur, without, hopefully, arousing the Succubuses' suspicions.
>As the winged woman raises her arm to cast again, a dreadful roar diverts her attention. She snaps her head down to see the feline form of Kiku charging at her. With that additional diversion available to you, you and Rin join hands again, turn, and fire your Violet light again, at the woman Rin has identified as Semitur. Whether due to the unexpected speed of your attack or the diversion created by Kiku, the winged woman makes no motion to evade, and is engulfed in your Violet light.
>The effect this has is profound. The aura of darkness in the room erupts into chaos, the sense of evil going wild. But the sounds of crying, of dripping blood, leave you immediately. You are under assault from the presence of Semitur, but the psychic noise that had been assaulting you from that other source dissipates.
>Black and purple crystals erupt from the location of the woman, crystallizing your beam and tracking back up towards you and Rin.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 03, 2018, 07:30:14 AM
>Let's pour more power into this - as much as we can. This is absolutely the right target and this is absolutely something she does not want to touch her and we need to end this now.
>...though if we don't seem to be able to win at this, don't let the crystals reach us, and back off before that happens
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 06, 2018, 03:54:31 AM
>Let's pour more power into this - as much as we can. This is absolutely the right target and this is absolutely something she does not want to touch her and we need to end this now.
>...though if we don't seem to be able to win at this, don't let the crystals reach us, and back off before that happens

>Any doubts you had about the verity of your target are laid to rest through the sensations you feel through your Violet Light. The creature below you has multiple souls within their being. Your light allows you to touch them all, and they don't share the inherent evil of the vessel they lie within, save one, and your experience with the Stuntrons tells you this is probably the soul of the Blood woman Semitur was speaking through. And one of the others feels very different as well. It feels hot to the touch, and it reacts the most strongly to your touch. It wants to be free of its current location, and with your light upon it, it very nearly achieves this goal.
>But you cannot maintain your attack. Even with a renewed flow of force, even with Rin reinforcing your strike, the crystallizing effect continues to track along your beam. She doesn't appear to be directly fighting your attack, so much as she is using it for her own purposes. You have to cut off your attack before the crystals travel any farther, but even this doesn't stop Semitur's counterstrike. When you disengage your beam, the crystallized energy explodes, showing you and Rin with hundreds of sharp pieces of crystal shrapnel. Both you and Rin erect shields to protect yourselves, but still receive multiple cuts from the succubus' flak.
>Your beam did also have the effect of dispelling her own disguise. You see her now in her natural form, and she is as Razorclaw described her. And she is smiling.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 06, 2018, 04:39:55 AM
>She's used to being smug, but that doesn't mean she's going to win. Not this time.
>Can we think of any better way to free those souls than our Violet Lotus? Any way we could target it directly? Because getting Fire's Avatar back to herself could also free up a bunch of reinforcements for our side.
>What does that Blood woman seem to be doing? And Kiku?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 06, 2018, 06:27:26 AM
>She's used to being smug, but that doesn't mean she's going to win. Not this time.
>Can we think of any better way to free those souls than our Violet Lotus? Any way we could target it directly? Because getting Fire's Avatar back to herself could also free up a bunch of reinforcements for our side.
>What does that Blood woman seem to be doing? And Kiku?

>Your Violet Light nearly worked. One or two more good shots with that might just shake at least the hot soul free, and you'd bet that that's the soul of Fire's Avatar. Your other offensive spells might work as well. Semitur might have eaten those souls, but if you can hit her with a strong blast of Scarlet, Cerulean or Vermillion Lotus, it might just cause her to regurgitate one if not more of them. Disgusting though that may be to think about, it could work. The others in your group might have the same effect, but their spells are not as non-lethal as yours, and you're not sure if killing Semitur would release the souls within her or destroy them along with her.
>At the moment, Kiku has her pinned to the ground. She appears conscious, but is not making any effort to escape at present.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 06, 2018, 06:36:47 AM
>Let's give Scarlet Lotus a try this time. It's probably a lot harder to crystallize a non-beam attack.
>...but be ready to guard against such anyhow
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 09, 2018, 05:08:08 AM
>Let's give Scarlet Lotus a try this time. It's probably a lot harder to crystallize a non-beam attack.
>...but be ready to guard against such anyhow

>Opting for a two-pronged attack, you and Rin employ different spells this time, she unleashing her Retainer's Flame as you direct a barrage of Scarlet Energy at the smiling Succubus. She does prove whether or not she can crystallize your attack, as she employs a different sort of defense. Gesturing slightly, a wall of shimmering violet crystal rises up before her, the energy of your spell refracting off of it, some of it absorbed by the crystal, other jags of energy flying off in random directions.
>Perhaps weakened by absorbing your spell, Semitur's wall is unable to handle Rin's attack, and the stream of white flame blasts its way through the crystal barrier. The barrier does not crumble, so you can't tell for sure if Rin's spell hits its target.
>You sense a pulse of magic around you, and your flying disc disappears.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 09, 2018, 07:32:03 AM
>Can we tell what just happened?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 09, 2018, 08:53:17 AM
>Can we tell what just happened?

>Yes. Your flying disc disappeared, and as a result, you are now falling to the ground.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 09, 2018, 09:02:45 AM
>Well, fix that part first
>But in a more general sense, was this something we think Semitur did? What else around us has it affected?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 09, 2018, 12:57:24 PM
>But in a more general sense, was this something we think Semitur did? What else around us has it affected?

>You think it had to have been. Both you and Rin have lost your instruments of flight and are falling. Nobody else appears to be acting hostile towards you at the moment, and you didn't detect any magic coming at you from another direction. It had to have been Semitur.

>Well, fix that part first

>To your surprise, and more than a little fright, the spell you use to enact your flying disc does not fire off as you intended. The energy that emerges from your staff emerges as a series of sparks, but no useful construct emerges. Whatever spell Semitur used to dispel your flying disc is interfering with your ability to recreate it. And by the looks of it, White Rose is having no more luck than you are.
>You hear the faint sound of laughter reach your ears. You believe that to be Semitur, as well.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 09, 2018, 05:45:43 PM
>We may not have much time to think this through, but do we think this is an effect that Semitur placed on us or a field that is active in the room?
>And if the latter, would we have time to try and dispel it with Amber Lotus and still catch ourselves before hitting the ground?
>Do we at least have any way at hand to cushion our landing?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 10, 2018, 10:51:53 AM
>We may not have much time to think this through, but do we think this is an effect that Semitur placed on us or a field that is active in the room?
>And if the latter, would we have time to try and dispel it with Amber Lotus and still catch ourselves before hitting the ground?
>Do we at least have any way at hand to cushion our landing?

>You don't think it's an area effect, at least not that you can sense. You believe she targeted you and Rin specifically.
>You also get the sense that it was only your flying disc spell that's been- and being- disrupted. Your other spells and techniques should still function properly. You think. If so, you may not be able to recreate your flying disc, but the breadth of magic at your disposal should afford you options.
>Alternatively, Carnation and Chrysanthemum might be able to help you as well, should the need arise. Yuna might as well, but you can communicate with your own group faster and more easily than shouting across a room.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 10, 2018, 05:18:20 PM
>Does the disruption of our flying disc extend to using Sappire Lotus to create something gentle/flexible to fall onto?
>If we think not, let's use that to catch ourselves (and Rin, if it looks like she also needs the proverbial hand)
>And, assuming this works, let's not give Semitur time to recover: aim a Vermillion Lotus right down that hole Rin blasted in her barricade
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 11, 2018, 09:37:25 AM
>Does the disruption of our flying disc extend to using Sappire Lotus to create something gentle/flexible to fall onto?
>If we think not, let's use that to catch ourselves (and Rin, if it looks like she also needs the proverbial hand)
>And, assuming this works, let's not give Semitur time to recover: aim a Vermillion Lotus right down that hole Rin blasted in her barricade

>You don't believe so. You get the sense that it was only the formation of your disc that Semitur has interfered with. Either the scope of her spell was limited, or she didn't know your light was so versatile and didn't think you could use it in different ways, you can't tell.
>Trusting your instincts, you point your scepter at the ground and deploy your Sapphire light once again, not in the shape of a disc of energy, but into an angled coil of light. Despite your trust in your instincts, you're rather relieved to see this work. Contact with the coil slows your rate of descent, and you head for the ground in a much safer manner.
>Having discovered a method that works, you turn your attention quickly to Rin, to see her hands folded in front of her but in the way she does to cast her fire spells. "White Retainer's Warp Wheel!" she calls out, and a shimmering wheel of white, blue and black energy spins into existence beneath her. The kasha disappears as she falls into it. Looking around, you see an identical wheel in existence a short distance, positioned alongside and behind the crystal wall Semitur erected, giving Rin a clear shot at the succubus. She raises her hands, then you hear her swear in Eire. "She's gone!" she shouts, checking your fire.
>"She used an invisibility spell." the police chief provides.

>Lotus, did you do something to Semitur in there? Poppy's voice asks.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 11, 2018, 04:54:44 PM
>Wait, when'd the police chief get here. Didn't we leave her well behind?
>We shot her. Not badly enough to make her stop moving, but I'm sure she felt it. Why?
>To Rin: Can you hear anything?
>If not, pay attention to our surroundings just enough with our mystical senses to see if her presence becomes localizable without staring at it too closely - be cautious.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 12, 2018, 07:53:31 PM
>Wait, when'd the police chief get here. Didn't we leave her well behind?
>We shot her. Not badly enough to make her stop moving, but I'm sure she felt it. Why?
>To Rin: Can you hear anything?
>If not, pay attention to our surroundings just enough with our mystical senses to see if her presence becomes localizable without staring at it too closely - be cautious.

>You did not.
>Because the soulless out here just stopped. Poppy reports. All of them.
>Was real sudden. Lily adds. Mid-motion, mid-flight, mod-swing, they all froze up.
>Except Flandre. She seems to be muttering something, but she's not speaking any language I know.
>No wait, here they come again!

>Gimme a sec. she replies, her eyelids dropping slightly and her ears twitching. As she does so, you turn your attention to your mystic senses. The air around you feels a great deal warmer than it did before, a significant pocket of heat behind the wall of crystal Semitur erected. This heat feels unnatural, even moreso than the sensation of supernatural auras sense. You get the impression that it is the heat of the Avatar of Fire, somehow leaking out of Semitur, but if it is, you should be concerned. You detect hints of instability about that heat, as though its source was something very volatile, and not entirely stable. Though that could simply be a consequence of the soul not being where it's supposed to be, you're not sure.

>Uh, Lotus? Lily adds as you scan for Semitur. Hate to worry you, but the Fire Champion's on the move. He's, uh, coming down to the ground out here.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 12, 2018, 10:59:13 PM
>I think the Fire Avatar's soul may be... 'leaking' out of Semitur. The Champion may be able to sense this; keep me apprised.
>See if we can use this 'leak' to track the heat back to its source and, by extension, Semitur.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 15, 2018, 01:20:30 AM
>I think the Fire Avatar's soul may be... 'leaking' out of Semitur. The Champion may be able to sense this; keep me apprised.
>See if we can use this 'leak' to track the heat back to its source and, by extension, Semitur.

>Will do, boss.
>And if you can make it keep leaking, that'd be okay, too. Reisen adds. We could use the breather.

>The heat in the air is not difficult to track. The difficulty is keeping your senses properly calibrated, for want of a better word. The instability you feel from that psychic heat grows more intense the closer you get to its source. And the closer you get, a sound gets louder and louder in your mind's ear as well. It is the sound of someone crying. The same sort of sound you heard earlier, now that you think about it. You must have been picking up the soul of the Fire Champion even before you got to this point.
>How was that possible? Could the Fire Champion haven been affecting you, somehow?
>You try to put that thought out of your mind. Time enough to worry about that when the succubus is dealt with.

>You track the source of the heat to the east, back towards the crowd of civilians.... No, towards the police officers that shot at you earlier. All of whom are down on the ground. Either the other officers, the one with the chief, stunned them all, or one of your comrades knocked them all out. It seems to be coming from between the big Oni who did all the talking earlier and the smaller human male officer that was next to him.
>Rin appears to have reached the same conclusion. "Gotcha!" she cries, raising her hands and pointing at the location you've identified.
>"I wouldn't do that." a woman's voice says as Semitur reverts to visible status. Right where you thought she'd be. "Not unless you wish to see these people burn."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 15, 2018, 01:38:00 AM
>How quickly do we think we could shield the people near her? Slower than she could attack them, even if we acted first?
>Can we see Minoriko and Yuna from here? If so, are they also within range of Semitur?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 15, 2018, 01:52:31 AM
>How quickly do we think we could shield the people near her? Slower than she could attack them, even if we acted first?
>Can we see Minoriko and Yuna from here? If so, are they also within range of Semitur?

>It depends on how fast she can get a spell off. She's not armed, so you probably don't have to worry about her physically attacking the downed men. But if she can deploy an offensive spell as fast as you can, then at least one of those two men would die before you could shield them.
>Yes. They are located approximately 100 feet to your east and slightly south, standing close together. Yuna has summoned another one of those odd birds of hers, but this one is hovering off the ground just to her side. They are closer to Semitur than you are, but you're not confidant either one of them can strike her faster than you can. At least, fast enough to stop her from doing something to the stunned men around her.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 15, 2018, 02:06:19 AM
>Is it possible for us to cast sub-vocally / without obviously doing anything? Extend a Sapphire Lotus beneath the ground and only 'deploy' it over the police officers at the last moment? (Or any other kind of remote shielding / 'pull people towards us' kind of effects)
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 15, 2018, 04:03:25 PM
>Is it possible for us to cast sub-vocally / without obviously doing anything? Extend a Sapphire Lotus beneath the ground and only 'deploy' it over the police officers at the last moment? (Or any other kind of remote shielding / 'pull people towards us' kind of effects)

>You believe you can project a Sapphire Lotus through the ground. You don't need to be able to see it to be able to track its movements through the ground. You would, however, have to press your scepter tip to the ground to keep the act completely secret from onlookers. Or get behind cover. They might not be sure what you were doing out in the open, but they would be able to see the beam of blue light.
>You do need to vocalize your spells... Or do you? In thinking about it, you're not actually sure if you NEED to or not. But it certainly helps. Emotions fuel your powers, and calling your attacks does generate a surge of emotion. If you tried to cast without any kind of vocalization, you'd need to use a different method to generate that emotional surge if you want to generate a spell as strong as possible.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 15, 2018, 05:39:11 PM
>Would the absolute determination to make sure neither of those men die at Semitur's hands be enough emotional power backing this? It probably doesn't have to be our strongest barrier, if she's not expecting it; it just has to get there first.
>Is our scepter long enough that we could touch it sufficiently to the ground just by appearing that we've lowered our weapons in face of Semitur's threat?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 16, 2018, 07:11:23 PM
>Would the absolute determination to make sure neither of those men die at Semitur's hands be enough emotional power backing this? It probably doesn't have to be our strongest barrier, if she's not expecting it; it just has to get there first.
>Is our scepter long enough that we could touch it sufficiently to the ground just by appearing that we've lowered our weapons in face of Semitur's threat?

>Most likely, yes. Your Sapphire Lotus should be enough to handle anything Semitur can cast quickly. If Razorclaw was right, all her really big, really dangerous spells, can't be cast quickly, giving you time to react to them.
>No. You are too tall, and the scepter is too short. You will need to either kneel or crouch.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 16, 2018, 08:33:15 PM
>Is there any conveniently high cover within easy reach?
>If not, let's maybe see if we can draw out an opportunity to knee appropriately submissively without provoking suspicion:
>"Do you intend to barter their lives for yours?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 16, 2018, 11:18:53 PM
>Is there any conveniently high cover within easy reach?
>If not, let's maybe see if we can draw out an opportunity to knee appropriately submissively without provoking suspicion:
>"Do you intend to barter their lives for yours?"

>There is a row of benches slightly to your left. A bit farther away on your right is a standing barrier lined with plants. The barrier offers more concealment, but you can reach the benches more easily.
>The Succubus, whom you note is no longer smiling, arches an eyebrow. You make a point not to look directly into her eyes. "And I was beginning to think you couldn't speak." she remarks, before cracking a faint, yet still smug, grin. "Are you offering me something?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 17, 2018, 01:20:20 AM
>"What would it take for you to leave the rest of them out of this?"
>To our allies: I'm going to attempt to project a Sapphire Lotus through the floor and shield those officers, as soon as I can find the opportunity. Be ready for my signal and then hit Semitur with everything you have, alright?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 17, 2018, 03:12:49 PM
>"What would it take for you to leave the rest of them out of this?"
>To our allies: I'm going to attempt to project a Sapphire Lotus through the floor and shield those officers, as soon as I can find the opportunity. Be ready for my signal and then hit Semitur with everything you have, alright?

>"Are you extending me a private invitation?"

>Understood. says Kiku.
>I'll be ready. Minoriko assures you.
>Please make it fast, Mistress. Rin says angrily. I can't wait to burn that smirk off her smug face.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 17, 2018, 08:43:19 PM
>"I'm asking you a question."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 18, 2018, 11:09:23 AM
>"I'm asking you a question."

>"So am I. But I'll answer yours, rather than continue going in circles. Some information, for a start. How did you find me?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 18, 2018, 05:10:05 PM
>"The aura you've been spreading all over this airport makes you rather hard to miss."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 18, 2018, 06:04:38 PM
>"The aura you've been spreading all over this airport makes you rather hard to miss."

>"I MEANT- Never mind." the succubus interrupts herself, shaking her head. "What I WANT, Magical Lotus, is very simple. I will leave, now. And neither you, nor the local mikos, nor the police, will stop me." She sounds very confidant, but the look on her face still belies some discomfort.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 18, 2018, 06:26:01 PM
>"And in return, you will spare their lives?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 18, 2018, 07:23:10 PM
>"And in return, you will spare their lives?"

>"Yes. After all, I've already accomplished what I came to Mayoiga for, albeit in a most unexpected way."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 18, 2018, 07:36:28 PM
>"And what is that?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 18, 2018, 09:10:36 PM
>"And what is that?"

>Semitur smiles. "As I said. I wanted to meet you, and your group."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 18, 2018, 09:17:58 PM
>"...you came here to meet us?"
>Take stock of ourselves for a moment. Can we be confident that she is not supernaturally influencing us as we speak?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 19, 2018, 03:53:40 PM
>"...you came here to meet us?"
>Take stock of ourselves for a moment. Can we be confident that she is not supernaturally influencing us as we speak?

>The succubis' smile broadens. "Absolutely."
>Shaking off the reaction that smile gives to your body- which actually tells you that you were wise to check yourself before going any farther with this approach- you do sense an unusual sensation within yourself. But it isn't Semitur's work, you don't think. It feels too hot for that. Not the heat of passion or lust that you might expect a Succubus might instill, but something close to the aura of heat escaping Semitur. Or to put it another way, the aura of Fire.

>This is weird. Lily reports. The firefox and Flan-chan are just... staring at each other.
>She's the Avatar, isn't she? Reisen asks, sounding a bit more pressed than Lily does.

>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: ??
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 19, 2018, 05:18:32 PM
>Is the Avatar's soul still leaking out of Semitur?
>If so, do we have sense of whether this is passive damage from earlier or somehow being accelerated by whatever Semitur is trying to do to us?
>Also: ??? Can we do a little better than that? We absolutely cannot let Semitur sway us, after all.
>For that matter, if we can sense the Avatar of Fire's presence within us - even a little - can we... pull on it? Draw it further out of her by focusing on it ourselves?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 19, 2018, 06:08:42 PM
>Is the Avatar's soul still leaking out of Semitur?
>If so, do we have sense of whether this is passive damage from earlier or somehow being accelerated by whatever Semitur is trying to do to us?
>Also: ??? Can we do a little better than that? We absolutely cannot let Semitur sway us, after all.
>For that matter, if we can sense the Avatar of Fire's presence within us - even a little - can we... pull on it? Draw it further out of her by focusing on it ourselves?

>Yes, though it seems to have slowed. Semitur may be in more control now.
>You're not certain this is anything Semitur is doing at all. It may be that there's something about you that is resonating with the Avatar's soul.
>Then again, it may not be simply you. The others haven't reported any similar feelings, but you haven't asked them, either.

>Again, this may not really be Semitur's doing. You're fairly confidant it isn't, as you sensed something in her smile that you were able to shake off. If she IS trying to influence you at this moment, it doesn't appear to be working.
>There's a thought. It's possible you may just be able to do that. It depends on how firm a grip Semitur has on her stolen souls, and as you've already sensed, her grip on this one is tenuous at best. However, if such a thing is possible, and you're not sure it is, you wouldn't be able to simply pull it out of the succubus. You'd have to pull it into yourself, and you have no idea what that might to do you. Or to the soul's owner, for that matter. While you have touched souls with people before, this would be an entirely different set of circumstances. Your own soul might overwhelm your captive soul, or the soul might push yours out as you draw it into your body. The two souls may even merge, creating an entirely new existence where once was two. Even if the two souls remained separate, if your body could contain two souls, the soul of the Fire Avatar is unstable. There's no telling what that kind of direct contact would do to you. If you could touch Semitur with your ring, you'd be better able to control the process, but that comes with its own set of risks, even discounting the hostage situation.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 19, 2018, 06:15:17 PM
>So, we essentially don't have confidence that we could draw the Avatar's soul out just enough for it to go back to where it belongs, without it going through us first?
>I think you may be right. I can feel her soul myself.
>"Dare I ask why?"
>...and try to avoid eye contact. Resist anything she tries to do to us.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 19, 2018, 07:19:22 PM
>So, we essentially don't have confidence that we could draw the Avatar's soul out just enough for it to go back to where it belongs, without it going through us first?
>I think you may be right. I can feel her soul myself.
>"Dare I ask why?"
>...and try to avoid eye contact. Resist anything she tries to do to us.

>Not at this time. You are confidant you could blast it out of her- a powerful dose of either Violet or one of your offensive Lights would probably do it- though you'll need a better opportunity to do so if you wish to save the lives of the fallen people around her. If you could make direct contact with Semitur with your ring, that might work, too, and keep you safe, but again, that isn't really a viable option at this time.

>You can? Minoriko asks.
>I'm not surprised. Kiku remarks. Our leader has a talent for touching souls.

>"Because, my dear, you are an impossible woman." Even without looking the succubus in the eye, you feel a tendril of mystic power touch you with the words 'my dear', but the touch fails to find any purchase on your being. You made your saving throw. "You see... Just a moment." She gestures with her left hand as she pauses her explanation, beckoning the stunned man at her feet. The unconscious Oni sits up and repositions himself on his hands and knees. The demonic woman sits on the big Oni's broad back, using the man as a chair. "Can I offer you a chair?" she asks.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 19, 2018, 09:15:21 PM
>"I... think I'll pass."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 19, 2018, 10:51:06 PM
>"I... think I'll pass."

>"Please yourself. Any of the rest of you?"
>An angry cursing and shuffling of activity draws your attention back up towards the police chief as Semitur asks her infuriating question. One of her two companions has evidently become properly angry over the sight of seeing her fellow officer, and has advanced towards the railing, leveling her blaster rifle.
>"Miya, wait-!" the chief starts to shout, but it is too late, as Semitur gestures again, an impassive wave of her right hand. A lash of black and purple energy materializes in the air above the three police officers and strikes the ground between them, generating a powerful shockwave of midnight energy that blasts the trio. The chief and the second officer are hurled backwards, out of your line of sight, while the one that had been about to fire on Semitur is propelled over the railing she had been standing in front of.
>"It is rude to interrupt." Semitur chides casually.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 19, 2018, 11:52:56 PM
>Can we catch her with a Sapphire Lotus before she hits the ground? If so, we have to try.
>Er, assuming that actually is a dangerous height. Hard to tell in this format....

>Oh, and if we have to catch them and do catch them and Semitur lets us catch them, consider: how close are the other two people she's threatening to where our Sapphire Lotus is now? Could we snake it over them in the same motion that she's permitting, without her having time enough to react at THAT distance? Like, would it be close enough now to her to get away with that?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 23, 2018, 01:31:22 AM
>Can we catch her with a Sapphire Lotus before she hits the ground? If so, we have to try.
>Er, assuming that actually is a dangerous height. Hard to tell in this format....

>Oh, and if we have to catch them and do catch them and Semitur lets us catch them, consider: how close are the other two people she's threatening to where our Sapphire Lotus is now? Could we snake it over them in the same motion that she's permitting, without her having time enough to react at THAT distance? Like, would it be close enough now to her to get away with that?

>You can.
>It is. The distance is somewhere around 15 feet. Some non-humans might be able to survive that without too much of a worry, but the falling policewoman appears to be human, and they tend to be among the most fragile of peoples. She probably needs the help, and although White Rose is closer to her, you're better equipped to handle these situations.
>There's a fair bit of distance between the falling police officer and the two hostages in Semitur's immediate vicinity. In fact, she's sitting on one of them at this moment. There's no way you'd be able to sneak a beam out and over the other two officers without giving her time to react. In fact, things might be fairly complicated if you can't figure out a way to get her off her 'chair'.

>So you'll have to make do with helping who you can for now, and a solid beam of Sapphire light neatly fields the falling woman. You can see the damage to her uniform and the black marks on her skin Semitur's spell left on her. The officer is stunned, and you're not certain how long it'll take her to bounce back.
>You hear Rin swear sulfurously in Eire and raise her hands in anger, starting to point at Semitur. Rin, don't! Minoriko calls to her as the succubus speaks, "Ah ah," a warning, as she places her left hand on the back of the Oni officers' head. "Let's keep our cool, shall we?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 23, 2018, 01:52:16 AM
>Do we not think that we can wedge a Sapphire Lotus inbetween Semitur and the oni she is sitting on, while she's sitting on him?
>She's right. Until we get an opportunity to ensure her hostages' safety, we can't afford to provoke her.
>Set the officer we're carrying down.

>"If you attack any more onlookers like that, I might be inclined to doubt your sincerity at letting these ones go unharmed."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 23, 2018, 02:23:10 AM
>Do we not think that we can wedge a Sapphire Lotus inbetween Semitur and the oni she is sitting on, while she's sitting on him?
>She's right. Until we get an opportunity to ensure her hostages' safety, we can't afford to provoke her.
>Set the officer we're carrying down.

>"If you attack any more onlookers like that, I might be inclined to doubt your sincerity at letting these ones go unharmed."

>You believe you can, yes. At least, you're pretty sure you can.
>Rin's frustration seethes through your mental link as you deposit the wounded woman upon the ground. She does lower her hands, albeit rather slowly and not completely.
>"You consider someone about to fire upon your person an 'onlooker'?" Semitur asks.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 23, 2018, 02:41:21 AM
>"If you'd cared not to send her tumbling over a 15 foot drop, you could have."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 23, 2018, 03:29:06 AM
>"If you'd cared not to send her tumbling over a 15 foot drop, you could have."

>"The frailties of humanity long since stopped being something I cared about." she responds casually, crossing her legs. "But in truth, I am pleased you saved her. Now I have the chance to figure out how she and the other two have resisted me."
>"You've been trying to subvert them, too?" Yuna asks.
>Semitur spares but a moment to give the miko a dismissive glance. She seems to be considering whether or not Yuna is worth replying to. Evidently she decides in the affirmative, as she says, "Yes. The chief is the key, of course, she's the one with the peculiar mind. But the others might have some answers, too."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 23, 2018, 05:44:07 PM
>"You may not care about the 'frailties of humanity', but I do, so if you're hoping for my cooperation, I think it best to keep that in mind."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 23, 2018, 05:52:56 PM
>"You may not care about the 'frailties of humanity', but I do, so if you're hoping for my cooperation, I think it best to keep that in mind."

>"Oh, spare me." the Succubus remarks dismissively. "You're no threat to me, and we both know it."
>"Don't bet on it." White Rose growls.
>"And we both know your leader won't let you kill me." She aims a smug smirk your way. "You value life too much for that."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 23, 2018, 08:30:46 PM
>"I also value the lives of those who would fall victim to you if left unchecked. I'm sure you realize that."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 23, 2018, 09:20:57 PM
>"I also value the lives of those who would fall victim to you if left unchecked. I'm sure you realize that."

>She nods. "I do. Though I am curious if that's a universal truth." She starts to say something else, but pauses briefly, her eyes darting towards the doors you came through. You feel another surge of heat emerge from the succubus, presumably the soul of the Fire Avatar churning within her. After a moment, she finishes her thought, "Since I don't see the Stuntrons with you, did you simply turn them loose on the city after you changed them?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 23, 2018, 09:40:53 PM
>Does it seem like the Avatar's soul is getting any looser on its own?
>"That wording implies I expect them run havoc of the city. I do not."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 23, 2018, 10:17:18 PM
>Does it seem like the Avatar's soul is getting any looser on its own?
>"That wording implies I expect them run havoc of the city. I do not."

>It could be. Or it could be that the Avatar herself is trying to call it back. Or the Fire Champion is, you're not certain. Either way, Semitur- outwardly, at least- appears to have settled her stomach, as it were. For the moment.
>"That wording could imply you did something to make sure of that." Semitur infers, leering at you. "Do tell."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 23, 2018, 10:32:04 PM
>"People free of the Abyss need no compulsion to be a positive force in the world. This city alone is filled with them."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 23, 2018, 11:03:31 PM
>"People free of the Abyss need no compulsion to be a positive force in the world. This city alone is filled with them."

>The succubus throws her head back and laughs. "Oh! Oh, I had no idea you were so idealistic! I never UGH!"
>The laughing demon's words end in a pained grunt. Almost out of nowhere, a winged humanoid has seemingly materialized behind Semitur. The Succubus pitches forward, and her discommodation reveals the form of Subala standing behind her, a bloody dagger in one hand and a talisman in the other. Vaulting the still prone Oni policeman, Subala strikes the succubus on the back, placing her ofuda between the shoulder blades of the bleeding demon. Magical energy erupts across Semitur's body, and the evil woman screams as the miko's magic rocks her frame.
>White Rose has started to point at Semitur even before you do, ready to seize the opportunity to either blast the demon or shield the policemen, but something happens before either of you can fire. The sensation of heat permeating the area spasms chaotically, then it spikes dramatically as a wispy red form escapes Semitur's body. The succubus' pained howl at this event is even louder than when Subala slapped that talisman on her. With a sense of fascination, you watch the soul of the Fire Avatar escape its prison, and fly out the door.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 23, 2018, 11:08:37 PM
>If she's still too stunned by this to react, now's the time to seize this opportunity. Use a Sapphire Lotus to yank the police officers out of harm's way, then hit the succubus with a Violet Lotus, along with the rest of our allies.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 25, 2018, 10:17:27 PM
>If she's still too stunned by this to react, now's the time to seize this opportunity. Use a Sapphire Lotus to yank the police officers out of harm's way, then hit the succubus with a Violet Lotus, along with the rest of our allies.

>Between the assault of Subala- who prudently seems to be retreating now- and the experience of losing one of her captive souls, Semitur is definitely stunned. And once again, Rin shows her quick reaction time and fires first, before you. The succubus is engulfed in your kasha's white fire as you deploy your Sapphire light, pulling the large Oni and the smaller human closer to you. You hear White Rose scream something at the writhing demon in Eire, but you can understand it entirely. You do know that she sounds very angry.
>Don't kill her! Kiku shouts at Rin.
>Are you kidding?! Why the hell not?! the kasha screams back.
>Because if she dies before releasing the other souls she's taken, they may be lost forever.

>And that is your cue to fire your Violet light at Semitur. The beam's emergence from your scepter coincides with Lily's voice coming to you, Whoa! Some kinda red cloud just came out of the airport! You okay in there?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 25, 2018, 10:27:27 PM
>That was the soul of the Avatar of Fire. And we seem to have the upper hand, at last - but perhaps be cautious of Fire.
>And keep that beam going!
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 26, 2018, 12:27:58 AM
>That was the soul of the Avatar of Fire. And we seem to have the upper hand, at last - but perhaps be cautious of Fire.
>And keep that beam going!

>As if you were going to stop. Perhaps because of all the damage Semitur's taken in such a short span of time, you can sense the other four... Actually there's more than just the four souls you expected to find inside Semitur. There's two more within her. You know of the Soulless she'd made out of Flandre and her band, but you're not certain who those souls might belong to.

>Should we do anything about it? Poppy asks you.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 26, 2018, 01:00:42 AM
>Does anything about the souls feel distinct or unusual - like the Avatar of Fire's did? Or are they probably just fairly ordinary people?
>Assuming we do not detect some obvious reason why we shouldn't set them free, keep doing so.

>Do not interfere with the Avatar's soul; I'd like to hope their Champion will be grateful for what we've done, and no good will come from leaving them broken like this, at any rate - not while we are so spread out. Just stay guarded around them, afterward, just in case.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 26, 2018, 01:11:13 AM
>Does anything about the souls feel distinct or unusual - like the Avatar of Fire's did? Or are they probably just fairly ordinary people?

>One of them is definitely not normal. You can feel that it bears the taint of the Abyss. It must belong to the Blood woman Semitur was using as a puppet. You can't tell how deep that connection is, though you don't believe the woman was an especially strong Blood. All the same, you won't be able to do to her what you did to the Stuntrons in this situation, not while you're still fighting Semitur. If you wish to free her soul, you'll be restoring a Blackblood.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 26, 2018, 01:23:23 AM
>Well, if the alternative is just killing her, that's no good either. We can deal with her later, if we have to.
>Keep going.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 26, 2018, 03:28:05 AM
>Do not interfere with the Avatar's soul; I'd like to hope their Champion will be grateful for what we've done, and no good will come from leaving them broken like this, at any rate - not while we are so spread out. Just stay guarded around them, afterward, just in case.

>Okay. Poppy replies, though she doesn't sound entirely comfortable.
>Best thing to do. says Lily. I sure don't want to fight the fire fox AND these other four out here if we mess with that soul.
>Good point.

>Does anything about the souls feel distinct or unusual - like the Avatar of Fire's did? Or are they probably just fairly ordinary people?
>Assuming we do not detect some obvious reason why we shouldn't set them free, keep doing so.
>Well, if the alternative is just killing her, that's no good either. We can deal with her later, if we have to.
>Keep going.

>Settling the matter of the Blood soul, and judging the other soul to belong to an ordinary person, you press on in your endeavor to purge Semitur of her stolen souls. Six souls, though. Seven if you count the Fire Avatar's soul. And each of them stolen. All those souls, and she doesn't have one of her own. You wonder how that could have happened. You begin to develop a sense of sympathy for this succubus. Is that why she does what she does? To try...
>The heat of Rin's fire wrapping around your Violet light muffles those thoughts as they form. They fall even more quiet when you realize their source. Even in this situation, Semitur had been trying to influence you. Whether consciously or simply as a consequence of this form of contact with the succubus, you can't tell, but you can tell where things were leading. Sympathy leads to mercy, mercy leads to attraction, and the more you felt, the deeper under her spell you would have fallen. What a devious opponent.
>But an opponent you are stronger than. Under the assault of both you and White Rose, and the ongoing magical field created by Subala's ofuda, the succubus loses her grip on the souls within her. One after another, they burst forth from the immolating form of Semitur, hovering for a moment before flying back towards their respective bodies.
>Except the soul of the Blackblood. You sense conflict there. You know it wants to be free, but at the same time, it shrinks from the touch of your light.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 26, 2018, 05:03:15 AM
>Do we have any idea what we can do about this? We can't transmute it as we free it, can we?
>Semitur still looks in no shape to interfere with us at this point, right?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 26, 2018, 04:16:20 PM
>Do we have any idea what we can do about this? We can't transmute it as we free it, can we?
>Semitur still looks in no shape to interfere with us at this point, right?

>You might be able to, but it would be even more difficult and more time-consuming than when you changed the Stuntrons. And without contact with her Jewels, you're not entirely sure what changing her soul might do in the long run. The Blood are a tangled, confusing people. If you don't change her Jewels at the same time as other aspects of her being, you might have no effect or not the desired effect.
>For now, but you can sense that Subala's ofuda is running out of charge. She won't stay as debilitated as she is for much longer.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 26, 2018, 06:18:48 PM
>Would just blasting her more likely be sufficient to free the soul, whether it likes this beam or not? Might some other form of firepower from us work better?
>If so, keep it up, or swap, as needed. We'll have to deal with helping her (if we can) afterward
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 26, 2018, 10:48:56 PM
>Would just blasting her more likely be sufficient to free the soul, whether it likes this beam or not? Might some other form of firepower from us work better?
>If so, keep it up, or swap, as needed. We'll have to deal with helping her (if we can) afterward

>Actually, you think blasting Semitur LESS might be helpful. Your power runs counter to the nature of the Blackbloods, it may be instinctively retreating from your light. At this point, you've opened the door for the soul. Slacking off your beam a little won't close the door, and it might give the Blood's soul the breathing room it needs to make its escape. It has to want to reunite with its other half, you can sense that much, but its instinctive fear of your light may be preventing that.
>The only problem would be giving Semitur that much more breathing room. You're not sure how much you'll need to dim your Violet light before the soul feels comfortable fleeing. But with Rin still maintaining the pressure on Semitur, while slacking off your own beam presents a risk, you don't think it's too big a risk to try taking, if you wish.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 27, 2018, 01:07:34 AM
>Give it a try, but be ready to change our mind quickly if Semitur does something
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 27, 2018, 03:50:08 AM
>Give it a try, but be ready to change our mind quickly if Semitur does something

>Hoping the captive soul understands your intention, you dial the power of your spell back a bit. You also try to communicate through your Light, wary though you are of Semitur trying to exploit this, trying to assure the soul that you're not its enemy, that you're not trying to hurt it.
>To your surprise, you get the sensation that the disembodied spirit understands what you're trying to do. You sense that it doesn't trust you, but it does understand its chance at freedom.

>As the Blood's soul tries to make its escape from its captor, you feel a surge of power from outside the building. The surge feels familiar to you, but not a recent experience. It is an old feeling, very old. It sends your mind back to a time long ago, when you stood with someone you can't remember. Someone tall, but friendly. Motherly, really. The two of you were walking towards a blonde girl with bizarre wings who was sitting alone in a field of blood-red flowers. She was crying, and the arms that covered her eyes were covered with blood. "She will need your strength." the woman says to you.

>Lotus? Poppy's voice says to you, her sober tones bringing you back to reality. Flandre just transformed. She IS the Fire Avatar.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 27, 2018, 04:07:16 AM
>I am not surprised. And I hope the others are standing down?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 27, 2018, 04:57:02 AM
>I am not surprised. And I hope the others are standing down?

>The-
>She's heading your way! Lily cries, interrupting Poppy.
>Her warning comes only about a second ahead of the doors you entered the building from exploding inward, the air behind them filled with a fiery light. You have to erect a Sapphire shield to prevent the flying molten debris from harming any of the fallen officers or civilians. Almost as bad is the blast wave of heat that washes through the room, giving you a sense of what it might be like to stand near a blast furnace when it is opened.
>You have to squint to see the Fire Avatar through the heat and the light. Her long blonde hair flows down her back, waving in the heat around the black ribbon on the left side of her head. She wears a red vest over a black shirt, a heart-shaped cutout offering those around her a glimpse of her bosom, frills and lace decorating her cuffs and upper arms, each set with a rose pin. Her black and red skirt is similarly frilled, and the stockings on her legs have roses on the garters. Another rose accentuates the thick black choker around her neck. All things considered, her outfit would not be all that far removed from one of the ensembles she normally wears on stage. What makes the difference is her fingernails have lengthened to become almost claw-like, and she carries a polearm in her left hand. The weapon is around the same length as the woman who wields it, and has a truly bizarre bladed edge. It appears to be shaped like a spade with a couple of extra curved blades extending from the bit of metal that extends from the top of the spade. It resembles nothing so much as the hand of a grandfather clock.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 27, 2018, 05:22:53 AM
>"Hello, Flandre."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 27, 2018, 05:32:56 AM
>"Hello, Flandre."

>The Avatar's head snaps up and over at you when you call her name. You resist taking a step backwards. Her eyes are terrible things to behold, bright red things that gleam with a terrible power, and more than power. The instability you felt the air around you before pales in comparison to what you see in those stormy red eyes. They hold a promise of terrible things to come, and they carry the weight of someone that has seen and done terrible things before.
>"I know you." the Avatar says, the sound of embers snapping rolling off every other consonant. "You did something here. Something to me NOW I remember!" she stops, and a smile instantly appears on her face. Despite the threat implied by her eyes, her smile is broad, easy. Almost... innocent. "You helped me! You shone that light at me when I was lost."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 27, 2018, 07:17:39 AM
>Nod gently
>"I did. I'm glad you're safe."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 27, 2018, 07:31:54 PM
>Nod gently
>"I did. I'm glad you're safe."

>The harsh light behind the Fire Avatr fades, and the temperature of the room drops sharply. The lance wielding woman strides lightly across the battlefield, making her way towards you.
>Mistress? White Rose asks cautiously, approaching you from the rear. She doesn't sound angry anymore, but it's not hard to tell she's nervous about Flandre getting closer to you. And judging by the looks on Carnation and Yuna's faces, she's not alone in the feeling.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 27, 2018, 08:16:04 PM
>It's okay. I don't want us to have to be enemies, if we can help it.
>But, er... don't let our guard down completely, even if we don't let it show on our face.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 28, 2018, 12:30:49 AM
>It's okay. I don't want us to have to be enemies, if we can help it.
>But, er... don't let our guard down completely, even if we don't let it show on our face.

>Take care. Kiku adds. This one seems dangerous.
>They're all dangerous. Rin says.
>I know, but there's something about this one. Something about her presence, her walk... I do not believe she is entirely stable.
>I thought getting her soul back might have fixed that. says Lily.
>Reisen says, We may have exchanged one form of instability for another. We're coming in, Lotus, Haruka says she can handle the Soulless- or rather, the former Soulless out here.

>A musical tinkle follows the Avatar as she practically skips the rest of the way over to you, the crystals dangling from her wings creating the sound. "I don't know how I can thank you for saving me. What do you want? Name it!" she gushes, the vocal distortion of her Avatar power clashing with the genuine brightness of her tone.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 28, 2018, 02:17:32 AM
>"I'd like it very much if we could be friends."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 28, 2018, 02:27:02 AM
>"I'd like it very much if we could be friends."

>The young woman blinks in surprise. Up close, her eyes don't seem quite so alien as they did when you were farther away. The brightness you see in those red eyes seems more to be a sign of spirit, a sight you've seen in the likes of Lily. "That's... Wow. Didn't see that coming. That's really all you want?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 28, 2018, 02:43:55 AM
>"I didn't help you for the hope of any reward, but because but because you were in need and I wanted to see you whole and healthy again - much as I want to safeguard all those who are endangered by the aggression of others."

>Those wings that we remember from long ago. They... looked just like this, didn't they?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 28, 2018, 02:57:38 AM
>"I didn't help you for the hope of any reward, but because but because you were in need and I wanted to see you whole and healthy again - much as I want to safeguard all those who are endangered by the aggression of others."

>Those wings that we remember from long ago. They... looked just like this, didn't they?

>The red-eyed woman makes a noise that can best described as a joyous squeak, then throws her arms around you and hugs you tightly. Briefly. She breaks away almost immediately, looking a trifle embarrassed. "Oh, sorry! Sorry. My manager's always telling me not to do that." She smiles again. Her eyes are so beautiful. "But you... You are awesome! You sound like one of those heroes on TV."

>Yes. Wait, not exactly. The colors of the jewels are not the same, and they're not quite the same shape. In your memory, they were smaller, and seemed a lot more pointy than the ones on Flandre's wings. You also don't think there were as many of them.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 28, 2018, 03:03:55 AM
>"I do my best. All of us here do."
>Gesture to our allies. We're not the only ones doing all the heroism here, after all.
>"Life may be a bit more complicated than on TV, but so long as there is good I can do with this power, I consider it my calling."

>Is there anything else we can recall about that scene?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 28, 2018, 03:40:33 AM
>"I do my best. All of us here do."
>Gesture to our allies. We're not the only ones doing all the heroism here, after all.
>"Life may be a bit more complicated than on TV, but so long as there is good I can do with this power, I consider it my calling."

>Is there anything else we can recall about that scene?

>You point out the various friends and colleagues around you, but for some reason, you can't turn your head from Flandre's eyes. Those brilliant red eyes hold your gaze. You've never seen anything like them before.
>At least they hold your gaze until Flan turns to follow your gestures, looking around the room until she stops, very suddenly, at the smoldering form Semitur, all but forgotten with Flandre's arrival. Subala appears to have placed a barrier around the succubus, keeping her in one place until she can't be dealt with properly.
>"She's the one that hurt me." Flandre states more than asks. "Hurt a lot of people."

>Only that you felt a great sense of sympathy for the crying blonde. How she came to be there, how you came to be near her, how she came to be covered in blood... Nothing else.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 28, 2018, 03:43:52 AM
>"This is true. We came here to put a stop to that."

>Do we... do we think we were actually magically entranced by her eyes? Something more than the usual fascination?
>Besides that, do we think there's anything we could do for Semitur like we did for the Blackbloods? We... can't just purify the evil out of her, can we?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 28, 2018, 03:59:53 AM
>"This is true. We came here to put a stop to that."

>Do we... do we think we were actually magically entranced by her eyes? Something more than the usual fascination?
>Besides that, do we think there's anything we could do for Semitur like we did for the Blackbloods? We... can't just purify the evil out of her, can we?

>"I couldn't understand why. Why she did... Everything she did to us. I knew there were bad people in the world, but..." The Fire Avatar closes her eyes. "There were KIDS on that plane...." she whispers.

>You may well be. But if it is, you're not entirely sure she's doing it on purpose. If she was, she wouldn't have taken her eyes off you. And you don't sense any specific magic localized around her eyes.
>You can't do to her what you did to them, not in the same way. That technique was tailored for being tied to the Abyssal Depths of the Blood. Someone like Semitur would require something different, if it's even possible, and you're not certain it is. You'd need more time to study her, to try and figure out if you could sanctify this particular wicked being.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 28, 2018, 04:11:58 AM
>Do we... know if there were any casualties?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 28, 2018, 04:17:26 AM
>Do we... know if there were any casualties?

>Other than the Soulless we fought? Kiku asks. Yes. She left at least two bodies on the plane.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 28, 2018, 04:41:01 AM
>...but at least most of them were able to make it to safety? ...right?

>"I do not truly understand why anyone would want to do harm to others like this, either. I wish we could have saved everyone. But she will leave no more victims, I promise you."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 28, 2018, 04:58:12 AM
>...but at least most of them were able to make it to safety? ...right?

>"I do not truly understand why anyone would want to do harm to others like this, either. I wish we could have saved everyone. But she will leave no more victims, I promise you."

>Yes, we saw many of them inside here.

>"What are you going to do to her?" Flandre asks.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 28, 2018, 06:44:01 AM
>What are we to do with her? I am not certain I can heal the evil in her like I did the Stuntrons and I would need more time to deduce how in any case. And she obviously cannot be left to go free.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 28, 2018, 02:37:32 PM
>What are we to do with her? I am not certain I can heal the evil in her like I did the Stuntrons and I would need more time to deduce how in any case. And she obviously cannot be left to go free.

>Let me deal with her. Kiku offers. Knowing the grim tiger youkai as you do, you have no doubt what she means by 'deal' with.
>We can't do that. Minoriko protests. She's already been beaten. She's helpless now.
>So were her victims on that plane. You don't want to know what she did to them. Let me finish her, Lotus. I will make it quick. she promises you.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 28, 2018, 08:23:22 PM
>We could imprison her in an Oubliette, but I'm... not sure what else I can do for her if she was neither corrupted nor traumatized from without, like the other people we've fought. But there are also police here and this is a public place. You would know better than I; how would the law regard you doing such a thing?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 28, 2018, 09:01:35 PM
>We could imprison her in an Oubliette, but I'm... not sure what else I can do for her if she was neither corrupted nor traumatized from without, like the other people we've fought. But there are also police here and this is a public place. You would know better than I; how would the law regard you doing such a thing?

>In cases like this, either the shrines or the police take custody and responsibility for the criminal. Given that she's native to this world, I believe Semitur would fall under the purview of the police. In which case, she would stand trial and be sentenced accordingly. The chances of her being found anything other than guilty are extremely remote. Considering her crimes, the lack of rehabilitation potential, and the danger she represents to the world, I suspect she would receive the death penalty. The only other option I could foresee would be life imprisonment, but that's not a practical or realistic sentence for a being that lives as long as Semitur will.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 28, 2018, 11:16:40 PM
>Do they even have the capability to safely confine her for trial?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 28, 2018, 11:24:39 PM
>Do they even have the capability to safely confine her for trial?

>If not here, then she would be transferred to a more secure location. Most likely Muenzuka.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 29, 2018, 06:28:28 PM
>I think... we should probably confine her in an Oubliette, rather than simply kill her here - at least follow due process, where the law itself is involved. Provided you do think they can handle her without risking her causing further havoc?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 29, 2018, 08:13:48 PM
>I think... we should probably confine her in an Oubliette, rather than simply kill her here - at least follow due process, where the law itself is involved. Provided you do think they can handle her without risking her causing further havoc?

>The Mayoiga police have handled dangerous creatures such as Semitur before. Most recently, a tiefling warlock started some trouble here in town, and the police were able to bring him down and keep him in custody until he could be transported to a more long-term facility.
>What's a tiefling? Lily asks.
>Someone with demonic blood, I'll explain later. Semitur is at her most dangerous when she is an unknown, acting from hiding, through her puppets. Thanks to us, she can no longer hide, and is in no condition to menace either we mikos or the police that will be responsible for her incarceration. It is true, she is more dangerous than the average rogue wizard or stray demon they deal with, but I do not believe she is beyond their ability to hold. Our ability, really, since the police and the Shrines often cooperate in cases like this.
>What do you intend to do with her? Reisen asks. Do you really think you can... do to her the same sort of thing you did to the Stuntrons? She isn't Blood.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 29, 2018, 08:28:50 PM
>I don't know. I'd like to consider the possibility. But if not, then I still think it better for her to be brought to justice through official channels than for one of us to kill her ourselves. Maybe some day we will have no choice, but where we do... The public is watching and I do not want them to think we are executioners.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 29, 2018, 09:06:12 PM
>I don't know. I'd like to consider the possibility. But if not, then I still think it better for her to be brought to justice through official channels than for one of us to kill her ourselves. Maybe some day we will have no choice, but where we do... The public is watching and I do not want them to think we are executioners.

>Even I would not argue that point. says Kiku. However justified it may be.
>There's something else to consider, too. Reisen points out. Kiku, how would the police take it if we did put Semitur in one of those Oubliettes? My experience tells me that not every cop likes it when vigilantes- which we are- spirit off a criminal under their noses. Under the chief's nose, no less.
>That's a good point. the tiger concurs. Chief Toyotosami is a rather rigid individual. She may not be pleased to see us take custody of someone like Semitur, as we did Motormaster. In fact, now that I think about, she may not be entirely happy about THAT, either. Perhaps, if Haruka-sama gave her blessing, that might make a difference. She doesn't sound entirely certain of that.

>"You okay?" Flandre asks, interrupting your conference call.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 29, 2018, 09:17:07 PM
>"Er, my apologies. I was just considering your question."
>Glance around. Does the chief seem to be back on her feet yet?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 29, 2018, 09:25:21 PM
>"Er, my apologies. I was just considering your question."
>Glance around. Does the chief seem to be back on her feet yet?

>"Yeah, you looked like you were pretty deep thinking there. Like you weren't sure yet."
>She is indeed. She and the officer that had been blown backwards with her by Semitur's attack are now back on their feet. And they've been reinforced as well. Two more officers, both of them Oni, have joined the chief. You wouldn't be surprised if there were more on the way, now that Semitur's been dealt with.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 29, 2018, 09:40:51 PM
>"It's true. Obviously she cannot be permitted to bring harm to anyone else - that is our foremost concern - but how and where and under whose authority she be confined until justice is served is yet to be settled."
>Does the chief seem to be approaching us or is everyone still keeping a safe distance?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 29, 2018, 10:16:50 PM
>"It's true. Obviously she cannot be permitted to bring harm to anyone else - that is our foremost concern - but how and where and under whose authority she be confined until justice is served is yet to be settled."
>Does the chief seem to be approaching us or is everyone still keeping a safe distance?

>"Oh. I guess I thought you were working with the cops here, that they were the law." The Avatar giggles. "Well I mean, they are the law, but you know what I mean."
>Not yet. She seems to be observing the situation. More specifically, Flandre. Or perhaps she's waiting for either the capture specialist or more guns to arrive before taking custody of Semitur.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 29, 2018, 10:26:09 PM
>"We came here with similar objectives, but we've never really worked side by side before, and Semitur is different than many of the dangers we've faced."
>Call out to the chief: "Chief Toyosatomimi, may I have a moment of your time?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 29, 2018, 10:45:03 PM
>"We came here with similar objectives, but we've never really worked side by side before, and Semitur is different than many of the dangers we've faced."
>Call out to the chief: "Chief Toyosatomimi, may I have a moment of your time?"

>"Well, I'll settle things for you." Despite the relatively casual tone of her voice, a feeling of dread starts your stomach churning. As you start to say something to stop whatever Flandre's about to do, the Avatar raises her hand and fires a bullet of crimson energy at the succubus.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 29, 2018, 10:51:27 PM
>Aren't there still allies of ours right next to Semitur?
>Or anyone else potentially in the line of fire?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 29, 2018, 10:59:31 PM
>Aren't there still allies of ours right next to Semitur?
>Or anyone else potentially in the line of fire?

>Subala is quite close to her, most likely to maintain the barrier containing Semitur.
>Apart from the owl youkai, there is no one directly in Flandre's line of fire. As for whether or not anyone else is at risk of any sort from that bullet, it depends on exactly what it will do when it strikes its target.
>Or rather IF it strikes its target. Using your own magic, you do have the opportunity to intercept the projectile, if only barely.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 30, 2018, 02:27:02 AM
>Try to throw a Sapphire Lotus between Subala and Semitur, just in case there's a backlash that she might get caught up in
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 30, 2018, 02:50:02 AM
>Try to throw a Sapphire Lotus between Subala and Semitur, just in case there's a backlash that she might get caught up in

>With barely moments to spare, instinct kicks your magic into action, and you aim your Sapphire light not at the projectile Flandre launched, but at the owl youkai standing perilously close to Semitur. Said shrine maiden, in a testament to her own reflexes, is already acting as well, beating her wings and trying to launch herself backwards, but she won't get far enough away from any kind of explosion, if Flan's spell turns out to be a fireball-type spell.
>Your barrier appears just as the red projectile from Flan pierces Subala's containment field as though it wasn't there and strikes the succubus square in the back. Instantly the flesh on Semitur's back around the impacted area begins to ripple. That rippling quickly spreads across the succubus' body, and pained noises begin to emerge from Semitur. Her body begins to contort, bulging and twisting in places and in ways no mortal body was meant to do. She spins over onto her back and screams once, an anguished noise, as she arches her back, her body beginning to expand as it distorts. Angry red light pours from the mouth and the open wounds of Semitur, and at last, the evil woman's body explodes in a shower of gore. White Rose quickly erects a shield of her own, intercepting Semitur's wing and parts of her arm before they can strike any of you three.

>"Problem solved." Flandre says, fairly quietly. She sounds slightly confused as well.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 30, 2018, 02:58:45 AM
>Let's try not to be sick...
>"That... was unnecessary. We would have seen to it that no one was ever endangered by her again."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 30, 2018, 04:00:50 AM
>Let's try not to be sick...
>"That... was unnecessary. We would have seen to it that no one was ever endangered by her again."

>It takes a truly herculean effort to keep your stomach under control. Judging from the sounds you hear across the room, neither Yuna nor Carnation were as successful. Those sounds very nearly push you over your own limit. Rin grips your hand as you sway in place, keeping you grounded, in more ways than one.
>"That's what I did." Flandre protests. She stares at the floor where Semitur was. "But I don't understand why I don't feel better."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 30, 2018, 04:24:46 AM
>"Killing her can never erase the harm that she did or bring her victims back to life. This is why vengeance is so hollow; no harm inflicted on another - no matter how heinous they are or how much we feel they deserve it - can right a wrong already done. But sometimes, other choices can."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on April 30, 2018, 05:05:10 AM
>"Killing her can never erase the harm that she did or bring her victims back to life. This is why vengeance is so hollow; no harm inflicted on another - no matter how heinous they are or how much we feel they deserve it - can right a wrong already done. But sometimes, other choices can."

>"Yeah... That's true, isn't it." The Avatar of Fire raises her head. "But I didn't do it for vengeance. There's bad people in the world. A lot of bad people." She clenches her fist tightly. "And they need to be stopped. They need to go away. Forever."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on April 30, 2018, 11:08:38 PM
>"It is true that there is violence in the world that needs to be stopped, that there are threats which people need to be protected from, but death is rarely the answer. Death begets more death - people who kill others because those they loved were killed, people who are dangerous only because someone else has endangered them. Protecting people doesn't have to mean threatening someone else for their sake; there can be a better path, a better world than one where every dangerous life is snuffed out. I have seen it."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 01, 2018, 12:46:43 AM
>"It is true that there is violence in the world that needs to be stopped, that there are threats which people need to be protected from, but death is rarely the answer. Death begets more death - people who kill others because those they loved were killed, people who are dangerous only because someone else has endangered them. Protecting people doesn't have to mean threatening someone else for their sake; there can be a better path, a better world than one where every dangerous life is snuffed out. I have seen it."

>The Avatar laughs softly, a sound with no amusement to it. "Where? When you're asleep?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 01, 2018, 01:42:40 AM
>"I mean to say that I have seen the good that can come from seeking to heal rather than punish. Someone like Semitur may have been beyond redemption in this life, but most are not."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 01, 2018, 02:22:22 AM
>"I mean to say that I have seen the good that can come from seeking to heal rather than punish. Someone like Semitur may have been beyond redemption in this life, but most are not."

>"And judging them is not up to you." the chief of police calls down to Flandre. "Flandre Scarlet, you are under arrest for the murder of the succubus known as Semitur."
>The Avatar appears to ignore the police chief, and the new weapons pointed at her by the officers present. "Well, that'll work out fine. You and your friends can redeem everyone that can be, and me and my friends will handle everyone that can't."
>"You just said you didn't like doing... that." White Rose protests, nodding briefly at the remains of Semitur.
>"I don't have to like it. But if it's gotta be done, it's gotta be done, right?" Flandre smiles and shrugs. "Not the first thing I've ever had to do because I had to."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 01, 2018, 03:24:14 AM
>"But what you just did here didn't have to be done. Semitur was already beaten and there is already a process for seeing that people like her are dealt with. How was the world bettered by killing her here?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 01, 2018, 03:36:01 AM
>"But what you just did here didn't have to be done. Semitur was already beaten and there is already a process for seeing that people like her are dealt with. How was the world bettered by killing her here?"

>"Because now she can't hurt anyone else. I mean, there's no chance. I don't what prisons are like- You WERE thinking of sending her to jail, right?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 01, 2018, 03:45:44 AM
>"If I wasn't satisfied that the police could confine her safely, then our magic certainly could. I hadn't planned to take any chances either."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 01, 2018, 04:04:44 AM
>"If I wasn't satisfied that the police could confine her safely, then our magic certainly could. I hadn't planned to take any chances either."

>Flandre's smile brightens once more, and you make a point not to look into her big red eyes this time. You're trying to make a point, and can't afford to be distracted. "Brave, strong, smart AND safe. You girls are wicked heroes, all right."
>"And you are a criminal!" the chief yells. "I say again, you are under arrest! Put your hands in the air now!" The officers around her punctuate her order by raising their blaster rifles.
>"Don't point weapons at my Avatar, Terrans." the voice of the Fire Champion cautions. The otherworldly fox is standing in- well where the door used to be before Flandre blew apart that part of the wall. Lily is standing to her right, weirdly. "Or I will point mine at you. Well, Lotus," the Champion says, turning its attention to you, "things seem to have worked out well after all."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 01, 2018, 04:14:12 AM
>"Semitur has been... dealt with and your Avatar is safe and whole once more, yes."
>To the police chief, firmly: "And while I understand your intentions, I want to stress that nothing good can come from pressing this issue now; if you attempt to use force, the results might be disastrous."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 01, 2018, 04:28:00 AM
>"Semitur has been... dealt with and your Avatar is safe and whole once more, yes."
>To the police chief, firmly: "And while I understand your intentions, I want to stress that nothing good can come from pressing this issue now; if you attempt to use force, the results might be disastrous."

>"She offers you good advice, Terran. I have no pressing need to slaughter you all. In fact, my companion is presently extending some goodwill towards the other victims of this 'Semitur', Do not give me cause to retract that goodwill.
>"What sort of 'goodwill'?" Chrysanthemum asks suspiciously.
>"Ice is purging the people you fought of the corruption Semitur had planted in them."
>"She can do that?" Carnation asks, her surprise plain.
>"We can do many things."
>"My friends!" Flandre shouts. "I almost forgot about them! Will they be okay?" she calls, almost begging for it to be true.
>Calm yourself, my Avatar, they will be their old selves again. Even if Ice had not taken matters into her own talons, I'm sure Lotus and her friends would have helped if we had asked. True?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 01, 2018, 04:32:04 AM
>"We would not have even needed to be asked. I consider it our duty."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 01, 2018, 04:53:11 AM
>"We would not have even needed to be asked. I consider it our duty."

>"Why would the Champion of Ice care about the corruption inflicted upon a few Terrans?" Chrysanthemum asks.
>Practically speaking, they're more valuable to us in their previous state." So cold-blooded for a fiery creature.
>"And not practically speaking?" asks Carnation.
>"Is no business of yours." the Champion snaps. "Now come, my Avatar, we're leaving."
>Flandre blinks. "Leaving? But I was talking to... Lotus was your name?" she asks.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 01, 2018, 04:55:18 AM
>Nod
>"That's right."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 01, 2018, 04:58:47 AM
>Nod
>"That's right."

>The Avatar considers that for a moment. Her contemplative face is rather adorable, you have to admit. "But that's not your real name, is it?" she asks politely.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 01, 2018, 05:38:24 AM
>"It is the name I have chosen to wear, which makes it as real as any other."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 02, 2018, 02:13:52 AM
>"It is the name I have chosen to wear, which makes it as real as any other."

>"Ah, it's your stage name. That's cool."
>"What made you think that?" White Rose asks her.
>"I can see it, sorta. Like, the name 'Lotus' sounds like your clothes look, like they're hiding something. I totally get it, though, you gotta do what you gotta do to stay out of the tabloids."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 02, 2018, 02:22:29 AM
>"That's... one way of looking at it, I suppose."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 02, 2018, 02:47:56 AM
>"That's... one way of looking at it, I suppose."

>"That's what my manager always tells me, anyway. I guess I don't worry enough about that sort of thing." she says with a smile. It's almost like she's forgotten about what she just did. "You're probably a celeb yourself round these parts, if this is the sort of thing you do all the time. How do you handle the press and the paps?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 02, 2018, 03:16:45 AM
>"I try to keep a low profile when not 'working'."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 02, 2018, 04:35:31 AM
>"I try to keep a low profile when not 'working'."

>"Not easy, is it? Magic and music really catch peoples eyes."
>"And Magical Lotus and her comrades have a real knack for involving themselves in magical affairs." the Fire Champion adds. "They've interfered with us as much as they've helped us."
>Flandre seems surprised. "Interfered with?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 02, 2018, 06:46:34 AM
>To the Champion: "Where innocent people are endangered, we will be there to protect them - even from you. But I much prefer it when we can cooperate."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 02, 2018, 05:36:28 PM
>To the Champion: "Where innocent people are endangered, we will be there to protect them - even from you. But I much prefer it when we can cooperate."

>"I believe I do as well. It is unfortunate that this is not always the case."
>"Why not?" Flandre says accusingly. To her Champion, not to you. "Are you telling me that I'm gonna have to fight these girls?"
>"That's up to them." The Champions's tails swish as the fox settles on its haunches. "Our offer remains open. In fact, your positions among our ranks would be even more honored now."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 02, 2018, 06:45:32 PM
>"So long as your ultimate goals involve the subjugation of this world, I'm afraid I must decline. But I am as committed as ever to finding a peaceful solution to your kind's liberation from Makai. If that means convincing your Mother to issue you different orders, then so be it."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 02, 2018, 07:44:27 PM
>"So long as your ultimate goals involve the subjugation of this world, I'm afraid I must decline. But I am as committed as ever to finding a peaceful solution to your kind's liberation from Makai. If that means convincing your Mother to issue you different orders, then so be it."

>"Well, find it quick." Flandre insists, pouting slightly. "I hate the idea of having to fight you guys over the world. Scratch that, I hate the idea of fighting you guys at all. Evil people sure, but you're heroes!"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 02, 2018, 09:05:38 PM
>Smile
>"I'm glad you think so. But if this is also what you want, then perhaps you might be able to help us contact Mother somehow?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 02, 2018, 11:27:55 PM
>Smile
>"I'm glad you think so. But if this is also what you want, then perhaps you might be able to help us contact Mother somehow?"

>"I don't know if I can." the Avatar says with a frown. "I know I'm connected to my Champion, but I don't get the same feeling about her mother. And I think there's some kinda barrier between here and Makai."
>"It was designed to keep us imprisoned on Makai." the Champion informs her. "That's just one of the things I will teach you."
>"What, NOW?"
>The Champion's head twitches in surprise. "Is there a problem with that?"
>"I gotta check on my bandmates! And my sister! I gotta see my sister, let her know I'm okay. Oh yeah, my show, I got a show to do on Saturday. If my band's okay, I gotta check on my band. Oh!" Flandre looks back at you. "I have a show this Saturday. I can totally hook you up, front row seats, back stage passes, you name it!"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 03, 2018, 12:21:40 AM
>Smile
>"I'd be happy to see it."
>If only for the fact that it means she's doing normal people things and not 'conquering the world' things
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 04, 2018, 05:54:46 AM
>Smile
>"I'd be happy to see it."
>If only for the fact that it means she's doing normal people things and not 'conquering the world' things

>"Does that go for the rest of us?" Lily asks hopefully
>"Sure, sure! We're all friends here!"
>You blonde companion giggles excitedly, but pauses after a moment. "Even after I... Well I did-"
>"The fighting stuff? Don't worry 'bout it, I wasn't myself."
>"Ah, is that a relief. Still, sorry about that. I've been a fan of yours for years, and I hated having to fight you like that."
>Flandre giggles. "Yeah, that's not exactly how I like to meet my fans, either. How many's in your little group, anyways?" she asks you.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 04, 2018, 08:15:27 AM
>"Six."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 04, 2018, 09:43:49 AM
>"Six."

>"I think I got that many on me- Well not ON me, but they might still be in the plane. Gimme a minute." The Avatar immediately takes to the air, rocketing out the hole in the wall, leaving a contrail of heated light behind her. Lily follows behind her.
>The Champion does not follow its Avatar. "After everything that's happened, Lotus, I did not believe I'd ever have cause to say this to you. I do now. Thank you, Magical Lotus. Eventually I would have found my Avatar and healed her, but your assistance was extremely helpful."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 04, 2018, 05:17:36 PM
>Bow our head lightly
>"I am glad I was able to help."
>"And I meant what I said earlier, about finding a way to contact your Mother and negotiate a better path forward for our kinds - one that would not give us cause to fight each other. If you know of any way that I can reach her, I believe it would be in both our best interests to share it."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 04, 2018, 07:39:08 PM
>Bow our head lightly
>"I am glad I was able to help."
>"And I meant what I said earlier, about finding a way to contact your Mother and negotiate a better path forward for our kinds - one that would not give us cause to fight each other. If you know of any way that I can reach her, I believe it would be in both our best interests to share it."

>"I don't believe I agree, You've proven to be very surprising with your power. If you found a way to contact Mother, I have no guarantee you wouldn't find a way to strike at her."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 04, 2018, 09:31:02 PM
>"If my goal was simply to stop you by force, I wouldn't need to go all the way to Makai to do it, would I? You're already here and you've made no attempt to disguise your presence in this city. We could have tracked you down to attack you at any time. The fact that you likely believe you would win any such confrontation is irrelevant, as surely I shouldn't expect the one who created you to be any less strong. What could we possibly have to gain by attacking an even more powerful being who isn't even in a position to threaten us herself at the moment?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 04, 2018, 09:58:15 PM
>"If my goal was simply to stop you by force, I wouldn't need to go all the way to Makai to do it, would I? You're already here and you've made no attempt to disguise your presence in this city. We could have tracked you down to attack you at any time. The fact that you likely believe you would win any such confrontation is irrelevant, as surely I shouldn't expect the one who created you to be any less strong. What could we possibly have to gain by attacking an even more powerful being who isn't even in a position to threaten us herself at the moment?"

>"I believe you Terrans have a saying. 'To kill a snake, cut off the head.' And I don't know if you'd have to go to Makai to strike at Mother. You know that we can send energy through the barrier to her, so there possibility exists that you could do the same. You've destroyed our Youmas, and proved capable of harming us. And you power, as well as that of your comrades, has grown, as has the size of your group. I have learned that I must not underestimate you. You are powerful and dangerous, even for a Terran."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 04, 2018, 10:28:25 PM
>"I only want for our two peoples to live in peace - for neither to need fear the other or the horrors of Makai. I understand your reluctance to trust - I imagine a place like Makai does not breed the willingness to leave oneself vulnerable to anything. But, if you could facilitate communication, would if put your mind at ease if you were also there to 'supervise'? To be poised to act, should my words prove ever false and I do mean to do something more than open a dialogue?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 05, 2018, 02:20:34 AM
>"I only want for our two peoples to live in peace - for neither to need fear the other or the horrors of Makai. I understand your reluctance to trust - I imagine a place like Makai does not breed the willingness to leave oneself vulnerable to anything. But, if you could facilitate communication, would if put your mind at ease if you were also there to 'supervise'? To be poised to act, should my words prove ever false and I do mean to do something more than open a dialogue?"

>You cannot do that. Kiku protests. You cannot put yourself in that kind of vulnerable position.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 05, 2018, 04:13:46 AM
>I did not intend to do so alone. It's less that I place myself at their mercy, so much as inviting them to keep watch and ensure that this is not some kind of deception. Consider if you were in their position; would you not also be wary at what we might be able to do if given unfettered access to their leader and the one who is apparently keeping Makai from devouring their kind completely?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 05, 2018, 05:56:48 AM
>I did not intend to do so alone. It's less that I place myself at their mercy, so much as inviting them to keep watch and ensure that this is not some kind of deception. Consider if you were in their position; would you not also be wary at what we might be able to do if given unfettered access to their leader and the one who is apparently keeping Makai from devouring their kind completely?

>Absolutely. Kiku agrees. I'm sorry, I suppose I jumped to the wrong conclusion.
>As if I'd let her make herself that vulnerable. Rin adds.
>Kiku chuckles quietly. Indeed. I should have known better.

>The Champion seems to consider it for a moment. "Even if I did think this was a good idea, and I don't, I don't think I could-" Fire pauses abruptly, its head coming up. "Fools... You!" the fox calls up to the police chief. "Remove your people from the area outside. We know of the people you have preparing to strike at my Avatar from a distance. Remove them or watch them burn."
>The chief scowls. "Neither I nor my people respond well to threats." she replies firmly. "Right now my people are simply monitoring the situation outside. I don't intend to give the order to fire on Ms. Scarlet, or yourself, but I will if I have to."
>The air around the otherworldly fox flares red, but the Champion does not lash out. "These are your people, Lotus. I suggest you convince them to leave."
>"Magical Lotus has no authority over the police!" one of the officers on the lower level of the room yells.
>"She has the authority of being the leader of the only group of Terrans whose power I respect at all."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 05, 2018, 06:24:15 AM
>To the chief: "I apologize if it seems as though I am presuming authority I do not have, but having your people to stand down may well be the most prudent course to avoid exacerbating a volatile situation. I will be happy to explain everything to you later, in as much detail as you like; I just don't want to see anyone get hurt here."
>Bow politely to her
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 05, 2018, 07:58:09 AM
>To the chief: "I apologize if it seems as though I am presuming authority I do not have, but having your people to stand down may well be the most prudent course to avoid exacerbating a volatile situation. I will be happy to explain everything to you later, in as much detail as you like; I just don't want to see anyone get hurt here."
>Bow politely to her

>"You can't ask us to simply stand down while such dangerous beings are at large." the chief replies in a reasonable tone. "We have a responsibility to this city and all who live here. That's a responsibility we cannot and will not abandon." Over a dozen voices sound off firm agreement to the chief's words.
>"On the other hand, chief," a familiar voice says from a group of officers to your southeast. It is Komachi Onozuka, who seems to be the only person here that isn't on edge. "the girl's got a point. We all agree that nobody wants to start shooting at anybody, right?"
>"I have said that. I have nothing to gain from any further deaths here."
>"Lotus has made it clear where we stand." Chrysanthemum says.
>Yuna adds, "Same goes for us of the shrines. We came here to preserve life, not endanger it."
>Komachi smiles lazily. "So look, how's this sound? We got wounded and downed officers and civilians, chief. Why don't we get them to safety, and the Flower Girls can keep an eye on Fire Fox here while we're doin' that? We already know the girls here can stand up to these Champions, an' they will if push comes to shove. And if it DOES all start to go to hell, we won't be too far away to help. 'zat sound good to you?"
>For a moment, you detect a grim scowl on the chief's face. It is the look of a woman who is having her authority questioned and who does not like it one bit. But the look is gone quickly. You barely noticed it yourself, with your attention diverted to the reaction your ring is giving you. It appears to be reacting to Komachi. "It is against my better judgement. In fact, it is a violation of more than one of our rules and regulat-"
>"Rules and regs are only good until they start puttin' people in danger that don't need to be there." Komachi interrupts her chief. "And the hard fact is, we're more in danger than the Flower Girls are. Fact, I'm willing to bet you'd feel safer without us around, wouldn't you girls? You wouldn't have to protect us if Foxy or her superpowered pop star gets ornery."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 05, 2018, 08:17:15 AM
>"It would be reassuring to know that as many people as possible were out of danger."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 06, 2018, 03:19:37 AM
>"It would be reassuring to know that as many people as possible were out of danger."

>"There ya have it. And you don't mind if those of us that don't have flower power busy ourselves with that kinda work, do ya, Foxy?"
>The Champion's tail stiffen in irritation, but the fox says, "So long as you do not threaten my Avatar or myself, I do not care."
>"So you're okay with someone threatening Ice?" White Rose accuses the Champion, giving the fox a rather disgusted look.
>Uncaring of the kasha's irritation, the Champion laughs. "As if that was even possible."

>Why did you say that? Carnation asks White Rose.
>I don't like the way Fire seems to treat Ice. I'm sorry, I know you're trying to keep things calm, Lotus, but, I... I couldn't help myself.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 06, 2018, 07:09:43 AM
>It's alright; I don't think any harm has been done.
>To the chief: "Is this acceptable to you, considering the circumstances?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 06, 2018, 10:39:41 AM
>It's alright; I don't think any harm has been done.
>To the chief: "Is this acceptable to you, considering the circumstances?"

>Looking distinctly unhappy- and really, you can't entirely blame her for that- Chief Toyosatomimi answers, "It can be. But understand me, Onozuka," she adds, giving the redheaded officer a stern look. "You will be held responsible for anything that happens here."
>Komachi merely shrugs. "Yeah, figured you'd say that."

>As Komachi and the chief begin issuing orders, the Champion returns its attention to you. "Why is it that you have no authority? You group is far more powerful than these other Terrans."
>"Might don't make right." White Rose says bluntly.
>"You've also shown that you value the lives of the people of this world, and that you're tactically smart as well. Those are marks of good leadership. But you are not recognized for it."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 06, 2018, 06:44:31 PM
>"We are recognized by some - they did, after all, agree. But there are many different groups on Earth who follow different authorities and for different reasons. And perhaps it may not seem that way from your limited encounters with them, but the police have a great deal more experience than us at dealing with everyday threats; they too help keep the people of the city safe, and in ways we could not possibly have time to handle ourselves."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 07, 2018, 08:38:38 PM
>"We are recognized by some - they did, after all, agree. But there are many different groups on Earth who follow different authorities and for different reasons. And perhaps it may not seem that way from your limited encounters with them, but the police have a great deal more experience than us at dealing with everyday threats; they too help keep the people of the city safe, and in ways we could not possibly have time to handle ourselves."

>"But you have the experience with we of Makai. And the power. Shouldn't that be enough to give you the instant authority among your people where we're concerned?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 08, 2018, 12:11:30 AM
>"It would be enough for some. But many do not know us and I believe you can understand why respect might not be given instantly to people you have not yet seen prove themselves."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 08, 2018, 02:23:36 AM
>"It would be enough for some. But many do not know us and I believe you can understand why respect might not be given instantly to people you have not yet seen prove themselves."

>"Yes, I can understand that."
>"And unlike our chief, I seen Lotus in action before." says Komachi as she walks over towards you. "Her an' White Rose. I know we're in good hands."
>The Champion gives Komachi a curious look. "You are the only one of these Terrans that does not seem to hate or fear me."
>Komachi shrugs. "I got better things ta do with my life than hate. And the things I'm afraid of are a lot more exotic than a fiery fox from Makai. I just wanna know you're up to now, since you got what you came here for."
>"Once my Avatar..." The Champion trails off, its head lowering.
>"Everything okay?" Komachi asks.
>"I didn't..." the Champion replies, the fox's voice losing the fiery distortion you've come to expect from them. "Do all you Terrans feel so strongly?" it asks, a note of sorrow in its voice.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 08, 2018, 06:05:36 AM
>Do we have any idea what they're talking about? Can we sense again some of what we sensed earlier?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 08, 2018, 06:53:42 AM
>Do we have any idea what they're talking about? Can we sense again some of what we sensed earlier?

>You do not, and you cannot.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 08, 2018, 07:03:41 AM
>"I am... not certain what you mean."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 08, 2018, 05:05:53 PM
>"I am... not certain what you mean."

>"I can feel my Avatar... She has seen what that succubus did to the people on the airplane. She is crying now."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 08, 2018, 06:04:26 PM
>"That is... understandable. And yes, many would, in her position. Witnessing that kind of brutality can... affect one deeply."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 08, 2018, 09:15:03 PM
>"That is... understandable. And yes, many would, in her position. Witnessing that kind of brutality can... affect one deeply."

>"The depths of her emotions run deep. I don't think I was prepared for that."
>"Wouldn't you have seen worse on Makai?" White Rose asks her.
>"Yes. But her reaction to that sight was stronger than I was expecting." The fox raises its head, steadying itself. "A momentary lapse."
>"It is possible you and my Avatar will coexist more easily than you will with those of Air and Water. Like yourself, she feels a strong desire to prevent incidents like this from happening. In fact, I believe she would enjoy fighting alongside you."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 08, 2018, 10:02:39 PM
>"I would feel happy to be able to call her an ally. And you as well."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 09, 2018, 01:00:52 AM
>"I would feel happy to be able to call her an ally. And you as well."

>"Just not right now."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 09, 2018, 01:34:02 AM
>"I will not be complicit in this world being subjugated by any force, but I still intend to forge a path where we can both get what we want. And to that end, I ask you again: can you help me establish communications with your Mother? We both stand to gain if we can remove any reason we'd have to fight one another."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 09, 2018, 05:18:20 AM
>"I will not be complicit in this world being subjugated by any force, but I still intend to forge a path where we can both get what we want. And to that end, I ask you again: can you help me establish communications with your Mother? We both stand to gain if we can remove any reason we'd have to fight one another."

>"Ah, yes, we did get a bit off-track, didn't we?" It's a bit difficult to reconcile the casual tone of the Champion to the tone they used the first time you met. "But I don't think I can help you, even if I wanted to. The means by which we Champions hear our Mother's voice is unique to us. No other species can share in it."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 09, 2018, 05:29:27 AM
>"Are you able to communicate with Her in the same way?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 09, 2018, 05:52:50 AM
>"Are you able to communicate with Her in the same way?"

>"We've had no need to. She is aware when we have completed our tasks."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 09, 2018, 06:02:33 AM
>"But if there was a need, is it possible?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 09, 2018, 03:36:30 PM
>"But if there was a need, is it possible?"

>"If such a need ever arose, I believe she would communicate with us."
>"Quite the doting mom ya got there." Komachi remarks.
>The Champion doesn't take Komachi's casual friendliness well. "Watch your tone, Terran."
>Komachi smile shows that she is rather unfazed by the Champion's threat. "Hey, didn't mean anything bad by it. Better a doting parent than the reverse, eh?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 09, 2018, 06:13:12 PM
>"What I mean to ask is: would it be possible for you to act as an intermediary to convey words between myself and your Mother?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 10, 2018, 04:08:27 PM
>"What I mean to ask is: would it be possible for you to act as an intermediary to convey words between myself and your Mother?"

>The Fire Champion is silent and still. Its inhuman guise makes you uncertain if the fox is unwilling or unable to answer that question, or if something else gives it pause.
>Eventually you start to wonder if you should ask again, or give up on the idea, when the Champion speaks at last. Rather quietly, Fire asks, "You are sure?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 10, 2018, 05:27:05 PM
>"That I wish to speak with her?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 11, 2018, 12:49:42 PM
>"That I wish to speak with her?"

>"That you would be willing to use me as a go-between." the Champion clarifies. "That you would be comfortable enough with me."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 11, 2018, 09:46:45 PM
>"I do not believe you are the type to convey either of our words falsely. Am I wrong?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 11, 2018, 09:49:36 PM
>"I do not believe you are the type to convey either of our words falsely. Am I wrong?"

>"Deceit is a Terran failing." the fox replies with a mix of pride in itself, and derision for the Terrans it speaks of. "And even if that were not the case, I would not attempt to mislead Mother, nor am I capable of being false with her. None of us are."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 11, 2018, 10:47:08 PM
>"Then yes, I trust you in this."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 14, 2018, 06:46:33 PM
>"Then yes, I trust you in this."

>The Fire Champion regards you evenly, silently, for a time again. "I still think you are an optimistic fool." the creature says at last. "Too much for your own good. It could be your undoing one day."
>"But in this case, it won't come from me. I would not betray your trust, but I also will not help you. You have helped us, and you have hindered us. You have said that you will continue to fight us even after you helped us today. I cannot trust you, and I will not help you."
>"However..." The Champion turns its head to look over its shoulder. Following its gaze, you see Lily and Flandre re-entering the airport terminal. Flandre appears to have recovered from the bout of sorrow the Champion described, as she and Lily are singing together. But you believe Fire is not looking at them so much as past them, out to the airstrip. "I will not help you. But I can't say that's true for every Champion." it says thoughtfully, returning its gaze to you.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 14, 2018, 07:09:43 PM
>"And you would not order her otherwise?"
>Assuming Fire does mean Ice here, of course....
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 14, 2018, 07:22:56 PM
>"And you would not order her otherwise?"
>Assuming Fire does mean Ice here, of course....

>"If you're referring to Ice, I don't want her helping you, either." the Champion replies with a growl. "But... You helped me today. I can't deny that I owe you something for that."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 14, 2018, 08:00:16 PM
>Bow our head politely
>"Remember, what I seek is a resolution that benefits both of us - that neither side needs to risk itself for its freedom. Even if you have confidence you could prevail over us in the end, surely you can see the benefit of not needing to put that question to the test; Makai has cost your kind enough already."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 15, 2018, 01:27:57 AM
>Bow our head politely
>"Remember, what I seek is a resolution that benefits both of us - that neither side needs to risk itself for its freedom. Even if you have confidence you could prevail over us in the end, surely you can see the benefit of not needing to put that question to the test; Makai has cost your kind enough already."

>"I'd be happier if you got Water to go along with this idea of yours." Fire admits. "Air would never do it, of course. But... if you really want Ice's assistance, I suppose I really can't deny you. I honor my debts."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 18, 2018, 03:19:16 AM
>Bow again
>"You have my thanks."
>We can't actually currently locate Ice's presence ourselves, can we?
>Assuming not: "...Ice is out near the runway at the moment, right?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 18, 2018, 05:13:52 AM
>Bow again
>"You have my thanks."
>We can't actually currently locate Ice's presence ourselves, can we?
>Assuming not: "...Ice is out near the runway at the moment, right?"

>"Your thanks are premature. I am uncertain if we even can offer you the help you want. But we do owe you the attempt at least."
>Correct.
>"For now. Your rabbit and that avian spellcaster are questioning her on how she was able to purge the corrupted of their infections."
>"I thought she couldn't talk?" White Rose asks.
>"I did not say they were successfully questioning her." the Champion remarks flatly. "I will instruct her to remain here, if you wish to speak to her yourself, Lotus."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 18, 2018, 08:03:45 AM
>"I would, yes. And otherwise, I assume you have no further business here tonight?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 18, 2018, 12:22:40 PM
>"I would, yes. And otherwise, I assume you have no further business here tonight?"

>A canine grin appears on the foxes face. "Will I be striking here later tonight, you mean." the Champion asks.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 18, 2018, 04:48:11 PM
>Frown slightly
>"I should hope you'll be striking nowhere tonight. I would hate for our truce to last so briefly."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 19, 2018, 02:05:35 AM
>Frown slightly
>"I should hope you'll be striking nowhere tonight. I would hate for our truce to last so briefly."

>"What's this about a truce?" Flandre asks as she and Lily flutter the rest of the way over to you. Her wings sound like wind chimes when she's flying, almost as beautiful as her eyes. Which you adjust your gaze enough to not look directly into again.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 19, 2018, 03:30:06 AM
>"Well, we're both in the same place at the same time and helping rather than hindering each other. I think that counts as a start."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 20, 2018, 02:23:19 AM
>"Well, we're both in the same place at the same time and helping rather than hindering each other. I think that counts as a start."

>Flandre seems confused. "Is it over?"
>To your relief, the Fire Champion replies, "Not yet."
>"Good! Id've been mad at you if you started causing trouble for my friends. Oh yeah!" the Avatar shouts, and presents you with a square of red plastic attached to a chain. "They're not real backstage passes, but just show these to security or the ticket people, they'll get you a real one."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 20, 2018, 03:30:44 AM
>Smile
>"Thank you; I look forward to it."
>Accept the token
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 20, 2018, 04:45:59 AM
>Smile
>"Thank you; I look forward to it."
>Accept the token

>You have acquired: 1 Temporary Backstage Pass to Flandre Scarlet's Concert

>"Don't forget to turn your eyes off before the show starts." Lily reminds her.
>"Was I doing it again?" The other blonde nods, and Flandre giggles. "Sorry. Didn't even realize."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 20, 2018, 05:28:30 AM
>To Lily: I... take it you're referring to that mesmerizing power she seems to have?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 20, 2018, 06:13:31 AM
>To Lily: I... take it you're referring to that mesmerizing power she seems to have?

>You noticed it too? I thought she was doing it on purpose, but when I told her about it outside, she didn't even realize she was doing it.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 20, 2018, 07:53:07 AM
>I didn't think she seemed aware of it, but by the same token I'm surprised that it's actually under her direct control. ...perhaps it's because she's new to it?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 20, 2018, 08:09:41 AM
>I didn't think she seemed aware of it, but by the same token I'm surprised that it's actually under her direct control. ...perhaps it's because she's new to it?

>That's what she said. Said that she had to get used to it. Get used to a lot of things, is what she actually said. I never asked, but now that you got me thinking about it, I'm not sure she's noticed her voice is different, too.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 20, 2018, 08:15:34 AM
>If we're not already including the others in this, do so: Yes, her reaction to becoming an Avatar has been very different than Sanae or Patchouli and I'm not yet sure what to make of it. She still, for want of a better word, seems to care positively about the life she had before tonight. I would say it gives me hope for how things could yet be for the others, but... something about it also unnerves me - the casualness with which she killed someone, for one thing. It's almost like there's some disconnect between both parts of her that she hasn't really grasped the form of yet. ...but perhaps I'm overreaching.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 20, 2018, 08:35:53 AM
>If we're not already including the others in this, do so: Yes, her reaction to becoming an Avatar has been very different than Sanae or Patchouli and I'm not yet sure what to make of it. She still, for want of a better word, seems to care positively about the life she had before tonight. I would say it gives me hope for how things could yet be for the others, but... something about it also unnerves me - the casualness with which she killed someone, for one thing. It's almost like there's some disconnect between both parts of her that she hasn't really grasped the form of yet. ...but perhaps I'm overreaching.

>She might've been 'casual' about it, but she also didn't seem to enjoy it. White Rose points out. And it ain't like she killed an innocent.
>I think you're right, too. Lily adds. I've been talking to her, too, and... I dunno, seems to me that she jumps around a fair bit, like her mind's always changing focus. And I saw her face once she got off the plane just then. She looked so upset that, for a second, I wasn't sure if she was about to cry again, or blow something up.
>Grimly, Chrysanthemum notes, From what we've observed from the other two Avatars, it is possible that Flandre's change has left her somewhat unstable.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 20, 2018, 08:47:51 AM
>It's a concerning thought, but even if this is only a temporary reprieve before problems start, I'll still take it. And I will remain hopeful.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 20, 2018, 11:50:23 AM
>It's a concerning thought, but even if this is only a temporary reprieve before problems start, I'll still take it. And I will remain hopeful.

>There's always room for hope. These Avatars certainly come in all forms. Carnation says. She seems to like you already, Lotus.
>There is a chance that may work against us in the long term. states the dour Kiku. If there comes a time when we have to fight, the Avatar could view that conflict as a betrayal of her friendship. She could level at us- at Lotus specifically- the same kind of rage you described in the Avatar of Water.
>You really think so? Lily asks.
>I think we can't ignore the possibility. Especially if she is, as you said, unstable. She mentioned a sister, who may also be in danger from the Avatar. I do not believe we should let them meet, if we can help it.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 20, 2018, 04:56:40 PM
>But how could we reasonably prevent such a thing?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 21, 2018, 12:15:33 AM
>But how could we reasonably prevent such a thing?

>I am uncertain. Kiku admits. We could keep watch over this sister, but that would deplete our already limited numbers. Plus it might serve to provoke the Avatar in the worst case. I might suggest you ask Flandre, Lotus, but I'm not certain how you'd be able to phrase that request without upsetting her either. Kiku growls softly, a sound of feline frustration.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 28, 2018, 05:24:51 AM
>Do you have any reason to think her sister would be in more danger from her than anyone else in this city?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 30, 2018, 12:10:25 AM
>Do you have any reason to think her sister would be in more danger from her than anyone else in this city?

>Experiences with the other two Avatars. You described Sanae as being hostile towards her parents, and Patchouli's hatred of her family was clear. If their reunion goes badly, which I don't think even you can have too much trouble imagining, optimistic though you are, it could turn deadly for the sister. I suppose it depends partly on her sister's nature, but I know nothing about the woman. Do you?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 30, 2018, 06:57:35 AM
>Do we?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 30, 2018, 06:12:16 PM
>Do we?

>Not personally, but you do know of her. Her name is Remilia Scarlet, a professional wedding planner. She has a number of advertisements and billboards across the city. Evidently Aya has a job lined up with her. Assuming that job hasn't been completed already, you haven't been talking with Aya in several days now.
>You are about to relay your admittedly limited knowledge about the woman to Kiku, when Lily replies, She's a wedding planner, name's Remilia. Gotta be doin' well for herself, her ads are everywhere. Hey! she yells, the sound of someone having an idea. I could go with Flan! I want to talk to her, too.
>You do. Kiku asks suspiciously.
>Yeah! Couple friends of mine got engaged a little while ago. Remi's got the best rep for weddings in the city. I wanna see if I can get her to do theirs.
>On a private channel to you, she adds, Maybe talk to her about you and Rin-chan?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 30, 2018, 07:57:04 PM
>There's... there's really no way to respond to that except to mentally stutter a bunch
>D- don't you think you're being a little hasty?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 30, 2018, 08:32:29 PM
>There's... there's really no way to respond to that except to mentally stutter a bunch
>D- don't you think you're being a little hasty?

>Well there's also a 'sure', but the little blonde might indeed be getting a wee bit ahead of herself.
>Lily's answering laugh is something between a giggle and a cackle. Papa tells me that not a lot of grass grows under my wings! Don't think he used the phrase right, but I love it anyway. And you're really cute when you blush. she adds.

>Counting off the cards she has left, Flandre nods to herself. "And one for my sister. Good. Look, girls, I hate to just take off, but I really want to see my sister. I don't want her to worry."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 30, 2018, 10:42:14 PM
>On an open channel: That is a thought, Lily, if you wanted to try and accompany her. Be a... mollifying presence, if it comes to that. And at least alert us if any intervention is needed. I do think I should otherwise stay and attempt to communicate with Ice.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 30, 2018, 11:17:41 PM
>On an open channel: That is a thought, Lily, if you wanted to try and accompany her. Be a... mollifying presence, if it comes to that. And at least alert us if any intervention is needed. I do think I should otherwise stay and attempt to communicate with Ice.

>Do you really think you can handle an Avatar by yourself? Kiku asks her pointedly.
>You did say I was the 'defensive specialist', didn'ja? Lily replies with a smart little smile. Maybe I can't beat her, but I can keep her busy, and keep Remilia safe, until the rest of you get there. I mean, unless you think you'll need me here, boss?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 30, 2018, 11:25:03 PM
>I don't think so; I'm not anticipating any more fighting right now.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 31, 2018, 12:39:50 AM
>I don't think so; I'm not anticipating any more fighting right now.

>Good.

>"Do ya mind if I come with you?" Lily asks her aloud. Flandre's face shows confusion, so Lily explains, "I was hoping to talk business with her at some point. A couple of my friends got engaged about a week ago, and talk around town is nobody does weddings better than Remilia Scarlet." Lily's praise of her sister makes Flandre smile. "Oh, and don't worry, I can wait 'till after you've seen her to talk business. I guess this is the first time you've seen her in a while, you being on tour all the time."
>"And not in Yamato enough." the Avatar agrees. "Business keeps her busy, too. Yeah, sure, that'd be okay. She'd probably be mad if I shooed away one of her customers, anyway." Turning to you, she asks, "See you Saturday?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 31, 2018, 03:32:42 AM
>Nod
>"I look forward to it."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 31, 2018, 05:14:01 AM
>Nod
>"I look forward to it."

>"Great!"
>"You might wanna do something about your voice, too, before your show." Lily advises the Avatar as the two of them walk off together.
>"Voice? ... Oh. Wow, when did that happen?" The two are still discussing the alterations becoming the Avatar has made to Flandre's voice when the take off into the sky. You do feel some concern for Lily, letting her go off alone with a potentially dangerous creature like the Avatar of Fire. But that concern is not great. She and Flandre appear to have hit it off well, Flandre is kindly disposed towards your group as a whole, and as has been said, she is very skilled at protective magic. If anything goes wrong, she can look after herself. She may be excessively energetic and a little flighty, but you have faith in Lily White.

>"You don't mind letting your Avatar run around town off the leash?" White Rose asks the Champion.
>"I will find her again. Or she will come to me. She has much to learn, and I have much to teach."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 31, 2018, 05:59:51 AM
>"And in the meantime, I believe I have a request to make to go and make. If you've nothing else to say right now?"
>Assuming no complaints, let's go walk over to Ice. ...and suggest our companions still keep an eye on things here.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 31, 2018, 07:40:13 AM
>"And in the meantime, I believe I have a request to make to go and make. If you've nothing else to say right now?"
>Assuming no complaints, let's go walk over to Ice. ...and suggest our companions still keep an eye on things here.

>"I am finished here." the Champion replies. With a smug look, the fox adds, "Good luck talking to Ice. You'll probably find it as challenging as your friends."
>The Champion walks alongside you as you head for the exit, with White Rose following rather close behind, keeping an even closer eye on the Champion. It is an interesting sensation, walking peaceably next to one of the biggest threats the world has known in the past several millennia. But the more interesting sensation is Fire's comment. The Champion appears to assume that you have no way of reliably communicating with its partner. It may not know that Ice, despite her apparent muteness, does possess a means of communication with you. What that means, you're not sure. Ice seems to be entirely subservient to Fire. Could she be keeping secrets from the being that appears to be her master? And if so, why?
>The Champion of Fire takes to the air once you step outside, and isn't long disappearing from sight. The tarmac is a different scene from before. Of the four soulless ones, only one of them remains in evidence. It is the young woman who wielded a trumpet before. With her soul restored and her body cleansed of the darkness that had been corrupting her, you can see her to be the lovely young woman she started as. You recognize her as Merlin Prismriver, a member of Flandre's band. She is conversing with Magical Poppy near the ruined hulk of the plane, and outwardly appears none the worse for wear from her experience.
>The Ice Champion is standing on the ground, the otherworldly avian creature seeming serene amidst the carnage, the striking beauty of its form marred only by the sadness you see in her eyes. Eyes that are looking your way. Haruka is nearby, examining two ugly looking hunks of black and purple crystal. The hunks of rock radiate evil. A third hunk is sitting in front of the Ice Champions' talon.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 31, 2018, 07:48:45 AM
>Can we identify anything about these rocks?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 31, 2018, 07:51:35 AM
>Can we identify anything about these rocks?

>The signature of their energy is virtually identical to that of Semitur's.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 31, 2018, 08:38:40 AM
>Just... leftover conjured crystal or something, as best we can figure? Nothing still doing active stuff or anything more significant?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on May 31, 2018, 08:46:48 AM
>Just... leftover conjured crystal or something, as best we can figure? Nothing still doing active stuff or anything more significant?

>They're certainly not active, and don't appear to be doing anything. They appear to be nothing more than leftover hunks of Semitur's evil energy.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on May 31, 2018, 04:58:18 PM
>Continue to approach
>"Leftovers from the battle, I assume?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 01, 2018, 12:13:30 AM
>Continue to approach
>"Leftovers from the battle, I assume?"

>The Ice Champion inclines her head ever so slightly in acknowledgement of your question as you come to stand before her.
>"She froze it out of them." says Haruka, the aged, experienced miko sounding stunned by it. "I'd never seen anything like it. It was like she was freezing everything that was foreign and evil in them, and then pulled it out in the form of these crystals. These crystals are the solidified forms of the magic Semitur used to corrupt the Soulless. Other than Flandre Scarlet, obviously. Where was she going? I just saw her leave with Magical Lily."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 01, 2018, 02:10:46 AM
>"To check on her sister and let her know she's alright. Lily is keeping her company and... apparently planning to inquire with said sister about planning a friend's wedding."
>Bow politely to Ice
>"I thank you for your assistance in freeing these people from their corruption, Champion of Ice."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 01, 2018, 02:30:36 AM
>"To check on her sister and let her know she's alright. Lily is keeping her company and... apparently planning to inquire with said sister about planning a friend's wedding."
>Bow politely to Ice
>"I thank you for your assistance in freeing these people from their corruption, Champion of Ice."

>Haruka quirks an eyebrow. "How thoughtful of her." she says knowingly.
>Once more the icy bird lowers her head, deeper this time.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 09, 2018, 05:20:43 AM
>To Ice: "I also have a request I wish to make of you. As I have said before, I am committed to finding a path to peace between our kinds, to a liberation of your people without an endangerment of ours. And to that end, I wish I parlay with your Mother and attempt to convince her that it is in both our interests not to have to fight each other; after all, why risk even the chance of defeat and the lives that hang in the balance when another path exists - one where we work together to bring your people to a safer home? Conquering our world is needless when we could cooperate instead , and even if you are bound to follow your Mother's orders, those orders can surely change in the light of new information that could help your people's survival, no?"
>"I am told by Fire that all of the Champions have some kind of link with Mother that you can use to communicate with her telepathically. I would like to ask if you would be willing to be an intermediary between us - to convey my words to Her and Her reply back to me. To be a go-between as we negotiate what could be the end of our conflict and the swiftest path to your peoples' freedom. Fire has granted me leave to request this favor and for you to answer it yourself. Please."
>Bow deeply in a deferential manner that befits this request
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 10, 2018, 02:30:46 AM
>To Ice: "I also have a request I wish to make of you. As I have said before, I am committed to finding a path to peace between our kinds, to a liberation of your people without an endangerment of ours. And to that end, I wish I parlay with your Mother and attempt to convince her that it is in both our interests not to have to fight each other; after all, why risk even the chance of defeat and the lives that hang in the balance when another path exists - one where we work together to bring your people to a safer home? Conquering our world is needless when we could cooperate instead , and even if you are bound to follow your Mother's orders, those orders can surely change in the light of new information that could help your people's survival, no?"
>"I am told by Fire that all of the Champions have some kind of link with Mother that you can use to communicate with her telepathically. I would like to ask if you would be willing to be an intermediary between us - to convey my words to Her and Her reply back to me. To be a go-between as we negotiate what could be the end of our conflict and the swiftest path to your peoples' freedom. Fire has granted me leave to request this favor and for you to answer it yourself. Please."
>Bow deeply in a deferential manner that befits this request

>You have a vague sense of curiosity and puzzlement from the big beautiful bird. It is as if she is wondering how such a thing might be achieved. You suspect it is not because she lacks to means to communicate with Makai, because she cannot speak, and is thusly a poor choice for a go-between. However, you do not sense from her that she is unwilling to try.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 10, 2018, 03:11:13 AM
>"I understand there may be some... limitations to opening a dialogue by this method, but if it is a chance we have in front of us now, then I want to take it - each day that passes is a further chance for needless loss of life."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 10, 2018, 06:32:07 AM
>"I understand there may be some... limitations to opening a dialogue by this method, but if it is a chance we have in front of us now, then I want to take it - each day that passes is a further chance for needless loss of life."

>A look of understanding passes through her sorrowful eyes. You sense she agrees with your assessment.
>For a moment, the emotional sensation you've been getting from her ceases, and the Champion tilts her head back, as though she was listening to something only she can hear. When she lowers her head, she fans her wings out. You expect her to release one of her feathers, as she did before, but instead, she extends one of her wings out towards you, like a humanoid might extend their hand.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 10, 2018, 07:12:08 AM
>Gently accept it (and slowly enough that we can tell if we've misread her intentions before we do so)
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 10, 2018, 10:58:47 PM
>Gently accept it (and slowly enough that we can tell if we've misread her intentions before we do so)

>It is with a bit of trepadation that you raise your hand and reach out for the Ice Champion's wing. You've never come into direct contact with the Champions before. Touching one of her wings directly promises to be a vastly different experience than touching one of her shed feathers. But that does appear to be what she wants. You can feel the cold radiating from her wing the closer your hand gets to it, but it isn't the biting, harsh cold you were expecting from someone that bears the title of Ice Champion. Neither is it the gentle chill of a calm winter's morning. The cold of the Ice Champion is a unique sensation, a new feeling of cold.
>This feeling deepens when you touch her outstretched wing. The cold runs down the length of your arm, but does not leave you feeling numbed or slowed. You can sense the Champions' emotions more clearly now, though you imagine even doing this will require a bit of extrapolation on your part to gauge what she is attempting to communicate. There is also a sense of underlying chaos you couldn't feel before, a feeling of.... you're not sure what the right word is. A kind of swirling, spiraling sensation. You're not even sure if this is something Ice is doing on purpose, or if it is simply an aspect of her being you couldn't sense before.
>As you are trying to come to grips with that sensation, the sorrow you've seen in Ice's eyes hits you, with the force of a rogue transport truck. The deep sadness you guessed at from the look in her eyes is not as powerful as that which she senses within, and that emotion is now what you are connected to. It chills your soul far more than the sensation of her wing does.

>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 8%
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 10, 2018, 11:43:30 PM
>Take a moment to try and center ourselves first, and then attempt to process what we're experiencing
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 11, 2018, 03:20:05 AM
>Take a moment to try and center ourselves first, and then attempt to process what we're experiencing

>Sorrow defines the Ice Champion. Even with your powerful will and grounded sense of self, you can feel yourself being carried back through the years of her life. The unending despair of life on Makai presses down on you as it does her. Yes, it still does, you can sense. It is almost more than you can bear.
>Through this feeling, the Ice Champion communicates a sense of apology to you, a sense of regret that she did not, could not, warn you what you would experience.

>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 10%
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 11, 2018, 05:17:40 AM
>"It is alright. You have endured much - far too much. I want to help ensure you need never endure such things again."
>Who is out here with us, anyway? Is Rin nearby? Do we... think we could be bolstered a little through contact with her without offloading all this onto her as well?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 11, 2018, 05:44:36 PM
>"It is alright. You have endured much - far too much. I want to help ensure you need never endure such things again."
>Who is out here with us, anyway? Is Rin nearby? Do we... think we could be bolstered a little through contact with her without offloading all this onto her as well?

>She is. She followed you out mostly to keep an eye on the Fire Champion, and now she's doing the same to Ice. But she must trust Ice more than Fire, since she didn't object to you touching the bird. And you gather that the sensations bombarding you are as a result of your direct contact with the Champion. So long as Rin doesn't touch Ice directly, she should be spared the sensations you're receiving. Magical Poppy is also not too far away, should you need additional aid.
>As you ponder this, the torrent of emotion abates a bit. You sense Ice pulling back a bit, either trying to spare you the emotions that had been assailing you or to ensure the rest of her communication efforts are not interfered with. You're not certain.

>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 12%
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 11, 2018, 07:33:49 PM
>Then let's ask Rin to take our hand and see if we can counterbalance some of this sorrow with love - without subjecting it to her as well, or somehow interfering with our link to Ice.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 11, 2018, 08:40:46 PM
>Then let's ask Rin to take our hand and see if we can counterbalance some of this sorrow with love - without subjecting it to her as well, or somehow interfering with our link to Ice.

>Your kasha grips your hand with alacrity, and while you know that she cannot sense the emotional overflow from Ice, she does shiver slightly at the contact. There doesn't seem to be much Ice can do about the sensation of cold. Even that, you sense, causes her sorrow.
>Those emotions aside, you feel from Ice that she is willing to aid you, but she does not believe this is the time or the place. She gives you an impression of unwanted watchfulness. Someone is observing you, secretly, someone nearby.

>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 14%.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 11, 2018, 08:52:09 PM
>Can we communicate a question to her, via the same link?
>If so, she's not referring to our connection to Rin here, is she? Is that enough interference? Or is it someone/something else?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 11, 2018, 09:13:55 PM
>Can we communicate a question to her, via the same link?
>If so, she's not referring to our connection to Rin here, is she? Is that enough interference? Or is it someone/something else?

>You believe you can, though you're not entirely certain you'll be as accurate.
>But your efforts to do so meet with success, and you sense the Ice Champion's focus shift to your left. She seems to be indicating an area around 30-40 feet away from you. She also somehow gives you a sensation of energy, which is what she was sensing. She doesn't recognize the type of power being used, but you do. Even through the filter of the Ice Champion's senses, you recognize it as Jeweled power.

>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 16%
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 11, 2018, 09:40:57 PM
>Can we see anything there?
>Can we sense anything there?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 12, 2018, 12:17:25 AM
>Can we see anything there?
>Can we sense anything there?

>You can neither see nor sense anyone's presence through your own powers. It seems that the Blood in question has the ability to shield themselves from your own senses, but not completely shield themselves from the Ice Champion.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 12, 2018, 12:35:48 AM
>From what was conveyed by Ice, do we believe this sensation indicates a person who is concealing themselves at that location, or possibly just some remote scrying technique emanating from that location?
>Assuming a person is hidden there, do we think we could possibly expose them by aiming an Amber Lotus at that spot, regardless of whether we can sense anyone or not?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 12, 2018, 05:45:28 AM
>From what was conveyed by Ice, do we believe this sensation indicates a person who is concealing themselves at that location, or possibly just some remote scrying technique emanating from that location?
>Assuming a person is hidden there, do we think we could possibly expose them by aiming an Amber Lotus at that spot, regardless of whether we can sense anyone or not?

>A hidden person.
>You believe so. You have an accurate enough sense of where they are to know where to point your light. In fact, it is likely any one of your group could do so. You believe Ice is actually offering to do so herself.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 12, 2018, 06:01:26 AM
>Can we tell if this is Brightblood or Blackblood?
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 12, 2018, 06:13:52 AM
>Can we tell if this is Brightblood or Blackblood?

>Based on what you can tell from the impressions Ice is giving you, you would guess Blackblood. And probably a pretty powerful one, too.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 12, 2018, 06:21:24 AM
>Give Ice the go-ahead, then. But suggest she try to be non-damaging.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 12, 2018, 06:29:44 AM
>Give Ice the go-ahead, then. But suggest she try to be non-damaging.

>The impression you get from the Ice Champion is that this was her intention. She also suggests that you release her wing for a moment.

>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 17%
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 12, 2018, 06:37:51 AM
>Let's do so
>And maybe shake off some of this chill in the process
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 12, 2018, 05:35:38 PM
>Let's do so
>And maybe shake off some of this chill in the process

>A faint trail of dusty snow follows your hand as you remove it from the Champion's wing, yet there is none to be seen on your hand itself. Just the lingering chill of contact with a being of Ice. Rin takes your hand in a double grip, and the sensation of cold dissipates in the warmth of her hands.
>As you and Rin try to warm up, the Ice Champion waves her wing in the direction of the Blood sensation. A frosty wind blows out from her wing. You sense an almost startled stutter of power from the Blood Jewel, but it is not enough to maintain its camouflage spell. A tall man is very suddenly plainly in sight, bracing his face against the biting cold wind that assails him. It is the male doctor you noticed earlier, the one working on the injured civilians inside the airport terminal. He appears to be even more unhappy than he was before. With his non-detection spell broken, you can now sense that he wears a Red Jewel, the same rank that Drag Strip and Razorclaw wear. This makes him a very powerful man, though not one you can't deal with if worse comes to worse.

>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 15%
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 12, 2018, 05:46:07 PM
>Address the man: "Why hello there. May I ask what you were doing hiding here?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 12, 2018, 09:17:42 PM
>Address the man: "Why hello there. May I ask what you were doing hiding here?"

>The dark haired man snarls at you. His features would be handsome to most, but there's an undisguised arrogance you can see on his face. His is the sort of face upon which a narcissistic sneer looks natural. "How did you know?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 12, 2018, 09:20:16 PM
>"Not accustomed to being discovered, I take it."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 12, 2018, 10:36:34 PM
>"Not accustomed to being discovered, I take it."

>"Certainly not by the likes of you." the arrogant man replies, straightening out his jacket.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 12, 2018, 10:44:56 PM
>"I ask again: what were you doing hiding yourself here?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 12, 2018, 11:22:49 PM
>"I ask again: what were you doing hiding yourself here?"

>The doctor takes a moment to examine his Red ring before answering you, "I was merely attempting to learn more about you." he states as he removes a handkerchief from his pocket and polishes his Jewel.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 12, 2018, 11:32:54 PM
>"I had been given the distinct impression that all Blackblood had agreed to stay away from this place while we dealt with Semitur."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 13, 2018, 12:05:57 AM
>"I had been given the distinct impression that all Blackblood had agreed to stay away from this place while we dealt with Semitur."

>The doctor gives you a smug smile as he pockets his handkerchief. "I would have preferred not to be here. However, my occupation demanded my presence. I am, after all, a physician, and I go where my unparalleled services are required."
>You'd really like to knock that smug look off his face.

>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 8%
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 13, 2018, 12:58:39 AM
>We presumably don't recognize him in any capacity, do we?
>Assuming not, ask Hakura discretely if she does
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 13, 2018, 01:25:55 AM
>We presumably don't recognize him in any capacity, do we?
>Assuming not, ask Hakura discretely if she does

>He does not appear familiar, no.
>"Not personally." she replies. "But a Red Jeweled doctor..." The eagle looks at the Blackblood appraisingly before continuing, "I believe he is the Blood Prince called Hook, a member of a powerful coven called the Buildtrons."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 13, 2018, 01:29:33 AM
>Are we close enough to chat a moment without him probably listening in?
>Oh, the inconveniences of people we can't be telepathic with
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 13, 2018, 01:33:14 AM
>Are we close enough to chat a moment without him probably listening in?
>Oh, the inconveniences of people we can't be telepathic with

>Provided you keep your voices low, yes. He is far enough away, and there is enough ambient noise, for you to have some leeway. It would be better if the wind was stronger, but short of 'asking' Ice through one of your.... whatever term you wish to use to describe how you communicated with her before, you don't have to ability to affect that discreetly.
>It is a shame she did not accept your earlier offer.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 13, 2018, 03:57:41 AM
>Quietly: "Is there anything I should know about him? Or them, for that matter?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 13, 2018, 04:12:59 AM
>Quietly: "Is there anything I should know about him? Or them, for that matter?"

>"He's supposed to be supremely arrogant, but very intelligent." she advises you. "I doubt he'll be stupid enough to attack, not with all us here AND the Ice Champion. I suspect he'll simply leave, now that you've exposed him."

>Byakuren Hiji Corruption Score: 4%.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 13, 2018, 04:22:06 AM
>"And are you satisfied with that outcome, given these circumstances?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 13, 2018, 04:31:50 AM
>"And are you satisfied with that outcome, given these circumstances?"

>"I'd rather not fight a Red Jeweled Prince if I don't have to. Especially one backed by a strong Coven. If we killed him or transformed him, like you did with the Stuntrons, the other five Buildtrons would drop everything and try to kill you. Or me, and attack the Shrine to do it."
>White Rose nods very slightly. "Ya heard what Razorclaw said. We don't need to stir up the Blood if we can help it."
>"Unless you feel the need to make sure he doesn't leave?" Haruka asks.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 13, 2018, 04:47:24 AM
>"I consider his motives suspect, but nothing I have said here is more than I have already said in public before."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 13, 2018, 04:51:06 AM
>"I consider his motives suspect, but nothing I have said here is more than I have already said in public before."

>"He may have simply been trying take advantage of an opportunity." Haruka suggests. "He may have been on duty when the call came in for doctors to report to this scene. Seeing two of the Blood's potent enemies here, you and the Champions, he may have been trying to learn what he could."
>"Or he's lying." White Rose counters.
>"Possible." the eagle admits.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 13, 2018, 05:16:15 AM
>Back to Hook: "At any rate, you were certainly not standing here in your capacity as a physician. Did no one else require your 'unparalleled services'?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 13, 2018, 05:22:25 AM
>Back to Hook: "At any rate, you were certainly not standing here in your capacity as a physician. Did no one else require your 'unparalleled services'?"

>"The remaining wounded were easily attended to by my colleagues, though I use the term loosely." he adds with a dismissive huff. "Besides, I saw an opportunity. You and your frosty bird friend represent quite a mystery to us."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 13, 2018, 05:31:46 AM
>"I make no secret of my goals. If you have any questions you would like to ask...?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 13, 2018, 05:39:05 AM
>"I make no secret of my goals. If you have any questions you would like to ask...?"

>"Only one. Do you wish to fight me?" he asks, politely. For him.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 13, 2018, 05:46:13 AM
>"I wish to fight very few people. But if you mean to ask whether I plan to do so here and now, then I believe you given me insufficient cause thus far. Do you plan to change that?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 13, 2018, 06:33:19 AM
>"I wish to fight very few people. But if you mean to ask whether I plan to do so here and now, then I believe you given me insufficient cause thus far. Do you plan to change that?"

>"Not at all. I've no desire to brawl across a dirty strip of tarmac with a pair of girls and an alien bird. But I also wasn't about to simply turn my back on you all and walk away. The shrine maiden, I know, is not one to shoot people in the back."
>"Why, you..." Rin mutters, angry at Hook's unspoken insinuation.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 13, 2018, 07:40:52 AM
>"We will not attack you if you simply plan to leave, no."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 13, 2018, 07:05:33 PM
>"We will not attack you if you simply plan to leave, no."

>Hook straightens his coat. "Good day." he says quite dismissively, then turns and heads back towards the entrance to the terminal, apparently giving you no more thought than the wind.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 14, 2018, 12:47:26 AM
>Let him go, and then once he's safely out of earshot, say to Haruka: "So, do you think we brush this off as a one-off and pay it no further mind, or...?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 14, 2018, 04:56:19 AM
>Let him go, and then once he's safely out of earshot, say to Haruka: "So, do you think we brush this off as a one-off and pay it no further mind, or...?"

>"What choice do we have?" she asks with a very faint shrug of her wings. "I don't think we'll have to worry about his coven, since we didn't harm him. I'm sure you wounded his pride, but that won't be enough for the others to act on. Not from what I know of the Buildtrons. We could go after him, but that would only exacerbate the situation, provoke a conflict we both wish to avoid."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 14, 2018, 07:25:59 AM
>"I'm certainly in no hurry to add to the number of problems we need to deal with. Are these Buildtrons... not an active menace like the Stuntrons were?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 14, 2018, 09:09:26 AM
>"I'm certainly in no hurry to add to the number of problems we need to deal with. Are these Buildtrons... not an active menace like the Stuntrons were?"

>"No. They keep a very low profile. So low, in fact, the identity of all of them are unknown. We believe there's six of them, and of those six, we know of Hook, and we know of two others. One a Yellow Jeweled Warlord who runs a local demolitions company, the other a Green Jeweled woman who works as a long distance truck driver and construction vehicle operator."
>"Demolitions?" White Rose asks, confused.
>"Explosives. In this case, using explosives to tear down old buildings in a safe manner."
>The kasha frowns. "A Blackblood that makes a living making bombs?" she asks incredulously.
>Haruka smiles her quiet smile. "Sounds like a recipe for disaster, I know. But he's been working in this city for seven years, and he's never injured anyone on his jobs. He's only ever been involved in one violent incident, and the police determined that the other men involved were the instigators. They attacked him, and Bonecrusher acted in self-defense."
>"Bonecrusher?" White Rose blurts.
>"That's what he calls himself." Haruka says simply. "I'm not certain why. I'm only glad he doesn't live up to it."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 14, 2018, 05:14:16 PM
>"Well, putting that to one side for the moment..."
>Turn back to Ice
>"Thank you for pointing out his presence. Shall we resume what we were trying to do before we were interrupted?"
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 15, 2018, 04:54:51 AM
>"Well, putting that to one side for the moment..."
>Turn back to Ice
>"Thank you for pointing out his presence. Shall we resume what we were trying to do before we were interrupted?"

>Rin keeps a wary eye on the retreating Buildtron as you return your attention to the Ice Champion. The giant bird inclines her head slightly, which you assume is a sign of agreement.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 15, 2018, 07:22:36 AM
>Let's try this again
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 15, 2018, 08:35:08 AM
>Let's try this again

>Bracing yourself for the storm of emotions you know contact with the Champion will bring, you extend your hand out towards her. Prudently, your other hand grips White Roses' again.
>When the Champion places her outstretched wing into your hand, the first thing you sense from her is not the torrent of sadness and despair you felt before, but a sensation of curiosity. This curiosity is directed at White Rose. You feel that the Champion is wondering if White Rose is somehow more special to you than the other members of your group.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 15, 2018, 08:57:08 AM
>We can acknowledge that this is certainly true
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 15, 2018, 09:05:11 AM
>We can acknowledge that this is certainly true

>The Champion then wonders if your bond with White Rose is like the one Ice herself shares with Fire.

>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 7%
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 15, 2018, 09:26:34 AM
>Try to convey that our bond, while deep, is one of mutual choice - we are close because both of us wish to be close and not because of any force that compels us to be so. We are partners.
>...though try to at least phrase these thoughts tactfully, since we don't really know Ice's own views on her apparent-servitude.
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 15, 2018, 12:29:14 PM
>Try to convey that our bond, while deep, is one of mutual choice - we are close because both of us wish to be close and not because of any force that compels us to be so. We are partners.
>...though try to at least phrase these thoughts tactfully, since we don't really know Ice's own views on her apparent-servitude.

>With a certain level of delicacy, you do your best to communicate your feelings to the Ice Champion. This mode of communication is most peculiar. In a way, it's not too far removed from the spiritual links you've forged with Lily and Kiku, through your rings. And yet in other ways it feels entirely different. You're certain the Ice Champion can sense your thoughts and feelings, but you can't be entirely certain they're being conveyed the way you want them to be. It is simultaneously a more intimate, and yet less precise, means of communicating with rather than simply talking to her. An option which, of course, is still available to you, though it is less private.
>The sensation you get in reply from the Ice Champion is... confusing. A number of emotions seem to flow through the Champion's wing. As near as you can tell, things are at least somewhat different between Ice and Fire, but the sense you get is that to properly explain the nature of their bond, she would have to expose you to the emotions that come from living in Makai. You believe she would rather spare you that.

>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 12%
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: DracoOmega on June 15, 2018, 05:33:03 PM
>"That is fine. We do have a task to do now, after all - so let's do that first."
Title: Re: Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Byakuren - Episode 5, Part 3
Post by: Oldmansour on June 16, 2018, 12:33:49 AM
>"That is fine. We do have a task to do now, after all - so let's do that first."

>The Champion gives you another of her partial nods. You sense that she is willing to reach out to Mother, that she is willing to relay your message to Her. But you also sense that she cannot guarantee that Mother will reply. Or that She will even care. The sorrow you sense in that last part is profound. But despite that, she invites you to say what you wish Mother to hear.

>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 16%