Cast magic missile at the darkness.

Ask why they're unsaveable.

>>152521
"Due to the nature of souls, and how demons work, that is to say they are all soul, it's impossible to extricate them." he sighs. "You don't want to see what happened when we tried."

I can think of one way.

Kill the possessed person, then bring them back from the dead. Unfortunately, that route comes with severe drawbacks.
One, it interferes with the God of Death's work. When you interfere with his work, he gets behind schedule, and ghosts linger in the world. Ghosts cause reality to become unstable, so... that's bad. Very bad.
Two, each method of doing it comes with unique penalties. One is via mundane medical procedure, which can result in brain damage. Another is a size 10 Healing rune, which causes the user to lose one of their senses in exchange.

Hey, Gerard said never to work with Life. What did he mean by that?

he also said while you don't become un-possessed a person can overcome the demon and be in charge in spite of it being there. if we could transfer into their head we may be able to distract it enough that the person has a fighting chance.

anyway, assume any demons are hostile until proven otherwise, a good indicator that they may not be hostile is speech.

>>152591

My Guess? Don't try to mix life and alchemy, though I don't know if you can. If you're familiar with FMA, I think he's telling us to not do human transmutation.

>>152602

Was just thinking this. We're transferrable, and might be able to shove demons out. Maybe. We should only do this in extreme emergency.

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/03/26(Fri)13:26 No. 152654 ID: e31d52
File 126963518445.png - (233.23KB , 1152x718 , Keyse.png )

"Alright, they've already taken the skies." he says, pointing up. "Remember to sever the head from the body. Death doesn't stop them unless the body can't actually work anymore. And remember, all of the possessed were once human... the longer, or more intense the possession, the greater the changes."

The flying creatures cloud the sky, their skin oddly pale and without fur.

which end is the head? anyway, anti-aircraft fire, launch as many small bolts as possible in a large spread as fast as you can. alternate fire bolts and earth bolts.

>>152661
It looks like the pointy bit ahead of the wings opens up...
We begin tossing salvos of arrows, firebolts, and missiles of earth and stone, dropping thm by the dozen as we move in. The flock notices, clearly, and changes its pattern.
"Move!" Gerard calls, and we scatter, continuing to fire as the swarm bears down on us, screeching and howling.

>>152670
Perhaps you can create an earth barrier to shield yourself and your allies.

maybe put yourself on maximum burn, they can't catch you if you are on fire. it also works against ninjas.

>>152670

Light yourself on fire. Punch everything. Set everything else on fire.

Wait, that wont work, you need to take off the head. Err, you armed?

>>152673
The flock divides itself among us, and as they charge me, I use the las possible moment to erect a wall of stone before me.
My section of the flock rams into it full bore, the sound of snapping bones and the tinkle of falling crystalsjust behind the barrier.
I see J stands in a whorl of mist, occasional tiny lances of ice imapling the creatures and handily storing the crystals at the same time. Gerard spins about on his feet, hands and legs flicking out and destroying demons in a macabre dance. The three brother stand back to back to back, hacking away the vile things one by one. Harumda and Asala work in tandem, fighting as if they are but a single person.

With little time, the flock is gone, and the ground is snowed with red-black crystals.

>>152707
Nice!

It's amazing how much more powerful our group is this time around.

I suggest moving the earth around to gather the soulstones in a pile, and sealing them in a boulder to collect later.

i do wonder if we could subsume a tiny one. just overwhelm it with good thoughts then eat it and gain it's essence.

>>152717
I quickly move the crystals into a large boulder, burying them in a sphere of stone.
"Good thinking, lass." Gerard says.
The gates stand before us.
Who should enter first?

i would think harumda would be best in case of an ambush, while we are resistant to possession he should be outright immune do to the fact he is technically already possessing that body.

>>152762
Whoever is best at defense. On the other hand, Gerard seemed to be very effective even fighting on his own.

If they have a soulstone-based trap, Harumda might be immune to it, as he is a demon himself. Demons can't possess demons right? The problem with that is of course that Asala works so closely with him.

I wonder if Harumda could possess a new body through his soulstone if he dies here?

Considering how much he loves to fight, I can't help but wonder if he's 'died' before. Achilles can create a new body for him easily, so if he drops a soulstone even while possessing a body like this, then he's basically unkillable.

"Harumda, can you head in first?"
"Sure. You three, can you back me up?"
"Coitn'ly." the brothers say in unison, marching in alongside him.
Something strikes me... these three are well-armored, strong fighters. Why would they have fled this place before?

>>152789
something bigger and stronger. or they were under threat of getting swamped.

>>152789

Doesn't matter how armored you are if there are three of you, and a village's worth of them. Now we're packing artillery, so the fight's much more even.

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/03/26(Fri)16:30 No. 152806 ID: e31d52
File 12696462148.png - (264.23KB , 1152x718 , VileTheurge.png )

>>152795
Alright.
We move in behind them, taking up rear gaurd.

"Ah, the brothers three. And... Oh! Ohohoho! Master will be so very, very pleased. Harumda, former Lord of Warriors... it is an honor." chuckles an enrobed creature standing atop the small shrine to Anansi in town.

this is ether good or very, very bad.

>>152806
Oh god DAMN it.

Now we know why the brothers had to flee. This douchebag has a staff that makes it impossible for anyone to commit a hostile action in the area around it.

I honestly have no idea what to do about it. Is there any way to get that staff away from him without it being a 'hostile' action?

define 'hostile' we can do anything that is not defined as such. banishment still works as long as you think of it in the context that you are not hurting it but sending it somewhere else.

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/03/26(Fri)16:46 No. 152813 ID: e31d52
File 126964716465.png - (382.22KB , 1152x718 , Beast.png )

>>152810
"Peter." Harumda growls, as the creature jumps down, floating slowly before he touches earth.
"You have a strong memory, Harumda." he says, as tall beasts slip out of the buildings around us. "It has been a long time indeed. We should catch up."
I smile, leaning down and touching the ground, closing my eyes.
I knew it. The Eternal fire moves through and converses with the Deeps below us.
Which means one thing.
I move aside the earth as low as I can, and 'tunnel' upwards, making a long vertical shaft.
"A lot has changed in the Hells since you left, my good demon. A lot of rules have been... found wanting, and changed..."
Keep talking...
The beasts circle us.

>>152813
Oh, clever girl. You're gonna create a fire spout, right?

Hrm, an earth barrier would probably be possible at this point, too.

>>152820
I quickly erect a barrier of stone around the monster, accidentally forgetting to account for his winglike arms, which get stuck outside.

I then open the vent to the Magma Deeps.

"I doubt that staff affects the earth itself, demon!" I call, as the stone barrier glows with internal heat.
The arms beat at the stone, breifly, then stop, and slump.

"A Demon Lord..." Harumda mutters. "How much power had he lost, I wonder. Most lords would ju-"
the barrier shatters, and Peter stands there, magma sluicing from his body like water.
"Clever of you." he states simply. "But the time for play is over."
He taps the staff twice, and the beasts begin to dance in place, oddly.
"Now whither and die, for The Master!"
he vanishes, leaving nothing but a glowing hole in the ground where my trap failed.

>>152823
I hate him so much.

The Beasts look like... chargers. Don't let them all rush you at once. Perhaps you could lift everyone up on a platform, so that they can't get to you.

yes, don't make a flat wall to stop any ether, if they are made to charge then they would just smash through, use a 'V' shape with the point towards them to redirect them then hit them from behind.

Lift yourself up, create spikes that will impale them if they charge at you.

>(Low grade penalty: Concentration)
I try to raise a wall for them to run into, but I'm a moment too late. They're growing closer, closer, The others are all avoiding theirs why can't I m-m-m-Jistouchingmyshoulder

>Water Element added attribute: Clever

Just before impact, a grab the creature's horn, flip up my legs, and land on it, sidesaddle and holding tightly on.
It realizes and begins to buck in place. Without touching the ground, I cannot access the element.

The others are all busy handling their beasts. The brothers steered theirs into one another, Harumda simply punched it to one side, causing it to stumble into the chaos caused by the brothers. J threw her spear through one, and is currently fetching it.
Gerard slammed his foot on the ground, a huge hand making a rude gesture slamming its middle finger into its neck, sending it up and back, Gerard picking up a stone and tossing it idly. The stone vanishes from his hand, a loud crack sounds through the town, and a hole the size of a fist appears in the creature.
Gerard's and J's are dead.

Get into your fire. RIDE THE BITCH!!

>>152958
You know what actually nevermind. Place your hands on its neck and heat them up as hot as you can manage. Don't burn yourself of course, but you should be able to do that.

Yeah I guess you can just fireblast it. Unless you can think of a way to guide it around, maybe force it to run into a wall to stun it so you can jump off safely. Then you can use some earth magic again.

I place my hands on the sides of its head, channeling the fire of my blood into my hands and the air itself.

>(High grade bonus: Effect)

The world is bright for a moment, then the creature dies, turning to smoke as it's brethren pass away, Harumda having dropped his blade and roaring as he literally picks them up and tosses them about, falling to one knee as he finishes, panting. His face is very angry.

>>153184
Yes, well he really hates that staff-using demon too. Probably more than we do.

It seems that the same demons behind his exile from hell are behind all this as well.

Well shoot. First order of business, check if everyone's alright.

...is Asala okay?

>>153463
Asala is fine. In fact, everyone in the group is unscathed.
Harumda is growing horns.
"The sword... MY sword. Someone has it." he growls. The brothers exchange glances and shrug. "Not you. Someone here. Someone is being crowned a Lord. Here, in the Materium." he leans over. "This isn't... eurrgh... this isn't right..."

Uh oh... you're going to have to kill someone deader than dead.

>>153468
...oh fuck.

This is practically the WORST THING that could happen now. The staff that demon had was bad enough, but Durance, the sword of the Warrior Lord, is a fearsome weapon. In the hands of an enemy... We need to know what it can do. Ask Harumda what the sword is capable of.

>>153479
"A lot of things." Harumda says. "It can cut anything as if it were paper, it can extend infinitely, instantly... A full list of its abilities would be difficult." he says, now fully demonic. "Just being near it causes my demon self to surface." he says, looking at his claws. He's much larger than before, and a mark on his chest is glowing. He picks up the huge sword he'd weilded before. "We must hurry."

If this keeps up he may need another penis...

Err, I mean follow him, you have to go quickly.

>>153491
We run as fast and as hard as we can, the town around us turning to stone buildings and then rocky cliffs and outcroppings as we move.
"Damnit..." Harumda rumbles, dropping the blade and going on all fours to move faster.

We look ahead to see... No... No, this doesn't make any.... any sense!

>>153492
We killed him.... it... We dropped a ceiling on him... So why is he here? And why.... why is he wearing my brother's clothes and holding that strange sword?!

Harumda's eyes are smoking red.

He probably possessed your brother when you tried to kill him. Or seduced him. But more likely the former. What do you know about exorcism?

GOD DAMMIT!! never touch a demon with your bare hands, especially a dead one! quick, transfer us to him, we will try to distract him enough that he can't use that sword.

>>153519
I can't believe this shit. I mean, why would he resort to petty thievery? Perhaps he's trying psychological warfare on you. Don't believe it!

I guess we're going to have to kick his ass to teach him that stealing is wrong.

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/03/28(Sun)01:49 No. 153532 ID: e31d52
File 126976619013.jpg - (219.52KB , 602x820 , Sasskass.jpg )

"Sasskass." Harumda rumbles. "You, of all demons..."
"Honorable mentor." Sasskass says,nodding his helmeted head. "A pleasure to see you. Are you proud? I followed in your footsteps, mentor."
"That is not your sword, 'Kass. Give it back, and nothing has to happen here. Give it back and go on home."
"Home?" Sasskass asks. "I am home."

>>153532
Well let's go on and ask him how he survived that.

And ask him if he's responsible for the demonic invasion, while we're at it.

Isn't hell enough for him? Harumda taught him better, what a failure.

>>153532
I manage to speak.
"I... I buried you in stone! I... I rended you apart!"
Sasskass looks up as me, and his voice is sprinkled with laughter.
"I was a Lord even then, woman. Do you really think that you could stop someone with the power of a god so easily? Humans are worthless against the power of a Noble Demon."
He raises a single, pointing finger. "Learn thy pl-AAAAGH!"
He grasps his helmet, falling to his knees. "STOP! YOU WORTHLESS WRETCH!"
The helmet clatters to the ground. "STOP! I HAVE SUBSUMED YOU! BE STILL!"
My brother's face... Covered in long scars. Even as I watch, the demon claws at his face, until he goes still.

He stands, putting the helmet down.
"The blade is mine by right, Harumda. Lord Master saw fit to grant me title and artifact." he turns, walking away. Harumda's eyes turn a very deep blue as he falls to his knees.

"mine..." he mumbles. "'s mine..."

...Hey, send us to Harumda, alright?

It's okay, he'll be fine with you summoning us and all.

>>153540
^$&%^&*%^
It's mine. I chased it. I sought it for years. They can't just take it like that. It isn't right. It's mine. It's mine by right. He doesn't deserve it. He never listened. Worthless apprentice.

It's okay Harumda... Do you wanna kill him? He's possessing Antares' kid, so there's no way we're going to let him go free. It isn't right, but now you know where it is, in the hands of an absolute dumbass. Now all you have to do is get it from him.

>>153546
He deserves naught but death. And once.... once I kill him, I get my title back.
Hahahahah. Hahahahahahah! My goal isn't gone, it's closer than it's ever been! Finally, finally, I get back what's mine, after so long.

I rise, the fury in me bubbling up. I can feel the fury rising in me, and it feels good. I missed this. Demon versus Demon, monster, versus monster.

Calm down there horn dog, fury is great, but this guy will NOT give you a fair fight. You're going to need help.

>>153550
Help? I fought through the Hells alone. I will not allow him to simply get away!
"SASSKASS!" I roar. "Face me as a proper demon!"
"Why would I?" he replies. "You're hardly one yourself."
...
...

HARUMDA!

Listen to us, remember when we told you to rip your shackles from the wall? We're trying to help you, don't let your blind fury ruin this! Think of how satisfying it'll be when you finally kill him, looking into his eyes as he realizes that all your actions were simply tricking him far better than he could you. You can beat him in a fair fight, beat him in a unfair fight as well. STAND DOWN.

>>153553
...
Very well.
"Someday, Saskass. I will end you."
"I'd like to see that. Ashkelan Tora Fel Tinse Sorry, Mentor, but you must be removed Sel-Shamrah..."

Ah crap. You'd better send us to Rosie, she needs advice more that you when it comes to fighting. Don't die, okay?

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/03/28(Sun)04:37 No. 153575 ID: e31d52
File 126977622751.png - (295.13KB , 508x399 , Warmensch.png )

>>153573
It will take more than an upstart like Sasskass to kill me.

$^&#^&%
This is all so stra-oh no now what

Looks like it's made of stone. You can use that, you and J might be able to explode it from the inside with a combination of fire, water, and earth. Can you feel its body through the earth?

>>153576
?!?
It's not made of stone! It's made of...
"Soulstones." Harumda growls.
"Th....That's insane!"
"No, it's Unholy." he says, resignedly. "Motherfuckers."
The creature rumbles, barreling towards me. I have seconds to act!

Don't even try to absorb it. Maybe you can overload them? First off though, make a sink hole in the ground in front of you, you don't want to get hit by that thing.

MAXIMUM POWER! Don't just make a sinkhole, try your best to collapse as much of the earth in front of you as you can.

>>153617
>(Low Grade penalty: Concentration)

I hesitate, but the earth yawns open at the last moment, the creature's hands slamming down on either side of me as the rest hangs above a yawning cavern.

Harumda runs ahead.

I am alone.

make a sharp blade stab out at around it's elbow to sever the upper from the lower arm, then encase the lower arm segment in rock.

...How good is Harumda's heat resistance?

Whatever, he knows how to fight this thing, so pump him full of power. Hey, can you try... anti-magnetism? Cause the soulstones to fall apart from eachother?

>New application!
>Magnetism/Earth/Body: Seperation

The creature begins to lift itself up, but I slap its arm, pulling the forces of Earth that bind it together from the arm violently.

>(Low grade + New application penalty: Fatigue)

The arm falls apart, the elbow up turning to sand as I fall heavily to my hands and knees, panting.

I look at the creature, too tired to move, and... It begins to open.
large shutters snap wide all over its body and it begins to glow. I know I should run, but... My legs won't listen...

A bony hand grips my ankle, and with a cry, I'm pulled underground, claustrophobic and black as pitch.

"Brace yourself." says a gentle voice, though I hear clacking of teeth. "They don't drop quiet-like."

>>153704

Let's just stay calm, not panic, and listen to the tunneling skeleton man/woman.

>>153704
We really need to get you attuned to the elements better.

Ask who this new guy is.

And, you know. Brace yourself.

With the power of... Well, earth, what else? Let the ground reinforce you.

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/03/28(Sun)16:26 No. 153857 ID: e31d52
File 126981881713.png - (21.11KB , 182x240 , Yorick Lord of the Dead.png )

The explosion rattles the earth around me, but I manage to create a rock dome around us in time. It crumbles from the sheer force, revealing the creature that saved.

"Whoo, close call." he says, laughing. "Master'll have my hide for saving you, but, hey, what's left to take?" he chuckles.

>>153857
Master? Um, ask him who his master is.

>>153859
"Sorry, couldn't tell yer even if I wanted to. Binding, wossname." he sighs. "Listen, you gotta get yer folks outta here. Bad juju is going down soon, an' I'd really hate for a nice lady like you to get caught up in it."
I glare.
"Look, I know you wanna save your brother, but you simply aren't ready yet! It's only twenty minutes until excrement hits the spinning wossname, so please, run!" he hops deftly out of the crater, picking up a strange horn, as my friends approach. "Not all of us are bastards. Jus' most."

>>153857
Yorick huh? Yeah, he's a cool guy too. Be sure to thank him, and evacuate everyone!

okay, yeah. you are not ready. we need you to be S-rank in everything and discover and master the forth layer of alchemy, once you got that everything will fall before you.

We might just need C or B ranks in everything, and access to using elements out of tier.

I mean honestly. Once Rosie can telekinesis shit around, it's going to be hard for anything to stand up to us.

>>153880
"Thank you." I say, as my friends gather around me.
"No time to talk, just book it! Like the good old days!" he laughs. "I'll cover all you. now git!"

We turn to flee as the skeleton placed the horn against his teeth and somehow blows it.
Hundreds of skeletal hands break through the ground.
"Oh dear, my magic has run amok." he says, monotone. "Whatever shall I do."

"Run." I tell my friends, when Asala manages,
"What about Ha-"
A purple body, bloody and broken, sails over the buildings and lands beside us. He's missing an arm.
Asala picks him up, and we run.

SHIT! RUN FASTER!!

>>153981
Damn it, he's gonna be out of action until he can get a new body from Achilles.

Or maybe he can fight with one arm. Not sure!

>>153995
We run as hard as we can. I hear a strange sound, and look over my shoulder to see...

The town vanishes entirely, with a loud cracking sound.

>>153999
Ohhhh that's not good.

>>153999

Doubleplus ungood. Do not stop running. Run until you cease being able to move. At that point, collapse and pass out.

>>154050
That seems a little extreme. We should instead talk to the group and find out where we can go next.

We are stopped almost immediately.

Xom, Raven, Anansi, the Incarnation, Erghal, a young woman with grass for hair and rough, barklike skin, a woman made of magma...

ten gods, all told, stand before us.
Raven looks me in the eyes, as a scar appears on her otherwise unmarked face.

"What happened here?" she asks, her voice so calm I am certain she is horribly enraged.

...Ahhh crap. Hey Rosie? Why don't you just send us to Raven? We talked with her before, it would probably speed this whole thing up by a lot.

>>154504
...oh dear. Better explain what happened. I hope she's angry about the demons, and not mad at us.

>>154507
Erm, the problem with that is only Raven would get the information... although I suppose the gods can hear us.

>>154507
#$#$%^

Someone must be held responsible for this... this insult. This wild gesture of power in our domain.

"Demon Harumda. Stand."

The demon looks up at me, then shakily rises. Asala tries to help him, but he shakes her off.
"Who is responsible for this, demon?"
"I do not know. I have... only suspicions." he says, carefully.
"Do not lie, demon."
"I am not... lying."
"You stand before the gods of this land, demon, after the vanishing of an entire town, inhabited by your own kind, mere decades after your revival, and say you had no part in it?"
"Yes."

What say you, Legion?

Raven current status: Angry and unreasonable.

Harumda's on your side, don't get mad at him. He just fought some of the demons that betrayed him, his goal is to get all his power and status back so he can FIX this idiocy. Laconically, he got usurped by by the bad guys, now they're trying to invade.

>>154515
it is the truth. another demon, who has stolen that which rightfully belongs to harumda, is the cause of this devastation. his name is Sasskass, he is the one you seek.

We know Harumda personally. He was thrown from his seat of power as Lord of Warriors, via political machinations. We helped him escape his bonds and make a journey across the lands of Hell. We fought and killed several demons, and uncovered a conspiracy to destroy both the Material plane and the Demonic plane, all for the goal of perfect ORDER! Unfortunately, Harumda was trapped and banished to the material realm. He is not a friend to those who threaten this world.

He is not the only demon who believes in justice. Rosie was saved by another just a few minutes ago: Yorick, the Demon Lord of the Dead.

>>154525
>>154524
>>154521
Even so. The people of this town will seek vengeance. They will look to the gods to find the one who did this... and we must not disappoint.

There must be a punishment. I cannot look lax to my followers, and neither can any of the others.

"Harumda. Is this your final testament?"
"Yes."
"Then let it not be said I was unfair."
"Let it not be said." the others speak in unison, save Xom who says it a moment late.
"Harumda. Go to the town of Rivermeet, in this form, and await me there, in the twon square. There, you shall recieve punishment."

"Punishment?!" Asala says, drawing her blade. "The only thing he is at fault for is saving even more of your land!"
"And I shall keep that in mind, Asala, when doling out my justice."
She bitterly sheaths it.

>>154533
Please, have mercy on him! Without him, we would not be here...

Raven, you are one of if not the coolest most awesome god we've ever had interaction with. This "punishment" had better be a sham, like forcing him to fix everything. We know you're too clever to attack an ally, you must have some trickery in mind.

yes... something that to a mortal LOOKS like a punishment but is not really.

>>154536
I know what I am doing.

"I will see you there, Harumda."

#$%#$%$#%$#

They vanish.

>>154554
uhhhhh.... rosie?

>>154554
I... I guess I must have faith in Raven. She will do what is best.

Raven's not an idiot. She knows Harumda's on her side. We need a scapegoat. Wait, maybe the soul stones...

>>154557
I'm sorry.

I'm having trouble thinking right now.

The others are arguing a lot. I don't really care.

I'll never see my brother again.

>>154565
No. That is not true. You heard what Yorick said. You aren't strong enough YET.

We will help you get that strong, Rosie. We WILL save your brother.

That's not true. Didn't your dad ever tell you what he did with Achilles? He took out someone stronger than a god and freed the person they were possessing. You're going to get your brother back.

no, we are going to master the forth circle of alchemy and save the fuck out of him!

enter his soul and pull the wisps and marks of the demon from it. as long as he is fighting back your brother's soul is still somewhat separate from the demon.

>>154565
You can do this! You're an alchemist and a half!

>>154568
>>154567
>>154572
I know.

But... I saw the destruction, the... the incredible power that my enemy held. It's not as simple as Riding into the sunset.

Nope. That's why you're going to have to bust your ass.

let's start with.... a million push-ups.

>>154578
You do realize that there's an entire fourth circle of Alchemy to master, right?

How much of a jump in power was there from Base to Style?

>>154592
It wasn't so much of a jump in power as a new set of tools. It's not like the Elements are stronger than any of the others, even out of tier. They are uniformly balanced against one another.

>>154603
then some combination with the fourth set should create a scalpel that can cut demons from human hosts.

>>154606
That's... a possibility. But...

Right now, I'm tired. I've lost too much to go on for today.

J walks up to me.

"I'm sorry, Rosie."
"I'll be fine."

>>154603
Is that so?

I'd think that using Magnetomancy or Kinetics out of tier would result in telekinesis, and we have first hand experience of how difficult to deal with that is. Can you say the same for Lightning or Weird? Seems to me that Weird is kindof a joke element, to be honest. I guess at least Lightning could give you super speed when used out of tier.

>>154606
You might be able to do that even without it, or if not, there may be other methods. If everything is balanced, there is a way to counter the possession and get your brother back.

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/03/29(Mon)03:31 No. 154610 ID: e31d52
File 126985867714.jpg - (99.50KB , 400x545 , Danny.jpg )

>>154608
>>154609
"Deep in thought, Rosie?"
"Mmhm."

She leans closer.
"I'm sorry. I can't say I know what it's like to lose a brother, but..."
"But what?"
"I'm always here."
"I know. I... I'm sorry. I want to be alone."
"Alright. I understand."

I leave and go to the place where I always go, the library of the Academy, by Earth tunneling. I'm not much of a talker when I am upset. I really prefer the gentle kindness and silence of a book.

"Rosie! It's been a while."
Ah, it's the librarian, Danny. "Need someplace quiet? I just dug out a new reading room."

>>154610
Oh, now he's cute. Maybe you could go and read with him in that new room? Just the two of you.

That sounds nice. Could you try to find some books on magnetism? Maybe they'll have something on severing connections you can learn.

>>154612
"I'd like that, Danny."
"O-oh, good! I'll, ah, go fetch you some drinks, maybe?"
"I'd like some books on magnetism, if that's alright."
"O-oh, certainly." he says, smiling. I like his smile. He leads me down to the room he's carved from stone, and I sit in one of the chairs. Danny is a Magister of Earth, but he only uses his talents to improve his memory and work on improving the library. He's very kind to me.

To you, specifically? Or to everyone?

Is there an index you can check?

>>154617
W-well... I'm really the only regular in the library. I think.... to be honest I think he's a little lonely. He returns with a tall stack of books, setting them on the table in the room.
"I-if you need anything, just knock on the wall." he says, smiling again as he leaves.

Hot damn that kid needs more friends.

Skim the pages, can you see anything particularly relevant?

>>154745
"While Magnetism base can be used in conjunction with a specific element to seperate it from other entities, there exists no element for the Soul (or Mastra, in Selkiss)and thus, the surest way of granting freedom to a possessed soul is to shuffle them free of the offending body, and allow Death to do it for you. However, this manner of 'excorcism' is rarely possible to recover from, and it should especially be noted that resurrecting the dead will only result in an angry Death and a repossessed soul."

Ugh... Well, wait...

"Certainly magus Dorak proved that Soul has no intrinsic element (once it was thought to be under the dominion of Fire) but still there is no concrete evidence it is an actual Element of its own. As Magus Gerard puts it, 'Infinite are the ways of the universe, and even greater are the ways of the soul.' It may simply be that the combination of elements is so great that we will never deduce exactly what it is."

Both of these are the most recent printing.

Hm... it seems like you're going to have to pioneer it yourself.

Why don't we just ask Death about this? Surely he could tell us how to break possession.

It's interesting that the book claims Death will repossess the soul. In our experience, that is not true. Did he change his policy, perhaps?

>>154755

Well clearly you just have to master every element of alchemy ever and thus deduce the proper formula for souls. Better get started

Eh, might take a while. Better solution, ask some theorists what they think, and work from there. Obviously, while you are doing this to help your brother, if you can create an exorcising technique that can be taught to other people, it would be incredibly useful.

>Well clearly you just have to master every element of alchemy ever and thus deduce the proper formula for souls. Better get started

That's about as easy as mastering every single rune.

>It's interesting that the book claims Death will repossess the soul. In our experience, that is not true. Did he change his policy, perhaps?

The book refers to the fact that possession is both physical and mystical in nature: Should a soul leave a body and come back, the demon will only be waiting.

>Hm... it seems like you're going to have to pioneer it yourself.

It certainly seems that way. I set aside the book with a groan. I'm not even a full Magus yet! Only my fire is truly strong. It's not like... I can do this sort of thing overnight. Reading these books has only reminded me and assured me that my goal is years away.

>>154950
You do realize that Antares gained no less than three runes while we were helping him, right? One of them being Death, a Greater rune.

It's not going to take years, believe me. Can you gain any skill by studying books, or do we need to get you in a trance again, and practice new applications of alchemy?

most likely having us bouncing around in your noodle makes it capable of rapid evolution and learn things way more quickly then a normal person should. that may be how we mutate you, most demons turn people into monsters, we turn you into a super-genius.

i still wonder if we could eat a weak demon.

>>154956
One gains skill in alchemy the same way you do in any other skill. By training in it. Trancing is merely a dangerous shortcut.

>>154963
...
Mayhaps.
Be that as it may, this is definitely a long term goal.

I'm hungry.

>>154979
Is trancing really that dangerous when you've got someone watching over you? Heck, we're an extra layer of protection there.

Anyway, let's get something to eat. It wouldn't do to have you go hungry. Unless... can you go into a Body trance via fasting and meditation?

>>154983
Trancing can be dangerous with you around if you fail to realize when I'm too far gone, or pull me out too harshly.

I knock on the wall, and Danny arrives soon.
"What can I do for you, Rosie?" he asks. "And, uhm. Can I ask you a question?"

>>155061
We understand that we aren't as effective as a physical person standing guard. What I meant was, is it still dangerous when there's another person there, besides us?

Go on and see what his question is. I bet he wants to go out on a date with you!

>>155067
"What is it, Danny?"
"Ah, well..." he scratches the back of his head. "I was wondering if... well... I have a lot of spare time these days, and I, uh..." he looks down at his feet. "W-well, I, er, was thinking of, uhm, training an assistant here...."

>>155104
...Uh, I don't think we can be a librarian's assistant and save the world at the same time. If he's able to give you lessons in Earth magic that could come in handy though.

or he is just thinking of a way to keep you near him.

>>155108
"Is this just a ploy to keep me nearby, Danny?" I ask with a smile. He stammers, then looks at the ground.
"I want to help you... in any way I can. I'm so frightened to leave the library, though, I just... I wanted a way to give you... something." he looks away. "I... I've watched too much pass by without leaving my little hole in the ground." he manages, "I...I'm not a knight in shining armor, Rosie, but I want... t-to s-s-save you."

>>155113
That's sweet. Alright, we'll accept lessons from him.

>>155114
After some thought, I grin. "Certainly, Danny. I'd love to."
He sighs, "Well, if that's how you fe-What."

>>155142
Haha. He's just such a little adorable teddybear isn't he? Reassure him. "Oh, it's just some training, right? It's not like we're dating yet."

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/03/29(Mon)22:54 No. 155144 ID: e31d52
File 126992845641.jpg - (562.73KB , 1200x1051 , AuntieYsl.jpg )

>>155143
"Yeah, it's not like we're d-d-d-d... going out." he manages, chuckling ruefully. His ears perk. "E-excuse me..."
he runs to the front of the library and I follow after a moment.
"Miss, if you'll wait a moment, I'll find her..."
!!!

>>155144
It's Ysl! Wait, this is not how we remember her. She still looks nice, though.

>>155147
Auntie relaxes immediatly on seeing me, letting out a long sigh of relief. Heat haze ripples from her nostrils.
She runs over and hugs me immediatly, her long tail wrapping around me as well.
"Thank goodness you're alright."

>>155149
Hug her back. Once she lets go, tilt your head and apologize.

...does she still follow that goblin custom? Well, saying sorry for worrying her would be nice.

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/03/30(Tue)00:03 No. 155173 ID: e31d52
File 126993263191.jpg - (19.31KB , 300x319 , Mom.jpg )

Ysl chuckles.
"Oh, that takes me back." she says, ruffling my hair. Her eyes grow serious. "Me, Father and... oh, there they are.
Oh, why does this feel so bad? Especially since Mom's in her fighting getup...

something tells me mom has some words for you.

Jai is looking awesome as ever.

"Don't tell me we have to leave again so soon."

>>155179
>"Don't tell me we have to leave again so soon."

Jai sighs.
"No..."
She looks at the others. "You're staying right where you are. Antares!"
Runes light up around me. Wh-what?! I... I can't move!
"You can go back to what you were doing, Danny."

Danny gives me a look full of apology and leaves, as Jai snaps her fingers and the peice of rock I stand on floats into the air.

>>155188
What? What's going on? Would you send us to someone so we can find out what's going on?

...to Jai, specifically. She seems to be taking charge.

>>155192
I can't move my jaw, so...

$%$%#%^

Someone has to protect the only thing we have left. It's my daughter, damnit. She can stay out of this. Just gonna take her home, hide her away from all the danger... and handle it myself. Now get out of my head, before you change my mind!

!@#!@#$!
>Shunted to Danny

Oh no oh no oh no I should do something, I should save her I should stop them

>>155195
Then become our voice. Jai won't listen to us directly.

Say this. "Rosie summoned us. You should know that only those who can influence significant events can summon Legion. It's why we demand no other price for our service. In effect, the price we ask for is the chance to affect history. To be at the forefront of change. If you take Rosie away, and keep her out of the fight, then the world will suffer for it. Worse still, you would not be saving Rosie. Without her help the world will likely fall, and she will die... if she's lucky."

>>155200
This is my library!

I run down the stairs, and send a column of stone into the platform. The runes fail, blasting Rosie into the air, and I catch her in my arms as I stand between her family and the door.

"Rosie wants to help her brother." I say, the stammer gone from my voice, for once. "She summoned Legion to do this, and it is for they that I speak. 'Rosie summoned us. You should know that only those who can influence significant events can summon Legion. It's why we demand no other price for our service. In effect, the price we ask for is the chance to affect history. To be at the forefront of change. If you take Rosie away, and keep her out of the fight, then the world will suffer for it. Worse still, you would not be saving Rosie. Without her help the world will likely fall, and she will die... if she's lucky.'" I set Rosie down behind me, summoning a warhammer from the earth and a suit of armor.
"If you want to squirrel her away from the world, you'll have to g-get through me."

we'll try to give you any demon power we can to fight if it comes to that.
HHHHHHHNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH

>>155203
Jai sighs.
"Enough." she levels her gun at me, and I feel Rosie rise... And leap in front of me as it fires, falling to the ground. "For fuck's sake, it was a tranq!" she groans. "Fine. Fine! Have it your way, Legion." she holsters the gun. "But know that if you fuck up, there's plenty of ways to hurt you."
they walk around me as I pick up the unconcious Rosie, the armor and weapon melting into the floor.

Ooooohgod.

>>155203
Dude, don't do that. The only way we can give power is by sacrificing ourselves. The more you speak, the more power.

Yes, that means I have the potential to give a large amount of power by killing myself. NOT GONNA HAPPEN. We've done just fine so far without sacrificing even the quietest pieces of ourselves.

>>155204
Okay. I guess we're stuck with you for a bit. What kind of elements do you have? Earth, obviously... but what else?

>>155205
I am a master of Earth, Kinesis, and the Mind.

I am not a master of the fairer sex whatsoever.

well, picking up chicks and saving the world would probably be what we are best known for.

>>155206
Just three? I thought most alchemists had 6.

As for the fairer sex, you should know that it gets easier the more exposure you have. Helping Rosie with her lessons will help you as well. Seems like she likes you enough to take a bullet for you, too. That may have just been her ideals forcing her into action there, though.

>>155209
I... I suppose that's right. Uh.... I have a small cot in my office, and my own, larger, mor comfortable bed upstairs. I... don't want to send the wrong message...

as long as her clothes are still on, and you aren't in the bed with her, then your bed is good.

>>155211
The chivalrous thing to do is for her to use the good bed, and for you to sleep in the cot.

>>155219
>>155214
R-right. I carry her upstairs, laying her in my bed with care, covering her. The rumors I've heard from Zanzi are worrying me...

>>155223
what rumors? we know stuff, so we may be able to disprove some.

>>155228
A town vanished from the world. Literally. That... that's simply... the amount of energy you'd need for that is astronomical. And Rosie's brother... is gone.

>>155230
I'm afraid the town did vanish. Although, Rosie's brother isn't exactly gone. He's been possessed by a powerful Demon Lord. He is able to fight the demon somewhat, but not enough to drive him away.

Can you think of a method for empowering the spirit of someone who's possessed? Give them a little boost?

>>155232
Maybe. I'll have Zanzi ask around while I do some research.

Should I prepare something for when she wakes up?

>>155612
Prepare something? Like what?

Oh wait, she was getting hungry. She'd love it if you had some food ready for her when she woke up.

>>155618
Oh, yes! I'm a passable cook if I may say so myself! I'll be off then.

%$^#$%&#TIME$@#%$@
Ugh... my everything is sore. At least the bed is soft.

>>156831
oh good, you're awake, danny stood up to your mom and we told him a few gentlemanly tips. such as give you his sift bed but be out of the room so you don't think he did anything. and to make you some food. just lay here he should be back soon with something to eat.


also, during the random chatter we hear when transferring we clearly heard the word 'TIME' which is odd.

>>156839
TIME was meant to show that significant time had passed before conciousness was achieved.

Danny... I remember him saving me. And taking the shot. He comes back into the room, and reflexively I pretend to be asleep as a tray clatters onto the bedside table. I feel him sit on a chair in the room and hear a book open.

Hey Rosie. Your aunt went crazy and tried to kidnap you, almost shot Danny with a tranquilizer too. Speaking of, we want an apology from her next time we see her, that was really stupid.

>>157009
Yeah, I know. It's probably because of what happened to my brother. Love and fear put together can be... nasty.

I open my eyes, and see a full breakfast laid out before me. Eggs and toast and bacon... I start eating right away.

Yes, but this was esp--whatever, just finish eating quick. Can you stand?

>>157023
I finish eating, and try to stand. My feet-!

Danny catches me, my feet numb.
I, uh, uhm...

Don't freeze up, thank him. Oh, and ground yourself both figuratively and literally.

I balance myself against him. I never noticed... but his body is very... ah... firm, under those thick sweaters. S-stable.

"Are you alright? Your body may be reacting to the tranquilizer in odd ways, because your face is flushing rather severely..."

"I'm f-fine!"

Wait, TRANQUILIZER? There was no tranquilizer.

>>157068
>"Enough." she levels her gun at me, and I feel Rosie rise... And leap in front of me as it fires, falling to the ground. "For fuck's sake, it was a tranq!" she groans

:V

Oh. That tranquilizer. Did I mention that Ysl is an idiot today lately?

Okay, ease up or he'll catch on. Maybe you can burn out the rest of the tranquilizer.

>>157073
I expel the rest of it from my system, feeling a twinge of pain. Had I tried it while barely awake, I'd probably scream in agony, but it's only a small amount.

I stand on my own two feet, turning away from him. I never realized just how cute he is... or how strong he is, either. I'm wearing hardened leather under this outfit, and have a few books on me, and he was jumping about holding...

...

Ahem, holding me like I weighed nothing.

I shake my head.

"Thanks, Danny. I don't know how I could repay you."

He chuckles nervously.
"N-no problem, R-r-rosie." he says quietly.

>>157076
I bet he's thinking of several different ways you could repay him. Most of which involve no clothing!

Perversion aside, maybe you could repay him with a kiss. Or a date. Then again, he did want to save you so perhaps the act was its own reward.

How about we move along to getting those lessons started? You need more power.

>>157073
...What the FUCK did you say about Ysl?

>>158360
Everyone has off days, this is hers. She's still great to be around any other day though.

>>158363
You didn't answer my question: What the FUCK did you say about her?

>>158369
that she was an idiot? i don't see what's hard to understand.

>>158369
The most awesome dragoblin is being an idiot today. It's true. Very true.

>>158378
Just shut up.

HEY! Put a sock in it, guys. You can squabble amongst yourselves if you want, but don't make Rosie hear it!

About Auntie...
Love makes you do strange things. Ysl is nothing if not fiercely protective. She's often said that her dragon side veiws her family as her horde.

>>158357
Y-you.... Nnng!
"Maybe a... date? Or... teaching me?" I ask, looking up at him.
He blushes instantly, and I smile, He's so very adorable like that.
"I, uh, I'll, uhm. Need, ah, some time to, er, think, yeah." he stammers.

A small wind spirit floats in front of me and turns to smoky words:
See me soon

That's J.
Hrmmmm...

>>158564
She didn't say where. Is there place you usually meet? And HOW soon?

Sigh, so vague.

>>158577
Messages like this usually refer to living quarters and the fact that she sent her familiar is somewhat telling as to the importance and imperity of the subject: Namely, it's high. Danny is looking as me nervously.

>>158578
Tell him you'll be back later. Hopefully he'll have an answer for you then!

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/04/03(Sat)01:32 No. 158588 ID: e31d52
File 12702835722.jpg - (558.92KB , 1132x1535 , Jwhoops.jpg )

>>158585
"I'll be back later, Danny. I'll want an answer then~" I smile and kiss his cheek, humming as I run out the door. I make my way quickly to the dormatories, entering J's room.

"You sent for mmmph!"

"Oh, you're here earlier than expected."

>>158588
Well I'm glad we were early!

>>158591
He smiles, dropping the cloth and moving towards me.
"Rosie..." she murmurs, gently pushing me against the wall.
"J-jennifer?"

>>158729
>He smiles
ABORT
ABORT

>>HURR<<
She smiles, dropping the cloth and moving towards me.
"Rosie..." she murmurs, gently pushing me against the wall.
"J-jennifer?"

Check for excess fire. If it's not there... have fun you two~

>>158744

Commence Operation Makeout.

Perhaps a little caution is in order.

"What're you doing? This is moving a little fast..."

>>159209
"What are you doing?! This is going a little fast..."
"What are you saying?" she asks, looking me in the eyes.
Her eyes.... her eyes are so deep... "You know you want it, Rosie." she murmurs, touching my cheek. Her skin... so soft...

>>159272
Her eyes?

Wait. J's eyes are orange. This person's are violet.

What's going on here? We even got the right 'name' from our visual! Restrain her! Don't let her kiss you.

>>159284
you really should take the images with a grain of salt. Trip doesn't go through and edit all the little details. this is just a basic representation of what the scene is.

>>159284
"N-no... No!"
"Come on..." she murmurs, her sweet breath touching my nose.
Lilacs...
"Oh, for fuck's sake, J was never this well-groomed!" I shout, letting out a blast of thermic energy, blowing back Jennifer the creature. It stumbles back, black scales healing over the burns on her torso, a purple jewel shining beatifully between her breasts as her hair turns blonde, her eyes going red and catlike.
Soon, the transformation completes, and before me stands an oddly beautiful feminine creature covered uniformly in black scales. Wings like a bat's extend from her back, and long claws appear on her fingers.

"Excellent." she murmurs. "Well done. You saw through me. I expected as much from the pawn of the Master, Legion."

>>159287
:3c

>>159290
WHAT!? I thought we only existed when we were summoned. We don't really have any memory of being a Master of anyone. I mean, even while we were a collection of Lost Souls when we were assisting Harumda...

Wait a second, maybe... maybe we weren't always Lost Souls. Did we get exiled into the Lost area of hell like Harumda did? At any rate, tell her that if she wishes, she can assist Master Legion by acting as a spy amongst the demons. Report to us their movements.

>>159296
Racheal blinks, then laughs.

"Ha! Hahahah! So very very very idiotic and intelligent at the same time. You are a master of none but your holder." she grins. "No, rather... you are the greatest pawn the Master could ever hope for. Master of the Mind rather than the Body. Corrupter, of the mind, rather than the Soul. Do you know how often you've forced Fate onto a different line? And not once, have you thought of any of the consequences."

Wait...
Is she saying...
What are your intentions, Legion!?

>>159300
Your happiness. If it was anything else then your father and grandfather would have kept the summoning ritual secret.

"You are quite mistaken. There is a vast gulf between not thinking and not caring."

if by corruption she means super genius then i guess we are corrupting you.

>>159303
"Most certainly." she says simply. "But let me tell you a secret... no, two secrets. The first is that there is only one demon that can ever lie. The second is that all summons are watched over and allowed by a single, seperate demon."
She smiles. "I am neither."

"Wait, but yo-"
"I never said I was J. Everything I stated up until now is been perfectly, factually correct."

bending the truth, technically not lying but can still work like one.

yes, rosie wants into J's pants. but not like this. same truth, different context.

>>159309
"You bent the truth to breaking point."
"True. But honestly... It is what I do. Birds fly. Grass grows. Sun shines. And baby, I break hearts for a living."
She shrugs. "Just as Legion, without knowing it, sets fate to a specific path." she smiles. "But either way... I should get going. It's been fun. Your friend's in the bath, by the way. She would be advised to ward it better."

There's a crack of power, and the girl vanishes entirely.

Wait.

In order for a demon to manifest in this world without looking like one of those... things from the weird, it needs to possess someone. And J wasn't possessed. Appaerently she was caught by surprise in the bath...

By another girl...

...

>>159300
Wait, is she saying that when we mess with Fate, the boundary between this world and the Demonic plane becomes weaker? Or do you have another interpretation, Rosie?

As for corruption of the mind, believe me when I say we mean no harm to those who we occupy. Any influence we have on your mind is only aimed towards the goals of saving the world and making you happy. We didn't really know about this to begin with, though. I guess it makes sense. If we had no influence on your mind, surely you would've noticed that mistake I just made.

I feel kinda bad now. I don't want to mess with your mind, or anyone's mind. Not directly, anyway. I'd rather just use persuasive words.

Wanna try to kill this demon? Or you could ask her more questions. Like "What consequences?"

that demon can teleport, it's kinda hard to not be surprised by a chick appears in thin air in your bathroom.

>>159314
...I suppose that is a perfectly reasonable assumption and it was silly to assume that she was with her the whole time. Aha... ahahaha.

I move into the bathroom, carefully freeing J from her bonds. She's asleep... and, ah...
Ah.... She... ah, was certainly... uh, caught bathing.

Wow, time went by fast while I was thinking.

Look, Jai said that she knew of a way to hurt us. We need to talk to her and find out what she knows. If we're responsible somehow for making this demon situation WORSE, we need to find out if we can fix it, or if we should just... go away before the demons vanish more towns.

I realize you want your brother back, but the world is more important. The Master of Hell himself is manipulating us. He's in charge of authorization so of course he knew what you were capable of doing, and how you would act in general. He knew that you were going to chase after your brother.

We must've accomplished things while assisting Hattori and Antares that he wanted to happen. Possibly he just wanted the world to remain intact while allowing us to change Fate as much as possible. Or maybe the WAY we saved the world was important.

But yeah, she probably seduced J using your body and used that moment of weakness to put her to sleep and tie her up.

>>159319
So anyway, wrap J in a towel, grab her clothes and bring her to her room.

>>159320
I... I'm uncertain. I'll look into some history files later...

>>159329
I pick up a towel and wrap J in it, and she mumbles and her eyes blink open.
"Rosie? Is that... really you? For real?"

yep, look at my eyes, you can see they are the real ones.

>>159336
She sighs, looking up at me.
"Rosie... I was frightened. Nothing I did worked. I'm a magister... And I couldn't feel the current of the water. It was like losing an arm!" she holds me tightly, uncaring of the towel that falls to the floor.

>>159345
Ask her when that happened. Was it... after she kissed the demon?

Ignore her nakedness. Or admire it, your choice. I don't see any reason to react negatively to it.

hug her back and tell her it's okay.

I hold her close. She shivers against me as she cries onto my shoulder.
Ohgodshe'sstillwetandwarmandsoft

okay then, now ask her what the demon did.

>>159367
J looks up at me, then gently kisses my lips. Her legs slip beside mine, and I fall, back, her hands slowing the descent carefully as she lands atop me, and kisses my lips more.

So... so soft...

oh, ah, um... send us to danny so you two can have some alone time...

>>159376
T-tooo.... too far away...
J stops slowly, looking into my eyes with a smile as she lays atop me, stroking my hair.
"I think you need a bath." she murmurs with a grin.

>>159378
Hehe, you mean there's nobody around for you to throw us into? I'm really quite amused by this.

Well, maybe nothing will happen that really gives you a reason to make us leave. Maybe it's just going to be naked cuddling. Or a little groping.

Do you wanna do stuff? I don't want to tell you to do anything, now that we know we actually have the power to influence your mind directly. I mean, we already know you're attracted to her but I've no idea if you would take things this fast.

>>159380
the only corrupting effect we seem to have is make people smarter. you seem to be getting confused as to what exactly was meant.

anyway. just go with her, letting her be in charge a little would be good right now.

>>159380
I, uh... I'm uncertain. I mean, what about Danny?
I, er... am kinda dirty. Now that I think about it. And J is soft and gentle and warm and right there..

>>159383
(no we really do. We can change the personality of our hosts. Confirmed and all that.)

>>159387
Well if you're uncertain then just tell her to limit what you do together. It's a little early to choose, I guess.

>>159394
"I... J, I'm not sure..."
"How far you want to go?" she asks. "You're worried about Danny?"
"Mhm."
"You're adorable, Rosie. Now get undressed! You're covered in dirt and sweat!"

Rosie, have you ever thought about mastering multiple disciplines? Like rune magic? If your alchemy is getting blocked, you need something to fall back on.

Oh, and get naked girl, you're filthy.

>>159706
Ok seems like we're good to go. You do need a bath, so get those clothes off.

>>159709
>>159713
I undress quietly, blushing heavily as J admires me.
"You're beautiful, Rosie. You take after your mother a great deal."
I slip into the water and J does as well. She smiles.

The water ripples. At first I'm frightened but oooooohthat'sgoood.

>>159721
What's she doing? Massage?

>>159734
Yeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssssss.

We will now give you the advice that we gave to those generations before you.

Reciprocate.

>>159737
Don't tell her to do stuff! We're directly influencing her.

Rosie, don't do anything just because we want it. It's your choice.

Providing you want to, reciprocate.

>>159741

Pfft, panty-waist. Onward! We've got a legacy to maintain.

>>159813
I can still balance out our influence by voting against it, so that's what I'm doing now. I want her to choose what she does in this kind of situation!

Especially since we can't give her privacy. I mean, it would practically be rape if we tell her to do it.

indeed. only thing i'm comfortable with changing is making all parties involved like the idea of polygamy so that rose can get J and Danny.

>>159836
Well, considering Rosie's dad is Antares, and he's married to Jai, with Ysl as their mistress... she might already be comfortable with the idea. The other two might not. We'll have to ask. Ugh, it's hard to even approach this subject while keeping our hands off the mind of our host...

>>159856
W-well, Th-the issue is-isn't what I...
...
I feel, it's how J and D-Danny feel a-about it. I j-just c-c-can't see them t-together.

J kisses my neck gently then holds me close, letting me relax against her.

well, only J really would need any convincing. cause convincing a guy to have a three way with two good looking chicks is like convincing a lion that meat is yummy.

>>159917
I suppose that's right.

"Just relax for a while..." J murmurs softly into my ear.

I do.

.......

I wake up in the bath alone.
A note is taped to the ceiling.

Went to get Danny. Be back soon

...

I get out of the bath, dressing myself. I feel much cleaner now.

Distantly, I hear voices. Sounds like it's coming from the square and there's a big event going on.

>>160078
Harumda's punishment, I assume. Better get going, we don't want to miss seeing this.

>>160127
Oh, right!

I run down the stairs and towards the square. The crowd is huge, but I can see the raised platform perfectly. The gods stand upon it.

Raven holds a brilliantly blazing sword of black fire.

"We have called you here so you may witness our judgement of an individual singularily dispicable and untrustworthy. A Demon who insinuated himself into your lives as a friend and ally. And then betrayed you."
They step aside to reveal Harumda, missing an arm, but still healthy.
"This is the one who caused the small town of Ashe to vanish from the world! His people, his allies, stole it from us, and took it back to their infernal land. We, as your gaurdians and protectors, cannot let this stand! So we have made our decision. Crippled as he is now, ruined in body and soul when he confronted us, he cannot survive in the world of demons." she turns and points the sword at Harumda. "Demons cannot lie. I ASK YOU:"
Harumda raises his head and grins, interrupting Raven, he roars, "I needed the chance! I knew the Lords would take it, and appear before me! They wronged me in the past, and I wanted my shot at them once more!" his eyes glow ruby red. "I was wronged! It was my only chance!"

"As you say." Raven says, stepping forth. A woman breaks down in tears. "As punishment for your crimes, I shall send you back to your home. You shall be torn asunder by what awaits you there. Have you any words, a last request?"

"Yes. A final request." he smiles, then laughs. "One onl;y a god could grant. One empowered by the belief an event like this would cause."
He laughs, as if finally understanding some cosmic joke.
"GIVE BACK EVERYTHING STOLEN FROM ME!"

wait, if he get's that then his chances of him winning in hell is pretty good. hopefully the hunters are still honoring their alliance.

>>160146
Raven smiles, and Asala stops weeping in surprise.
"The sword. The Title." Raven smiles. "Very well. You shall have your title returned to you."
The emblem on Harumda's chest vanishes, replaced by a simple emblem of a blade, pointed skyward. Power crackles along his body, brilliant and red, his arm reformingas he holds it aloft, cackling maniacally.
"For so long... for so many millenia I have waited." he growls, armor manifesting from the air around him, latching onto his body. "I AM HARUMDA, LORD OF WARRIORS!" he roars, his wings spreading wider than ever before. "AND THOSE WHO HAVE WRONGED ME SHALL FEEL THE FURY OF A THOUSAND LIFETIMES!"
A sword appears in his hand, simple, heavy, and sharp, with a single green emerald in the hilt.
"And with this blade, and with this power, I shall ruin those who subvert my people. Asala! My one and only weakness! Even if I fail to return... know that I have left a gift for you. Goodbye. May we fight together again soon."

And with a crack of power, he disappears.

haha, hell is fucked.

>>160152
That turned out well. If Raven sticks around, can you try to talk to her? I need to find out how exactly we're fucking up everything by twisting Fate.

And maybe also what the extent of our mind-corrupting tendencies are. I want to know if it can be reversed, or if our host can block it somehow. I mean, I'd love to be able to give romantic advice without you feeling compelled to follow it, even if it's only a small effect.

>>160159
I run down, and ask for an audience with Raven. She meets me some time later in another form, just outside town.

"Don't worry about the corrution too much. The demon was only referring to the fact that Legion is unique. The human being is made of three equally important parts. The body, which houses the other two and realizes their desires. The soul, which is the central persona of a person, which decides what it wants to do. and the mind, which decides how the goals are fulfilled." she says. "Demons inhabit the Soul of a person, changing their very goals in life, and corrupt their body, slowly changing them into a pure Demon over time. However... No demon can touch the Mind."
"Why?"
"The haven't got one. They only have a Soul. Sometimes a body, too, in their own realm, or if they are strong enough to create a body from their own essence here. Now, this would usually make them seem insane, but Demons are so singular of purpose and desire that it could be said they don't even need a Mind."
"So how is Legion unique?"
"Legion is a Mind, not a soul. It posses the mind, and changes the soul ever so slightly while helping the host make decisions. These changes are subtle, but rarely are they anything the host actively wishes to avoid.For instance, without Legion's intervention, Hattori would have murdered Coyote, taken his Raiment, and ruled the world with an iron fist. In time, he would have killed Achilles, who would grow to become a power to rival him. Due to Legion's intervention, however, he realized that even a creature without a Soul can still love, and abandoned his evil to save the world selflessly. Understand?"

>>160165
Oh. That's a relief.

Now ask her about Fate! I think that our meddling is somehow giving the demons more power or letting them enter this realm easier. If that's true, then... are we really helping in this crisis?

>>160170
"Fate is... Well, it's not you doing this. However... it seems that the Master, whoever he is, knew what sequence of events would allow him this chance to slip by the normal wards keeping Lords from surfacing directly. Don't worry, though! There was nothing you could have done. It's not your fault."

>>160175
Thanks, Raven. That damn seducer demon really messed with our collective heads. Now we can feel confident in continuing our efforts.

...though I'm not sure how to proceed, beyond helping Rosie with her magical abilities so she can rescue her brother. Do you have any advice? Oh, that message you gave us was warning us not to try to investigate the source of the Eternal Flame, right? ...but you're not even going to answer any questions we have about that message, are you.

Knew ya'll were worrying to much. We just guide people beyond their own instincts and knowledge. For all we know, Rosie might have died several times over without us giving her a little advice.

>>160202
It's Raven. She's not going to be any clearer than she feels like. We should be happy with what we get.

>>160228
It can't hurt to ask. I am very grateful for everything, regardless. Raven's been very nice to us, despite how rude we can be sometimes.

Raven smiles.
"I wanted to be certain that Harumda could be punished. No one was to know that I planned what I did. Had they, the whole thing would hve failed: You needed to believe he was being executed, or the whole deal would have fallen apart." she points at me. "And the Delarosa line is known for being a bunch of little mischief makers. So I had to nip that in the bud."

>>160305
"Anyway..." Raven says, "I know that what I just did is only going to weaken them slightly."
"Wh-what?! But Harumda..."
"Now has a fighting chance, with two other lords, against five of them." she says, with a sigh. "He will be utterly, completly, totally crushed and destroyed, beyond repair. His soulstone reduced to dust. But... He wanted to go down that way."
"So you did resign him to death, then."
"No... he would have eventually died this way either way." she says, brushing something out of her cloak. "At the very least, this way, he gets exactly what he wants, and dies exactly how he prefers. This is his reward, Rosie."
Raven sighs.
"It is not easy being what I am. There are many days I wish I could cast aside this raiment and do exactly as I please, forget myself in little things as mortals do. That is the gift of mortals... Not knowing the future, and being able to change it."
She whimpers.
"I shouldn't be telling you this. But... you must go to the library. Now. Hurry!"

maximum burn! full power run!

>>160451
Skedaddle!

>>160453
>>160454
I run, fast and hard. I can feel it in my bones, something is wrong, deeply, horribly wrong!

I slam through the doors...

And find the library a horrific mess.
Books are everywhere. The shelves are empty, some broken, others reshaped oddly into fists and spears.

No...

>>160458
Listen for sounds of fighting, and go where that is. Or see if you can tell what direction the fight went and go there.

raven said she shouldn't tell you, that means a chance to alter things exists. keep going!

>>160461
>>160463
I run through the library, looking around. Everywhere I look, the scene is the same. The demons were looking for something. My trail leads me to the office, where there lies a pile of crystals, covering the entirety of the desk and most of the floor...

And Danny, barely breathing, one arm missing entirely, the other ripped apart below the elbow.

I... I...

#$#@@#%$@#@!

GOD FUCKING DAMMIT I GET OUT OF THIS SHIT ONCE AND THEY DO IT AGAIN I SWEAR TO THE INCARNATE THAT ONCE I GET OUT OF THIS I WILL MUTILATE EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM

ummmm.... hi?

>>160471
Hey! What's the situation? Danny's been kindof mauled. We need a healer as soon as possible!

>>160477
FUCK!
I came here looking for Danny, so we could, you know, talk, and then some weird shitheads blew the fucking door in, demanding some book. I fought as hard as I could but the pinned me and took my spear and tied me to the floor! They buried me in sand, too, the fuckers, so the only Air I can use is to keep myself breathing and alive! My Water is cut off too, somehow. goddamn sons of bitches!
I'm assuming since you're in me, Rosie's in trouble too... And goddamnit Danny! This is your goddamned library!

be subtle about it, move grains of sand that are on top of you to the bottom of you, that will dig yourself out.

or just try vibrating.

>>160480
Where's your spirit helper thing? Can you just use some elements out of tier? Like, use one of your Bases as an Element.

As for Rosie, she's uh... well, she found Danny. That kindof fucked her emotions to hell so we got thrown out. Where did they bury you? If we can get back to a stable Rosie we can get her to dig you out.

>>160491
They hurt my little wind spirit, sent him back home for a bit.
Motherfuckers...
I shift to the left and right slowly.
Danny's hurt?! How bad?

one arm shattered, the other gone.

And barely breathing.

>>160497
>>160503
That... They did that to poor little Danny? That boy wouldn't hurt anyone! He doesn't deserve that! That's it. It's time to get dangerous.

PACT ACTIVATED

I can feel it.
I can feel the wind in my lungs, in the air around this shell of earth. I can feel the slightest movement...
I just have to grasp it. It'll hurt like a bitch, and I'll have trouble breathing for a while...

But he needs my help!

The air whips at the pile of sand, blowing it away in a wild storm, until I stand up, holding out my hand to catch my spear.

>>160510
I'd like to note that Danny probably couldn't have killed the last demons in the state he's in... So watch out. He and Rosie are in the office. Head there.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/04/06(Tue)17:14 No. 160531 ID: e31d52
File 127059928929.jpg - (73.29KB , 900x688 , 1253088258475.jpg )

>>160524
I jump into the air and let the wind carr-
UMPH

I'm thrown back through the air, but stabilize in time to see my foe.

"So you've recovered." it says, standing from the striking pose and laughing. "What harm's a little wind to a Templar Demon?" he laughs harder, stepping forth thunderously. Several smaller creatures leap out from behind him, covered in armor and weilding hand axes, leaping onto the walls and hanging there.

>>160531
negative air, stay out of reach and pull all the air out of it's lungs. or put more air in and make them pop.

>>160531
Please inform us of what magic applications you're most familiar with. We know that if we push you to do something weird, bad shit happens.

Can you, say, Kinesis their weapons and use them against them?