>>194889
Hattori, I'm pretty sure there's nothing here that needs the shiv taken to it.
I'd love to teach you the finer points of torture, but that would take more time than we have. You might be able to convince one of the older Delarosas to help you out, though; I understand they're quite skilled at information gathering, and have lots of time and patience and little to do with it~

So, the incarnate is a total loss?

@Flora: Hey, how would you like to ask Achilles about getting a body now? Then we could spend some time together in private before we have to go~

>>194889
Oh, you have... THAT. Completely forgot about it. Scary... but I suspect he won't reveal how to reverse the curse, if it's even possible.

It's too bad runes are gonna get weaker now, but it will cut back on experiments going awry. Rune magic tended to be quite dangerous.

>>194891
>So, the incarnate is a total loss?
"There's no bringing him back." Hattori says as he stands. "Ladies, let's tend to this fountain."

#$%^&*&^%$
-----------
Hey guys!
-----------

Legion? You're back already?

---------
>Hey, how would you like to ask Achilles about getting a body now? Then we could spend some time together in private before we have to go~

I, uh
.//////.
Well
Er...
---------

>>194903
Not that if you're not ready, but there are some things we should try that need you to have a body of your own~

>>194903
Hm, did we remember everyone?

Let's see we talked to Ysl, Jai, Antares, Raven, Ella, Hattori, Shi kindof, Harumda, Asala kindof...
Well, we didn't talk to Trik as planned. Or Achilles.

Oh, I see. That's what the soul that pushed us over here wanted to do; we're talking to Achilles next.

Hey Flora. Hey Rosie. We've accomplished a lot even in this short time! Turns out a few of our friends had some problems. But that's private stuff we won't share.

>>194905
---------------
What do you mean, Legion?
---------------

Achilles? He's staying with Vorana at the moment, working with her and his lady friend to see if they can't do something about the Weird. The others are sleeping at the moment. Want to go see Achilles, then?

>>195201
Yep!

@Flora Well, one thing I'd like to try is marking you; imprinting ourselves in your body so it will be in tune with us. If we can achieve synchronicity then we should be able to talk to you from anywhere, and you'll be able to sense where we are.
I don't think you'll be able to talk to us, but at least it would be something.

>>195206
I really don't know what this guy is talking about but I suppose it's worth asking Achilles.

We can talk on the way. Uhm...

@Flora: Hug? I promise to behave this time.

>>195211
-------
You feel surrounded by a warm sensation, briefly
-------

Alright. I haven't quite got the hand of flying just yet...
I extent the spear, and bouy myself on the heat it generates, managing to stay roughly floating, and jump off the isle.
I begin to plummet. Oh god. Ooooh god.

>>195212
Focus! You've got plenty of time to stabilize and lift up. Worst case scenario you can just magma-tunnel your way into the ground, so that it's more like diving into water.

>>195213
Okay, okay, just have to concentrate!
I concentrate the fire under my feet in small orbs of intense heat, enough to push me up, but chilled by my will enough near my skin to not burn me.
I slowly stabilize my descent, wobbling.

>>195223
I thought the spear made you basically immune to fire anyway?

Well. You're getting there... now slowly build up speed.

>>195257
Eeeh... A bit. I don't have to worry about the spear's fires or the armor of plasma, but... other sources may still affect me.

I lean forward, generating another orb of flame below my chest to keep me up, then using the fire to push me forth as fast as Icangoohmygod

>>195261
When going faster, a slight change has a bigger effect. Remember that.

#$%^&*%

Legion? What are you doing-

A comet of blazing fire streaks down and impacts a nearby mountain, causing Vorana and her drones to jump with surprise.

>>195702

...
Shit.

Rosie got a bit too excited and gave herself a massive speed boost. Think you could go get her?

>>195706
"Vorana, that was Rosie just now."
"I thought as much..." she waves her hand, and the drones scuttle towards the impact crater... only for her to walk out, leaning on the spear a little and seeming dizzy.

She's okay, right?

That armor is really effective. I guess she's okay, but we got thrown out as she panicked.

>>195720
"Rosie, are you all right?" I ask, approaching the girl.
"Mmhm."
"Good. Clearly you were in a rush..."
"Flora..."
"You mean your madness?"
She nods.
"Flora wants a body."
"Yes, well..."
"Legion wants her to have it."
...
In that case...
"Vorana, can you spare me a drone?"
"Certainly."

Well... This is going to be difficult. If you would be so kind as to remove yourselves?

>>195747
Okiedokie.

Guess we didn't have much time to chat. Things going okay, I assume... Vorana said as much. Good luck with your stuff! Or maybe we can talk again after this is done? I hope it works.

Who should we move to...? Hmm. How long will it take?

>>195747
Thank you. One small request, though; if you succeed, could you give her enhanced psychic powers? Hopefully she can develop them to the point where we can communicate with her; even if we can't return home, we would like to be able to communicate.

>>195750
Psychic power of a Madness is dependant on... well, themselves. Not their body. Sorry, I can only give the Gift, not enhance it.

>>195749
The body construction will only take a moment. Then I must remove Flora from her current resting place and place her into the body to fuel it, and lastly... I need to give it life.

"Tyka, dear?"
"Yes?"
"Could you be so accomadating as to allow Legion a seat to watch this?"
"...I, ah.... certainly."
"Very well."

@#$%^&

This sensation is new... I haven't felt this since I held the orb...

>>195754
So, you and Achilles are an item now? How's that working out?

Oh, and take care of that orb shard; without us around that's the best substitute in this universe. Even more so if it you manage to find somebody who can start restoring it.

>>195754
Seems like we work a bit similarly to them then? What IS the orb anyway?

Anyway, how are things going for you?

>>195756
You mean, what WAS the orb.

You might say they are you. A different you. A... Legion from another time and place.

>>195755
.////.

W-well, he's quite kind and gentle. He reminds me of Johnathan Towers, which is ironic, I suppose, but...

Achilles cracks his knuckles. "Before we begin, I shall contact Flora directly to hear her wishes for this body."

A band of white encircles Rosie's head, and he nods. "Very well."
He snaps his fingers, and with a crack, snaps the drone's neck. Then, he begins the harvest, the entire body turning into a gray smoke which coalesces into a large orb in his hand. Closing his eyes, his body reverts to the pale-skinned body he had before, with the small wings. And then he constructs.
He doesn't work from the bone up, but from the head down, the flesh sliding into place like a tapestry weaving itself. The face is exactly like you remember, gentle, pupiless eyes staring out of a face of blackest night, lips sewn loosely shut. The weaving slows at the chest, and Achilles seems to smile, weaving a white sundress out of the extra organic material, it seems, until he reaches her feet, laying her gently upon the grass.

"And now for the final part."

A tear streaks down Rosie's cheek.
"Goodbye." she whispers.

And then an orb of darkness, not foreboding darkness that lurks in the corners, but the gentle darkness under your blankets, slides from her head, and down into the body, which gasps with life.

It rises, looking at its own hands, running her fingers through soft ebony hair.

>>195762
Well, yea, we knew that much. I talked to other-me.
Go for it, Tyka. You only live once. Usually.

We'll head on over to Flora's mind now. Nice visiting you! ^^

[Switch to Flora]
So, how is it?

>>195762
It worked!

...gee, I hope we can actually get in her head now. How long will a body like that live anyway?

>>195764
Thank you. You're just as kind as they were.

#$%^&*&^%$#@
...
Incredible.
It's... everything I ever wanted.

>>196216
Glad you like it.
Rosie could use a hug and some comforting words; maybe you could call her "Sister"?

>>196216
Achilles does good work. Do you still have the ability to use Alchemy? And we can still touch you, right?

>>196225
I smile and snap my fingers, a spark flowing into a small fire at the tip of my finger. Still got it. It's a little hard to get the hang of working through my own body rather than Rosie's, but... I think I'll be able to get the hang of this soon enough.

A warm feeling envelops you slowly, then slips away. Yep. I think I might be able to pull a few self-hypnotic tricks, too. Interesting.
>>196217
I hug Rosie tightly and smile, and she hugs me back.
"Why are you so sad?" I ask her gently.
"I... I just got to know you. And... you'll be leaving with Legion, won't you?"

>>196556
Hey, there's still a whole month left before we leave, and it's probably going to take a while before you figure out how to find the world we landed on. So Rosie should have plenty of time to get to know you!

>>196556
Lets see if this works... If it does, we should establish a strong psychic bond...
[Spread out, filling up the gaps in her mind until none remain. Then start exuding traces of ourself and taking the same from her.]

>>196631
You feel the bond between yourself and your host strengthen...

Minor link established! You now cannot be booted from this host due to lack of Influence.

What was... what... what did you do?

>>196672
Marking you and taking your mark.
We have more to do, but that would be best done in private since it would likely be more than a little distracting.

>>196683
Hmm. It looks more like we've just managed to gain a stronger foothold. It'd be more difficult for us to become unglued and tossed out due to using psionics.

>>196683
Ah, I see. Just be careful... The curse might kick in if you go any further.

So... What's left for you?

>>196774
[Start melting the barriers between the pleasure centers of Legion and Flora's minds, building our connection up to the next rank]

rolled 62 = 62

---

>>197097
Le-!

Hnnn!

Le-legion, I... Aaah!

>>197098
Moderate link established. You may now communicate with Flora from any distance as long as she remains on the same plane of existence, in the same world as you.

>>197098
[Delve deeper, spreading our to share emotions as well, moving up to the next rank]

To hit: 30 out of 100

rolled 90 = 90

---

>>197104
L-legion...

>>197107
Standard Psionic connection made!
You are now considered to always have 50 influence in this body. Furthermore, you will always know when you are transferring into this body.

>>197107
Enjoying yourself?~
[Start sharing memories, and go one step beyond]

>>197110
L-Legion, I... I please ...I can barely... I can barely contain myself... P-please, n-not r-right now...

You need consensus to proceed.

>>197116
Alright~
[Maintain this state, but back off on the stimulation.]

Perhaps we should go someplace more... private?~

>>197118
Legion, you...

Ugh, I don't know what to say. I thought I told you to wait!

>>197119
We're blind, so when you said "What's left for you?" we thought you had gone some place else and were asking to proceed.
Sorry about that.

Sorry Flora, by our nature we have difficulties agreeing. If you want us to back off, we will.

>>197119
Sorry! We uh... stopped when you said, right?

No, that's no excuse. We will accept any punishment.

>>197169
...

Damnit, I can't stay angry with you. Even though you nearly humiliated me...

Alright, I've gotten some privacy by coming up with the excuse that I'm back at the old home. Everyone else is away.

>>197204
We'll try to avoid that in the future, then.
So, shall we continue?~

>>197204
I guess we were too busy doing, uh that thing to notice, but... is Rosie feeling better?

>>197223
She'll be fine. I explained that I'll be around for a while, and that myself and youself need some time to ourself, if you understand that.

>>197207
I... Geeze, you're voracious.

>>197710
We do have quite the collection of good-natured perverts in here. And we like you, y'know. I think that stuff we were doing wasn't entirely intended to be as intense as it was though. It's not 'me' doing it so I'm not really at liberty to say, but I think we're trying to get a firm enough host-link with you so that we can send and receive messages across the Between.

>>197752
yeah, that sounds about right. just make it so that we have a permanent foothold so that no matter how massive a distance is we can hear eachother.

>>197849
I think... I think that's far enough, for now. I'll journey the Between soon after you leave, and whenever I make worldfall I'll attempt to contact you.
Okay?

okay.
only need to pop in and wait just a moment then try another. we are linked enough that we can hear you no matter what on the same plane.

>>197874
That should work fine!
[hug!]

We're gonna miss you. Is there anything you wanna do, now that you've got a body? There's a whole lot of stuff I can think of. Swimming, climbing, spelunking, hiking...

>Is there anything you wanna do

I dunno... There's just so much. It's sorta overwhelming to think of all the things I can do.

I guess... that's why I have you.

>>197965
Well, we'll let you recover from our... ministrations, but while we're already entwined like this...

[Flavor text: Go for a complete share, blurring the lines between Legion and Flora. Action: Burn accumulated Karma to reduce the to-hit for maxing the link from 159/100 to -1/100, and auto-pass it.]

>>197977
.... no.

how about a swim first.

>>197977
[Cancel action]
>>197989
Yes, a swim sounds nice.

>>197991
>>197989
Karma Burn is something any soul can do without consensus, I personally approved this specific action. Sorry!

Yes, a swim sou-
>>197977

Aaah!? Hn... Hn.... L-legion... I.. Aaaah~n... My vision blurs briefly as the waves of... not quite pleasure, not quite pain... but closeness, wash over me.

Special link established: Flora
You may commune with Flora with sound (read: text) from any distance, regardless of location or reality.

Furthermore, when she leans a new Psionic power, you have a 10% chance to learn the same one or rank up if you already know it.

>>197989
This is a mechanics change. The Soul-Sacrifice system is being replaced by a karma system:
Karma builds slowly (160 points worth of karma since the beginning of Hatquest) and can only be used to influence dice. When used, all Karma is consumed.
The next two rolls are 60/100 and 99/100. We are allowed to combine them into one roll of 159/100. Applying our Karma to it brings the to-hit number down to -1/100.
So, yes, we are doing this.

>>197996
[Make soothing, calming thoughts for her.]
Ok, I'm done. How are you feeling, love?

testing testing, 123, still hear us?

>>198001
I'll be fine. It feels odd to be bonded on such a level, though.
So... Swimming? Where at? I can fly like Rosie can with fire and kinetics, so... a river? The ocean?

>>198081
A rather... unique intimate experience, isn't it?
Are you comfortable with being one with us for now, or should we make the difference between us more distinct?

>>198081
Let's swim in the ocean and say hello to all the fish!

>>198084
Being this close? Eh... it feels odd but I'll grow used to it in time.

I leave the house, then rocket forth, using a shell of earth to protect myself as I launch into the air.

>>198916
Ah, smart move with the earth shield. Without the Spear, fire boosting would be quite painful.

I wonder if there's going to be some sort of delay in sending messages across the Between?

>>199034
Probably. Consider that a universe is so vast that sending light from one end to another can take a...

... a very very long time, and that the spaces Between worlds can be even larger... Well, your messages will be faster than light, being psionic in nature, but there will be a rather long delay unless we rest within the same world. Something on the order of a day one way, probably. I'm not...

Of fie I landed without noticing.

I shatter the shell of earth and swim my way up to the surface to find myself near an isle I don't recognize.

>>199052
Eh? Shouldn't we basically know all the land masses by now? Let's check it out! ADVENTURE!

Go diving on the way there and check out the fish.

we shall name it the Island of adventure! or if it has very little in the way of adventure maybe Flora's retreat. if it has treasure then it will be the Island of whoever buried it.

Oh my goodness, it's beautiful! It's a small island, maybe big enough for a small town... but it's incredible! I could live here forever!

The dress is too wet, and you can't see anyway. I discard it.

I think... I'll stay here for a while.

>>199308
Gosh I hope it's not a giant sea turtle or something.

You could live here forever, huh...? How long is this body going to last?

Let's just say I don't have to worry about old age much. If at all. Achilles does great work.

I lay back on the sand. Yeah... this is nice.

>>199403
Excellent. All you have to worry about is not getting killed! I think you'll be fine on this world... but if you decide to follow us, it's going to be dangerous. I mean, you're quite strong, but there will be a lot of fighting. We'll be sure to watch your back. Maybe literally if we get eyes. Teehee~

>>199413
Haha...

I'm not worried about danger. I'm worried about... Getting lost. Losing something that can't be replaced. I was made for a purpose, and that purpose has been fulfilled. Everything after this is icing on the cake...

I guess we have a lot in common.

>>199644
I'm glad we found eachother, Flora.

Hey uh... wanna fool around?

>>200007

Hahahahah, you're adorable. Hm... Sure.

...


...


Time passes quickly, and you lose track of it in the extended activity between yourself and Flora. Days and weeks meld together, hours pass as mere moments, and for once, Legion feels... complete. Whole. At home.

At home.

At home.

You feel a great tugging sensation. It grows with each passing minute.

"Legion? Legion, are you okay?"

>>200009
It's the curse. It's pulling us away. I'm sorry, Flora.

>>200009
Raeve's dickishness is acting up.
It looks like it's time.
[Ease out of the merge with Flora so she won't be harmed by us being kicked out of the universe. Leaving only the link behind.]

We're going to be relying on you to keep up with events so you can tell us all the news next time we get a chance to talk.

Oh, also, couldja find out if this means Hattori is our grandfather-in-law?

>>200009
I want you to tell everyone it's been an honor talking with them. Especially Ysl.

rolled 79 = 79

---

>>200016
Hahahaha. Technically, my mental traits are inherited from Hattori, since he's my father. I'll gather everyone.

I dry my dress quickly, and shell myself in earth to rocket towards the mainland, landing between the Dungeon and Rivermeet. It's not much effort to send a flare on high.

Now it's just a matter of waiting...

>>200081
Hmm. Random chance is happening. Just got a relatively high value blip. This is just after the curse started pulling... I wonder, is high good or bad?

I guess we're going to have to leave soon. I'll keep in touch though! It'll be like we're penpals! Until you catch up with us anyway.

It seems that some of us are already getting pulled away...

rolled 71 = 71

---

People begin to gather. Trik, Tyka, Ysl... Hattori, Ella, Father... Sister, Brother, Auntie... Harumda, Asala, Yorick...
So many people. Dozens upon dozens. I cannot name all of them. The gods, the leaders, random people who have heard of your deeds. It's incredible. Hattori steps forth, and speaks.

"We know you are not long for this world, Legion." he says quietly. "Throughout the years, the decades... the centuries, you have guided us to victory, to friends... And even..." he holds out his hand to Ella, and briefly I see a symbol on the back of her hand, "To love. There is no amount of words that can fully express exactly what we feel. So I had some friends of mine whip something up. We hope you like it."

He snaps his fingers, and an illusion fades... Oh, Legion, I wish you could see.

A statue, but not really a statue... a memorial, hundreds upon thousands upon millions of stones, spheres, in a great, amourpous column, rise to the skies.

"None of us can truly take full credit for our success." Father says, stepping forth. "We were heroes because we were driven forth, because we were motivated, because we were advised by you. Without you, we would be nothing. This world... would be nothing, without you."
My sister steps forth.
"It... It was fun while it lasted, right? Everyone else has already said what I wanted to say. Story of my life... Wherever you end up, Legion... I hope it's a break from us. If there's anything you deserve, it's to relax."

And then... Harumda?

"It's been a long time. You were a gift. A gift from a creature that thought itself a great and noble thing, a savior. He thought he could save the world from chaos, from evil, from death and war...
He was right. By making you, he's saved countless lives, through you. I'm not excusing him... I'm amazed that a construct of one as vile as him was able to mete out so much good. I'm impressed by your valour, Legion. And so, as a demon, I shall grant you something that a demon can only once. If you are in need, at any time, in any place, simply speak my name thrice. No barrier shall cease me, no distance shall ever stand between us, I shall be there, in an instant! It is the least I can do for one as great and noble as you."

I'm going to miss you, Legion.

Have you any last things to say before you leave?

It's been a good run.

we're just sad that we probably wont get to see many of you again. so hugs for everyone!
[rapid fire switch to someone, hug them, and switch to the next.]

>>200831
[mental hugs that is]

>>200831
>>200832
With each hug, let's say "It's been an honor" to the person we're hugging.

...I don't think we can 'hug' anyone if they're not a Madness. Hmm, another luck ping. Slightly lower value.

"We've been to many places, helped many people... and made a few mistakes along the way too. Through that we have been consistently impressed with the courage and strength of those we have guided, and that of their friends. We're proud of all of you. If you weren't so damn likeable we might not have tried so hard to help! Still, this world's story is not over. There will be trouble in the future; it is inevitable. Remain vigilant. Stay strong. Be ready when the time comes to defend your realm. Most importantly, collect the artifacts of the End of Days when they appear! Don't let them fall into the enemy's hands! Sacrifice anything to attain them, as everything you give up can be recovered by the one who becomes the Gigas.

But uh... don't turn evil or anything."

>>200963
i think you have how this curse works confused. if this place was going to have another end of world situation we would come back, but it wont so we wont.

[[we talked about it on irc with shot, the next time they appear they will all end up with good people and bring about eternal peace]]

>>200993
I was there for that conversation. You are mistaken.

I relay your words and...

I can't send you. How... strange, I don't understand...

"He can only access those who can save the world or change its destiny. For better or worse, we're locked in, now." Hattori states, stepping close. He sighs.

"We're all going to miss you, Legion. But I know that there's some world out there that needs you."

He reaches past me, and grips the air itself, tearing a hole in reality.

"Goodbye, Legion. May a thousand worlds be cured by your words."

The pulling sensation intensifies.

Legion, before you go... I... I lo-

love you too, see you on the other side.

[go with the pull so we don't break something]

>>201305
Tell them "We love you all, and we will be back."

We love you too, Flora.