[wait until she starts drawing the chain back then use minor Psionics to alter it's course so it messes her up.]

Gender Change -10. GP:60 Artemis 2011/03/27(Sun)20:10 No. 291429 ID: d43062
File 130128184374.png - (169.78KB , 800x800 , 453.png )

Artemis shifts gender and tries to cut the cord on Saisai's spear. It doesn't cut through but merely knocks it off path.
It retracts into the shaft.

"Hmm.. Didn't think you'd actually be able to stop that."

Artemis 2011/03/27(Sun)20:10 No. 291430 ID: d43062
File 130128185248.png - (170.15KB , 800x800 , 454.png )

"Jump!"

Saisai leaps into the air and behind Artemis faster then he can blink.
She jabs her spear at him barely missing.

Damn, she's gotten a lot faster!
I don't think she can pull off that move more then once though.

double flash step to get behind HER and duck like you are gonna do a leg-sweep attack but swing at an upward angle.

>>291430
>no one suggests gender shift
>gender shift anyway
Well, Artemis is the one in control here, I suppose. If he wants to be a woman, he can.

>>291437
Sorry but when I read a suggestion with him wielding his sword I assume that means gender change

Alright, let's show her a trick we haven't used on her yet. Let her approach and then [Heavy Slash] at both her and her weapon. If we do a number on either we'll be looking good.

>>291443
Ok, but lets either heavy slash so she'll be able to block it with her weapon or do it with the flat of the blade. We'll be a bit less likely to break her weapon, but FAR less likely to bisect her.

Oh, Artemis? You need to learn two spells: Ice and Sleep.

@Mailto Daemon: If we use Shadow Shield against her will the damage cause lasting harm, or simply be temporarily incapacitating? Do we have control over that?

Flash Step x 2. GP:40 Artemis 2011/03/29(Tue)13:23 No. 291700 ID: d43062
File 130143023067.png - (165.84KB , 772x761 , 455.png )

>>291437
Huh? I can't activate these powers on my own!

>>291432
Gotcha

Artemis Flash Steps behind Saisai, ducks down then swings upward. Saisai reacts fast and blocks the attack with her spear.
Artemis sees her tumble backward a bit

She's off balance!

>>291700
[Heavy slash]
Hit her with the FLAT of your blade!

>>291702
This. Heavy slash with the flat of it, right to her midsection. That should send her down hard enough to knock her out, but not kill, maim or knock her helmet off.

>>291700
Seconding Heavy Slashing her with the flat of the blade.

>>291704
>send her down hard enough to knock her out
>won't knock her helmet off
I detect a flaw in your cunning plan

>>291700
Hit her with HEAVY SLASH then, if she gets knocked down, place blade against neck, and declare victory.

Agreement Bonus- Heavy Slash. GP:49 Artemis 2011/03/29(Tue)15:10 No. 291715 ID: d43062
File 130143661893.png - (218.42KB , 800x800 , 456.png )

Right! Heave Slash it is.

Artemis swings the flat of the blade at Saisai. She jams her spear into the ground and leaps up, leaving her spear behind.
She lands behind Artemis and elbows him in the back.

>>291715
Don't let up! She's unarmed and you have a fuckhuge sword. Keep on Heavy Slashing until she's down!

>>291715
Take her spear, then another [Heavy Slash] with either your flat or her spear.

knock her away and then remove her spear from play! take bag in hand and go straight down on it storing the whole thing and making her rely on only hand to hand.then 'accidentally' drop the bag after giving mimi instructions to grab on to saisai's hand and not let go and try to get the whole arm inside the bag. this would make it so saisai has to fight with just one arm.

>>291715
Repeat, but not before shoving her off balance again with whatever body part is most convenient.

>>291715
Turn the momentum of her blow against her, let it drive you into a spin, and hit her with the flat of the blade. Since she's behind you, this should also push her away from her spear.

GP:54 Artemis 2011/03/30(Wed)12:23 No. 291872 ID: d43062
File 130151301626.png - (187.16KB , 767x792 , 457.png )

>>291721
I can't let them know I have this bag. Or rather, that it's such a magical bag.

>>291724
On it!

Artemis spins with the blow, in that same motion he slams the flat of his blade into Saisai.
She takes the hit full on and falls to the ground.

"Ow.."

she said "ow" not "i surrender" she could still get back up and keep fighting. be ready to jump if she tries to legsweep.

>>291872
Foot on back, tip of blade to back of neck. NOW.

>>291872
Step on her back and put your sword to her neck.

>>291872
Great! Now get that damn spear and step back.

With having her on the ground and holding her weapon, this should be over. Assuming she doesn't jump up and start trying to punch you, it's hard to tell with her...

Agreement Bonus GP:64 Artemis 2011/03/30(Wed)14:24 No. 291909 ID: d43062
File 130152024716.png - (247.42KB , 800x800 , 458.png )

Yeah, let's end this now.

Artemis goes over to step on Saisai's back.
She leaps up onto her hands.

"As if."

She wraps her ankles around Artemis's neck and lifts her into the air.

Woah! If she slams my head into the ground...!

>>291909
they were whiiiite~

grab on to her legs with left arm. jam sword into ground to halt motion.

>>291913
This, but we'll still be in a bad position so let's get a little more help on top of that...

[Shadow Shield]!

>>291918
Agreed.
Also, say: "Nice show; worth the cover charge."

>>291918
No.

Just flash step away again.

>>291920
You can't flash step when restrained.
You can't flash step if you can't reach the ground.

Shadow Shield-0 GP:69 Artemis 2011/03/30(Wed)15:17 No. 291925 ID: d43062
File 130152347930.png - (167.57KB , 800x800 , 459.png )

>>291913
Not enough time!

>>291918
Dark Tenrdils burst from within Artemis knocking Saisai back.
Artemis hits the ground but manages to jump right back up.
The tendrils vanish.
Artemis grabs her blade.

"Nice show; worth the cover charge."
What'd I just say?

Saisai fixes up her lopsided hat.

"Hmph. Impressive. But it will take more then that to actually beat me."

Her armor and clothing seem to be damaged from the shield but the rest of her body hasn't taken any damage.

pretty sure everyone in your group already knows the bag is magic. that it is connected to a demon? nope. put the sear in the bag and she will be forced to fight sword with fists.

>>291925
Flash-step to her side. Swird in your primary hand and shield in your off-hand, [Heavy Slash] her with the blunt end of the spear. If she tries to grab it then [Heavy Slash] her with the flat of the blade.
"I hope you're not offended by my restraint; I'd love to give you my all, but I'd hate to have my favorite partner spend weeks on her back alone in a hospital bed.
Same reason you're holding back, right?"

>>291927
Nice idea, but we can only do one guardian ability at a time. It'll have to be Flash Step with a normal thwack. Or two. Start off widely swinging the flat of your sword at her, when she turns to block or grab that have her spear butt already aimed at her head.

If it works say: "Yeah, but not much."

>>291927
Going with this.

>>291926
There are a bunch of people watching. One or more of them may know enough about demons to recognize mimic functionality when they see one in action. Why risk it in a friendly match?

I rather wish we'd stayed a mage, but swapping back and forth too much will only waste power. Ah, well.

>>291938
The magic won't work without his staff anyway. We shouldn't even bring our sword to a royal battle, we can just bop them with our staff when we aren't casting. Of course that assumes it isn't so weak as to snap like a twig.

>>291925
Don't say you're holding back. Holding back isn't the same thing as using non-lethal force.

>>291927
No, this would be bad. Taunting her will only make her kick you harder.

We should probably stop using flash step so much, she'll start catching on easily. Can you use minor psionics to get her spear? If so take it, hold it in off hand, and close with Sasai. Try and pommel strike her, that might be a varied enough move to keep her off balance.

Flash step x2-20 Minor Psionics-23 GP:26 Artemis 2011/03/31(Thu)12:13 No. 292206 ID: d43062
File 130159881173.png - (178.16KB , 800x800 , 460.png )

Artemis flash steps behind Saisai then uses Heavy Slash on her. She manages to dodge the attack.
While Saisai is distracted by the blow Artemis grabs her spear using Psionics. Again he strikes at her, this time from the other side and with her spear. With all her attention focused on Artemis's blade Saisai isn't able to react and takes the full blow to the back of her head.
She crumples to the ground while the audience cheers for Artemis.

>"KO!"

The battle is over.

>>292206
Make certain that she is alright. And yourself, since she did get some hits in.
Lay her spear at her side, let her come around on her own. I don't think she'd appreciate being fawned over after being defeated by you again.

>>292206
Pick her up and carry her to the Medic's office, then stay with her until she wakes up.
After all, you have nothing better to do, you can pass messages to Mimi while you wait, and right now it would help Saisai to know that there are people who care about her as a person.

yeah, that sounds like a good idea. take her to the media. probably wont need much to make her come to. but seeing you there when she does would probably be good. also her bro may come visit and it would be nice to talk to him.

Artemis 2011/03/31(Thu)13:40 No. 292242 ID: d43062
File 130160403348.png - (127.47KB , 800x800 , 461.png )

Artemis waits a minute for Saisai to get back up. When she doesn't rise she picks her up and takes her to a medic.
-------------------------------------------

A while passes before Saisai wakes up.
She turns and sees Artemis sitting next to her.

"Hmph. I lost again. Good. If you'd lost I would have lost all respect for you as a captain"

"Well it wasn't easy. You've gotten stronger since our last fight."

"Hmph."

Her brother hasn't shown up at all.

but her ear between your thumb and fingers and rub it gently.

>>292242
"I hope you don't mind me being here; I couldn't leave my favorite partner alone on her back in a hospital bed.
While we were fighting I realized we're not so good at not killing people. We should work on that, so we can give each other our all next time we go at it; no need to hold anything back.
... So... Why was your brother watching us together?"

>>292242
Ask about her spear. did she always have that trick in it? Did she add it herself? I wouldn't be surprised if she had a talent for designing weapons.

Also bad >>292244 this is no time to be touchy-feely. She may lose respect for Artemis after all.. especially if her brother arrives.

>>292247
not the first sentence. rest is good.

Artemis 2011/03/31(Thu)14:26 No. 292255 ID: d43062
File 130160681178.png - (102.94KB , 800x800 , 462.png )

I don't want to bring up her brother..

"I hope you don't mind me being here; I couldn't leave my favorite partner alone in a hospital.. While we were fighting I realized we're not so good at not killing people. We should work on that, so we can give each other our all next time we go at it; no need to hold anything back."

"Are you saying I wasn't trying to kill you?"

"Were you?"

"When I fight I always try to kill. You surviving just means I need to train more. If you're not aiming to kill, even for a practice fight, then you learn nothing. Though I think this may be why people no long want to train with me..."

"Heh. Well, maybe you can work on that whole killing thing."

"...."

>>292244
What? No, I can't do that.
No matter how tempting the thought may be....

fine, then give her a hug. just lean over and hug real fast.

You know, not using sharpened weapons goes a long way toward not killing people, without changing the rules of engagement too much.

I think Sai may have a point, even if she hasn't articulated it fully. Consider that in a fight with an enemy, it is very unlikely they are not fighting to kill. If you train only attacking as if there is no killing intent, something inevitably will be lost.

Anyways, ask if there is anything you can do for her, if not, take your leave and thank her for the fight. Plus, resist the urge to rub the ears, despite how cute they are.

If we have time, we should go say hello to Gene, tell him how well Sonata did, and talk about magic (since he owes you an explanation for his Coffin-magic thing from when you fought him).

>>292255
Put a hand on her shoulder and look her in the eyes.
"Ah, then I hope I didn't insult you by holding back; I really care about you a lot.

You're wrong, though. Killing is easy; the mark of a strong fighter is defeating their opponent unharmed. If you train yourself only to kill then you end up with poor control and fewer choices. It makes you weak."

Smile warmly at her
"I'm not interested in weak girls. Shall I help you get stronger?"

>>292255
Ugh, she's going about this all wrong! Stupid philosophy... well, rather than talk about being nice let's try this angle:

"At the very least you should realize it's actually harder to fight nonlethally. If you can fight and win with only poking with a blunt stick, you'll be all the more dangerous with your real spear. Any kind of self restraint will be the same, you'll grow stronger under them and be more dangerous when you put them away. You could try wearing weights and using heavy poles to practice moves in, it'll help you swing harder, jump higher and generally be more able to take a hit when your speed eventually fails you."

>>292269

Artemis 2011/03/31(Thu)16:01 No. 292280 ID: d43062
File 130161250252.png - (82.79KB , 800x800 , 463.png )

"You're wrong, though. Killing is easy; the mark of a strong fighter is defeating their opponent unharmed. If you train yourself only to kill then you end up with poor control and fewer choices. It makes you weak."

"Is that so? Maybe you should make my training regime. In fact why don't you go back in time and tell my father this so that way I won't waste 12 years of my life training this way. Or maybe we can go play with some sticks padded with fluff and feathers."

"I... Uhm.."

"Get out of here, I'm going to change."

Artemis leaves the room.

I think I pissed her off...

get a stick the same size as her spear but with a blunt head. she can go all out with it and instead of stabbing people to death she just breaks bones. is a middle ground.

>>292280
>I'm ALWAYS in control
Hey Art you might want to see about dealing with this thing NOW

As for Saisai: This one is all our fault, don't worry about it. She'll calm down eventually.

>>292284
no no. she is mad cause she thinks we are making fun of her. we need to show we are serious about this. the blunted spear will let her go as all out as she wants and instead of risking killing everyone she fights she just risks breaking bones. which are a LOT easier to fix. and the thing still counts as a REAL weapon.

>>292280
"Your father is a fool that doesn't see you for the amazing person you are! I want to get stronger together with you, so we can be a better match!"

Pause, then say this a bit more quietly
"You're not the only one that needs to show their family they matter..."

Don't question it, just do it.

>>292294
I'm not sure I approve of unquestioning obedience, even if I disapprove of our wielder's decisions at times.

Also, if he father trained her that way for 12 years... One, how can he possible be annoyed she wanted to do this when she got older? and Two, that gotta do something to her mind.

>>292295
I'm not asking for unquestioning obedience, I'm asking him to take my words on faith for now since if he asks the time for it will pass and this is a bit much to explain.

The first? Her father doesn't see her as a person, he sees her as property. He doesn't care what she does as long as she does what he says and gets him what he wants.
The second? Yea, it's done horrible things to her mind. She has self-esteem issues all over the place and hides them behind a shoddy mask of aloofness.

Artemis 2011/03/31(Thu)16:39 No. 292302 ID: d43062
File 130161478441.png - (67.28KB , 800x800 , 464.png )

>>292284
Who's always in control? what?

>>292295
She said that huh? Was he training her just because? Maybe a leftover habit from his own life in the Knights? I know if I had a kid I'd train them in magic even if they never wanted to pursue it. I wish I could ask her..

>>292294
That sounds way too flirty. I'd rather not risk upsetting her anymore..

The door to Saisai's room opens slightly. She looks at Artemis through the crack.

"Hey.. Sorry about that. I know what you meant. Maybe tomorrow we can train again. I'll use a spear shaft."

"Uhm, okay."

"Tomorrow after a mission or whatever. I'll see you then."

She closes the door.

Mood swings. Well, at least now we can train a little easier.

>>292302
Remember that mysterious voice we mentioned earlier? When we used Shadow Shield it seized control, and now it's gloating about how it's taken over. Not sure what's causing it or how bad the situation really is, but we should probably err on the side of caution and go see a professional.

If its any consolation, it claims to be joking now.

It is slightly concerning, but I would say we need to avoid the Shadow Shield if possible. I think some of the changes are manifesting faster now.

Either way, Good Job Artemis. I do believe we never actually said that.

As for looking into it, I suppose... but whose going to know anything about such a situation? Crazy librarian girl who knows all the books seems the closest to my best guess. or maybe an expert on Dragons?

>>292302
OF COURSE it was flirty! You've been doing a LOT of flirting with her!

You noticed how her ear twitched, right? How she blushed after you said the show was worth the cover charge? How quickly she calmed down and made amends for her outburst?
She likes you, you goof.

Completely aside from that? Flirting really, really helps her.
You saw what kind of scum her father is. He doesn't give a damn about her beyond what he can from selling her. She's spent her entire life being treated like property; constantly seeking his approval in vain, because he doesn't think you should compliment 'property'.
She has poor self-esteem and a shaky self-image. She doesn't even hide it well, you're just thick as a brick. That's not even going into the shame that results from having to cover up body parts out of fear of discovery.

Flirting with her sends her messages like "You are physically attractive and the sort of person I like to be around." in a way that just saying it or trying to talk her up doesn't; it goes beyond words into the realm of actions, which are far more powerful and convincing.

She's also feeling isolated, which would have been helped by knowing that you have a similar need to prove yourself because of your family.

She's also afraid of being weak, and is prone to doubting herself.

There are other factors, but these are the major ones. Recent events have made everything worse, which is one of the reasons why we're pushing like this.

Do you understand why we're suggesting the way we are? What our motivations are?
Are you going to help us help Saisai?

>>292309
Oh, also, she likes men with a good goal in life, and you're aiming high.

>>292309
He's got the right idea. Just keep it to a minimum in front of others though, the good feelings can be easily overshadowed by extreme embarrassment.

Artemis 2011/03/31(Thu)17:59 No. 292323 ID: d43062
File 130161955217.png - (105.85KB , 549x460 , 465.png )

>>292304
>>292306

Yeah we should get this checked out soon...

>>292309
I don't mind helping Saisai but I really don't want to send the wrong message.. I mean if she falls in love with me..

Anyway I have the rest of the day to myself, what should I do?

I can visit anyone I want to right now or just go shopping with my payment. Maybe study a bit before I call it a night.

I would say Morgan, as I believe its been a few days, or Gene if you feel you have been around too many females recently.

>I mean if she falls in love with me..
then you love her right back. get a heart with so much love in it you can love three women, each more passionately then any other guy does with his one girl.

>>292323
Oh, you're not interested in girls? Well, then what type of guy are you looking for?

Head to Morgan's first, and tell her you were asked to get a potion that "Ensures the regularity of a woman's cycle". Pay for that, then spend some time with her.
After that head for the Academy and see if somebody there can see what's up with that hair. Sonata would be a good choice, since she dabbles in everything and would at least be able to point you in the right direction.

Actually, go learn the Ice and Sleep spells. Ice is absurdly useful, and Sleep is a great way of ending a fight without bloodshed.

Artemis 2011/03/31(Thu)18:41 No. 292347 ID: d43062
File 130162210116.png - (97.67KB , 800x800 , 466.png )

>>292329
What!? No no no I like girls just not like multiple ones at the same time! Speaking of which please change me back!

>>292324
Morgan's it is. It has been a while.

Artemis heads over to Morgan's shop. She jumps up when she sees him.

"Artemis! I mean... I was wondering when you'd come back."

"Hey Morgan. Sorry about that, I've been busy lately."

Also a potion that -what-?

>>292347
We didn't change you.

>>292347
[Change Gender]
Tell her you were asked to pick up a potion that "Ensures the regularity of a woman's cycle". She'll know what that means. If she didn't then she would have gone out of business.

You haven't been gone that long. She saw you only 1-2 days ago.
Chat with her for awhile. See how well her research is going, and if she needs any help that won't get you killed again.

well too late then art. you already have several girls who have fallen for you HARD.

>>292350
Artemis should be flirting now, not buying up feminine helpers. Worry about buying things after chatting with her for like an hour, seeing how she's been, and discovering if her guilt over killing you is sufficient to get into her pa- I mean, if she needs reassurance that you love her anyway.

>>292347
Apologize for not finding the time, but it really has been one thing after another. Ask if she has time to chat and stuff about your new status and her new market.

And uh... maybe we should discuss hypothetical potions at a later time...

>>292353
>feminine helpers
That has nothing to do with it. This is applied biology here.

>>292355
>maybe we should discuss hypothetical potions at a later time.

This is kinda time-sensitive. We need to get this to Saisai relatively soon.

Arty, we can't choose a girl for you. We can only help those girls like you more.

That's your department. We can suggest all we like, but you're the one who needs to fall in love for it to work.

Think. Choose. Then let us know.

We promise you: Whoever you choose, we will help you win her heart.

Just make up your trangender mind already >:|

Artemis 2011/03/31(Thu)19:22 No. 292363 ID: d43062
File 130162452483.png - (88.77KB , 800x800 , 467.png )

Well I gotta agree.. I don't think Saisai would need such a thing and we did just get out of an intense fight..

Anyway.
Artemis explains his new position and the increased responsibilities that came with it. Morgan nods.

"So how is everything here?"

"Uhm.. It's been quiet. My work on the Feather of Life is coming along well... I..."

"?"

[i]"Well I was wondering if maybe you wanted to spend some time with me today... I made some food... It's up to you of course.. I understand you must be busy."

well, do you? she is basically asking you out on date. you can't have it both ways with her. you accept she thinks you like her back. you decline and she will think you don't like her like that. if you really don't like her then your options are break her heart now or later.

If you can, do so.

Also, [change gender to male] if it hasn't gone through. He did ask us to do it.

>>292363
Up to you, Arty.

>>292363
I would agree to a nice lunch, personally.

>>292363
As far as I can tell you actually like Morgan romantically significantly more than you do any of the other women in your life, so you might as well pursue the matter. Unless you've suddenly decided to be faithful to Mimi, which I find highly unlikely given your past attitudes.

Do whatever.

You aren't busy, no crisis right now, mission is over, duel concluded and your demonic relations are on the mend. Yeah right now is a good time for relaxing with a friend.

Of course if you go looking for another problem to solve I'm sure one will pop up.

>>292363
...
"Ensures the regularity of a woman's cycle" is a discreet way of saying "Something to make sure she doesn't get pregnant".
Saisai would be too humiliated to get it herself, but you have no such problem.

You can spend some time with Morgan. Nothing wrong with that.

Artemis 2011/04/03(Sun)13:17 No. 293548 ID: 654ecc
File 130186187468.png - (116.75KB , 800x800 , 468.png )

>>292388
Wh-what? Guardian I do like Mimi but I don't like her like her...
Anyway I can't turn Morgan down, plus I'm actually rather hungry.

"I'd love to."

Morgan puts a closed sign up on the shop and brings out a box with food.

"Here Artemis.."

She pushes a portion to him. He smiles and takes a bite.

O_o

Oh... oh dear. Is it that bad? I fear she may have been dealing with alchemy so long she's too used to weird and nasty things not phasing her. I'm not sure what to do here, you don't want to hurt her feelings but lying and saying you like - that will just get even more of it down your throat. Maybe say something like "Hmm that's different, what's in this?" if you can somehow give constructive criticism without hurting her feelings, great. If you DO hurt her feelings... well try to explain my first point I guess.

In any case try to steer things into taking her out to dinner instead.

>>293548
>Guardian I do like Mimi but I don't like her like her...
Precisely my point. You're not very well going to stop being romantic with other ladies given that attitude. There are a fair number of men who would take sleeping with a woman seriously enough to stop other romances because of it; you're obviously not one of them. Like father like son, I'd say. You'll have smokin' hot elven girls falling for you in no time, too.

>O_o
Traditionally, one swallows and pretends that it's good. However, given that this is Morgan and it might be actual poison or something accidentally, you might want to ask her what it is and confirm that it's actually just really terrible normal food before proceeding to eat more.

what they said, let her down easy about the food.

Hmm. Did she cook this food or did she buy it? If she cooked it, you should show appreciation somehow that she would want to give you something that she made herself. Don't discount her affection for you.

I would however warn that BLATANTLY LYING about the quality of the food could go either way. So would offering to help teach her how to cook.

Artemis 2011/04/04(Mon)11:47 No. 293803 ID: 654ecc
File 130194284709.png - (119.41KB , 800x800 , 469.png )

>>293553
No no you're taking this all wrong I do think it's serious but... I mean I had to or she'd be killed..

>>293571
"Uhm... Did you cook this?"

"Yes.. I live alone so I always need to cook for myself. Do you like it?"

"It's.... Unique."

And spicy.. It's burning my tongue

... you are bleeding. i think it's melting your tongue off. i suggest you stop eating that and use heal on yourself before it gets too far to not be considered minor. then explain you think her years of alchemy have made her chemically resistant so she needs something stronger then normal for it to taste spicy to her.

End of Chapter 6 Artemis 2011/04/04(Mon)12:01 No. 293808 ID: 654ecc
File 130194369778.png - (9.04KB , 800x800 , 470.png )

"!? Oh god Artemis you're bleeding!"

"I am?"

"Yes!"

Artemis wobbles a bit

"Uhm... I feel a little light h-"

He collapses

"Artemis!!"

Morgan seems to get him killed a lot.

>>293808
The fact that the mystery voice is displeased is greatly comforting to me.

>>293825
But she's adorable!