"An answer for an answer. What are you fighting for that's worth so much?"

If you feel that she's answered you truthfully, tell her where Rufa is. It's one more thing she has to compartmentalize in her head, and one more task to divide their attention.

>>771987
by way of

>>772008

Let's try to drag this out a bit.

JiggyDino 2017/01/13(Fri)10:53 No. 772108 ID: ca0e20
File 148433360043.gif - (21.28KB , 800x600 , 178.gif )

>I'm starting to think the mercs are on your side.

Maybe. I should figure out to what degree though. Otherwise, I'll get surprised by this Basant fellow...

>She'll have to convince you to help. Maybe she can share why opening the portal is so important to her?
>Dialogue
>Let's try to drag this out a bit.

Raven: "An answer for an answer. What are you fighting for that's worth so much?"

Ava: "... Fine. But you said the answer earlier. I do what must be done for this world to have true freedom. The way it it should be. Now, Rufa?"

>Let's try to drag this out a bit.

Raven: "That doesn't answer my question. I told you that freedom was not having power over other people. Yet you still try to control the Bees for your own gain."

Ava: "And I agree. The bees are a real tragedy. I wish they could see that their "duties" were given and forced onto them at a young age and all their lives. So deep into their mind that even I couldn't convinced them to leave their group for a better purpose. The reason they gave me was obligation. And I recognized that I could use their skills. So as much as I hated the idea of hiring them, I did. I know the state of the current world, and I knew I was gonna have to make sacrifices. Even if that meant stooping to the level of power hungry leaders. But the end justified the means. And my hope is that by travelling with me, they could see how the world should work. And that I could break their shackles once everything is set right."

>If you feel that she's answered you truthfully, tell her where Rufa is.

I guess that was truthful.

Raven: "Rufa is in there."

I tilt my head in the direction of the door we're standing next to. Ava's eyes widen as she looks to the door and then back to me, staring as she analyses my face.

Ava: "... And what exactly are you planning to do with her? You've kept her alive for a reason I suppose?"

"I'm not a murderer. That's why."

Suggestion 2017/01/13(Fri)11:38 No. 772113 ID: 9f3729

>>772112
Yeah.
"Killing people is wrong, no one person is qualified to play judge and executioner like that.

>>772108
You know, honestly, you weren't sure what to do with her. Keeping her paralyzed is a start, though, since she's a danger to everyone around her. Ultimately in order to keep her from continuing to treat others as prey, she'll have to be locked up somewhere. I'm sure Ava thinks that's a terrible fate since she won't be free, but isn't death the ultimate denial of freedom? In the long run, keeping a serial murderer in prison brings the most freedom to the world.

Alternatively, if Rufa is not too far gone, she could be rehabilitated, but... I don't know, that seems unlikely to work. Someone who kills just for fun... can you change that mindset?

>>772108
We weren't planning on doing anything to her.

And on a level I can understand that. But I really don't think demonic incursion is the way to do it. That wouldn't bring about freedom, unless the freedom you speak of is just fighting for their lives.

>>772140
Not only that, the demons wouldn't be free either!

>>772140
Not only that, the demons wouldn't be free either!

>>772108
"If you think I'm going to torture Rufa to death the same way she was trying to torture Azalea to death, then you're wrong. We were going to keep her paralyzed with the powder from the yellow flower, so that she wouldn't try to kill Azalea again."

Make sure you say "keep her paralyzed with the powder from the yellow flower, so that she wouldn't try to kill Azalea again." loud enough for the others on the other side of the door to hear that. Maybe they'll get the hint and use it on Rufa to keep her down and/or try to throw some and Ava real quick.

"Because I don't want anyone to die here."

"Many great tyrants thought they were liberators once. The unlucky ones realized it too late."

Killing just isn't really your style.

Maybe we shouldn't mention the paralysis powder specifically, so that Ava doesn't know about it.

JiggyDino 2017/01/16(Mon)10:43 No. 772661 ID: ca0e20
File 148459220177.gif - (19.16KB , 800x600 , 179.gif )

>Dialogues
>Maybe we shouldn't mention the paralysis powder specifically, so that Ava doesn't know about it.

Raven: "I'm not a murderer and I don't want anyone to die here. And killing is wrong anyway! You can't play judge and executioner like that! Besides, killing isn't my style."

Ava: "Showing your whole hand? At any rate, I could say that by deciding that no one deserves to die, you are also playing judge. The truth is that is doesn't matter either way. There's nothing right or wrong about killing. Death is a natural part of this world and killing is a tool."

Ava: "So I know what you won't do, will you tell me what you will do?"

Raven: "We were going to keep her paralyzed, so that she wouldn't try to kill Azalea again."

I say that last part louder, hopefully the others heard. Ava furrows her brow at me, then gives me a look of disapproval after glancing at the door.

Raven: "But ultimately, I think Rufa should be locked up. Isn't death the ultimate denial of freedom? In the long run, keeping a serial murderer in prison brings the most freedom to the world."

Ava: "Of course not. A corpse is not a person. A person dying is irrelevant to freedom. Apart from the fact that this person didn't want to live enough to fight for their survival."

Ava: "And you don't need to keep her paralyzed. I just need a moment to talk to her. To remind her how counter-productive it is to go after an ally. She should understand. She usually does."

>And on a level I can understand that. But I really don't think demonic incursion is the way to do it. That wouldn't bring about freedom, unless the freedom you speak of is just fighting for their lives.
>Not only that, the demons wouldn't be free either!

Raven: "Look, Ava. On a level, I can understand your side. But using demons for an incursion is not the way to achieve what you're trying to achieve. You can't bring freedom to the world that way! Or is the freedom that you speak of is just fighting for your own life?! Also, the demons wouldn't be free!"

Ava: "Demons can be used if you direct their attack to the right places. I was already planning something similar, but with humanoid fighters. Although I imagine they wouldn't be as effective as those demons. I've also potentially lost the option to use the former. Might as well use the latter after the opportunity presented itself to me."

Ava: "Say, you act like you're an advocate of freedom... What is your opinion of the royal families that controls the lives of it's people?"

What in the blood soaked depths of Hell does that have to do with anything?!
But to answer your question, they're politicians. They suck by default.

>>772661
>"And you don't need to keep her paralyzed. I just need a moment to talk to her. To remind her how counter-productive it is to go after an ally. She should understand. She usually does."
"You're contradicting yourself. You've been encouraging Rufa to act on her violent side and going on about how "choices" are one of the only true laws of freedom in life. So, if you tell Rufa not to attack an ally but it's her choice to attack an ally, aren't you just taking away her freedom of choice? Or are you just lying to her and telling her what she wants to hear so that she does whatever you tell her to do?"

>"Say, you act like you're an advocate of freedom... What is your opinion of the royal families that controls the lives of it's people?"
Make a face like you're going to say something, then get a very confused look on your face and say, "The who that controls the what?"

>"Say, you act like you're an advocate of freedom... What is your opinion of the royal families that controls the lives of it's people?"

Well we are out here in an inhospitable desert that is so bad no kingdom even wants it, what do you think our opinion of them is if we are willing to live here.

>What is your opinion of the royal families that controls the lives of it's people?
Basically useless.

I don't think anarchy is much of a solution, though.

>>772669
The first part of this, too. Manipulating her friend seems kind of hypocritical to her cause.

>>772661
That control can be good or bad, depending on how much control is involved and what parts of their lives are controlled. Laws serve a purpose, as does tradition, usually.

>What is your opinion of the royal families that controls the lives of it's people?

Not a fan at all. But there's got to be a better solution than demonic hordes. I mean, there's degrees of severity in play here.

I imagine our opinion on royalty that oppresses the people is actually pretty similar.

The difference between us is that I support the ideal of freedom, while you pursue practical freedom. Obviously, there will be a lot of areas that we agree, but things are going to break down because I will think your actions are hypocritical and impure, while you think that I am naive and unrealistic. That doesn't change the fact that your plan is self-contradicting, involves the betrayal of an ideal you think you are supporting, and honestly filled with potential flaws without good solutions...but it also doesn't change the fact that you would be right accusing me of having no alternative. Because I don't. But I'd rather work together, because between us lies the best route forward and I think we can only find it by talking on equal terms. But we can't do that with you hunting for my friends and keeping me restrained.

>>772869
Is there any way we can maybe pair this down? It gets everything across, but feels a bit...wordy, to me.

"The fate of mortals must be decided by mortals. If we must rely on demons to free us, we do not deserve it."

JiggyDino 2017/01/18(Wed)10:02 No. 773076 ID: ca0e20
File 148476255657.gif - (25.01KB , 800x600 , 180.gif )

>Dialogue
>Manipulating her friend seems kind of hypocritical to her cause.

Raven: "You're contradicting yourself. You've been encouraging Rufa to act on her violent side and going on about how "choices" are one of the only true laws of freedom in life. So, if you tell Rufa not to attack an ally but it's her choice to attack an ally, aren't you just taking away her freedom of choice? Or are you just lying to her and telling her what she wants to hear so that she does whatever you tell her to do?"

Ava: "Your assumption shows how traditional your mind is. I never said I would tell Rufa not to attack anyone. I'm fine that she attacked Azalea if that's what she wanted to do". The grip around my wrists tighten. "I simply will tell her why it's not in our best interest. I'm... fine if she wants to continue attacking our ally after I talk to her. But I won't order her to stop."

>But to answer your question, they're politicians. They suck by default.
>Basically useless. I don't think anarchy is much of a solution, though.
>Not a fan at all. But there's got to be a better solution than demonic hordes. I mean, there's degrees of severity in play here.

Raven: "To answer your question: They're useless politicians. They suck by default."

Ava: "Exactly! They are unnatural! They go against how the world should work just so they can have more comfortable live than everyone else. And if you dare go against them, you are cast out of their territories. And whatever resource or money they come across, they keep. Whether they found it on their land or not. There's nothing special about their blood and the power they gave themselves is undeserved. And the population is too weak to do anything about it. Those royal families and their governments stands against everything that should be."

Raven: "Anarchy isn't a solution! There's got to be a better solution than demonic hordes! That would get way out of hands!"

Ava: "This is what your problem is, Raven. You don't have enough spine to get what you want. To make things that you want to happen happen. I was already leading a campaign against the nearby kingdoms but that was taken from me. My enemies were more sly, and played dirtier than I had anticipated. A miscalculation that I won't repeat. This portal will give me control of whatever creatures it controls, and I will guide them where they need to be."

Ava: "We could be ally. But, like I'm sure you know, I won't force you to join me."

JiggyDino 2017/01/18(Wed)10:02 No. 773077 ID: ca0e20
File 148476256175.gif - (26.03KB , 800x600 , 181.gif )

>Dialogue

She turns to the door, punctuating the conversation. I think a moment.

Raven: "... The difference between us is that I support the ideal of freedom, while you pursue practical freedom. Obviously, there will be a lot of areas that we agree, but things are going to break down because I will think your actions are hypocritical and impure, while you think that I am naive and unrealistic. That doesn't change the fact that your plan is self-contradicting, involves the betrayal of an ideal you think you are supporting, and honestly filled with potential flaws without good solutions...but it also doesn't change the fact that you would be right accusing me of having no alternative. Because I don't. But I'd rather work together, because between us lies the best route forward and I think we can only find it by talking on equal terms. But we can't do that with you hunting for my friends and keeping me restrained."

She stops at the door and puts a hand on it, but does not answer right away.

Ava: "... Once I get my hands on Rufa and that lizard, you can come and talk to me in the portal room. But you should start thinking about an alternative to my current plan. In the mean time, if you don't want to be restraint, not getting in my way would be a good start."

Ava: "Calla, hold her beak shut if she tries to speak again."

Ava shifts her focus to the door.

Ava: "The Minotaur is the one holding the door, right? Lucy was your name?"

No responses.

Despite how much we're trying, I don't think Ava can be reasoned with. She seems pretty far gone.

>>773078
Agreed. We seem to be making progress swaying Calla, though. Ava's callous remark about Azalea got a response out of her.

I have to agree, Ava may be a fruitless endeavor. Question is, how do we distract her long enough to get avoid catastrophe?

You could always try a bardic lullaby and hope the sleepy song magic puts her to sleep. That might buy you some time.

Struggle like you mean it. Don't want Ava to get the impression you're comfortable being held by Calla.

(psst! Word of god (paraphrased heavily) is "don't just give up ya manky twats, there's no indication she's not still open to discussion or NEW ideas long as they align with her goal of creating FREEDUM")


(Again, paraphrasing, 0% is direct transcription)

Say something next chance you get along the lines of "freedom? this desert seems pretty damn free, my new friend Emerald has been torturing and killing people as well as doing research for 5 years on opening a portal that unleashes an army of demons under her control that she was planning on using to kill everyone with and do you know how many governments stepped in to stop her? none, even if we took her to one she wouldn't be punished for what she has done, as for peasants living under the oppressive rule of royalty and nobles could escape to somewhere like here if they wanted to be free their noble might send someone to kill them but how much is one peasant worth? and as you said yourself "A corpse is not a person. A person dying is irrelevant to freedom. Apart from the fact that this person didn't want to live enough to fight for their survival" if those peasants aren't willing to fight for their freedom and survival do they even deserve it? in a way they are making a choice to not be free. perhaps you could start a small settlement here for those who actually want to be free. this desert is a place people really only come to if they want freedom and if Emerald was able to stay here safe and with no government interference why couldn't a few more stay. those with a spine and desire for freedom would come here, the tower would be enough to draw the curiosity of most, then we capture them, interrogate them and if they are not a threat then they may live here as long as they pull their weight. we have enough of a force to protect us from bandits and make sure no scouts are able to live to report their findings. we have a powerful mage at our disposal that is something that is not to be wasted, we could always have a reptilian caged up in the sacrificing area as a plan B. Even you must admit that summoning a demon army is a bit drastic"

>>773272
Can you nutshell that a bit, man? Break it down into it's base ideas?

>>773272
I disagree with keeping the portal around at all. It must be destroyed.

>>773273
Sure, I still would want to say the whole thing given the chance if she allowed us to speak more anyway but short version is "If others were had the slightest bit of a spine and wanted freedom they would come here, my new friend Emerald has been a serial killer for at least 5 years and there has been no interference she technically hasn't even broke any laws, and if emerald chose she could even magic up some shelter and whatnot. the portal could be saved as a plan B with a reptilian caged up in front of it"

JiggyDino 2017/01/19(Thu)12:47 No. 773363 ID: ca0e20
File 148485884771.gif - (27.21KB , 800x600 , 182.gif )

>We seem to be making progress swaying Calla, though.

Seeing Ava focused on the door, I look back at Calla. She looks at me like she really wants to tell me something.

Ava: "You don't need to be shy. I just wanted to make sure you know that if you open the door, no one has to get hurt."

>Struggle like you mean it. Don't want Ava to get the impression you're comfortable being held by Calla.
>dialogue

I decide to try to struggle and generally be a pain. I know I should wait for this topic, but oh well. Material is material...

Raven: "FREEDOM?! I'LL TELL YOU WHAT'S FREE! THIS DESMMHPPHFFPMHF!"

Calla, as instructed, holds my beak shut as I continue to struggle. Ava looks at me a bit surprised at first.

Ava: "... uh, ahem. Move her away. Try to shut her up. But don't get further than you need to."

JiggyDino 2017/01/19(Thu)12:47 No. 773364 ID: ca0e20
File 148485885353.gif - (22.75KB , 800x600 , 183.gif )

Calla starts to drag me away from Ava and the door, I continue to trash. Almost immediately, Ava tells Calla that it's far enough. We moved only a couple of steps back.

Calla: "Stop that!"

She moves me to the side. Then, in a very quiet whisper, Calla speaks to me.

Calla: "She has to get that lizard. If she does, we'll go back to the portal room and I can tell my sisters about the situation. Otherwise, Ava can walk up to them unsuspectingly and- ... I have to get them out of there." Then louder and more aggressively "Understood?! So shut it!"

The pressure on my beak subsides just enough for me to attempt to say something, if a bit awkwardly.

Ava: "All you have to do is stop holding the door shut."

"Ava. Let me talk to them."

Whisper to Calla that no one has to get handed over if you get the jump on Ava right now. Ava is standing right in front of the door, if Calla lets you go you can take one for the team and hold Ava in place while you tell your friends in the room to knock down the door and pin the both of you.

Just "struggle" your beak free and yell "Lucy just open the damn door, if Rufa wakes up what will happen will be worse than whatever ava will do to you"

>>773382
I doubt we can out-speed the swordswoman who can take three bees at once.

>>773364
I say we should just wait and let Ava do her thing. Suddenly trying to cooperate would be suspicious.

Only if Ava makes some kind of ultimatum should we try to talk Lucy into letting Rip out of the room. We can rationalize it into admitting defeat and trying to minimize loss of life.

>>773392
My hope is that we can get Rip, and only Rip, out. That way Lucy and Azalea remain safely inside, and Rip might get his chance to paralyze Ava now that he's able to prepare and not panic.

>>773391
In any other situation that might be true, but right now Ava is being over confident, she thinks she's already won and has lowered her defenses.

All Calla has to do is get Raven close enough behind Ava to latch on and prevent her from drawing either sword or dagger. We would then have a 4-1 pincer attack in a choke point if Lucy and Rip open the door.

>>773392
Seconded.

Another reminder the disthread is a thing- we dhould probably use it if anyone has any plans or general ideas so that everyone is on board.

>>773364
Whisper to Calla, "It'll be too late by then! Besides, you don't care about your sisters, you only care about your damn contract, so why should I listen to you?!"

>"All you have to do is stop holding the door shut."
"LIAR!!! Don't listen to her!"

>>773420
n..no, don't do this. Any of this.
>>773392
This seems like a good and not bad idea, I vote this.

JiggyDino 2017/01/20(Fri)12:49 No. 773594 ID: ca0e20
File 148494536825.gif - (30.62KB , 800x600 , 184.gif )

>Whisper to Calla that no one has to get handed over if you get the jump on Ava right now.
>I doubt we can out-speed the swordswoman who can take three bees at once.
>Ava is being over confident, she thinks she's already won and has lowered her defenses.

Raven: "We could take her now." I quietly say through my slightly shut beak.

... That was easier to say than I thought.

Calla: "I would't underestimate her if I were you. I won't do anything against her until my sisters are safe. She has to believe I'm still on her side and I think she's already suspecting something..."

I do wonder how Ava would compare when not in a open fighting ground during a sparring match with rules... At any rate, I wouldn't say she lowered her guard all that much. She keeps glancing over to Calla and I.

>Only if Ava makes some kind of ultimatum should we try to talk Lucy into letting Rip out of the room. We can rationalize it into admitting defeat and trying to minimize loss of life.
>My hope is that we can get Rip, and only Rip, out. That way Lucy and Azalea remain safely inside, and Rip might get his chance to paralyze Ava now that he's able to prepare and not panic.

If Ava gives me a chance to negotiate again, I'll tell her about leaving Lucy and Azalea in the room...

>I say we should just wait and let Ava do her thing. Suddenly trying to cooperate would be suspicious.
>Seconded.
>This seems like a good and not bad idea, I vote this.

I decide to wait for a better timing to negotiate with Ava.

Ava is now leaning closer to the door as to listen for sounds from the other side. After a pause she stands normally then calmly tries for the door. There's an initial resistance, but she manages to open it, Calla's sword falling to the floor. Thin metal vibration echoing through the halls. Ava jumps back away from the door, drops Rufa's Claws to the floor, and draws her sword.

Ava: "Calla, get over here!"

Calla pushes me toward Ava.

Ava: "I'll hold Raven."

JiggyDino 2017/01/20(Fri)12:49 No. 773595 ID: ca0e20
File 148494537410.gif - (15.83KB , 800x600 , 185.gif )

Ava grabs me by the arm and forces me to her side to her left, placing herself between Calla and I. She gives me an intense stare as she forces my face to meet hers.

Ava: "Try something. See the results."

Her attention turns back to the door and she addresses Calla again.

Ava: "We have to guard the door until Basant arrives. They've set up an ambush."

I then realize I have not taken a breath since Ava's threat, so I start breathing again. A cold chill remains.

>>773595
Magic?

Ask her why she hasn't tried to use your life as leverage against your friends. (we want her to actually do that, if we're going along with getting Rip out of there. Maybe she just hasn't thought of it yet, and the question will prompt her into doing just that)

"I can negotiate with them."

>>773595
>"Try something. See the results."
"What? You going to give me another boring lecture on how two wrongs make a right and waste both of our time? I so scared."

And/or

"Did your research actually tell you that you'd have control of the demons or are you just assuming you'll have control over them and they won't kill you after you summon them?"

And/or

"So you don't want me to try to negotiate them out of there to get results? Ok, then we can all continue to watse our time here."

And/or

"Ava, your breath stinks! Jeez, now I know why all the bees always have those masks over their faces."

>>773705
You need to keep quiet. She's VERY angry at you right now. You're going to have to keep quiet until just the right time...then you need to say something that throws her off entirely, or perhaps maybe makes her think she has a reason to listen to you.

>>773735
I'm pretty sure the implication was if we tried to keep talking she'd probably try to hurt or kill us.

Just shut up and stay down, and this will be over in no time.

>>773595
The jig is up, If Ava can take on three bee's at once alone, imagine trying to oppose her once Ophi & Rufa are at her side and she has what she wants.
I doubt she will seriously consider any alternative we propose once she is holding all the cards.
You can either take action now and maybe die a fool or wait and die a coward when you let them regroup, break down that door, and then feed someone to the portal.

Take Ava up on her threat and start a tussle with that owl. You do not need to win. You just need to give Calla a chance to escape.
Ava already suspects her of betrayal and that's why she made her stay behind, as to keep an eye on her.

If Calla can get back to the portal room in time to stop Ophi from summoning Basant or if too late, free the Witch and trigger an epic Wizard Battle.
If Basant is out of the picture Rip, Lucy and Azalea will remain safe inside the room and Calla can regroup with her other sisters like she wanted.

If you want to protect everyone, then you're gonna have to put your own safety on the line to do so.
Fight dirty, grab onto her arms to prevent being immediately stabbed and go for a cheap shot like a headbutt or foot stomp.
Calla's sword and Rufa's Claws are both laying on the ground within reach for you to re-arm yourself if you get the chance.

>>773799
Or, since she's right up in Raven's face, just make out with her.

>>773808
This and say something along the lines of "It turns me on when you talk like that, I know I lied about the bondage session with emerald but that doesn't mean I'm not into it" then wink at her. even the fiercest of warriors turn into putty in our hands once TGchan starts our seduction... probably

>>773799
I'm starting to wonder if Calla has a plan. Can we at least talk about that first before committing to this?

>>773817
I mean, she did declare herself the party bard. That comes with certain responsibilities.

>>773829
Attempting to make out with anything that moves is one of the responsibilities of a bard, after all! XD

>>773829
>>773841
Exactly and for someone to declare themself a bard dispite having no musical instruments or talent that means this MUST be what raven wanted when she declared herself bard.

actually I just got an idea.

Start singing. About what matter, but just start. She wouldn’t br so crass as to gut you for just singing, would she?

...because that might just be the distraction needed. Or if you can do it right, maybe a coded message. Justbso long as the subject matter iant obivous.

>>773808
Go in for a smooch

>>773869
She might, and I don't feel like it would be a very good distraction unless she tries to gut us. kissing and flirting is also has the possibility of her gutting us but it would be a better distraction and would probably cause a moment of "wtf" in her mind.

>>773817
Maybe leave out the bondage, I get the feeling that's another quasi-ethical debate in the making.

You know the more I think about it the better mentioning bondage sounds, might get her to question her ethics about trying to make EVERYONE free regardless of if they are content with how their life was and wouldn't even know what to do if given freedom.
>>773883
An ethical debate with her about bondage MIGHT actually open her mind up the the possibility that some people like being controlled and "not being free" and an ethical debate would mean we dont get gutted immediately so even if it doesn't help I doubt it would hurt. Especially if we act like we like being a sub in bondage.

>>773911
You made a valid point and have changed my mind.

JiggyDino 2017/01/24(Tue)12:47 No. 774416 ID: ca0e20
File 148529083763.gif - (7.85KB , 800x600 , 186.gif )

>Or, since she's right up in Raven's face, just make out with her.
>I mean, she did declare herself the party bard. That comes with certain responsibilities.
>Attempting to make out with anything that moves is one of the responsibilities of a bard, after all! XD
>for someone to declare themself a bard dispite having no musical instruments or talent
>Go in for a smooch

What?! Making music is the only real requirement of a bard! I think! I'm sure! And I said earlier that I could play the lute and the violin! Emerald and Marigold said they liked my song!

JiggyDino 2017/01/24(Tue)12:47 No. 774417 ID: ca0e20
File 148529084530.gif - (42.38KB , 800x600 , 187.gif )

Eugh, whatever.

I beak rub with Ava!

Cause we can't really smooch. Ava is pushed on the wall and her hat falls after hitting the wall with the brim. Ava tries to push me off.

Ava: "Euwaah! What are you doing?!?"

>If you want to protect everyone, then you're gonna have to put your own safety on the line to do so. Fight dirty, grab onto her arms to prevent being immediately stabbed and go for a cheap shot like a headbutt or foot stomp. Calla's sword and Rufa's Claws are both laying on the ground within reach for you to re-arm yourself if you get the chance.

I think of off-putting or arguments starting things to say to Ava, but Calla needs to move now. While beak rubbing, I managed to get a good grip on Ava's sword wrist.

Raven: "CALLA! PORTAL ROOM NOW!" I stomp on Ava's foot. "IF YOU FREE THE ARMADILLO SHE CAN HELP US!"

Ava, understanding what is going on, ignores the pain in her foot and starts to push into my face with her free hand while trying to free her other. But I keep a firm grip on the wrist. Calla takes a second to process what is going on before dashing in the direction of the portal room.

Calla: "You crazy bird!!!"

JiggyDino 2017/01/24(Tue)12:47 No. 774418 ID: ca0e20
File 148529085505.gif - (26.08KB , 800x600 , 188.gif )

I try to grab Ava's free arm but she is wise to it. I also try to peck at her face, but she's taking good care at avoiding my pecks.

Ava: "Calla! You still have a sister here and she's wounded- AHH!" I menage a headbutt.

Calla stops in her track but doesn't turn around.

Raven: "GO! I'LL PROTECT AZALEA!"

Calla hesitates but then continues forward. Ava hits me hard at the bottom of my beak, shutting it closed.

JiggyDino 2017/01/24(Tue)12:47 No. 774419 ID: ca0e20
File 148529086212.gif - (31.76KB , 800x600 , 189.gif )

Ava has had enough. She grabs my body and with a yell she pushes me off in the opposite direction, putting herself between me and Calla once again. I still land on my feet, if a bit ungracefully and I ready my weapon. My weapon...

This isn't mine! I have Ava's sword!

JiggyDino 2017/01/24(Tue)12:47 No. 774420 ID: ca0e20
File 148529086864.gif - (26.53KB , 800x600 , 190.gif )

Ava, realizing that she lost her sword, pulls out her emergency dagger. But instead of taking a defensive stance or attacking, she turns around and dashes toward the Portal Room!

>>774420
"Hey, you forgot your hat! How can you menace without your hat?"
>Attempt to return hat, confusing her even further

>>774420
Uh oh, better give chase but first scoop up Ava's Menacing Hat and maybe tell your pals to relocate to the tower for safety.
Maybe Ava will slip on the mess you made I mean carefully placed "Apple Trap".

Examine sword and hat. Do your new spoils of conquest make you feel more dashing and or powerful?

The tables have turned! ...I wonder why she's running, though? Maybe she thinks because you "defeated" Rufa, she can't take you on with that dagger.

>>774420
The sword is antimagic! This will be very useful for keeping Emerald out of trouble. You can activate it, right?

Call out to your friends, tell them Ava's on the run and you're giving chase. Tell Rip to stay put and jam the hinges to keep the door shut(maybe by using the fire flower to melt them?), but Lucy could help. (Rip seems to have lost his confidence because of the antimagic sword stripping him of his invisibility, and we want him out of the portal room anyway)
Try not to actually catch up with Ava. In a 1-on-1 fight you'll probably lose.

CATCH HER!
KILL HER!
WITH VIOLENCE!
AND NEW HOLES!

"Everyone! I got her sword and she's running! Lucy, help me stop her! Rip, stay here protect Azalea and make sure Rufa stays paralyzed!"

Ava can take on 3 bees at once, but that's when she has her sword and she's in a controlled training environment with no risk of anyone getting hurt. Here in the real world, she's only got her tiny knife, and she's fighting a raven, a minotaur, a lizard, a few bees, and (hopefully) an armadillo. I doubt she can hold everyone back and she knows it.

>>>774420
She's probably going to try to throw the knife at Calla to try to stop her or kill her and then Ava will take one of Calla's swords so that she can fight Raven.

>>774442
>Examine sword and hat. Do your new spoils of conquest make you feel more dashing and or powerful?
We don't have time to stop and look at things!

>>774484
>She's probably going to try to throw the knife at Calla
Well shit, in that case we don't even have time to give instructions to Lucy and the others. We have to catch or at least slow down Ava so that Calla gets away.

With no sword, she can't shut off Rip's invisibility or Emerald's magic. Whatever you do, keep that sword away from her.

>>774484
>We don't have time to stop and look at things!
I know we are in a rush, but I think we should at least check if we know how to work this specific kind of magic item.
Besides not finding the time to examine things has left us with "Schrodinger's Journal", its mysterious contents being simultaneously both miraculously mundane or incredibly important until we finally look inside to find out which.

I'm not entirely opposed to bringing Lucy along as backup muscle, but Raven's spooky dream premonition of the Portal and a chained up Minotaur makes me reluctant to advise it.
Lucy's strength might be better put to use helping Rip & Azalea move Rufa and fortifying a new location. The Tower currently has a barrier up as long as the sandstorm is active and the trap door can be barricaded with something heavy like the wardrobe. Just a thought, since the flower room is kind of a single exit death trap.

>>774488
>no time
Ava hasn't zipped out of sight just yet and the door is ajar, so we should still be able to communicate a simple plan with our friends before we rush in head long. No need to let impatiences get the better of us.

...Wait, aren't armadillos also reptiles?! ava could potentially use Emerald to open the portal. Grab the hat and try to keep ava from getting to the portal room.

>>774569
Armadillos are mammals, not reptiles.

>>774569
No, theyre mammals. Common mistake. Focus on owlbutt!

Equip hat, pursue megalomaniac.

Ava's the boss, the rest are various flavors of dubious-loyalty muscle. Remove the boss, or break her will to fight, this whole demon-summoning project will fall apart. Capitalize on Ava's moment of weakness with petty verbal taunts, as opportunities permit. "The tables have turned," "behold the power of love," "you can dish it out but you can't take it," "after all that big talk about freedom, mighty Ava fell to pieces over one little kiss," and so on.

Grab her hat, cash in your job points, and promote yourself to the rank of red mage.

Then check on Lucy and make sure everyone is okay.

1/12 JiggyDino 2017/02/16(Thu)13:59 No. 780077 ID: ca0e20
File 148728236875.gif - (38.87KB , 800x600 , 191.gif )

>...I wonder why she's running, though? Maybe she thinks because you "defeated" Rufa, she can't take you on with that dagger.
>She's probably going to try to throw the knife at Calla to try to stop her or kill her and then Ava will take one of Calla's swords so that she can fight Raven.

Oh, she's definitely trying to stop Calla! I have to stop her! She even, somehow, avoids my Apple Trap by jumping over it!

>Well shit, in that case we don't even have time to give instructions to Lucy and the others.
>maybe tell your pals to relocate to the tower for safety.
>Tell Rip to stay put (...) but Lucy could help.
>Dialogue
>I'm not entirely opposed to bringing Lucy along as backup muscle (...) The Tower currently has a barrier up as long as the sandstorm is active and the trap door can be barricaded with something heavy like the wardrobe.

As I start giving chase and scoop up the hat, I try to give a condensed plan to my friends!

Raven: "Ava's running! Lucy, help me! Rip, Azalea, go to the tower and keep Rufa paralyzed!"

>scoop up Ava's Menacing Hat
>Try not to actually catch up with Ava.
>CATCH HER! KILL HER!
>We have to catch or at least slow down Ava so that Calla gets away.
>Equip hat, pursue megalomaniac. + taunt

I put Ava's hat on my head and try to taunt Ava.

Raven: "The table have turned, Ava!"

As Ava arrives to the turn of the corner, she picks up a sword on the ground. One of Azalea's sword! One of her swords is missing though, so I assume that Calla must have picked it up while Ava and I were tussling. Calla is fully armed again, but Ava is not as defenseless as I thought I made her. Still, she keeps running, confirming that Calla is her current target!

>Examine sword and hat. Do your new spoils of conquest make you feel more dashing and or powerful?
>The sword is antimagic! This will be very useful for keeping Emerald out of trouble. You can activate it, right?
>We don't have time to stop and look at things!
>Whatever you do, keep that sword away from her.

While keeping an eye on Ava and where I'm going, and while turning the corner myself, I try to feel some sort of significance to the Ava's hat and sword.

The hat really only reminds me of a catchy tune that is now stuck in my head. The sword, as far as I can tell, has no real moving parts. I don't find a way to make it glow like Ava's was doing. But I'll do what I can to make sure she doesn't show me!

2/12 JiggyDino 2017/02/16(Thu)13:59 No. 780078 ID: ca0e20
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I fully focus on chasing Ava again. Calla looks to be almost at the portal door. Like a show-off, Ava's kick off a nearby wall and to throw her dagger at Calla in midair!!!

Raven: "CALLA! BEHIND YOU!"

3/12 JiggyDino 2017/02/16(Thu)13:59 No. 780079 ID: ca0e20
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Calla turns in time to move out of the way and deflect the dagger a bit, but had to diverge from the door.

4/12 JiggyDino 2017/02/16(Thu)14:00 No. 780080 ID: ca0e20
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As she makes another attempt for the door, Ava closes the distance and block Calla with a sword strike. So far, Calla can block Ava's attacks.

5/12 JiggyDino 2017/02/16(Thu)14:00 No. 780081 ID: ca0e20
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Calla, realizing that Ava won't give her enough of an opening to go for the door, gets into an defensive stance.

Ava moves over her dagger manages to grab the it with one of her foot, jumps in the air and kick throws the dagger again! Calla, not expecting this, receives the dagger directly in the leg!!!

Calla: "AST-Aurgh!"

6/12 JiggyDino 2017/02/16(Thu)14:00 No. 780082 ID: ca0e20
File 148728242235.gif - (20.80KB , 800x600 , 196.gif )

Ava lands and attacks Calla with an overhead swing. Calla starts to bring a sword up, but only has time to look up as the blade come down on her.

*SHING*

7/12 JiggyDino 2017/02/16(Thu)14:00 No. 780083 ID: ca0e20
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I block Ava's attack.

8/12 JiggyDino 2017/02/16(Thu)14:00 No. 780084 ID: ca0e20
File 148728244094.gif - (45.33KB , 800x600 , 198.gif )

I push Ava's sword away as Calla dives to the side through the pain. Ava's starts to try and pound through my defense but it's easily blocked. Azalea said Ava's focus was on defense and evasion and it's showing. Her attacks, while forceful, are predictable. But I still have to back off as they hit pretty hard.

9/12 JiggyDino 2017/02/16(Thu)14:00 No. 780085 ID: ca0e20
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As she forces backward momentum on me, she suddenly turns onto herself as if to prepare a kick, so I prepare to evade. But the kick was not meant for me, as she bursts into the portal room!

10/12 JiggyDino 2017/02/16(Thu)14:00 No. 780086 ID: ca0e20
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She dashes inside. I shift my weight to start continuing chase as I hear Aster.

Aster: "Miss Ava?! What is- OOF!"

I get into the door frame just in time to see Aster being kicked over the banister!

Calla: "ASTER!"

11/12 JiggyDino 2017/02/16(Thu)14:01 No. 780087 ID: ca0e20
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Ava: "OPHI! RESTRAIN THE BEES!"

12/12 JiggyDino 2017/02/16(Thu)14:01 No. 780089 ID: ca0e20
File 148728249574.gif - (25.89KB , 800x600 , 202.gif )

I hear the buzzing of wings lowers in volume until a distant thud cuts it short. Ava turns to me.

Ava: "I told you not to get in my way."

Calla: "Aster?!"

Part 2 End

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