[center][h1]Top Floor: Part 2[/h1][/center] Mika was frozen mid-shout, her mother look-alike trying to calm her down. The Pink Pounder was as still as a corpse and MDP looked like she might be grieving for him. The gunner was reaching for her dart gun and Faith had an arrow aimed at Himiko’s face. But they were all frozen solid, as if time itself had stopped moving. The only people in the room who could move were Ashley, Marrie, and Himiko. Ashley had just been about to reposition herself to guard against a possible attack from Himiko’s group, when the world suddenly stopped, the chaotic melee now stuck in a total freeze frame. Well, [i]almost[/i] total… [color=MediumSpringGreen]"W-What the…?"[/color] the Knight of Tomorrow murmured as she cautiously moved to link up with the unfrozen Marrie while also keeping her guard up towards the equally unfrozen Himiko. It took Marrie a moment to realize that everything went quiet. She'd been trying to juggle recovering her breath and deciding whether it was better to rush Sharr or attack the person fighting Orion. When she did finally process that the world had stopped, she looked around only to see that Ashley and the weird person who wanted Ashley's Grimoire were still able to move as well. [color=00aeef]"What's going on? Did Oros do something?"[/color] Under her breath, she continued, [color=00aeef]"Now might be a good time to disarm everyone..."[/color] Himiko stared down the shaft of Faith's arrow in front of her emotionless face hearing Orion and Marrie speak. Glancing around the general area as she quickly assessed the new situation. Spotting who was supposed to be Su Fang with Mika, Pounder's current stricken down state, MDP at his side. The showdown between Vermilion and Sharr was just about to get under way. It was eeriely quiet and still aside from Orion and Marrie having spoken. She didn't have time to dwell too long on what she had seen, nor what was happening now. Remaining calm and collected, she prepared for what would come next. Turning towards Orion and Marrie her golden eyes saw they had closed ranks. Looking between the two she broke the silence [color=ffa500]"You have more important and dangerous threats to protect yourself from then me."[/color] Her gaze locked on Orion directly addressing her, her guarded stance being more then enough to tip off Himiko about her unease towards her. Her eyes now shifting towards the confused Marrie who was just as easy to read as Orion based on her reaction. [color=ffa500]"This is neither my doing, nor the actions of my meddlesome interloper of a relative. Stay focused, this fight isn't over yet."[/color] Turning to scan the surrounding area once more. Having a gut feeling that whoever had done this was near and wasn't likely to be an ally. [color=77bb99]"Do not be alarmed."[/color] A tall, black, eccentrically dressed goat demon stepped out from behind the ruins of Finn’s mech. He waved his hands over his head, but lowered his arms to his sides once he had everyone’s attention. [color=77bb99]"No one is in danger here. This is the result of a spell of my own making. It dilates time and creates an illusionary backdrop that looks like the place you were plucked from. Most find it disorientating to be thrust into a new environment without warning, which is why it works this way."[/color] He pointed, and sure enough, the others appeared where they had been when the freeze initially happened. [color=77bb99]"The bodies you presently inhabit are entirely illusionary. The only thing that’s ‘moving’ right now are your thoughts. Being frozen and unable to move, too, is something that most humans find concerning. Disarming anyone would be impossible in your state."[/color] With a wave of his hand, a desk and enough seating for everyone appeared in the center of the chaotic battle. [color=77bb99]"It’s a very strenuous spell to keep going, and it only serves a single purpose; to allow me to discuss arrangements with people in the heat of the moment."[/color] He folded his hands together. [color=77bb99]"I am Bookman, the last living finger that remains of The Hand. We appear to have a common enemy, and I believe we should push for a truce."[/color] Himiko moved over to the desk and plopped herself down into one of the seats, crossing her arms as she kept her unblinking gaze on the demon. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"You must really be getting desperate if you want to collaborate with your mortal enemies,"[/color] Ashley replied, now on even higher alert, despite the goat man’s non-confrontational demeanor. As bad as the Mavericks were, the thought of allying with The Hand was something else altogether. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"Your organization is a force of pure evil,"[/color] the Knight of Tomorrow stated, her voice cold and firm. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"I’ve seen evidence of that with my own eyes. [i]Multiple times.[/i] Despite our current… [i]disagreement,[/i] I’ve yet to see Doctor Webber do anything remotely as reprehensible, or even Oros the Mad, for that matter. I may not know exactly what’s going on here,"[/color] she conceded, even as she kept her steely gaze fixed on Bookman. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"But I [i]do[/i] know that [i]you[/i] can’t be trusted."[/color] Lowering her voice, she whispered to Marrie, [color=MediumSpringGreen]"Keep your guard up. He may be the last of The Hand’s fingers, but there’s still the [i]palm.[/i]"[/color] The goat man remained impassive. A ledger appeared on the corner of his desk, which he promptly flipped open. [color=77bb99]"Yes, there is another who visits this reality from time to time. Her name is Glex, and her official rank is ‘The Fist’ I believe."[/color] Bookman organized some papers. [color=77bb99]"We have no privacy here, not from each other, at least. The bodies you currently inhabit are illusions as I’ve said. The other ‘yous’ that are still in the room are your actual bodies. The four of us are confined here until I end the spell, at which point time will resume as normal, and you will be where you were when I cast it."[/color] Once all the items on his desk were where he wanted them, he looked back to Ashley. [color=77bb99]"And yes, Orion. A month ago there were five of us. Four as recent as two weeks ago. Now I’m the last one. It is indeed a desperate situation that I find myself in."[/color] He did not seem to count Glex among his number. [color=77bb99]"I will not pretend to understand the horrors that you have witnessed on behalf of my associates. But you do not truly believe Miss Webber is as innocent as she seems? When everyone was at their most vulnerable, she stabbed them in the back. The fact that she would willingly dispose of a pawn as powerful as Oros the Mad, a friend, should tell you everything you need to know about her. We are not in a good position, you and I."[/color] He folded his arms. [color=77bb99]"Is there any harm in hearing me out?"[/color] [color=ffa500]"I was wondering when you would show up…"[/color] Himiko addressed Bookman after he had made his plea to Orion. [color=ffa500]"You do not need to fear this one, he isn’t like the other members of The Hand, he won’t try to kill you, he is more interested in making deals so you would be wise to listen, I have no sympathy for the Hand, but right now it doesn’t matter if he is part of The Hand, finger, fist, palm or whatever designation he wants to go by."[/color] Looking out of the corner of her eye over towards Orion and Marrie as she gave a shrug of her shoulders. [color=ffa500]"The fact is neither one of you are even close to being at one hundred percent, nor is anyone that is fighting against Sharr’s group right now, the chances of winning are minimal if things play out the way they are going, I’m by far the weakest of everyone who is in this battle so my words may not mean anything to either of you, but don’t let your stubbornness get in the way of having another option to win, what harm is there in listening to what Bookman has to say? There is no obligation to agree to anything."[/color] Marrie listened quietly, not sure if anything this 'bookman' said was true. Against her instincts, her decision showed itself to be what she wanted it to be. [color=00aeef]"If we have some time, then we can afford a few questions, right? You're asking us to ally with you when your other allies did horrible things. We need some sort of trust."[/color] [color=77bb99]"The spell will not hold forever."[/color] Bookman cautioned. [color=77bb99]"But we have some time for discussion."[/color] Marrie looked at Orion, then at Himiko, and finally back at the goat man. [color=00aeef]"I can't speak for the other two, but a good start for me would be you explaining how and why you're even a member of the Hand in the first place. Being part of the wrong crowd isn't evil itself, but it's hard to trust someone who hangs out with evil."[/color] [color=77bb99]"Excellent question. My role in the hand is that of deal maker and negotiations. I do not possess the immense wealth of Dragonfruit or Justin, nor do I have Tony's manpower, or even Dawnraiser's strength."[/color] They paused, briefly. [color=77bb99]"I do have some amount of wealth and status, but that is owed to being a successful influencer. The Hand has my talents and little else. When freelancers wish to work for us, I am the one who drafts the contract. You've likely encountered Black Sabbath, the group of nuns. They work for us because of a contract I drafted. Mind you it was one they had no issue with signing. I think they would re-up again if offered. Ahh, but I'm rambling."[/color] Ashley gave Himiko an annoyed glance, before refocusing on Bookman. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"Fine, I’ll listen,"[/color] the Knight of Tomorrow told him. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"But even if you’re just an uninvolved recruiter, you still allowed, and even enabled, horrific things to be done to innocent people, and that’s something I can’t just ignore."[/color] [color=77bb99]"There may be time in the future to discuss the past, and even right what has happened. But right now we have more pressing matters to address."[/color] He waved his hand towards Sharr. [color=77bb99]"She was always dangerous, but it seems that she has connected with forces outside your reality. We suspected that this was a possibility, but Breacher’s otherworld counterpart is irrefutable proof she’s doing this. The fact that she was able to plan all of this without getting suspected by the all seeing Oros is a testament to how well hidden her connections are. This is all to say what we already know: That Sharr is a dangerous individual."[/color] Bookman folded his hands in the center of the table. [color=77bb99]"I see three possible outcomes for this, and you, Orion, are the lynchpin. Anyone can tell you want to do, but ultimately, you need to be the one to make the choice."[/color] He raised a finger. [color=77bb99]"The first choice you can make is to refuse a truce. I will respect your wishes and things will play out as they would. I do not advise it, but I cannot make you do anything that you don’t want to."[/color] He extended a second finger. [color=77bb99]"The second option is that we work together. We form an uneasy alliance so that we can overcome our opponent. I would destroy the contract I have with Himiko that necessitates her acquiring your grimoire. So long as it stays out of Miss Webber’s hands, there will be a chance at victory for both of us. Any stipulations that turn out to be a conflict of interest will be rectified for the truce to continue. And then there’s option three."[/color] A third finger came up. [color=77bb99]"I don’t think you’d ever take it. It would require you to put no small amount of faith in me, but it would ensure that Sharr cannot get your grimoire. We take you and just… put you in a different dream."[/color] [color=MediumSpringGreen]"Different dream?"[/color] Ashley echoed. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"You mean a different universe, right? If that’s the case, then no,"[/color] the Knight of Tomorrow replied firmly. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"Unlike certain [i]other[/i] people, [i]I[/i] don’t run away from my problems. That said, if you can travel beyond Doctor Webber’s reach, then why don’t [i]you[/i] just leave?"[/color] the high-tech heroine inquired pointedly. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"What makes this universe so important to you? On a related point, how are your plans for its future any better than whatever she intends?"[/color] [color=77bb99]"You’re making a lot of assumptions about how things work. Please allow me to explain what a dream is, because it is not a universe. Moreover, while I will freely tell you about myself I do not wish to debate you on my character. Too much has happened, and we do not have time for that."[/color] With a snap of his fingers, a doll house appeared on his desk. [color=77bb99]"The universe is an inn."[/color] He unlatched the side of the doll house and swung it open. [color=77bb99]"An Inn has many rooms, and those rooms hold guests, and the guests sleep every night. While they sleep, they dream, and guests in the same room share the same dream."[/color] He began pointing at different rooms in the house. [color=77bb99]"Maybe in this room, they are dreaming of a beach vacation. And then the next room over, they are dreaming of going to France. But then in this room, they dream they are in Pax Septimus, and are the only ones who can stop what’s going on."[/color] The goat man folded his hands on the desk. [color=77bb99]"I understand it’s all very esoteric, but that is what Sharr was talking about. She believes that the current events are something that she orchestrated, and I am inclined to believe her."[/color] He raised a hand to offer Orion more information. [color=77bb99]"To put you in a different dream isn’t to run away. Not necessarily. We don’t have to leave this dream, maybe we can change it. From our perspective, that would be like changing history or even causality. You could save your friends and loved ones, set them up for life, perhaps even prevent catastrophes before they happen. You could even change the very fabric of our world. Maybe everyone could be an esper, or something even stronger. With the power of a dreamer on your side, the world is but a blank canvas waiting for your ink. Does that interest you?"[/color] Marrie spoke up. [color=00aeef]"How would changing this world fix the issue? It sounds like 'Sharr' could just follow, or would still be here afterwords. Unless changing would alter the dreamers, presumably her specifically..."[/color] [color=77bb99]"There are no simple solutions to our problem."[/color] Bookman said with a shake of his head. [color=77bb99]"But by changing the dream, we can give ourselves an advantage. Sharr is aware of her powers now, but in a new dream, she will have no recollection. Doing anything to the dreamers from outside the dream is beyond our ability."[/color] [color=MediumSpringGreen]"If what you say is true, and this is all just some shared dream, if none of this is [i]real[/i], then why does anything we do even [i]matter?[/i]"[/color] Ashley asked in a skeptical tone. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"I have a hard time believing you or Doctor Webber would go through so much trouble just to control a dream."[/color] Marrie shook her head. [color=00aeef]"That's not right. It'd be the same as simulation theory. Just because it's not real from the outside doesn't mean it's not real from the inside. If we're not real, and the world isn't, then it's irrelevant, because it's real to [i]us[/i]. There's no difference between real and fake when you look at it from the inside."[/color] Her neck craned as she looked at the ceiling. [color=00aeef]"If we exist, then we have to exist within a world that's as real as us. Doesn't matter if it's fake to everything else or not."[/color] Marrie's gaze fell back on Ashley. [color=00aeef]"Are you willing to throw away everything there is, to us, just because it's a dream to things we can't even interact with? I don't think I could do that, but if you can, that's your decision to make. I just recommend against it."[/color] [color=77bb99]"Marrie has the right idea."[/color] Bookman looked at her before returning his gaze to Ashley. [color=77bb99]"These dreams are not like conventional ones. It’s just a word we use because it’s an approximate descriptor. All of the monsters in this world are from other dreams. In fact, what you espers call monsters are just individuals who have arrived from different dreams. The woman with the large dart gun, you did an unusual amount of damage to her, correct? That is because she is not from this dream. Espers are merely this dream’s way of protecting itself from interlopers. There are groups that call dreams ‘bodies’ and monsters ‘viruses’ as they choose to look at different aspects of this reality."[/color] He flipped the ledger open. [color=77bb99]"Perhaps for now we should focus on your current predicament and leave the rest for a later time. This is a lot to take in and we have more pressing issues, don’t we?"[/color] He tapped the page. A contract had already been drafted on it. [color=77bb99]"I believe Sharr has the upper hand right now. We cannot win, but we can cause a temporary stalemate."[/color] He slid the ledger forward. [color=77bb99]"If you were to sign this contract, I would tear up the one that forces Oros the Greedy to pursue your grimoire. I would also satisfy the condition on another contract that necessitates her doing something to weaken Gemini. She would not be required to bring harm to Gemini or its agents after this. At least, not by my hands."[/color] He tapped further down. [color=77bb99]"The ‘catch is that if you give your grimoire to anyone, you will lose your magic. I will have inherited it. That may seem like a bad thing, but this will stop Sharr from pursuing your grimoire. If she wants its magic, even if just to destroy it, it will be passed on to me as soon as she takes it from you. Her best option would be to kill me first, then go after you."[/color] [color=MediumSpringGreen]"Don’t worry, Gale,"[/color] Ashley told the bluenette. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"I’m still not entirely convinced any of what Bookman’s saying is true, so I have no reason to doubt the value of our existence."[/color] Turning to the goat man, she continued, [color=MediumSpringGreen]"If the only stipulation to us working together is basically what would happen if I lost my grimoire anyway, then I’ll agree to sign your contract. That said, I still have one question that I’ve noticed you keep avoiding. What makes this world, dream, body, or whatever you want to call it so important?"[/color] [color=77bb99]"I thought the answer was obvious."[/color] The goat tipped his head. [color=77bb99]"It might seem strange for me to say, but this place has become my home. I came from beyond the stars. I’ve been through a lot over the course of my life, and have come to accept that many things are temporary. The strongest empires rot away if a plucky rebellion doesn’t take care of them first."[/color] He pointed at Ashley with his hand. [color=77bb99]"You are adverse to altering the dream, correct? This place, it’s people, they must mean something to you. I may not have friends or family here in the way I imagine you do, but I do have two million subscribers. I don’t know most of them, but they have made my life here quite comfortable."[/color] Himiko leaned back in her chair letting out a small sigh tilting her head over the back of the chair to look towards Orion. [color=ffa500]"What makes it important? I know I whacked you in the head with that cane pretty hard, but didn’t think it was that hard, for one without it none of us exist, secondly if Sharr is to come out on top she gains the power to reshape this world like a deity, meaning you don’t get what you want, Marrie doesn’t get what she wants, I don’t get what I want and neither does Bookman, what more importance besides our existence do you need to know beyond that? We won’t have to worry about it if we fail here and now. That will come later…"[/color] Interjecting into the conversation that she had been idly listening to when she heard Orion’s question. She had stayed out of it until now, knowing that she didn’t have much to add as she already had a deal with Bookman. With time being limited she knew it was best if Orion, Marrie and Bookman came to terms as quickly as possible. Knowing she was of very little importance to the current situation and discussion as the choice to make wasn’t hers and her current relationship with Orion likely wouldn’t help convince her to decide one way or another. Her gaze turned towards Bookman. [color=ffa500]"As for you and your subscriber count, book fair or friendship party, in the remote chance that I survive, with the current terms being null and void we will need to talk once this is over…"[/color] [color=77bb99]"That can be arranged."[/color] Marrie started to get agitated. [color=00aeef]"That's not-... Ugh, whatever. Orion, if you're going to take a deal, please make sure part of it is getting a real explanation. I don't think any of us will get one otherwise."[/color] [color=MediumSpringGreen]"I’m beginning to see that…"[/color] Ashley replied with a tired sigh, before turning to glare at Himiko. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"If this is just a shared dream, then I don’t see how simply waking up will erase us from existence,"[/color] the Knight of Tomorrow told the annoying young woman in an icy tone. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"And I don’t see how gaining possession of my grimoire will give Doctor Webber god-like control of this world, either."[/color] Turning back to Bookman, she continued, [color=MediumSpringGreen]"That story of yours sounded awful nice, but I’m not quite so naive as to believe there isn’t more to it than that. If I’m going to sign this contract, I also want you to tell me [i]exactly[/i] what makes this particular ‘dream’ so important, and why Doctor Webber winning today will effect it so negatively."[/color] Bookman tipped his head the other way for a moment, then righted it again. [color=77bb99]"Ah, I see where the confusion is."[/color] He squared his shoulders. [color=77bb99]"I do not know the exact answer. It was the right place at the right time for a lot of us. I simply wish to live in luxury and expand my connections, and it was easiest to do that with the Hand. I couldn’t tell you why Glex picked this city in particular to found the Hand. It does appear to be the epicenter of mana creation. But that doesn’t explain why Oros the Mad decided to come to this particular city in this particular dream. Or why she thought it would be a good idea to try and awaken a dreamer, or even how she knew Doctor Webber was a dreamer to begin with. As for Sharr’s plans, I must confess that I do not know what they entail. She had been working with Oros the Mad up until now which makes her our enemy, as Glex has made her hatred for Oros the Mad rather plain. I’m only reaching out to you because we are both interested in you keeping your grimoire, or at least keeping it away from Doctor Webber. You do not trust her, she is trying to force you to do something you don’t want to do, I am offering to help you. If you want to know why this dream is so important, then you need to ask Oros the Mad. She’s the one who started all of this."[/color] [color=MediumSpringGreen]"All right,"[/color] Ashley replied, figuring that was probably the best answer she was going to get. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"I’ll work with you to keep Doctor Webber from acquiring my grimoire, but that’s it. Though I have to ask, with you and your associate in such a weakened state, what aid are you capable of offering?"[/color] the Knight of Tomorrow inquired. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"Aside from the grimoire’s power going to you if it ever leaves my possession,"[/color] she clarified. [color=ffa500]"Didn’t your parents ever tell you that if you keep such an ugly mean look on your face it will get stuck like that forever Orion…"[/color] Letting out a sigh as she gave a shake of her head. [color=ffa500]"Everything always comes back to Oros the Mad, her influence is everywhere and in everything, getting her to tell you anything you want to know is like pulling teeth, even if I asked as a fellow sister of Aigorost and the Oros of this world I doubt she would cooperate without an exchange of something she wants in return."[/color] Mulling her thoughts briefly as she rocked back and forth in her chair. [color=ffa500]"That is a wise question, even if I was at full power I would still be rather weak compared to everyone that is currently engaged in the final battle, I don’t think I would be able to beat a single person on my own without any help, I even question why Aigorost bothered to give me the power of Endless Eclipse."[/color] Shrugging her shoulders before turning her eyes towards Orion once more. [color=ffa500]"Even so, there is one important aspect of aid that I can provide despite this fact, first I won’t be trying to put a bullet in the back of your head and will instead cooperate, plus I will allow for the power of my Endless Eclipse to be used for your benefit, you are likely more capable of making use of the information that it gleams from Sharr then I would be able to."[/color] Marrie walked over to the desk and began to read the contract on it. [color=00aeef]"I... I don't see a lot of options other than 'changing the dream,' the way this guy said it. Even if we were full on mana, I have the feeling that Oros is going to pop back up and everything is going to get mixed up when she does. If we can... Er, if [i]you[/i], can 'change history' somehow, that might be the best way to... to try to prevent whatever the end goal is."[/color] There were tons of other options if they weren't on a time limit, but if the spell was going to end soon, then they weren't in a great position to be trying to bargain further. The least she could do was try to make sure the contract didn't have any bad loopholes or stipulations. But the language was very plain and shouldn’t ’have allowed for any foul play. Bookman allowed everyone a moment to speak before afressing Ashley. [color=77bb99]"As Oros the Greedy has insinuated, I hold many contracts. Some with espers, some with other influential people, some with far stranger entities. If you need it, I can get it."[/color] Bookman then turned to Marrie. [color=77bb99]"Changing the dream will be very much a long term goal, and I do not think it is something we can do right now. Though if it was something you were interested in doing, the sooner I know the better."[/color] Bookman stood up so that he could address everyone. [color=77bb99]"Here’s what’s going to happen. As I mentioned, this is not a physical space you are in right now. I will get a copy of the contract to Oros the Greedy, which Orion can then sign. You don’t need to be neat about it, a signature is just your scribble with whatever you want to use. Meanwhile, I will dispatch someone to break up the fighting. It will take them a moment to arrive, but once they do, it should be enough to defuse the situation. Sharr is not going to allow a contract to stop her, I imagine. She could try to kidnap you or threaten you into destroying it. Either way, you’ll need to keep it safe until you get backup. Does that sound good with everyone?"[/color] [color=MediumSpringGreen]"Not really,"[/color] Ashley replied with a frown. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"But it seems like the best option we have available, so we might as well take it."[/color] [color=77bb99]"Beggers can’t be choosers. I feel the same way."[/color] Bookman lifted his hand in the air and pressed his middle finger and thumb together. [color=77bb99]"Get ready."[/color] [i]SNAP[/i] It happened in an instant. Orion, Marrie, and Himiko were thrust back into the moment. The dart shooter was reaching for her gun, Faith pulled back the string on her bow, MDP sobbed, Sharr and Fritzi clashed, and Mika gazed around distraught while Su attempted to comfort her. A rolled up document spawned into existence, right in front of Himiko’s nose. Now she just needed a signee, some ink, and for Faith to not fill her with magical arrows. Quickly shaking off the disorientation of the world snapping back into motion, Ashley tried to both guard against any incoming attacks, while also keeping aware of the now-contract-baring Himiko’s position. Of course, even if the white-haired young woman was able to get said contract to her, she still needed a way to sign it… It took a second for Marrie to readjust, but once she did she took a quick glance around. Cerberus was still off to the side, presumably for a while to come yet, so she'd have to act alone for now. It seemed like her leg had gotten healed enough to put her weight on it, so she rushed over to the white-haired girl who Ashley was fighting, her Instrument's chain lengthening to full as she did. Once she got in range, the wind-rider stabbed her dagger into the dartgunner's side and let go, leaving it stuck in her as she continued sprinting on towards Sharr. [color=00aeef]"Cerberus, if you have any mana and ranged Melodies, Orion could use the support!"[/color] Mika, much like the other three, looked a little spooked. She swallowed and looked over towards Ashley. [b]"Mika, come on."[/b] Su begged her. [b]"You have to let this happen, if you resist too much-"[/b] But Mika had already used the last of her mana to spawn a melody behind the gunner’s back. She sunk her claws into them, but it didn’t have the same destructive effect as Ashley’s wand. The gunner’s flesh bubbled and melted around the blade, but there was no widespread damage. They were able to reach behind themselves and swing Mika into the ground like a giant club. [b]"Relax, my guy."[/b] The gun was back in their hand, but it hadn’t started firing yet. As if it was an afterthought, they looked to the blade Marrie had stabbed them with. It had been even less effective than Mika’s weapon. She grabbed a hold of the chain and gave it a yank, dragging the esper back to her. Marrie had, for once, expected the right thing. With a glance over her shoulder she saw the monster(?) grab the chain and she jumped, allowing her to close the distance faster than the puller may have expected. The blue-haired esper attempted to stab the arrow she had been holding into the dartgunner's neck. Unfortunately, the hulking gunner was massive, and pulling on Marrie’s weapon was always going to send her airborne. There was little if any surprise to be had by jumping into the air. She managed to stab the arrow in the back of the giant’s hand before it swat Marrie away. Her chain flew out of the gunner's hand as she tumbled to a stop some distance away. Additionally, the arrow did little against the gunner’s hand. If she was a monster, then it could be reasoned that drawing the mana out of the projectile for her own needs had made it less useful for harming monsters. [color=00aeef][i]God damnit![/i][/color] She'd have to somehow keep her white-haired opponent occupied while getting closer to the greedy esper. It was an inconvenient situation to snap back to, it was even worse with the contract popping right up in front of her face blocking her sight momentarily. Quickly grabbing a hold of it in the firm grip of her left hand ensuring it was secure. Losing track of it or letting it fall into enemy hands wasn’t an option, she had to find an opening to ensure Orion signed it. The pause did at least give her a slight benefit of having time to study the situation and see Faith’s attack that would soon be fired at her. There was a reason guns eventually supplanted bows as humanity's choice of raining death upon their enemies. They could be fired faster and easier and the projectiles traveled further and at a far greater velocity. Facts that Himiko was relying on, even with Faith’s weaponry having the added benefits of being an instrument of an esper there were still some things inherent to the use of a bow and arrow like the time it took to draw back the string. She brought her revolver in her right hand to bear on Faith firing off four rounds in rapid succession. Aiming for each of her hands and arms with a round each. If they succeeded in interrupting her before she let one of her arrows loose, threw off her aim or the shots found their mark and disabled either one of her hands or arms it might give her the small opening to reach Orion. Himiko’s observations weren’t wrong. She just didn’t weigh two very important points. Faith already had her bow drawn and aimed, and magic was chaotic and unpredictable. Before Himiko even raised her gun, Faith launched her arrow. It turned into twelve and sought her out. Her shoulder, her arm, her thigh, three entered her stomach. MDP called out, but Himiko couldn’t hear any words. She managed to get off a single shot before an arrow severed her trigger finger, and it hit Faith’s hip. She winced and stumbled, but didn’t fall down. Fortunately the parchment was wrapped up with the text on the inside, and the paper was too thick to get soaked through with her blood. MDP used the last of her magic healing Pounder. The man in pink armor stirred, and he charged Faith one more time while she was preparing an arrow. Ashley’s options were limited, and that was before one even got to her completely depleted mana reserves. She couldn’t risk a shot to cripple either the dart gunner or Faith for fear of also hitting The Pounder or Marrie, respectively. That just left getting the contract from Himiko. Moving toward the white-haired esper as rapidly as she was able, the Knight of Tomorrow reached out, fist first, her thumb and forefinger spread wide, while the rest of her digits continued to keep a vice-like grip on her techno-wand. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"Quick! Give me the contract!"[/color] she snapped. Grimacing, she wobbled while trying to keep herself upright, keeping the contract secure in her left hand. Himiko turned her eyes towards the wounds inflicted upon her and then towards the scroll itself as even in the immense pain caused by the internal damage and bleeding an idea came to her about how to solve the problem about a lack of ink. With the Pounder going for Faith once more, it took the heat off the wounded Himiko temporarily. Using what energy she had left to muster up she turned her head towards Orion with a grimace. [color=ffa500]"Take it and use my blood to sign it…"[/color] Himiko was able to get out through gritted teeth. Her vision blurring as her mind started to fog up, she still had one last thing to accomplish even if she couldn’t fight on herself. Lifting up her left hand she thrust the contract out towards Orion's outstretched hand as the last of her energy began to fade. [color=ffa500]"It's up to you now…"[/color] As it happened, Ashley had just come to the same epiphany mere moments before Himiko voiced it. Taking the contract, the Knight of Tomorrow swapped it to her free hand, before dipping the prongs of her techno-wand in the wounded esper’s blood and employing them to swiftly inscribe the letters [color=ffffff]"KOT"[/color] on the now unfurled parchment. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"There!"[/color] she declared. That was when a gold and black bolt rushed between Himiko and Ashley, and blasted wind in every direction. Everyone, save for Sharr and Fritzi, were blown against the walls by the attack. Mika seemed to be the only one spared, who was struggling to pick herself up. When the bolt stopped moving, it was evident it was that other reality version of Su. She was holding onto the contract, but it looked like it was burning up in her hands. Or rather, it was being teleported away with an effect that closely resembled being burned up. It glowed red at the edges, but there was no ash left behind. The attack was enough to get Sharr and Fritzi to stop fighting. [color=e3bbc6]"What happened?"[/color] Su didn’t answer, but that didn’t stop Sharr from approaching her. At which point she repeated herself. [color=e3bbc6]"What happened?"[/color] [b]"It was a contract, signed in blood. I didn’t get to read all the words, but…"[/b] Sharr turned away from Su and approached Ashley. [color=e3bbc6]"What happened?"[/color] [color=MediumSpringGreen]"I made a deal with the last remaining finger of The Hand,"[/color] Ashley replied in a flat tone, narrowing her eyes at the approaching esper as she slowly rose to her feet. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"If my grimoire ever leaves my possession, its power goes to [i]him.[/i] So I [i]strongly[/i] advise you stop trying to steal it from me."[/color] [color=e3bbc6]"Oh?"[/color] Sharr grinned. [color=e3bbc6]"But Orion, I thought I wasn’t trustworthy because I made deals with monsters. Does this make you a hypocrite?"[/color] [color=MediumSpringGreen]"I don’t think [i]you’re[/i] trustworthy because you refuse to trust [i]me[/i] to retain possession of my grimoire,"[/color] Ashley clarified in a frosty tone. It hadn’t been a very pleasant experience, but being blown back at least kept her out of the fray for the time being. Using the wall behind her to prop herself up, unable to stay standing with her own strength. Clutching at her arrow riddled stomach as she slowly brought her gaze up towards Su, Sharr and Orion. Observing the aftermath of the successful contract signing, Himiko questioned why Orion had told Sharr all of the details of the contract. However she had something else that was a more pressing concern while Sharr was occupied. With labored breaths she summoned back her Endless Eclipse as it fluttered from Mika and back towards Himiko and landed upon her outstretched shaking finger. She was pretty low on mana, but she still had enough to either heal herself or make use of her Endless Eclipse. It only took her a second to rule out healing herself, even if she did she wouldn’t be any more help then she is now. The information she might be able to get with her Endless Eclipse could prove far more vital than anything else she could contribute. With one golden eye opened she gazed upon Sharr, a flicker went through her eye as it glowed one last time. Eye Of Aigorost= -100 The little bird’s jaw unhinged and it started to make printer sounds. Slowly, a tiny rolled up piece of paper was pushed out of its mouth, which himiko still had the strength to unravel and read. [hider=Endless Eclipse stirs…] [center]Old Enough | Female? | Sharr’s Side | Something Or Another Dunno | Exquisite | Some Sort | Uhhhh What!? | That Can’t Be Right! An Other Ability | Elements | Song Reference! DAMAGE: Who | SPEED: Knows | SENTINEL: What PHYSICAL: Can’t | ARCANE: Be | CHAOS: Seen? [/center] [b]Butterfly Effect:[/b] Her weapon, it’s made of butterflies and, um, it can do butterfly things! [b]SWAG:[/b] A pretty dress that is, at the very least, resistant to my abilities to observe it. [b]Gourd:[/b] Her dress prevents me from observing other things too. [b]Little Dark Age:[/b] I’m sorry if this wasn’t worth your mana. I tried my best : C [/hider] Sharr looked at Ashley. [color=e3bbc6]"Well for your sake, I hope they didn’t sneak any extra stipulations in there."[/color] Her smile widened. [color=e3bbc6]"Goodness! What do we do now?"[/color] She looked back at Fritzi. [color=e3bbc6]"Look at what you’ve done. First Cerberus goes and accepts an artifact from Oros the Mad, Timekeeper defects, and now Orion is signing contracts with the enemy. Even I’ve not been on the straight and narrow. Some operation you run, huh?"[/color] Fritzi said nothing as Sharr turned her attention back to Orion. [color=e3bbc6]"So here’s the billion dollar question: What’s stopping me from locking the lot of you up until I’ve dealt with that meddlesome goat?"[/color] [color=MediumSpringGreen]"I honestly can’t say,"[/color] Ashley replied. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"But I have a feeling it won’t be too much longer until we find out."[/color] Marrie slowly stood up, leaning against the wall she had hit. [color=00aeef]"Because if you do, all that needs to happen is for Orion to give up her grimoire. Then he's away and has it."[/color] Not the greatest plan, but that was all she could think of through the pain. [color=e3bbc6]"Yes, Marrie, I’m aware of that."[/color] Sharr nodded. [color=e3bbc6]"I understand what gives this gambit its weight. But I’m not entirely convinced that’s something Ashley is willing to carry out. She’s spent so much time fighting monsters, witnessing what they’ve done, and now she’s just going to join them for some selfish desire to retain her grimoire? No…"[/color] All it took was a quick glance to know that there was nothing of value gained with the last use of Himiko’s ability. Letting the small roll of paper drop to the floor wordlessly as she closed her eyes. [color=ffa500]"Leave me, I have no further use for you, go to someone else that can make use of you."[/color] a whisper leaves her lips, pulling her hand back and letting the starry void bird flutter from her hand one last time. Removing her other blood covered hand from her stomach she grasped the handles of both of her revolvers and lifted them up in the palms of her hands. Tuning out the ongoing conversation as she opened her golden eyes staring down at the handles of her weapons in silence. If only she had known the misery, that glory and greed was not something worth killing for. She wished she had never touched the handles of these hair-trigger Colt.44. She had learned to make a living with her six-gun’s, she was an outlaw now, but she was a hero then. A hunted desperado, a wanted woman with a price on her head, she thought she could steal a taste of freedom. She got a hangman's noose instead. She wouldn’t have been here if it hadn’t been for providence and these hair-trigger Colt .44. She let out a small sigh at how worthless and weak she was. The dream she held was never obtainable, she was a mere peon gifted with a power she did not deserve or was capable of utilizing. If she died here and now no one would remember her, no one would care. She was out of options now, there was one last thing she could do to take matters into her own hands. To decide how the road came to an end, to disappear once and for all into the sands of time even if it ultimately amounted to nothing and Sharr was left unblemished. It was time to take a bow with one last song. But even before Himiko's request, Marrie had pulled herself together enough to move to her side. She wasn't particularly quick about it, with the pain not fading quickly enough, but she was able to watch the greedy esper's bird begin to move. Once she was in reach, she spoke to the dual-gunner. [color=00aeef]"Hey, sorry about this, but trust me it's better than the other option!"[/color] Having warned Himiko, Marrie smacked her on the back with her Instrument before placing a hand on her and casting a Melody. {Bronze Touch: Heal} -48 [color=ffa500]"You shouldn't waste your effort and energy on me, you'd be better served using it for something else."[/color] Himiko responded as her eyes shifted towards Marrie with no emotion. Her interuption having stopped her in her tracks from taking one last shot at Sharr and fading from history. It wasn't a great Melody, but if she could keep Himiko alive for long enough, she could heal her better later. She didn't think a Stabilize note was worth the unconsciousness, so this was all she could do right now otherwise. [color=00aeef]"Nobody is allowed to die today, got it?"[/color] As she stood, she dropped a bracelet in front of Oros the Greedy, her Backup equipment. [color=00aeef]"If you think you might, use that. Just don't expect to keep fighting after."[/color] All Himiko could muster up in response to her claim was a small sigh as she looked at the bracelet she had left behind. What a odd woman, but it wasn't like Himiko could judge Marrie for her lofty aspirations of preventing anyone from dying during the operation. Himiko once had her own lofty aspirations, ones that she would never see come to realization. Having said what she needed to, Marrie prepared to continue the fight, if needed. [color=e3bbc6]"It would be better to keep your grimoire out of the devil’s hands, but it’s not an insurmountable obstacle to overcome."[/color] Sharr raised her hand. [color=e3bbc6]"But if you’re just going to stall…"[/color] As Sharr’s hand surged with power, another portal opened up out of thin air. This was not a serpentine portal like the one Oros made, and was wreathed with seashells, starfish, and stone. Looking beyond the threshold of the portal was a technicolor sky looming over a beach. Though everyone’s eyes focused on the individual who stumbled through it to their side. It was an [url=https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/0199f896-e7e7-77bc-843a-c30ff6485f02.webp]orange skinned shark man[/url]. Other than his shark-like face and the small number of sea creatures riding him, he looked like a very buff dude in jean shorts. [b]"STOOOOOOOOOP!"[/b] He hollered, and threw his hands into the air. Sharr groaned. [color=e3bbc6]"Fuck, it’s him."[/color] Veronica sighed. [color=bd71e8]"Fuck, it’s him."[/color] Once he got everyone’s attention (it wasn’t hard) the shark man placed a hand on his hip. [b]"I understand that everyone here’s been through a bit of an ordeal, and I’m gunna stop it!"[/b] He pointed his finger so fast, it sounded like a whip cracking. [b]"For the foreseeable future, I’m gonna make sure you’re all nice and relaxed, and not killing each other."[/b] [color=bd71e8]"Please don’t."[/color] Veronica begged. But the shark man didn’t seem to listen, as he snapped his fingers. Suddenly, things began to change. The sky outside changed colors. It looked vibrant and light, as if it were painted. Everyone’s esper form remained, but their outfit was now some form of swimwear, and their weapons had turned into harmless beach gear. Perhaps most importantly, everyone’s wounds had healed. Though everyone would find their magic was being suppressed by something. While they were in their esper forms, and felt like their mana had been topped off, it would be impossible to conjure a single melody. [b]"For the new folks, I’m Dan Daggernose! Like the shark!"[/b] he clarified. [b]"I’m gunna be watching everyone carefully!"[/b] [color=MediumSpringGreen]"W-What the…?!"[/color] Ashley exclaimed in shocked bewilderment. Blinking a few times, her tired brain attempted to make sense of this latest bizarre development. Of all the possible forms of aid Bookman might have sent, this was undeniably the last one the Knight of Tomorrow would ever have imagined. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"U-Um, w-what did you just do?"[/color] she inquired of the shark-headed being who called himself Dan. [color=00aeef]"... What?"[/color] Marrie's brain was fried. The battle so far was bad enough on her psyche, but this was... Not helping, at the very least. Though it seemed this shark guy had similar motives to herself, and much more power to make it happen. The blue haired esper glanced down at Himiko. Her wounds had healed as well, so she crouched down and picked up her Backup bracelet. Then she turned back to the shark. [color=00aeef]"Uh... nice to meet you? Thank you for the ceasefire."[/color] Her head bowed slightly in gratitude. [color=ffa500]"So it is you….you didn’t bring your friend did you?"[/color] muttering as she straightened herself back out and pushed herself off the wall she had been using to keep herself upright now that her wounds had been healed. Showing the first bit of emotion since she had dropped the facade of Sovereign, a frown spread across her face. It wasn’t someone Himiko had expected to arrive here of all places with memories she would have preferred to forget. But at least his arrival had ended the battle, somehow Himiko had survived yet again despite everything. Glancing down at her revolvers to find they had both been transformed into squirt guns her frown only grew. Slowly walked up beside Marrie now, her frown faded from her face as her neutral expression returned. Holding up one of her squirt guns to the side of Marries head, she pulled the trigger and shot a stream of water right into Marrie's ear. [color=ffa500]"As for you, don’t waste your mana like that again."[/color] Satisfied with her little ounce of revenge she turned her attention back to Dan. [color=ffa500]"So, what is the plan? the fighting may have ceased but the matter that is being fought over is still yet to be resolved."[/color] Crossing her arms as she questioned him. [color=00aeef]"Gah, shit!"[/color] Marrie squeaked out an expletive as she felt the water enter her ear. She didn't have a chance to tell Himiko that she'd spend her mana however she wanted before the shark responded. Daggernose raised his hands. [b]"Whoa! Not everyone at once!"[/b] He said, even though it was just three people asking him questions. [b]"Not a problem, Miss! All I did was cast my forced vacation spell over this area! It makes the weather nice, and then it targets magical entities and forces them to relax. This includes altering the form of your weapons and magic."[/b] [color=e3bbc6]"In layman’s terms…"[/color] Sharr began. [color=e3bbc6]"He’s placed a special enchantment over the area designed to target magic and alter it."[/color] Fritzi looked at the red bikini she was wearing and pulled on one of the straps. She allowed it to snap back in place. [color=bd71e8]"It’s just a large-scale version of what he did the first time we met."[/color] Dan swatted Himiko’s shoulder. [b]"Get a load of this kidder here! All of you guys are my friends!"[/b] He laughed. [b]"I just turned Pax Septimus into the universe's greatest vacation spot. After a few weeks of rest and relaxation, I’d be surprised if anyone could be bitter about anything!"[/b] He sighed. [b]"But if you guys insist on being nasty to one another… I guess I’ll just have to extend my stay!"[/b] He started to walk away. [b]"I’ve got all kinds of games planned for us to really help everyone bond again, and I hope you guys will participate in all of the fun I’ve prepared for you!"[/b] Rubbing her shoulder after Daggernoses unusually strong swat, Himiko shook her head. [color=ffa500]"I do not have friends so that is already not true, as for my stake in this game, with the contract voided I have no reason to do anything else, not that I'd be able to accomplish anything even if it wasn't with how weak I am. It will be up to the others how long we stay here."[/color] Keeping her arms crossed over her black bikinied chest, she moved to a beach chair and took a seat in no real rush. She had no intention or interest in fighting at this point. Both of her reasons for being here in the first place were now irrelevant. Both the contract and her own personal goal had gone up in smoke. Her dream wasnt one she would ever achieve, her aspirations no longer mattered or existed. She had no purpose or goals, her own weakness had made sure of that. It left her at a crossroads, unsure of what to do as she struggled with her own destiny and what her place in this world was meant to be. She felt a emptiness within herself, she didn't know what her next step would be. The implications that came from Dan's explanation triggered alarm bells in Marrie's brain. [color=00aeef]"Wait... that doesn't mean we're going to be getting a lot more Visitors for the forseeable future, does it? Sure, if they're all affected and unable to fight, that might be okay, but the collateral damage alone could be bad..."[/color] Not to mention if they decided to stay, either once the pacifism wore off or if their being there forced that magic to stay around longer... Sharr let out a long, long sigh without looking at anyone. [color=e3bbc6]"I must confess, I didn’t foresee Bookman having [i]that[/i] in his back pocket. I wonder if the monsters are altered by this magic or if it’s just us espers? Dan seems to be immune to its effects."[/color] After wondering that out loud, Sharr groaned. [color=e3bbc6]"Well? If you’re going to say something you might as well say it now. You might not get the chance later."[/color] As it happened, Ashley had a lot she wanted to say, mostly questions about how much of the city was affected by the [color=ffffff]"vacation spell"[/color] and how long they’d be stuck in it. After all, she had been hoping to visit her family for Thanksgiving, something that wouldn’t exactly be possible if she were forced to remain at the illusory beach resort the city had become for several [i]weeks…[/i] Still, those questions could wait, especially since there was a far more immediate issue that needed to be resolved. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"Why is it so horrible for me to retain my grimoire?"[/color] she inquired of Sharr. [color=MediumSpringGreen]"I don’t want to be your enemy, and we could have avoided a lot of conflict if you had simply allowed me to keep it."[/color] Sharr scoffed, then chuckled at Ashley’s question. [color=e3bbc6]"Are you serious? Have you listened to anything that I’ve been saying?"[/color] She pointed at Dan as he hopped away. [color=e3bbc6]"Creatures like that populate the elemental chaos. This one has benevolent intentions, and you can already see the issues allowing things like that in here. The longer you hold onto your grimoire, the worse things are going to get."[/color] She shrugged her shoulders. [color=e3bbc6]"I'm not going to pretend I don’t understand you. It has its claws in you already."[/color] Sharr folded her arms behind her back and began to walk away. [color=e3bbc6]"I doubt it’s possible for you to willingly give up the thing, even if you wanted to."[/color] She turned around when she got to the threshold of the doorway. [color=e3bbc6]"But all you’ve done is delayed the inevitable. And in the meantime? Everything that's going to happen? It’s on you."[/color] ... ... ... So Ciri reached the top floor. Or at least, she thought she did. As she came to a stop, gaze darting every which way to try and take in what she'd assumed to be a bloody battlefield, she– quickly realized that out of the entire damn [i]city[/i] that had gathered up here, [i]no one[/i] was fighting. Or like, wearing actual clothes. She squinted, half out of disbelief, half because the sun outside was suddenly unbearably bright. Was that the sound of waves? Was that a SHARK. She glanced over to Amanda and Joshua with an 'are you seeing this shit' kind of look, only to realize Amanda'd had a change of clothes at some point as well. And, looking down... so had [i]she.[/i] Even [i]It[/i] wore sunglasses (It didn't need sunglasses). Ciri snatched Joshua's towel to cover herself, whirled around to face Blue and the Knight of Bikini, and practically [i]screamed:[/i] [color=#7e4393]"Would[i] someone [/i]explain what the fuck is going on?!"[/color] … … … The image of the Golden Trove was projected inside a crystal ball, mounted on a pillar. Surrounding it was the Iron Duke, his ‘harem,’ and Oros the Mad. [color=ff6347]"So you see, etting out of there was necessary to not get trapped in there. That, and I doubt anyone wants to see you in swimming trunks."[/color] Oros said with a grin. [b]"I-I wouldn’t mind!"[/b] Mary chirped. [color=dimgray]"As if one 'benevolent' sea creature wasn't enough."[/color] Finn, now without his mask, sighed at the sight. Sure, it also meant the worst offenders had no advantage anymore but how long until the overlap starts fraying at the edges? He glanced back up at Oros with a hum. [color=dimgray]"Perhaps I [i]should[/i] thank you, for this one. But I still don't understand why you helped something who tried to kill you?"[/color] [color=ff6347]"Come on, Penny Junior!"[/color] She waved her hand dismissively. [color=ff6347]"There's no reason to hold grudges over such trivial things. I mean I'd have killed you earlier, so we can just call us even Steven's for now. I think the more important question is what are you going to do?"[/color] She placed her hands on her hips. [color=ff6347]"You did it, you're outside that reality just like you wanted to be. Free to do whatever your twisted, confused little heart desires. Or, whatever you have now."[/color] Betty sighed. [b]"And us?"[/b] Oros chuckled. [color=ff6347]"We'll figure something out. Old Daggernose can't keep the barrier up forever."[/color] Finn blinked. He was free. Mission accomplished, now he could finally- The machine furrowed his brows as something crossed his mind. [color=dimgray]"Wait, where even are we?"[/color] [color=ff6347]"I call it world zero. It's what's left of my home world. There's no more humans, so no mana for the monsters to eat."[/color] Oros grinned. [color=ff6347]"You pretend to know quite a bit about me, so I figured you already knew."[/color] That's what he was worried about. His eyes widened, sharply looking around. [color=Dimgray]"And don't tell me, [i]its[/i] here too?"[/color] [color=ff6347]"Nah."[/color] Her grin got wider. [color=ff6347]"Aigorost is everywhere."[/color] The Iron Duke's expression turned grim. He took a sharp breath in through his nose, and slowly looked back at Oros. [color=dimgray]"Why am I not surprised. Try to escape, only to end up in the belly of the beast itself."[/color] He casted an arm out to their surroundings. [color=dimgray]"Even now you refuse to let me go, do you, Aigorost?! Well, here I am now, your ever-faithful jester!"[/color] Finn shouted out to the bane of his existence, deflating with a groan. [color=dimgray]"... So? What more do I need to [i]'remember'[/i]?"[/color] [color=ff6347]"What do you need to remember?"[/color] Oros chuckled. [color=ff6347]"Well… You could start by remembering that the next exciting chapter in the Esperverse is going to be Symphony of Madness! Dive head first into the madness as you complete the Symphony Saga! Free Pax Septimus for good or doom everyone over the course of a decade as your espers scramble to hold it all together. Now that the horrors are here, you’ll need to use everything in your arsenal! You’ll need to forge alliances, interact with kooky non-patron champions, and maybe visit China! THATS RIGHT! You might actually need to leave Pax Septimus to make things work out okay! It’s going to feature a whole slew of upgrades, such as a reworked melody system that you won’t need a cost calculator to use! The ability to serve eldritch horrors that grants RP altering boons, and get completely out from under the free time system!"[/color] [b]"W-why would anyone want to serve a horror!?"[/b] Betty took a step back. [color=ff6347]"Because they let you do cool things like play multiple patron champions, be stronger than everyone else, or become the founder of your own faction."[/color] She pointed at the Iron Duke. [color=ff6347]"But it’s going to need to bake a little longer in the oven, so expect it to be released around… April."[/color] [color=dimgray]"Stuck in Nowhere, Middle of until April. Fun. What the hell are we going to do in the meantime???"[/color] [color=ff6347]"...You know I'm not keeping you here, right?"[/color] Oros shrugged. [color=ff6347]"Anyway, I’ll get to more of that remembering stuff when we get back in the next Are-Pee… Maybe."[/color] [i]See you later, espers…[/i]