[X] This is a trap. It is definitely a trap
-[X] Run the following plan by your friends and only do it if they agree; it is somewhat risky
--[X] Instead of trying to defuse it, you want to spring it and have the Witch run into a counter-trap
--[X] Ask Kishi and Mariko if they have anything that can be placed on the ground and activated later (mines, bear traps, etc.)
--[X] Have Kishi dig in and prepare herself as well as she can
---[X] She should have the Howitzer ready at least
--[X] Mariko should keep an eye on the area behind Kishi, just in case something sneaks up on you
---[X] Otherwise, she should be ready to put up a barrier in front of you
--[X] You will stand at the front and prepare to use a 30 Force Bubble at a moment's notice
--[X] Once preparations are complete, you cut off the mobile with a 10 Energy Slash, then put another 10 Energy Slash into the music box; chain those together
'...Trap?' you suggest.
'Trap?' Mariko asks.
'T-trap,' Kishi says.
'Trap!' you determine with an assured nod and an accompanied grin to your friends. The witch isn't even particularly subtle about it, really. A part of you wonders if this is just a front for the actual trap you've yet to detect. But that's only a small part. The rest is busy coming up with a plan to deal with it.
'Say, guys, I think I may have an idea?' you slowly begin, throwing your gaze between your friends.
'It's a risky one, I think, but it would make this so much easier, should it succeed.'
'R-risky?' Kishi asks you, sounding somewhat worried.
'Wh-what are you planning, Tamiko?'
'We spring the trap!' you announce brightly, as if it was the most obvious thing.
'And then use that to lure the witch into a counter-trap of our own.'
'...I'm listening,' Mariko allows after a moment of incredulousness, followed by Kishi nodding to you.
'Alright! First of all, do you have anything we can put on the ground? Mines, bear traps, anything that can be activated later?'
'Not really, nothing that would hurt at least,' Mariko says, turning her gaze towards Kishi, who fidgets a little under the attention.
'N-no, I don't have anything,' she explains, sounding apologetic about it.
'I-I've found it easier to just attack myself… S-sorry.'
You shrug your shoulders.
'It's okay, the plan wasn't really dependant on that,' you explain.
'But what is more important, is that I'd like you to prepare your position. Maximum firepower out, Kishi! At least the howitzer! Mariko, watch Kishi's back and be ready to summon barriers.'
'A-and what will you do?' Kishi asks. She seems like she's already expecting to hear something from you she'd prefer not to.
'I will be the trap,' you explain.
'I will get closer to the witch once you're ready, and slash at the mobile and the music box. The witch will probably do something then, and I will keep a Force Bubble ready for that, while you shoot at it with everything you've got. Be ready to put up some barriers, though, Mariko, you never know what will come.'
'That should work,' Mariko notes, twirling her mace as she thinks.
'Or at least I can't think of anything better. Shall we get to work?'
Kishi nods with visible reluctance, willing to go with the plan despite not appearing to like it too much.
With that, you begin to set up. It doesn't take too long, but in a dangerous environment like this you have to keep an eye out for dangers as you prepare. Kishi has set up her howitzer atop a sturdy-looking toy carousel a few dozen meters away from the clearing, with Mariko right next to her.
You're situated before the clearing. Time to go. You take in a deep breath, and grasp your sword.
Energy flows into the sabre, and you draw it, sending the first part of the energy slash towards the music box. Then, without a second's delay, you bring it to the opposite direction to unleash the second slash in the chain.
Your attacks hit.
The music box explodes into splinters of decaying wood, paint and shards of metal, the discordant melody pulling to an abrupt halt. The mobile falls down on the bed, from where it bounces on the cluttered floor.
For a moment, all is silent, sans the flickering of the projectors. The shadows have stopped their dance across the room.
Then a piercing shriek starts echoing through the room, increasing in volume as it goes on. From the shaking bed arises an enormous, skeletal arm that flails in the air, helpless. The shadows bring into action, dancing frantically around and on it.
[Kishi attacks: 76 vs 11]
The crib explodes into an inferno of fire and debris as Kishi shoots her howitzer. The attack is a direct hit that leaves little in its wake.
Once the dust settles, on the floor lies a half of a deformed human skeleton. Only the vaguely beast-like skull, together with the upper parts of the ribcage and inhumanely long right arm are left and intact, and it looks at you with its empty eye socket. It's itching and its bones rattle weakly. It vails and cries, a shriek that pierces your ears.
Your stomach wells and a shiver runs down your spine at the way those sound like the cries of a human baby.
Below it, the remains of the floor and the crib start sinking into the shadows like those of the shapes around you, but without discernible shape. Just darkness that you cannot see through, like a black hole in the ground that pulsates and shakes.
[Counter-attack: 39 vs 126]
The skeleton moves, picking up a long piece of wood left from the mobile, and throws it at you. You have unleashed your force bubble before the improvised javelin is even half-way towards you, and the shield throws the projectile off course without any difficulty. You don't even need to move from where you're standing
The barrier around you seems to start diminish and fade... This one doesn't seem to have been made of tough stuff.
Tamiko Shield Charge: 30/100
What do you do?
[] Finish that creepy, giant, skeleton baby!
[] Hug the creepy, giant, skeleton baby!
[] Write-in.
===
Well, ambush successful?
. Besides, for what it's worth, as far as Superpower Lotteries go Mariko hit the jackpot.
