Libra's Lament, a Magical Girl Quest [Complete]

[LightLan]

Jessica ran, but did not dare using her full speed; something kept nagging at the back of her head, a quiet voice asking why she was running; this girl, Strength, she wanted to be friends. One foot pushed down into another trench so she rolled out of it with her remaining momentum, carefully considering another salvo. The first one was basically meaningless, though a moment of focus would be enough to end this.

But... she did not want to end this. Adrenaline pumped through her veins like never before, a heart used to battle beating with newfound intensity. She had fought often since awakening, but never someone like her. Bandits, guards, travelers, so many... and she left alone any that did not mean harm. This one... this one also meant no harm, ultimately.

For some perverse reason, Jessica found herself starting to enjoy this battle against an opponent who could murder her with a casual flick of her wrist. The excitement of the next second, predicting and reacting to Strength's attacks... it was elating.

This tangent cost her, as yet another shockwave impacted the ground and made her stumble to the ground; while falling, Jessica saw how far Strength fell behind by now. She almost shook her off and still, somehow, she felt dread at looking upon how those hands moved.

Click to shrink...

And Gaia is ofc meddling.

 

[Naron]

And Gaia is ofc meddling.

Click to shrink...

Why would Gaia be meddling there? She had nothing to do with this.

 

[LightLan]

Why would Gaia be meddling there? She had nothing to do with this.

Click to shrink...

hm, I thought she influenced Azure's thoughts a little to be slightly less antagonistic and more likely to surrender/accept the friendship in the end.

While Gaia can't force someone to do something they are wholly against, she can nudge people who are on the edge of a decision.
She also has a vested interest in not having this battle escalate or Strength dieing.

Not giving it her all would be stupid after she has almost helped cause extinction.

 

[Naron]

hm, I thought she influenced Azure's thoughts a little to be slightly less antagonistic and more likely to surrender/accept the friendship in the end.

While Gaia can't force someone to do something they are wholly against, she can nudge people who are on the edge of a decision.
She also has a vested interest in not having this battle escalate or Strength dieing.

Not giving it her all would be stupid after she has almost helped cause extinction.

Click to shrink...

You know, you should let the characters have their own moments instead of immediately saying "it must have been Gaia pulling strings".

That aside, Gaia knew she would not be needed.
Did you think she was not watching with the Divine Being-equivalent of Popcorn in her metaphorical fingers?

 

[justinkal]

True Glory of Blue
Multiply your Base Damage with this Spell's Level
Level: 5
Base Damage: N/A
Magic Modifier: N/A
Affinities: Will
Ability: Single Turn Effect | Boost-Self | 5-Turn Cooldown

Click to shrink...

I feel like this would be cleaner if formated with Boost by Level instead of Boost-Self.

Rainmaker
Level 8
Attacks per Turn: 3
Affinities: Will
Ability: Danmaku | Punch Through

Click to shrink...

You forgot the hyphen in "Punch-Through".

 

[Naron]

I feel like this would be cleaner if formated with Boost by Level instead of Boost-Self.

You forgot the hyphen in "Punch-Through".

Click to shrink...

Fixed, thank you.
That aside, Boost-Self is absolutely necessary because she can not cast it on someone else; I added the other one in, though.

 

[justinkal]

Fixed, thank you.
That aside, Boost-Self is absolutely necessary because she can not cast it on someone else; I added the other one in, though.

Click to shrink...

I kinda assumed that Boost by Level overwrites the standard Boost ability, with targeting restrictions left to the description.

But double checking Grey Champion, she has both Boost-All and Boost by Modifier.

 

[NegativeJ]

You know, you should let the characters have their own moments instead of immediately saying "it must have been Gaia pulling strings".

That aside, Gaia knew she would not be needed.
Did you think she was not watching with the Divine Being-equivalent of Popcorn in her metaphorical fingers?

Click to shrink...

Was that popcorn or was that A SHIPPING CHART!

 

[Naron]

Was that popcorn or was that A SHIPPING CHART!

Click to shrink...

It was popcorn.

 

[Naron]

Spoiler: Winning Vote

[X] Go on a 'date' with Ming

"You girls really are sweet," Ming offers absentmindedly; her focus is on your hair and Rico's hair and Ana's hair, with three of her braiding while the other two groom Ludger. You giggle a little while working through one Ming's hair, too; she looks a lot like Strength when untransformed, in general that is. Asian.

"You totally are", "Yup", and other confirmations are given while Eva finishes another braid; it is a nice atmosphere here, a little bit outside the city. Cloudy sky offers mild temperatures and a gentle breeze kisses your skin once in a while. When Ming first told you she wanted to spend a day with all of you, you were confused why she might want that or what reason there was for it. Now you realise she was just looking for an excuse to take a day off and relax, or at least guess that this is her reasoning.

You have a picnick basket, a tablecloth, some sweet-smelling flowers, and no less than ten girls sitting around talking; not so much of the latter right now, though. All Mings are focussed on their tasks and you already said everything Eva and Rico could be told in public.

Thinking of Rico, she is incredibly thrilled about this for some reason... scratch that, you just realised she thinks this is a date or something. Your older self almost hums as she asks a question: "Say, I've been wondering. You have been here for a few years, so... how do you not get sunburned, or at least tanned?"

You risk a few gazes in Ming's direction to check, noticing how Ana does the same and finding that Rico is right; Ming is not tanned or anything. Not particularly pale from sitting indoors all day, but her skin is still a creamy white. Which it should not be with the sun being this merciless here.

For some reason however, the question leads to a collective chuckle before two Ming's start talking at once, "That's-" "Actually-", before the second one stops and lets the first speak: "It's a neat little thing that only needs a bit of care. See, I usually go out transformed, but I always keep the same me back here in the temple for administration. Then, when another comes back, I merge that one into the me here before making a new one." "Which means," another takes over as she pauses for air, "that most of the exposure I get to sunlight vanishes. Some stays behind from merging together, but that just makes my skin look healthy instead of pale like a ghost. I'm not detransforming all that often, anyway."

You listen intently while wondering how it must feel like once again. Ming can create up to four more instances of herself as a person, but they are not linked together. "So does that get rid of sunburns and stuff, too?," Rico interrupts your thoughts rather quickly. Her curiousity goes for near-everything magical, though; so far she asked about Ludger, about Ana, about Ming and Fate, basically everyone you have on hand. This is her first actual exposure to magic not her own with how wonky her memories are, so you can kind of understand her. Plus, she seems to have fun chatting with Ming.

You gently finish off another braid and slightly brush over your finished work; it looks a little bit sloppy, but is ultimately okay. Eva is not much behind you and all Mings are keeping up just fine, too. Ludger pants from their ministrations, happily lying flat on the ground and wagging his tail.

"I was thinking," the one braiding your hair starts after finishing, "how exactly is our alliance going to work? I know we will stay in contact, but what exactly am I to do later?"

You turn around with a slight shrug and motion for the older girl to do so, too; now it is her turn to get braided. "I'm not entirely sure, but I think what big sister wants is the knowledge that you won't backstab efforts for peace later on. I know you won't," you immediately cut off her indignant response, reducing it to a huff, "but we had to make sure. This is too important to take risks like that, no matter how small. I'm sure Bianca wants to reconnect what is left of humanity, so the people here need someone who can represent them toward the other remaining nations."

Ming hums in thought, letting you work on another tuft of ebony hair as she thinks.

You spend a whole day like this, relaxing and chatting. It is actually sad how fast it goes by.

. . .
Line Break Recognised
. . .​

Spoiler: Unbalanced Reflection

[DISBELIEF/ASSAULT/MORTALITY]
I can't believe a mortal slapped me!

[CALM/NOTHING/UNDERSTANDING]
[CURIOUSITY/POSSIBILITY]
Please calm down, Void. I know it's infuriating, but she had a good reason.
I am more interested in how she did it, though.

[AGREEMENT/CALM/LOVE]
So am I, but you should let it slide, my dear.

[UNDERSTANDING/LOVE/REALITY]
You're right, Cosmos.​

You have the distant feeling you should apologise to someone for something, but no idea who or what for. The feeling is washed away moments later and you finally crack open your eyes; one throat is sore, both of you are basked in sweat... it really is too warm here. Ana seems to take the heat a little better, or at least it does not seem to bother her all that much; she is curled up between you, breathing faintly with her nose in the pillow.

How can anyone sleep on their belly? Or, looking at Rico and Eva you wonder, why would you ever want to stop sharing a bed like this? Those two have separate beds, with Eva getting up and rubbing her eyes as you watch. Rico slumbers peacefully, though.

"Good Morning!"
""Good Morning!""

It is almost a chorus as you greet each other cheerfully, though the sleepyheads grumble in response. Ana's eyes blink open a moment later and she stretches with a light groan. "Ugh, I want my bed."

There is a collective giggle before you pat her head a few times, much to her annoyance. "Good thing we're going home today, right?"

Your sister nods quietly and crawls out of bed to get her comb, followed by you; Eva gets up but stays with Rico to wake her. You completely forgot how much of a task that used to be, good thing this is no longer a problem for you. At least... some part of you is glad about that, disregarding the fact you still need to force yourself out of bed some days. Napping is always tempting, too.

You are already halfway through washing up and making yourself presentable when your older sisters wander in, both in borrowed clothes and obviously uncaring for the fact they are halfway nude. Eva slaps herself with a few handfuls of water while Rico just grabs for the brush you hold out to her, grumbling a greeting before ignoring you and your giggles.

"Were you... uh... was Rico always like that?," Ana whispers when she thinks no one but you can hear her, to which you nod. "Whoa, I had no idea. You were always... uh... pristine at school."

That is true; you tried to keep up a good image of yourself, so you stood up early enough to not be groggy in school. Right now you shrug, though; it is ultimately not important. "Bianca always put so much effort into it, so I wanted to do it, too. Being drowsy and mopey is for when you're at home."

"Huh..."

She keeps quiet to think over that for a while, which you use to finish getting dressed and bringing out your older selves' clothes. Chi will be so confused when you visit her for their outfits, the mental image alone amuses you already. Ana just throws you a sideway glance, but keeps quiet over the surge of mirth; she is still pondering, the completion of her morning ablutions being done without much care or thought.

Two of Ming are already waiting for you in front of the temple after breakfast; they wear matching smiles and offer kind greetings, though one of them looks a little more tense. "It is good to have you here now; are your preparations complete?"

You pause for a moment, going back through what you did the previous evening.
Packed our bags, check. Fed Ludger, check. Walked Ludger, check. Called Bianca, check. Said goodbye... uh...

You blink as your ears begin to heat up. You packed up and called ahead, but completely forgot to say goodbye to Heaven and Fate. "More or less, yes. I, uh..." "Forgot to talk to us?," an amused voice cuts in. You turn around with growing embarassment but also relief, taking in the resident Magical Girls... and one more.

Spoiler: Magical Girl ???

She feels odd to look at, slightly off in a familiar way. You can not put your finger on what is wrong, though. If Strength's wardrobe is anything to go by, this girl's clothes are asian; her face is completely pristine and unblemished, much unlike you who is hiding a mosquito-bite under her hair.

After taking in her initial appearance, you quickly shake off the bewilderment and greet the older girls with a happy slash embarassed wave. "Yes, pretty much." "Hey there."

Heaven's expression does not change in the slightest, though. "Not that it matters, we were out of dodge to coordinate with the other realms. Which brings us to her," she notes with a gesture to the new girl. "Fairy Knight is the only Magical Girl in her place and thus can't send an envoy, but Stygian Sovereign insisted on sending one of her girls for her grace's entourage."

As if on cue, the new girl introduces herself with a too-fluid bow. "A pleasure to meet you, I am Chitin Star."

You blink in response while she goes on to show a deeper bow to Ming, who seems faintly amused by the whole thing. You in turn are confused, mostly because you have no idea what your friend needs an entourage for. Meanwhile Heaven grows pale, with her eyes glued to Rico... who blows her a kiss once she notices, though it does not prompt a reaction. At least that gives you some time to make sense of what is going on, though Chitin Star already gave you a big hint for what is with her, namely her name.

"Wait, you mean you're coming with us?", Ana interrupts the chatter with curiousity surging through the link; you finally understand as well and throw Ming a hopeful look. She is a nice girl and you would like to have her around some more.

Her response makes you beam collectively: "I have five of me to run all of this, so I can spare one body to come along and see things for myself."

""Yay!""
Throwing professionalism out the window, you squeal and tacklehug her. ""That's great!""

Styx' girl is indignant somewhere behind you, but the girl you are hugging only squeezes back and slowly floats upward to get out of the dirt. "I am looking forward to meeting all the people you told me about."

"Same here," Rico chimes in before her hands gently pull you off the older girl. Ana's sight shows that Heaven went over to gaping at Eva by now, though your sister is already next to her; once she snaps out of her stupor, Ana will ask her not to tell anyone what she saw.

Now you have to deal with Chitin Star, though. She still looks a little indignant, but mellowed out once she realised Ming is not angry. You offer her another smile and hold out a hand to shake. "Nice to meet you, miss. Do you have any problems with spiders?"

She stops dead in the middle of grasping your hand, eyes focussed on you with yet unseen intensity. "W-What do you mean?," she asks, though her words betray that she knows exactly what you mean. Ming notices the shift as well and so does Fate, but you quickly distract them with your response: "Our seamstress back at home is Magical Girl Chitin Dancer, so you're probably sharing a theme. She's got tons of spiders running around everywhere and I'm sure she will want to meet you if you come, so-"

You continue chattering a little bit about the spiders while suppressing a shudder at the topic, noting how the other girl relaxes. She understood the message, that you have an idea what is going on with her; everyone else seems to have bought your distraction and does not seem to mind your conversation. Star shakes your hand in the end, a sense of interest notable in her gaze. "I'm fine with spiders as long as they don't try to eat my own crawlies... and I'm kind of curious what this girl is like."

"You will like her, I promise."

After that, you hug Fate goodbye and shake hands with Heaven, hoping to see them again in the future. If this journey taught you anything, it is that this world is a big place and nothing is for certain.

And then the atmosphere changes when, instead of the Autumn you expected, Bianca arrives right above the shrine. Her presence only presses down on everyone for a moment, but you can see them all go stiff and stare in fright at your big sister, whose gaze carefully wanders over everyone gathered. The only one unpertubed is Ming, who gently rises upward to meet her. "I take it you will be transporting us? Thank you for your hard work, I appreciate it."

She fearlessly holds out a hand, acting as if the fearsome presence was not there in the first place. Bianca is your beloved big sister and even you can not shake the fear entirely, which makes you wonder how she does it.

"Do not mention it," she finally responds with a gruff voice while shaking the offered hand. "I brought them all here, I am bringing them back. Now..."

She pauses when her gaze drops from Ming and to you below, staying fixed on Eva and Rico who are still frozen in place at her sight. Fate started to hide behind your backs by now, but even she is watching as Bianca lowers herself to the ground and gently puts down her waraxe. Her eyes never leave your older selves, so you quietly interject and reluctantly tap her armoured shoulder; fearsome red orbs snap to you, making it oh so tempting to flinch away. But you know what that kind of reaction would do to your sister, so you crush all instincts and pull up a little so you can whisper into her ear: "Long story short, uh... we kind of crashed reality and kept those two from vanishing again. They are exactly what they look like."

Your sister's eyes narrow for a moment, the image more terrifying than it ever was in her normal form. Then she relaxes her features and ruffles your own blue hair. "I see; we will talk about it later. Everyone to me."

There is some hesitation with Chitin Star and your older selves, but ultimately everyone gathers around Bianca. The Ming coming with waves at the one staying behind and then you are gone, moving as fast as Bianca can possibly speak the words.

Whether it was the rapid transit or something else, you feel the familiar heaviness settling in your bones. Colours become dull and tiredness overcomes your mind; Bianca's eyes are on you immediately, for some reason you suspect she knows what is happening. Not that you could stop it even if you knew.

---

Operation Godspeed - Mission Report

People Dead: 0
Magical Girls Dead: 0

Magical Girl Forsaken God: Allied
Magical Girl Fairy Knight: Allied
Magical Girl Stygian Sovereign: Allied


Magical Girl Primordial Sun: Unscathed
Magical Girl Primordial Moon: Unscathed
Magical Girl World Eater: Unscathed
Ludger: Unscathed

Magical Girl Benign Rogue: Alive and real
Magical Girl Benign Guardian: Alive and real​

​

"Do you see it now, Gaia? Conflict is our nature because of you. Conflict has brought us as far as it has. But conflict also now brought us to the brink of annihilation, your plan of thousands of years compromised by a handful of bad decisions. How did you not see it ahead of time despite your omniscience to everything on your surface?

Take it as a lesson, yes? Conflict is a wonderful tool for you if applied properly, but taking too many risks with it can burn everything.
...
No matter. We have a lot of work to do piecing this mess back together."

-Magical Girl Primeval Earth​

Mission Rating: Outstanding

=====​

"Pris? What's -|- on?"
"She can't respond right now, show me to her room."
"Is it -|- -|- again?"
"I will explain later."


+4xp A Relaxing Day
+10xp Met Chitin Star
+500xp Completed Operation Godspeed

EXP gained: 514 + 514 + 514 = 1,542

Total EXP: 3,874

Is this ever going to stop feeling so weird? You can feel yourself being carried.
​

=====​

​

(Unlocked Level 1 Character Sheet: Magical Girl Chitin Star)

"Here, lie down and rest."
You do as told, the voice and your remaining vision vanishing before you even hit the ground pillow.

. . .
?
. . .
.....


.....


The reflection gains balance​

 

[Naron]

War and Peace.
Light and Darkness.
Life and Death.
Beginning and End.

Pairs of two; opposites, yet siblings. And just a few of many such pairs.

It had always been that way.

Nonetheless, the existence of a counterpart always meant that neither could stay supreme. Or so was the idea.

There were not many occasions that warranted a direct intervention before and even less where a suiting champion could be found. But that was merely an obstacle to [BALANCE]. It had chosen before and it would choose again.

This time however, the situation was more... difficult than ever before. What the short-lived called the 'Eternal War' had been raging for far too long a time; no eternity, but long enough.

It was time for peace, be it either by crushing both sides, only one, or forcing them to put down their weapons. Yet there was none suitable to the task among the myriad of beings in the local area.

And then, [LUCK] seemed to have favoured its fellow. For while [BALANCE] still pondered who to exalt as its champion, an anomaly began to clear. A space free of magic since long before the problem appeared, dissolving. A divine entity that thrived in this realm.

A new race.

The moment [BALANCE] perceived Gaia and humans for the first time, it knew they were perfect for its plan. A weapon crafted to surpass all other beings on their stage, created by the deity that birthed it and gave it thought. Evolution of Warfare.

And once it noticed strands of [MAGIC] floating into their realm to fill the void left, so did this Concept. Humans were unusual in how they utilised their magic, only the few capable to achieve it. And even less were capable of unleashing the full strength of Gaia's weapon.

It quickly scanned for them, girls that had the qualities to reach this high a station. There were a few it might choose from, but... the most suitable it found were too young. Freshly born, too young to be exalted. But definitely an interesting hint. A pair of two sisters.

And through their blood, [BALANCE] found what it was looking for: genetically connected to the newborns was another one, with the perfect age and potential to achieve greatness. Not as suited as them, but nonetheless one that the Concept pondered before.

Thus, a thread of power weaved forth to instill itself into the girl it had chosen. Pristine white light shone as she transformed... and [BALANCE] knew that it could not give much for now, lest its machinations were discovered too early. Instead of doing so, it gave her the potential to grow faster than any other. Evolution of Warfare indeed, condensed and sped up for this one instance of a weapon that was an entire species. It had some side-effects and Gaia definitely took notice, with one of hers being bound stronger to her than any other. But this one would not speak of it.

Its task done, [BALANCE] ceased its influence and waited. It did not need to wait long.

Within but an infinitesimal amount of time, the Concept's champion had far exceeded all of her peers; she grew strong and brought not a definite end to the 'Eternal' War... but she tipped the scales far enough for it to be resolved soon. She was successful.

Unfortunately, her own race had descended into a tragic comedy of hatred in the meantime. When she returned and Gaia managed to regain control of her failed plan, the two bounded together.

Intrigued, the Concept whispered. Whispered conversation and question to Void, the progenitor that brought so many with her. Beloved of Cosmos, who came into existence for her sake, she was all that was empty, [NOTHING]. Void would know an answer to this Concept's concern, as her predictions were the most accurate.

Seeing the future had always been impossible, even for old Chronos, the guardian of [TIME]. Yet Void managed to accurately calculate future events with but a minimal margin of error. With her assistance, [BALANCE] learned of a future full of additional work. Work brought forth by the death of two.

That, as well as the fact its champion succeeded in her task, made [BALANCE] decide to set its original plan into motion anyway. As a last gesture of aid to this dimensional cluster and all around it, so that Void's prediction shall not come to pass on a miniscule detail.

The two it originally chose were still not old enough, yet [BALANCE] exalted them. One was given access to the power of the star that nourished all life on Gaia with warmth. One was given the power of the loyal body orbiting Earth and protecting it from harm. Neither had ever had thought of its own, so rerouting the dormant power within both to their new hosts was an easy task.

When the time came, those two would awaken and achieve their destiny. And in time, it knew, they would surpass even their sibling.

Ultimate equality gained from being different, the scales tipped and realigned as was favourable to regain equilibrium. That was what [BALANCE] always was.

How ironic that, in order to enforce its rule, the Concept had to break it first.

---

+250xp What May Have Been, What Will Be (Only Pris)

EXP gained: 250 + 250 + 0 = 500

Total EXP: 4,374​

 

[Naron]

.....​

.....​

.....​

The reflection lost its balance​

​

. . .
Line Break Recognised
. . .​

Things begin to make sense by the time your eyes open once again. You blink up at the ceiling before looking down, finding all four of your sisters gathered in front of your bed. They sit in a closed circle though, quietly talking to each other about what happened in Africa. So you let them finish explaining before poking Ana, whose head snaps around the moment you do. "She's awake!"

All of them turn almost as one, giving you a very weird show of three almost identical Vescovis moving in synch. Is that how you appear from the outside when you have to focus?

Bianca is with you first, leaning over the bed to check your temperature; her hand rests on your foreheads a little longer than necessary, a little hint to how worried she was. Eva and Rico hover to her left and right while Ana scurried over to the bed's other side to make sure you are alright. The sight makes you grin and the fact you have so much family now floods you with joy. It is a family of misfits by now, but you love it anyway.

""I'm okay. I hope you don't mind that I'm adopting more girls, Bianca?""

You are only half serious; it is doubtful that she would mind, but the atmosphere is a little too tense for your liking. The question makes Rico giggle and Bianca grin, though Ana just sighs and slumps forward a little bit to grab your hand and squeeze. "Could you please stop suddenly passing out like that? I was worried."

""As were we,"" Eva and Rico add with their own synchronised tone, a mixture of mirth and concern in their voices, though they still step aside to let you get up and sit. Bianca takes a seat next to you before motioning for the others to sit on the other bed opposite to you. Weird, no Julia?

"What did you dream of?"
"Huh... uh... You, I think. And a...a Concept?" "And myself? And Gaia? It was all weird and hard to explain."
"...you know," Ana interrupts thoughtfully before Bianca can say any more, "you make it sound as if you knew what's going on. Do you... big sister?"

There was a notable pause before the last part, she is still working on it. Bianca for her part throws around another measuring glance before sighing heavily. "Yes. This probably was your final dream, if it was the same I saw back in the day. Each Affinity imaginable is based on a Concept that exists beyond our understanding. If you managed to kill that Concept, whatever it embodies ceases to exist. Kill Death and nothing can die anymore, for example."

"Uh..."

"Shush," she shoos Rico, who looks faintly unhappy about it but keeps listening anyway: "Priscilla and I both have Balance-Affinities, based on one of the biggest meddlers in mortal affairs you can imagine. Most Concepts really don't care or can't even perceive something as small as us... or our solar system. Balance is different, though it mostly cares about reaffirming itself. That is why it sometimes adds itself to a being and leads them to do whatever it is supposed to do. In my case, it was to end the war rampaging through the Local Dimensional Cluster, in yours... I have no idea. There shouldn't have been any need for doing this to you."

This might have been more words in one go than you ever heard from Bianca, and they make your head hurt from trying to follow. Some you already knew, but the implications...

"I guess that makes sense," Rico allows. Eva takes over when her twin does not elaborate: "We, uh... remember that there was something at work, but not what or why. It's-" ""You would have died."" "-what?"

Eyes turn back to you, so you try your best to meet their gazes and explain: "What I saw and felt and thought... there was something about you and me. You would have died is what it saw, probably before ever getting as strong as you are now. So it turned you into me to prevent that."

There is a heavy silence after that, though you already figured something like that. All of you did ever since you found out this is not how you were originally.

"Hm... our growth is remarkable in that it starts out the slowest, but grows faster and faster. With what those two told me," Bianca explains with a motion for the twins, "they would have been strong already upon awakening. Had I not turned the UES around by that point, they would have hunted you much more vigorously than they ended up doing."

Your oldest sister sighs again and lowers her head while you quietly agree; the only reason you got out of all this alive was luck and the fact Julia ignored you for being not much of a threat at the time. Rico and Eva can not fly either, so they could not have run away as fast as you ended up doing once you met Igni... speaking of... "where is Ming?"

"We left her with Autumn to make introductions," Ana provides in an instant. The others need a moment longer to the sudden change in topic, though no one tries to go back to it; this is really not something you want to linger longer than necessary. Now all of you know and that is enough. With Ming accounted for, that left... "How late is it? And where is Julia?"

Bianca is the first to respond now, providing information with her usual stoicism back in place: "Afternoon, you missed lunch. Julia was understanding of giving the family some time in here and left; I think she said something about visiting Patricia, that is Unyielding Paladin."

"Oh, I see."
You are not particularly hungry right now, so it is fine. Your sister's dark expression tells you there is still something to talk about, though. How did you not notice the slight frown before? "What else do you need, Bianca?"

She hesitates for a long moment, fist clenching and relaxing a few times before she speaks; everyone else keeps to the side for now and her eyes are on you alone. "You can revive the dead?"

"...yes. But I need a part of the person and a full week to recharge and can't use any spells during that time."
"I see."

She stays contemplative and you can tell she does not like the topic at all. Just like you thought, this is a difficult and problematic thing. Rico interjects herself into the conversation here, leaning over your shoulder from behind to look at your sister. "Is this the spiel about never telling anyone they, uh, she can do that?"

"Yes and no. I think we all know the reasons for keeping this particular capability to ourselves. No, rather... I have something selfish to ask of you, Pris."

Those words make you perk up in realisation. Bianca needs you for something right now, which she can not do herself. It makes some sense to be reluctant to ask, but you love her and will never hesitate if she asks for something. "Who do you want revived?"

Whether she expected you to be that straight-forward or not, Bianca smiles with a weak "Heh" before gently taking one of your hands. "Thank you. I will need some time to get the remains, you just need to be available once your week is up."

""'Kay.""

You do not want to ask who it is again, seeing that she did not tell you the first time. No one else asks, either. Bianca probably knows you know, but it is better not to be addressed.

You talk a little longer, but your oldest sister soon has to leave and get back to work. She leaves the city from within your room.

Then Ana shoos Eva and Rico out of the room to get to Chi's place for clothes, leaving you by yourself and wondering what to do.

---

An afternoon and evening to spend, what to do? Choose two:

[] Go find Julia and do something with her

[] Visit Flower's 'Kaiju-pen' and say hello to her beasties

[] Soul and Truth have to be somewhere and you are back, time to track them down

[] Spend some time with Judge and whatever she ended up doing

[] Iron, Mirror, and Igni ought to be around here, it would be nice to tell them Fate is well


[] EXP-Plan
-[] Write-in what to buy
-[] Save it

=====​

+5xp Stories of Balance

EXP gained: 5 + 5 + 5 = 15

Total EXP: 4,389​

 

[Naron]

Now that you saw its perspective properly, have a sheet.

BALANCE

When Cosmos came into existence for Void, she became a counterweight to the vast emptiness of all that is. [BALANCE] was born alongside so many others as a side effect of her love, the beginning of all Existence.

It was not first, but it shall be last to pass when all returns to being [ ].​

Stats

Health: 111,111,000,000,111,111
Base Damage: Enemy Base Damage + Enemy Magic Modifier
Base Resilience: N/A
Magic Modifier: N/A



Affinity: Infinity | Curiousity | Responsibility | Harmony | Analysis | Change | Manipulation | Chaos | Order | Courage | Will | Nurture | Divinity

Weapon

Libra
Level N/A
Attacks Per Turn: 1
Affinity: Change | Manipulation | Harmony
Ability: Scale To Target | Auto-Counter

Spells

Scale Overturn
Level 5,555
Base Damage: N/A
Magic Modifier: N/A
Affinity: Analysis | Manipulation | Chaos | Change
Ability: Ability Negation

Ability

Abstract Vision
-[BALANCE] can perceive existence by accessing any other existing entity's senses without their notice and without negative consequences.

Reversed Offset
-Whenever an attack hits [BALANCE], the attacker receives the same Final End Damage and all additional effects.

Harmony
-[BALANCE] can interact with any and all beings amicably, capable of instantly changing its behaviour and attitude to be to their liking even without having any knowledge about them.

Tip The Scale
-[BALANCE] is capable of affecting and manipulating lesser beings efficiently and accurately down to and including the mortal level.

Grand Equilibrium
-[BALANCE] cannot be harmed unless the attack is capable of enforcing Permanent Conceptual Change onto Reality itself.

Unbalance Existence
-[BALANCE] is capable of enforcing Permanent Conceptual Change upon Reality.

 

[MilitaryAaa]

Whether she expected you to be that straight-forward or not, Bianca smiles with a weak "Heh" before gently taking one of your hands. "Thank you. I will need some time to get the remains, you just need to be available once your week is up."

Click to shrink...

I hope this is about Yggdrasil.

[X] Iron, Mirror, and Igni ought to be around here, it would be nice to tell them Fate is well

 

[Naron]

I hope this is about Yggdrasil.

[X] Iron, Mirror, and Igni ought to be around here, it would be nice to tell them Fate is well

Click to shrink...

No comment.

Though you did notice you have two actions, yes?

 

[LightLan]

I hope this is about Yggdrasil.

Click to shrink...

It might also be about the two dead trinitys.

 

[justinkal]

You have a picknick basket

Click to shrink...

picnic

Ming hums in thought, letting you work on another shock of ebony hair as she thinks.

Click to shrink...

Did you mean "lock"?

Mission Rating: Outstanding

Click to shrink...

Only an Outstanding? I expected this one to be off the scale!

{TIME}.

Click to shrink...

Wrong type of brackets.

Harmony
-[BALANCE] can interact with any and all beings amicably, capable of instantly changing its behaviour and attitude to be to their liking even without having any knowledge about them.

Click to shrink...

Dare I ask what happens if [BALANCE] attempts to interact with [ ]? If you could describe what [ ] likes, it probably wouldn't be [ ] anymore.

 

[Naron]

Did you mean "lock"?

Wrong type of brackets.

Dare I ask what happens if [BALANCE] attempts to interact with [ ]?

Click to shrink...

I read that "shock" can be used to describe the hair in general.

Additionally, I can not put TIME into [] without SV turning it into a tag. (Edit: Fixed now, was told about a way to do it)

As for [ ]... [BALANCE] does not interact with [ ].

Anyway, fixed. Thank you.

 

[justinkal]

Additionally, I can not put TIME into [] without SV turning it into a tag.

Click to shrink...

[TIME]


The PLAIN BB Code tag exists.

 

[Faraway-R]

[X] Go find Julia and do something with her
[X] Spend some time with Judge and whatever she ended up doing

[X] Save EXP

Personally (Naron: equally no comment) I believe the most likely targets for resurrection to be the Transcendent Trinity members.
Rico'd (or is it Winter'd?) by LightLan.

...But really, is it Rico'd or Winter'd? Winter's Dream is a true assassin, with stealth build and all. But Rico is visibly a kunoichi, a type of ninja...

 

[Dragou]

But it is obvious that Naron belongs to the [Evil] Affinity. Just look how he gives us 5 very interesting options and we can only pick 2.

 

[Naron]

Rico'd (or is it Winter'd?) by LightLan.

...But really, is it Rico'd or Winter'd? Winter's Dream is a true assassin, with stealth build and all. But Rico is visibly a kunoichi, a type of ninja...

Click to shrink...

Winter is an assassin, but Rico is a ninja. So it would be "Rico'd"

Besides, Stealth alone does not make a proper assassin.

But it is obvious that Naron belongs to the [Evil] Affinity. Just look how he gives us 5 very interesting options and we can only pick 2.

Click to shrink...

 

[kinigget]

[X] Iron, Mirror, and Igni ought to be around here, it would be nice to tell them Fate is well

[X] Go find Julia and do something with her

 

[Mellithae]

[x] Go find Julia and do something with her
[x] Soul and Truth have to be somewhere and you are back, time to track them down

I want to watch truth meet the benigns. And us again, for that matter.

 

[ReaperofInterest]

[X] Visit Flower's 'Kaiju-pen' and say hello to her beasties

[X] Spend some time with Judge and whatever she ended up doing

I don't really care too much about the actions, but I would like to get some XP spending out of the way so we can practice with our strengthened stuff.

[X] EXP Plan Upgrade
-[X] Upgrade Sunlight Scepter to level 20 (850)
-[X] Upgrade Scorching Sunlight to level 15 (140)
-[X] Upgrade Soothing Moonlight to level 15 (270)
-[X] Upgrade Baleful Eclipse to level 15 (270)
Total XP Spent: 1530
Total XP Remaining: 2859

We should have a nice XP reserve for any future purchases, while also having some decent upgrades. For example, we'll get Sun another Attack Per Turn, while also upgrading her Solar Wind to level 3. Soothing Moonlight will be able to heal for 132,642 Health per thread, so once we regain the ability to stack multiple threads on someone we ought to be capable of healing almost anyone to full health in a short amount of time. In addition, if Moon's Omnicaster is like Sun's in how it functions, then Moon's Omnicaster will start at level 3. As for Baleful Eclipse, getting that to level 15 will finish off the requirements for Reflected Godlight, while also snagging whatever level 15 bonus Baleful Eclipse gets.