Adhoc vote count started by Naron on Sep 5, 2019 at 8:18 AM, finished with 37 posts and 10 votes.
[X] plan I didn't see that
-[X] act as if you are under the same effect as everybody else
--[X] Hide reapers will in off mode
-[X] If it falls for the act
--[X] try to 'just happen' to be close to it
--[X] Surprise it by stabbing it
--[X] Get as many hits in as possible in the shortest amount of time.
-[X] If the nightmare it does not fall for the act
--[X] Scream to Mayas sweetheart that he should get Maya to figure it out
--[X] Cast Argent Star whenever it tries to approach another opponent
--[X] Try to cut of body-parts to see if the effect lingers on things unattached.
--[X] Switch weapons where appropriate
[X] We are going to die, aren't we?
-[X] Bring out Stardust Striker.
-[X] Tell to Mayas sweetheart that he needs to raise the alarm and run towards the Darkstars.
-[X] Cast Argent Star (If my guess is correct then this will be negated.)
-[X] Try to break its defenses
-[X] Try to give pointers to the rest of where the ??? is
-[X] Intercept attacks for demons trying to pile on it
[X] Are we going to die?
-[X] Try Stab it with reapers will,
--[X] change weapons when appropriate
--[X] Scream to Mayas sweetheart that he needs to raise the alarm and run towards the Darkstars.
--[X] Cast Argent Star whenever it tries to approach another opponent
--[X] Try to break its defenses
[] plan I didn't see that
-[] act as if you are under the same effect as everybody else
--[] Hide reapers will in off mode
-[] If it falls for the act
--[] try to 'just happen' to be close to it
--[] Surprise it by stabbing it
--[] Get as many hits in as possible in the shortest amount of time.
-[] If the nightmare it does not fall for the act
--[] Scream to Mayas sweetheart that he should get Maya to figure it out
--[] Cast Argent Star whenever it tries to approach another opponent
--[] Try to cut of body-parts to see if the effect lingers on things unattached.
--[] Switch weapons where appropriate
You have never seen anything like this before, which means it can only be one thing. A Nightmare.
Instead of charging immediately however, you wait; this thing seems to be imperceptible to everyone else, so chances are you can catch it off-guard. That might be worth trading your first strike, even though you know how much of a risk it is.
The Nightmare does not attack anyone else. The Demons keep looking and you carefully start to turn your head, hoping that your previous actions went unnoticed. The Handle materialises in your hand before quickly transforming; a quick flick of your thumb turns the lightsaber's blade off before it can even ignite.
"What's going on here?" You turn your attention to your elven friend, whose eyes are on the partly crystallised Sirius. His mouth works without producing any sounds for a moment, then he throws a glance your way. You shrug and try not to cast glances at where the creature is coming closer now.
"No idea." It is standing right next to you; your fingers clench around the weapon, but so far the Nightmare remains curious. If you can make it turn around, you can stab it in the back. "But something is definitely here."
He nods while you try not to look at the barely visible wisp of air floating around you; it makes your hair flutter a little, which you take as a prompt to look around again. Even from right in front of it, the Nightmare's face still remains in pitch black shadow and no actual body reveals itself under its robe. It warbles something that your Brand Craft does not translate, if it was even any actual language.
And on top of all that is the headache; you hiss quietly and press one hand to your forehead where it throbs, though the pressure does little to alleviate the pain.
"Are you alright?" You nod softly while keeping the Nightmare in your peripheral vision, just in case it attacks.
"Yeah, just a headache. Might be a migraine, though." It is not. Curiously, the Nightmare is still examining you. Moreover, the feeling of enemies being present has ceased; Elisabeth's power still saturates the area like flakes of ash, but it does no longer react to this creature's presence.
Then a voice almost makes your head split apart: "You can see me,can you not?You can hear me,can you not?" You flinch visibly as it assaults your ears, an empty howl that is many voices yet one and underlined by a creepy score.
"You do." You can not even tell what languages it speaks, but you understand it anyway. Maybe some Elven tongue?
"Are you really alright?" Your eyes turn back to the only Elf present, who is now clearly worried but still holds his blade ready. "You are so pale." Which means the game is more or less up, yet the Nightmare has still not attacked.
No, in fact, it has taken some distance and is solely focussed on you now. "I mean no harm," it actually pleads with you, if the tone of voice(s?) is any indication. It still grates on you, but the headache you already have can not really get much worse.
Nevertheless, you are presented with a choice. Were it before you landed on Sheol, you would not trust a Nightmare at all; now that you met so many Demons that defied expectations, and this creature having refrained from attacking further, you decide to take the risk and shift your body to face them.
After taking a deep breath to force some focus into your mind, you motion for Sirius. "And what about that?"
Those around you still and turn their heads to where you are looking, but obviously find nothing. You cross your arms and wait while the Nightmare actually fidgets; then their hood turns away. "I'm... sorry?"
That, you admit to yourself with a sigh, is at least something. If only that stupid headache were not there. You see some others ready their weapons and whistle sharply to get their attention. "Wait. This one doesn't seem hostile anymore."
You get some owlish looks and a few more gazes to the dead Fairy, which prompts you to cast another glance at the Nightmare. They are still not looking at you, or at least have the opening of their hood averted. "It is frustrating, immensely so. Wherever I go, none can so much as hear my words."
You drop the pose and start to think; at least your ears are adjusting to whatever eldritch vocal organs this being has, though it will take at least a little longer until you can hear properly. Your eyes are adjusting as well and the headache slowly fades already. "Okay, so you got mad about it?" The Nightmare nods, or at least you think it does.
The surrounding Demons begin to relax, though they immediately stand straight when Elisabeth and Argus burst around two different corners; both of them raise their weapons warily, but pause when you wave them off. "You're a little late, I got things under control here." Then you grimace and cast another glance at the Nightmare, who is simply floating a little ways away. "Is there anything in the rules that forbids a Nightmare from wandering in here?"
The two commanders appear to exchange glances, then Elisabeth shakes her head slowly. "Not directly, though few Children of Nightmare arrive in a peaceful manner. And this?" She motions for the dead Fairy, which takes a moment to consider.
"Let's call that a misunderstanding," you finally settle on. Just as expected, Elisabeth accepts the reasoning because, despite everything, Sirius was Maya's possession. None of the surrounding Demons will care, and that makes you feel awful; the fact he would have died soon, be it of Maya or plainly losing the will to live, is not much of a consolation.
On the other hand, you can understand the Nightmare more than you like to admit; becoming impulsive like that is a part of you as well, though it never escalated to outright murder before. Maybe it would have, or it is because they are strong enough to simply do it without much trouble or repercussions.
Taking your mind off the matter, you cast another glance at the Nightmare. "I'm more curious how you got here in the first place." They just appeared out of nowhere after all.
Argus answers the question quite quickly: "As far as we know, the Children of Nightmare move interdimensionally through fear. They can sense strong sources of fear in nearby dimensions." He steps forward cautiously, though his sword remains pointed at the ground.
At this point, the other Demons have dismissed their weapons and begun to close ranks while Maya's husband is kneeling next to Sirius' remains.
You sigh again and rub your forehead. "Okay, thanks." It is good to know, especially when considering that your knowledge of Children of Nightmare, or Nightmares in short, is sparse. "I know they come about from fears, but there was some kind of distinction."
You had been looking at Argus, but Elisabeth answers this one while the other Demons march off: "We differentiate between Lesser Nightmares, who incorporate specific fears, and Greater Nightmares. Though we know little about them aside from that they are absurdly powerful."
"They are wishes," your new acquaintance chimes in with a serious tone. "That is what we call them. Wishes. Wishes of others, twisted viciously and without any hope to achieve happiness. They bring suffering as part of their existence, both to others and themselves. Wishes suffer and rage against the cruelty of creation that made them to suffer, and us, the Fears, often follow their anguish. They are pitiful beings."
That coincides with what you remember reading, though most of it is news. Argus noticed your eyes shift and waits, so you turn to address the Nightmare: "So, 'Wishes' would be Greater Nightmares, and 'Fears' being Lesser?" A nod. "And you are a Fear?" Another nod.
You almost ask what fear they are supposed to represent, but hold your tongue. That might be a sensitive topic... not to mention that you have a few ideas of your own for what it might be. Still, that leaves one question. "What's your name?"
The Nightmare pauses for a long moment, making you think this might have been a sensitive topic. Then however, they almost shudder giddily: "Neverwas." Your ears may be deceiving you, but the eerie music underlying everything finished transitioning into a catchy tune that one would hear in an old video game.
"Okay. Um, let's see." You turn back to Elisabeth with a weird feeling; it definitely was supposed to be a fight, but here you are without having swung your weapon and a new acquaintance. Imps are already busy cleaning up Sirius' blood and carrying the body away, and Maya's husband is quickly following them. "From what I put together, Neverwas isn't all that happy that he has nobody to talk to. Do you mind if he stays around for a bit?"
The Nightmare visibly perks up and you have to suppress a sigh. Meanwhile, Elisabeth considers you and then the empty air where Neverwas is not. Her weapon disappears with a few flickers of heat, then she offers you a smile. "As long as he behaves himself, I have no problem with that."
You do not really have to ask whether that is okay; Neverwas obviously wants to stay. The slightly roiling cloud of dark air recedes back into their robe, but none of that alleviates your headache much. It went back from head-splitting to uncomfortably painful, but no more.
"Is it really okay for me to stay?"
You say your goodbyes to the two commanders and motion for the Nightmare to follow you before answering. "It's fine, just don't make trouble."
"I can do that." Their words still grate on your ears, though much less than at the start. You still grimace and rub your forehead again.
"The problem is that just seeing and hearing you hurts, and I mean that literally. I can come talk to you a little every day, but I have stuff to do as well." Like the next week of training with Lu.
Neverwas hesitates for a moment, but does not seem too bothered by the matter; at least their tone of voice does not reveal anything like that: "I understand. It is enough to know there is someone I can actually speak to. What kind of 'stuff' is busying you?"
Now there is a Nightmare interested in your everyday life on Sheol. How did this happen so fast?
. . .
IDENTIFIED BREAK LINE . . .
The next week is... bizarre, especially after you thought you got used to the weirdness. Aside from your training with Lucifer, you now talk to Neverwas for a little bit every day; they actually followed you around to watch you and Lu one day, and were introduced to Maya on another. She did not do more than scold them for killing Sirius either, much as you expected.
Something interesting you learned about their powers is that once they leave someone's direct vicinity, that person can recall everything Neverwas said and did. This is a discovery which greatly improves the Nightmare's mood; they went and began talking to more people, but prioritised Maya and her children. In their words, they are nice.
You also got confirmation that they are indeed speaking Elvish; when prompted about that, Neverwas explained that speech depends on a Nightmare's origin. Lesser Nightmares are fluent in every language spoken by the beings that birthed their fear, Greater Nightmares key off of the individual whose distorted wish they represent.
As a bit of a demonstration, they quickly went through several Elven dialects, then switched to the more melodic Fairy languages, and followed it up by what may have been Dark Star. They know a lot more than just those, though.
A side effect of being around Neverwas so often is that you go to bed with splitting headaches for most of the week; you do not say anything, but both Orux and Maya definitely noticed. You can tell because the Succubus actually tells you to take it easy, and because your boyfriend of sorts insists you rather rest instead of hanging out with him in the evening... after coaxing the matter out of you somehow.
What this encounter taught you is that information is key, though. It was pure dumb luck that prevented you from fighting and thus maybe killing someone you are now on good terms with. Trading the first strike for information can be useful, but it should not become a habit. Especially not against opponents more powerful than yourself, unless you can ensure that a quick attack from them will be ineffective in the long run.
Fortunately, Lu's training continues to draw results out of you. Just a little longer and you can be completely confident in your abilities.
First however, you have another free afternoon and thus time to spend. Hopefully without another distraction popping up this time.
-------------
Pick two:
[] Spend some more time with Neverwas
[] Hang out with Lucifer
[] Find Orux to spend time with
[] Go see Maya and her family
[] EXP-Plan
-[] Write-in what to buy
-[] Save it
=====
+200xp Never Was Neverwas So Happy
+300xp Befriended A Child of Nightmare
+150xp Derailed the Neverwas-Subplot so Fiercely That I Need to Rewrite It Fuck You
EXP gained: 650 Total EXP: 1,181
=====
(Unlocked Level 5 (Max) Character Sheet: Neverwas)
=====
Well... congratulations to WallFlower for the winning plan. This did not go as intended. Neverwas was supposed to be a recurring enemy.
I am not even mad; mostly just amazed that someone managed to derail something this much after I put so much effort into making derails difficult in PO.
The Nightmare pauses for a long moment, making you think this might have been a sensitive topic. Then however, they almost shudder giddily: "Neverwas." Your ears may be deceiving you, but the eerie music underlying everything finished transitioning into a catchy tune that one would hear in an old video game.
Did we just alter that Nightmare a bit by giving it an Identity of it's own?
Helping it distinguish itself from the mass of other Nightmare's which embody the same fear?
Did we just alter that Nightmare a bit by giving it an Identity of it's own?
Helping it distinguish itself from the mass of other Nightmare's which embody the same fear?
I just double-checked to make sure: unless a Lesser Nightmare is derived of something that is meant to multiply, they are unique. There is no other like Neverwas.
I just double-checked to make sure: unless a Lesser Nightmare is derived of something that is meant to multiply, they are unique. There is no other like Neverwas.
-consume an active mode affected by a negative effect to add that same effect to Heidi's next attack against an enemy. [The Weapon's Secret] [1 Training Action]
Something interesting you learned about their powers is that once they leave someone's direct vicinity, that person can recall everything Neverwas said and did.
Something in my heart warms at the thought that Neverwas can make friends now.
Maybe we should teach them to read and write so that people can talk back to Neverwas easier (I'm assuming someone can write and read other than us.)
"Yeah, just a headache. Might be a migraine, though." It is not. Curiously, the Nightmare is still examining you. Moreover, the feeling of enemies being present has ceased; Elisabeth's power still saturates the area like flakes of ash, but it does no longer react to this creature's presence.
Then a voice almost makes your head split apart: "You can see me,can you not?You can hear me,can you not?" You flinch visibly as it assaults your ears, an empty howl that is many voices yet one and underlined by a creepy score. ~SNIP~
That, you admit to yourself with a sigh, is at least something. If only that stupid headache were not there. You see some others ready their weapons and whistle sharply to get their attention. "Wait. This one doesn't seem hostile anymore."
You get some owlish looks and a few more gazes to the dead Fairy, which prompts you to cast another glance at the Nightmare. They are still not looking at you, or at least have the opening of their hood averted. "It is frustrating, immensely so. Wherever I go, none can so much as hear my words."
You drop the pose and start to think; at least your ears are adjusting to whatever eldritch vocal organs this being has, though it will take at least a little longer until you can hear properly. Your eyes are adjusting as well and the headache slowly fades already. "Okay, so you got mad about it?" The Nightmare nods, or at least you think it does. ~SNIP~
The Nightmare pauses for a long moment, making you think this might have been a sensitive topic. Then however, they almost shudder giddily: "Neverwas." Your ears may be deceiving you, but the eerie music underlying everything finished transitioning into a catchy tune that one would hear in an old video game.
"Okay. Um, let's see." You turn back to Elisabeth with a weird feeling; it definitely was supposed to be a fight, but here you are without having swung your weapon and a new acquaintance. Imps are already busy cleaning up Sirius' blood and carrying the body away, and Maya's husband is quickly following them. "From what I put together, Neverwas isn't all that happy that he has nobody to talk to. Do you mind if he stays around for a bit?"
The Nightmare visibly perks up and you have to suppress a sigh. Meanwhile, Elisabeth considers you and then the empty air where Neverwas is not. Her weapon disappears with a few flickers of heat, then she offers you a smile. "As long as he behaves himself, I have no problem with that." ~SNIP~
The next week is... bizarre, especially after you thought you got used to the weirdness. Aside from your training with Lucifer, you now talk to Neverwas for a little bit every day; they actually followed you around to watch you and Lu one day, and were introduced to Maya on another. She did not do more than scold them for killing Sirius either, much as you expected.
Something interesting you learned about their powers is that once they leave someone's direct vicinity, that person can recall everything Neverwas said and did. This is a discovery which greatly improves the Nightmare's mood; they went and began talking to more people, but prioritised Maya and her children. In their words, they are nice. ~SNIP~
+200xp Never Was Neverwas So Happy
+300xp Befriended A Child of Nightmare
+150xp Derailed the Neverwas-Subplot so Fiercely That I Need to Rewrite It Fuck You
Okay... This is utterly hilarious in hindsight... Also, I can see how it could have ended really badly with Neverwas becoming a recurring enemy. I'm not even talking about his traits and abilities making it a very slippery target. I'm talking about psychology (or whatever the appropriate word should be).
Imagine being someone who is never seen, never heard, never acknowledged. Imagine that you yearn, yearn deeply and desperately, for some kind of interaction.
Imagine that the first person ever to actually acknowledge your existence immediately launches themselves at you with intent to kill. What would you feel and think???
Neverwas was very nearly driven to utter hatred of anyone and anything acknowledging, knowing about their presence. Truly, it would have been a tragedy.
A side effect of being around Neverwas so often is that you go to bed with splitting headaches for most of the week; you do not say anything, but both Orux and Maya definitely noticed. You can tell because the Succubus actually tells you to take it easy, and because your boyfriend of sorts insists you rather rest instead of hanging out with him in the evening... after coaxing the matter out of you somehow.
Specifically on the grounds of "Neverwas headaches were warned about by friends", I'm going to refrain from spending more time with them. Forgive me Neverwas, I want a break.
[X] Hang out with Lucifer
[X] Find Orux to spend time with
On a side note, Neverwas hanging around Maya's family is half the reason I'm not voting for them either. Social activity from learning about lack of books in Hell is the other half.
On a different side note, here's a few EXP plans for perusal now that we had a windfall. Please consider spending EXP at this time.
[X] EXP Plan Spell Upgrade (700 EXP, 481 remaining)
-[X] Upgrade Argent Star to level 10 (350 EXP)
-[X] Upgrade Conundrum to level 10 (350 EXP)
[ ] EXP Plan Starfall (800 EXP, 381 remaining)
-[ ] Upgrade Argent Star to level 10 (350 EXP)
-[ ] Purchase Starfall to add Anti-Air to Argent Star (450 EXP)
[ ] EXP Plan Speed Boost (790 EXP, 391 remaining)
-[ ] Upgrade The Handle to level 15 (390 EXP)
-[ ] Purchase Improved Perception v2 to upgrade High Speed Combat (400 EXP)
The first plan offers us a boost to both spells, and leaves us with enough of EXP buffer to purchase a Shop Item in need. Be it Anti-Air or High Speed Combat.
The second plan offers us a truly deadly anti-air spell, and falls just a little short of having enough of an EXP buffer (for High Speed Combat that is).
The third plan is potentially the most useful, and covers for a possible weakness to fast angels ahead of time.
On a side note, Neverwas hanging around Maya's family is half the reason I'm not voting for them either. Social activity from learning about lack of books in Hell is the other half.
Fair point. I thought that it might be good to offer our condolence to Maya but a week has passed already.
[X] Hang out with Lucifer
[X] Find Orux to spend time with
[X] EXP Plan Spell Upgrade (700 EXP, 481 remaining)
Higher Conundrum will make shared Conundrum easier to earn, which will increase the survivability of our comrades.
EDIT: Anyone else want to vote?
If anyone is interested, after this I will probably advocate getting High Speed Combat and Defiant Streak. I assume we'll have already met some angels by that time.
Adhoc vote count started by Faraway-R on Sep 7, 2019 at 3:45 AM, finished with 15 posts and 7 votes.
Level 8: Triple Cast upgrades to Quadra Magic (four castings instead of three)
Level 10: Spell gains Perpetual Caster (for a number of turns equal to the spell level's first digit, it is recast for free)
700 EXP spent
481 remain
[] Spend some more time with Neverwas
[] Hang out with Lucifer
After some thinking, you decide to make sure Neverwas is settling in properly. Actually finding them is already difficult, though; that kind of makes sense when you are the only one who can actually tell where they are. Not to mention that you were never the kind to ask directions more often than you had to.
The place you find your newest acquaintance annoys you somewhat, though; after almost an hour of looking around, the Nightmare reveals himself to have been sitting on the westward spire's roof.
At least you can get there easily enough, even though the outer spires have spiked rooftops; your new sense of balance and the footholds someone conveniently added are enough to keep you up. Then again, that kind of architecture makes sense with all the various kinds of Demons around; these are probably for Imps that have to do repair work.
Looking at Neverwas is still a little grating on your head, but the pain continuously lessened over the previous week. Maybe one more and you will have adjusted well enough to only feel mildly uncomfortable while talking to them and not get any lasting headaches.
"Hey there."
"Oh, hello, Adelheid. Were you looking for me?"
You can not tell whether it is your magic filtering everything properly now or just that you got used to it, but their voice is no longer a cacophony of different noises; you understand Neverwas just fine and listening to them does not hurt your ears anymore, either. "I was; have the day off, so I wanted to see how you're doing."
"I see." The Nightmare slowly motions for the edge they are sitting on, an invitation of sorts. You sit next to them and peer down at the various people walking underneath; they are far down, but your magically enhanced sight makes it possible to see them as if they were but a few metres distant. Handy thing, that. You are pretty sure that one is a universal thing and not just your sight, too; it already got better before the augment.
"I am doing well." Neverwas' voice brings you out of your ruminations, an undercurrent of happiness both in his tone and the sound of his magic. "Though most are quite wary of me, I manage to get along with most. Maya was quite understanding and her children are all quite lovely; although I am not sure what to think of her visible disappointment when I told her I can not sire offspring."
You blink and try to forget you heard that, as well as the mental images it conjures up. You fail.
"Don't think too much about it," you finally advise the Nightmare with a sigh. "Maya is probably just... curious, I guess? And she wants to have an evergrowing family, so I can see why she'd be interested." You quietly omit that the fact she is technically, or maybe even legally, married. If Demons have such a thing; maybe you should ask someone about that.
On the other hand, Succubi in particular are born from, among others, broken vows of marriage. It might be a sore topic for them.
This does bring up another question, though; you cast a glance at Neverwas and ask: "Are there any more of your kind?"
They still for a moment before tilting their headless hood in a sign of obvious curiousity. "Why would there be?" He has a point, though you were mostly wondering if there were others just as isolated.
"Just curious, I have no idea how Nightmares work."
Your response leads to another moment of silence while Neverwas mulls it over. "That makes sense," they finally allow. "While the rules are different for every single Wish, the Fears are generally unique unless they are believed to be capable of reproduction. Of the more well-known Fears, I could name Pestilence, though he hardly counts in the way we are talking about. Hm..."
Considering that name, you really do not want to meet Pestilence. Ever. The point is more or less clear, though. "I think I get it. Actually, do you mind telling me more about Nightmares in general? How do you live?"
Neverwas shrugs at that while a stronger breeze ruffles his robes and your coat-ribbons. "We live is all. Home is a quite unusual place; the laws change from time to time, and there are some larger communities of Fears led by a few Wishes. Some like me rather go out to explore what lies beyond, or hunt the creatures there, or other such things."
You listen curiously and try to imagine, but it is not that easy without having seen the place. Considering how the Dark Stars ended up looking to your eyes, you have the feeling the Children of Nightmare's home dimension would be somewhat similar. Still, you wonder about some parts: "Why are the Wishes in charge? And why does the law change?"
"Hm." Neverwas carefully oozes sparkling mist and slices off a tiny piece of the spire's tip, then shows it to you. "I think I used the wrong term." Then they flick the little stone off, far down and thankfully not on anyone's head. "What I meant is that here, a stone always falls downward. At home, they may sometimes start falling up or to another side entirely. Fire is always hot, but at home it may at times be cold. These laws are what fluctuates."
You mull that over and quickly stop trying to understand how that makes sense. Magic is the answer, leave your sanity at the door. If it wants to bend the laws of physics into a pretzel, it very well will.
"And to answer your other question, that is a bit more complicated but also much easier." Neverwas reabsorbs the mist as they speak. "For one, Wishes have a compelling aura to Fears. There are few of them in comparison to us, but each of their voices has almost palpable weight to it; obeying them is easy, especially if we more or less agree with whatever they are saying. Moreover, few Fears are capable of so much as hurting a Wish; they protect us from more volatile Fears and the occasional Wish that rather hunts their own kin, so we do not mind leaving them in charge."
That is a little more difficult to digest, but Neverwas leaves you some time to do so; it makes sense to let the strongest person lead, though that may just be your time with the UD speaking there. At least they get things done.
Thinking of that, you decide to change the topic. "I guess I can see what you mean. Speaking of leaders, have you spoken to Elisabeth yet?"
For some reason, they visibly perk up at the reminder. "Oh, I did indeed. She worked out a way for us to communicate already, though it is somewhat clunky." When you turn your head and motion to go on, Neverwas elaborates cheerfully: "You see, at first we managed to converse by having me ask or answer a question and leaving the room so she knew what I said. After a while however, Elisabeth figured out that we can do this easier in writing; she can not see me writing a response or read it until I left the room, but it is much easier to keep up with the conversation that way. We made a habit of it to write down our entire conversations by this point, if just so those pages appear less weird."
That is honestly a really neat idea and you are wondering why you did not think of it before. Additionally, these two apparently just created a bootleg version of a chatroom. You are not sure how to feel about that.
"It is so wonderful to converse with non-kin," Neverwas mumbles more to themselves, though that does catch your attention.
"You mean other Nightmares can see and talk to you?"
They flinch slightly before shaking their head. "Not directly, no. Or, at least not many. A handful of Wishes I met are immune to my powers; it is not particularly uncommon for a Fear's power to fail against a Wish. Anyway, while I can converse with them, those Wishes are not good company." They hesitate for a moment before slumping slightly. "They are usually mostly plotting where to go and what to kill in their insanity; I heard one or two are actually pleasant even while mad with grief and wrath, but I never met any such Wishes."
You wince at that; having no one to speak to feels almost preferable to only having lunatics for conversation. Then again, it is not like the Wishes are at fault for their situations.
Another breeze ruffles your clothes and hair, but you pay it no mind. It is good that Neverwas found a better place, for however long that may last.
. . .
IDENTIFIED BREAK LINE . . .
Afternoon has almost passed by the time you part ways with the Nightmare; a quick lunch later, you spot a feathery spot of darkness flying in; she is too fast for you to track reliably, but you have do not actually need to. And you have a means to catch her attention.
"Argent Star!"
One perk of having a long transformation time limit is that you can walk around transformed at all times without having to worry; with your Automatic Identity Protection being useless, there is no downside to it either. Which means you can start casting whenever you want.
Surprisingly however, instead of the three spheres you wanted to send after Lu, there are four. Argent Star grew more powerful again, you can feel it.
She obviously noticed your spell and quickly extinguishes them as she slows down to a speed where you can follow her properly... except that something is weird.
You can see your own magic linger around you for a few seconds, shining in a pretty silver almost the same colour as your hair; what is more however, it carries the same almost angry sizzling your spell just held.
People around you hardly bat an eye at your antics, seeing that you do catch Lucifer's attention like this from time to time. Even you see some turn their attention to you when the spell recasts itself, though. Another four spheres form a few seconds after the first batch and you quickly assign them the same target; no one but Lu would survive them.
The echo fades and Lu lands in front of you not much later; her brow is furrowed and you have an idea for why she frowns at you. Which is why you pre-empt her quickly: "I didn't do it on purpose; it grew stronger again and then just... cast itself, or something like that. We have to look into that tomorrow."
Her eyes narrow for a moment, searching for lies in your face but finding none. Lu nods and dismisses her weapon. "We will. Such an ability is peculiar, but also problematic if left uncontrolled."
You nod in agreement before pointing at the main spire. "Anyway, care to join me?"
"For what?"
"No idea, I'm still figuring that out."
Lu's first reaction is a long-suffering sigh, but she does follow your lead without much complaint. And if she sees the grin on your face, she does not comment.
. . .
IDENTIFIED BREAK LINE . . .
The next two days are quite intense; Argent Star became something quite versatile by this point, though anything you feel you could do with it will require a lot more practice.
More importantly however, you finally made it; after a last long training session and some final tests, you feel ready to go head to head with almost anyone. It is so much easier to deflect attacks now that you freely beat a half dozen men from your team into the ground with only one sealed weapon and not a single hit on your person.
You are still not happy about going to war, but now you are a great deal more confident about your chances in battle.
At the end of the second day, the two of you are sitting on top of the central spire and look out at Metatron's Divide. The silence is comfortable, but you break it in the end: "I went a long way to get where I am, didn't I?"
"That you did." Lu looks at you from the corner of her eyes, though the faint smile she wears makes it clear she is just as happy as you are. "You will still need some more actual experience to expand your flexibility, but your progress is quite incredible." She chuckles quietly and turns to look you over in detail. "Three months. That is how long it took you to reach a point that took us more than a century. Even with your Interference-Affinity lending itself to the subject matter, this is still amazing."
You can not help but blush a little at the praise and sheepishly play with a strand of your hair. "Well, uh, thank you." You really did make it far. "And thank you for teaching me all of this, Lu." But you never would have gone anywhere without her.
When you go over her words again however, you pause. "Wait, did you say 'us'?"
Your friend stiffens for a moment before sighing heavily. "Yes. An old habit. I used to practice together with my friend Leliel, long before I fell." Her shoulders slump far enough that you can reach them without standing up, if barely. "I have not spoken to her in ages."
"I understand." It was probably not easy ever since Lu fell; you carefully squeeze her shoulder and give her a moment, curious once more. "Say, how long has it been since your fall?"
She shrugs, almost shaking off your hand with the gesture. "I do not count anymore, though I roughly remember how long the Fairy-Dark Star war had been going back then." She pauses for a moment and closes her eyes, then nods. "About fourteen hundred years now. The last time I saw her was right after my fall, and never thereafter."
You let that sink in and quietly squeeze again; the kind of horror Lu must have lived through is difficult to even imagine.
The silence that follows holds tension and awkwardness alike; you are still thinking about how to go from that point while Lu seems content to just sit quietly. Your salvation appears in form of Paoras, who charges up the stairs and almost stumbles trying to stop when she sees you. She giddily waves at you. "Heidi, Lulu! Come quick, Mama had twins!"
You both stop to look at the giddy half-Elf, then at each other. You consider following Paoras immediately, but then decide to start with some teasing. "Lulu?"
It is difficult to see with her hair in the way, but you think Lu is blushing. She quickly turns her head away and gets up to walk toward Paoras. "She started calling me that for some reason and will not stop."
"Yup," your small friend confirms with a big grin. "Lucifer sounds mean and Lu is too short. And Lulu sounds cute!" She hops in place while you try to rein in your grin, then takes both of you by the hands and starts to pull with surprising force. "Come, come!"
There is a certain irony in the fact that you tower over her like Lu towers over you and yet Paoras being the one to pull both of you through a few corridors, but you do not comment on it. At least you do not need to bow down so she can keep holding your hand, as Lu does.
A quick trip with Elisabeth's runes later, you are led into Maya's living space; most of her younger children are present and greet you with smiles, though most keep some distance from Lu when she makes to stand upright again. The Succubus offers you a smile as well, unable to wave because she is currently busy nursing two babies. Tiny babies, at that.
"Have a seat, you two. I didn't manage to hold Paoras back for longer than a halfday. Were you still training?" She never stops tending to her children, but does not seem to have any problem talking to you at the same time. You smile at the sight and sit, with Lu to your right and Pao climbing up the cushion next to her mother to watch her new siblings.
"We were finished for the day," Lu answers with a faint nod to you. "Heidi reached a state of mastery I would call adequate."
You make a face at Lu while Maya chuckles, then snap a ballistic ball away with a small magic wave from your finger. It flicks up and bops Paoras' next younger sister on the head; she threw it, so that is only fair. "Don't try that again."
"Okay!" Going by the shine in her eyes, she is going to try it again; you sigh and cast a glance at everyone else. "Who told them what Lu is teaching me?" Paoras immediately raises her hand with a grin. "Figured as much."
Maya is finished feeding her babies by this point and carefully hands them off to her daughters so she can push her dress back into place. You give her the moment and watch the babies, one with a shock of black hair, the other with a silvery white similar to your own. They are both giggling and grabbing for their sisters who coo at them with happy expressions; it is a sight that almost makes you want a sibling of your own, or to coo as well, but you manage not to let it show.
Then Paoras casts a glance to you, one at the silvery-haired twin in her arms, and carefully gets up to move over. "Here, you hold Helena."
You blink at your friend and look at the baby who is examining you curiously; then you turn to Maya, who motions for you to do it with a smile. "I don't mind that at all." So you carefully reach out and take the girl into your arms; she giggles again and waves her hand after a strand of your hair.
She is tiny. Even smaller than the baby you got to hold back on Earth, Sara's little brother. You are actually afraid to hurt her if you move too much, so you hold still and just watch. Her budding magic sounds like windchimes and looks quite a bit more dense than most of those around you.
Lu leans a little closer to look at Helena, but Maya gets her attention by holding the other twin out to her. Strangely enough, that one is actually reaching out toward your angelic friend with wide eyes. "I think Lilie wants you, Lucifer."
She gives the baby an owlish look before taking her hesitantly. If anything, Lu appears even more cautious with Lilie. Both twins seem happy where they are, which makes Maya smile in turn. "They seem to like you two."
"So they are both girls?" Your question is answered with a nod and a loving expression that makes you a little bit envious of the child you are holding.
You all sit quietly for a minute or so, observing and playing with Helena and Lilie; you may actually have cooed over her once or twice, though the embarassment of realising it quickly made you stop while Maya laughed.
Then however, your Succubus friend sighs. "I was thinking that you should hear why exactly I do what I do. If you would listen?"
Her words make you sit a little more straight, though you cast a glance to Lu, who is carefully stroking the top of Lilie's head but without doubt listening as well. Maya follows your eyes and shrugs. "It is fine. I doubt either of you would pass this on." So you nod and Lu does the same without hesitation. Maya eyes her children thoughtfully before pulling both of her oldest hybrid daughters into her lap; her husband already herds the rest out of the room... though you did not even see him before right now.
It is quiet for a moment before Maya begins: "About twenty years ago, a young woman of Uruk promised her husband a healthy son. She became pregnant and looked forward to raising her baby, but died in an accident before it was due. I think you can guess how I come into this." You nod slowly; if this was the promise that created Maya, you can see how she turned out the way she is.
"Either way," the Succubus continues after a moment, "I was born with the wish to do what she could not, to bear healthy children and raise a happy family. No matter what needs to be done to achieve this, I will make it happen." Her daughters hug her closer and Maya smiles while you and Lu digest what you just heard.
Lu is the first to speak up, audibly curious: "I never heard of a realm called Uruk before."
"That's not surprising." Maya actually grins now, her somber mood mostly gone. "Uruk is a human realm, and thus located where none of us could ever go for the next five thousand years. Though I would love to see it, and to find out what happened with king Gilgamesh; it was merely the second summer of his reign when I was born."
Your mind stopped at the word 'human'.
In hindsight, it makes sense that there are still Demons born from human promises even though there is no magic on Earth at the moment. That still leaves you with questions, though. "Okay, uh... I don't get how nobody knew about humanity until we showed up." Which was, after all, the reason Hell had allegedly invaded Rome soon after first contact. Only for the one responsible to get a nuke slipped into their stronghold; it was all over the media when it happened and all the anti-gate arrays were set up soon after, to prevent another disaster like that.
Maya only shrugs at that. "Well, I would assume that this particular habit does not change; us Demons rarely talk of how we were born, and then only to someone we trust a great deal. With how things are in Hell, I would assume that few ever feel willing to share this with anyone. How is it with Angels?"
The question goes to Lu, who mulls it over for a moment while Lilie tries to grab her still finger. "Similarly. Most Angels hold the prayers close to their heart as a source of strength, and that is something personal. Actively asking someone you have not known for at least a thousand years about their birth prayers is seriously offensive. That aside," she adds with a glance in your direction, "I would assume the gist of it is that some knew, but nobody ever asked if anyone knows the new race."
"...because they never asked." You can not help but chuckle over this. The golden age of Magical Girls, the fall of Hope, hell, maybe even the Akashic Pillar's original entry into the war all turned out as they did because neither side ever asked about humanity. It is as hilarious as it is sad.
Maya waits until you regained a hold on yourself and offers a soft nod. "That's why I was only mildly surprised to meet you back then, too. I already knew humans existed, though I never expected to see one with my own eyes."
You roll your eyes at that, but a cry from Helena delays any answer you might have given. The baby is tearing up, so you quickly hand her back to her mother who calms her down without much trouble. Lu does similarly with Lilie, though the black-haired twin did not seem agitated just yet.
It is a weird evening, but you do not mind it at all.
And your next day is another day off, which means you have time to spend...
------------- Pick Three
[] Talk to Epsilon Aaron again
[] More training? More training!
-[] (optional) Write-in what to train
[] Hang out with Lucifer
[] Maya might like some company while she takes care of her babies
[] The Ashen Maiden is a curious character, perhaps now is a good chance to find out more about her?
[] EXP-Plan
-[] Write-in what to buy
-[] Save it
=====
+5xp How Nightmares Live
+5xp Angelic Appreciation
+10xp Met Helena
+10xp Met Lilie
+15xp She Is So Small
EXP gained: 45 Total EXP: 526
=====
(Soft Mechanics updated. New exploits added to training choices [Inhuman Skill has an entry as well, be sure to check])
(Unlocked Level 5 (Max) Character Sheet: Helena)
(Unlocked Level 5 (Max) Character Sheet: Lilie) You get their full sheets because they will not reach the age to enter any battle before the Quest ends
=====
Ability Upgraded
Master Skill
-Sacrifice three actions to nullify an opponent's action.
----->
Inhuman Skill
-Sacrifice two actions to nullify an opponent's action.
