Part 4 was Secret of Mana, Legend of Legaia, and Diablo (to an extent).
Okay, it's time to cut the humor-only stuff. Now we get serious. (Yes, I can do that.)
We landed in the stupid dying desert town. Why do people always build a town in the middle of the desert? It makes no sense. The town dies until some band of heroes comes along and brings them the item needed to save them...never mind, that's pretty common.
Getting back on track, we walked over to the elder-type person and gave him the magic bleu cheese. Instantly a nearby empty ditch was filled with very, very blue water, and everyone who had been dying mere moments ago was suddenly healthy and happy. Why I bother wasting energy wondering about these things makes me wonder.
Well, with our good deed done, it was about time to leave. But first, we had to figure out where we were going to go.
"So..." Hagmore said, pondering. "What's around here, anyway? It's just a big desert. How do we continue plot from here?"
"Well, there's a really big tower across the desert and over a cliff east from here that the townspeople have been talking about recently," Zan supplied. Julio snapped his fingers.
"That must be the place we need to go to! Or at least should check out! It sounds full of plot!"
"Hey, guys, sorry to burst your fun, but there's no way to get there," Cat put in.
"Oh, right. Dammit."
"Um, hello?" I said, scratching my head. "We have a giant flaming dragon thing, remember?"
"We'll probably end up there anyway, Hagmore," Cat was saying to the paladin, who looked very sad at not being able to explore a new dungeon. "It's okay, you'll get there soon."
"Yeah, I know...but...what if it's one of those one-time only places? We could miss out on some super treasure!" With that, he burst into tears. Everyone gathered around for a 'group' hug - I put a bullet through my head. When we were done with the tower bit, we talked around some more - but there was nothing of plot around. I knew what was going to come, but said nothing. With nothing better to do, we walked back into the cave and started finding our way back, fighting everything on the way.
After some time, we made it back to where we had beached. There was nothing there. No odd treasures, no raft waiting for us, no secret revolutionaries coming to recruit us. When things like this happen, it makes me mad. I stabbed the nearest tree and watched it wilt. Poison is a beautiful thing. I've always wondered why evil guys don't create some super monster that poisons an entire population instead of trying to destroy them. It's much easier. But I image the heroes would find some way to cure the poison.
Hours have passed...
We still don't know where to go. We've walked the path of the cave about twelve times, and talked with everyone in town twice as many times. There was nowhere to go. I knew that this was going to happen.
In our thirteenth attempt to find the path through the cave, I lost my mind when we walked into a dead end - the same one we had walked into twelve times. I have only been so mad once before in my life - in a situation that was very similar.
"This...has now been enough."
Eyes turned to look at me.
"You've led us on this stupid run-about thing for long enough, girl."
There was some confusion to that. What they didn't know was that I was hallucinating, remembering an old time, seeing old people. Most of them were dead now.
"I have put with you for long enough!" I was raising my voice to a rather violent tone. "I'll show you that I can do more that the crap you've done! I can't stand you! I HATE YOU, BITCH!" With that, I released an attack I hadn't used for six years, unleashing a powerful blast that completely leveled the entire wall. Through the hole, it was revealed that there was a hidden passageway that continued onwards. Oblivious to what had just happened, Julio, Zan and Hagmore all continued on, with the other four kind of following, glancing back at me occasionally. I slowly followed them, trying my hardest to forget all the old memories that had come back. It was kinda nice to have some hidden past, but I still don't like those memories.
With the new part of the cave opened up, we continued onwards, fighting all the little bug things and giant bears we wanted. After a little while, we came to a pond with a turtle in it. Across the pond was a doorway, of sorts.
"Huh...I wonder what's over there."
"Probably something we'll come back to," Julio said dismissively.
"You know, not everything we come across it something we 'come back to'. Watch." With that, I walked right through the pond. It was only about three inches deep. I turned around and looked at them. "See? Real easy access."
They looked at me blankly, then turned and headed for the exit. My thoughts again turned to homicide.
When we walked outside, it turned out that night had fallen while we were wandering. We decided to set up a camp and I waited for the plot-filled discussion to start. Only problem was, we don't really know what we're trying to do yet. So why the sudden camp scene? Only time would tell...
"You know...ever since our run in with Seniana, I've had this odd feeling in the back of my head," Cat said. This looked interesting.
"What do you mean?" Ari asked, sitting across the campfire from her.
"Like, there's something I know, or should know, but I can't place my finger on it...you know what I mean?"
"I get what you're saying...but what does it have to do with her?"
"Probably cause they're most likely related," I said flatly. No one listened. It would have been funny if they had.
"I don't know," Cat said, lapsing into a silence.
There was a pause in conversation. "Heath," Sifian said, "Where are we right now?"
With a sigh, I picked up the map. "Just by a desert nearby this mining town far up north...it's quite a walk. We probably won't reach it until late tomorrow...if we were traveling by normal standards, that is." I pulled my hat down over my eyes. "Probably where we want to get to. That place is known for a rather extensive library of knowledge related to plot."
There was a soft breeze blowing that slowly lulled me to sleep as the others talked of our situation. I never stirred once.
The next morning, we packed up and started off. The easiest way to make it to the town was to travel along the mountains, so we did, fighting rather tough enemies who gave little EXP. After a long time, the desert ended, and we walked through plains, which were specked with trees and small forests here and there. The sun began to set. The mountains began to narrow off, and we were soon given our first look at what would become our most important destination we had ever been to.
The mining town, Ralthen. It stretched up the mountains, house lamps burning brightly in every window, looking like stars in the late eve. Machinery seemed to hook everything together, keeping the town in a constant state of movement. I wondered how long it would take the copyright agents to get to us about this.
We walked into the town and entered the first building. There were a lot of people who all looked the same walking around, spouting out random bits of how the battle system worked. "You know, I would expect these guys to be in the first town we came to, not one of the last," I mentioned.
"They were," Zan said. Everyone turned to look at him.
"What? What do you mean by that, Zan?" Ari asked.
"This was where our journey started." Zan glanced at Julio, who nodded. "Julio and I met up in this town after the five years when we all separated. We found a bizarre jewel in the mines of this town, and it released a strange power and killed several soldiers who went to check it out. That's where I learned a lot of my high-level spells."
"And where I found the Desert Eagle," Julio put in.
"Plot hurts my head sometimes," I moaned.
"This water in the bucket here will restore your HP/MP. Springs like this can be found all around the world," A random Joe told me.
"Go to hell. There's only one spring like that in the world," I retorted.
"This water in the bucket here will restore..."
"Yeah, I've heard it before."
"If you guys got such power after finding that crystal..." Hagmore started, then stopped. "Where was it?"
"Deep in the mines, probably where we left it. There was no way to move it, since going near it released its power," Zan said.
"Well, then, let's go check it out. We can probably get some power for ourselves if you guys did. " With that, Hagmore hauled his Holy Avenger over his shoulder and headed out, Julio and Zan right with him. Sifian shrugged and followed. The girls looked at each other, and then glanced at me. I sat with my hat down, my feet on a table. They looked at each other again and ran after the four others. That left Alexander and me.
I sat for a while, and then looked at Alexander. He had pulled an oboe out from somewhere and was tuning it. "I think we should follow them, you know?" he said after playing a few notes, not looking at me.
"Why."
"The Seraphim. They may not have as much luck as they did last time." He glanced at my raised eyebrow. "Oh, come on. You didn't think that I wouldn't know about such an occurrence?"
"Did you come in contact with it?"
"Not in the way they did. I found it through the magic streams." He played a few more notes, the returned to tuning. "But I would think that a Demi would want to get that power."
I smiled, in spite of myself. "That thing has no power for me. I gave into that other realm a long time ago. They, however, still can get its blessings. Except for one."
Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Except one? What do you mean?"
My smile widened. "Just that. One of them cannot get its power, but does not realize that. His realm of power lies elsewhere, like me. Like you."
"You mean that...?"
"Oh, yeah. It will be a show to see. I wonder who will replace him? There has to be eight." With the end of our mysterious conversation, the scene changed to the rest of the group. They were currently walking through the mine tunnels, getting into rather difficult random battles. More than once, they were forced to run, being unable to deal enough damage to the monsters.
"What's up with these things?" Hagmore panted as they ran from another monster. "How in the name of Holy did you guys make it through here so long ago, without any sort of good equipment?"
"I don't get it either!" Julio responded, also breathing heavily. "These things weren't this tough last time!"
"Do you think..." Zan started, but was cut off by another random battle. They ran again. "...that the crystal could have mutated them?"
"Could be," Julio shrugged. "We've seen its power. I wouldn't be surprised."
"Well, then let's get through this place as fast as we can," Cat said, glancing around in a worried manner. "I don't like it here."
"Agreed." With that, they started running, opting for speed rather than brute strength. It was risky, but they had to get there fast. After many twists and turns, much fleeing, and a good deal of healing, they made it to a large cavern. At the far end, glowing in the dim light, was a large crystal. It was impossible to see the shape that was held inside, but there was definitely something there.
-Come forward, heroes.-
The words echoed within their minds, resonating to the very core. They all looked around, searching for the source of the voice. Well, most of them. Julio and Zan continued to look right at the crystal.
-Come forward, heroes, and receive what you have searched for.-
The fighter and black mage walked forward. The others, unsure, were a little behind, stepping carefully.
"Is this..." Ari asked in wonder, "...the crystal?"
"Such power..." Sifian muttered.
They walked until it loomed over them, the glare so harsh they had to cover their eyes. There was a silence, then again, words.
-Fighter...Black Mage...you two return, like you promised.- Everyone stared at the two. The light began to grow more intense, to where they had to close their eyes. When it finally died, they could see the creature inside the crystal.
Seraphim. They are considered the most beautiful of all Angels, and one of the most powerful. They grant powers to those who prove themselves as the Seraph wishes them to. This is why Alexander and I could not enter - I was too evil, he too pure. Well, pure in spirit. Not so in any other way.
Most would stand in awe in the presence of a Seraph. Most would bow before it, stunned by its beauty. Not so this one. A Seraph will generally fall only once every few millennia. This one had fallen. It was hideous, and yet beautiful at the same time. Its golden hair was dirty and unkempt. Its robes were also dirty and torn, showing what was once purest skin. It hung in the crystal, crucified, its arms pulled way back, blood running from its wrists. Everyone gasped and stared, unable to look away.
I smiled and stepped back into the area in front of the hall. Alexander was playing his bassoon, tuning every now and then. "Well, the show's gonna begin soon. He'll be revealed at any moment now, and then they'll get what they want." I grinned again and pulled down my hat.
-You return,- the Seraphim whispered in their minds. -And you bring with you companions, like you said. Are they all prepared to receive this power I would give?-
Julio and Zan looked at the other four. "You heard that, right?" Everyone nodded. "This...it will give what you want, if you fulfill its requirements."
"What kind of 'requirements'?" Hagmore asked uncertainly.
-Only those who are of heroes of past may receive it. Those who are of the kindest evil. Who are of the most evil kindness. There will be nothing than that. If you feel you are ready, step forward.-
"This is what we're waiting for, Alexander...if that's even your real name." I glanced at the White Mage. He smiled back.
"No more real than your name, Heath."
"Heath is my real name," I said with a smile.
"And it belongs to a fool," a voice boomed from the shadows. Out stepped a man in gray, his face twisted in evil. I knew him. Oh, did I ever know him.
"Hello, Miskete. How are things with you?" I asked in a matter-of-fact manner. His face twisted into anger.
"That's all you have to say to the one who will kill you? How boring!" He clenched his fists. "Prepare to die, Heath."
"That would be Heath-sama to you, little one. Have some respect for your masters."
"My only respect is how much of a fool you are. I used what you taught me of Dark arts, and trained in the Light arts as well. You cannot possibly defeat me now!" With that, he threw a ball of purest Light straight at me. I could have stopped it, but the other person in the room decided to get involved. There was a bright flash.
When the light cleared, Alexander stood in front of me, his glowing wings grown out to their full length. His hair was let down, hanging down now past his shoulders. His robe rippled with the power he emanated. "Now, now," he said calmly. "You can't go throwing around such thing like that. It's dangerous. You could hurt yourself."
"Shut up! I'll kill you, you gay bastard!" Miskete threw another ball of light, which dissipated before it even touched him.
"How harsh of you!" he exclaimed. "Not only did you call me gay, but you also called me a bastard!"
"Alexander," I painfully said, "I thought you were gay. You told us all years ago, remember?" Alexander looked at me coyly.
"Oh, I know that. It's just that he's now being homophobic! People like that are always so mean. They tend to beat their wives, you know."
Miskete was getting very peeved about being ignored. "DIE, BOTH OF YOU!" He threw a ball of purest black straight at us. This was where I come in. With a growl, I drew in my full potential and absorbed his attack. With the dark powers seeping off my body, I grinned.
"Okay. Let's finish this one off." With that, Alexander and I drew in our respective energy, preparing to blast him into oblivion.
Hagmore stepped forward. "Well, if no one else will, I'll take a chance. I'm ready to get this power you speak of."
There was a silence. It did not last long, but it seemed to last forever. -You, Paladin...you are worthy of this power. Your purity as a Paladin is stained by want of fame...so I will grant you a more suitable form.- With that, Hagmore was engulfed in a pillar of light, and his scream echoed through the caves. When the light dissipated, Hagmore no longer had his enormous armor - he was now dressed in all red, with a red hat on. He had become a Red Mage. Surprisingly, he still had his Holy Avenger on his back, and could still wield it, as well as having his armor, though less huge.
"Wow..." he whispered, staring at himself. "Whoa! This is awesome! I've got magic! I've got weapons! And I can wear armor! This rules!" With that, he went dancing around the cave, singing a happy little song. As everyone else stared at him, Sifian stepped forward.
"If that Paladin can get such power...then so can I," he whispered. "I am ready. I wish for the power you grant."
Again, the pause. Then, finally, -No.-
Sifian was taken aback. "What?"
-You, a monk...you are supposed to be the one in the middle, neutral of all decisions...but you are not. You are filled with greed, and carry no purity to balance out the evil in you. Those who are like you have their own fate.-
Sifian was suddenly lifted into the air, flailing away at the crystal. "No! This can't happen!" he screamed. His arms were thrust out, in the crucified position of the Seraphim, and a light engulfed his body. He didn't have enough time to scream. When it cleared, he was gone.
-Bring me the next.-
"You...how could you?" Ari shouted at the crystal. "Why?"
-You heard my judgment. He was not worth of this power, and so was destroyed by his greed. Whoever may be next, step forward.-
Julio and Zan looked at each other. "You go," Julio said.
"Oh, no, after you, good sir," Zan said, motioning.
"Hell, no! You're the one who wants the ultimate power! I just want half ultimate power."
"Then you should go first! What if it runs out of ultimate power to give?"
"God, you two are such boys," Cat said disgustedly. "Fine, I'll go." With that, she stepped forward. There was the silence.
-Ninja...you, too, fulfill the wishes. Your trade makes you evil by nature...but you are filled with kindness. Therefore, you will receive your gift.- There was another pillar of light, and when it cleared, Cat was holding two brightly shining ninja swords.
-The demon-forged blades, Masamune and Murasame...forged in blood and purity. These blades will assist you in whatever way you need.-
Cat made a cute noise of happiness. "Oh, wow! These are the coolest things ever! Not only are they hip and in style, but they make me invisible!"
"You don't look invisible."
"It only happens when we're in battle."
-Also, for a small fee, they may become light-sabers.-
"No way! These things are the coolest! Thank you soooooo much!" With that, she walked off happily humming to herself. As she and Hagmore started talking to each other about how great their new weapon/power was, Julio and Zan pushed Ari forward.
"Here," they said quickly. "You go first, we'll wait back here." With that, they jumped back and hid behind a rock. Ari rolled her eyes and looked at the Seraph.
"Well? Do I fit your requirements?" she asked loudly. There was that wonderful silence. Then, again, the words echoed in the minds of everyone.
-Gypsy...you, too, fulfill my wishes. Your evil nature is overrun by kindness, just like the one before...but I will grant you a more acceptable form.- With that, Ari was engulfed in a pillar of light, like Hagmore. When it cleared, she was no longer in her shabby Gypsy clothes, but in the most bizarre cooks outfit one could ever have laid eyes on. It was like watching a cooking show go bad. An apron with knives in it, and a cook pot set lined with spikes? It was weird. As Ari hopped down to join the three, it was just Julio and Zan. They looked at each other, then at the Seraph.
-Step forward, heroes.-
Wincing slightly at the gasps from the others, they did so. A part of the Seraphim's forehead rippled and opened, and a large eye swung around to gaze at them. They cringed slightly, but did not step back.
-You two...are still quite a sight. I still remember, all those years ago, when I fell to this land, and the first thing I saw that did not flee or try to attack me...was a child warrior and a short little mage.- They both stepped back at that. -So, one last time, I will give you my powers...- With that, there was another flash of blinding light. When it cleared, Julio and Zan seemed to practically radiate power.
-I have increased your skills to the limit I can give...my power is fading, and I will not last long...-
"Wait! Seraph! Don't go!" Julio shouted, stepping forward.
-I must...for I have no more power to continue to exist...-
"No! You have to tell us!"
-Farewell...-
"Tell us! What happened on that day? What was it that made us go our separate ways like we did? We have to know!"
But it was too late. The Seraph's large eye had closed, and it was slowly crumpling into nothingness. No more words came from it. There was a deep silence, where nothing stirred for a long time. Julio sighed and turned about. "Let's go."
"...Julio." Hagmore stepped forward. He paused for a moment, then continued. "What were you talking about? About...that day..." he trailed off, not sure how to continue.
"When we're all together, I'll talk. But...not now." With that, he walked out of the room, followed by Zan. There was a pause and a look between the others, and they hurried after.
This is the state they were in when they walked into the previous room. Alexander and I were lounging on the rocks, Alexander looking as bishouneney as possible. I sat smoking a cigarette. We did not move as they walked in. They stopped between us, looking at us. They had to notice the huge blood stain that covered the entire hallway before them. It was hard to miss.
"Why...are you two sitting out here?" Zan asked, scratching his head. "Didn't you want some of the power we were given?"
Alexander and I shared a look, then shrugged. "Neither of us fit the Seraph's requirements," Alexander said, stretching his arms, "so we decided that it would be easier to wait here."
"Okay...that I can understand...but..." Zan pointed at the blood splattered all over. "What the hell happened there?"
"Just someone making a courtesy call."
"...courtesy call."
"Yeeep."
"Hence the blood splattered everywhere."
"That's how they usually end up as. So, did Seraph tell you anything important? I hope not, cause we're supposed to be part of this, too."
"Not really...?" Zan started and looked around wildly. "Oro? Where did he just go?" I fell over seven times. A sweat drop that could have crushed the Northern Continent fell into the ocean and killed a nearly extinct civilization. The moon's lunar cycle was reversed, and two kings who were fighting for the throne were assassinated by their underlings. I stood up painfully and shook my head sadly. Just when things were going good, too.
"Well, then let's be off," Alexander said cheerfully. "We have a lot to do, still." There was a nodding of heads from all around. With that, we went back the way we came.
It was around then that we remembered the rather insanely powerful monsters. However, we now all had increased powers (well, all but me and Alexander, but the lock on our powers seemed to have weakened), and wanted to try them out. The first to come was a huge armored turtle. Before, we hadn't been able to even scratch it. Now, Julio ran up to it and gave a mighty swing and cut its shell right off. Hagmore was right behind him, swinging his huge sword in an arc, slicing through its exposed skin. He followed up with a powerful ice spell that finished it off.
Then came a large armored mecha, loaded with highly advanced weapons. Cat, who was now invisible, ran up and cut it into pieces, leaving nothing but the legs still standing. Another showed, and Zan blasted it into infinity with a level 4 Bolt spell.
Then came the goblin horde. These things had been horrid before - now, after a quick stun spell, Ari threw them all into a pot and cooked them for dinner. It didn't taste too bad for goblin.
Then came the big ones - ice elementals. While Zan and Hagmore's Fire magic did wonders on them, I had a better idea. Releasing some old skills, I sent one straight into hell. The other was shattered to pieces with a shockwave. Another pair came around the corner, and were blasted by a beam of light from Alexander.
"Dude! This rocks total face!" Julio shouted as he killed another powerful monster and nearly drowned in the EXP. "We are now uber-powerful!"
"Don't say uber!" Cat shouted at him, dicing another mecha up.
"But you have to admit, this is pretty nice," Ari commented, cooking up more goblin. I was going to be sick of it soon enough.
After a lot of battling, in which we exhausted most of our skills, we finally emerged, very happy (except for me) with how things were going. "Ah," Hagmore said, stretching, "this was a good day."
"I had a good feeling!"
"Shut up and die."
"Well, as a result, we defeated him!"
"WHO?"
That was when the evil laughing started. I love it when that happens. The screen goes a darker color, and everyone looks around madly. Then the evil figure appeared, hovering high above us. It's been a while since we've seen someone new. This guy was a change from all the normal people we've only seen. He was a tall character, short sandy blond hair, and not too interesting of a look. He wore a white robe that rippled in the wind, and kept him looking badass, except for his none-to-interested look.
"Hmm...heroes. Hardly." He examined us carefully, still talking. "Fighter, ArchMage, Priest, Cook, Holy Ninja, Red Mage, and Assassin. Quite a peculiar crowd."
"Who are you?" Ari shouted, pointing a boiler pot at him.
"Humph...what are names to those who care not of human traits? But if must call me something, make it something simple. The human trait of a overly complex naming system sickens me." There was an uncomfortable pause after that, where there was much shuffling of feet and glancing around. The floating man sighed. "You may call me...Mark, if nothing else."
"Mark...? The hell kinda name is that?"
"All right then, Mark, why are you here?" Hagmore shouted. Mark simply shrugged.
"To kill you. Or, if nothing else, stall. You have gained far too much ground while Seniana was in the Sphere. So I will halt your progress."
There was a pause while we all tried to understand, but failed at it. Hagmore rolled a critical failure and his brain froze, unable to work for the next (roll, roll...) two hours. "Great."
The battle began. Since we could only have three people in the fight at a time, it was Julio, Alexander, and Ari. Mark was floating, so we had to have a Long Range Materia equipped to hit him-
"Wait a minute! Materia? When did we use that?"
"Just now!" Julio shouted as he hit Mark for considerable damage. Mark retaliated by casting some bizarre spell that smacked Alexander around. Ari responded by shooting a rocket out of the pot. Mark took the hit and countered with a powerful Fire 3. Ari took some serious damage. This didn't look like it would be a pretty fight. Alexander healed the entire party, and Julio ran in again and hit him. I still want to know where the Materia came from.
Mark cast a bizarre spell called Calamity that was a full array of nasty status effects on everyone. Alexander was protected by his robes, which resisted all status effects, and Julio had a necklace protecting against Venom, Slow and Stop, leaving him Blind and Silenced. Ari was totally wasted, however. She took damage from the poison and was left in critical. Alexander cast Esuna on her, but Mark cast a Blizzard spell, hitting everyone for considerable damage. Ari fell, wounded.
Well, with that, it was time to switch party members. Slightly changing the battle system, we switched Ari out for Cat and Julio for Zan. It was time to get down to business. Cat had a Ribbon equipped, so she would be safe against Mark's Calamity, and Zan had the Loudmouth ability equipped, so he couldn't be silenced. Cat threw Ninja Stars. Zan used the Enemy Skill Shadow Flare. Alexander drew the Holy spell from Mark. Mark cast some contrived Bolt-like spell, dealing decent damage. Cat used a Ninja skill, casting a flame wave on Mark. Zan used Focus.
"HOW MANY BATTLE SYSTEMS ARE WE USING?"
"That's nothing! Wait until you see the summon monsters! Hit it, Alexander!"
Alexander made his choice and the bar that replaced his own life bar finished quickly. He drew in several multi-colored balls with kanji on them while expelling three green balls that circled around him and shot into the air. He then did a trippy dance and finished by pointing into the air.
"Summon MonsterEsperGFEidelonAeon!!!!" a voice boomed from nowhere.
{Bahamut Ñ!} It said at the top of the screen. It suddenly became night, and there were a lot of clouds - in fact, we were looking at above the clouds. The moon was full (it always is). Then a large shape came up out of the clouds. It was a very, very, very blue dragon, with rainbow-colored wings. It gave a big roar and came shooting down through a contrived magic circle. After landing with a crash, Bahamut Ñ bellowed, "Preparate para sentir la ira del Maravilloso Bahámut Ñ!!" (Doo di doo!) Zan and Julio could only boggle at the rainbow-colored dragon as a mariachi band's chorus filled the air.
Mark boggled back at the dragon. "What the hell? I took French, not Spanish! What's wrong with this monster?"
"Tus palabras ceman mi sombrero!" Bahamut Ñ bellowed back. With that done, it began it's attack.
{UBER FLARE!} It informed us as more magic energy than there was free on the planet was absorbed by it. Three balls of energy, meant to conduct the excess energy, appeared and all the energy started going to one spot in front. There was a very, very large beam that shot out. And, well, you know what happens after that.
Boom.
Mark was pretty much annihilated in the blast. Kinda. He just took more damage than was humanly possible, and got back up. I hate that. After that, he responded with a powerful Flare spell. Cat took some hefty damage and was left in critical. We waited for the decision as to what would be done next to come, and nothing happened.
"Well? What happened? The game didn't freeze, did it?"
"No, it's still going. I think he just went to the bathroom."
"Fine time for that."
Suddenly, it kicked back into gear again. With Cat's turn up, and her in critical, it was a choice: have her heal herself, or attack? Which would it be?
"Well? What's she gonna do?"
"Hmm..." Julio muttered. "Mark's almost dead, but not everyone has gotten in yet. SO!..."
"So...what?"
"Heath! You're up!"
"Huh?"
I was suddenly pushed into the battle. "Uh...huh...Right. Well, time to cut loose, I guess." With that, it was time to us some old stuff. After releasing the third seal, I broke out several demons from imprisonment and ordered them to go attack Mark. As they did, I drew in a good deal of Dark energy, formed it into a sword, and leapt towards my target. There was a big flash of light, and I landed on the other side of Mark as he collapsed. The demons were sent back to where they came from, and I brushed my hands off. It looked like the seal was almost broken.
As the EXP was dished out to all of us -
"Wait, since Ari died, wouldn't she NOT get EXP?"
"Shut up and be grateful."
There was a bit of staring at me, then ignoring of me. The curse was fluxing. I wondered if that was a good sign.
"Well..." Mark said, clutching his side. "It looks like the reports are true to word. You are indeed powerful. However, do not think that this is the end. I will return, and the outcome will not be the same." With that, he vanished into thin air.
Plot.
To be continued later on.
Okay, it's time to cut the humor-only stuff. Now we get serious. (Yes, I can do that.)
We landed in the stupid dying desert town. Why do people always build a town in the middle of the desert? It makes no sense. The town dies until some band of heroes comes along and brings them the item needed to save them...never mind, that's pretty common.
Getting back on track, we walked over to the elder-type person and gave him the magic bleu cheese. Instantly a nearby empty ditch was filled with very, very blue water, and everyone who had been dying mere moments ago was suddenly healthy and happy. Why I bother wasting energy wondering about these things makes me wonder.
Well, with our good deed done, it was about time to leave. But first, we had to figure out where we were going to go.
"So..." Hagmore said, pondering. "What's around here, anyway? It's just a big desert. How do we continue plot from here?"
"Well, there's a really big tower across the desert and over a cliff east from here that the townspeople have been talking about recently," Zan supplied. Julio snapped his fingers.
"That must be the place we need to go to! Or at least should check out! It sounds full of plot!"
"Hey, guys, sorry to burst your fun, but there's no way to get there," Cat put in.
"Oh, right. Dammit."
"Um, hello?" I said, scratching my head. "We have a giant flaming dragon thing, remember?"
"We'll probably end up there anyway, Hagmore," Cat was saying to the paladin, who looked very sad at not being able to explore a new dungeon. "It's okay, you'll get there soon."
"Yeah, I know...but...what if it's one of those one-time only places? We could miss out on some super treasure!" With that, he burst into tears. Everyone gathered around for a 'group' hug - I put a bullet through my head. When we were done with the tower bit, we talked around some more - but there was nothing of plot around. I knew what was going to come, but said nothing. With nothing better to do, we walked back into the cave and started finding our way back, fighting everything on the way.
After some time, we made it back to where we had beached. There was nothing there. No odd treasures, no raft waiting for us, no secret revolutionaries coming to recruit us. When things like this happen, it makes me mad. I stabbed the nearest tree and watched it wilt. Poison is a beautiful thing. I've always wondered why evil guys don't create some super monster that poisons an entire population instead of trying to destroy them. It's much easier. But I image the heroes would find some way to cure the poison.
Hours have passed...
We still don't know where to go. We've walked the path of the cave about twelve times, and talked with everyone in town twice as many times. There was nowhere to go. I knew that this was going to happen.
In our thirteenth attempt to find the path through the cave, I lost my mind when we walked into a dead end - the same one we had walked into twelve times. I have only been so mad once before in my life - in a situation that was very similar.
"This...has now been enough."
Eyes turned to look at me.
"You've led us on this stupid run-about thing for long enough, girl."
There was some confusion to that. What they didn't know was that I was hallucinating, remembering an old time, seeing old people. Most of them were dead now.
"I have put with you for long enough!" I was raising my voice to a rather violent tone. "I'll show you that I can do more that the crap you've done! I can't stand you! I HATE YOU, BITCH!" With that, I released an attack I hadn't used for six years, unleashing a powerful blast that completely leveled the entire wall. Through the hole, it was revealed that there was a hidden passageway that continued onwards. Oblivious to what had just happened, Julio, Zan and Hagmore all continued on, with the other four kind of following, glancing back at me occasionally. I slowly followed them, trying my hardest to forget all the old memories that had come back. It was kinda nice to have some hidden past, but I still don't like those memories.
With the new part of the cave opened up, we continued onwards, fighting all the little bug things and giant bears we wanted. After a little while, we came to a pond with a turtle in it. Across the pond was a doorway, of sorts.
"Huh...I wonder what's over there."
"Probably something we'll come back to," Julio said dismissively.
"You know, not everything we come across it something we 'come back to'. Watch." With that, I walked right through the pond. It was only about three inches deep. I turned around and looked at them. "See? Real easy access."
They looked at me blankly, then turned and headed for the exit. My thoughts again turned to homicide.
When we walked outside, it turned out that night had fallen while we were wandering. We decided to set up a camp and I waited for the plot-filled discussion to start. Only problem was, we don't really know what we're trying to do yet. So why the sudden camp scene? Only time would tell...
"You know...ever since our run in with Seniana, I've had this odd feeling in the back of my head," Cat said. This looked interesting.
"What do you mean?" Ari asked, sitting across the campfire from her.
"Like, there's something I know, or should know, but I can't place my finger on it...you know what I mean?"
"I get what you're saying...but what does it have to do with her?"
"Probably cause they're most likely related," I said flatly. No one listened. It would have been funny if they had.
"I don't know," Cat said, lapsing into a silence.
There was a pause in conversation. "Heath," Sifian said, "Where are we right now?"
With a sigh, I picked up the map. "Just by a desert nearby this mining town far up north...it's quite a walk. We probably won't reach it until late tomorrow...if we were traveling by normal standards, that is." I pulled my hat down over my eyes. "Probably where we want to get to. That place is known for a rather extensive library of knowledge related to plot."
There was a soft breeze blowing that slowly lulled me to sleep as the others talked of our situation. I never stirred once.
The next morning, we packed up and started off. The easiest way to make it to the town was to travel along the mountains, so we did, fighting rather tough enemies who gave little EXP. After a long time, the desert ended, and we walked through plains, which were specked with trees and small forests here and there. The sun began to set. The mountains began to narrow off, and we were soon given our first look at what would become our most important destination we had ever been to.
The mining town, Ralthen. It stretched up the mountains, house lamps burning brightly in every window, looking like stars in the late eve. Machinery seemed to hook everything together, keeping the town in a constant state of movement. I wondered how long it would take the copyright agents to get to us about this.
We walked into the town and entered the first building. There were a lot of people who all looked the same walking around, spouting out random bits of how the battle system worked. "You know, I would expect these guys to be in the first town we came to, not one of the last," I mentioned.
"They were," Zan said. Everyone turned to look at him.
"What? What do you mean by that, Zan?" Ari asked.
"This was where our journey started." Zan glanced at Julio, who nodded. "Julio and I met up in this town after the five years when we all separated. We found a bizarre jewel in the mines of this town, and it released a strange power and killed several soldiers who went to check it out. That's where I learned a lot of my high-level spells."
"And where I found the Desert Eagle," Julio put in.
"Plot hurts my head sometimes," I moaned.
"This water in the bucket here will restore your HP/MP. Springs like this can be found all around the world," A random Joe told me.
"Go to hell. There's only one spring like that in the world," I retorted.
"This water in the bucket here will restore..."
"Yeah, I've heard it before."
"If you guys got such power after finding that crystal..." Hagmore started, then stopped. "Where was it?"
"Deep in the mines, probably where we left it. There was no way to move it, since going near it released its power," Zan said.
"Well, then, let's go check it out. We can probably get some power for ourselves if you guys did. " With that, Hagmore hauled his Holy Avenger over his shoulder and headed out, Julio and Zan right with him. Sifian shrugged and followed. The girls looked at each other, and then glanced at me. I sat with my hat down, my feet on a table. They looked at each other again and ran after the four others. That left Alexander and me.
I sat for a while, and then looked at Alexander. He had pulled an oboe out from somewhere and was tuning it. "I think we should follow them, you know?" he said after playing a few notes, not looking at me.
"Why."
"The Seraphim. They may not have as much luck as they did last time." He glanced at my raised eyebrow. "Oh, come on. You didn't think that I wouldn't know about such an occurrence?"
"Did you come in contact with it?"
"Not in the way they did. I found it through the magic streams." He played a few more notes, the returned to tuning. "But I would think that a Demi would want to get that power."
I smiled, in spite of myself. "That thing has no power for me. I gave into that other realm a long time ago. They, however, still can get its blessings. Except for one."
Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Except one? What do you mean?"
My smile widened. "Just that. One of them cannot get its power, but does not realize that. His realm of power lies elsewhere, like me. Like you."
"You mean that...?"
"Oh, yeah. It will be a show to see. I wonder who will replace him? There has to be eight." With the end of our mysterious conversation, the scene changed to the rest of the group. They were currently walking through the mine tunnels, getting into rather difficult random battles. More than once, they were forced to run, being unable to deal enough damage to the monsters.
"What's up with these things?" Hagmore panted as they ran from another monster. "How in the name of Holy did you guys make it through here so long ago, without any sort of good equipment?"
"I don't get it either!" Julio responded, also breathing heavily. "These things weren't this tough last time!"
"Do you think..." Zan started, but was cut off by another random battle. They ran again. "...that the crystal could have mutated them?"
"Could be," Julio shrugged. "We've seen its power. I wouldn't be surprised."
"Well, then let's get through this place as fast as we can," Cat said, glancing around in a worried manner. "I don't like it here."
"Agreed." With that, they started running, opting for speed rather than brute strength. It was risky, but they had to get there fast. After many twists and turns, much fleeing, and a good deal of healing, they made it to a large cavern. At the far end, glowing in the dim light, was a large crystal. It was impossible to see the shape that was held inside, but there was definitely something there.
-Come forward, heroes.-
The words echoed within their minds, resonating to the very core. They all looked around, searching for the source of the voice. Well, most of them. Julio and Zan continued to look right at the crystal.
-Come forward, heroes, and receive what you have searched for.-
The fighter and black mage walked forward. The others, unsure, were a little behind, stepping carefully.
"Is this..." Ari asked in wonder, "...the crystal?"
"Such power..." Sifian muttered.
They walked until it loomed over them, the glare so harsh they had to cover their eyes. There was a silence, then again, words.
-Fighter...Black Mage...you two return, like you promised.- Everyone stared at the two. The light began to grow more intense, to where they had to close their eyes. When it finally died, they could see the creature inside the crystal.
Seraphim. They are considered the most beautiful of all Angels, and one of the most powerful. They grant powers to those who prove themselves as the Seraph wishes them to. This is why Alexander and I could not enter - I was too evil, he too pure. Well, pure in spirit. Not so in any other way.
Most would stand in awe in the presence of a Seraph. Most would bow before it, stunned by its beauty. Not so this one. A Seraph will generally fall only once every few millennia. This one had fallen. It was hideous, and yet beautiful at the same time. Its golden hair was dirty and unkempt. Its robes were also dirty and torn, showing what was once purest skin. It hung in the crystal, crucified, its arms pulled way back, blood running from its wrists. Everyone gasped and stared, unable to look away.
I smiled and stepped back into the area in front of the hall. Alexander was playing his bassoon, tuning every now and then. "Well, the show's gonna begin soon. He'll be revealed at any moment now, and then they'll get what they want." I grinned again and pulled down my hat.
-You return,- the Seraphim whispered in their minds. -And you bring with you companions, like you said. Are they all prepared to receive this power I would give?-
Julio and Zan looked at the other four. "You heard that, right?" Everyone nodded. "This...it will give what you want, if you fulfill its requirements."
"What kind of 'requirements'?" Hagmore asked uncertainly.
-Only those who are of heroes of past may receive it. Those who are of the kindest evil. Who are of the most evil kindness. There will be nothing than that. If you feel you are ready, step forward.-
"This is what we're waiting for, Alexander...if that's even your real name." I glanced at the White Mage. He smiled back.
"No more real than your name, Heath."
"Heath is my real name," I said with a smile.
"And it belongs to a fool," a voice boomed from the shadows. Out stepped a man in gray, his face twisted in evil. I knew him. Oh, did I ever know him.
"Hello, Miskete. How are things with you?" I asked in a matter-of-fact manner. His face twisted into anger.
"That's all you have to say to the one who will kill you? How boring!" He clenched his fists. "Prepare to die, Heath."
"That would be Heath-sama to you, little one. Have some respect for your masters."
"My only respect is how much of a fool you are. I used what you taught me of Dark arts, and trained in the Light arts as well. You cannot possibly defeat me now!" With that, he threw a ball of purest Light straight at me. I could have stopped it, but the other person in the room decided to get involved. There was a bright flash.
When the light cleared, Alexander stood in front of me, his glowing wings grown out to their full length. His hair was let down, hanging down now past his shoulders. His robe rippled with the power he emanated. "Now, now," he said calmly. "You can't go throwing around such thing like that. It's dangerous. You could hurt yourself."
"Shut up! I'll kill you, you gay bastard!" Miskete threw another ball of light, which dissipated before it even touched him.
"How harsh of you!" he exclaimed. "Not only did you call me gay, but you also called me a bastard!"
"Alexander," I painfully said, "I thought you were gay. You told us all years ago, remember?" Alexander looked at me coyly.
"Oh, I know that. It's just that he's now being homophobic! People like that are always so mean. They tend to beat their wives, you know."
Miskete was getting very peeved about being ignored. "DIE, BOTH OF YOU!" He threw a ball of purest black straight at us. This was where I come in. With a growl, I drew in my full potential and absorbed his attack. With the dark powers seeping off my body, I grinned.
"Okay. Let's finish this one off." With that, Alexander and I drew in our respective energy, preparing to blast him into oblivion.
Hagmore stepped forward. "Well, if no one else will, I'll take a chance. I'm ready to get this power you speak of."
There was a silence. It did not last long, but it seemed to last forever. -You, Paladin...you are worthy of this power. Your purity as a Paladin is stained by want of fame...so I will grant you a more suitable form.- With that, Hagmore was engulfed in a pillar of light, and his scream echoed through the caves. When the light dissipated, Hagmore no longer had his enormous armor - he was now dressed in all red, with a red hat on. He had become a Red Mage. Surprisingly, he still had his Holy Avenger on his back, and could still wield it, as well as having his armor, though less huge.
"Wow..." he whispered, staring at himself. "Whoa! This is awesome! I've got magic! I've got weapons! And I can wear armor! This rules!" With that, he went dancing around the cave, singing a happy little song. As everyone else stared at him, Sifian stepped forward.
"If that Paladin can get such power...then so can I," he whispered. "I am ready. I wish for the power you grant."
Again, the pause. Then, finally, -No.-
Sifian was taken aback. "What?"
-You, a monk...you are supposed to be the one in the middle, neutral of all decisions...but you are not. You are filled with greed, and carry no purity to balance out the evil in you. Those who are like you have their own fate.-
Sifian was suddenly lifted into the air, flailing away at the crystal. "No! This can't happen!" he screamed. His arms were thrust out, in the crucified position of the Seraphim, and a light engulfed his body. He didn't have enough time to scream. When it cleared, he was gone.
-Bring me the next.-
"You...how could you?" Ari shouted at the crystal. "Why?"
-You heard my judgment. He was not worth of this power, and so was destroyed by his greed. Whoever may be next, step forward.-
Julio and Zan looked at each other. "You go," Julio said.
"Oh, no, after you, good sir," Zan said, motioning.
"Hell, no! You're the one who wants the ultimate power! I just want half ultimate power."
"Then you should go first! What if it runs out of ultimate power to give?"
"God, you two are such boys," Cat said disgustedly. "Fine, I'll go." With that, she stepped forward. There was the silence.
-Ninja...you, too, fulfill the wishes. Your trade makes you evil by nature...but you are filled with kindness. Therefore, you will receive your gift.- There was another pillar of light, and when it cleared, Cat was holding two brightly shining ninja swords.
-The demon-forged blades, Masamune and Murasame...forged in blood and purity. These blades will assist you in whatever way you need.-
Cat made a cute noise of happiness. "Oh, wow! These are the coolest things ever! Not only are they hip and in style, but they make me invisible!"
"You don't look invisible."
"It only happens when we're in battle."
-Also, for a small fee, they may become light-sabers.-
"No way! These things are the coolest! Thank you soooooo much!" With that, she walked off happily humming to herself. As she and Hagmore started talking to each other about how great their new weapon/power was, Julio and Zan pushed Ari forward.
"Here," they said quickly. "You go first, we'll wait back here." With that, they jumped back and hid behind a rock. Ari rolled her eyes and looked at the Seraph.
"Well? Do I fit your requirements?" she asked loudly. There was that wonderful silence. Then, again, the words echoed in the minds of everyone.
-Gypsy...you, too, fulfill my wishes. Your evil nature is overrun by kindness, just like the one before...but I will grant you a more acceptable form.- With that, Ari was engulfed in a pillar of light, like Hagmore. When it cleared, she was no longer in her shabby Gypsy clothes, but in the most bizarre cooks outfit one could ever have laid eyes on. It was like watching a cooking show go bad. An apron with knives in it, and a cook pot set lined with spikes? It was weird. As Ari hopped down to join the three, it was just Julio and Zan. They looked at each other, then at the Seraph.
-Step forward, heroes.-
Wincing slightly at the gasps from the others, they did so. A part of the Seraphim's forehead rippled and opened, and a large eye swung around to gaze at them. They cringed slightly, but did not step back.
-You two...are still quite a sight. I still remember, all those years ago, when I fell to this land, and the first thing I saw that did not flee or try to attack me...was a child warrior and a short little mage.- They both stepped back at that. -So, one last time, I will give you my powers...- With that, there was another flash of blinding light. When it cleared, Julio and Zan seemed to practically radiate power.
-I have increased your skills to the limit I can give...my power is fading, and I will not last long...-
"Wait! Seraph! Don't go!" Julio shouted, stepping forward.
-I must...for I have no more power to continue to exist...-
"No! You have to tell us!"
-Farewell...-
"Tell us! What happened on that day? What was it that made us go our separate ways like we did? We have to know!"
But it was too late. The Seraph's large eye had closed, and it was slowly crumpling into nothingness. No more words came from it. There was a deep silence, where nothing stirred for a long time. Julio sighed and turned about. "Let's go."
"...Julio." Hagmore stepped forward. He paused for a moment, then continued. "What were you talking about? About...that day..." he trailed off, not sure how to continue.
"When we're all together, I'll talk. But...not now." With that, he walked out of the room, followed by Zan. There was a pause and a look between the others, and they hurried after.
This is the state they were in when they walked into the previous room. Alexander and I were lounging on the rocks, Alexander looking as bishouneney as possible. I sat smoking a cigarette. We did not move as they walked in. They stopped between us, looking at us. They had to notice the huge blood stain that covered the entire hallway before them. It was hard to miss.
"Why...are you two sitting out here?" Zan asked, scratching his head. "Didn't you want some of the power we were given?"
Alexander and I shared a look, then shrugged. "Neither of us fit the Seraph's requirements," Alexander said, stretching his arms, "so we decided that it would be easier to wait here."
"Okay...that I can understand...but..." Zan pointed at the blood splattered all over. "What the hell happened there?"
"Just someone making a courtesy call."
"...courtesy call."
"Yeeep."
"Hence the blood splattered everywhere."
"That's how they usually end up as. So, did Seraph tell you anything important? I hope not, cause we're supposed to be part of this, too."
"Not really...?" Zan started and looked around wildly. "Oro? Where did he just go?" I fell over seven times. A sweat drop that could have crushed the Northern Continent fell into the ocean and killed a nearly extinct civilization. The moon's lunar cycle was reversed, and two kings who were fighting for the throne were assassinated by their underlings. I stood up painfully and shook my head sadly. Just when things were going good, too.
"Well, then let's be off," Alexander said cheerfully. "We have a lot to do, still." There was a nodding of heads from all around. With that, we went back the way we came.
It was around then that we remembered the rather insanely powerful monsters. However, we now all had increased powers (well, all but me and Alexander, but the lock on our powers seemed to have weakened), and wanted to try them out. The first to come was a huge armored turtle. Before, we hadn't been able to even scratch it. Now, Julio ran up to it and gave a mighty swing and cut its shell right off. Hagmore was right behind him, swinging his huge sword in an arc, slicing through its exposed skin. He followed up with a powerful ice spell that finished it off.
Then came a large armored mecha, loaded with highly advanced weapons. Cat, who was now invisible, ran up and cut it into pieces, leaving nothing but the legs still standing. Another showed, and Zan blasted it into infinity with a level 4 Bolt spell.
Then came the goblin horde. These things had been horrid before - now, after a quick stun spell, Ari threw them all into a pot and cooked them for dinner. It didn't taste too bad for goblin.
Then came the big ones - ice elementals. While Zan and Hagmore's Fire magic did wonders on them, I had a better idea. Releasing some old skills, I sent one straight into hell. The other was shattered to pieces with a shockwave. Another pair came around the corner, and were blasted by a beam of light from Alexander.
"Dude! This rocks total face!" Julio shouted as he killed another powerful monster and nearly drowned in the EXP. "We are now uber-powerful!"
"Don't say uber!" Cat shouted at him, dicing another mecha up.
"But you have to admit, this is pretty nice," Ari commented, cooking up more goblin. I was going to be sick of it soon enough.
After a lot of battling, in which we exhausted most of our skills, we finally emerged, very happy (except for me) with how things were going. "Ah," Hagmore said, stretching, "this was a good day."
"I had a good feeling!"
"Shut up and die."
"Well, as a result, we defeated him!"
"WHO?"
That was when the evil laughing started. I love it when that happens. The screen goes a darker color, and everyone looks around madly. Then the evil figure appeared, hovering high above us. It's been a while since we've seen someone new. This guy was a change from all the normal people we've only seen. He was a tall character, short sandy blond hair, and not too interesting of a look. He wore a white robe that rippled in the wind, and kept him looking badass, except for his none-to-interested look.
"Hmm...heroes. Hardly." He examined us carefully, still talking. "Fighter, ArchMage, Priest, Cook, Holy Ninja, Red Mage, and Assassin. Quite a peculiar crowd."
"Who are you?" Ari shouted, pointing a boiler pot at him.
"Humph...what are names to those who care not of human traits? But if must call me something, make it something simple. The human trait of a overly complex naming system sickens me." There was an uncomfortable pause after that, where there was much shuffling of feet and glancing around. The floating man sighed. "You may call me...Mark, if nothing else."
"Mark...? The hell kinda name is that?"
"All right then, Mark, why are you here?" Hagmore shouted. Mark simply shrugged.
"To kill you. Or, if nothing else, stall. You have gained far too much ground while Seniana was in the Sphere. So I will halt your progress."
There was a pause while we all tried to understand, but failed at it. Hagmore rolled a critical failure and his brain froze, unable to work for the next (roll, roll...) two hours. "Great."
The battle began. Since we could only have three people in the fight at a time, it was Julio, Alexander, and Ari. Mark was floating, so we had to have a Long Range Materia equipped to hit him-
"Wait a minute! Materia? When did we use that?"
"Just now!" Julio shouted as he hit Mark for considerable damage. Mark retaliated by casting some bizarre spell that smacked Alexander around. Ari responded by shooting a rocket out of the pot. Mark took the hit and countered with a powerful Fire 3. Ari took some serious damage. This didn't look like it would be a pretty fight. Alexander healed the entire party, and Julio ran in again and hit him. I still want to know where the Materia came from.
Mark cast a bizarre spell called Calamity that was a full array of nasty status effects on everyone. Alexander was protected by his robes, which resisted all status effects, and Julio had a necklace protecting against Venom, Slow and Stop, leaving him Blind and Silenced. Ari was totally wasted, however. She took damage from the poison and was left in critical. Alexander cast Esuna on her, but Mark cast a Blizzard spell, hitting everyone for considerable damage. Ari fell, wounded.
Well, with that, it was time to switch party members. Slightly changing the battle system, we switched Ari out for Cat and Julio for Zan. It was time to get down to business. Cat had a Ribbon equipped, so she would be safe against Mark's Calamity, and Zan had the Loudmouth ability equipped, so he couldn't be silenced. Cat threw Ninja Stars. Zan used the Enemy Skill Shadow Flare. Alexander drew the Holy spell from Mark. Mark cast some contrived Bolt-like spell, dealing decent damage. Cat used a Ninja skill, casting a flame wave on Mark. Zan used Focus.
"HOW MANY BATTLE SYSTEMS ARE WE USING?"
"That's nothing! Wait until you see the summon monsters! Hit it, Alexander!"
Alexander made his choice and the bar that replaced his own life bar finished quickly. He drew in several multi-colored balls with kanji on them while expelling three green balls that circled around him and shot into the air. He then did a trippy dance and finished by pointing into the air.
"Summon MonsterEsperGFEidelonAeon!!!!" a voice boomed from nowhere.
{Bahamut Ñ!} It said at the top of the screen. It suddenly became night, and there were a lot of clouds - in fact, we were looking at above the clouds. The moon was full (it always is). Then a large shape came up out of the clouds. It was a very, very, very blue dragon, with rainbow-colored wings. It gave a big roar and came shooting down through a contrived magic circle. After landing with a crash, Bahamut Ñ bellowed, "Preparate para sentir la ira del Maravilloso Bahámut Ñ!!" (Doo di doo!) Zan and Julio could only boggle at the rainbow-colored dragon as a mariachi band's chorus filled the air.
Mark boggled back at the dragon. "What the hell? I took French, not Spanish! What's wrong with this monster?"
"Tus palabras ceman mi sombrero!" Bahamut Ñ bellowed back. With that done, it began it's attack.
{UBER FLARE!} It informed us as more magic energy than there was free on the planet was absorbed by it. Three balls of energy, meant to conduct the excess energy, appeared and all the energy started going to one spot in front. There was a very, very large beam that shot out. And, well, you know what happens after that.
Boom.
Mark was pretty much annihilated in the blast. Kinda. He just took more damage than was humanly possible, and got back up. I hate that. After that, he responded with a powerful Flare spell. Cat took some hefty damage and was left in critical. We waited for the decision as to what would be done next to come, and nothing happened.
"Well? What happened? The game didn't freeze, did it?"
"No, it's still going. I think he just went to the bathroom."
"Fine time for that."
Suddenly, it kicked back into gear again. With Cat's turn up, and her in critical, it was a choice: have her heal herself, or attack? Which would it be?
"Well? What's she gonna do?"
"Hmm..." Julio muttered. "Mark's almost dead, but not everyone has gotten in yet. SO!..."
"So...what?"
"Heath! You're up!"
"Huh?"
I was suddenly pushed into the battle. "Uh...huh...Right. Well, time to cut loose, I guess." With that, it was time to us some old stuff. After releasing the third seal, I broke out several demons from imprisonment and ordered them to go attack Mark. As they did, I drew in a good deal of Dark energy, formed it into a sword, and leapt towards my target. There was a big flash of light, and I landed on the other side of Mark as he collapsed. The demons were sent back to where they came from, and I brushed my hands off. It looked like the seal was almost broken.
As the EXP was dished out to all of us -
"Wait, since Ari died, wouldn't she NOT get EXP?"
"Shut up and be grateful."
There was a bit of staring at me, then ignoring of me. The curse was fluxing. I wondered if that was a good sign.
"Well..." Mark said, clutching his side. "It looks like the reports are true to word. You are indeed powerful. However, do not think that this is the end. I will return, and the outcome will not be the same." With that, he vanished into thin air.
Plot.
To be continued later on.