EX-2: Heartbeat
"Only through connections can bleeding hearts sing once more."
Before the band called MASK came into being, there was only Amiya and I. We occasionally get pages of songs from one of my contractors. Of course we tried to play them because it was a fun time to bond with her and second because we heard that music and ARTS had ties to one another.
It was a chance encounter, nothing more than that.
Penguin Logistics is one of the most loyal partnership Rhodes Island ever had and the Emperor himself overheard our performance while looking for me.
"It was embarrassing to be honest." Amiya commented, she nearly drop her violin that time.
"That's a nice tune you got there Doc, I guess you are a man of many talents..." Emperor came in about new arrangements for transferring medical goods to new places like Sargon since they just secured a route thanks to Croissant, "Here I thought, they were just hyping you up."
By they, he meant Texas and Exusiai who had seen me practicing my swordsmanship and ranged aim before. At first bows were a difficult weapon but over time I was able to hit a bull's eye once at the very least. But when it comes to melee, I managed to make Texas sweat when we sparred.
Of course I lost to her but Dobermann's training did pay off.
"You have potential, tell you what if you could string up a band and work on those songs of yours I'll pitch you up to Siren Heart Records." Our eyes lit up in excitement, I was not aware at the time but it sounded like a huge record company. Amiya on the other hand had to suppress a squeal of excitement.
"Forgive me for being skeptical Doctor," Schwarz had a quizzical look in her eyes, "But I find it hard to understand that he just extended the olive branch just like that."
That was what I thought of first, I asked why when he just knew us professionally and we're not even a full band at the time. Given that we also have an agreement of making Sora reach a larger audience.
"Been in the industry for a long time, I got an eye for talent so to speak." Emperor's deep voice spoke words of wisdom, "You guys have drive and potential, and oddballs who have the same heart are plentiful here."
"Wouldn't Sora's popularity be challenged though?" Amiya asked my question for me.
"Eh, not really I'm not fond of the cutthroat act that some stars do." As strange as he can be that man really bore pride and integrity in music, "You lift us up, we'll lift you that's how us artists roll."
With those parting words, we of course ran that idea through Kal'tsit. I just know that she's most reliable person here and she would blow a gasket if I did not notify her about this.
"Very well, but there is the fact that you have to assemble a band." She pointed out that starting one was more of a limited scope, we could only recruit three more members and they have to be Rhodes Island Operators as much Exusiai wanted to join when she heard that we're starting a band, she couldn't.
Still, I did not expect that Kal'tsit would be so willing to entertain the idea. To be honest at first, she seemed to be more of an icy person than I thought.
"That's a mean thing to say..." Kal'tsit narrowed her eyes.
Our first interactions weren't exactly a cozy campfire.
"Alright, that's fair." The lynx wondered if she really sounded that cold, her past isn't exactly peachy especially with the relationship of a certain someone going a whole one-eighty. Still, it couldn't hurt to speak with less chill like Closure would usually half-joke about.
Overtime, we managed to strung along Noir Corne, Yato, and Vigna to our band. Noir at the drums, Yato at the bass and the small red Sarkaz powerhouse at the electric guitar.
"EHHH, why me of all people!?" Vigna was understandably surprised and with a lot of questions, "Don't get me wrong I would take the opportunity in a heartbeat but this is Siren Heart we're talking about."
There was a specific reason why I chose her to be our guitarist, she had the love and passion needed to perform.
I didn't knew her that much before but it was brimming at the small Sarkaz mercenary.
"Tell ya what, if you agree you can take your guitar with you even during missions you can even smack enemies with it, provided that we first make it sturdier."
"Ok!" That was more than enough to convince her. The girl always wanted to do that.
"Wouldn't that be too much for them?, the hostiles I mean." Amiya brought up, ever the kind girl hoping for things to be less violent.
Of course Amiya blushed at that remark.
I raised my hands in defense, "Hey if those guys are that far gone to hit a small red girl even with armor and weapons, a concussion from a guitar is the first of many punishments they should go through."
Sometimes I felt it was messed up to have teenagers who sometimes are not even eighteen as Combat Operators but then I remembered that the first one was a Sarkaz, and the other is Amiya.
Next was Yato and Noir Corne, the two grew despondent after the lack of missions these veterans had ever since new Operators keep flying out, like the resumes came in duffel bags.
Schwarz and Ceylon whistled innocently and Kal'tsit looked a tad too uncomfortable.
"I heard you guys can play instruments." I stroke up the conversation when I summoned the two to my room our Trust with each other is high enough,
Yato was disarmed when I said that with the utmost seriousness, "Yes, I play the bass."
"And I play the drums," Noir interjected, "Although my guitar is not too shabby too."
"Good, good so I got contacted by Siren Hear-" I was then interrupted by two excited Operators grabbing me by the jacket.
"What, when, why?" I gestured for them to take it easy, it's understandable I dropped a big bomb on them.
I told them what the Emperor offered, how I took it and I was just excited to get a new perspective on things. I believed that Rhodes Island can offer other forms of hope.
"So you call us to...be a part of your band?" Yato was nervous yet I knew for certain that she was more than interested.
I nodded, and hand them one of my older music sheets. It was the very first song we practiced when it was just me and Amiya doing it for the sake of bonding and honing ARTS.
"Last Surprise?" Noir Corne never heard of that song before yet there was something that stirred him when he saw the notes.
They were full of uncertainty but they are Operators from Rhodes Island, being afraid of pursuing your passion when the flame is re-lit would be a stain on our Oath.
May I enjoy my life and practice my art, respected by all men and in all times.
They nodded solemnly with affirmation, I knew they would accept but I wanted to hear their conviction this was a new battle that none of us had any experience in.
That silent agreement was all I needed to hear.
I am thou, thou art I.
The creation of a new bond is at hand
The crux of thine oath manifests as power
The contract of hearts shall be the catalyst that nulls segregation
Hence, the discovery of the Chariot Arcana shall guide you to the cure of thine heart,
Bestowing the gift of life to thy soul.
The Chariot: MASK [Vigna, Noir Corne, Yato]
Information
Practicing with your band members will increase your ARTS and MA and serve to deepen your bonds with them. Sherry will give you music sheets if you purchase them, bear in mind that you must finish other songs before unlocking new ones.
Finishing a song may teach a new Personal Skill or improve existing ones.
Luckily they still kept their skills in music even after all this time, so the first rehearsal was a passable effort. Especially since we didn't have to write songs with all the music sheets my benefactors gave me.
"Oh right SOS... you didn't really write your songs huh?" Ceylon pondered on what SOS meant before, "What does that acronym mean?"
To answer that question, I need to brief on the nature of our powers Ceylon.
"Is that right? Very well, I still have so much questions about Amphitrite."
Personas are the manifestation of our wills made physical, from what I've learned there three known ways to obtain one but the requirement is always a strong will and heart.
I've seen only two conditions fulfilled by my own eyes, the first is a strong rebellious will which was the catalsyt of Amiya and I. While the second...
"..." Amiya kept silent while Kal'tsit had a somber knowing look.
"It's fine, you don't have to-" Ceylon insisted but the Doctor shook his head, lingering memories aside it was only right to continue.
No, it's fine really. The second was coming to terms with your mortality, a friend of ours got hers by that method at I'm sure you can guess her fate by now.
"How did she..."
It was Oripathy, her Persona managed to delay the rapid effects of her condition. At that stage it was hopeless to stabilize her.
Ceylon was understandably taken aback by the story, "Our condolences..."
Thank you, but at the very least she was able to be happy for a while.
"So then, what's the third?" Herman interjected, he too was getting intrigued by the young man's tale.
That I reckon would be what Ceylon experienced, an intense desire to seek and truth.
"I see..."
The power we share came from what is called the sea of souls, well at least it used too. But that was what the songwriter told us to credited them for, they wanted to be referred to as Sea of Souls or SOS for short.
(Sherry was pretty insistent on that, still those neatly written music sheets were a lifesaver...)
Back to the conception of our band, of course like any band we would have our own falling outs and rows in a while but given a week's time it was pretty impressive according to what Sora said anyway.
Sora heard through the grapevine that Vigna was a part of a band and decided to investigate.
"D-Doctor!?" Needless to say, she was surprised at both my appearance and what I was doing. I was singing in my more feminine tone so the source must have been equally mind-boggling.
Herman choked on his drink, he was a bit skeptical that this man was the vocalist of the band when they were planning the Obsidian Festival with the DDD, AUS, and the Emperor himself.
I took the opportunity and asked her to be my vocal coach, and to be honest I was surprised that she would agree.
"Gee, I wonder why..." Amiya muttered underneath her breath, it was slightly irritating to see Sora so close to him.
Amiya, did you say something?
"I said she was very kind." She breathed out a sigh of relief whereas Schwarz and Kal'tsit picked up on what she said.
I see, well after that we rehearsed on hours. With my adept hands in handling paperwork and the swift operations conducted we managed to procure enough time to hone our skills.
"Amazing work guys, that really caught the rebellious vibe this track is going for." The recording director was a very passionate fellow with stars in their eyes he replayed the finished recording again.
We played jazz rock, jazz blues, and just plain jazz then we shifted into pop to prove that we aren't just a one-trick pony that could only make single genre of melody.
After that, I showed off the rap lessons I was taking with Sora's guidance. When she said she had range in every genre, she wasn't kidding.
"I have to admit that was fire." The Emperor himself was interested on how we spent our practice and the results of it, "That reputation of exceeding people's expectations is really for real huh?"
And so we made our first album with Emperor's connection with Siren Heart and the rest was history.
"That was it?" Ceylon was astonished at how brief it was, "Just one album and you got to be in the Obsidian Festival?"
Pretty much, that was the timeline of events that led us to be a rumored band to appear. To be honest we were surprised at how popular we became in a such a short amount of time too.
Well, that was the origin of MASK but I'm sure you have questions apart from the beginning of the band.
"What is with the reveal?" Schwarz was puzzled by the stunt, you'd think such a high profile person in Rhodes Island would at least not associate themselves with a celebrity status.
Ah, well that was in part to send a message and as well as some fanservice I guess. That's why I let the television broadcasts to see my face for a while and for the audience to not take any pictures.
It was hard to master and exploit the ability of Personas to jam most recording devices and it was harder to adjust the scope of this effect, since they are originally beings of cognition.
"I never really understood how our Personas can do that..." Amiya muttered, she wanted to take a picture with Miseria but it all look faded.
The working theory is that since Personas are cognitive beings they innately have a perspective that is hard to fathom or comprehend so it would make sense that things that can see but not perceive like cameras and the like would fail. So while distance is a key aspect of seeing our powers, being an open individual would make seeing Personas easier.
"Interesting, so it is essentially camouflage from the narrow-minded?" Herman sagely concluded from the excerpt of information, it was interesting to see how the Doctor talked about these things comfortably. This kind of knowledge is kind of useless if you plan to against him as well, unintentional or not his secrets were both easy to share and impossible to exploit.
I only managed to have selectivity in this aspect of our powers by being taught to by my contractors. (Since this was especially useful in infiltrating security with W. Overloading every camera with hazy scenery would set off anyone on any security room.)
But I guess that's what you'd call it.
"So, that's pretty much it. I am pretty curious about some things about Siesta myself." The Doctor changed the topic at the hangout, and Ceylon was more than eager to entertain his questions.
Amiya raised her hand eagerly, "Yeah, like where the city's name came from."
Soon, everyone shared experiences from their home towns with Kal'tsit sharing some harmless medical knowledge, to the Doctor asking for marksmanship tips from Schwarz as he was eager to pick up a ranged weapon to complete his gear. Herman and Ceylon bonded for the first time in years, and Amiya and Ceylon bonded over being young girls with a lot of responsibility on their shoulders.
The Doctor had spent a long time with the key players of this mission and he enjoyed every second of it. Not before Hood and Rabbit gave out their autographs.
0o0
There were things I did not want to divulge back then, thankfully Amiya picked up on what I wanted to omit. Yato and Noir's privacy should be respected after all, no one needs to know that.
Heck, I don't even think Kal'tsit knew the full details of our rehearsals before.
Still...it felt like months even though it had been two weeks ever since I returned to the Ark and a week after Misha's passing.
"I said I don't need your help!" Yato scathingly said at the Oni offering to set up the studio.
Honestly, I barged in their argument at a bad time since I wanted to go early since I wrapped up the day's paperwork. Which was an accomplishment before since I wasn't used to that task yet.
The only vacation aspect of those weeks was that I wasn't able to go on field missions.
"Look, I'm so-" Immediately Noir zipped it, as if this was not the first time this interaction happen.
"Ok, what's going on? I hear shouting." I quickly butted in, so that they won't escalate in a heated argument or more like Noir getting chewed out by Yato.
The two veterans immediately stopped on what they were doing a while ago and stood to face me, it didn't took the perceptiveness of a master to see their sweat in the chilled room.
Should I let this slide? If I were any colder to others than perhaps but it is clear that this eventually escalate until I say something. Besides if I was going to do so, I may not have even started this band.
"Yato...Noir I'm not stupid." I gave a disapproving glare to them, if they intend to hide this from me and do a poor job about it I won't beat around the bush, "What were you fighting about."
Giving up at hiding things Yato started, "It was because Noir Corne here decided it was a good idea to attract the four that I was dealing with during our last mission."
"Like I told you, you were injured and they would have been too much for you to handle" Noir sighed, trying to calm her irritation.
"I'm not weak like you think I am." The intent was lost on her however.
"I never said you are."
"Then why do you do this every time?"
"It's because you do this all the time."
"I don't need you to take care of me!"
"I do this because I care!"
They forgot that I was there when they argued once more, how unprofessional. Still they must have been bottling these feelings up within each other presence or in the battlefield.
Reviewing their battle records back then, Yato certainly is a bit reckless but she always manages to slip by and take her target down that's why she was part of the Fast-Redeploy Operator Class even though her designated role is a Vanguard. However, what she did not notice was three more were there and Noir was thankfully there to deflect those attacks if Noir was not there tanking the brunt of those Casters attacks then Yato would be done.
And yet, it was clear from the footage that Noir was breaking formation. No one really questioned it because it all worked out as always. Once I was in charge of command I made sure to stick those two together, they work well as a duo but before they were synergistic in an accidental sense.
"I get it now!" It was getting a little awkward for me hearing their vitriol for each other, they paused in their fighting and coughed refusing to look at me and instead preferred staring at each other
"Look, I get what you are saying but Yato even with your abilities you can't easily take down your foe while you are not in tip-top shape. If you are hurt don't be a hardhead, and retreat to get healed by the Medics in your squad. Your mobility isn't just for blindsiding enemies with swift attacks."
Yato was very receptive but Noir was pleased with my scolding, but I was not yet done.
"Wipe that smile from your mask Noir, you aren't devoid of fault either. One of the first thing I did when I returned was watch almost every Operator's Combat Records and what did I saw?"
Noir Corne was sweating buckets from my rhetorical question.
"You broke out of formation every time you saw Yato being in danger, it saved her sure but if you helped your squad repel the enemy and secure that point faster, then all of you could have help her. You know the natural strengths of your race more than anyone and you know it would take a lot more than a few Caster bolts to kill her."
I sighed, wondering if my request for them to be members was a bad idea in hindsight. "I understand that you two have some history and I'm not asking for you two to get along."
Yato and Noir hung their heads in shame, glad to see that they understand.
"Just keep whatever was the core of this in private and not let it seep in to the battlefield and here."
They nodded and even though I did not see Noir's face, they both bore wistful smiles realizing how stupid they acted.
Vigna and Amiya came later and we continued practiced like usual.
That did not solve the band's problems however, the pair of Oni's have yet to rekindle or show any desire to start over in their relationship. It was apparent that they were thankful of my scolding and subsequent advice however.
For now, it's fine. Maybe even after MASK fades out of the limelight it is currently enjoying their fractured bond wouldn't be repaired of made anew.
But like the wheels of a chariot it doesn't really matter as long as they continue running it, besides they were only two wheels in this metaphor. Vigna had her share of problems before, but for now I'll leave that aside.
0o0
The Doctor sighed as he was then swamped in his room by his Operators, Kal'tsit made a makeshift queuing booth with the bed covers and the desk for him to sign autographs smirking at the hole the Doctor dug himself into.
What the Doctor did not factor was how many of their fans were the Operators he commands.
Thankfully, Red and Phantom stood watch of any non-Rhodes Island personnel so his identity as Hood would be a secret and with Amiya contacting Ceylon who was contacting her father had the hotel he was staying in secured. Schwarz was all too happy to take a shift with Ceylon in tow.
"So, Sora how looooong~ have you known about this?" The red-haired Sankta was all to pleased with her prize but not too happy that both their boss and one of their co-workers were the only ones in the loop.
Sora shivered at Texas's waiting glare, "Ah well, I really couldn't tell you guys because Boss told us too haha..."
The duo sighed, it can't be helped whatever the boss says goes after all.
"Yeah it was a bit awkward to hear you guys gush over the Doctor's stage persona." Croissant added as she chewed on a skewer she bought from Ifrit's stand which she relocated to the hotel after hearing the influx of people.
Capitalism starts out young ladies and gentlemen.
Texas sputtered and denied such a thing, "Ok, then how do you know?" Croissant looked behind nervously unsure on how to reply.
"Boss contacted me in distributing their merch..." The Minos girl remembered that day fondly, the money she made just by being a private courier that their boss approached, "I mean our Boss, not Baws."
"Hang on, he approached you?" Croissant nodded.
"Our boss but not our boss?"
"Yeah Baws not Boss!"
They couldn't understand the difference of what Croissant was saying, well Sora can but what Croissant told them isn't distinguishable unless it's in a written form.
Shame that's there's no way to get that detail across.
This is more exhausting than dealing with paperwork, I can't cheese this one with Third Eye. It all comes down to stamina, still it's fun seeing them react to my reveal that eagerly.
Maybe this was truly a way to spread hope without fighting.
"Thank you so much Doc." Frostleaf bowed in gratitude, fiddling the CD single in her hand. It was a single of "Beneath the Mask" a personal favorite of most Operators when they want to chill out and grab a cup of coffee.
I wonder how the Medics would react if they knew this was the only song Kal'tsit decided to play with us. Never knew that she could play the piano before, that woman is full of so many surprises.
Of course right behind her was Female Tourist C, expectantly waiting for him to sign her copy of their only album "Rebel"
It still confounds me that we only have a single album to our name and it easily climbed Siren Records chart. Hopefully once we get back and finish our business with a certain angry Infected mob we could work on our second album, Sherry suggested it to be called "Truth"
"Ok, got ya Female Tourist C..." The Doctor chuckled as he fake-wrote his autograph and stopped as Ch'en glared at him, "I'm joking...here, thank you for supporting us Ch'en
Suppressing an uncharacteristically happy squeal, she made a mock-angry face, "You'll never let me live that down now huh?"
"Losing memories makes it easier to remember." He jested with a cheeky grin and their faces both changed into a smile. The Doctor then passed it over to Amiya who just got back to get them some lunch surprised as she is that Ch'en of all people went to the trouble of getting an autograph she happily gave Rabbit's.
With Ch'en on her merry way, daylight burned in his room. Operator after Operator asked for something of theirs to be signed with Hood's and Rabbit's autograph.
Still, even with the long line it only took till late afternoon for the impromptu signing event to be almost finished.
The last person who requested their autograph was unexpected to say the least.
"Eyja, I thought you were in the Ark." A mix of concern over the circumstances of her appearance and pleasant surprise at her arrival was present in his voice.
"I sneaked in, when I heard the return ship to Siesta was setting out." While he wanted to scold her for being reckless, he had an idea as to why she would do that.
A few weeks ago, the idea of hearing was but a fleeting concept towards the girl. Now with Rhodes Island technology and a bit of something else, she could hear better than what her condition would allow her.
"It's a shame that in my rush, I couldn't bring my swimsuit." Hopefully this was the only time she would miss out on costumes and swimsuits.
It was very relieving to see her act and smile like that, looking at her now and her past it's like the old days were but a nightmare to her.
At times that I fear my power is only good for defeating our enemies, looking at people like Eyja reminds me that it's not the case.
I couldn't help but be nostalgic even though it was only weeks, time flows differently to me; a man who's existence was essentially only a few weeks ago. It felt like months is what I want to say.
I remember bumping into Eyjafyalla who was carrying a load of papers that were comically bigger than her.
"I'm sorry..." Eyjafyalla tended to her bumped body, rubbing her head in pain she looked over and saw me stacking up the papers that fell.
It was then that I saw a flyer inviting people to go a conference about volcanology, "What is this..."Volcanology Seminar: How Originium Inside Landmasses Affect Catastrophes."
As I gave my part of the documents she dropped she bowed her in apology, "I'm so sorry Doctor I didn't hear you walk there."
I looked at her, trying my damndest to hide a grimace, Eyjafyalla is one of more powerful Casters but she prefers her role as a geological researcher. One of the reasons why she rarely sees combat and field exploration was a key element in her profile. Being that she is both visually and auditory impaired.
Her hearing was worse off, Oripathy truly is a relentless disease.
"I understand, I read your file after all." I offered to take those documents for her but she insisted on doing it herself, "Very well, then I shall just escort you then."
That she accepted for some reason.
0o0
"There we go." I sighed a breath of relief as I set the documents on Eyjafyalla's desk. The girl lacked the upper strength to put them aside herself, I made a mental note to give Eyjafyalla a new desk that is more suited for her ergonomic needs.
"I really appreciated your help Professor." Well, that was a surprise at first but that's a moniker that only Eyjafyalla called me ever since.
Although at the time, I couldn't understand why she'd call me that she's more knowledgeable about her field than my current self, "Professor?"
"Yup, you are an expert in disaster studies after all so you're my superior in that regard." My old self used to be like that huh...I haven't gotten around to reading my material on that especially with all the new things that kept me busy. There was a certain relief in distancing myself from that, but that wasn't something she needed to hear or was appropriate to say.
My only response was, "I see..."
Then I recalled the flyer that I saw, the one about volcanology and how landmasses that inhabit Originium can affect Catastrophes and the like, "You're hosting a seminar about volcanology right?"
I made sure to speak louder than usual, good thing the people from King's Wand are on break.
"Right, that's my area of expertise and I plan on sharing my discoveries there, I believe that would assist our Catastrophe Messengers and others in determining them." She eagerly said as she sorted out her own papers from the ones she has to check for work, she then let out a sigh, "It's going to be tough to communicate from afar with my condition but good thing I picked out reliable people to help me."
I can tell that beneath that cheery face was a hint of displeasure at her situation. Getting Infected was a common reality that scholars no matter how careful couldn't avoid easily, that damn rock is one of the most unpredictable minerals anybody has ever seen.
That was when I remembered the power that I alone had at the time, so I reckoned if it can help why wouldn't I. If I had a hedonistic mindset then I would be obligated to do it as well.
"Hey Eyjafyalla, come here." I gestured for her to come near me, she complied but with a hint of worry.
Then I took off her hearing aid, puzzled as she was I reassured her and called forth the power I held within me.
"What is going on Professor?" She was understandably confused as a mask sprouted on my face and dissipated into cold shards of glass-like ice.
I whispered Ophiuchus's name and I was doubly grateful that everybody was either busy with work to run into this or at break at the cafeteria, "Patra."
One of the first skills my Persona, the ability to cure or bring brief relief to certain ailments like dizziness, short-term memory loss, narcoleptic episodes, or hunger. I never really tested it out on things fatigue, deafness, or blindness before.
Even if it doesn't completely cure her, as long as it does something good then the SP I have wouldn't be wasted.
Once I called upon the name of the skill Ophiuchus appeared, before she could register my Persona's appearance verdant sparks surrounded Eyjafyalla. Her body absorbed the glimmering lights and I un-summoned the starry guardian.
"How's...well everything I guess?" I raised a finger and spoke in a more softer tone.
Eyjafyalla blinked in surprise, she could hear him clearly and moreover her vision was not as blurry as before, "How..."
"I figured that with my power, I can at the very least give back some of what you lost." Would it be considered as me pitying the girl who had her life stripped down by unfair means? Does it even matter if I actually took pity on her plight if helping was of little consequence?
I am a doctor after all not just the Doctor, treating people is what I should do.
"I'm afraid it's only a temporary fix you have to-" I was cut off by an embrace from the sheep girl, the young volcanologist cried silent tears on my chest crying out "Thank You." repeatedly.
After she calmed down, she sat on her chair with reddened eyes yet her face held the brightest smile she mustered.
"There are no words that will ever express my gratitude Professor, please ask me anything you want from me I want to repay you somehow." For her it seemed like giving back a portion of what her body once was is priceless even though my effort in giving it was absurdly small. The spell will eventually decay and I have to recast it again.
I waved my hand at her, it wasn't needed it only took like a fragment of energy to do that. "The offer is nice Eyjafyalla but it isn't necessary, it's my duty and pleasure to look after the Operators here."
"Besides like I said, it isn't temporary fix. With all my newfound power curing Oripathy is beyond my capabilities." A week and a few days later, I would have begged to any higher power that I was lying about this detail.
"Even so, your power is still gave back my hearing and vision. At the very least I want to give something of equal value." She was still insistent on repaying me, then I saw the flyer about that seminar and my lack of knowledge.
"Ok, how about...you help me in my geological studies, to tell ya the truth I lost my memories of what I presumably studied." It was a little embarrassing to explain my deficit to my Operators when the need arises at first, "Oh and tell me if you're going to assemble a seminar about it as well, and if you're vision and hearing starts to wane again, go and approach me."
Eyjafyalla definitely liked the idea, nodding affirmatively she went to embrace me again. Later on those seminars and lessons she helped with were more of a pretext to spend time with each other.
And yet that bond of ours remained strong till this day.
I am thou, thou art I.
The creation of a new bond is at hand
The crux of thine oath manifests as power
The contract of hearts shall be the catalyst that nulls segregation
Hence, the discovery of the Devil Arcana shall guide you to the cure of thine heart,
Bestowing the gift of life to thy soul.
The Devil: Eyjafyalla
Information
Unlocked: Terrain Abilities
Every terrain on the battlefield has a certain twist in it, by spending time learning with Eyjafyalla not only does your Knowledge improve, your grasp on the current situation's layout is usable.
Terrain Abilities are skills that benefit the party passively depending on the location. For instance the asphalt on a Road, may increase one's agility and speed while Molten areas make your weapons carry the element of Fire.
Improved knowledge of this ability will allow you to do certain maneuvers depending on the area.
"One thing though, please call me Eyja instead."
"...Sure."
0o0
"Professor..." The Doctor was brought back to the real-world as he couldn't help but reminisce on the past, "Professor are you going to sign my CD?"
Embarrassed by his little five-minute daydream he took a marker and did what it is he asked to do, "Sorry Eyja, I kinda got lost on memory lane there for a sec." With a little detail there, "Here, thank you for supporting us oh and I'm sure Skyfire would be happy to have you in their room for the night."
"Alright, I'll be leaving now." She happily waved at them, "Bye Professor, bye Amiya, bye Dr. Kal'tsit."
As her retreating figure faded away, the trio couldn't help but smile at the reckless yet well-meaning girl.
She did got some semblance of her normal senses back and discovering that I am the vocalist of the one of the first bands she heard after the fact, it was understandable why she would go on her own like that.
There still some daylight to burn before night approaches so the three decided to spend more time in their hotel room, playing video games this time a co-op game called "Monster Slayer Universe"
Ahhh, nothing beats playing a game with your friends to pass the time.
"Get the horns!" Kal'tsit frantically shouted, dodging for her life as she rolled around getting a good position with her Charge Sword. It was the only weapon type in the game that actually had a dedicated PDF file so she figured it would be interesting to try it.
Amiya on the other hand is trying to hit said horns but the Katana she's brandishing at the monster was hitting Ch'en as well. They were sure Ch'en was cursing profanities as she just wanted to land some combos with her Great Sword affectionately named Chi Xiao.
"Amiya go for the tail, Ahhh!" That was close shave for Kal'tsit, "Damn it Doctor thrust harder."
"I'm thrusting alright! How much harder do you want it to be!?" He exasperatedly responded, "Aw crap I gotta dip, my stamina is low."
"No don't leave me alone on the front, fuck!" Thankfully Amiya was too busy not dying to Wrathelos to hear her cuss. To think that all this started when Kal'tsit looked at the big scary dragon and thought "we can take em."
Yep, nothing beats playing with your friends.
CHAPTER END
Associates List
0. The Fool
The Velvet Room
"Where it started and where it will end, this is the room betwixt real and unreal it's inhabitants Sherry and Igor are eager to help the Doctor on his long journey, but for what reason are they here in a world far from their own?"
Abilities Gained
Rank 1: Soul Forage
"The ability to manifest abstract ideas of the soul into material form."
Rank 2: Faux Third Eye
"An imperfect replication of a boon from the God of Control, useful for looking for important elements in written works and in objects. Additionally allows the Doctor to use his Persona as a third eye, useful for scouting."
Rank 3: Upgraded Foraging & Soul Loan
"Allows for the foraging of better equipment and items, by reversing this ability the Doctor is able to achieve the ability of temporarily making a non-Persona user capable of feats a Persona-user can do at the expense of taking a slot away temporarily."
I. The Magician
Amiya
"The girl that rescued the Doctor from his chilly slumber, believes in the Doctor both as a commander and as a friend. Reigning in her darkness she helps the Doctor as she manifests a Persona into battle."
Abilities Gained
Rank 1: Harmonics
"They were the original duo before MASK, as music has some connection to ARTS control anytime they practice their craft is not wasted as they gain a boost to the MA stat or ARTS damage."
Rank 2: Spirited
"Ever since her Persona had awakened, her resonating bond with the Doctor is getting stronger, with her cognition aligned in a positive light her own skills improve as they reduce cooldown slightly."
Rank 3: Empathy
"Her unique ability to feel the emotions of others has rubbed off on the Doctor but in a more cognitive way, the ability to perceive emotions allows for stronger bonds to be easier to achieve."
Rank 4:Safeguard
"During battle if Amiya would take a lethal hit, the Doctor will have a choice to cut in and take it himself. Besides if the Doctor gets knocked down, there is still time to get him back to battle."
II. The High Priestess
Kal'tsit
"Initially distrustful of the Doctor, she soon found herself capable of getting along and is one of the few people who sees the Doctor's armor crack. She seems to hide some things from him, perhaps out of fear of what he once was?"
Abilities Gained
Rank 1: Rhodes Development
"Allows for the creation of medical items using the items that the Doctor procured, once a recipe has been discovered it is purchasable at the Medical Store at the Ark."
Rank 2: Applied Science
"Allows for more complicated recipes to be made, this also quarters the price of lesser tier medication at the Ark."
Rank 3: Medical Aid
"Once per battle, you may call Lancet-2 as a fifth party member her only skills would be for healing after the turn she was call to, she will retreat back to base."
V. The Hierophant
Hellagur
"The Doctor approached this master of combat in order to get stronger, sensing his pure desire to protect he figured that it was the right time to pass his skills to someone."
Abilities Gained
Rank 1: Swordplay
"Increase passive critical hit chance when attacking with a bladed weapon."
Rank 2: Bite of the Wind
"The Doctor learns Tempered Blade and Wind Sickle. This also increases the damage of Wind-element physical attacks."
Wind Sickle
"The user swings a sword backhanded in a swift motion, creating a sickle made of wind."
Rank 3: Calm of the Storm
"The Doctor learns Brace. If the Doctor is heavily damaged attacks using a bladed weapon deal thrice their original damage."
Brace
"Calming the mind, weakness and how to exploit them are clearer than before. This skill increases critical hit chance as well as increase defense during this skill's activation. The Doctor cannot act while using this ability."
Rank 4: The Gale Betwixt
"The Doctor learns Gale Strike, If the Doctor would be hit by a physical attack, Gale Strike is immediately cooled down."
Gale Strike
"A basic technique that Hellagur developed, a quick thrust from the tip creates an instant gale that stabs the enemy with Wind damage."
VII. The Chariot
MASK
"The band that is inherently from Rhodes Island, composed of Yato, Noir Corne, Vigna, Amiya, and lastly the Doctor they act as the voice of action and hope in Terra."
Abilities Gained
Rank 1: Sound of the Music
"You may now change the battle music or overworld music that plays in the game depending on the music that is done rehearsing, finishing music sheets allows you to gain different boons."
Rank 2: Killer Bass
"Lessens the rehearsal time of bass-heavy music, additionally Yato's stats are increased even if she isn't a part of the party."
Rank 3: Power Chord
"Lessens the rehearsal time of bass-heavy music again and lessens the rehearsal time for guitar-heavy music, additionally Vigna's stats are increased even if she isn't in the party."
IX. The Hermit
Ch'en
"A resonating soul that works for the LGD, she assists Rhodes Island in repelling Reunion whom dare to lay waste to her home. She, Amiya, and the Doctor desire a fairer world but she prefers to take matters to her own hands. On their downtime she hangs out with the trio by playing video games."
Abilities Gained
Rank 1: Dragon Bond
"Increases the likelihood of Ch'en doing a follow-up attack after a downed enemy, if it does happen the damage is increased."
Rank 2: Good or Bad Cop
"Ch'en has the option to subdue to non-Shadow foes. Subduing and or subsequently arresting enemies allows for better items to drop at the cost of EXP."
Rank 3: Escape Order
"Running away does not take any time with Ch'en in the party."
XI? Justice
Talulah
"Sobering up after the beatdown her body endured back at Chernobog, the Doctor acts as a consultant and a person who truly knows who she is, she started Reunion for a just cause before why did become such a mess? That is for the Doctor to learn in the future."
Abilities Gained
Rank 1: Consult
"Hearing out Talulah, the real one benefits her mood and she has to keep up appearances until she is for certain herself once more but by doing so her comrades are elated as well making items procured from them via Soul Forage of higher quality."
Rank 2: Fool's Check
"The Doctor cultivated a bond with the real Talulah, as such there may be certain strings pulled from the chain of command to help them. Like a hasty retreat if the Doctor is struggling or have a courier be easily taken down in an encounter."
Rank 3: Battle Front
"Sometimes Reunion soldiers show more of their weaknesses for some reason, it is because the leader sends men with obvious tells to the front-line?."
EXTRA RANK: Kevin
"During battles Kevin may sometimes appear, approach him to purchase cocktails and mixed drinks with buffs."
XV. The Devil
Eyjafyalla
"In exchange for learning more about natural terrain and geological effects, the Doctor assists her condition and acts as a personal doctor for her dwindling eyesight and hearing. Nowadays though this contract is but a pretense of a growing bond."
Abilities Gained
Rank 1: Terrain Advantage
"Obtain a buff on certain terrain, like an agility boost on asphalt or forest woodlands, a wind damage boost when there is a breeze, and the like."
Rank 2: Disaster Aversion
"Disaster is a subjective term in the heat of battle, nevertheless it is an encompassing force all this does is increase the agility of the party when a AOE attack is dealt by the enemy."
Rank 3: Forewarning
"To know when the disaster is going to come you must sense it, learning that the Doctor can sense if an attack is going to hit a weakness of a party member."
Rank 4: Into Practice
"Geological studies can be used in a more practical sense, this allows some recipes that use relating theories to be used when making items."
XVI. The Tower
W
"A mercenary who works for Reunion at the moment, displeased with the organization she discusses transactions independent from that organization with the Doctor for both cash and experience as well as some rare items. The contracts she gives to him are hits on scumbags, for some reason she's all too willing to play around his morality."
Abilities Gained
Rank 1: Contract
"From the Scar Market to local mercenary jobs, the Doctor gains access to quests that target unique enemies with unique drops, with W as a party member for most of them. To unlock them you have to give W some items, higher level quests take up more time."
Rank 2: All the Same to Me
"Lesser crooks are dime a dozen, you can repeat a lower Rank quest after completing it once per day, allowing you to get sure item drops. It's not odd for the different criminals to have the same crimes, they are an archetype."
Rank 3: Scent of Danger
"W is a superior trap master. spending time with the master herself allows the Doctor to see lesser traps during exploration."
XVIII. The Moon
Jessica
"A Blacksteel employee who had a lease with Rhodes Island and works in order to gain more experience, she's a talented Sniper but her own confidence is shaken before and now with the other Snipers in Rhodes Island. Training with a guy who is bad with ranged weaponry like the Doctor that is also eager to learn would do wonders for her confidence in her own skills."
Abilities Gained
Rank 1: Eyes on Me
"Increases critical hit rate of Gun/Projectile attacks and skills. The Doctor learns Honed Accuracy."
Rank 2: Double Time
"If the Doctor would attack using a Gun/Projectile skill there is a slight chance that they may use it twice in a row. Unlocks more Gun/Projectile based Personal Skills"
Rank 3: Bullet Line
"Getting used to seeing gunfire and arrow bolts whiz past them, the Doctor gets an idea on the trajectory of those attacks, Increases evasion on Gun/Projectile attacks."
Rank 4: The Goods
"Jessica knows a lot of places to get her equipment, happy to share her knowledge the Doctor can order ranged weaponry from her. The girl insisted on paying for it, but the Doctor didn't want to take advantage of her kindness."
XIX. The Sun
Closure
"A mysterious Sarkaz engineer after seeing the physical data readings of the Doctor she wanted him to be the tester of new equipment that she wanted to develop. After giving the Doctor his trusty grappling hook, she promises to be his own personal mechanic as well with the right funds and materials she can create anything she wants."
Abilities Gained
Rank 1: Fix'er Upper
"The Doctor obtains the grappling hook, with it comes the ability to enhance to do things on the field or allow for special battle maneuvers."
Rank 2: Nuts and Bolts
"Closure got a breakthrough in attuning the grappling hook with ARTS, this unlocks the Fire Cord and Electric Cord which are craft-able with cash and materials"
Fire Cord
Ignites the grappling cord, allows the Doctor to set off flammable substances from afar.
Electric Cord
Passes an electrical current through the grappling cord, this can be used to electrocute enemies or to transfer that energy through bodies of water or other places.
Rank 3: Mods and Enhancement
"Only the best engineers in the Ark can add modifications to weaponry, she can go so far as to add mods to Amiya's Claw ring or a Parasol."
Reviews
KnightSpark: Up until now, I've never heard of him. I took a quick check on him and needless to say I liked his covers thanks for the recommendation.
Bahrithariq: Thanks for the praise, I really am planning to do something with that stunt maybe a way to prod Mephisto even further. I keep up to date with CN's lore reveals, am excited for the Kal'tsit event too. That cameo isn't the only callback I plan to make. Oh and I'm trying to take it easy thanks for your concern.
Author Notes
Phew, another EX chapter done. I really do have fun in writing the more mellow side of Arknights's story. After this, we're going back to the pain train known as Episode 4 to Episode 7. This is going to be a long ride with no brakes.
College has been a pain and personal problems have been a detriment to my productivity, with Miseria's illustration on the works I think I'm able to do some things in a better pace than before.
Now to explain my inspiration on the Arcanas I have assigned, The Chariot means to be a pillar of support in the tarot basically and I had it have five people involved as there are three wheels and two lions in it, MASK supports Rhodes in both a financial and ideological stance but it also sheds light into the less than stable relationship of Yato and Noir. The Devil on the other hand was assigned to Eyjafyalla because of her restriction while she isn't like the other Devil Social Links I wanted to put a spin to it, as the positive side happens at the reverse the card suggests a healthy committed bond. With the Doctor's help she's able to act out on her own desires and impulses because of her condition, desires are not necessarily a bad thing too. I thought of making her the bearer of the Hanged Man Arcana but she is not a willing person in her burden, that and the sheep led astray symbolism is too fitting.
Not to shill myself or anything but I opened a Tumblr to add my illustrations there too, I really look up to many artists too like ScruffyTurtles (They made one of my favorite P5 AUs) and the like. I put my shit at wordbound-aspiringwriter if you guys want to see what I make. It looks eh but I might as well put it here.
Good luck to the people who rolled for Blemishine, I'm going to wait for Mudrock and Rosmontis.
Oh and the General Commerce Committee are really good villains in the event, can't wait on what I'm going to do them in this work. But for sure it's not going to be good for them, Czarny is a big ol' bitch.
Man, I want to E2 Zofia so bad. Too bad that I have to cut the GCC dry with tickets.
Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to pray to the Gacha gods for an Okita Alter.
Once again I, WordBound thank you for reading oh and as always...
"Keep an open mind."
Next Turn: Turn 9: Pulling the Trigger
