Argenti's Palace

[beautifulknight]

The stage is set they say;
They don their masks and shields,
Shadows creep and cover their minds;
Now, what beautiful role shall they play?

𝓜𝓮𝓵𝓾𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓷𝓲𝓷 𝓒𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓵𝓮


♫

Comments

COMBAT MASTER THREAD

[beautifulknight]

BOSS BATTLE MECHANICS FOR BATTLE PHASE 1 (do not reply)

[beautifulknight]

BOSS (?) MECHANICS
🪞HALL OF MIRRORS🪞

🪞A 11+ is needed to succeed here while a 10 and lower will fail.

🪞 The first roll will be to resist the influence. For those unable to resist the influence by failing the roll, they will roll with disadvantage when targeting the mirror.

🪞 The second roll will be made for an opportunity to attack the mirror. For those who resist the influence, they will roll with one 1d20 dice in targeting the mirror (no advantage and no disadvantage.)

🪞In addition to those two rolling actions (or lack thereof), people will have the chance to offer each other one buff/healing/clearing debuff for free.

🪞Those who break their mirrors can save their loved ones and allies! In doing so, the character will gain advantage in rolling to make the attempt! This assistance be made in real time.

🪞Those who have been helped can help others the very same as well (They too will have advantage when landing a hand in destroying other peoples' mirrors!)

For Fray:

🪞 Fray now has advantage for one roll and is not affected by the influence of the mirrors, but he is still Brainwashed. He can buff his mirror or still attack others as this is still a whole entire round and he will still be aligned with the enemy if his status is not cleared. If he is cleared, unlike in the previous rounds, it will instantly take effect. He will not have to hit an ally first. (Though the option to have him immediately hit an ally is also available.)

BOSS MECHANICS
⚜️THE RED QUEEN OF BEAUTY⚜️

🌹 Roll a 1d20 to see if attack hits; 1-10 attack will miss, 11-20 the attack will hit with higher hit values landing more damage (with 20 being a crit.) No rolls for evasion or defense in the final battle phase unless noted otherwise.
🌹 No support spells or normal actions (helping people up, etc.) need rolling, ever (buffs + healing)
🌹 Party-wide buffs/spells will be applied to max four characters, with the caster included as one of the "four" (caster will always be included with multi-target buffing/spells no matter what)
🌹 Debuffs from the boss will always hit when they fly out, though they can be cleared in the same round (with the exception of Brainwash. Those hit with it will need to take their allotted initial action first under the status effect even if they are cleared.) By second action, Brainwash will clear if someone has used a clearing spell. If not, it will clear by two rounds.
🌹 In all of the turns in the first boss battle phase, characters are allowed to take two actions. Just be certain to notate what battle actions your character is taking in bold. For those looking to attack that means two attacks. For those looking to buff/heal/clear a debuff, they can perform healing/buffing/clearing twice + one attack for their two actions.
🌹 Boss responses/actions will generally be posted only at beginning of each round unless otherwise noted.
🌹 ????

BOSS BATTLE MECHANICS FOR BATTLE PHASE 2 (do not reply)

[beautifulknight]

BOSS MECHANICS
⚜️OMEN OF EVIL: BEAST⚜️

🌹 Roll a 1d20 to see if attack hits; 1-10 attack will miss, 11-20 the attack will hit with higher hit values landing more damage (with 20 being a crit.) No rolls for evasion or defense in the final battle phase unless noted otherwise.
🌹 No support spells or normal actions (helping people up, etc.) need rolling, ever (buffs + healing)
🌹 Party-wide buffs/spells will be applied to max four characters, with the caster included as one of the "four" (caster will always be included with multi-target buffing/spells no matter what)
🌹 Debuffs from the boss will always hit when they fly out, and they can be insta-cleared in the same round (so if someone clears a character of a status debuff and the character has not acted, they can still use their singular action.)
❗ As an extra note of clarification, characters are now back to the standard limit of having just a singular battle action available for the rest of the battle phase.

So, a character's allotted singular battle action composes of the following:

Healing/buff + an attack...OR a singular debuff towards the boss.

🌹 If the character is doing something particularly unique than the above, let me know and I'll inform you how to proceed (or just ask to roll.)
🌹 The Boss' attack, Monstrous Grip involves it grabbing a hold of (1) character, immobilizing them for one round, and causing passive damage on each tighter grip, if characters do not strike at the hand to free said character.

FIRST BATTLE PHASE ROUND 1

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti suddenly raises an armored hand in front of everyone as a silent, but rather intentional command to "stop" or "be quiet", no matter how presumptuous the action is.

Or perhaps it isn't presumptuous at all. They can't solve all of this by talking. Whatever remnants of barely clinging gentleness dissipate. ]

In the end, nothing compares to that of which must be exchanged on the battlefield. Once I witness the beautiful rivers of blood that run with your conviction, I imagine you shall feel regretful for your choices.

...But, do not fear. Even in the darkness, there is Beauty. The admirable silence, and the bright light of death as you fall unto its sweet embrace like my dear friend Jordi surely must have witnessed.

May you take this as a symbol of how much I cherish each and every one of you.

[ The words sound doubtlessly twisted as he bows and then for a moment all of you are blessed with one image of Argenti standing in front of a glass painted window, that shatters soon enough, and from behind him the figure of a cloaked figure emerges, wrapping her arms around him.

The image disperses immediately from the mind of everyone's eyes. Argenti then begins to rise into the air, after which he will shimmer and his form shifts with a blinding white light that will necessitate people to look away.

Either way, once the light dims, before everyone's eyes is a large female-like figure carved in marble stone, adorned in bright, yellow but soft fabrics. In this figure's hand is a large, rose-like staff, spiked with thorns. At the base there seem to only be the copious flowing of robes, with wisps of fog spilling out as if to cover the Shadow's feet.

The marbled knights seem to come alive, the stone turning pitch black until their forms are changed completely into lion-like creatures with piercing orange eyes, long spiked tails, and forked tones. They hiss in a way that seems not too dissimilar from human speech, yet is far more close to something too unfathomable to be understood. It's obvious that these are more demons than knights.

It appears in addition to the boss, There are two Lion Demon flunkies to deal with.

13 mirrors rise even higher from where they were to hang above and behind the larger being, each reflecting within them a single flower meant to represent all of the people currently assembled.

A female's voice rings out, beautiful and melodic:

♫ (Until 3:53)

To dawn til dusk,
The flower rises;
L'heure bleue bells toll,
therein the Red Queen rose.

Then, there are voices that speaks from the shadows, distorted, as it rings out throughout the arena: ]

...I am the Shadow, the True Self.

I shall make you submit yourselves to the Conclusion of this wretchedly Beautiful Path!

[ Immediately, one of the lions lashes out with a primal strike (Heat Wave), enacting a heavy amount of physical damage, starting with Fray (20), missing Richard (4), landing a hit on Aerith (13), and missing Izou entirely (1). The second one lets out a roar, casting Matarukaja to raise the attack of the entire party. Then it lashes out at Aaron. (11)

Then, the large Shadow in its beautiful form sings a charming refrain that makes those taken under having quite a difficult time to contend with considering it their enemy. For the most part, it fails to charm many, but not if your names are Céleste Narcisse and Kirumi Tojo! They are now Brainwashed and willing to take an action that will benefit the enemy! It will last for two rounds if not cleared.

After that, it casts Mapsiodyne on Eli (9) just missing, hitting Maika pretty hard (17), Mafuyu as well (15), and McGillis (20), a spell with heavy psy damage. We're off to an amazing start!

But fortunately, everyone has something to help them as well... ]

[kandata]

[Woah, the battle has started and Kirumi gets Brainwashed! Kirumi had been on the ready, having let people say their pieces to Argenti, and now that it starts, she with her axe prepared, first thing that happens is that she steps forward, swings her axe while her Persona activates -- or at least the supernatural light covers her indicating there's a skill at use.

Rakukaja! Congrats to Argenti, his defense has been boosted. She's helping!]

[bloodweapon]

[Fray's eyes flash at the hit; seems Argenti's minions aren't going to play nice here. Fine, he can take a 20, but first things first: Energy Shower for Kirumi and Céleste to clear up that Brainwashed status! It's followed by a Marakunda to lower the enemies' defenses to try to counteract Kirumi's action.

Finally, time to hit things!! Fray launches himself at the lion that had the audacity to hit him with a Thunderous Rage. (13)]

[goei]

Yeah we'll fucking see about that! You can say all the fancy words ya want but at the end of the day it ain't mean shit if you can't back it up! Medea, lets kick this freaks ass!

[With Medea summoned, Izou actually first tosses out two Rakukajas at Mafuyu and McGillis, before attempting to take a swing at our beauty queen, though he just barely misses (9)]

[beathollow]

( ... does it count as heavy when she's psy herself? regardless. ow. bitch.

mafuyu holds back any audible sign of pain but does recoil. but she has to steel herself- )

Snow White-

( the princess manifests, casting marakukaja upon herself, izou and mcgillis and celeste. she then casts diarama on mcgillis because that was a fucking crit-

but more importantly, she's launching mapsi at all enemies for light psy damage 10. )

[gardenful]

[ First things first—Aerith casts Media twice on herself, Fray, McGillis, and Maika to heal their wounds.

Then, she launches a Makouha (20) at the lion that hit her. ]

[bloodandstars]

[ That's how it's going to be? That's fine. This is how Maika prefers to do things, anyway.

Since the knights chivalrous refilled their SP, Maika has no reservations (but also no aim) launching a Mazionga (4, 10, 13) at both Lion Demons and the Shadow, followed up with a claw to the face (16) for the Lion Demon Aerith just clobbered. ]

[imperiosity]

[Ouch! Well, that hurt a little more than it probably ought to thanks to that Matarukaja, but he definitely got off lightly compared to the others. He will trust that the others have the buffs and heals covered and go on the offence, starting off with a Magarula at the two flunkies and Argenti (13, 5, 5), which will only land on one of the lions. Oops.

But he’s not letting that stop him, because there is a Giant Slice (20) aimed straight at Argenti almost immediately after.]

Eat that, asshole!

[ledbythewind]

Lambda.

[Richard, meanwhile, will cast Tarunda one one lion, then on the other as well. The faster they can get them down, the better, because it's clear these are going to be a pain to have to deal with.

That done, he'll dart forward to strike with his rapier (8), but it's clear that for today at least, he's better off sticking to Utility--]

[vogelfrei]

[ McGillis begins this battle with great grace by... immediately being brought to his knees by that fucking crit psy damage. Ow.

To his credit, he doesn't scream and instead just silently grits his teeth. To his even greater credit, he's back on his feet before those first heals even start hitting him and he's... grinning a little? Don't mind the bloody lip from where he accidentally bit it while trying to tough this out. ]

Heh. You also... like to taint yourself.

[ Grandstanding (or genuine enjoyment?) out of the way, let's get to business here. First, he casts Magarula on all enemies and... misses entirely (7, 10, 5), thanks to the whole having been crit-ed business. This does not actually deter him though, because there's a Giant Slice aimed at one of the lions immediately after, which... also misses. (3).

Maybe he is not doing so hot yet. ]

[fullmoonmutt]

[ The mirrors are somewhat worrying when they begin reflecting the same flowers everyone received, but... no time for thinking now, Eli chooses fight! He lunges forward alongside his Persona, the great red wolf, towards the statue and its demon lions but they won't close the gap at first. ]

Garm! Mabufula!

[ Instead, he stops short and launches an area attack (Mabufula) against all three (15 - lion, 7 - statue , 17 - lion).

Having missed the statue with his Mabufula, he'll follow up with a direct attack towards it using Giant Slice (9). This, too, misses. Oops. ]

[chimken]

[ Falin is almost annoyed at first with the wide range of attack. She felt weakened herself but she's quick to act, holding her staff up and casting another round of Media to bolster the group.

Carefully, she weighs her options. It would be easier to get the lions out of the way first then do a more focused attack on Argenti. Holding her arm out, a ball of light forms as her Red Dragon appears behind her. She says "Bon Apetit!" as it swallows up one of the Lions, spitting it back out with light Bless Damage (14) ]

[cirquedesang]

[Unfortunately, in contrast to Kirumi's impulse to give Argenti a buff, Celeste elects to attack under the influence of the brainwash spell, casting a Maeiga for medium curse damage. Fortunately, with them running about, he misses Maika, Richard, and Fray (7, 3, 10), but does land a solid hit on Falin (16) before Fray's energy shower can take effect.]

FIRST BATTLE PHASE ROUND 2

[beautifulknight]

[ The lion that Fray hits lets out a growl as the Lightning mercilessly finds its target. Next comes the extremely powerful Bless energy from Aerith that strikes the lion, and it snarls in pain thanks to the damage it receives on top of the critical hit. It is at least a sturdy opponent, as it remains, even the following electrical hit by Maika that also hit its fellow lion demon (plus a claw), and then some wind damage from Aaron.

But, then there is Eli who comes rushing in to reign down an area attack with his ice magic, slicing into the more wounded one with prejudice. The only one is hit just as hard. Though they persist nonetheless.

...Until Falin's bless attack finishes it off entirely before Argenti can do much of anything about it.

As for Izou's words: ]

...And yet, you missed.

[ This is theirgenti hours, though. Not exactly one's finest moments. But, since someone else spoke, there will a brief comment, directed towards McGillis, who also ends up missing real bad. ]

You call my actions as evidence towards a liking of such a wretched thing?

...However, I'm already completed tainted.

[ Yet, this time there is no sorrow in that distorted voice as it spreads across the battlefield. Still, for some reason after this...The room seems to grow a little darker. Hm.

The shadow then does act once more, seemingly invigorated by the loss of its ally - raising the staff, a healing and soothing light falls over the remaining flunky and the statue itself, healing a moderate amount of damage.

After that, the shadow raises the staff again, casting Marakunda on Izou, Aerith, McGillis, and Mafuyu to lower their defenses. The shadow will also swing its staff in Izou's direction, hitting him (11)

The still mostly weakened demonic lion lashes out again with another heavy physical strike (Heat Wave), aiming to hit Céleste (10), but missing, whiffing Falin (9), hitting Aerith (15), and then missing Aaron (1). Then it roars, casting Marakukaja to raise the defense of the remaining duo party (the shadow and itself.)

Though the boss isn't quite done yet, casting Mapsiodyne once more over at Eli (12) hitting on point, striking Aaron hard (20), managing to catch Fray (13), and miss Mafuyu (5). ]

FIRST BATTLE PHASE ROUND 3

[beautifulknight]

[ The remaining Demonic Lion is sliced at by Eli's attack, whereas Fray's attack strikes true when it comes to the Lion, damaging it rather well with the barrage, next followed up McGillis' strike aimed at the flunky and the shadow itself, the strength of the wind spell chipping a part of the statue. By this time, the Lion is snarling at the beating its taken, and as Richard's defense lowering spell takes hold on the Shadow, the sword strike he employs makes a fracture appear along one arm of said statue.

What doesn't help is Izou's follow-up light curse damage attack, more fractures appearing, even as Maika pounces on the remaining lion. Sayaka's punishing flames send the enemy flunky straight to Gehenna while the slash with her bladed weapon on the Shadow adds to the many fractures.]

You'll have to shatter this form if you believe you can drag me out!

...Then, you shall see what truly lies beneath. And decide once and for all if your efforts will result in what you truly desire.

As for you, Lady Halfwolf, that was to see if any of you can have a true appreciation for Beauty. Even if by entering in the first place you were all bound to be fighting a losing battle. But, I know perfectly well that actions speak louder than words.

You shall all have a glimpse of despair soon.

[ Is...anyone surprised at part of the answer, though. Yes? No? And then the shadow's words reach out to Sayaka next: ]

And you...young lady, your determination may lead you astray. There is still time to flee.

[ That said, with the loss of his other ally, the Shadow seems invigorated! Light trickles in after that exchange, though, and also when the statue raises the staff...

...

An oasis of light, in fact, though it lingers, brightening the room as well. But, Richard, Izou, Mafuyu, Céleste and Maika are hit with such a dazzling sight that they are inflicted with Dizzy, making it difficult to see or aim! (If your characters ends up not getting cleared, Roll with disadvantage on attacks (roll twice and take the lower roll number))

The staff does not lower and in fact, the shadow sings once more, sparkles of light appearing before everyone gloriously, charming three people. Aaron, Aerith, and Sayaka fall victim to the sweet, charming melody and spectacular show, making them stuck under the effects of Brainwash! They are now Brainwashed and willing to take an action that will benefit the enemy! It will last for two rounds if not cleared.

In Mapsiodyne, we trust. By which we mean it goes off again, missing McGillis (3), swerving Céleste (7), hitting Richard (12), and missing Falin (2)!

Then, with another swing, the staff reaches towards two people... missing Kirumi (8) and hitting Izou (19).

...Yet, one of the statues' arms suddenly cracks and falls to the ground, shattering into pieces nearby, missing Sayaka who is one of those close enough to the Shadow (1), and that remains the case for others. Though the debris does not clear. Watch your step! ]

FIRST BATTLE PHASE ROUND 4̸̨̳̹̹̤̬̜͖̰̙̳̳͈̼̒̓̓͋̎̍͋͜

[beautifulknight]

[ There's not even a sound even as the freight train of electrical thunderous rage from Fray connects with the Shadow, more fractures appearing following the hit. Then Kirumi is next, her Nuclear spell hitting him hard, and there's the sound of something splitting in the foundation as she exploits the Shadow's elemental weakness to great success!

Then there's Maika pouncing on the Shadow with incredible ferocity claws out and about, ready to rip and tear through through what's left.

More pieces begin to fall. It becomes clear to everyone soon enough:

The state of the Shadow is due to fall apart in its entirety soon.

Only perhaps lasting perhaps longer due to Aerith's well-timed Brainwashed Diarama! But, of course, it also wouldn't be Argenti if he didn't stubbornly persist for one more round. Yet, at all of the words that might be said, Argenti suddenly focuses on what Falin says. ]

...Back home...and here...

[ ... ]

...Fight for me...

[ Argenti's voice grows distant, but firm, sing-song and gentle as he directs his "request" first towards Fray.

Fray is inflicted immediately with Brainwash! Argenti suddenly casts Tarukaja on Fray right after, raising his attack!

But, he doesn't stop there. He doesn't even bother singing, but the tone of voice is like a song to three others. ]

Yes...All of you...

F̴̨͉̞͕̘̞̮̤͚̯̪͔̬͍̠̟̍̓͑̏͋́̏͌̕͠ight on my side.

[ Next is Izou, who falls under the charm, Eli as well, followed by Maika as well. Indeed all four are now Brainwashed and willing to take an action that will benefit the enemy!

With one armed swing the staff misses Falin (4), catches Kirumi (16), and hits Mafuyu pretty hard (20) right then and there. After that, even the arm crumbles, and the staff falls to the ground.

But that doesn't stop this Shadow from casting Mapsiodyne on Mafuyu, Céleste, Aaron, and Richard! By which I mean miss totally (7, 4, 5, 8)]

INTERIM BATTLE PHASE: HALL OF MIRRORS

[beautifulknight]

[ The attacks continue to land, Sayaka's Agilao striking hard, followed by Falin's unique attack that somehow does its job really well in helping break the foundation of the statue, right after the other, and finally (but fortunatelly) McGillis' strike being the last, though also integral one that causes the marble to truly begin to crumble. ]

...I...

...I-I'm...

[ But, after Argenti says that, voice uncertain in the face of those words, from Falin, Izou, Aerith, as well as Sayaka, and suddenly the marble stone seems to dispel and crack at a faster rate, falling pieces missing everyone else miraculously, but everyone can catch a sight of the Knight in the midst of it...for about a single moment before he falls.

The fog in the area rushes into the greater part of the area, increasing in volume far more rapidly and intensely, cutting off sight of the rest of the room. There is then a heavy wind that all but shoves everyone backwards with the force of a heavy gale.

The 13 mirrors lower and then surround the group into a circular position, reflecting each and every person that they are floating across from. A shimmer of light echoes all around them afterwards, seen even in the fog; it appears some sort of barrier has been constructed over the general spot they have been pushed into. They can’t proceed until they conquer this mid-fight Trial.

It's not exactly clear what must be done at first, but soon, the images of everyone's flowers reflected in the mirrors begin to distort.

Perhaps a character hears a familiar voice that seems to dull their senses, and weaken their will to resist the temptation to lay down their arms, or a sensation that brings on physical weakness as well as a sudden exhaustion to their body, like they're about to fall asleep (take your pick.)

...Except if the character happens to be Fray. He will not be targeted by this woeful spell. Perhaps it is because he's still Brainwashed. Though he will still his "distorted mirror" across from him. In fact, said mirror shines on the dark knight, rejuvenating his current state! Fray now will have advantage on his next roll.

For the others, a shadow then takes the form of a beloved one in the mirror who may clearly the source of this familiar voice. Surely this must be simply someone posing as one dear to them, but...it feels so real.

...But despite this, everyone knows they have to do something:

Everyone will need to roll one 1d20 initially.

Then another or two depending on their initial result. Mechanics are here.

Please respond icly with the character's response whether they are successful or fail, as well as their roll number(s) with it.

For those who fail on all rolls (or succeed), they will receive a response ICLY on what the next step will be and for an immediate reply to the comment! ]

FINAL BATTLE PHASE: ROUND 1

[beautifulknight]

[ Thanks to everyone's efforts, working together to tackle what other people could not, as well as bonding fiercely in either spite, goodness, or something complex, what remains of the mirrors disperse into nothingness. The broken pieces seem to flicker with red petals before turning into nothing, and the fog immediately disperses, leaving behind...

The Omen of Evil: Beast.

This is an extremely large Shadow, towering easily over the Beauty, with an almost entirely shapeless and undefined body figure. There are thirteen yellow eyes peering out from where one assume must be the head, four clawed hands, two pincers, and a terrifying brilliant red spear clenched in two normal-like, but large hands. The spear emanates a strange, eerie pulse that can be heard throughout the room, not unlike a heartbeat.

Shadows obscure its feet, but evidently there are two legs that are certainly fully formed. Behind it is a strange painting, of something resembling a colorful but large stained-glass-like or rainbow-colored (?) image, though the specific details are hard to make out or see thanks to how big the creature is in the first place.

Then, the Beast opens his mouth, and screams, an unholy loud noise that feels almost paralyzing. Sorry for your ears, did you need those?

That is all the reprieve everyone gets as it is immediately on the offense, swinging hard with a Heat Wave upon Izou but missing (2), catching Fray (12), hitting Kirumi (12), and whapping Aaron (16). Following that, it appears to stomp the ground, and sends out a blast of Maeigaon a heavy curse-level spell on Aerith which misses (5), goes wide past Maika (6), hits McGillis pretty hard (18), and manages a hit on Richard (12). After that, he seems to clench tighter the spear on hand. At least compared to last time, the start is less...a bit much?

Mechanics can be found here for the Final Battle Phase! ]

FINAL BATTLE PHASE: ROUND 2

[beautifulknight]

[ Sayaka's words seem not to reach the Shadow, much less the flames that do not make their mark.

Though Fray's attack sure does, with that extraordinarily powerful electrical elemental slash striking at one side of the beasts' leg. There is hardly no reaction, not because it is ineffective, but rather it is so large, yet there is darkness that weaves outwards albeit briefly from where the strong strike laid into that very spot, traces of electricity even remaining until it dissipates.

And, there is a response. ]

...promise...

[ Aerith's hit is also true, Bless magic colliding with the creature with relative ease - earning a hiss from the exploitation of the creature's weakness. She gets a glance, but that is all when next is McGillis' strike, which hits right after, gale force winds cutting into the creature. Tit for tat, it seems. Eli's ice attack also manages to land on the Omen of Evil, even if it doesn't so much as flinch, it is not an insubstantial strike.

Richard and Celeste have chosen an intriguing point of attack, which seems to capture the attention of the creature intensely, eyes glancing to look at them. Uh-oh!

But first, their strikes are true, loosening its grip on the spear and distracting it. Whatever plans it might have had could have been diverted, though it is hard to tell which ones those were.

The monster still manages to lash out with a strong Heat Wave, hitting Mafuyu (19), Sayaka (13), missing McGillis (3), and missing Aaron (4.

...But, even if Richard and Céleste have struck too, they've unfortunately caught the attention of the Omen of Evil.

So, suddenly it tries to grab both of them in its free hand! Céleste (18) seems to manage to avoid getting caught in that, but Richard (7) is scooped up into its hand. The creature applies a tight pressure in its Monstrous Grip! (14, 5) and Richard will receive physical and medium-level curse damage! Fortunately, if two people strike the hand, it will let him go (6) If not, Richard will be stuck and unable to act for this round. ]

FINAL BATTLE PHASE: ROUND 3

[beautifulknight]

...You keep calling me that name. Are you certain that I am who you think I am?

[ The inquiry is directed towards Sayaka, even as the voice remains distorted in its questioning. Then, it continues to speak. Is it Maika's statement that compelled it to? Or simply because of something else entirely? But, it keeps talking, in response to what other people have said. ]

I...don't remember...

What was it...that I gave you?

What was it that I have to go back to?

[ Kirumi strikes hard at the hand holding Richard, being the first person who a lands a hit there for awhile. But then, Aaron and Céleste's attacks towards its eyes occur. Followed then by Mafuyu's strike towards the hand gripping Richard, which leads to the creature dropping Richard - who tosses a debuff his way, lowering the creature's attack. Right as McGillis' wind spell hits the creature as well (that 12 from earlier) Though, it gives Aaron the literal demonic stinkeye and growls at Céleste in particular...almost as if nearing rage, but not quite just yet. Still, it is enough to make it more aggressive. Striking at its eyes seems to only have pissed it off rather than deter it. Darkness begins to gather in great amounts around it, but in the meanwhile? A pincer tries to get the Frenchman into a very dangerous and precarious grip, though he must be blessed because he misses (15)

The subsequent response that arrives is entirely unrefined. ]

...Y̷̗̝̯̍̆ou...

[ Then it spews out a fog of Fear in Aaron, Eli, Izou, and Kirumi's directions from its mouth. They've been inflicted by Fear! If they are not cleared, they will need to flip a coin to see if they act or not.

After that, the Shadow casts a heavy curse-aligned spell, Maeigaon on Aaron (6) but misses, misses Fray (6), hits Kirumi (13), and slams into Eli (18) It also follows up with a powerful physically heavy (Assault Dive) for two separate individuals. One attempt to whack with its free hand at Aerith, missing her (10), and smacking McGillis (12)

...Oh and speaking of Aaron, it is still pissy about earlier, so it swings at him hard enough with its free hand to make him go fly (take your pick whether he lands on the ground or into a wall)(19). ]

FINAL BATTLE PHASE: ROUND 4 1/????

[beautifulknight]

[ The Omen of Evil? No, maybe Argenti stares blankly at whatever the hell Celeste is doing there, so thanks for getting his attention like that. Though with a curse-aligned magic spell, right now that is his element, so even if it should hurt badly - which it still does - it isn't enough to make him drop the spear. But he does whap Céleste swiftly with a free hand (13) as revenge. ]

...Y̷̛̫̺̝͈͈͇̟͚̗̞͑̆̆̃͛́͌̿̑̔̓͋̅̃͝ou...

[ Is all that he says for now, attention turned away, while Mafuyu gets to fully sneak on by.

But in the meanwhile, Aerith's attack blasts one of the pincers into non-existence. Literally. The offending limb fades into wisps of darkness, and the Shadow makes not a sound. But then again whenever Argenti was in pain, he hardly ever voiced it. Same as when Izou's blade cuts deeply, and this time, the Spear falls from the Shadow's grip, hitting the floor, missing the swordsman with ease that is suspiciously miraculous, missing some, but the resounding powerful shockwave blows back Richard (14), misses Aerith (6), hits Kirumi (15), and misses Eli (4), thankfully, because the guy ought to have some rest.

The Shadow's gaze focuses on Fray, McGillis, Izou, Aerith, Sayaka, and Maika, gaze doubtlessly nothing less than fierce. One hand even raises to potentially strike— ]

FINAL BATTLE PHASE...END? 1/????

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti's voice lets out a gasp first in the face of Fray's declaration and Sayaka running to hug a part of him. The lingering touch feels glorious, despite their current size different right now. But he pulls the hand up with the earring inside. ]

...Love? I...for the longest time, I wondered, if I would know the kind of love that you would speak of.

...With you, I can only say that I do. I wish to return to you, dearest Fray. To be by your side, in every sense of the word. Yes, I can only extend a return of your affections by my own word and desire...I love you all the same.

[ His feelings on romantic love are complicated. Ai's words about not being able to love people resonated with him because of this (he can love people platonically, he knows this), though as a Knight of Beauty, it is not something he went around admitting. Yet he has when questioned. But, though there are some people he struggles with knowing the answer if he could or not...for Fray, he thinks, in his heart he is someone he believes he could.

Then, he offers his attention towards the rest of those speaking, some speak with warm, and/or rough gentleness (Falin, Sayaka, Aerith, Izou, Eli, Aaron, Mafuyu), resolute but kind (Richard, Kirumi, Maika), with unrestrained French to French affection that address his state as representative of Beauty, but in a way that he thinks he likes (Céleste) and then...there is McGillis. As always, he feels like he at times doesn't know how to feel when it comes to that man, and yet...somehow it frustrates and invigorates (inspires) him at the same time in a strange as well as complex way.

Then he turns to Aaron, taking the ocarina he is holding out carefully in his other hand as well. ]

I am afraid I shall have the last laugh, my dear friend. But, you can try.

[ Wow.

Anyway, it seems that the battle has come to an end.

... ]