Equivalence

Hue takes 6 Dmg!

HP: 4/10

Chapter 00: Rustic Encounter

Location: Rustic Forest - Twilit Path

Objectives: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Break Through~

Achievement: Strong Sight - Have no character succumb to the effects of Flash more than once. [3 AP]

{ } {t} { } { } { } { } {t} { } {B} A
{ } { } {b} { } { } { } {b} { } {t} B
{t} { } {t} { } { } { } {t} { } {D} C
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } D
{ } { } {b} { } { } {G} { } { } { } E
{b} { } {t} { } { } { } {b} {t} { } F
{ } { } {T} { } {H} { } { } {b} { } G
{t} {t} { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } H
{ } { } {t} { } {E} { } { } { } {t} I
{ } {t} { } { } { } {t} { } { } {t} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Erin's Protect has 1 turn left.

Tiffany's Protect has 2 turns left.

Dharc's Hit Rate Reduction has 2 turns left.

Enemy Phase.

Gold moves to E9.

Gold waits.

Hue uses Flash on Erin! [Target Hit Rate -10%]

MP: 4/10

Hue moves to D5.

{ } {t} { } { } { } { } {t} { } {B} A
{ } { } {b} { } { } { } {b} { } {t} B
{t} { } {t} { } { } { } {t} { } {D} C
{t} { } { } { } {H} { } { } {t} { } D
{ } { } {b} { } { } { } { } { } {G} E
{b} { } {t} { } { } { } {b} {t} { } F
{ } { } {T} { } { } { } { } {b} { } G
{t} {t} { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } H
{ } { } {t} { } {E} { } { } { } {t} I
{ } {t} { } { } { } {t} { } { } {t} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Player Phase 4!

Erin (Herbalist) *PROTECT* *HIT RATE -10%*
HP: 14/15
MP: 30/30
DD: 2/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 5
Spr: 4
Evade: 6%
Move: 3 cells

Dharc (Saboteur) *HIT RATE -10%*
HP: 15/15
MP: 20/30
DD: 5/10
Atk: 5
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Tiffany (Mana Scavenger) *TOXEMIA [0]* *PROTECT*
HP: 15/15
MP: 14/30
RP: 7/25
DD: 1/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 5
Spr: 4
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Orange (Autumn Mandragora) *PERFECT KILL*

Gold (Autumn Mandragora)
HP: 9/10
MP: 6/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 4
Def: 2
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 1%
Move: 3 cells

Hue (Autumn Mandragora)
HP: 5/10
MP: 5/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 4
Def: 2
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 1%
Move: 3 cells

{B} - Bag
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Open. Opens target. Range: Adjacent cell.]

{t} - Tree
[No Occupy]

{b} - Bush
[No Occupy]

Erin quickly shielded her eyes, but she wasn't fast enough.  She should have known the creature would defensively try to blind her, and yet she disregarded the fact completely.  Rubbing her eyes, she squinted at what lie before her--a fleeing mandragora..and a bunch of flashing white lights that refused to go away, obscuring her vision partially.  It was a mild annoyance at best.  They had to keep up the pressure if it was going to flee, and Erin had the right thing in mind for the job.  Fiddling around in one of her pouches, she produced a slim vial filled to the brim with a malevolent, violet liquid.  It radiated danger, and Erin laced the vial between her fingers, moving forward and taking aim.  With a quick flick of the wrist, the vial was sent hurtling through the air and the white lights, hopefully landing with a crash against the plant creature.

Erin moves to G5.

Erin uses Nightshade Cloud on Hue! [Chance of Poison]

MP: 24/30

"There, that should mitigate the effects of its photosynthesis," Erin stated confidently, rubbing her eyes a bit more wishing that she had been more attentive to the battle.  "That's a poison extract from nightshade.  Highly potent when cared for just right."  She tried to get a glimpse of the effects on the mandragora but it was hopeless.  She would have to wait for the effects of the flash to wear off before she could effectively examine anything.

Dharc continued to run from the advancing plant. He ran backwards until he hit yet another tree. He sat down and felt behind him. A solid thing. Turning to see what exactly was behind him, he noticed a wall of plants that constituted the end of the line. He sighed and stood to try and look at the creature. He still could not quite perceive things as normal; they wiggled and wobbled and tried to fall down, but didn't. He then turned to his left to find... a bag! Curious, he knelt down to the bag and searched inside for its contents, hoping he'd find something useful...

Tiffany went behind Erin and watched as she dispersed a purple liquid over the other plant creature. She looked towards Dharc, who still wasn't doing anything yet but searching a bag. Who knows what might be in there? Spiders, maggots, leeches... the possibilities go on and on... "What do you think you're doing?! Do you know the things that could possibly be in there?" "Exactly!" Tiffany shook her head at this, but just went on. She held her crystal ball in front of herself and muttered another soft prayer, with different stresses and accents. Soon, a soft blue light enveloped Erin, and it seemed to conform to her body rather than just stay with her. The golden light was still present, but it was fading fast... "Stay strong..."

[Dharc moves to A7!
Dharc uses Trigger Command: Search on A9!]
[Tiffany moves to F4!
Tiffany uses Benevolence on Erin! [MP: 6/30]
Erin is bestowed with Shell!
Tiffany's S-Ability activates!
Tiffany gains 2 RP! [RP: 16/30]
Tiffany's S-Ability activates!
Tiffany gains 2 RP! [RP: 20/30]]

Dharc opens the Bag!

Bag reveals Liquid Life (x1)! [Added to Inventory]

Hue is Poisoned!

Chapter 00: Rustic Encounter

Location: Rustic Forest - Twilit Path

Objectives: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Break Through~

Achievement: Strong Sight - Have no character succumb to the effects of Flash more than once. [3 AP]

{ } {t} { } { } { } { } {t} {D} { } A
{ } { } {b} { } { } { } {b} { } {t} B
{t} { } {t} { } { } { } {t} { } { } C
{t} { } { } { } {H} { } { } {t} { } D
{ } { } {b} { } { } { } { } { } {G} E
{b} { } {t} {T} { } { } {b} {t} { } F
{ } { } { } { } {E} { } { } {b} { } G
{t} {t} { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } H
{ } { } {t} { } { } { } { } { } {t} I
{ } {t} { } { } { } {t} { } { } {t} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Erin's Protect has 3 turns.

Tiffany's Protect has 1 turn left.

Dharc's Hit Rate Reduction has 1 turn left.

Enemy Phase.

Gold moves to C8.

Gold waits.

Hue moves to E4.

Hue attacks Tiffany! 4 Dmg! (ATK)

{ } {t} { } { } { } { } {t} {D} { } A
{ } { } {b} { } { } { } {b} { } {t} B
{t} { } {t} { } { } { } {t} {G} { } C
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } D
{ } { } {b} {H} { } { } { } { } { } E
{b} { } {t} {T} { } { } {b} {t} { } F
{ } { } { } { } {E} { } { } {b} { } G
{t} {t} { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } H
{ } { } {t} { } { } { } { } { } {t} I
{ } {t} { } { } { } {t} { } { } {t} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Player Phase 5!

Erin (Herbalist) *PROTECT* *HIT RATE -10%*
HP: 14/15
MP: 24/30
DD: 2/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 5
Spr: 4
Evade: 6%
Move: 3 cells

Dharc (Saboteur) *HIT RATE -10%*
HP: 15/15
MP: 20/30
DD: 5/10
Atk: 5
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Tiffany (Mana Scavenger) *TOXEMIA [0]* *PROTECT*
HP: 14/15
MP: 6/30
RP: 11/25
DD: 1/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 5
Spr: 4
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Orange (Autumn Mandragora) *PERFECT KILL*

Gold (Autumn Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 7/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 4
Def: 2
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 1%
Move: 3 cells

Hue (Autumn Mandragora) *POISON [1]*
HP: 5/10
MP: 6/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 4
Def: 2
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 1%
Move: 3 cells

{t} - Tree
[No Occupy]

{b} - Bush
[No Occupy]

Erin attacks Hue! 5 Dmg! (INT)

"We have it right where we want it, Tiffany!" Erin exclaimed, her pendant glowing brightly as her vine surged through the ground and struck upwards through the soil to pierce the poisoned mandragora. To think it would be so foolish as to charge them at this critical point! It shouldn't have been very surprising though; the mandragora were not exactly an intelligent species. However, to just practically offer up its life the way it just did was beyond moronic. Erin sighed as she called her vine back to her, expecting Tiffany to finish the thing off leaving Dharc alone with the other one. She wasn't worried though. With the man's power, she actually felt more sorry for the mandragora more than anything else.

Erin waits.

Gold takes 10 Dmg!

Gold PERFECT KILL!!

Hue takes 6 Dmg!

Hue KO!

Chapter 00: Rustic Encounter

Location: Rustic Forest - Twilit Path

Objectives: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Break Through~

Achievement: Strong Sight - Have no character succumb to the effects of Flash more than once. [3 AP]

{ } {t} { } { } { } { } {t} {D} { } A
{ } { } {b} { } { } { } {b} { } {t} B
{t} { } {t} { } { } { } {t} { } { } C
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } D
{ } { } {b} { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{b} { } {t} {T} { } { } {b} {t} { } F
{ } { } { } { } {E} { } { } {b} { } G
{t} {t} { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } H
{ } { } {t} { } { } { } { } { } {t} I
{ } {t} { } { } { } {t} { } { } {t} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

All enemies have been defeated!
CHAPTER COMPLETE!!

EXPERIENCE:

+4 - Mandragora x2 PERFECT KILL
+2 - Player Phase completed less than 10
+2 - No Player Character KO
+2 - No D-Abilities used
+2 - No Items used
+1 - Mandragora x1
+1 - Treasure obtained

TOTAL EXP GAIN: 14

Erin: 0/12 --- 14/12
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 2/16
DD: 3/10

Dharc: 0/12 --- 14/12
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 2/16
DD: 10/10

Tiffany: 0/12 --- 14/12
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 2/16
DD: 2/10

Skill Points Awarded!

+1: Erin, Dharc, Tiffany

Achievement SUCCESS! [+3 AP]

The Party finds 3 Gold!

Items found:

---Autumn Leaf x2

Edit your profiles, please~ Update will come shortly.

The forest became quiet and tranquil as it had before, only now tainted with the decimated corpses of the mandragora which were unbelievably quick to decompose. Erin watched as her vine sunk back into the ground and her pendant lost its sheen. She took decisive steps forward, keeping aware of her surroundings before bending over and scooping up a couple of the beautiful crisp leaves that had fallen off the mandragora during the battle. Tucking them away in one of her satchels, she faced Tiffany. Both her and Dharc had done quite well in the battle, the latter exceedingly so to the point where it was just about near frightening. A shiver traversed Erin's spine and she avoided facing the scythe-wielder for the moment.

"Are you hurt? Or perhaps in need of rest?" Erin inquired, a somewhat softer expression on her face. Before the incident with the witch, her face used to be set in a stony expression. She was fierce and hard. Some of the men around the village even considered her a bit frosty at times, but it was just that she was tough. Vincent knew what kind of girl she was at heart, and now it seemed that this stranger and the guy from her village were getting to know as well. Was she losing her edge? She mentally shook her head. This was how she truly was. She figured she didn't have to put up a tough front anymore. What she was doing now, some people wouldn't even fathom to dream about doing.

"If not, then we could proceed onwards. The trees whisper to me that....well, things aren't exactly going to be completely easy on our way out of here thanks to this little skirmish, even though we didn't start it," Erin tagged the last bit on flatly, her soft expression quickly fading into one of disdain. Chances were they hadn't seen the last of the mandragora, and she wanted to make sure the others were ready to engage more if need be.

The duo watched as the tranquility resettled over the forest. How was the forest able to withstand such a battle without any consequences? Was it truly eternal as the legends had said? Was it the witch's power that kept the forest in limbo? They wondered as the quiet came over the scenery once again, save for the quiet rustle of leaves caught in the gentle winds. Erin, however, broke them out of their reverie by speaking once again.

Tiffany turned towards the herbalist and looked her in the eyes. She had asked whether they needed to rest. Rest was impossible. She would not hear of trying to stop for mortal needs, especially when this curse made her not really so. She looked towards Dharc, who seemed to be more aloof than when they had started their pilgrimage, and she assumed that he would be fine, seeing that he had such an unnatural power about him. She sighed and looked back at Erin with sadness in her eyes. "I have no need for rest at the moment. The one thing that concerns me most is finding my humanity, which means going back towards the witch to get what she stole from me. Delays are unacceptable. As for any injuries... I believe we are both fine."

Dharc listened to the divine woman speak, thinking that he would need to start talking before she steered them in the wrong direction, but she gave him no chance to. Sighing and muttering to himself, he walked towards the two and tied his scythe to himself with a small rope of twine. As she spoke, he had his own thoughts to contend to. How was Vincent? Was he holding up well? Why should he care? He deserved what he got. However, that would defeat the entire purpose of his expedition, and besides, he needed to give the boy a piece of his mind as well. He bent his head downward and didn't say a word.

He also noticed that the herbalist didn't look at him. Was she scared? She should be. He didn't like having to associate with people, and being forced to do so was like pushing an animal into a corner. One just didn't do that. However, Erin was also starting to show a bit more of herself than she had recently since Vincent disappeared. He slightly wondered what was up with that, but it didn't stay on his mind very long. As Tiffany finished speaking, he looked back up. "I'm fine. Let us go. We can't afford to waste time."

One with conviction, one with vengeance, the two were ready to continue in their pilgrimage.

With the two assuring her that they would be all right to continue, Erin nodded solemnly and gestured for them to follow her down the path.  The leaves crunched under her boots as she went along, leading her new companions back out of the forest.  The plants were avid with their warnings; it became evident that a future struggle was at hand.  Punishing the mandragora might not have been the best course of action, but it was certainly the fastest at the time--they had a mission to fulfill after all.  The longer Vincent stayed with the witch, the higher the chance that he would die.  Her heart raced at the mere thought, and she tried to focus on watching the path as it wound round the trees which were becoming more spaced apart as they neared the edge, but they certainly weren't out of the woods yet, literally and metaphorically.  She came to a halt suddenly and gazed around.  They were certainly not alone.

"It seems as though I've ignored the warnings of the plants for too long."  From out of some bushes bordering the path, two mandragora shot out and blocked the path. Giggling could be heard resounding through the area, and in twin flashes of golden light, two sprites appeared flying in the air. They were rather small as most faeries were, their skin white and flawless like snow. They wore little orange dresses with jagged hems that made it seem like they had been ripped. Their eyes were soft, yet held a great sense of mischief, their irises being a light blue in color. Both had long blonde hair, and out of their backs were translucent, glittery wings that flapped furiously as they hovered in the air. They said nothing but both shot an accusing finger at the trio whilst the mandragora stomped the ground angrily, makeshift snarls on their faces.

"The plants tell me that the sprites are gifted healers and magicians. Be wary," Erin cautioned her allies as she waved a hand causing a single vine to shoot up in a flash from the soil next to her. And so the revenge attempt was being put into play, but Erin wasn't about to succumb to the tantrum of some enchanted flora and woodland faeries.

Chapter 00-A: Make Them Pay

Location: Rustic Forest - Spacious Trail

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Call of Twilight~

{ } { } { } {A} {O} { } {t} { } {t} A
{ } {b} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } {b} { } {W} { } { } { } {b} { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{t} { } { } {t} { } {F} {b} {t} { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } F
{ } {t} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} H
{ } {b} { } {t} { } { } { } { } {b} I
{t} { } { } { } {E} { } { } {t} { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Erin (Herbalist)
HP: 20/20
MP: 30/30
DD: 2/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 6%
Move: 3 cells

Aria (Golden Sprite)
HP: 15/15
MP: 25/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 4 cells

Orchestra (Golden Sprite)
HP: 15/15
MP: 25/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 4 cells

Warm (Autumn Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 4
Def: 2
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 1%
Move: 3 cells

Fall (Autumn Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 4
Def: 2
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 1%
Move: 3 cells

{t} - Tree (cannot be occupied)

{b} - Bush (cannot be occupied)

Players may start in rows I-J!

The three proceeded through the forest once again, determined to get back what was rightfully theirs. Dharc loomed upon memories of his past, trying to not be affected by the hurt he felt, nor be distracted from his current task at hand, but somehow, he was not entirely sure he would be able to do so. He had his youthful image about him and would never lose it, but could he really be happy about that? Could he really say that looking young and beautiful forever was worth the price he so readily paid for it? He was not sure, and in his stomach, he felt quite a quiver. One of that who did not like having things change before him. Before he had noticed Vincent had disappeared, he was at the prime of his life, and nothing could seemingly bother him. There was nothing in the world that could bring him from his reverie and he was determined to stay there, but then one day... he knew.

There had been something wrong in the air, he could taste it, that was for sure. He had walked through the town hearing the signs of affection drooling over his form. He was used to that... but something had been missing that fateful morning. He shook his head however as Erin began speaking. He looked about as he heard a tinkling laughter a ways before him. What looked like two specks of light were floating in the distance. Dharc couldn't quite see the things clearly from where he was standing, but he could tell that there was some more Mandragora. That was a problem. He did not like to be hindered.

Taking his scythe from his back, he swung it and stood in front of the herbalist. "These creatures have a death wish. I do not take kindly to hindrances and annoyance in my path. This will be a swift fight."

Meanwhile, Tiffany was having her own problems within the chain of memories she had gathered. She wallowed in the grief she felt when she saw the poor woman run away from her. She was the epitome of assistance, the new scion of divinity. She was now a goddess... and people ran from her. She was not worshiped, she was idolized... in fear. This was not at all what she had asked the witch for, and yet no one saw her as an image of piety. She was a nightmare.

Almost with a sob, she was trapped within her own self-pity. She had succumbed to the hubris that came with working with clergy for most of her life, and now she was paying the consequences. Something had to be done. She had to get her life back, so she could begin her repentance towards the gods anew, so that she could be a divine servant once again. She would only feel true happiness working in that lower position, not trying to grovel above everything else as if she was the supreme ruler of all. That was not right. She felt regret and remorse for her actions, in fact, she felt them tenfold. She should not have made this binding contract with the witch, yet her greed overcame her. This must be rectified.

Then before her, she heard bits of laughter in the distance. She looked up and saw two twin spheres of golden light, within them were little people. "Faeries?" Upon scanning the forest closer, she found more Mandragora, the likes of which were just as repulsive as the last. This would not do, she needed to find the witch and get her life back. Tiffany listened to what Dharc had said and she almost smiled. They were all in the same predicament, her, Dharc, and Erin. They would all make sure to do their best to get through this battle quickly, so as to get back what they had lost. "If the gods will our standstill, I shall not argue, but as a divine power, I must lay these souls to rest. I bless our swords with strength. Let us fight."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Dharc starts in I6!]

[Tiffany starts in I7!]

Chapter 00-A: Make Them Pay

Location: Rustic Forest - Spacious Trail

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Call of Twilight~

{ } { } { } {A} {O} { } {t} { } {t} A
{ } {b} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } {b} { } {W} { } { } { } {b} { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{t} { } { } {t} { } {F} {b} {t} { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } F
{ } {t} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} H
{ } {b} { } {t} { } {D} {T} { } {b} I
{t} { } { } { } {E} { } { } {t} { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Erin (Herbalist)
HP: 20/20
MP: 30/30
DD: 2/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 6%
Move: 3 cells

Dharc (Saboteur)
HP: 20/20
MP: 30/30
DD: 10/10
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Tiffany (Mana Scavenger)
HP: 20
MP: 35/35
RP: 0/30
DD: 2/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Aria (Golden Sprite)
HP: 15/15
MP: 25/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 4 cells

Orchestra (Golden Sprite)
HP: 15/15
MP: 25/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 4 cells

Warm (Autumn Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 4
Def: 2
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 1%
Move: 3 cells

Fall (Autumn Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 4
Def: 2
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 1%
Move: 3 cells

{t} - Tree (cannot be occupied)

{b} - Bush (cannot be occupied)

Player Phase 1!

Erin moves to G5.

"And fight we shall," Erin murmured delightedly as she charged forward, rose necklace glowing as she readied her powers.  The mandragora nearest her was taken aback as a thick vine suddenly shot out from in front of it, striking it like a whip without mercy.  The vine retreated back into the ground and shot through the soil near Erin's feet.  She stroked the vine as it rose up to her arm and it seemed to react with joy like a living creature.  "We don't have any choice but to be swift unfortunately; the longer it drags out, the worse things are going to be for us.  The sprites are extraordinarily good at mending wounds with their light magic; we don't want them to be able to use it on the mandragora," she reiterated, but she was sure that wasn't going to be a problem.  The sense in urgency in Dharc's voice made her very confident in his focus in battle, and she had already bore witness to his awesome strength.  He would surely not hesitate to lay waste to anything that crossed his path.  They had an important mission, after all.

Erin attacks Fall!  6 Dmg! (INT)

Dharc looked as a vine simply impaled the mandragora in front of him. As it slithered away from the creature and back towards Erin, he began to wonder about her true power. Certainly Vincent's sister was just some delicate flower. He never knew that she might be just as powerful as he was, though, to be honest, he didn't know much. When she was done, Dharc took his weapon to hand and spun it over his head a time or two. "I'm fairly sure, though, that there won't be much time for those sprites to do much healing. We simply have too much ground to cover and not nearly enough time." Especially considering that Vincent does mean something to me as well, not just Erin... There's no telling what that twat could have done to him by now. I just hope he's safe... An indescribable feeling swelled within him, an alien one, something that he hadn't noticed was gone since he had spoken with the witch. What was this?

Dharc ran forward and yelled a battle cry, turning to speed up his blade, and trying to slice through it. If it did hit, it certainly would just fall to pieces. Though he kept turning, fueled by the sudden passion for his search. Although he was only just beginning, he was not about to be stopped short by mere plants. There was a faint chirping sound coming from his blade as he spun... Almost as if there were a chorus of birds from within him.

Tiffany regarded the man with a bit of fear, though. He looked human, but what if he wasn't? She was a holy deity, and she should not be scared of a mere mortal like him... but there was something a bit more sinister about him. Men usually did not have something like that drive he seemed to possess pushing them forward. It was almost as if he were capable of feeling something, which she had regarded quite impossible before and after her transformation. Tiffany wanted to make sure that she could keep herself alive, though, so she crept away from the man and simply stood behind him.

She looked towards Erin and pointed towards Dharc. "Do you see that? Something is wrong with him... I think that he's going crazy... I fear for him." Not to mention that he's chasing after someone that may no longer be alive... It wasn't like there was anything they could do about it either; if Vincent or whatever the kid's name is wants to get out of his bargain, then he'll need to do it himself. I just know I need to reverse this transformation. I can't help people like this.

Tiffany raised her staff and began to chant a prayer. A silver light wrapped around Dharc and cocooned him like a tight turtle shell. She sighed. This was going to be a long journey.

[Dharc moves to F6!
Dharc Basic Attacks Fall!
7 ATK Damage!
Dharc waits...]

[Tiffany moves to I6!
Tiffany uses Benevolence on Dharc! [MP: 27/35]
Dharc is bestowed with Protect!
Tiffany's S-Ability Constant Recycle activates!
Tiffany gains 2 RP (Benevolence)! [RP: 2/30]
Tiffany waits...]

Fall takes 9 Dmg!

HP: 1/10

Chapter 00-A: Make Them Pay

Location: Rustic Forest - Spacious Trail

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Call of Twilight~

{ } { } { } {A} {O} { } {t} { } {t} A
{ } {b} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } {b} { } {W} { } { } { } {b} { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{t} { } { } {t} { } {F} {b} {t} { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {D} {t} { } { } F
{ } {t} { } { } {E} { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} H
{ } {b} { } {t} { } {T} { } { } {b} I
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Dharc's Protect has 3 turns.

Enemy Phase.

Aria moves to C5.

Aria casts Gift on Fall! [+5 HP Recovered]

MP: 19/25

Orchestra moves to C6.

Orchestra casts Gift on Fall! [+5 HP Recovered]

MP: 19/25

Warm moves to E5.

Warm uses Flash on Dharc! [Target Hit Rate -10%]

MP: 4/10

Fall attacks Dharc!  4 Dmg! (ATK)

Fall waits.

{ } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } {t} A
{ } {b} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } {b} { } { } {A} {O} { } {b} { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{t} { } { } {t} {W} {F} {b} {t} { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {D} {t} { } { } F
{ } {t} { } { } {E} { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} H
{ } {b} { } {t} { } {T} { } { } {b} I
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Player Phase 2!

Erin (Herbalist)
HP: 20/20
MP: 30/30
DD: 3/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 6%
Move: 3 cells

Dharc (Saboteur)
HP: 19/20
MP: 30/30
DD: 10/10
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Tiffany (Mana Scavenger)
HP: 20
MP: 27/35
RP: 2/30
DD: 2/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Aria (Golden Sprite)
HP: 15/15
MP: 19/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 4 cells

Orchestra (Golden Sprite)
HP: 15/15
MP: 19/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 4 cells

Warm (Autumn Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 5/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 4
Def: 2
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 1%
Move: 3 cells

Fall (Autumn Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 4
Def: 2
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 1%
Move: 3 cells

{t} - Tree (cannot be occupied)

{b} - Bush (cannot be occupied)

Erin attacks Fall!  6 Dmg! (INT)

"We're going to need your assitance, Tiffany!" Erin called out to the woman.  The protective magic she placed on Dharc would no doubt be a comfort to him, but it was most likely unnecessary against the weak mandragora and the spell-slinging sprites.  She waved her hand sending her vine out once more, the thick stalk slamming into the mandragora she attacked before.  All of their attacks from before had been erased with the simple casting of two healing spells from the sprites.  It was as she feared; they would keep them alive for as long as mana was coursing through their bodies.  As such, they would need to fell each mandragora in a single swoop because there was no knowing how much mana these sprites possessed.  The longer they dabbled, the higher the chance that Vincent would come to know his end at the hands of the witch.  The thought made her cringe severely.

Erin waits.

Dharc recoiled as the bright light reached his eyes. He couldn't see that well to begin with, and now he was forced to simply flail helplessly as his vision slowly returned to him. That as well as the fact that before he was blinded, he could see the cuts that Erin and himself had made on the mandragora had simply disappeared as light swathed over its body. Rage built up inside of him, and he raised his glaive again, attempting to make magic happen. Swinging his weapon towards the plant monster and hearing Erin throw energy towards it, he shouted towards the priestess. "Tiffany! Finish it!"

Tiffany watched as the efforts that Erin and Dharc made were all put to waste in a mere instant. Healing light bathed the damaged plant and now it had become perfectly healthy once again. She clenched her jaw. How much longer would they be delayed from finding the witch? Would they be able to find a way to get their lives back? Would they be able to save the girl's brother from her clutches? It seemed that they would never achieve their objective. She was snapped out of her pessimism when she heard her comrades calling to her. She had no time to think about such trivial thoughts. She had to get her life back. "I pray that thy give me the strength to continue on, Goddess. Bless me with the strength to obliterate my opposition and gain what is truly mine!"

[Dharc basic attacks Fall!
7 ATK Damage!
Dharc waits...]

[Tiffany moves to G6!
Tiffany basic attacks Fall!
6 INT Damage!
Tiffany waits...]

Fall takes 13 Dmg!

Fall KO!

Chapter 00-A: Make Them Pay

Location: Rustic Forest - Spacious Trail

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Call of Twilight~

{ } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } {t} A
{ } {b} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } {b} { } { } {A} {O} { } {b} { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{t} { } { } {t} {W} { } {b} {t} { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {D} {t} { } { } F
{ } {t} { } { } {E} { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} H
{ } {b} { } {t} { } {T} { } { } {b} I
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Dharc's Protect has 2 turns left.

Enemy Phase.

Aria moves to D5.

Aria attacks Dharc!  6 Dmg! (INT)

Orchestra attacks Dharc!  6 Dmg! (INT)

Orchestra waits.

Warm moves to F5.

Warm attacks Erin!  4 Dmg! (ATK)

{ } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } {t} A
{ } {b} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } {b} { } { } {A} {O} { } {b} { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{t} { } { } {t} { } { } {b} {t} { } E
{ } { } { } { } {W} {D} {t} { } { } F
{ } {t} { } { } {E} { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} H
{ } {b} { } {t} { } {T} { } { } {b} I
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Player Phase 3!

Erin (Herbalist)
HP: 19/20
MP: 30/30
DD: 4/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 6%
Move: 3 cells

Dharc (Saboteur) *HIT -10%*
HP: 13/20
MP: 30/30
DD: 10/10
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Tiffany (Mana Scavenger)
HP: 20/20
MP: 27/35
RP: 2/30
DD: 3/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Aria (Golden Sprite)
HP: 15/15
MP: 19/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 4 cells

Orchestra (Golden Sprite)
HP: 15/15
MP: 19/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 4 cells

Warm (Autumn Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 6/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 4
Def: 2
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 1%
Move: 3 cells

Fall (Autumn Mandragora) *KO*

{t} - Tree (cannot be occupied)

{b} - Bush (cannot be occupied)

Erin moves to F4.

"That's the way!" Erin exclaimed excitedly as the mandragora fell before the sprites had the chance to do anything about it.  In their anger, they attacked Dharc, but that would only serve to provoke the man and that, she knew, was a bad idea.  Focusing on her own matters at hand, she dodged around the mandragora and motioned for her vine to thwack it rather fiercely before following her to her side where it remained poised to strike.  "The sprites have powerful magic aside from healing; it's best to remain wary!"  Maybe if they spread the damage, the sprites would have a difficult time keeping everything healed up.  Someone was bound to fall at some point.  Getting rid of the sprites seemed to be the best plan, and if they wasted their healing on the weak mandragora, then maybe that was to their advantage after all.

Erin attacks Warm!  6 Dmg! (ATK)

Dharc felt an onslaught of psychic blows towards him, and with the blindness he had from earlier, this only served to piss him off further. This was not something that he wanted to be dealing with right now. He did not want to be wasting his time dealing with these stupid plants, he wanted to get Vincent back. He wanted his life back. He wanted everything back that the witch had stolen from him, and he wasn't going to let these things stand in his way. Raising his weapon, he rushed towards what seemed to be the backside of the second mandragora; he wasn't able to clearly tell through his lack of vision. He let out another cry and sliced at this plant thing, fully focused on making sure that they all would be gotten rid of as soon as possible.

Tiffany cringed as she watched that barbarian go hack at the mandragora. This is not at all what she had anticipated to come out of a traveler, especially someone who had the same goals as she did. She was not going to call him out on it right this instant, but she was going to be certain to say something afterwards. This man needed to learn some sense and etiquette, especially if someone as divine as herself was going to travel with him. He needed to deserve to travel with her and receive her blessing. That being thought, she would like to end this so she could go back on the hunt for her prize. Moving a bit closer, she chanted and listened to Erin's advice. "If the magics are this strong this early on our journey, what will they be like when we finally get within arms' reach of our goal?"

[Dharc moves to E5!
Dharc basic attacks Warm!
7 ATK Damage!
Dharc waits...]

[Tiffany moves to E6!
Tiffany basic attacks Warm!
6 INT Damage!
Tiffany waits...]

Warm takes 13 Dmg!

Warm KO!

Chapter 00-A: Make Them Pay

Location: Rustic Forest - Spacious Trail

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Call of Twilight~

{ } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } {t} A
{ } {b} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } {b} { } { } {A} {O} { } {b} { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{t} { } { } {t} {D} {T} {b} {t} { } E
{ } { } { } {E} { } { } {t} { } { } F
{ } {t} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} H
{ } {b} { } {t} { } { } { } { } {b} I
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Dharc's Protect has 1 turn left.

Enemy Phase.

Aria moves to B5.

Aria attacks Dharc!  6 Dmg! (INT)

Orchestra attacks Dharc!  6 Dmg! (INT)

Orchestra waits.

{ } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } {t} A
{ } {b} { } { } {A} { } { } { } { } B
{ } {b} { } { } { } {O} { } {b} { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{t} { } { } {t} {D} {T} {b} {t} { } E
{ } { } { } {E} { } { } {t} { } { } F
{ } {t} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} H
{ } {b} { } {t} { } { } { } { } {b} I
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Player Phase 4!

Erin (Herbalist)
HP: 19/20
MP: 30/30
DD: 5/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 6%
Move: 3 cells

Dharc (Saboteur) *HIT -10%* *PROTECT*
HP: 7/20
MP: 30/30
DD: 10/10
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Tiffany (Mana Scavenger)
HP: 20/20
MP: 27/35
RP: 2/30
DD: 4/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Aria (Golden Sprite)
HP: 15/15
MP: 19/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 4 cells

Orchestra (Golden Sprite)
HP: 15/15
MP: 19/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 4 cells

Warm (Autumn Mandragora) *KO*

Fall (Autumn Mandragora) *KO*

{t} - Tree (cannot be occupied)

{b} - Bush (cannot be occupied)

Erin uses Treatment on Dharc!  [+5 HP Recovered]

MP: 24/30

"Hey, take this!" Erin called out to the nearby Dharc who was receiving plenty of hate from the sprites in the form of their magical attacks.  She whipped a vial of green liquid from one of her satchels and quickly tossed it to him knowing full well he'd be more than capable of catching it, and even if he didn't, the vial would burst and the fumes would aid in mending his injuries.  Still, the best effect was gained when downing the concoction itself in its liquid state.  "Down it all; I've got plenty more where that came from if you find yourself needing it," she offered, patting her still very full satchel.  She had a hefty supply of herbs on her person and she always picked some while walking.  She knew which ones were medicinal and could grind and strain and liquefy into a potion quite easily while traveling, the boon of having done it for so many years.  She was so proud of her craft and always seeking to expand it.  She needed to find more herb combinations and preparation methods so she could get stronger and have a larger presence in battle but she had no fear that she wouldn't be able to do so.  If anything, there was boundless confidence.  Whether that said confidence would lead her into a great deal of trouble or not remained to be seen.

Erin moves to E3.

Dharc felt the blows that he received from the other two creatures, and having watched both mandragoras fall to the floor in tatters, he was ready to end this show right here and now. Standing and aching from the damage he took, he knew that if he wasn't too careful, he wouldn't have a chance to finish what he started. This needed to end before things got too far out of hand. As he poised to deal the fatal blows to the farthest sprite which had seemed to run back in fear, he heard Erin's voice again, and he looked back. With his less blurred vision, Dharc could make out that she was tossing something to him. He reached with his right arm and caught what seemed to be a small vial, filled with a dark green liquid. He had a feeling that what she had made would do him good, knowing Erin. He uncorked it and drank the liquid inside. Contrary to what he thought, he noticed that it tasted like cinnamon, which was something that he appreciated. "Thanks, Erin." With that, he raised his glaive, and dashed forward, ready to end this creature's life. He spun, making the familiar chirping sound from before. One, two, three, four, five...

Tiffany watched as Erin tossed a vial to Dharc. She was lucky that she hadn't taken many of the attacks that were slung towards him, but then again, she wasn't in the front lines either. She felt that somehow, she was really irrelevant to all this. Her mission was not really the same as theirs, she hadn't had the same motivation that the other two did. Why was she here with them? How had she gotten looped with them? What was her purpose to be with them? Doubt filled her heart, and she felt the divine spirit rise again within her. She was better than both of these people. She had no need to interact with such plebeians.

[Dharc moves to C5!
Dharc uses Swallow Waltz! [MP: 20/30]
5 ATK Damage!
5 Hits!
Chance of Confusion!
Dharc waits...]

[Tiffany's S-Ability Constant Recycle activates!
Tiffany gains 2 RP! (Gift) [RP: 4/30]
Tiffany gains 2 RP! (Gift) [RP: 6/30]
Tiffany gains 2 RP! (Flash) [RP: 8/30]
Tiffany gains 3 RP! (Swallow Waltz) [RP: 11/30]
Tiffany gains 2 RP! (Treatment) [RP: 13/30]
Tiffany waits...]

Aria dodges Swallow Waltz [2]!

Aria takes 12 Dmg!

HP: 3/15

Aria's Purity protects her from Confusion!

Orchestra takes 15 Dmg!

Orchestra PERFECT KILL!!

Chapter 00-A: Make Them Pay

Location: Rustic Forest - Spacious Trail

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Call of Twilight~

{ } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } {t} A
{ } {b} { } { } {A} { } { } { } { } B
{ } {b} { } { } {D} { } { } {b} { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{t} { } {E} {t} { } {T} {b} {t} { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } F
{ } {t} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} H
{ } {b} { } {t} { } { } { } { } {b} I
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Dharc's Protect fades.

Enemy Phase.

Aria moves to A3.

Aria casts Repent on Dharc! [Dharc is Cursed]

MP: 13/25

{ } { } {A} { } { } { } {t} { } {t} A
{ } {b} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } {b} { } { } {D} { } { } {b} { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{t} { } {E} {t} { } {T} {b} {t} { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } F
{ } {t} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} H
{ } {b} { } {t} { } { } { } { } {b} I
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Player Phase 5!

Erin (Herbalist)
HP: 19/20
MP: 24/30
DD: 5/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 6%
Move: 3 cells

Dharc (Saboteur) *HIT -10%* *CURSE*
HP: 12/20
MP: 20/30
DD: 10/10
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Tiffany (Mana Scavenger)
HP: 20/20
MP: 27/35
RP: 13/30
DD: 4/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Aria (Golden Sprite) *CRITICAL*
HP: 3/15
MP: 13/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 4 cells

Orchestra (Golden Sprite) *PERFECT KILL*

Warm (Autumn Mandragora) *KO*

Fall (Autumn Mandragora) *KO*

{t} - Tree (cannot be occupied)

{b} - Bush (cannot be occupied)

Erin moves to D3.

"I have it from here." Erin smiled confidently as she waved her hand outward causing her vine to surge forth, stretching out of the ground and soaring through the air to impale the sprite with no mercy. Despite their intentions to protect the forest and its denizens, they had seriously put her and her traveling companions in danger and she wasn't about to have that, especially when they meant no harm in the first place and were attacked without question. The forest was the one that made an enemy of them, not the other way around. She whispered her apologies to the woodlands as the sprite's body disintegrated into particles of light, and her vine disappeared beneath the ground, her fingers finding themselves wrapped around the pendant she used to control it.

Erin attacks Aria! 6 Dmg! (INT)

* * *

Aria takes 3 Dmg!

Aria PERFECT KILL!!

Chapter 00-A: Make Them Pay

Location: Rustic Forest - Spacious Trail

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Call of Twilight~

{ } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } {t} A
{ } {b} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } {b} { } { } {D} { } { } {b} { } C
{ } { } {E} { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{t} { } { } {t} { } {T} {b} {t} { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } F
{ } {t} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} H
{ } {b} { } {t} { } { } { } { } {b} I
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

All enemies have been defeated!
CHAPTER COMPLETE!!

EXPERIENCE:

+8 - Golden Sprite x2 PERFECT KILL
+2 - Mandragora x2
+2 - Player Phase completed less than 10
+2 - No Player Character KO
+2 - No D-Abilities used
+2 - No Items used

TOTAL EXP GAIN: 18

Erin: 2/16 --- 20/16
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 4/24
Current DD: 6/10

Dharc: 2/16 --- 20/16
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 4/24
Current DD: 10/10

Tiffany: 2/16 --- 20/16
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 4/24
Current DD: 4/10

Skill Points Awarded!

+1: Erin, Dharc, Tiffany

No Achievement available.

The Party finds 14 Gold!

Items found:

---Gold Dust x2
---Sprite Wing x2
---Autumn Leaf x1

Edit your profiles, please~ Update will come shortly.

Erin let out a sigh of relief. That was no problem at all. Dharc seemed to sustain some injury but her potion would work wonders especially now that they had a moment of reprieve. The trees seemed to be vastly unnerved at this point; there was something major happening now and she had a feeling it was their fault. She could hear them shouting at her to get out of the forest with her friends, not because they didn't want her there, but because they didn't want her to get hurt. A shiver shot up her spine but she took a deep breath and exhaled, walking up to Tiffany. "You're very strong. Both you and Dharc. I'm so glad you let me accompany you; I'm trying to get stronger as well. We're all going to have to be to get back what was stolen from us," she said softly and took Tiffany's hand. "But I know we can do it if we stick together." She felt a smile form on her face and her heart was warm for once in what seemed like an eternity. The witch had stolen her happiness, leaving her soul to freeze, its strength draining with each passing day. She was bound for death anyway, so what would Vincent's sacrifice had been for? Tiffany and Dharc saved her. They were what she needed to finally get up and take that step towards getting Vincent back. She was so grateful for them.

Tiffany looked at the girl as she gave a dreadful drivel about her strength. She knew her power was immense and glorious, and she didn't need a mere mortal to tell her. What place did this insect have in getting her to do anything? Certainly this girl was unaware of the place she held. Speaking to a goddess without respect. A malicious look crossing her eyes, Tiffany slapped Erin's hand away, disgusted by the cheesy frilly language that the girl took with her. "How dare you speak to a Goddess in such a manner, mortal? I thought that someone as talented as you with caring for life would know better than this. Clearly I was wrong. I have no intention of traveling with you two any longer. This was a grave mistake on my part. I have much better matters to attend to." Tiffany stood, and with a regal posture, began walking back into the forest, towards the witch's cabin. It was the heart of her divinity, and it was where she would feel at home once again.

Erin was dumbfounded. What kind of reaction was that? She held the hand that was slapped away close to her heart. Was there something wrong with lavishing someone with praise? No, there was something seriously wrong here. This wasn't the Tiffany she was growing to know. Or maybe this was her true colors? Erin didn't believe that for a second. She gazed over at Dharc. They had been traveling together...but for how long? Did he even truly know her? Would he have an answer for this? "This isn't you! It's the witch's magic! If you're such a mighty goddess, then why are you letting yourself succumb to her trickery?! Some goddess you turned out to be!" she shouted desperately, trying to play to that prideful side. Maybe she'd realize the truth that way. If not, maybe Dharc could do something about this.

Tiffany looked at Erin as she scorned her for being fooled by a mere witch. She frowned and began to lash out at her again. "How dare you insinuate that someone such as Myself had been only used by that woman? Why I would never..." But then she stopped. She then thought about what she was doing. Was she really in the wrong here? Her head was so clouded, she almost couldn't think. She placed her hands over her face, almost seeming to burst into tears, but she was a goddess, so she could do no such thing. "I'm sorry, Erin, you're right. Ever since I felt the urge to reverse my decision and see the Witch, this feeling in my head has only been growing stronger. It's almost as if there was something else inside me that was not... me. I don't expect you to understand as you did not make a contract with the Witch." She stood up and brushed herself off. The forest was still dirty. "Please forgive me. Let us go hunt the Witch down and get what we want back into our lives."

Dharc watched as the two women bickered amongst themselves. Similarly to Tiffany, he also was beginning to become rather clouded, but with a bit of effort, he remembered why he had come here. Unlike Tiffany, he had a personal connection to this journey. He was here to get Vincent back. He shouldn't have had to suffer like Dharc had. He was beginning to become rather impatient with all the standing and sitting around that they were doing. The light was beginning to dim ever so slightly. He wanted them to get somewhere. "Hey! Mind getting a move on? We have places to get to and people to save, don't we?" Very impatient indeed.

Erin sighed in relief and smiled at the fact that Tiffany had come around after all.  She wanted a moment to revel, but Dharc brought up a good point.  Vincent's life was at risk right now, and in a worst case scenario, he could already be dead.  Erin shuddered.  She couldn't imagine Vincent being dead.  If that happened and she could get her hands on the witch she would make that bitch regret ever existing in the first place.  With that in mind, she joined the other two as they proceeded along through the wood, dodging around trees and trying to keep on a solitary path.  The exit to the forest couldn't be too far away with the way that the trees were thinning out, not to mention the trees themselves whispered that they were almost free of the woodland.  They also warned her of a rebel amongst their kind.  How could a tree take action on its own except by--

The ground quaked as a monstrous tree dropped down on them from the sky.  Erin stumbled and fell over, glancing up at the horrid face carved in the bark, the dull teeth gnashing angrily.  "Except by enchantment.  The faeries have created a treant," Erin spoke solemnly and stood up, an angered expression on her face.  The faeries had used their twisted magic to bend this tree to their will and turn it into a monster.  It had no choice in the matter.  Sure enough, two of the faeries descended from the sky as well.  Had they airlifted this thing here through magic just to catch Erin and the others by surprise?  Erin didn't put it past them.  A vine pierced out from the ground and upon being directed at the treant by Erin, showed a little hesitance.  "No, I must clear my mind of doubt and fell this creature--this abomination.  I must set the spirit inside free," she whispered to herself.  The other two probably wouldn't give two shits about her plight, but the fact remained that running from faeries was not an option.  They would have to stand and fight this creature or die trying.

Chapter 00-B: Animated

Location: Rustic Forest - The Thinning Stretch

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{ } {t} { } { } {t} { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } {S} { } { } { } {R} {t} { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{ } { } { } { } {T} { } { } { } { } E
{t} { } { } {t} { } { } { } { } { } F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } H
{ } {t} { } {E} { } { } { } { } { } I
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Erin (Herbalist)
HP: 20/20
MP: 35/35
DD: 6/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 7
Spr: 5
Evade: 6%
Move: 3 cells

TREANT (Woodland Golem)
HP: 60/60
MP: 45/45
DD: --/--
Atk: 6 --- 7 --- 8
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Sonata (Golden Sprite)
HP: 15/15
MP: 25/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 4 cells

Rondo (Golden Sprite)
HP: 15/15
MP: 25/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 4 cells

{t} - Tree
[No Occupy]

Players may start in rows I-J!

The three of them had been walking through the forest for some time after Tiffany's epiphany, but Tiffany in particular was feeling a sense of discomfort and apprehension. Something in the air still wasn't quite right, and there wasn't really much of an explanation that she could put forth. Even though she had been transformed into a goddess by the Witch, she was still not omniscient, which she felt was a disservice. She had given up everything for a limited form. However, she couldn't let that cloud her head. There was something amiss, and she needed to purify it. She scanned the treeline as they all walked along the autumn forest, looking for anything that might have been out of place. There wasn't anything seemingly out of order... until they reached a clearer grove of trees. Two fairies similar to the ones from before descended from the sky, carrying a giant tree in their wake. Her eyes widened as she drew her staff. "What... what is that thing?" The tree seemed to have facial features and it was ... smiling... "I must purify this taint!"

Dharc had been mindlessly focusing on his narcissistic features as the group had been walking forward through the twilit forest. There was a certain air that the Witch had given him that made him feel as if he were on top of the world. Although, without Vincent by his side to complement him, there was something missing. The two had broken apart some time ago, but even if they had, that didn't change the fact that the small amount of his heart that wasn't focused on himself still cared about him, and Dharc would go to the ends of the Earth to free him from the Witch's clutches. Even if he had been the happiest he had ever been after the Witch granted him his deepest desire, people shouldn't be chained without equivalent compensation. The Witch kept Vincent in her grasp without proper leverage, and this is why he was venturing forth. However, his reverie was snapped when the ground shuddered from a sudden weight being dropped. He looked forward and tried to discern the sudden huge shape that blocked their path. Was it a tree? Who cared. He smiled as he lost himself to the throes of battle. "It seems that we've reached a roadblock. Let's cut it down!"

[Dharc starts in I5!]

[Tiffany starts in I6!]