Spirit's Resolution: The Invasion of Mana

When Vaughn finally stood to get off the tram, Nastasia felt a pit settle in her stomach. She let go of the pole she had been holding onto and followed him. Netta being lost without a way to find her for now was perhaps the worst possible situation they could find themselves in––no... it was the worst! Nothing could make this worse. Anything else that would further upset them now would be trivial to be perfectly honest. The girl had just ran off––no doubt into the marsh––and could potentially die here. Although they did not come from the same world and Netta was far from someone close to her, Nastasia did not want whoever cared for the huntress in her homeland to worry any longer than they would have had to. If she wasn't alive to return to them though...

Nastasia's thoughts stumbled as Vaughn grabbed her hand. Her emerald eyes shot to his fingers wrapped around her palm. It was such a simple action, but she couldn't help but find it almost metaphoric. He had already lost one of them––he desperately did not want to lose her. A slight flush painted her cheeks at the thought, but she did her best to gulp it down and cool her face in the oncoming summer heat. Now was certainly not the time to let anything become about herself, even if that is what they were going shopping for in the first place! She shifted her hand a little, but not out of discomfort. Without meaning to, she gave him a reassuring squeeze.

They stepped into a giant store with just about every style imaginable! The young manager's eyes went wide with a mixture of wonder and shock as she took in the entire collection of clothing and baubles and– She quickly shook her head to snap herself out of it. Her eyes squeezed tightly shut and she barely heard what Vaughn asked her. She took a moment before responding. The thoughts in her head felt strange to verbalize––after all, she didn't really know Netta. How could she possible assure him and assuage his worries? The sorceress bit back a sigh. "Better than you or I could if we suddenly found ourselves in her world."

It wasn't the most convincing statement, but it was the best she could offer him. Her gaze fell at the thought of Netta not being alright, however, and she wanted desperately to reassure Vaughn that everything would be okay in the end. There weren't words for it though! She opened her mouth again to speak anyway, but no sounds came forth. Her lips shut tightly into a thin line and mentally swore. Instead of trying to continue, she put her other hand around his and gave another small squeeze. Her eyes drifted to a rack of more professional-but-not-strictly-professional-looking garments for a moment before falling back on him.

"Something tells me you're good at helping people pick out clothes," she declared lightly, trying to keep his mood up even if she couldn't be super positive. She pointed to the rack she had been looking at. "Shall we start there?"

"Tuesdays and Fridays it is," Wolfgang agreed, standing up from his seat. "If that will be all, then I will return when it is time to begin my work. I'll make sure your belongings remain intact on my watch." Now that he had no other business in the manor, Wolfgang excused himself outside. He'd never get used to not seeing the polluted sky of Paragon and its stained streets; it was an entirely new experience to breathe in clean air. Wolfgang tucked his hand beneath his vest and reached into his shirt pocket, only to remember that he did not have his cigarettes on him anymore. Perhaps the local convenience store would have some in stock, if they even had cigarettes in this world.

He was aware there could have been better things to spend the coin Claire gave him on, but the craving was becoming more and more persistent. Wolfgang remembered the other advertisement in the newspaper for Ly-mart, the superstore. He would stop there before making his way back to Claire's home and inform her that he had picked up a job. All the walking made him begin to miss his own car, despite the fact that it was noisy and was on the verge of breaking down completely, as he couldn't afford a high class vehicle as much as he couldn't afford a better apartment. He considered himself lucky to have even met Claire, as she had so generously provided him with a place to stay in this foreign land. Wolfgang made a mental note to pay her back one day when he would finally be able to support himself.

Netta breathed in deeply, clean air scorched by the sun and filling her lungs with warmth. She was used to the shade of trees to protect her from the sun, but her tanned skin was plenty to beat back the heat of the star. She found a spot near the river a little more open and flat,so she slid out of her clothes so she was only in the fur skins across her chest and waist. She didn't need them where she was going. They would only get ripped or dirty in the marsh, so she tore them up and spread them across the grass. The cloth was safe for animals to eat, and birds would likely find the scraps first to use for nests.

Netta dove into the water headfirst, startling the little fish under the water and causing them to dart away from her. One of the fish couldn't make a decision quick enough and Netta considered snatching it to eat it, but instead nudged the fish in a direction and allowed it to swim away. She wasn't in the water to fish. She was there to reset the temperature of her body and get all the grime and muck from the city off her. She would dress herself in mud and leaves, though not literally.

The little hunter returned to the surface of the water and gently swam towards shore again. She shook herself off once out of the water and found her pouch and bow and quiver waiting for her where she left them. The fur she wore and her hair would dry very quickly, thanks to the heat of the sun, so she took her time strapping her pouch loosely on her waist, her quiver across her back, and her bow in her hand. True, she thought what Claire said about the marsh being a death sentence to be naught but hogwash, but there was a danger to any wilderness, especially one that Netta didn't know. She might not seem it, but she was a very clever girl.

Natalia found the marsh, finally, and thought for a moment. Her boots would protect her from most of the wet terrain, though it wouldn't bother her. In order to become a part of the marsh, she had to adopt its scent. Netta dragged her hand through the mud and let it drip for a second before dragging her fingers up her stomach and across her arms and around her neck. The earth would stay damp on her for a little bit, she would have to splash it with bits of water occasionally to keep the scent on her until it stuck.

Hearing the sounds of nature, smelling the clean air, and feeling the heat of the sun on her bare back. These feelings are what Netta remembered. This is what she lived for.

As Netta tried to assimilate herself to the marsh, two Shamblers were roaming nearby and took notice of the stranger in their marsh.  The plant-like creatures hissed in dismay.  Typically, they would hide in the water and rise to attack prey suddenly without warning.  However, they had no time to enact this ploy.  If they were to strike, then they were to do it now.  They made their way through the water unceremoniously, drawing attention to themselves instantly.  Netta's sharp senses would be able to hear them coming amidst the silence from a mile away or more.  Being the adept huntress that she was, she would have enough sense to hide herself causing the Shamblers to look around confused.  Where had their target gone?

Netta gains Element of Surprise! [Starts off under Stealth status][First attack is automatically critical]

Netta's Chapter 00: The Marsh's Dangers

Location: Acuatl Marsh - Marsh Shallows

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Achievement: Extra Cautious - Avoid getting affected by Acid Trip from a Masked Viper before it has revealed itself. [5 AP]

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

Latel (Marsh Shambler)
HP: 10/10
SE: 15/15
DD: --/--
Atk: 5
Def: 1
Psy: 1
Fai: 1
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Peren (Marsh Shambler)
HP: 10/10
SE: 15/15
DD: --/--
Atk: 5
Def: 1
Psy: 1
Fai: 1
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

{t} - Marsh Tree
[No Occupy]

{~} - Shallow Water
[Can be waded through]

Players may start in rows I-J in a non-water cell!

* * *

Vaughn was sure that whatever world Netta came from was a harsh one if the girl had to fend for herself in what wilderness she claimed as her habitat.  Maybe she would be able to handle the marsh just fine, as long as she didn't press too deeply into it.  The deeper parts of the marsh were said to house nightmarish creatures like the undead, strong colonies of Shamblers, and hives of vicious insects.  The creatures were supposedly so ruthless that one wrong step in that domain would lead to instant death.  There was no mercy for trespassers.  However, the inner portions of the marsh were foul and disgusting.  The smell alone was enough to turn anyone away.  Netta seemed to crave a more peaceful nature.  The portion around the river would probably be where she was currently exploring.  That wouldn't be so bad at all.

The man sighed in relief before taking notice of the rack that Nastasia did.  It had a lot of formal female wear upon it.  "A lot of the servers there stick to white and black or all black.  I see a lot of women wearing pants but I think a formal skirt would be alluring, even if it is knee-length and not anything more revealing.  Maybe a white blouse to go with it?" Vaughn suggested, looking through some of the clothing on the rack.  All of it was quality clothing, and to be frank, anything would look amazing on Nastasia, but she needed something that could get her the job for now.

* * *

Wolfgang would chance upon a convenience store before Ly-Mart.  It was called Exceed, a place that was highlighted on the city map.  Apparently it was a mass gas station and convenience store chain in the dimension and held a pretty iron grip on the industry, pushing smaller chains to the side in terms of sales and customer service.  "Exceed the competition" was their motto, and boy did they stick to it.  As he entered the store, he could tell that these people were absolute try-hards.  The floor was spotless and even had a bit of a gleam to it.  The black rug in front of the glass doors was a bit dirty from actual use--people actually wiping their feet off vigorously before stepping on the floor.  All the shelves were neatly organized, not a thing out of place even from a careless customer just putting something back wherever instead of its original place.  There was a well-kept cashier handling a small line of customers quickly and efficiently with another person wandering the sales floor suggesting sales to browsing customers.  Wolfgang was greeted by this person as he entered.

"Hi!  Welcome to Exceed where we exceed the competition!"

It was a young woman with long blonde hair that was very straight and rested upon her shoulders, the rest flowing down her back.  She wore the standard uniform: black slacks and the black Exceed shirt with the yellow strip down the side with a couple more horizontal yellow stripes curving around the other side.  The collar itself was yellow as well.  She approached Wolfgang from her position amongst the shelves, staring up at him with her blue eyes.  "Anything I can help you find today, sir?" she inquired with a wide dazzling smile.

Nastasia returned his comment with a light smile and another soft squeeze before letting go of his hand and approaching the rack of skirts. Vaughn had suggested a knee-length so she stuck to those. She pushed the hangers aside methodically, scanning the tags for size as she went. Thank the Gods he knows about the restaurant, she thought to herself as she procured a skirt in her size. The young manager-to-soon-hopefully-be-hostess turned to the a set of blouses. Once again she went about combing through the selection to find one that would fit her. "Thank you," she voiced aloud as she moved to another rack of blouses, continuing to search. "You and Claire both, I suppose," she continued, picking up a blouse in her size, "I'm... or rather we are very lucky to have you two."

Even if one of us ran off, she thought glumly, her gaze dropping once more. She mentally reprimanded herself––she couldn't seem too terribly upset! Worrying about something they couldn't help wouldn't do either of them any good. It was at that moment that she actually looked at her heels and frowned. The outfit she had in her hands would work well, but the shoes would be kind of glaring––so much so that she might stand out in a bad way, possibly come off as tacky. Nastasia's eyes returned to Vaughn. "Can we hit the shoes next? As much as I love these, I don't think they'd make the best first impression," she admitted with a slight chuckle.

"Exceed the competition?" The phrase repeated itself in Wolfgang's mind as he tried not to bust out in laughter. It had to be the corniest slogan he had ever heard and it baffled him how anyone could say it with a straight face. The gas station itself was clean to the extent that it didn't seem like an ordinary gas station; the luster reflecting off the waxed floors was almost blinding. In Paragon, the gas stations were mainly active in the latest hours, as it was common for gang members to stop by and use the nozzles to fill up glass bottles to make Molotov cocktails and loot alcohol from the back. Wolfgang supposed this is what an entire civilization would look like if crime wasn't so prideful as to feel the need to flaunt its vices in the open.

"I'm just looking for a lighter and some cigarettes if you have any," Wolfgang finally answered the woman, his gaze meeting hers as he focused his attention to her. "I'm not too picky on the brand, any kind will do." It was strange to him, as nobody he had met so far this day seemed to point out that he wasn't from Myridan. Chances are they didn't know and Wolfgang blended in more naturally than he had expected, or the locals knew and simply did not care. Nobody had even gone so far as to bat a second glance at him, a man that walked the streets wearing a tactical vest apparently drew no suspicion. For the time being, he would just assume everyone thought he was a policeman.

Netta's Chapter 00: The Marsh's Dangers

Location: Acuatl Marsh - Marsh Shallows

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Achievement: Extra Cautious - Avoid getting affected by Acid Trip from a Masked Viper before it has revealed itself. [5 AP]

{~} {~} { } { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} A
{~} {~} {L} { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} B
{~} {~} {~} {P} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} C
{~} {~} {~} {~} {t} {~} {~} {~} {~} D
{~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} E
{~} { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} F
{~} { } {t} {~} {~} {~} {~} { } { } G
{~} { } { } {~} {~} {~} { } { } { } H
{~} {~} {~} {~} {~} { } {t} {N} { } I
{~} {~} {~} {~} {~} { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Netta (Artificer) *INVISIBLE* *ELEMENT OF SURPRISE*
HP: 25/25
MP: 20/20
DD: 2/10
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Latel (Marsh Shambler)
HP: 10/10
SE: 15/15
DD: --/--
Atk: 5
Def: 1
Psy: 1
Fai: 1
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Peren (Marsh Shambler)
HP: 10/10
SE: 15/15
DD: --/--
Atk: 5
Def: 1
Psy: 1
Fai: 1
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

{t} - Marsh Tree
[No Occupy]

{~} - Shallow Water
[Can be waded through]

Player Phase 1!

* * *

Using the information Vaughn provided, Nastasia was able to pick out a lovely outfit that would be sure to impress at the restaurant.  And that would take care of her uniform, all in one go.  When she mentioned shoes, he laughed.  How could he have forgotten?  Waving her along, he meandered through the racks and racks of women's clothes, bypassing the professional and delving into the casual, eventually coming to the wall of shoes available--luckily before the lingerie section.

"Here we have the glorious Wall of Shoes...or at least the female version.  The male version is somewhere else in the store and just as impressive actually," Vaughn explained.  The summer season was blazing hot and there tons of deals on sandals, flip-flops and other open-toe shoes.  They were here to look for something a bit different, however.  "Solid black, clean, and dressy.  Easy to move in, not heels," Vaughn suggested easily, placing his hand on his chin in thought as he scanned the expansive collection, moving over to the section of dress shoes provided.

* * *

"Well, we sell both of those things at the counter, so you're in luck!" the station employee chimed with a wink, gesturing to the line in front of the counter.  "If you're looking for a good brand, get Ten Dens.  Gold pack.  They're really good and not as expensive as other brands like Callous and Deep Breath," she offered.  The man did look like a smoker, but to not have a favorite brand?  That was pretty odd.  Usually her smoking customers would die if the store ran out of the cigarettes that they normally smoked.  It was rare to run into a non-selective smoker.  "If that's all you need, I'll be off, but if you have any more questions please feel free to ask me or my associate behind the counter.  Thank you for shopping at Exceed!" she exclaimed with a giggle before rushing back off amidst the aisles, aiding customers and straightening any untidy products on the shelves.

Wolfgang was free to wait in a line that was actually whittled down quite quickly by the efficient cashier behind the counter.  When it was Wolfgang's turn he was greeted by a wide grin from the man standing behind the counter.  He was a clear-faced youth with a clean shaven face and dazzling green eyes behind black spectacles.  He nodded to Wolfgang.  "What can I get for you today, sir?" he asked.  "Cigarettes?  Lottery tickets?  Gas?"

~Novarian District Exceed~

Front Counter Items:

Gum (Good for chewing.  Mint flavored.  Personal use.) / Coin: 1 / Stock: 10

Professor Nutty's (Peanut butter filled chocolate bar covered in almonds.  Personal use.) / Coin: 2 / Stock: 7

Ten Dens Gold Pack (Filtered standard size cigarettes with good flavor.  Personal use.) / Coin: 4 / Stock: 10

Ten Dens Elite (Non-filtered standard size cigarettes with powerful flavor and more nicotine.  Personal use.) / Coin: 6 / Stock: 8

Callous Dark and Filthy (Non-filtered standard size cigarettes filled with all the bad stuff that'll kill ya but leave you wanting for more.  Personal use.) / Coin: 10 / Stock: 4

Callous Underhanded Shorts (Filtered short cigarettes that are still pretty damn bad for ya.  Personal use.) / Coin: 8 / Stock: 8

Deep Breath Frosty Blues (Filtered menthol standard size cigarettes.  Ice ice baby.  Personal use.) / Coin: 8 / Stock: 4

Lucky 7 (Scratch off lottery ticket.  Get 2 7s in a row on a 3x3 grid and win the amount on the ticket.  Get 3 7s in a row and win 7 TIMES the amount!) / Coin: 2 / Stock: 5

Fast Fire (Match 2 numbers with the number on the card and win the amounts associated with those numbers.  More numbers matched than that and you win double each of the amounts matched!) / Coin: 2 / Stock: 5

Regular Gas (Durr.) / Coin: 2 Coin per gallon. / Stock: --

Boosted Gas (Hurr.) / Coin: 3 Coin per gallon. / Stock: --

Supreme Gas (Herp derp.) / Coin: 4 Coin per gallon. / Stock: --

Diesel (Seriously.) / Coin: 6 Coin per gallon. / Stock: --

Electric Recharge (Charging station for electric or hybrid vehicles.) / Coin: 5 Coin per quarter charge. / Stock: --

Wolfgang froze in his position with a desire to cringe at the eerie smile the cashier gave him. Just why the hell was he so happy to be working a menial job at a gas station? Did his employer force a surgically enhanced smile on him or was he just held here against his will and was being watched? Something was seriously wrong with this picture, and it was only going to drive Wolfgang crazy if he didn't first get his smokes from this disturbing gentleman behind the counter. "Err... hrm," Wolfgang forced a cough into his hand. "I'll just take a lighter and a Ten Dens Gold Pack. I don't need a bag, and I don't need a receipt." After sliding a hand into his pocket and placing the coins needed to make the purchase, Wolfgang decided it would be a good night to unwind after all he had been through. The problem was that he didn't know any popular spots in the city, however if he asked around, surely he would find several places.

Once the transaction was finished, Wolfgang casually walked through the aisles and up the young woman that greeted him earlier. "Say... you said to come to you if I had any more questions, right?" Wolfgang asked for clarification. "Well, I'm sort of new in town, and I was wondering if you'd know any good places to explore this city's nightlife. I never really got that many chances to loosen up back where I'm from."

Nastasia stuck to Vaughn's side, nodding although not smiling when he mentioned no heels. Perhaps she was a creature of habit, but she much preferred heels to other footwear––she had been wearing them pretty much all her life. Not to mention it felt like a skill all its own. There were very few people who could sprint safely the way she could in heels, fewer who could jump, and even fewer who could very capably defend themselves. She did, however, suppose that Vaughn would not steer her wrong and if she ended up serving people that maybe she would thank him later.

"Let's see," she murmured, glancing over the rather flattering selection of flats. It wasn't particularly difficult to find a pair in her size, especially when pretty much everything could go with her outfit. Plucking a box in a style she liked, she turned to Vaughn with a smile. "Easy enough," she chimed, tucking the box under her arm.

Netta's Chapter 00: The Marsh's Dangers

Location: Acuatl Marsh - Marsh Shallows

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Achievement: Extra Cautious - Avoid getting affected by Acid Trip from a Masked Viper before it has revealed itself. [5 AP]

{~} {~} { } { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} A
{~} {~} {L} { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} B
{~} {~} {~} {P} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} C
{~} {~} {~} {~} {t} {~} {~} {~} {~} D
{~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} E
{~} { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} F
{~} { } {t} {~} {~} {~} {~} { } { } G
{~} { } { } {~} {~} {~} { } { } { } H
{~} {~} {~} {~} {~} { } {t} {N} { } I
{~} {~} {~} {~} {~} { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Enemy Phase.

Latel moves to D3.

Latel waits.

Peren moves to E4.

Peren waits.

{~} {~} { } { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} A
{~} {~} { } { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} B
{~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} C
{~} {~} {L} {~} {t} {~} {~} {~} {~} D
{~} {~} {~} {P} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} E
{~} { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} F
{~} { } {t} {~} {~} {~} {~} { } { } G
{~} { } { } {~} {~} {~} { } { } { } H
{~} {~} {~} {~} {~} { } {t} {N} { } I
{~} {~} {~} {~} {~} { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Player Phase 2!

Netta (Artificer) *INVISIBLE* *ELEMENT OF SURPRISE*
HP: 25/25
MP: 20/20
DD: 2/10
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Latel (Marsh Shambler)
HP: 10/10
SE: 15/15
DD: --/--
Atk: 5
Def: 1
Psy: 1
Fai: 1
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Peren (Marsh Shambler)
HP: 10/10
SE: 15/15
DD: --/--
Atk: 5
Def: 1
Psy: 1
Fai: 1
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

{t} - Marsh Tree
[No Occupy]

{~} - Shallow Water
[Can be waded through]

* * *

Wolfgang purchases a lighter and cigarettes! [-6 Personal Coin]

The man behind the counter was more than happy to oblige, going back to the wall of cigarettes behind him to procure Wolfgang's requested cigarettes.  He snatched a lighter off the stand on the front counter which was hidden behind a local fundraising campaign set-up.  "That'll be 6 Coin, sir," he said cheerily, taking what Wolfgang offered and putting it into his register.  "You have a delightful day and remember that our service Exceeds the competition!  We hope that you agree!"  When Wolfgang cleared out, he went on with greeting the next person just as happy as could be.

The woman was startled by Wolfgang's approach, but definitely pleased.  It was written all over her face and she hated it.  She was supposed to be professional!  It turned out that he wasn't from Myridan and he wanted to get shown the nightlife of the city.  This was the perfect opportunity!  There was no way she was going to pass this up.  "Weeell, I can tell you, but I think it would be better if I showed you.  If you're looking for after dark locales, then you wanna go downtown to the South District.  Beyond the foreboding and fun-sucking corporate offices are some of the more quaint and interesting pubs and clubs.  My fave is Starlights, honestly.  Might sound a bit girly but its actually a rather classy club with fine drinks and great music.  I love the jazz player that comes around on Friday nights," the woman raved, her eyes alight with wonder.  She gave Wolfgang a sly grin.  "So how about meeting up there?  It's a peaceful atmosphere as opposed to some of the more rowdy bars and pubs."

Wolfgang has been asked out on a date.

>Gladly Accept
>Politely Decline

* * *

"Seems like you got the whole outfit together.  Time for checkout then," Vaughn said with a smile on his face.  Shopping was always nice.  He could have done some shopping for himself as well, but he felt like conserving his money.  The future was pretty uncertain as of now.  Claire was still being vastly liberal with her money, but she made a lot more than he did, so it would only make sense.  They approached the circular counter near the front of the store.  There were only a couple of people in line and their purchases were fairly quick.  Nastasia's purchase went similarly--fast in pace with great service.

Nastasia purchases a Professional Attire! [-55 Personal Coin]

"Where to next I wonder..."  He passed her the map.  "We still have a few hours.  Anywhere else on here that you want to see?  Anywhere that seems interesting?  It can be in any district.  Subway fare is pocket change to me."

Nastasia offered Vaughn another warm smile as she took the map from him. With so much time and not much planned to do until later, everything was pretty much fair game. Emerald-colored eyes scanned the districts for a roughly a minute before stopping on a district where most of the government buildings were located. One building in particular was labeled 'Myridan Department of Motor Vehicles.' Hmmm, she pondered, looking up to the road for a second––her mind instantly wandered to just the other night and all the sights. All the people in those machines zipping around and seeing everything faster than she had been able to take a single building in. The manager's mind was quickly made up. "Can we go there?" she asked politely, pointing to the DMV on the map.

This woman began acting even stranger than before, seeming almost as happy as her colleague Smiley McGladdenfuck over at the counter... if that was even possible. The man was so positive to the point that it was inhuman. Nobody could ever be this happy working at a gas station. Wolfgang had only asked where he could unwind and this girl insisted on meeting up at a swanky lounge where they could slam champagne by the moonlight to the alluring and enigmatic tune of Jazz music with the possible mix of energetic Electro Swing thrown in. She would probably invite him to dance with her, and when time came to close she would most likely drag him along to a secluded location like a park and she would gaze into his exuberantly radiant amber eyes that seemed to capture the soul of the untamed dunes themselves, while the vermilion sunrise would majestically rise and cast its rays along his lustrous strands of saintly russet hair that almost flowed all the way down to his sharp, defined jawline. This could have only meant one thing in Wolfgang's mind: that this woman was conspiring against him, thinking he would be an easy target just because he wasn't a resident of the town.

Did this woman take him for a fool? Did she honestly think he wouldn't have caught on to something so obvious? She was probably waiting for the right moment to ambush him with a bunch of goons and rob him blind... but it'd take more than a bunch of street thugs to get the best of Wolfgang Scargrip. If he walked away now and declined, the woman could simply mark him as a target and he could be jumped at a time he'd least expect, so instead he would have to play her game and like he did with Elowyn, he would have to willingly set himself up to get it over with. Perhaps at the end of the night, he would learn a thing or two. "Okay," Wolfgang agreed. "Starlights it is. I'll meet you there in a few hours. Oh, I almost forgot. I'm Wolfgang, by the way."

Netta's Chapter 00: The Marsh's Dangers

Location: Acuatl Marsh - Marsh Shallows

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Achievement: Extra Cautious - Avoid getting affected by Acid Trip from a Masked Viper before it has revealed itself. [5 AP]

{~} {~} { } { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} A
{~} {~} { } { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} B
{~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} C
{~} {~} {L} {~} {t} {~} {~} {~} {~} D
{~} {~} {~} {P} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} E
{~} { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} F
{~} { } {t} {~} {~} {~} {N} { } { } G
{~} { } { } {~} {~} {~} { } { } { } H
{~} {~} {~} {~} {~} { } {t} { } { } I
{~} {~} {~} {~} {~} { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Enemy Phase.

Latel moves to E4 and pushes Peren to E5!

Latel chatters angrily!

Latel waits.

Peren moves to E7 anxiously.

Peren waits and sadly chatters to itself in a quiet tone.

{~} {~} { } { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} A
{~} {~} { } { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} B
{~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} C
{~} {~} {~} {~} {t} {~} {~} {~} {~} D
{~} {~} {~} {L} {~} {~} {P} {~} {~} E
{~} { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} F
{~} { } {t} {~} {~} {~} {N} { } { } G
{~} { } { } {~} {~} {~} { } { } { } H
{~} {~} {~} {~} {~} { } {t} { } { } I
{~} {~} {~} {~} {~} { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Player Phase 3!

Netta (Artificer) *INVISIBLE* *ELEMENT OF SURPRISE*
HP: 25/25
MP: 20/20
DD: 2/10
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Latel (Marsh Shambler)
HP: 10/10
SE: 15/15
DD: --/--
Atk: 5
Def: 1
Psy: 1
Fai: 1
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Peren (Marsh Shambler)
HP: 10/10
SE: 15/15
DD: --/--
Atk: 5
Def: 1
Psy: 1
Fai: 1
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

{t} - Marsh Tree
[No Occupy]

{~} - Shallow Water
[Can be waded through]

* * *

Vaughn was astonished.  Out of all the places that Nastasia wanted to go, she wanted to see the DMV?  That was hardly mystical at all!  He knew the horrors of that place from when he went to get his license.  It was a place to be avoided if at all possible, but here she was wanting them to traipse right on in and enjoy what the place had to offer?  Maybe she was interested in the cars and such.  She did come from a world without them after all.  THAT had to be truly horrific.  He smiled.  "So, we're off to the DMV then?  Shall we?" he said warmly and led her along back to the train station.  This time the subway took them to the North District first--it wasn't a straight shot to their destination.  Then after that they were able to arrive at the Main Transportation Hub in the Government District, the only stop in that district as it was the smallest yet held the most important buildings.  The two of them were checked thoroughly upon departure by the local security officers.  With important buildings came important people residing within.  One never knew if someone had something against the government and came to exact their wrath upon it.  It was better safe than sorry, even if it caused most people to be delayed.

The platform was way larger than any of the other smaller stations.  There were also multiple sets of tracks along with other platforms.  The place was huge and bustling with people.  There were multiple information and customer service booths, a few security outposts, and plenty of self-serve ticket kiosks.  Vaughn took Nastasia's hand once again; he didn't want to lose her amidst this many people.  She was apt to get swept away with the tides of bodies.  Vaughn was able to find the huge staircase leading up to the indoor lobby of the hub.  Their footsteps echoed off the tile floor over the din of casual muttering from people sitting in chairs along the walls, waiting for people or what have them.  The glass doors took them out into a field with the grass freshly cut and sidewalks weaving all about.  It looked like they were on a hill.  There were wooden benches and stone memorials dotting the landscape.  It was quite serene.

Vaughn pointed to the left down the sidewalk to some brick buildings with black roofs.  "That's the transportation center.  The DMV is over there," he said as he walked along towards the building with Nastasia in tow.  They stood outside the door leading into the DMV office.  Apparently there were other transportation-based agencies and the like all residing in one large building of the complex.  "Why exactly did you want to come here, anyway?" he pried, finally letting curiosity get the better of him.

* * *

The woman screamed internally.  She couldn't BELIEVE she got a date with this good-looking guy!  Her parents probably wouldn't approve but she was an adult.  She had to make her own choices and she was almost positive she wasn't going to regret this.  She wanted to get to know more about this Wolfgang.  She felt her heartbeat increase a bit, but she knew she'd better hold her horses.  This guy probably didn't think anything of her.  Just friends for now.  But she held on to the hope that...

"Yes, Starlights it is!  I don't get off until 4, and the good music starts at 8, so how about we meet there at 8?  I hope that's good for you; I have to get back to work!  The name's Sasha.  Sasha Desante.  I look forward to seeing you later!"  With that she traipsed back to work, aiding a confused looking elderly man in one of the aisles who was looking for something specific.  There was a definite spring in her step now, though.

*Wolfgang has a date with Sasha at 8pm on 6/5/2245.

Nastasia felt herself flush the slightest bit as Vaughn grabbed her hand again––she mentally scolded herself for allowing herself to be so taken off-guard by it. Those thoughts, however, instantly scattered as they climbed the stairs up to the government district. "Gods above," the sorceress whispered as she took in the sights of the fields and monuments. She hummed appreciatively at the serene feeling in the air.

As the duo walked toward their destination, she tried to take it all in but found herself distracted yet again. "Those machines people ride around in," she began with a chuckle, removing her hand from his to readjust her glasses. "It probably sounds silly, but I want to learn more about them. They move so... gracefully... well, for the most part it seemed. I manage a famous dancer's career back home and we're always looking for new sources of choreographic inspiration; I figured learning more about them might give me some ideas for how to describe them when I return." She paused a moment. A thoughtful look crossed over her face and she seemed once again distracted, but she quickly smiled once more. "It also seems like a pretty quick way to... well... adapt. Everyone seems to be able to drive them––I wouldn't mind learning how to operate one of those mechanisms."

"Sasha, huh? I'll see you at eight," Wolfgang agreed, motioning his hand as he bid her goodbye. After distancing himself far away from the gas station, Wolfgang made sure it was safe enough to light up a cigarette without causing accidental combustion from the fumes. He had been on edge all morning to the point where unrealistically ecstatic cashiers bothered him with their positivity when it normally wouldn't, and just about everything made him paranoid. He took several long puffs from the first cigarette of the pack, finishing it within seconds and then putting it out under his heel. He had plenty of time to kill before he would return to Claire's home, and it was quite a task to figure out what he wanted to do until then.

He wondered if the city had a library in which he could research the history of the world he was in, in order to get a better understanding of his situation. If anything else, he could at least find some good reading material to invest into before going out on his date which he had no idea was a date. Hopefully the libraries here were more well-kept and organized, without a single phallic image heinously defacing the books. Wolfgang pocketed the pack of cigarettes and began walking through the district, in hopes he could discover the location of Myridan's local library.

Peren takes 10 Dmg!

Peren PERFECT KILL!!

Netta's Chapter 00: The Marsh's Dangers

Location: Acuatl Marsh - Marsh Shallows

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Achievement: Extra Cautious - Avoid getting affected by Acid Trip from a Masked Viper before it has revealed itself. [5 AP]

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

Enemy Phase.

Latel screeches in surprise and anguish!

Carrion appears at J3!

Scavenger appears at J8!

All units wait.

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

Player Phase 4!

Netta (Artificer)
HP: 25/25
MP: 20/20
DD: 3/10
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Latel (Marsh Shambler)
HP: 10/10
SE: 15/15
DD: --/--
Atk: 5
Def: 1
Psy: 1
Fai: 1
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Peren (Marsh Shambler) *PERFECT KILL*

Carrion (Shambler Drone)
HP: 20/20
SE: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 6
Def: 2
Psy: 1
Fai: 2
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Scavenger (Shambler Drone)
HP: 20/20
SE: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 6
Def: 2
Psy: 1
Fai: 2
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

{t} - Marsh Tree
[No Occupy]

{~} - Shallow Water
[Can be waded through]

* * *

Vaughn smiled.  Nastasia was intent to learn more about Lyreth's vehicles...as inspiration for dancing?  So she was involved in the arts?  That certainly made her more relatable.  There were many locales of Lyreth that gave him inspiration in his visual arts and his cooking.  He really wanted to travel around the dimension and learn about new cooking ingredients and exotic recipes, but the chance never presented itself to him.  Perhaps one day he would be able to take some time off and go on vacation around the realm!  That would certainly be lovely.  He could see himself cooking with the locals of different towns and cities.  How exciting!  But his excitement was matched by Nastasia's desire.  So she wanted to learn to operate them?

"Perhaps you should consider enrolling in the DMV's Driver's Education course," Vaughn tossed out his idea.  "It's a class that will teach you how to operate a vehicle and all the laws and rules of the road.  Would you be interested?  It takes a few Coin to enroll but I believe it would be worth it."

Vaughn is offering to help Nastasia enroll in Driver's Ed.

>Enroll
>Maybe this isn't such a good idea...

* * *

Wolfgang's curiosity about the library led him on a valiant search for one, if the city had any at all.  Claire hadn't highlighted one on the map; maybe she had something against libraries?  Or maybe she didn't think the Mana users would care for Lyrethian literature.  Regardless, Wolfgang was sharp enough to do some investigating and wound up discovering that the Myridan Grand Library and Archives was located in the South District, ironically where the club, Starlights, was located.  He found a subway that would get him to the district and had to do some legwork finding the library itself, but apparently there were a few signs around the district pointing the way.  It definitely made things a lot easier.  Wolfgang ascended the marble steps, two tall stone gargoyles gazing menacingly towards the street on each side of the first step on marble pedestals.  The building itself was made of brick--they probably didn't have enough Coin to make the whole thing marble.  However, it was still a beautiful structure.  The inside was truly incredulous with different genre sections designed in tune with the genre that filled it.  Mystery was done in black and white, like an old mystery movie.  The horror section was splattered with fake blood with bloody weapons hidden through and cut-outs of monsters posted about.  This was just the first floor, too.  Many of the higher floors had even more books available for perusing along with little study sections to do research and the like.

Wolfgang would approach the front counter where the librarian on duty, an older lady easily past her 60s, stood in her half-moon spectacles, hair as white as a ghost and a ghastly pearl necklace about her neck.  Her dress was modest and had a plain gray design.  It was like she walked out of one of the history books on the shelves and decided to be the librarian.  She adjusted her specs as she gave Wolfgang an up and down.  What the hell was a person like this doing in her library?  "May I help you?" she questioned in a very suspicious tone.  She didn't hold back in the least bit.  The many years she lived seemed to whittle away at her tact.  That's probably why she was a librarian--a job where you don't really have to be nice because really, who is going to question you?

Nastasia's eyes lit up the slightest bit at Vaughn's suggestion. So there was a way for her to learn about the vehicles she had seen––she'd even get to drive them like she wanted! "That sounds like a great idea," she confirmed with a smile, squeezing his hand once more although this time not in an attempt to comfort him. Even if she didn't have research to do to help Aaron down the line, she knew this would be good for her. Adapting to Lyreth's fast-paced and technologically advanced way of life would do wonders for her. If there was one thing Nastasia felt perfectly sure about, it was that she could never stop learning and she should never want to regardless of that fact. "Do we have time to sign me up for a class now or is it an extensive process?" she asked, having noticed there were several lines of people waiting inside, some that seemed more irritated than others.

The subways... oh, how they brought back memories. It just wasn't the same without the abandoned rails and the imminent fear of death in the air. The graffiti on the walls weren't created with blood either. Before long he made it to the Southern District, a section of the city that characterized the aspects of the urban charm with its corporate skyscrapers and drinking lounges. The library itself was obviously built with pride, much better than the ones in Paragon... then again, a lot of things in Lyreth were. Wolfgang recalled once visiting a library in Paragon only to have a termite infested bookshelf to collapse before him just as he reached for a book, and immediately after a homeless man sneezed on his back. He regretted never having an untainted story to read; his imagination cried for a better world to immerse himself into, so that for a moment he could forget he was in the hellhole known as Paragon.

Once inside, Wolfgang stepped around and looked in awe at how different this library was before he was addressed by an old woman in an almost sneering manner, though the behavior wasn't something he hadn't seen before. As a general rule of thumb, Wolfgang came to terms that most old people didn't really give a shit. "Do forgive me for sauntering about," Wolfgang excused himself, the corner of his mouth taking a brazen curve to form a bold smirk. "I was merely taken aback by your enchanting and brilliant personage, for I was dumbfounded to have expected any less than your faultless and profound charm to befit the curator of this fine intellectual establishment. Alas, not even the entire collective of words from each and every page of each and every book in this library- nay, this world could ever do justice for your flourishing pulchritude. I have gazed upon divinity and yet I cannot find it mortally possible to recompense the saintly wonder I have seen, though if my heart were but a grain of sand, I would have given you every beach in the world. If it is within your noble grace to pay such an unworthy man the slightest of time to help me find this library's historical section, then you would have my eternal gratitude."

Netta's Chapter 00: The Marsh's Dangers

Location: Acuatl Marsh - Marsh Shallows

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Achievement: Extra Cautious - Avoid getting affected by Acid Trip from a Masked Viper before it has revealed itself. [5 AP]

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

Netta is Invisible.

Enemy Phase.

"So this has become a game of cat and mouse?  When I heard there was an intruder in my marsh, I was expecting something less...clever."

Latel moves to F5.

Latel waits.

Carrion moves to H2.

Carrion waits.

Scavenger moves to F8.

Scavenger waits.

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

Player Phase 5!

Netta (Artificer) *INVISIBLE*
HP: 25/25
MP: 14/20
DD: 3/10
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Latel (Marsh Shambler)
HP: 10/10
SE: 15/15
DD: --/--
Atk: 5
Def: 1
Psy: 1
Fai: 1
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Peren (Marsh Shambler) *PERFECT KILL*

Carrion (Shambler Drone)
HP: 20/20
SE: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 6
Def: 2
Psy: 1
Fai: 2
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Scavenger (Shambler Drone)
HP: 20/20
SE: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 6
Def: 2
Psy: 1
Fai: 2
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

{t} - Marsh Tree
[No Occupy]

{~} - Shallow Water
[Can be waded through]

* * *

"It shouldn't take too terribly long.  Let's go," Vaughn chimed as he led her inside.  They were checked for dangerous materials and weaponry which ordinarily would have to be left in a bin at the entrance with security until the visitors left. However, neither of the two had anything worth confiscating, so they were let through without too much of a hassle.  Vaughn went ahead and talked to the lady at the front desk, letting him know what they were here for.  She gave them a form to fill out and mentioned it would be 15 Coin to join the class.  Vaughn helped Nastasia out with things that were unique to Lyreth, like address and the such, leaving her to fill out her personal information.  The whole process didn't take too long at all.  Upon completion of the form, Vaughn went back to the front desk with Nastasia and turned it in.  The woman informed Nastasia that her first class was next Tuesday afternoon at 5pm in Learning Room 102-A there at the DMV.

Nastasia paid to enroll in Driver's Ed! [-15 Personal Coin]

*Nastasia will now attend Driver's Ed on Tuesday afternoons at 5pm.

"That wasn't so bad now was it?" Vaughn questioned Nastasia.  It was amazing how excited she was.  It was an excitement of a greater magnitude than most teenagers in this realm felt when they were getting ready to learn how to drive.

* * *

The old librarian adjusted her specs.  "If you wanted to know where it was, you should have just said that first instead of wasting my time with that dribble," she croaked angrily.  She pointed off to the right.  "It's in the far back corner.  You'll see cut-outs of important historical figures and inventions.  Can't miss it."  She went back to looking at some papers on her desk as if to say to Wolfgang that he should probably get out of her sight.

Upon reaching the history section, Wolfgang would find a plethora of books to read through, the most prominent being:

The Creation of a Realm by Carmen A. Rayms.

Rise of Cordelia by Jameson Mardinay.

Origin of the Psyche by Danielle Meredith.

>Read a Book
>Nah, this is boring.

The process to sign up for class had been so much easier than she first expected. After filling out a form and handing over fifteen Coin, everything was pretty much said and done. Now all Nastasia had to do would be to attend the classes she signed up for and she could be driving in no time! "Not at all!" she exclaimed in response to Vaughn's question, her smile so incredibly wide. Her mind was abuzz with all the possibilities that awaited her now––the places she would be able to go soon, the independence she would gain . . . how unlike her own world she was going to become.

She hadn't really thought about that just yet, but it did seem inevitable––as a wise man once said, 'no person ever steps into the same river. It is not the same river, and they are not the same person.' She mentally decided to not let that thought bring her down; she had to live in the here and now, regardless of what that might mean. Nastasia turned to Vaughn and gave him a rather quick (and slightly awkward) hug. "Thank you so much, Vaughn," she said warmly, holding him for just barely the appropriate amount of time before letting go.