Tales of Alidaire: Armageddon

Alyssia plopped herself down on the ground as Cerberus dissipated into the shadows. She prodded at the destroyed machine with her blade; it wasn't getting back up. Taking to the air, she hovered around, salvaging any parts she could get her hands on easily and returned to the others. "I figure this stuff might come in handy later, or fetch a nice price at the market in the next town," she said innocently and stashed the stuff away. A grimace beset her face, set in stone. "So, not only did someone leave garbage in the forest, someone left garbage that could activate at any moment and harm people passing through. Fantastic." Alyssia was clearly displeased.

Besides the sound of her voice, the forest very quiet, almost eerily so. The sounds of battle had filled the girl's ears, but now that it had ended, the silence was unsettling. Some paradise, she thought, perturbed.

Terra too frowned at the scrap metal around them, displeased with what had just occurred. Junk that activated at random and nearly killed one of them while they were dealing with it. It was sad that such a paradise was ruined by such things, a frown also set on his face. He looked over to the allies he had made, noticing similar looks... at least on Alyssia.

"Do remember, the Diviner did warn us about this."

At this Lightning rolled her eyes, making it clear she didn't wish to hear the woman's name ever again. Though she knew that it would probably come up many times during their time here, she didn't want to hear it. While she was upset with the situation of this so called paradise, she didn't want the woman to be right. They controlled their own fate as this world did its own. Taking several steps away, she was ready to head further into the marble woods.

"Let's move on."

"Very well. I guess we shouldn't waste time," Alyssia said and sighed, hovering after Lightning making sure Terra was following. The trio departed from the clearing onto a more narrow path like the one they had been traversing before the skirmish with the automata. After a while of travelling, they were forced to come to a complete stop. Obstructing their path was two large trees made of marble, just like the other trees in the forest, but something was odd about them. Alyssia, always reckless, hovered right up to them and investigated. She turned around to face the others. "So what on earth is this?" she said and gestured angrily to the blockade.

At that instant, a branch came down on her, her reflexes taking action quickly to duck. She could feel the wind of the branch as it narrowly missed her and she dodged back, taking to the air and flying away from the trees. They uprooted themselves, using the roots as feet, and turned around. Two gaping hollowed out eyes filled with nothing but intense darkness gazed back at the party. The trees were alive. They made chattering noises with their mouths which were filled with crooked teeth. They seemed to groan in agony...but why?

"Damn. Treants," Alyssia said as she touched down and drew her blade. "In lore, these things are supposed to be as sentient as humans and afterlife entities, but something's wrong with these. Arm yourselves; this won't be pretty!"

Chapter 02-A: Disgruntled

Location: Marble Forest - Midway

Objective: Clear out the treants!

Background: ~Once Serene~

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

Alyssia (Gatekeeper)
HP: 45/45
MP: 30/30
DD: 10/10
Atk: 11
Def: 7
Int: 4
Spr: 6
Evade: 5%
Move: 6 cells

Plank (Marble Treant)
HP: 80/80
MP: 65/65
DD: --/--
Atk: 11
Def: 6
Int: 3
Spr: 6
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Timber (Marble Treant)
HP: 80/80
MP: 65/65
DD: --/--
Atk: 11
Def: 6
Int: 3
Spr: 6
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

{T} - Treasure Chest (cannot be occupied)
Trigger Command: Open (Opens treasure chest. Range: Adjacent.)

{t} - Interesting Tree (cannot be occupied)
Trigger Command: Poke It (Poke the tree and see what happens. Range: Adjacent.)

{t} - Marble Tree (cannot be occupied)

Players may start in rows H-J!

Lightning starts at H6!

Lightning's eyes sharpened on the treants, a slight smile on her face. While these things blocking there way was rather annoying, it did bring about an interesting situation. While the machines from earlier could just sputter and react, these things were living. If they wanted to get in her way, they would just have to deal with a lot of pain.

Terra starts at H5!

Terra took a step behind Lightning the moment the branch swiped at Alyssia, startled by the rather unexpected attack. However, once Alyssia made it back to them unharmed and the treants were ready to attack he stepped to the side. Drawing his saber, he readied to fight off these stones... plants? Whatever they were, he would hopefully be able to get rid of these creatures.

Chapter 02-A: Disgruntled

Location: Marble Forest - Midway

Objective: Clear out the treants!

Background: ~Once Serene~

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

Alyssia (Gatekeeper)
HP: 45/45
MP: 30/30
DD: 10/10
Atk: 11
Def: 7
Int: 4
Spr: 6
Evade: 5%
Move: 6 cells

Lightning (Paradigm Shifter)
HP: 35/35
MP: 35/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8
Def: 7
Int: 6
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra (Actor)
HP: 30/30
MP: 30/30
DD: 6/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6
Int: 6
Spr: 6
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Plank (Marble Treant)
HP: 80/80
MP: 65/65
DD: --/--
Atk: 11
Def: 6
Int: 3
Spr: 6
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Timber (Marble Treant)
HP: 80/80
MP: 65/65
DD: --/--
Atk: 11
Def: 6
Int: 3
Spr: 6
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

{T} - Treasure Chest (cannot be occupied)
Trigger Command: Open (Opens treasure chest. Range: Adjacent.)

{t} - Interesting Tree (cannot be occupied)
Trigger Command: Poke It (Poke the tree and see what happens. Range: Adjacent.)

{t} - Marble Tree (cannot be occupied)

Player Phase 1!

Alyssia uses Cerberus! [Summons Cerberus to G4]

MP: 24/30

Alyssia slashed the air quickly. The seal that had become so familiar to her appeared directly in front of her, and from the shadows, Cerberus emerged, roaring and bounding forwards. "Chew them to bits, Cerberus! They certainly aren't going to be friendly towards us..." she said, her voice trailing off. The lore was not matching up with reality. These treants seemed far from sentient--they were just brutal monsters to her. Is this the power of Nihdestra? No, not just him, but of this impending conflict? Throwing this place into chaos. The end of days is nigh. She closed her eyes as she hovered gently in the air, preparing to zoom off to do battle with the living marble trees.

Alyssia waits.

Cerberus moves to E4.

Doing as his master commanded, Cerberus approached one of the treants quickly and chomped away. It was really hard and tasted horrible. They were made of marble after all. This was going to be an unpleasant battle. He looked back to the others. Perhaps all of them combined could make this a short fight. They'd just have to try their best.

Cerberus attacks Plank! 3 hits! 9 Dmg per hit! (ATK)

Lightning
Hp: 35/35
Mp: 35/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8
Def: 7
Int: 6
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra
Hp: 30/30
Mp: 30/30
DD: 6/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6
Int: 6
Spr: 6
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Lightning moves to G4!

Lightning took a couple of steps so that she could easily get a better vantage point of the situation. As she moved around Terra and Alyssia she paused for a moment, trying to decide where to go from there. Thinking for only a moment she nodded before reaching her final destination and then setting herself up. A sweep of aura shrouded herself in not only a new fighting style but a boost in power.

Lightning shifts to Ravager!

Lightning's R-Ability, Power-Shift activates!

Terra casts Eden on himself!
(Damage: --/Effect: +15% Def and Spr/User heals 5% Max Hp for Five Turns/Element: --)

Terra brought his saber to the air above him, preparing himself for the battle ahead. Bringing the blade back down to the ground the skies above shone light down on him. It lasted for a few moments before it faded, but the glow it rained on him remained. The same effect as previous was going to help him in this battle.

Terra moves to E5!

Lightning *Ravager* *Power-Shift (3)*
Hp: 35/35
Mp: 35/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8 --> 12
Def: 7
Int: 6 --> 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra *Eden (5)*
Hp: 30/30
Mp: 20/30
DD: 6/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6 --> 7
Int: 6
Spr: 6 --> 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Plank takes 9 Dmg!

HP: 71/80

R-Ability Solidify activates! [+1% DEF]

Chapter 02-A: Disgruntled

Location: Marble Forest - Midway

Objective: Clear out the treants!

Background: ~Once Serene~

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

Lightning's Power Shift has 3 turns.

Terra's Eden has 5 turns.

Enemy Phase.

Plank attacks Cerberus! 11 Dmg! (ATK)

Plank waits.

Timber moves to E6.

Timber attacks Terra! 11 Dmg! (ATK)

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

Player Phase 2!

Alyssia (Gatekeeper)
HP: 45/45
MP: 24/30
DD: 10/10
Atk: 11
Def: 7
Int: 4
Spr: 6
Evade: 5%
Move: 6 cells

Cerberus (Hell's Guardian)
HP: 34/40
MP: 25/25
DD: 10/10
Atk: 9
Def: 5
Int: 6
Spr: 5
Evade: 2%
Move: 3 cells

Lightning (Ravager) *POWER SHIFT*
HP: 35/35
MP: 35/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8 --- 12
Def: 7
Int: 6 --- 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra (Actor) *EDEN*
HP: 28/30
MP: 20/30
DD: 6/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6 --- 7
Int: 6
Spr: 6 --- 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Plank (Marble Treant)
HP: 71/80
MP: 65/65
DD: --/--
Atk: 11
Def: 6 --- 7
Int: 3
Spr: 6
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Timber (Marble Treant)
HP: 80/80
MP: 65/65
DD: --/--
Atk: 11
Def: 6
Int: 3
Spr: 6
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

{T} - Treasure Chest (cannot be occupied)
Trigger Command: Open (Opens treasure chest. Range: Adjacent.)

{t} - Interesting Tree (cannot be occupied)
Trigger Command: Poke It (Poke the tree and see what happens. Range: Adjacent.)

{t} - Marble Tree (cannot be occupied)

Alyssia moves to D5.

Alyssia took off into the air and soared over her allies, landing next to the treant that Cerberus had attacked. She was surprised he had made such a nice dent in it, but the treant appeared to be reacting to the damage as some sort of stimulus...for something she wasn't sure of, but whatever it was, it couldn't be making this particular skirmish any easier. She slashed the air with her blade, a red glyph appearing beside her out of which a mass of blood surged and covered her blade. After it was primed, she lunged into the treant with a furious combo attack, but, as she figured, the thing would not bleed, for it had no blood. What's with all this stuff that has no blood attacking us? Sheesh.

Alyssia uses Bleed For Me on Plank! 4 hits! 12 Dmg per hit! (ATK) [Chance of Bleeding]

MP: 12/30

R-Ability Shade Reflex activates! [Damage taken -1%]

Cerberus attacks Plank! 3 hits! 9 Dmg per hit! (ATK)

The treant had retaliated by smacking him with a branch, and, since the thing was made of marble, Cerberus felt intense pain from it. They were certainly stronger than the robots, but the shadows seemed to surge around the three-headed dog for a moment before fading. They would be sure to protect him as time went on. In the meantime, Cerberus countered with a myriad of biting from each of his heads, taking more chunks out of the treant that happened to be a living marble sculpture.

Cerberus waits.

Lightning *Ravager* *Power-Shift (3)*
Hp: 35/35
Mp: 35/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8 --> 12
Def: 7
Int: 6 --> 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra *Eden (5)*
Hp: 30/30
Mp: 20/30
DD: 6/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6 --> 7
Int: 6
Spr: 6 --> 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Lightning casts Thunder on Plank!
(Damage: 120% Int/Effect: Paralyze 50%/Element: Lightning)

Lightning's S-Ability Overwhelm Activates! Total Damage Output is increased by 20%

At seeing one of the treants swipe at Terra, Lightning's eyes sharpened on the nearer of the two. There was many other targets those two could have struck, but they struck the youngest of them. Raising her blade, a large surge of energy flowed through her arm and onto her blade. It danced forward and then struck the nearest treant in seconds.

Terra moves to C4!

Ignoring the cuts that one of the Treants had put on him, Terra dashed around one knowing fully well that his previous spell would fix him up. The measly attacks these things had would barely stand up to even his minor healing abilities. He turned back to look at the two treants behind him as he reached his final destination, but paused. Out of the corner of his eyes, he noticed there was something else here. Turning away for the moment he stabbed at a seemingly normal marble tree, knocking it away.

"Interesting."

Terra uses Trigger Command: Poke it on Interesting Tree C3!

Lightning *Ravager* *Power-Shift (2)*
Hp: 35/35
Mp: 25/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8 --> 12
Def: 7
Int: 6 --> 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra *Eden (4)*
Hp: 30/30
Mp: 20/30
DD: 6/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6 --> 7
Int: 6
Spr: 6 --> 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra pokes the Interesting Tree!

...

Say hello to Ohaider!

Interesting Tree becomes a Marble Treant!

Plank takes 33 Dmg!

HP: 38/80

Plank evades Bleeding!

Plank evades Paralysis!

R-Ability Solidify activates! [DEF +1% x 3]

Chapter 02-A: Disgruntled

Location: Marble Forest - Midway

Objective: Clear out the treants!

Background: ~Once Serene~

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

Lightning's Power Shift has 2 turns left.

Terra's Eden has 4 turns left.

Enemy Phase.

Plank uses Gnaw on Alyssia! 13 Dmg! (ATK)

MP: 59/65

Plank waits.

Timber moves to D6.

Timber attacks Alyssia! 11 Dmg! (ATK)

Ohaider attacks Terra! 11 Dmg! (ATK)

Ohaider waits.

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

Player Phase 3!

Alyssia (Gatekeeper)
HP: 35/45
MP: 12/30
DD: 10/10
Atk: 11
Def: 7
Int: 4
Spr: 6
Evade: 5%
Move: 6 cells

Cerberus (Hell's Guardian) *SHADE REFLEX (1)*
HP: 34/40
MP: 25/25
DD: 10/10
Atk: 9
Def: 5
Int: 6
Spr: 5
Evade: 2%
Move: 3 cells

Lightning (Ravager) *POWER SHIFT*
HP: 35/35
MP: 25/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8 --- 12
Def: 7
Int: 6 --- 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra (Actor) *EDEN*
HP: 26/30
MP: 20/30
DD: 6/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6 --- 7
Int: 6
Spr: 6 --- 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Plank (Marble Treant)
HP: 38/80
MP: 59/65
DD: --/--
Atk: 11
Def: 6 --- 7 --- 8 --- 9 --- 10
Int: 3
Spr: 6
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Timber (Marble Treant)
HP: 80/80
MP: 65/65
DD: --/--
Atk: 11
Def: 6
Int: 3
Spr: 6
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Ohaider (Marble Treant)
HP: 80/80
MP: 65/65
DD: --/--
Atk: 11
Def: 6
Int: 3
Spr: 6
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

{T} - Treasure Chest (cannot be occupied)
Trigger Command: Open (Opens treasure chest. Range: Adjacent.)

{t} - Marble Tree (cannot be occupied)

Alyssia attacks Plank! 11 Dmg! (ATK)

R-Ability Force to Longevity activates! [+2 HP Recovered]

HP: 37/45

Alyssia suddenly became overwhelmed by an onslaught of the two treants. Out of the corner of her eye, she noted there was a third that Terra had unintentionally provoked thinking it was a normal tree. She felt one of the treants crush her arm in its mouth with its teeth which hurt worse than when the other treant decided to smack her with one of its branches. She growled in response, slashing hopelessly against the weakened treant only to find that her blade had practically done nothing against it. "Cerberus, torch it," was all she said as she felt her wounds heal up just a slight tad from her attack.

Alyssia waits.

Cerberus moves to F5.

His master was now in a position that he was very familiar with. It was lucky that she had decent defenses along with a means to heal herself, albeit by a rather miniscule amount. Nodding all three heads in response to his orders, Cerberus lunged backwards and produced three spheres of flames, one in each of his mouths, loosing them and watching them fly inwards towards the treant that had bit Alyssia.

Cerberus uses Tri-Fireball on Plank! 3 hits! 9 Fire Dmg per hit! (INT) [Chance of Burn]

MP: 15/25

Lightning *Ravager* *Power-Shift (2)*
Hp: 35/35
Mp: 25/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8 --> 12
Def: 7
Int: 6 --> 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra *Eden (4)*
Hp: 26/30
Mp: 20/30
DD: 6/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6 --> 7
Int: 6
Spr: 6 --> 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Lightning casts Thunder on Plank!
(Damage: 120% Int/Effect: Paralyze 50%/Element: Lightning)

Lightning's S-Ability Overwhelm Activates! Total Damage Output is increased by 30%

Lightning glanced at the tree Terra had poked, her eyes widening as it too made a swipe at him. Another treant for them to deal with, another thorn in their side that they would need to exterminate. But he must have done it for some reason, maybe he noticed something the other hadn't. Ignoring the thought as to why, she returned her focus to the treant they were all attacking. Another spark of electricity flew at it.

"Gah!"

Terra stumbled backwards as the tree hit him, knocking him off of his game. These things sure knew how to pack a punch if you weren't expecting it. Luckily he had his healing to keep him standing for now. Getting back to his feet, he bit his lip as he looked at the newly angered treant, knowing it would be in best interest to get rid of it. But with how much trouble their little group was having taking one down all together, it would only be harder alone.

Turning, he made his decision on the matter, raising his blade at the one they were all attacking. If they were to succeed, they would need to focus on them one at a time and move onto the next. Splitting up was not an option.

"Death is sweet, you should embrace it; No one can live forever!"

At this, Terra began to thrust the saber forward at rather amazing speeds. Though the attack did little thanks to the treant's ability to strengthen its defenses, he knew each hit connected. There was no way this thing could dodge what he was throwing out. And when he finished, a blue colored light shone down on him. He was revitalized and then some!

Terra uses Furia senza Fine on Plank!
(Damage: 100% Atk x 8/Effect: Sure Hit/Element: --)

Terra's S-Ability, Unknown Gift, Activates! Full Mp Restored!

Terra's R-Ability, Surprise Fortune, Activates! 3 Mana Substitutes Gained!

Terra moves to C5!

Lightning *Ravager* *Power-Shift (1)*
Hp: 35/35
Mp: 15/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8 --> 12
Def: 7
Int: 6 --> 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra *Eden (3)* *Mana Substitues (3)*
Hp: 28/30
Mp: 30/30
DD: 6/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6 --> 7
Int: 6
Spr: 6 --> 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Plank takes 26 Dmg!

HP: 12/80

Plank evades Burn!

Plank evades Paralysis!

R-Ability Solidify activates! [DEF +1% x 4]

Chapter 02-A: Disgruntled

Location: Marble Forest - Midway

Objective: Clear out the treants!

Background: ~Once Serene~

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

Lightning's Power Shift has 1 turn left.

Terra's Eden has 3 turns left.

Enemy Phase.

Plank uses Marble on Alyssia! [Alyssia is afflicted with Gradual Petrify]

MP: 51/65

Plank waits.

Timber moves to C6.

Timber attacks Terra! 11 Dmg! (ATK)

Ohaider waits.

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

Player Phase 4!

Alyssia (Gatekeeper) *GRADUAL PETRIFY (3)*
HP: 35/45
MP: 12/30
DD: 10/10
Atk: 11
Def: 7
Int: 4
Spr: 6
Evade: 5%
Move: 6 cells

Cerberus (Hell's Guardian) *SHADE REFLEX (1)*
HP: 34/40
MP: 15/25
DD: 10/10
Atk: 9
Def: 5
Int: 6
Spr: 5
Evade: 2%
Move: 3 cells

Lightning (Ravager) *POWER SHIFT*
HP: 35/35
MP: 15/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8 --- 12
Def: 7
Int: 6 --- 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra (Actor) *EDEN* *MANA SUBSTITUTE (3)*
HP: 24/30
MP: 30/30
DD: 6/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6 --- 7
Int: 6
Spr: 6 --- 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Plank (Marble Treant) *CRITICAL*
HP: 12/80
MP: 51/65
DD: --/--
Atk: 11
Def: 6 --- 7 --- 8 --- 9 --- 10 --- 11 --- 12 --- 13 --- 14
Int: 3
Spr: 6
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Timber (Marble Treant)
HP: 80/80
MP: 65/65
DD: --/--
Atk: 11
Def: 6
Int: 3
Spr: 6
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Ohaider (Marble Treant)
HP: 80/80
MP: 65/65
DD: --/--
Atk: 11
Def: 6
Int: 3
Spr: 6
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

{T} - Treasure Chest (cannot be occupied)
Trigger Command: Open (Opens treasure chest. Range: Adjacent.)

{t} - Marble Tree (cannot be occupied)

Alyssia uses The Lovely Bones! [User's Basic Attack +4 hits]

MP: 2/30

"Wh-what the hell?" Alyssia said and raised her hand to her mouth to cough, only to find that it was taking more effort to do so. Her arm was getting...heavier. Somehow. Her whole body felt oddly stiff and she rubbed her skin which was not as soft as it normally was. What had the treant done to her? Though a bit scared, she had to snap out of it. She slashed the air and watched as four portals of darkness opened up around her out of which a large, pointed bone emerged from each one, floating through the air and surrounding her, waiting for action. With the skill priming her attacks, she soared over to the treant that had surprised Terra.

"Cerberus, Lightning! Finish off that one! I'll get to work on this thing," she called out to her allies. She knew they'd be able to put it down easy with their magic, and by now, the treant would render her sword attacks useless. The only other option was to start hacking away at another. It didn't seem to interested in moving...almost as if it were guarding something.

Alyssia moves to C4.

Cerberus uses Tri-Fireball on Plank! 3 hits! 9 Fire Dmg per hit! (INT) [Chance of Burn]

MP: 5/25

Cerberus conjured the spheres of flame in his mouths again and let them loose, each one aimed at the weakened treant as his master commanded. It took up the last of his reservoir of mana, so he would be unable to use magic again which was disappointing considering these treants had such high defenses. His teeth still ached from trying to chomp into them to limited avail.

Cerberus waits.

Lightning *Ravager* *Power-Shift (1)*
Hp: 35/35
Mp: 15/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8 --> 12
Def: 7
Int: 6 --> 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra *Eden (3)* *Mana Substitues (3)*
Hp: 26/30
Mp: 30/30
DD: 7/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6 --> 7
Int: 6
Spr: 6 --> 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Lightning moves to E5!

Lightning casts Thunder on Plank!
(Damage: 120% Int/Effect: Paralyze 50%/Element: Lightning)

Lightning's S-Ability, Overwhelm, activates! Total Damage Output is increased by 10%

Lightning looked at Alyssia with a minor visage of concern. She was having difficulty lifting her arm? What had the treants done to her? Shaking it from her mind for a moment, Lightning readied another bolt of lightning which was sent flying at her target.

"You alright Alyssia?"

Lightning's S-Ability, Auto-Shift, activates! Lightning shifts to Commando!

Lightning's R-Ability, Power-Shift, activates! Lightning's Atk and Int are increased by 50%

Terra moves to E4!

Terra casts Eden on himself!
(Damage: --/Effect: +15% Def and Spr/User heals 5% Max Hp for Five Turns/Element: --)

More scratches from the angry treants caused the youngest of the group to run off in the other direction. He hadn't expected the creatures to show him so much anger, especially since he had made no real advance against them. He had only really strengthened his defenses and made minor dents. His allies had done major damage, and while he didn't wish them to be hurt, he didn't believe he should have been the target of their enemies' attacks.

However, he could fix this problem fairly easily. Raising his saber into the air, a light rained down on him once more, refreshing the prior radiance. Not only that but it was stronger this time, more potent than before.

Lightning *Commando* *Power-Shift (3)*
Hp: 35/35
Mp: 5/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8 --> 12
Def: 7
Int: 6 --> 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra *Eden (5)* *Mana Substitues (3)*
Hp: 26/30
Mp: 20/30
DD: 7/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6 --> 7 --> 8
Int: 6
Spr: 6 --> 7 --> 8
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Plank takes 17 Dmg!

Plank KO!

Chapter 02-A: Disgruntled

Location: Marble Forest - Midway

Objective: Clear out the treants!

Background: ~Once Serene~

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

Alyssia's The Lovely Bones has 4 turns.

Lightning's Power Shift has 3 turns.

Terra's Eden has 5 turns.

Enemy Phase.

Timber moves to E6.

Timber attacks Lightning! 11 Dmg! (ATK)

Ohaider attacks Alyssia! 11 Dmg! (ATK)

Ohaider waits.

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

Player Phase 5!

Alyssia (Gatekeeper) *GRADUAL PETRIFY (2)* *THE LOVELY BONES*
HP: 31/45
MP: 2/30
DD: 10/10
Atk: 11
Def: 7
Int: 4
Spr: 6
Evade: 5%
Move: 6 cells

Cerberus (Hell's Guardian) *SHADE REFLEX (1)*
HP: 34/40
MP: 5/25
DD: 10/10
Atk: 9
Def: 5
Int: 6
Spr: 5
Evade: 2%
Move: 3 cells

Lightning (Commando) *POWER SHIFT*
HP: 35/35
MP: 5/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8 --- 12
Def: 7
Int: 6 --- 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra (Actor) *EDEN* *MANA SUBSTITUTE (3)*
HP: 26/30
MP: 20/30
DD: 10/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6 --- 7
Int: 6
Spr: 6 --- 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Plank (Marble Treant) *KO*

Timber (Marble Treant)
HP: 80/80
MP: 65/65
DD: --/--
Atk: 11
Def: 6
Int: 3
Spr: 6
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Ohaider (Marble Treant)
HP: 80/80
MP: 65/65
DD: --/--
Atk: 11
Def: 6
Int: 3
Spr: 6
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

{T} - Treasure Chest (cannot be occupied)
Trigger Command: Open (Opens treasure chest. Range: Adjacent.)

{t} - Marble Tree (cannot be occupied)

Alyssia attacks Ohaider! 5 hits! 11 Dmg per hit! (ATK)

R-Ability Force to Longevity activates! [+10 HP Recovered]

HP: 41/45

Alyssia launched a slash at the tree and was pleased as the bones she had conjured followed suit, piercing and slashing at the treant as well. It was as if one attack were many. She noticed one fade away as the assault ended, and she frowned slightly. That's when she realized that forming facial expressions was exceedingly difficult. She turned, slowly, towards Lightning to answer her question. When she tried to talk, it was as if her jaw were made of rock or something. "I...I don't know. I think something's...seriously wrong with me...," she responded. She took a few steps away from the tree, but each step was agonizing to take. Her muscles felt so tense and hard--she couldn't use them properly. "C-Cerberus...do it."

Alyssia moves to B4.

Cerberus uses D-Ability Evil's Martyrdom on all enemies! 14 Piercing Dark Dmg!

Cerberus knew exactly what his master wished. With a mighty howl into the air, shadows began to surge around the three-headed beast. He bared his fangs menacingly before the energy he was summoning culminated into a large sphere that exploded upon reaching its climax, scouring the area in a wave of dark energy. It surged outwards and blasted the treants, and when it dissipated, Cerberus was nowhere to be seen, though the leftover remnants of dark energy began to swarm ever so slowly towards where he had previously been.

Cerberus is reforming!

Lightning *Commando* *Power-Shift (3)*
Hp: 31/35
Mp: 5/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8 --> 12
Def: 7
Int: 6 --> 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra *Eden (5)* *Mana Substitues (3)*
Hp: 28/30
Mp: 20/30
DD: 7/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6 --> 7 --> 8
Int: 6
Spr: 6 --> 7 --> 8
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Lightning's S-Ability, Lifesiphon, activates! +1 Basic Attack

Lightning attacks Ohaider twice! Lifesiphon fades!
(Damage: 100% Atk x 2/Effect: --/Element: --)

Ignoring the treant's assault on her, Lightning compressed her blade to gun from quickly. A quick trigger pull followed yet another, two bullets flying at the further treant. Lightning frowned as she noticed the marble solidify afterwards, strengthening its defenses. But more of her worry was focused on Alyssia, who seemed to be having even more difficulty.

"Hang in there!"

Terra moves to C4!

Terra uses Furia senza Fine on Ohaider! 1 Mana Substitue used!
(Damage: 100% Atk x 8/Effect: Sure Hit/Element: --)

"Lady Alyssia, please hang on. These Treants shan't worry us any longer!"

With that said, Terra turned to the nearest Treant and began his assault. One hit after another flew at the marble tree at near light speed. There was no way the tree could possibly dodge his attacks, despite their lack of power. As he reached the final hit, he drove his blade as far as it would go. But the marble composition of the tree caused him to stagger, stumbling backwards slightly.

Lightning *Commando* *Power-Shift (2)*
Hp: 31/35
Mp: 5/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8 --> 12
Def: 7
Int: 6 --> 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra *Eden (4)* *Mana Substitues (2)*
Hp: 28/30
Mp: 20/30
DD: 10/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6 --> 7 --> 8
Int: 6
Spr: 6 --> 7 --> 8
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Timber takes 14 Dmg!

HP: 66/80

R-Ability Solidify activates! [DEF +1%]

Ohaider takes 59 Dmg!

HP: 21/80

R-Ability Solidify activates! [DEF +1% x 4]

Chapter 02-A: Disgruntled

Location: Marble Forest - Midway

Objective: Clear out the treants!

Background: ~Once Serene~

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

Alyssia's The Lovely Bones has 3 turns left.

Lightning's Power Shift has 2 turns left.

Terra's Eden has 4 turns left.

Enemy Phase.

Timber uses Gnaw on Lightning! 13 Dmg! (ATK)

MP: 59/65

Timber waits.

Ohaider uses Marble on Terra! [Terra is afflicted with Gradual Petrify]

MP: 57/65

Ohaider waits.

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

Player Phase 6!

Alyssia (Gatekeeper) *GRADUAL PETRIFY (1)* *THE LOVELY BONES*
HP: 41/45
MP: 2/30
DD: 10/10
Atk: 11
Def: 7
Int: 4
Spr: 6
Evade: 5%
Move: 6 cells

Cerberus (Hell's Guardian) *SHADE REFLEX (1)*
HP: 34/40
MP: 5/25
DD: 0/10
Atk: 9
Def: 5
Int: 6
Spr: 5
Evade: 2%
Move: 3 cells

Lightning (Commando) *POWER SHIFT*
HP: 29/35
MP: 5/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8 --- 12
Def: 7
Int: 6 --- 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra (Actor) *EDEN* *MANA SUBSTITUTE (2)* *GRADUAL PETRIFY (3)*
HP: 26/30
MP: 20/30
DD: 10/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6 --- 7 --- 8
Int: 6
Spr: 6 --- 7 --- 8
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Plank (Marble Treant) *KO*

Timber (Marble Treant)
HP: 66/80
MP: 59/65
DD: --/--
Atk: 11
Def: 6 --- 7
Int: 3
Spr: 6
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Ohaider (Marble Treant)
HP: 21/80
MP: 57/65
DD: --/--
Atk: 11
Def: 6 --- 10
Int: 3
Spr: 6
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

{T} - Treasure Chest (cannot be occupied)
Trigger Command: Open (Opens treasure chest. Range: Adjacent.)

{t} - Marble Tree (cannot be occupied)

Alyssia uses D-Ability Hell On Earth on all enemies! 11 Piercing Fire Dmg!

That's when she finally realized what was happened. She looked down to see that her legs were completely turned to stone. She couldn't move. Her skin was hard as rock now, and it would soon be completely as such...just like her legs were. Lifting her arms was impossible now too; they were much too heavy, practically frozen in space. "Guys...," was all she said for the moment. Talking had to be the most difficult task she could think of with her face solidifying into stone. "L-leave this one be...go...after other....I'll give it...everything I've got!" she managed to say before using all her strength to take flight. Her wings were the least affected by the petrify curse, and she struggled to remain airborne, but it had to be done. I didn't want it to have to come to this... she thought as she let herself drop. She just couldn't keep in the air. She collapsed to the ground and lay there, unable to move. "P-please...," she whimpered inaudibly. "All Hell...b-break loose......"

With her last words, the clouded ground began to tremble. Blazing geysers of dark hellfire burst from below. The area grew dark and flames enveloped the marble trees, though not scathing them at all. Shadows danced and flickered across the ground. In mere moments, the remaining two treants were engulfed completely in a blistering column of flames, charring them to a crisp before the atmosphere returned to normal.

Alyssia smiled...and turned completely to stone.

Alyssia waits.

Cerberus is reforming!

The energy scattered by Cerberus's attack was still lingering, drawing closer to where he used to stand. The darkness formed an outline of his body before filling it with mass. Quickly, the shadows condensed and took on a solid form. In mere moments, Cerberus was standing proud of his work, unknowing of the fate of his master.

Cerberus has completely reformed!

Lightning *Commando* *Power-Shift (2)*
Hp: 29/35
Mp: 5/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8 --> 12
Def: 7
Int: 6 --> 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra *Eden (4)* *Mana Substitues (2)*
Hp: 30/30
Mp: 20/30
DD: 10/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6 --> 7 --> 8
Int: 6
Spr: 6 --> 7 --> 8
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Lightning's S-Ability, Lifesiphon, activates! +1 Basic Attack!

Lightning's eyes widened as Alyssia took stone form completely, horror engraved on the soldier's face as she attempted to take it in. Their ally had been turned to stone by whatever these treants had done, and though she didn't see it directly, she knew Terra would meet the same fate. The now torched treant had done something similar to him, he was going to turn. At the thought, Lightning began to shake her head slightly, forcing her eyes shut for a moment.

But then there was a release, her eyes shooting open and focusing in on Cerberus. If her allies were going to be turned to stone she would finish this, she just needed some more time. She knew that the gatekeeper's pet only served his master, but he might listen to her.

"Cerberus, Attack me! Do it for Alyssia!"

Terra felt his limbs go numb as the now dead treant stared at him. Unlike his previous ally who had been affected by this stasis, he knew what was going on. He too would turn to stone as she had done, leaving Lightning and Cerberus to fight on. Tears began to well in his eyes, but with all of his strength he lifted his arm to wipe them away. He had to go on.

Terra moves to C1!

Moving to the best of his ability, the Actor moved into the alcove that the treant had revealed. His eyes settled in on a chest that the the treant had obviously been guarding before this. So that was why it attacked him. Shaking his head, which was more difficult than he thought, he forced himself over to the chest and opened it.

Terra uses Trigger Command: Open on Treasure Chest B1!

Lightning *Commando* *Power-Shift (1)*
Hp: 29/35
Mp: 5/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8 --> 12
Def: 7
Int: 6 --> 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra *Eden (3)* *Mana Substitues (2)*
Hp: 30/30
Mp: 20/30
DD: 10/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6 --> 7 --> 8
Int: 6
Spr: 6 --> 7 --> 8
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra opens the Chest!

...

Chest reveals Marble Bell! [Added to Inventory]

Timber takes 11 Dmg!

HP: 55/80

R-Ability Solidify activates! [DEF +1%]

Ohaider INSTANT DEATH!

Chapter 02-A: Disgruntled

Location: Marble Forest - Midway

Objective: Clear out the treants!

Background: ~Once Serene~

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

Lightning's Power Shift has 1 turn left.

Terra's Eden has 3 turns left.

Enemy Phase.

Timber uses Gnaw on Lightning! 13 Dmg! (ATK)

MP: 53/65

Timber waits.

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

Player Phase 7!

Alyssia (Gatekeeper) *PETRIFY*
HP: 41/45
MP: 2/30
DD: 0/10
Atk: 11
Def: 7
Int: 4
Spr: 6
Evade: 5%
Move: 6 cells

Cerberus (Hell's Guardian) *SHADE REFLEX (1)*
HP: 34/40
MP: 5/25
DD: 0/10
Atk: 9
Def: 5
Int: 6
Spr: 5
Evade: 2%
Move: 3 cells

Lightning (Commando) *POWER SHIFT*
HP: 23/35
MP: 5/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8 --- 12
Def: 7
Int: 6 --- 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra (Actor) *EDEN* *MANA SUBSTITUTE (2)* *GRADUAL PETRIFY (2)*
HP: 28/30
MP: 20/30
DD: 10/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6 --- 7 --- 8
Int: 6
Spr: 6 --- 7 --- 8
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Plank (Marble Treant) *KO*

Timber (Marble Treant)
HP: 55/80
MP: 53/65
DD: --/--
Atk: 11
Def: 6 --- 7 --- 8
Int: 3
Spr: 6
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Ohaider (Marble Treant) *KO*

{t} - Marble Tree (cannot be occupied)

Cerberus attacks Lightning! 3 hits! 9 Dmg per hit! (ATK)

A command? But...it wasn't from his master. The beast's six eyes fell upon a devastating sight. His master....was completely encased in stone. She was nothing more than a statue now. What had these treants done? He was enraged, but he thought about Lightning's words. She obviously had a plan....a plan to avenge his master. He nodded each of his heads to her before biting her a few times, not really making a big show out of it. He only did as much as was necessary.

Cerberus waits.

Lightning *Commando* *Power-Shift (1)*
Hp: 18/35
Mp: 5/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8 --> 12
Def: 7
Int: 6 --> 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra *Eden (3)* *Mana Substitues (2)*
Hp: 30/30
Mp: 20/30
DD: 10/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6 --> 7 --> 8
Int: 6
Spr: 6 --> 7 --> 8
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Lightning's S-Ability, Lifesiphon, activates four times! +4 Basic Attacks!

Lightning cringed as Cerberus attacked her, knowing that she would have to endure the pain for just this moment longer. As he pulled away from her, she felt adrenaline rush through her system, and now she was ready. Turning to the treant which had made her the target of his constant attack, she readied her blade. Strike after strike after strike followed, until Lightning finally stopped, falling to one knee.

Lightning attacks Timber 5 times!
(Damage: 100% Atk x 5/Effect: --/Element: --)

"Terra... finish it."

Though far away from the action, Terra heard Lightning's command, nodding with all of his strength. He didn't have much time left, he would have to make what little time he did have count. Looking up to the sky above, he nodded, knowing fully well what he had to do now.

"The gray moments in my life have been filled with color. Can't you see the brilliance that surrounds us? Can you not feel the wonders in the world around us?"

With this, Terra raised his saber with all of his might and brought it down with major ease. Light broke through from above, shining down on everyone. But the awe of it only continued to grow, as the light suddenly transformed itself into spheres, Terra nodding. And then they began to freeze over in an instant, turning into glowing crystals for but a moment. Sudden cracks appeared and the light exploded outward instantly. Terra fell to his knees as well.

Terra activates D-Ability, Resplendence, on the Enemy Party!
(Damage: 100% Pierce Int/Effect: --/Element: Light)

Lightning
Hp: 18/35
Mp: 5/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8 --> 12
Def: 7
Int: 6 --> 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Terra *Eden (3)* *Mana Substitues (2)*
Hp: 30/30
Mp: 20/30
DD: 0/10
Atk: 6
Def: 6 --> 7 --> 8
Int: 6
Spr: 6 --> 7 --> 8
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Timber INSTANT DEATH!

Chapter 02-A: Disgruntled

Location: Marble Forest - Midway

Objective: Clear out the treants!

Background: ~Once Serene~

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

All the treants have been cleared out!
CHAPTER COMPLETE!!

EXPERIENCE:

+18 - Marble Treant x3
+2 - Player Phase completed less than 10
+2 - No Items used
+2 - No Player Character KO
+1 - Treasure obtained
-1 - Player Character incapacitated

TOTAL EXP GAIN: 24

Alyssia: 11/24 --- 35/24
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 11/24

Cerberus: 12/16 --- 36/16
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 20/24

Lightning: 15/24 --- 39/24
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 15/24

Terra: 2/16 --- 26/16
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 10/16

Skill Points Awarded!

+1: Alyssia, Cerberus, Lightning, Terra

The Party receives 117 Gold!

Items found:
---Marble Bark x1

Edit your profiles, please~ Update will come shortly.

Lightning forced herself to her feet, focusing her energy for a short moment. A green aura passed over her for only a moment and she began to press her hand to her heart. It soon went to the air, and then it was passed on in the direction of the stone statue that was once Alyssia. Light washed over the Gatekeeper, and the stone began to slowly disappear, returning her to normal. The light eventually cured her completely and was further sent over to Terra.

"Are you guys alright?"

Terra nodded, feeling the stiff, numbness leave his joints as the light touched him. A small smile spread on his face, happy to be free of the effects. Had they waited any longer he surely would have been a stone statue. And while it worked for the trees and such around here, he doubted he would like it.

Alleviation. Before, her mind was filled with nothingness, not that she could remember. All of her thoughts had been frozen in time, immortalized by the stone that trapped her. However, with Lightning's healing, Alyssia realized she could move...and think. She scrambled to her feet, but her body felt horribly stiff. It would take a bit to get used to having free movement again. She nodded to Cerberus who gave her a sad look from each of his heads and disappeared as he typically did.

"Thank you, Lightning," Alyssia said and bowed her head in gratitude. "I'll be all right now that I won't have to spend forever as a statue in this accursed forest." She closed her eyes and grimaced. It had been such a close call. Speaking of close calls, she heard something. Her eyes opened wide as she spotted another treant approaching from behind Lightning. "Already?! Battle ti--" Alyssia began to shout to warn her allies, but was interrupted in mid-sentence.

"Please, young lady. Keep your voice down," a soothing male voice swooned, the sound so sweet...it made the air seem to melt. The treant looked like the others they had just fought...except for his eyes. They were hollow and filled with darkness as the others, but two bright orbs of light shone within, one in each eye. He was sentient and of sound mind. "This forest has seen too much unsettling of peace lately. Shall we keep quiet to preserve what little serenity it has left?" the creature asked rhetorically.

Lightning had her blade already drawn, but when the treant proved to be normal, she lowered it. This one was actually peaceful and wished to keep the forest that was once the same that way. This she could respect, she knew what it was like to want to restore and maintain peace. However, just because she respected it, didn't mean she wasn't going to get them to keep moving.

"I'm sorry, but what is going on here? Who did this to the forest?"

Terra nodded in agreement to Lightning's question, not having anything of his own to add. Nothing that would cause the conversation with the peaceful tree to move further. Though deep down the youngest member of the group was wanting to remind them of the Diviner. She did tell them that this was going to happen; Why Lightning refused to believe that, he didn't understand.

The treant seemed to smirk at this question. "So, you wish to know what happened here? I shall tell you. Despite the prophecies proclaiming the disturbance of this, our holy land of Amoria, I must say there is a darker force at work here in this neck of the woods," he divulged, as if telling some juicy secret. "A little while back, a lost soul named Constantine came flitting through these woods. It seemed that not only were righteous souls being siphoned to Hell, but dark souls were being misplaced on Amoria as well, though that is not as common. Regardless, this creep decided to start doing experiments here: the creation of automata for purposes unknown. He was a perfectionist it seemed, and deemed many of his creations as...failures. He then proceeded to just leave them and let them waste away in different parts of the forest."

"But they were more durable than expected," Alyssia cut in, recalling their encounter with what must have been some of Constantine's failed creations. So he deliberately left them where they could hurt souls. That left a feeling of hatred deep in her gut.

"Precisely. Not only that, but the dark magic he used to make them started to poison the treant population in the forest. It practically makes them go insane...," he explained, taking a glance at his fallen brethren that the group had put an end to. "We noticed that the lights went out in some of their eyes, and then they tried to attack some of us who were sane. We didn't have the strength to bring them down, so those of us with sound mind fled. It had been what seemed like ages since any of the scouts had seen Constantine, but we noticed activity within the automata left behind. Turns out, there was some sort of activation mechanism that was engaged recently to have the automata jump into action upon sensing movement."

So there was a soul that deserved to be in hell running amok in Heaven? Just perfect. The Diviner had failed to mention that, which caused a small smirk to cross Lightning's face for a moment. Seemed she didn't see everything, nor did she have all the answers. The smirk passed however, with another question thrown out into the open.

"Any idea where this mechanism is?"

The Diviner hadn't seen any of this, at least not to his knowledge. Maybe she just hadn't told them some creep was running around in the marble forest? But why wouldn't she have told them to watch out for someone like that? Especially if they were a soul destined for Hell and not Heaven. Mentally sighing, Terra supposed there were just some things he would have to just agree with and move on.

The treant turned his back on the group and pondered. "If you're looking for the mechanism, you'll find it in a clearing just ahead of this place. The clearings were essentially constructed--yes, constructed; they're not natural--for weary souls passing through, giving them a decent place to rest. However, Constantine turned those areas into his little miniature laboratories. The nearest one ahead of here should be his primary workplace." The treant paused and took a few steps away from them. "If you're planning on taking it out, do be careful. You have my sincere thanks for trying to correct this dilemma when no one else would deign lift a finger." With that, he began to walk away.

Alyssia looked at her comrades. "From the sounds of it, it looks like we were going to run into it anyway," she said, a bit disgruntled. At least they were warned this time; they would be prepared for a confrontation. "Best to get a move on." With that said, the group continued down the narrow path. After the encounter with the crazed treants, Alyssia found every single tree in the forest a bit unsettling. It was one feeling she'd probably never be able to shake off.

It was about half an hour or so before the group arrived at what appeared to be another clearing. Alyssia drew her weapon the moment she saw what they were up against. In the center of the clearing was a single mechanical column with a shimmering mana core at the top that was clearly active. Around it, several automata rested. There were the relics from earlier, but there were others as well. These automata were bipedal and constructed to look moderately humanoid. Their metal armor was tarnished and they too had hollow torsos with their mana cores visible. In one hand they wielded a sword made of the same material as their bodies along with a shield, both of which were in poor condition. A small siren wailed from the central mechanism and the mana cores in all of the automata became active, the beings coming to life in an instant and preparing for battle.

"Looks like we found what we came to find," Alyssia said. "Let's take care of this nonsense once and for all." With that, the group engaged the automata, aiming to rid the forest of its plague.

Chapter 02-B: The Activator

Location: Marble Forest - Resting Place

Objective: Deactivate the main activation unit!

Background: ~The Relics Are Back~

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

Alyssia (Gatekeeper)
HP: 45/45
MP: 35/35
DD: 0/10
Atk: 12
Def: 7
Int: 4
Spr: 6
Evade: 10%
Move: 6 cells

CENTROS (Main Activation Unit) *RECHARGE*
HP: 100/100
MP: 80/80
DD: --/--
Atk: 0
Def: 8
Int: 13
Spr: 4
Evade: 0%
Move: 0 cells
Trigger Command: Deactivate (Shuts down the unit and all units that depend on this unit's activation. Range: Adjacent cell. Target must be in Critical condition.)

Reduct (Auxiliary Defense Unit)
HP: 90/90
MP: 75/75
DD: --/--
Atk: 9
Def: 11
Int: 2
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Ixon (Auxiliary Defense Unit)
HP: 90/90
MP: 75/75
DD: --/--
Atk: 9
Def: 11
Int: 2
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

FX-1992 (Awoken Relic)
HP: 55/55
MP: 60/60
DD: --/--
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 3 cells

RY-3414 (Awoken Relic)
HP: 55/55
MP: 60/60
DD: --/--
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 3 cells

{t} - Marble Tree (cannot be occupied)

Players may start in rows I-J!