Reminisce ~ What Was Lost

~ R E M I N I S C E . . .

A world with no name plagued by a tyrant of an emperor. Corinthius Hayes, a young scholar, got it into his mind to dominate the country--to install a seat of power. Previously run by the people and only the people, Lumus, the country of clouds, was the closest thing anyone could find to a truly free nation. Isolated from the more mainland nations, it was free from the oppression of government and allowed the people of the country to work together to solve problems only serving to bring them closer. However, with powerful magic and many supporters that were promised power in the new government, Corinthius unleashed an assault upon the capitol and claimed it along with the country as his own.

Lumus changed. The new taxes imposed upon the people left them without funds to take care of themselves, and the populace spiraled into poverty whilst those within the government only served to grow more and more prosperous. Troubled by this new development, the people formed a militia in an attempt to overthrow the government, but Corinthius revealed that he had slowly been forming several legions of fiercely trained soldiers that would serve as his army. There was no way that the small militia could go up against such a terrible opponent.

However, hope emerged in the form of a husband and wife. With arms, these two departed from their hometown with the militia in their stead, but not for long. They told the militia to hang back; they'd only get in the way. With nothing more to do, the militia waited as they watched the couple head off across the plains to the capitol. They made no attempt to hide their intentions. Every legion that crossed their path was decimated. Thousands upon thousands of Corinthius's soldiers lost their lives to the duo until they marched right up to the emperor's castle gates. Completely surrounded, the husband pushed his wife to infiltrate the castle while he held back the emperor's elite guard. She did so reluctantly and pressed onward. Her blade fell every single foe she met in battle within the castle until she reached the throne room where she laid waste to the horrid emperor.

In a twist of fate, the emperor's son, William Hayes, decided to get revenge on the woman who had killed his father. Wielding a powerful manacium with an unknown effect, he kept the woman on edge. Though the boy was weak, the manacium was highly unstable. On the edge of her rope, the woman unleashed her final assault, felling the boy easily. Unfortunately, she collapsed, for the attack had consumed nearly all of her energy.

Upon hearing the news that the emperor had fallen, a localized rebel force known as The Cavalry stormed the castle and laid siege to it, stealing away gold and treasures which would be returned to the people. The woman's body was recovered and placed onto a caravan which would take her back to her hometown. However, upon arrival, the drivers realized that her body was nowhere to be found. They had discovered that a man, her husband, had went with her to put an end to the tyranny, but they hadn't seen his body there at all. There was no telling what happened to them.

Lumus gradually returned to the way it was, but what happened to the heroes...?

This is a one-on-one between me and Fox, so no one else should be posting here. :3

A silent evening. The sky was cloudless, and the stars above amidst the black of approaching night were shining as brilliantly as they always had. A full moon ruled amongst them all, its own light far exceeding that of the little points surrounding it. The grassy plains were seemingly deserted. The long grasses danced ever so gently in a cool breeze, the wind carrying the scent of wildflowers across the area. In the middle of these plains stood a single tree, a mighty willow. Resting against this very tree was an older woman. She appeared as though she were asleep...so peacefully. The breeze caressed her white hair and her gray kimono fluttered lightly. Her pale skin seemed to glow in the presence of the moonlight, almost as if she were some entity instead of a human.

On his way to the capitol, a young man sought to arrive at his destination as soon as possible, even going as far as to brave the dangers of night. With briskness in his step, he approached the tree and caught sight of the beautiful female. As if awakened by his mere gaze, she opened her eyes, dark red in hue. She blinked a few times, but said nothing. The wind ceased to blow, yet there was still rustling in the grass around them. It was obvious that there was something lurking around them. Peering into the thick grass of the plains, one might be able to see the yellow glowing eyes.

Screeches pierced the silence of the area. They were mandragoras. Their small brown bodies danced about in place, the large leaves on their heads swaying about madly. Though not the most ferocious of monster, they were still a threat, and they made their intent rather clear. The woman clambered up and reached down to pick up a wooden katana that had been resting by her side. She wielded it almost as if she had done so all her life. She was ready to fight off the threat? But was the young man...?

Chapter 00: Paradise

Location: Shirya Plains - Central Willow

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Immediate Threat~

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

?????? (????? ??????)
HP: 25/25
MP: 20/20
DD: 0/10
Atk: 5
Def: 2
Int: 2
Spr: 4
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Callous (Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 1
Int: 0
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Ire (Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 1
Int: 0
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Tantus (Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 1
Int: 0
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Vertice (Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 1
Int: 0
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

{B} - Bag
Trigger Command: Open

{T} - Treasure Chest
Trigger Command: Unlock [Requires Chest Key x1]

{w} - Willow Tree (cannot be occupied)

Players may start in rows F-G, columns 1-2!

Erix starts in F2!

Erix's attention, previously directed at the lady standing under the large willow, was immediately torn away toward the earth-colored creatures.
Mandragora, he thought, immediately recognizing the small beasts. Nothing he hadn't dealt with, and not too much of a challenge by any means unless one managed to become surrounded by them. If he hadn't noticed the woman, he may well have ignored the creatures and been on his merry way, but he couldn't simply leave the fair dame to fend them off herself. He drew his tome and readied himself for what he hoped to be a quick battle.

Just as it seemed that the woman was going to fight back with as much ferocity as the gentleman, her breathing became much heavier and she fell to her knees, using her wooden katana as support. Not much went through her mind...just an odd fatigue that claimed her body. She growled slightly and managed to stand back up. The creatures all around didn't seem to be frightened at all. It was going to be a fight and that was that.

Chapter 00: Paradise

Location: Shirya Plains - Central Willow

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Immediate Threat~

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

?????? (????? ??????)
HP: 25/25
MP: 20/20
DD: 0/10
Atk: 5
Def: 2
Int: 2
Spr: 4
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Erix (Mage)
HP: 15/15
MP: 25/25
DD: 0/10
Atk: 1
Def: 1
Int: 5
Spr: 5
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Callous (Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 1
Int: 0
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Ire (Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 1
Int: 0
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Tantus (Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 1
Int: 0
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Vertice (Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 1
Int: 0
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

{B} - Bag
Trigger Command: Open

{T} - Treasure Chest
Trigger Command: Unlock [Requires Chest Key x1]

{w} - Willow Tree (cannot be occupied)

Player Phase 1!

?????? moves to I4!

The woman took a deep breath and dashed through the grass before turning sharply to face one of the creatures in the distance. Her entire formed seemed to flash from existence before appearing behind the little beast she had targeted. A fountain of green blood sprayed from the helpless creature; she had apparently left a few giant gashes in the thing's side. She groaned as she leapt into the air to perform a backflip. Her plan was to land gracefully, but her feet touched the ground, she slipped and fell flat on her behind in the grass.

?????? uses Senkou on Vertice! 3 hits! 6 Dmg per hit! (ATK) [Sure Hit]

MP: 10/20

Erix moves to D2!

The woman had put on quite the display. Erix watched as she had multiple falls, and had actually prepared to rush to her aid, but she had shown that, even with a wooden sword, she was fully capable of holding her own. He left the creatures that were closer to her, as he was sure she could handle them, and headed in the opposite direction, to take out the other creatures that had appeared.

Erix opened the bag!

Vertice takes 15 Dmg!

Vertice OVERKILL!!

Erix opens the bag!

Bag reveals...Herb!

Chapter 00: Paradise

Location: Shirya Plains - Central Willow

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Immediate Threat~

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

Enemy Phase.

Callous moves to C2.

Callous attacks Erix! 3 Dmg! (ATK)

Ire moves to B6.

Ire waits.

Tantus moves to I3.

Tantus attacks ??????! 3 Dmg! (ATK)

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

Player Phase 2!

?????? (????? ??????)
HP: 24/25
MP: 10/20
DD: 3/10
Atk: 5
Def: 2
Int: 2
Spr: 4
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Erix (Mage)
HP: 13/15
MP: 25/25
DD: 0/10
Atk: 1
Def: 1
Int: 5
Spr: 5
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Callous (Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 1
Int: 0
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Ire (Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 1
Int: 0
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Tantus (Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 1
Int: 0
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Vertice (Mandragora) *OVERKILL*

{T} - Treasure Chest
Trigger Command: Unlock [Requires Chest Key x1]

{w} - Willow Tree (cannot be occupied)

?????? attacks Tantus! 3 hits! 5 Dmg per hit! (ATK) [Sure Hit]

In an immediate response to the pathetic assault of the mandragora, the woman scrambled up and slashed downwards, bashing the creature in the head before retracting to smack the creature in the side of its body and finishing with an upwards slash against its front. She thought about retreating, but it seemed like her attacks were way too much for the fragile monsters...

?????? waits.

Erix casts Dancing Flame on Callous! 5 Fire Dmg! (INT) [Chance of Burn]

19/25 MP

Erix flinched slightly as the creature approached him and proceeded to attack. He threw open his worn book, and whispered a spell under his breath. A small fire sparked under the creature, and grew skyward to envelop the creature in bright red flames.

Erix moves to C3!

Tantus takes 12 Dmg!

Tantus KO!

Callous takes 9 Dmg!

HP: 1/10

Callous is Burned!

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

Enemy Phase.

S-Ability Photosynthesis activates! [+1 HP Recovered][+1 MP Recovered]

HP: 2/10

MP: 10/10

Callous uses Mustard Cloud on all surrounding cells! [Erix evades Berserk]

MP: 2/10

Callous waits.

Callous takes damage from Burn!

HP: 0/10

Callous PERFECT KILL!!

Ire moves to C5.

Ire waits.

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

Player Phase 3!

?????? (????? ??????)
HP: 24/25
MP: 10/20
DD: 6/10
Atk: 5
Def: 2
Int: 2
Spr: 4
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Erix (Mage)
HP: 13/15
MP: 19/25
DD: 1/10
Atk: 1
Def: 1
Int: 5
Spr: 5
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Callous (Mandragora) *PERFECT KILL*

Ire (Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 1
Int: 0
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Tantus (Mandragora) *KO*

Vertice (Mandragora) *OVERKILL*

{T} - Treasure Chest
Trigger Command: Unlock [Requires Chest Key x1]

{w} - Willow Tree (cannot be occupied)

?????? moves to I8.

With no enemies around her, the woman was at a loss as what to do. She saw the other man was handling himself fairly well. The creatures weren't even much of a threat. She strolled slowly through the grass and glanced off in the distance. Was there something hiding amongst the grass? It didn't seem to be alive. It was an object. Her gaze was focused on it now and nothing else.

?????? waits.

Erix moves to C4!

Seeing the final creature approaching, Erix decided to try out a new spell he had found in his tome. He had practiced it several times, but had never actually used it in battle. He turned a few pages in the book, where a feather had been placed as a bookmark. After closing the distance between himself and the creature, he took a wide stance and uttered the spell. A wall of energy shot outward in all directions, causing the creatures leave to blow wildly.

Erix cast Spirit Pulse on all adjacent cells! 3 Dmg! (INT)

13/25 MP

Ire takes 2 Dmg!

HP: 8/10

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

Enemy Phase.

Ire attacks Erix! 3 Dmg! (ATK)

Ire waits.

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

Player Phase 4!

?????? (????? ??????)
HP: 24/25
MP: 10/20
DD: 6/10
Atk: 5
Def: 2
Int: 2
Spr: 4
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Erix (Mage)
HP: 11/15
MP: 13/25
DD: 2/10
Atk: 1
Def: 1
Int: 5
Spr: 5
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Callous (Mandragora) *PERFECT KILL*

Ire (Mandragora)
HP: 8/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 1
Int: 0
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Tantus (Mandragora) *KO*

Vertice (Mandragora) *OVERKILL*

{T} - Treasure Chest
Trigger Command: Unlock [Requires Chest Key x1]

{w} - Willow Tree (cannot be occupied)

?????? moves to F9.

Ignoring the man confronting the plant, the woman dashed through the grass, the long blades rubbing against her legs. As she drew closer to the object, she noticed that it was some sort of chest. There would obviously be something inside. There were still no definite thoughts inside her head. Merely raw curiosity led her closer to her goal.

?????? waits.

Erix attacks Ire! 1 Dmg! (ATK)

Erix saw the woman swiftly making her way across the plains, towards some unapparent target. She seemed to have a determined goal, so he decided to keep the foe distracted. In response to the plant creature striking him, Erix slammed shut his tome, raised it above his head, and brought it down on the creature with all his might.

Erix waits.

Ire takes 1 Dmg!

HP: 7/10

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

Enemy Profile.

Ire attacks Erix! 3 Dmg! (ATK)

Ire waits.

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

Player Phase 5!

?????? (????? ??????)
HP: 24/25
MP: 10/20
DD: 6/10
Atk: 5
Def: 2
Int: 2
Spr: 4
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Erix (Mage)
HP: 9/15
MP: 13/25
DD: 3/10
Atk: 1
Def: 1
Int: 5
Spr: 5
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Callous (Mandragora) *PERFECT KILL*

Ire (Mandragora)
HP: 7/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 1
Int: 0
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Tantus (Mandragora) *KO*

Vertice (Mandragora) *OVERKILL*

{T} - Treasure Chest
Trigger Command: Unlock [Requires Chest Key x1]

{w} - Willow Tree (cannot be occupied)

?????? moves to B9.

Finally, the target was within her reach. Her pace slowed as she stepped closer to the chest. Producing a key, she reached down and jammed it into the lock and turned it. She heard a click and went to lift the lid, peering into the dark depths. She reached her hand in and pulled out what was locked inside....

?????? uses Trigger Command: Unlock on Treasure Chest!

Erix cast Dancing Flame on Ire! 5 Fire Dmg! (INT) [Chance of Burn]

7/25 MP

Erix, seeing that the woman had reached her intended destination, proceeded to destroy the last remaining creature. He reopened the book to the larger of the bookmarks, and once more spoke the spell that would destroy the creature.

Erix waits.

?????? opens the Treasure Chest!

Treasure Chest reveals...Garden's Gift!

Ire takes 9 Dmg!

Ire KO!

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

All enemies have been defeated!
CHAPTER COMPLETE!!

EXPERIENCE:

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

TOTAL EXP GAIN: 16

??????: 0/10 --- 16/10
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 6/10

Erix: 0/10 --- 16/10
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 6/10

Skill Points Awarded!

+1: ??????, Erix

The Party receives 16 Gold!

Items found:

---Herb x2
---Big Leaf x2

Edit your profile, please~~

As the threats had vanished, the woman took hold of the new weapon she had found in the box. It was perfect for her, though not any more useful than her practice one. Shaking her head, she walked purposefully up to the man who had been caught in the skirmish. She merely gazed into his face for several moments before bowing her head. "You....are very...strong," she managed to say, taking a couple of pauses between certain words as if trying to figure out what to say. Her eyes widened a bit as she spoke; it was almost as if it were foreign to her.

"I....aaaggghhh...," she started to say and clutched her head, her face contorting into one of agony. "It.......hurts....," she said. After a few minutes of merely cringing in pain, she shook her head and looked back at the man. "Sorry....Thank you........for helping...with the fight," she spoke, still taking long pauses between certain words.

As the final creature perished in a firey blaze, the woman began to approach Erix. In her posession was a curious weapon, one that Erix was fairly sure she didn't have before going into battle. Had that been what she had gone to retrieve?

As she bowed her head and spoke, apparently with much difficulty, Erix couldn't help but wonder why she had been out there by herself in the first place...the thought was quickly dispelled as the woman went into a fit of pain.
"Are you all right, ma'am?" he asked, the concern apparent in his voice. She met his question only with groans of pain and a few hardly intelligible words. After a few more moments, the pain seemed to have subsided, and she began to forcefully speak again, as if she hadn't spoken in years.
"You shouldn't be thanking me, from what I saw, you would have been able to hold your own, no problem. But I am happy I was here to assist you." He paused for a moment before asking again, "Are you okay...? You seemed to be in quite a bit of pain there..."

The woman sighed. "It just hurt...so much," she said, her words starting to flow a bit more clearly. "I can't force myself to try and...remember. I have....to let it come to me. It wants to come back...I just have to let it," she explained ominously as she turend to face the giant willow in the center of the large plains. The breeze had started up again and the long flimsy limbs of the tree swayed with it along with the grasses down below.

"Have you ever forgotten something that you wished you could desperately remember?" she asked. By this point, her speech was similar to that of a normal person. No pauses or breaks. Just clairty at last.

He followed her eyes to the willow, and his eyes remained fixed on the swaying branches as he responded. He sighed, and said, "No, can't say that I have. I try to remember my mother sometimes, what she was like as a person...but I don't persue it too much. I guess it's just not important enough to obsess over, to me." He paused, his eyes looking out, yet seeing nothing as his mind tried to comprehend the idea of actually trying to remember something when it has been forgotten. It seemed like a lot for someone to try to take in and deal with. "What is it you're trying to remember, exactly?" he asked, trying to divert his thoughts.

"Everything."

That one word seemed to shred the serenity of the night. The willow was now more symbolic than ever. Who was it now weeping for? The woman who had lost all of her memories? It had to be. Her expression didn't change and her gaze remained focused on the tree. "I can't remember anything. Where I am. How I got here. What happened in my past. What my name is. Why I am here...," she trailed off as she felt something run down her cheek. It was a warm stream of tears. She was crying.

"Strange," was all she said as she merely wiped them away with the back of her hand. "My mind must miss what it used to have...I think I still have them somewhere. Like, I remembered words. Maybe...maybe I'll remember everything else sometime. But until then, I am a being without purpose...should I even still be alive?"

Erix's mind staggered at the thought of forgetting everything. It seemed unreal. Losing your entire identity. And surely there had to be people somewhere who missed her, yet she couldn't even remember them. A sad thought that threated tears.
"A being without a purpose..." he echoed her own words, trying to lead his own thoughts. "That can't be right. Nobody lives without purpose. Maybe yours will come to you..." he said, feeling as if he wanted to say more, but couldn't find the words.

"I know. Somewhere...in the depths of this empty abyss of a mind of mine," she said with a sad smile before finally turning her gaze back to the gentleman. "May I ask what it was you were doing out so late? I didn't know it would be so dangerous, but were you not aware that there were monsters roaming about?" She paused. "What's your name, too, by the way?"

"I was well aware that dangers lurk out here, but I am trying to reach the capitol as quickly as I can, hopefully by morning. And I am Erix, Erix Mitashani, quite pleased to make your acquaintance this fine night, madame," he said, a smile now on his face, in an attempt to lighten her mood. "And, if you aren't aware of your own name, what shall I call you? Or shall I continue to refer to you as 'madame'?"

"That's fine," the woman said, Erix's smile being contagious, for one of her own was forming upon her face. "I imagine after getting tired of hearing that, my mind will provide me with my true name," she stated with a slight laugh. She stopped and turned to face east, the direction of the capitol. "I know it may be a lot to ask, but I would rather not wait around here for my memory to return. Would it be all right to travel with you, at least until we reach the capitol?" she asked a bit nervously.

His response didn't require any thought. "That won't be a problem at all. Traveling alone gets boring, anyway, so I could use the company." He gazed at the sky, and apparently morning wasn't to be upon them any time soon. His eyes lowered, meeting hers once again, and his smile widened. "Well, we best be on our way. The sun waits for no mortal being."

"Very well. Let's be off then," the woman said at last, starting off in the right direction. There was no telling what would await her within the capitol. Would she be able to get her memories back once there? Could she get them along the way? Maybe there was someone there that knew her? There was definitely only one way to find out.

The night sky only served to grow darker as the duo progressed, but it remained unhindered by clouds, so the light of the moon and stars served as wondrous guides through the plains. However, the pair was forced to stop as more screeches filled the night air. Blocking their path, three mandragoras were dancing about, forming some kind of little wall, not that they could honestly stop them. But there was something else this time...some sort of other presences that just couldn't be seen. At the very least, the mandragoras had to be dealt with...

Chapter 01: Across The Plains

Location: Shirya Plains - Eastern Expanse

Objectives: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Immediate Threat~

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

?????? (????? ??????)
HP: 25/25
MP: 25/25
DD: 6/10
Atk: 6
Def: 3
Int: 2
Spr: 4
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Xetrus (Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 1
Int: 0
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Raim (Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 1
Int: 0
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Corteca (Mandragora)
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 1
Int: 0
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Players may start in rows D-F, columns 1-2!