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Post by Neo on Apr 6, 2014 12:39:18 GMT -6
"Careful Ratatosk," Lahar breathes into your ear, his metallic voice raspy. "Watch your step. I don't want you falling."
You gulp, all too eager to obey. It's ironic really. A dragon, afraid of heights? It's downright embarrasing. In dragon form, you're perfectly fine. But in human form... Yeah. Not so much. You edge slowly along the precipice, your heart pounding. Below you a vast abyss extends seemingly forever in all directions. Most of your time in this lovely cavern has been spent in a myriad of tunnels, and the trip has been largely uneventful. Until... Now. The last tunnel opened up into this massive cave, a giant room of immense magnitude, almost like a sprawling city beneath the mountains. It is a magical, if somewhat terrifying place. Countless giant stalagmites adorn the impossibly high ceiling, covered with blankets of glowing moss and encrusted with small crystals, bathing the cavern in a natural bluish-green light. Many more of these crystals line the steep walls of the cavern, crystals of varying sizes and colors. Several small streams of water flow down the cavern sides, and the constant roar of a waterfall can be heard, all leading to an underground water system far below, likely a substantial river.
A narrow bridge spans the length of this great cavern, leading from one tunnel to another at the far end, and it is this tiny walkway that you now must cross. The going is slow at first, as you gingerly place one foot in front of the other. You extend your arms for balance, though it doesn't help very much. Lahar follows close behind you, close enough to catch you if you slip. For some reason that you will never understand, Lahar doesn't have any trouble at all retaining his balance. If you didn't know any better, you would swear he was a circus acrobat in a former life. The sudden image of Lahar walking a tightrope and taming Lions enters unbidden into your mind, and you almost burst out laughing at the thought of Lahar in golden spandex. The momentary lapse of concentration causes you to stumble, and you pale in fear. Thankfully, Lahar is right behind you, and he steadies you before you can fall.
"Whoa there," he breathes, and you detect just a faint amount of nervousness in his voice, though it's masked by his helmet. "Steady girl."
You gulp again, swallowing the lump in your throat with some difficulty. You wish you could just fly across, as the opening is clearly large enough.The only problem is... The entrance to the opposite tunnel is too small to fit your dragon form, and there's no place for you to land. At least not anywhere near your destination. "You know... It's times like these that make me wish I could fly in human form. Or maybe like a Hybrid, half dragon? The extra mobility would be really useful right about now..."
You boot catches on a loose stone, and you almost fall flat on your face. Lahar immediately catches you, his strong arms hooking underneath yours, pulling you back against his chest. Sweat drips from your forehead, and it feels like your heart is going to jump out of your chest. That was way too close... Way too close. Still, now you know the real reason why Lahar told you to keep your arms extended...
"Are you alright now, milady?"
You give a slight nod. Lahar's presence comforts you, and you calm a bit. He lets you go, a bit reluctantly you notice, and you resume what has to be the most harrowing journey of your life. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, you reach the other side. You practically launch yourself into the tunnel, desperately longing for the feel of solid ground beneath your feet. You collapse on the hard ground, dizzy with relief. Lahar stands over you with what you imagine to be an amused expression, and you smile up at him. "Thanks," you say simply, needing no other words to describe your gratitude to him.
He merely inclines his head, and offers you his hand. "It's my job, milady. And one I take great pride in."
You grin as you accept his hand, and he helps you up. "My my, such a gentleman... And here I thought chivalry was dead."
He snorts and shakes his head. "At least you still have your sense of humor. Let's move on."
You couldn't agree more. The sooner you're out of this stupid cavern the better. You can't wait to have your memories back and be done with this whole ordeal. However, as Lahar leads you down the ancient corridor, and into the next chamber, all thoughts of anything else leave you, along with your breath. This... This is...
"Welcome to the Sanctum of Souls milady."
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Post by grayjack on Apr 6, 2014 17:46:35 GMT -6
Alright, I'm back. Now to catch up on 4 pages of material.
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Post by Golurkcanfly on Apr 6, 2014 18:00:21 GMT -6
Ah, don't worry, about half of it is response text.
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Post by Neo on Apr 6, 2014 21:36:58 GMT -6
"I thought this was just supposed to be a shortcut?" You ask quietly, your voice an odd mix of awe and suspicion.
"It's a bit more than that," Lahar admits, and your scowl deepens.
"You lied to me," you accuse, torn between anger and hurt. What happened to the trust between you? Isn't he supposed to be your friend? Lahar at least has the grace to remove his helmet.
He notices the hurt look on your face, and quickly moves to assure you. "I didn't Rata. I swear. It IS a shortcut. I just omitted a few things is all." He has the audacity to place a hand on your shoulder, and he smiles. He smiles! "You can be mad at me later, alright? For now, I need you to focus. Look around Rata. What do you see?"
You reluctantly obey and look around, realizing he's right. You can punch him in the face later. Now you need to reclaim your memories. You need to reclaim your soul. The cave appears just as it did a minute ago when you first entered. It is an especially large cavern, with moss blanketing the walls, and soft grass covering the ground. Numerous glowing crystals dot the cavern, protruding from the walls, floor, and ceiling. A small fresh water stream trickles through the center, and when your eyes follow the stream, you find a trace of sunlight at it's source. The way out... Thank the stars...
Your eyes return to the center of the cavern, where the main attraction lies: an enormous crystal, easily a good fifteen meters high, and another ten meters wide. The light from the giant crystal floods the chamber like a small moon. It is a beautiful and brilliant light, and yet... It is also somehow haunting.
"I see a giant crystal...?" You reply tentatively, not sure how you're supposed to respond.
Lahar merely smiles, calmly shaking his head. "Oh, it's a great deal more than that. That giant crystal, my dear, is the Mirror of Souls, the very reason for this cave's grandiose name. Supposedly, the Mirror of Souls can reveal the very essence of your innermost being, your most intimate thoughts, your deepest longings, even your very soul. According to lore, if you look into the crystal and confront what you find, you will achieve true enlightenment. The Trial of Souls is even said to restore lost memory."
Realization finally dawns on you. "This was our destination all along. Not the cabin."
Lahar nods, and his smile widens. "Just as you say, milady. This was our true destination. Though I suspect that once you have your memories back, you'll want to visit the cabin anyway."
"So just how dangerous is this trial?" You ask nervously. "I mean... There has to be a reason why this cave isn't plastered all over creation as the world's most popular tourist attraction."
Lahar's smile abruptly evaporates, and you can tell he himself is remembering something. Something not very pleasant. "A clever observation, milady. The Trial of Souls is... Extremely harrowing. I may have passed, but I barely survived, and it took me two whole weeks to recover from my injuries."
Okay... Now you're scared. As in legitimately frightened. But... You have to do this. You have to. Lahar gives you an encouraging smile. "Don't fret Rata. You aren't alone. If things get too hairy, I will step in. There are other ways to restore your memories. Besides, I have faith in you. You will succeed."
Lahar's... Right. You need to stop doubting yourself. If he has faith in you, then you must have faith in yourself. Emboldened, you step forward and look directly into the giant glowing rock of destiny.... Yeah, it sounds kinda absurd when you word it like that.
However... You only think that until you realize the true enormity of the rock's power. Staring back at you is a face you never thought to see again. A face long dead. It is the face of your father.
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Post by Neo on Apr 6, 2014 21:58:42 GMT -6
The Gauntlet of Souls
Battle #1
Ratatosk Lv 15 Divine Manakete
HP:58
Str:28+10
Mag:33+12
Skill:30+9
Spd:30+9
Luck:27
Def:29+14
Res:35+17
Avoid 77 ATK 60
Skills: Even Rhythm, Kaleidoscope, Judgement, Galeforce
Items: Divine Stone(-/-), Hoplon Guard, Wyrm Crest, Seraph Robe, Vulnerary(3/3)
Special Armor: Memorial Pendant
VS
?? Lv30 Earth Dragon
HP:80
Str:50
Mag:22
Skill:43
SPD:44
Luck:35
Def:50
Res:35
Avoid 71 ATK 70
Skills: Dragonskin, Indomitable Will(Survive Lethal hit and regain 45% of max health. Trigger %= Luck Stat as long as HP >1) Ignis, Rend, Voice of Time( damages for 40% of normal weapon damage and makes any characters within five spaces immobile until your next turn)
Items: Breath of Destruction-/-(Mt 20 Hit 65 Crit 0 Rng-1-3) Ultimate Talon(Mt 20 Hit 80 Crit 5 Rng 1), Mark of Tragedy(Drops. Restores a portion of Ratatosk's memory and power)
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Post by Neo on Apr 6, 2014 22:39:46 GMT -6
The familiar figure steps out of the crystal, emerging like a ghost from the shadows, and you involuntarily take a step back. "It can't be," you breathe in disbelief and in fear. "I... I watched you die!" You choke back a sob as you remember the terrible moment. You remember it clearly. Your father only nods, his form glowing a faint blue. If it weren't for the blue aura surrounding him, he would look exactly the same as before, as if nothing ever happened. As if he had never died. "True. But you died alongside me, and here you are. Why cannot I be alive as well?" Your mind reels, and you stumble for words. You know it's just a trick, just a test of the crystal, but... Why can't you... "B-But... That's different! I... I was..." "Easy my child," your father consoles, his timeless voice both familiar and alien. "While it's true I am here, I am not technically alive. I am but a fragment of your memories, given physical form by the Star of Time. Be that as it may, I am still every bit as powerful as I was in life. I am as powerful as you remember me to be. And I am your first test." "Must I fight you, father?" You ask, resigned, almost on the verge of tears. Can you fight him? Do you even have a snowball's chance in Helheim of winning? Unlikely. This is your father after all, and if he truly is as powerful as he was in life, then without your full power, you'll be lucky to last five seconds against him. He smiles, a calm, knowing smile. "Do what I taught you. Follow your heart, my girl. Follow your heart." My heart...A: Fight B: Surrender Hint: The teachings of Sun Tzu... Fill in the blank... A good general always knows when it's time to_ Important Note!!! There actually is a right and a wrong answer here, folks. And getting it wrong can potentially have catastrophic consequences. In order for Ratatosk to pass the Trial of Souls, she must pass 2/3 tests. I.E, you must get 2/3 answers right. I will give you a hint to the correct choice before every test, and I have hidden more hints in the preceding story post. However, if you manage to fail the Trial... Ratatosk will NOT regain all her memories, and she will not regain all her power. If you fail, Ratatosk's Ultimate Class and Mystic Arte will be unobtainable to you, and the RNG chance of her dying later becomes 25/75 instead of 50/50. But no pressure guys.  Take your time, I have faith in you. |
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Post by Neo on Apr 7, 2014 12:10:41 GMT -6
Calling all voters! Need more votes! Well, I need some votes to begin with first... So everyone figure out the identify of Rata yet? I think it should be fairly obvious at this point. |
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Post by Golurkcanfly on Apr 7, 2014 13:19:54 GMT -6
Fight.
There must be blood.
Also, Neo, when will the 1st year anniversary be?
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Post by GX1997 on Apr 7, 2014 13:28:33 GMT -6
"If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles." - Sun Tzu
After reading this, I was torn because Ratatosk doesn't remember everything about herself. But then I thought about this line...
"I am as powerful as you remember me to be."
So, I say fight.
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Post by Golurkcanfly on Apr 7, 2014 13:45:07 GMT -6
Also, I read the Art of War, so I know that the next part of the hint, which comes from the passage: "A good general always knows when to flee".
However, I say screw Sun Tzu's teachings in this case. He didn't fight weird magic dragons from space with memory people.
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Post by duskritter on Apr 7, 2014 14:42:36 GMT -6
I'm gonna vote B, listening to old Sun is usually a good idea.
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Post by Neo on Apr 7, 2014 16:30:44 GMT -6
Fight. There must be blood. Also, Neo, when will the 1st year anniversary be? The 1st Anniversary will be April 26. Also, the current vote is A(2) to B(1). You guys are cutting it dangerously close. I've given you all the hints I can. All I can say is this: Choose wisely, and carefully. Do not come into this choice with a casual attitude, or you will regret it. There is a lot riding on this trial. ..... Unless of course you don't really give a damn about Rata, or you don't want to keep her as a permanent character. In that case, by all means. Anyway, I'll leave the poll open for a few more hours. |
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Post by slykirby on Apr 7, 2014 17:23:20 GMT -6
B, come on you guys. Even without the Sun Tzu quote, Rata does not have the stats to stand much of a chance against her dad.
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Post by grayjack on Apr 7, 2014 18:09:00 GMT -6
B. Ratatosk doesn't stand a chance with all those skills her father has.
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Post by Neo on Apr 7, 2014 19:04:11 GMT -6
Yay! B is locked. B, as you might have guessed, is the correct answer. Will update in a bit.
Oh, and for those of you who don't already know this... If I don't lock an option in at least relatively quickly, then it's a safe bet you're barking up the wrong tree. Ya get my drift?
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Post by Golurkcanfly on Apr 7, 2014 19:19:27 GMT -6
You know, you could have done a trick answer with the hint being the wrong one. That way, even though she would lose the fight badly, she'd learn something important.
Maybe like an inverse Cecil?
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Post by Neo on Apr 7, 2014 19:34:28 GMT -6
You know, you could have done a trick answer with the hint being the wrong one. That way, even though she would lose the fight badly, she'd learn something important. Maybe like an inverse Cecil? True, but there's a reason I didn't. See next fight. |
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Post by Neo on Apr 7, 2014 23:24:55 GMT -6
(Continued)
You give a resigned smile. You never imagined you would see your father again, not in a million years, and certainly not like this. Still... You're strangely happy. "I can't beat you dad," you say softly, still smiling.
He arches both eyebrows at you, a gesture so familiar it tugs at your heart strings. In that moment, you almost break down into tears. It isn't fair... You would give anything just to have him back for a few minutes... Oh God, you miss him so much... "Oh? Are you giving up already?"
You can't be sure whether it's amusement or disappointment you detect in his voice. Again, you merely smile and shake your head. "No, it's not that... It's just... I'm no fool dad. You raised me to be a realist. Without my full powers, I don't stand a chance against you. I would be fighting a battle with the outcome already decided. Such a thing is pointless."
Your father smiles, and when he answers, the pride in his voice is clear. And yet... You also detect a hint of sadness. "Well done, my girl. You passed your first test."
"I... I have?!" You stammer back, shocked. Surely it couldn't be this easy...
Your father only nods. "Yes. Knowing when to stand down is just as important as knowing when to fight. But tell me my daughter... Do you understand the true meaning of this lesson? All our lives, we struggle with forces we cannot comprehend, forces we cannot hope to combat. We struggle in vain, against death, destiny, fate, hope, love, sorrow... All these invisible forces surrounding us, they are unchanging. Omnipresent. They are as constant as the heavens themselves. And yet... We still fight. We fight when we cannot hope to win, even when it seems pointless. That is the Eternal Battlefield of Life."
You blink, pondering your father's words, when his form suddenly begins to fade. Your eyes widen. "F-Father?"
He smiles once more, but it is a sad and wistful expression, and for a brief moment, you forget he's only a memory. "Forgive me, my love. I must go. I must return to my rightful place in time."
All of a sudden, you're a little girl again, watching your father walking down the mountain path away from home, somehow knowing he'll never return. In that moment, you burst into tears. "W-Wait! Father!!! Please, don't leave! Please... Please don't leave me again... Oh, father... Father!"
But your words fall on only air, and you break down. You sob for minutes before Lahar finally manages to calm you. "Shh, Rata. You aren't alone anymore. It will be alright. Have faith, and be strong. Leventius Diem."
You sniff and wipe your eyes, actually laughing a bit at Lahar's quote. "Good stars, Lahar! I haven't heard that in eons! Leventius Diem, Strength as One. When did you learn to speak Dragontongue?"
He smiles, a bit proudly, and offers you his hand. "Oh, I've managed to pick up a thing or two over the years."
He helps you to your feet, and you notice something odd, a gleaming silver ring where your father once stood. You walk over and bend down to retrieve it, and as soon as your fingers touch the cool metal, images flood your mind. No... Not, images. Memories. Surprising, you smile, despite the tragic nature of the memories. For they are yours, and no other's.
"That isn't exactly true, is it Sel?"
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Post by Neo on Apr 7, 2014 23:59:51 GMT -6
The Gauntlet of SoulsBattle #2Music Change: www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_xdGwT72IURatatosk Lv 25 Divine Manakete HP:70 Str:36+10 Mag:43+12 Skill:39+9 Spd:40+9 Luck:35 Def:37+14 Res:45+17 Avoid 98 ATK 70 Skills: Dragonskin, Kaleidoscope, Judgement, Galeforce Items: Divine Stone(-/-), Hoplon Guard, Wyrm Crest, Seraph Robe, Vulnerary(3/3) Special Armor: Memorial Pendant, Mark of Tragedy(One part of Ratatosk's life, given physical form. When all three pieces are reunited...) VS?? Lv 17 Emperor HP:85 Str:55 Mag:27 Skill:50 Spd:45 Luck:38 Def:60 Res:46 Avoid 98 ATK 77 Skills: Rightful God, Renewal, Forceshift, Dragonskin, Shadow Roar, Pavise Special Skills: Unchained Rage Items: Dragonstone+(35/35), Mark of Loneliness(Drops)
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Post by grayjack on Apr 8, 2014 18:44:14 GMT -6
No Dragonstone stat changes for this mysterious Emperor?
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Take your time, I have faith in you.
