2014-06-02 - Eat No Food A Bird Has Touched

Title: Eat No Food A Bird Has Touched
Summary: A swan! A swan is loose on Ohtori campus! And it found a Jewel Seed!
Who: Fate Testarossa, Nori Ankou, Nanoha Takamachi, Lera Camry, Runealy Waldia, Ren Aizawa, Ikiko Hisakata, Endo Naoki GM: Fred Burgermeister
Where: Ohtori Academy
OOC - IC Date: 23 January 2014 - 6/2/14

<Pose Tracker> Fred Burgermeister [None] has posed.

"A swan! A swan is on the loose!"

A peaceful day at Ohtori is shattered by a panicked cry. One of the rivaling Fashion Clubs recently obtained a new mascot to 'best present their elegance and grace', and so presented an adult swan bedecked in ribbons and myriad accessories. Now, however, the beast is loose, a far too flimsy cage left in pieces in its wake.

It's an event causing a few people to look up from their daily routine, but not many. While cause for caution, a runaway animal isn't all that novel an event at Ohtori Academy. The poor bird is hobbled, several of its fancy ribbons having entangled its wings too much to permit it to fly. All it can do is run around, hiss at people, and attack those who would dare recapture it while it seeks an escape route.

Three students with more courage than sense have already been sent to the infirmary. A swan's wings are not to be trifled with.

However, the creature's fate seems set. Before long, there will be nets, and trained professionals, and the brief avian rampage will come to an end. There's no easy way out of the academy, in spite of its best efforts those ribbons are still keeping it grounded - without help, the swan will be trapped once more.

There is, however, help to be had, in the form of a mysterious diamond-shaped blue gem. In its rampage, the swan has found something that calls to it in some strange way - perhaps promising escape, or a chance of vengeance. Who can tell - the swan is not saying, nor is the Jewel Seed.

What is clear, however, is that the laughing calls of "Renegade swan!" are being replaced with panicked screaming. For those inclined to seek the cause, it is made evident soon enough. The earth trembles beneath black webbed feet, and great feathered wings of white are spread, no longer bound by paltry human ribbons. A giant swan, looking even more monstrous than most, advances on Ohtori academy - now, it may begin to chase its former pursuers.

It is, of course, rampaging with elegance and grace. A swan, after all, is a noble creature - even when grown to monstrous size.

COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister transforms into Youma Form Olga the Terrible Swan!
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has fully healed himself. He is now ready to take on 6 opponents!

<Pose Tracker> Fate Testarossa [None] has posed.

<SIR. JEWEL SEED ACTIVATION DETECTED.> A cute, and suave voice chimes as Fate feels the tremors of magic in the distance, the look in her scarlet eyes intense. "Let's go Bardiche." <YES SIR. GET SET. BARRIER JACKET>

What looks like a golden triangle is tossed in the air, where it hangs suspended, parts appearing out of nowhere and fitting together in a shimmer of golden and violet lightning that joins the pieces with a series of ratchets and clanks. It takes the form of a pole axe, black eye gleaming, before it chimes again steam releasing from the peak of its axe head. That same lightning clashes into her and she is suffused with that radiant light. Fate's barrier jacket forms over her, a cape appearing last, before unfurling over her shoulders and fluttering behind her. Grasping at the haft of Bardiche, she lifts off into the sky with a haze of golden mana like a jet stream trailing in her wake as she soars to Southern Cross Island.

On arrival Fate isn't much one for talking. Dramatically landing on an extravagant lamppost, she points Bardiche at the swan terror, axe head extended. He responds instantly to her intent.

Out of the apex of the axe head, golden and purple orbs form repeatedly, before lancing all around the titanic fowl. While she isn't particularly aiming for anything other than the swan, some of her blasts are not entirely careful when it comes to collateral damage. Some of the screaming may now be as a result of inexpert aim and missed shots given how fast the renegade swan is moving in it's advance. The blasts tearing furrows into the concrete and causing landscaping to plume upwards in geysers of soil and plant matter.

COMBAT: Fate Testarossa transforms into Barrier Jacket!

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.

Lera Camry doesn't go to Ohtori Academy, but she happens to be in the area because of a Sister Schools function that led her there. She is walking across the grounds, turning her head at the words "renegade swan," because who wouldn't? She blinks a couple of times, as she looks at it -- and then sees the transformation, as it breaks the ribbons holding it. Her brown-gold eyes lock onto it.

<Lera. One of those Jewel Seeds.>

The voice comes from the pen in her Infinity uniform coat's pocket. She nods, once. "I know, Sky," she says, "and--gh! Look at her!"

She ducks down, as a blast comes down closer than she'd like, sending some dirt and junk into the air around her. Lera raises an arm, debris bouncing off her uniform's coat, and nods. "Soaring Sky!" she calls out. "Let's go!"

<Let's reduce this thing to an ugly duckling. Set up! Barrier Jacket!>

As a cloud of dust rolls by, briefly obscuring her, light shines across Lera; a moment later, she breaks through the dust cloud, her Intelligent Device in both hands -- two short swords, with twin bronze prongs on each, emitting a blade of flickering crimson magical energy. She points one at the swan, as she charges, and then leaps--

--and tries to slash across it, leaving a line of orange-red light trailing after her. "I'm sorry, but you can't rampage on the school grounds! It is not kind! I, Magical Propane Cheeseburger-chan--"

"Ahaha... ha, right, yes, I, Magical Cheeseburger Propane-chan will stop you! Soaring fire, burning spirit!"

COMBAT: Lera Camry transforms into Barrier Jacket - Dual Mode!
COMBAT: Lera Camry has used Strike Soar on Fred Burgermeister.

<Pose Tracker> Runealy Waldia [Ohtori Academy (7)] has posed.

Rune has been keeping her distance from the swan, not out of fear but a lack of interest in catching it; the would-be mascot hasn't done anything to her. She is watching, though: These are the sort of incidents that send the hired help and other bystanders scurrying around, which is always kind of fun to watch if it's nothing too dangerous.

Unfortunately, princessly 'sit back and let others deal with it' entertainment is not to last. What started as an animal sending the academy grounds into a flurry of activity is now much more dangerous. She shakes as the ground does, backing up a step at a time and simply staring at the massive... 'beast' isn't quite the right word, but her mind lacks a better term right away.

Regardless, this isn't funny anymore. This is a real problem. "Summoning Princess' Tiara!" The silver jewelry appears in one hand even as the ground continues to quake. "The Line of Succession," her tiara is passed from one hand to the other, smoothly brought to her forehead. "Transform!" A flash of red light engulfs her, and when it fades Runealy is in magical garb. She hurries off to be a little bit beside the most direct path of the swan's rampage, wand ready even as she wonders how to deal with this. Does it /need/ to be fought? Apparently so, if Fate's arrival is any indication. Rune looks up to her with worried eyes, wondering what to do. While some of Fate's shots are going wide, with what little Runealy knows about her this doesn't specifically make Fate an enemy.

Thus the best solution seems to be to bring the swan down quickly. Rune's boot-wings light up, sparkles trailing as she's hurled toward a building's window-sill and using it as a 'perch' for the moment. Watching and aiming carefully so that a miss won't go on to obviously endanger other students, she shouts: "Rune Blast!" A bright green orb flies out from her wand, headed for the swan where she hopes it will explode into a sparkly mist on impact. Swirling white magical text also follows, trying to wrap a wing and hinder it... not entirely unlike what it broke free from earlier, in that sense.

COMBAT: Runealy Waldia transforms into Princess Runealy!
COMBAT: Princess Runealy has used Rune Blast on Fred Burgermeister.

<Pose Tracker> Nori Ankou [Ohtori Academy (8)] has posed.

Nori Ankou, in addition to her many estimable traits, is a club monitor. She makes sure that clubs aren't mis-spending their resources or wasting them on an excuse to stage nude photoshoots or eat specially ordered millefeulles all the live long day.

It's a pretty easy job. It is probably because her parents are rich.

At the advice of an unseen voice in her bookbag, she stayed well clear of the bird, and this was proven wise when the beast smashed loose and started rampaging along. Even as she makes a few jotted notes on a moleskine (imitated from one of the teachers), probably dooming the Fashion Club to an eternity of suffering - or worse, a budget cut - she pauses, looking at the bird with some sympathy. Even an animal of this sort, without tears...

"It's hurting," she says. And then -

Nori frowns. She hoists up her bookbag and leans over to ask it quietly, "That's not usual for swans, is it?"

"No," comes a small voice from within. After a pause, "Geese, perhaps."

"I suppose it's our responsibility to gather its sorrows," Nori says, sighing - and turning to walk behind a nearby garden shed.

A cloud passes over the sun. The air, already cold, has a hint of rain in it now...

And as la Sirene du Nord walks from behind the shed, tossing her hair back with one hand, she seems eminently prepared to deal with a swan.

...*pewpewpewpew* A few clods of soil splatter against her, fallout from Fate's barrage of attempted avicide.

She sucks in a breath, and shouts upwards in a ringing voice, "YOU!!" She throws an accusing hand forwards, nails glistening in the afternoon clouded light as she turns her eerie gaze onto the perched form of Fate Testarossa. "How tremendously uncouth of you! This soil is tended by the pathetic and wretched, bound to their agricultural occupations by ill birth - dare you disrespect their life's work this way!?"

Her hand slams upwards, her posture dynamic and aided by a sudden and slightly unseasonable wind that trails her hair out behind her. "Explain yourself immediately, or face the north wind's fury!" Which is punctuated by another sharp gust of wind, possibly dramatic, possibly trying to make Fate fall off the lamppost and break her hip.

COMBAT: Nori Ankou transforms into La Sirene du Nord!
COMBAT: Nori Ankou has used Before I Leave Your Eyes on Fate Testarossa.
COMBAT: Fate Testarossa narrowly dodges Nori Ankou's Before I Leave Your Eyes, taking 7 Fatigue damage!  Fate Testarossa is Quipped!  Fate Testarossa's Fade ability activates!  Fate Testarossa's Flash ability activates!

<Pose Tracker> Ikiko Hisakata [Juuban Public School (5)] has posed.

One advantage of the Sister Schools system is the speed at which rumors can travel. When Ohtori's Fashion Club started planning on acquiring a swan, Juuban's Fashion Club soon heard about it, and from there a chance overheard conversation brought it to the attention of the Animal Care club. Ikiko decided to pay a visit to see the swan, and thus she's on campus for the runaway bird. While she might be able to talk with animals, avianspeak isn't her strong suit, so she was content to leave the capture to the pros.

The swan's sudden transformation into a monstrous beast, however, makes her realize that a slightly different kind of professional is needed - namely, a magical girl. And since she's right here...

She ducks behind a neaby bush, murmuring a short phrase. After a brief silvery glow, Tsukiko emerges, sizing up the situation for a moment before darting into action. The wolfgirl leaps to the top of a nearby structure, staring down the swan and growling with as much magic-infused menace she can muster. Even though it's currently a monster, the swan might still be rendered nervous by the sound of a wolf.

COMBAT: Ikiko Hisakata transforms into Cute Wolf Tsukiko!
COMBAT: Cute Wolf Tsukiko has used Moonlight Growl on Fred Burgermeister.

<Pose Tracker> Ren Aizawa [Infinity Institute (10)] has posed.

"No? Oh, ok. Thank you."

Ren bows politely to the Ohtori staff member before turning away and hurrying off. In her hand she clutches a nice boxed lunch wrapped in a plaid kerchief. Ooo. Could it be for a special someone? Well. Sort of, if her brother Yuu counts as a member of that category. It happens to be his birthday today -- and Ren's made him a delicious assortment of food as a present. Unfortunately, she can't seem to actually /find him/ anywhere on campus. And no one seems to know where he is, as evidenced by all the shrugs and random speculation from those she's queried.

Siiiigh.

Finding a nice bench to rest on after traipsing around the entire school seems like a great idea right about now. She even spies one in the distance, legs quickening to carry her over to it. Just when her butt was about to touch the pristine stone surface however an excited chime broke through the air. The familiar golden gem was pulsing in time with the chimes, prompting Ren to freeze.

"EHHHHHH?! HERE?!"

And then several things happen in quick order. First, screams sound out from very close to her position. Next, a GIANT SWAN pops up on the horizon, clearly angered and ready to do some major damage. Finally, /that girl/ appears, attacking the swan and causing untold amounts of property damage in the process.

...SIIIIIIIIIGGGGGGGGHHHHHH.

Ren fires off a telepathic message to Nanoha: <<Ohtori. Huge swan. Jewel seed. You-know-who present. Please hurry.>>

With that done, she grasps the silver ring. "Souverain Heraut, SORTIE!"

<ALRIGHT..>

Golden light flares from the device, ring spinning away from her grasp to start forming into her scepter. Meanwhile her barrier jacket forms -- beige leather jacket with golden studs, silk burgundy half-cape, studded leather gloves, knee-length flowing skirt, and a pair of high-heeled boots with golden trimming. She regrasps her device once it's formed, twirling it once and striking a pose. Very heroic!

"I think we should take care of that swan." She says to Heraut, biting her lip as she eyes Fate. Someone else was engaging her for now. Hopefully they could handle it. Kicking into the air she made a beeline for the rampaging bird, happy to see the likes of Rune and Lera already firing off attacks.

<STRIKE!> Came Souverain Heraut's voice as Ren proceeded to slam the butt of her scepter into the swan's side as she flew by it.

COMBAT: Ren Aizawa transforms into Barrier Jacket!
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa has used This Is Supposed To Hurt on Fred Burgermeister.

<Pose Tracker> Nanoha Takamachi [Infinity Institute (3)] has posed.

After a pretty rough beating, Nanoha Takamachi's body is in full on rebellion mode. But; this was never something to stop the stubborn third grader, as there is always ever so much work to do. Training was actually a little lighter due to her sore 'Everything', but with Arisa and Suzuka busy for the evening, she's free to break off and try to investigate Raising Heart's latest ping. This would all be so much easier, if Yuuno was doing more than sleeping in the wicker basket on her desk and getting fat on cookies and cake. Is that even a healthy diet for a ferret? Much as Nanoha's ming wanders, the ping of her Device tells her she should get going. And thus jer journey brings her to Ohtori campus, body awash in exhaustion and sore fatigue as she arrives in her school uniform and... <MY MASTER IT IS RUNNING A-FOWL.> "A-ah..." <MASTER?> "Y-yeah I can see th-" <SHE IS HERE TOO.> "M-mn." Nanoha's priorities are immediately in conflict. Between the monstrously huge swan, and that blonde girl's appearance, the small redhead is hesitant at first. <MASTER.> "U-un! Raising Heart, set up!" A flare of pink light, and it's mre seconds before the girl is in the armored white, blue, and gold dress of her Barrier Jacket, staff in hand as... "M... Magical Cheeseburger Propane-ch-chan...?"

Nanoha Takamachi, age 9, Grade 3, No special Magical Girl Secret Identity Name, is WAY OUT OF HER LEAGUE. -AGAIN-.

For a moment, she's sort of left standing in place, with a bead of sweat running down the side of her forehead. "We should... Try and talk to Fa-" Nori is already on that, and there is a beat spent biting on her lip. <WITHOUT A BARRIER THERE IS DANGER TO CIVILIANS.> <<I-I'm already here.>> She does mentally shoot back to Ren before settling on her course. The swan is the largest threat at the moment, right? Much as every ounce of her body -screams- to try and seek Fate out again, pink wings already manifest at the ankles of her boots as she grasps her Device and joins the fray. Several bands of circular pink light begin to form up- attempting to bind and arrest the swan's motion in a tight grasp. <RESTRICT LOCK!> "Maybe if we're quick..."

COMBAT: Nanoha Takamachi transforms into Barrier Jacket!
COMBAT: Nanoha Takamachi has used Restrict Lock on Fred Burgermeister.

<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.

Ohtori is not a place that Endo goes to. That would be dangerous. Here's here today merely by chance, meeting an acquaintance of his who happens to be much smarter than he. He did not expect to meet giant, killer swans. This could be a problem. Also the people shooting at it is similarly concerning.

"Right." Endo's device is being as helpful as ever. The boy's eyes flicker over to the huge swan, and all the people that begin popping up to meet it. For a second, he's frozen. It happened before, too many things going on, too much to process. Then he snaps back to life, shaking his head to dispel the cloud of uncertainty, and the memory of his last combat and the pain of being smashed head-first into dark hallways.

The monster is going to hurt people. That's what monsters do. He's supposed to keep that from happening.

Up goes his hand. "Activate!" The ring he's dug out pulses, dark purple light twisting around him, leaving something new behind.

Armor, cape, a giant sword made of matte black metal. It's that last thing that's probably the most dangerous, and what he comes in swinging with. A leap takes him from the corner he'd tucked himself inside of, and off he goes, streaking toward the swan with the point of his weapon extended. He'll figure out the more complicated stuff later.

COMBAT: Endo Naoki transforms into Barrier Jacket!
COMBAT: Endo Naoki has used Asteroid Vision on Fred Burgermeister.

COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister narrowly dodges Lera Camry's Strike Soar, taking 6 Fatigue damage!  Lera Camry is Psyched!  Fred Burgermeister's Fade ability activates!  Fred Burgermeister's Flash ability activates!  
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister narrowly dodges Princess Runealy's Rune Blast, taking 14 Fatigue damage!  Critical Hit!  Princess Runealy is Psyched!  Fred Burgermeister's Fade ability activates!  Fred Burgermeister's Flash ability activates!  Stun applied to Fred Burgermeister!  
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister narrowly counters Cute Wolf Tsukiko's Moonlight Growl, taking 2 Fatigue damage!  Fred Burgermeister's Reverse ability activates!  Fred Burgermeister's Tactician ability activates!  Fred Burgermeister is Taunted!  Diversion applied to Fred Burgermeister!  
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister's counterattack, Vexing Trumpet, interrupts, doing 0 Fatigue damage to Cute Wolf Tsukiko!  
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister narrowly braces Ren Aizawa's This Is Supposed To Hurt, taking 4 Fatigue damage!  Ren Aizawa is Psyched!  
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister perfectly dodges Nanoha Takamachi's Restrict Lock, taking 0 Fatigue damage!  Critical Dodge!  Fred Burgermeister's Fade ability activates!  Fred Burgermeister's Flash ability activates!  
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister fails to dodge Endo Naoki's Asteroid Vision, taking 30 Fatigue damage!  Critical Hit!

<Pose Tracker> Fred Burgermeister [None] has posed.

Look. Look at the students and animal control specialists run. The swan is bold, and hissing at those who had hunted it not long before. Now, it is great, and mighty, and truly everything a swan should be-

Yellow bolts rain down from above, and it hisses at its attacker. Still, nothing of that barrage came close, and it's free to continue rampaging - at least, until attacked.

One with a scepter, another with a pair of swords, a third with an ebony sword, each attacking from a different side. The giant swan swerves towards the former, taking the impact as the blades shave off a few feathers from its neck, and a great number from its tail. Those feathers are turned into a storm of white tinged with red, left in the creature's wake as it storms onward. The wolf-girl's impassioned howl is met with ferocious honking - but in spite of the giant bird's bravado, something about that girl screams 'predator'. But - the swan is larger, and does its best to just flat-out -ignore- the predator-girl.

And then bindings. It moves quickly, avoiding the worst of the pink ones - but the runic ribbons entangle its wings, and the bird trumpets in fury. It leaps - not flying, but still a swift motion, to pursue those who would dare to bind its nobility. Wings that were mighty before this empowerment lash out at the two of them.

All of this, of course, done with elegance and grace.

COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has used Stately Strut on Cute Wolf Tsukiko.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has used Brilliant Wing Buffet on Nanoha Takamachi.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has used Brilliant Wing Buffet on Princess Runealy.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has used Plume Maelstrom on Ren Aizawa.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has used Plume Maelstrom on Lera Camry.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has used Plume Maelstrom on Endo Naoki.
COMBAT: Cute Wolf Tsukiko fails to dodge Fred Burgermeister's Stately Strut, taking 9 Fatigue damage!  Cute Wolf Tsukiko is Taunted!  
<Pose Tracker> Fate Testarossa [None] has posed.

Fate looks at La Sirene Du Nord out of the periphery of her vision as she's called out for the destruction of property. Slowly her neck turns, and Nori catches a glimpse of morose scarlet eyes as the blasts slow from the pang of guilt she feels. It wasn't that she didn't care, as she did, but her mother had warned her about the perils of holding back when it came to achieving the prize. Turning back to face the swan, she momentarily underestimates the threat that La Sirene Du Nord poses.

She pays for that mistake as the wind picks up, and her blonde twin tails and cape flutter violently, the gust whips suddenly at her legs, causing her to lose balance from the sudden violence of the powerful buffet. For just a moment, it looks like Fate will in fact break something as she topples off the pole and plummets towards the ground. At the last moment, however, she reflexively reinstates her flight spell, using the momentum of the winds to ferry her back upwards.

Floating suspended in mid-air for a moment, she stares down at her, the timbre of her voice so very neutral, "What I'm seeking is far more important than a few sculpted examples of this world's flora. I can't allow you to hinder me, with the jewel seed on the line." Surveying the battlefield, Fate takes note of how many mages and Magical Girls are present. Were there really so many on Earth with intelligent devices!? Some of them she didn't even recognize! She needed to finish this quickly if she had any hope of getting to the seed, but looking back at La Sirene du Nord, she wasn't certain she could do that. The axe head of the device shifts backwards, before a blade of golden mana erupts from him. Bardiche's golden and violet eye flares with Midchildan script. <SCYTHE FORM SET UP>

Fate moves forward in a flash, surging forward as she holds the scythe back, before arcing it forward forcefully at La Sirene du Nord. <SCYTHE SLASH>

COMBAT: Fate Testarossa has used Scythe Slash on Nori Ankou.

COMBAT: Ren Aizawa narrowly braces Fred Burgermeister's Plume Maelstrom, taking 3 Fatigue damage!  Ren Aizawa's Block ability activates!  Ren Aizawa's Parry ability activates!  Cripple applied to Ren Aizawa!  
COMBAT: Nori Ankou fails to counter Fate Testarossa's Scythe Slash, taking 20 Fatigue damage!  Critical Hit!  
COMBAT: Nori Ankou's counterattack, Les Mysteres, fails to get through, doing 0 Fatigue damage to Fate Testarossa!  
COMBAT: Endo Naoki narrowly braces Fred Burgermeister's Plume Maelstrom, taking 1 Fatigue damage!  Cripple and Exhausted applied to Endo Naoki!  
COMBAT: Princess Runealy narrowly braces Fred Burgermeister's Brilliant Wing Buffet, taking 9 Fatigue damage!  Fred Burgermeister is Psyched!  Princess Runealy's Parry ability activates!  
COMBAT: Nanoha Takamachi fails to dodge Fred Burgermeister's Brilliant Wing Buffet, taking 30 Fatigue damage! 
COMBAT: Lera Camry narrowly dodges Fred Burgermeister's Plume Maelstrom, taking 3 Fatigue damage!  Lera Camry's Fade ability activates!  Lera Camry's Flash ability activates!  Cripple, Diversion, and Exhausted applied to Lera Camry!

<Pose Tracker> Cute Wolf Tsukiko [Juuban Public School (5)] has posed.

"Well, that could have gone better," Tsukiko says to herself, circling the swan in an effort to stay out from underfoot. At this point it's up in the air (no pun intended) as to which animal is the bigger predator, and it's a feeling that's somewhat unnerving.

She looks to the others, smiling encouragingly. "We've fought alongside each other before; let's do it again, with more feeling!" she calls to Rune, Ren, and Nanoha. Maybe the enouragement will work better when they're not being pelted by waves of dark magic?

COMBAT: Cute Wolf Tsukiko has used Encourage the Pack on Princess Runealy.
COMBAT: Cute Wolf Tsukiko has used Encourage the Pack on Ren Aizawa.
COMBAT: Cute Wolf Tsukiko has used Encourage the Pack on Nanoha Takamachi.
COMBAT: Nanoha Takamachi accepts Cute Wolf Tsukiko's Encourage the Pack, taking 0 Fatigue damage!  
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa accepts Cute Wolf Tsukiko's Encourage the Pack, taking 0 Fatigue damage!  Critical Hit!  Ren Aizawa is Cheered!
COMBAT: Princess Runealy accepts Cute Wolf Tsukiko's Encourage the Pack, taking 0 Fatigue damage!  Princess Runealy is Cheered!

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.

Every device wielder in Tokyo, it feels like, comes out to play. Lera looks at Ren, then at Nanoha; she lands just past the swan, and raises one of the energy swords up at Nanoha in salute, before she looks back at the swan. She's only seen her rarely; enough to recognize her again, but not enough to know her name, code or otherwise. "Thank you for the barrier, fellow normal Earth girl!"

Soaring Sky, despite being a magitechnological artificial intelligence, sighs audibly.

The swan sounds out feathers hurlting at Lera. She runs, leaping over them, only barely managing to not be scraped by them; she ducks into a roll, and hits the ground kneeling, taking a shuddering breath. Her balance thrown off, it takes her a moment, and that's when she spots the bird leaping at Nanoha.

"I know!" Lera says to Soaring Sky, before she stands up. "It's like Tsukiko said!" she calls out to Nanoha. "Me, Ren, and... I'm sorry guy with the giant sword-like Device whose name I don't know but we can catch up later, um, I'm sure he has her back to! Sky--"

<Yes, yes, on it. Mirage Charge.>

Lera holds her swords up in front of her; crimson light flashes off her, then a magical circle traces out under Nanoha's feet -- and a red glow flashes up around her, making power and energy surge through her and Raising Heart alike.

COMBAT: Lera Camry has used Mirage Charge on Nanoha Takamachi.
COMBAT: Nanoha Takamachi accepts Lera Camry's Mirage Charge, taking 0 Fatigue damage!  Accelerate and Empower applied to Nanoha Takamachi!

<Pose Tracker> Princess Runealy [Ohtori Academy (7)] has posed.

Princess Runealy stares down at La Sirene du Nord, surprised by the outburst and not sure whether to feel inspired by it or reminded - in a good way - of a conversation with Mai not too long ago. There's no time to linger on this sentiment though, as a glance around the swan's airspace reveals a lot of interesting things.

Some of them are encouraging, like the familiar light trailing 'Propane-chan' or Tsukiko trying intimidation. There is Ren taking to the air too and making quite the strike at the swan, and Nanoha has just arrived to help subdue the towering creature. Good; being surrounded by people she gets along with and can trust is a big help! Even the unfamiliar one, Endo, seems to be helping.

Yet there are the worrying things, such as the giant swan bearing down on her! Rune stares, considering trying to dodge before realizing she can't; she's standing on a window edge, even if she did get out of the way the building itself would bear that wing's fury. Thus Rune must stand her ground, and encases herself in a wide sparkling red dome. When the wing strikes, Runealy winces and grits her teeth to pour more energy into the barrier, to push back against something that could otherwise crush her! She manages to do that, but her posture sags and Rune takes heavy breaths; that was exhausting. Tsukiko's call snaps the princess out of it, head raised to pay attention. "Mm!" A confirming noise as this call returns Rune's confidence, then she vaults into the air to get away from the building she's on.

Unlike many others here, Runealy cannot fly. She can do close-enough things to it for a second or two at a time, but her time up here is precious. She aims down at the swan and shouts! Another green orb forms, but this one 'explodes' in mid-air to become a series of sparkling pellets that shower at the giant bird. Regardless of whether it hits or not, Rune has to obey gravity after that and begins falling to the yard below.

COMBAT: Princess Runealy has used Scatter Orb on Fred Burgermeister.

<Pose Tracker> Nori Ankou [Ohtori Academy (8)] has posed.

"Allow me?!" la Sirene scoffs, saucily, as she pivots around to throw up one hand in a warding gesture. The horns do not avail her though, at least not as they should; the scythe slash smashes downwards, digging into her side and tugging her downwards!

She doesn't fall, but she has to rip free and rise back to her feet, grimacing as she --

As she finds her sleeve is still stuck on the blade of the Intelligent Weapon's scythe!

La Sirene's lips pull back in an expression that would probably make for an excellent if subtle horrifying portrait. She lunges forwards to raise an arm, emulating the elegant style of the swan-- to briefly grasp the assailing user of an Intelligent Device in a headlock!

"You are the one who is doing the criminal acts here! What is this jewel you're after?! Are you trying to rob our poor students, or our overworked teachers, or Mrs. Ohtori herself?? The Chairman will fix YOUR wagon - or are you with Saint Tail!!"

She then looks up.

Batiste had been lingering behind the shed, probably in case there was an explosion so he could report back. Since the disaster seems to have stabilized, he's emerged. Running on all fours towards la Sirene, he is greeted by her with, "Batiste!! Bite her legs!!"

Batiste skids to a halt, straightening up on his hind legs and spreading his forelegs. "What?? La Sirene!! I'm not going to bite people - do you have any idea how you taste?! Besides! Think of the reputation I'd get!"

"Well - I - uh - That isn't the point!!" la Sirene declares hotly. She attempts to squash Fate's head, possibly finding her escaped by now. "The point is that I don't care about your secret criminal operations! Are you the one behind this swan!? Where is Saint Tail!!"

COMBAT: Nori Ankou has used Headlock du Bauhaus on Fate Testarossa.
COMBAT: Fate Testarossa fails to counter Nori Ankou's Headlock du Bauhaus, taking 11 Fatigue damage!  Critical Hit!  
COMBAT: Fate Testarossa's counterattack, Bardiche can be a Butt, fails to get through, doing 0 Fatigue damage to Nori Ankou!

<Pose Tracker> Ren Aizawa [Infinity Institute (10)] has posed.

Ren zips by the swan after her successful attack, turning around midair to keep her eyes trained on the fearsome avian. Nanoha's mental reply is heard during this time.

<<Thank goodness. We need to get the Jewel Seed while /she's/ distracted. That swan isn't going to make it easy though.>>

Next thing she sees however is a whole bunch of plummage coming her way. Uh oh.

<PROTECTION.>

Ren extends a hand out in front of her just in time to form a golden shield of spinning Midchildan runes that intercepts the incoming projectiles. It withstands the bulk of the hit, though still ends up shattering to let two of them by. Her barrier jacket does its job by soaking most of the hurt, her teeth gritting as only a minor sting is felt. Once the assault is over she comes to a stop to assess the situation. The swan was pretty much surrounded by magical combatants -- though it still had quite the size advantage. And having no barrier up meant all of the destruction from the row would be very real.

The wolf girl from the other day catches Ren's attention soon enough, providing words of encouragement which actually helps the mage feel more empowered. "Right, Heraut. It's time to step it up."

The spell is cast, a runic circle appearing below Ren's feet. A light scans over her form slowly, leaving behind a noticeable sheen to her barrier jacket. Once the light is finished, the circle disappears, and Ren puffs out her chest, eyes set and determined. Then, she flies over toward Endo. Whom she still doesn't know /is/ Endo, obviously. He's a fellow device user -- and that's a good enough reason to engage him.

"Hey! Uh... did you want to attack this ting together?"

COMBAT: Ren Aizawa has used Sovereign's Relief on Ren Aizawa.
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa accepts Ren Aizawa's Sovereign's Relief, taking 0 Fatigue damage!  Empower applied to Ren Aizawa!  Cleanse! All of Ren Aizawa's debuffs are cleared!

<Pose Tracker> Nanoha Takamachi [Infinity Institute (3)] has posed.

Elegance, grace and-- IT'S COMING RIGHT FOR US! "A-ah! It's coming right for us!" <PROTECTION!> The sudden jarring impact is more than the Device's auto-defense can handle, and the barrier of pink light that forms in front of the small girl in white shatters like sugar glass. The shrill squeal of pain to follow is the result of a brutal head-over heels tumble that lands her in a crater in a bearby wall. And it is the wolf-girl's voice that rouses her from the dizzied state of a swimming head full of pain. "Y... Yeah." Yeah, she shakes the dizzy feeling from her head, pulling herself free of the little-girl-shaped dent in the wall to draw a breath. The red glow of empowerment from Lera is like a relief; gauntlet-clad fingers curling around Raising Heart in a tighter grip as Nanoha's body is invigorated. Granted a boon in the form of a boost in strength and speed, Nanoha's resolve is bolstered. The wings at her ankles flutter, and just like that-- <THANK YOU! --FLASH MOVE!> A blitz of pink and she's zooming for the swan, arms and staff reeled back as she seems intent to... Smash it across the face with a riotous left hook, pumping mana into her gauntlet, which proceeds to EXPLODE. An eruption of concussive force and energy, coupled with high a blindingly high speed swing that leaves her sleeve smoldering. <<Let's try and seal it as fast as we can- I still... Need to talk to her.>> It's a wide range telepathic broadcast to all listeners that care for it.

COMBAT: Nanoha Takamachi has used Flash Impact on Fred Burgermeister.

<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.

Feathers aren't that scary, right? They sure are fast, though. Endo comes to a skidding halt, twisting and raising his weapon up to put it between himself and the flurry of white and red. It turns out those things actually do hurt. They impact against the metal, gouging across it, leaving crackling lines of dark energy. The force is enough to buckle him, his muscles straining against the onslaught.

<ENDURE.>

He's trying to keep track of all these other Mages, but it's hard. He never thought there'd be this many in one place! But focusing is kind of hard when literally almost all of the air has been knocked out of him by the force of the swan's feathers.

"What?" Endo's head snaps to Ren when the girl zips to his side, his guard rising toward her now. "I-Who are you? Whose side are you on?" Well, besides not-swan's side.

COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister narrowly counters Nanoha Takamachi's Flash Impact, taking 10 Fatigue damage!  Fred Burgermeister's Reverse ability activates!  Fred Burgermeister's Tactician ability activates!  Stun applied to Fred Burgermeister!  
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister's counterattack, Terrortorial Peck, partially gets through, doing 11 Fatigue damage to Nanoha Takamachi!  Critical Counterhit!  Stun applied to Nanoha Takamachi!  
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister narrowly dodges Princess Runealy's Scatter Orb, taking 13 Fatigue damage!  Fred Burgermeister's Fade ability activates!  Fred Burgermeister's Flash ability activates!

<Pose Tracker> Fred Burgermeister [None] has posed.

The swan's attackers are regrouping, and it spreads its wings triumphantly. The noblest of birds, with the might of the Jewel Seed, stands arrogantly upon the Ohtori grounds. Who will dare to oppose it as it rampages onward?

The great empowered beast makes another leap, avoiding perhaps half the shots of Runealy's barrage. Smoke billows up from where the remainder found their mark, however. Nanoha comes in in a rapid strike, and the swan tries to peck the flying pest that dared to bind it - taking a blow to the face that leaves it hissing in anger again. Feathers fly, and continues its rampage toward Runealy.

That beak looks rather toothy from up close. An interesting bit of swan trivia, there, that they have teeth. Who will stop the swan's rampage?

COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has used Plume Maelstrom on Nanoha Takamachi.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has used Terrortorial Peck on Princess Runealy.
COMBAT: Princess Runealy narrowly dodges Fred Burgermeister's Terrortorial Peck, taking 9 Fatigue damage!  Princess Runealy's Fade ability activates!  Princess Runealy's Flash ability activates!  Stun applied to Princess Runealy!  
COMBAT: Nanoha Takamachi perfectly counters Fred Burgermeister's Plume Maelstrom, taking 0 Fatigue damage!  Critical Counter!  Nanoha Takamachi's Reverse ability activates!  Nanoha Takamachi's Tactician ability activates!  
COMBAT: Nanoha Takamachi's counterattack, Round Shield, interrupts, doing 0 Fatigue damage to Fred Burgermeister!

<Pose Tracker> Fate Testarossa [None] has posed.

Noone is more surprised than Fate, when Nori responds to her forward momentum by swinging her in a headlock. While she may be magically enhanced, Nori is too, and the younger girl finds herself locked in struggle with her. Suddenly finding her neck squeezed uncomfortably, Fate tries to strike at her, only to realize that the force of her swing has brought Bardiche's head out of position.

There's a gasp of air as Nori squeezes down on her windpipe, and she takes a swipe at her with the butt end of her partner, finding that she can't even effectively strike her from here with her polearm. "B-Bardiche!" Even the words are painful, "Lightning Bind!"

<LIGHTNING BIND.>

Golden runic Midchildan rings appear out of nowhere, one for each of La Sirene du Nord's extremities as they attempt to create solidified cubes of mana over them, restricting her movements. Even if she doesn't manage to actually bind La Sirene du Nord, she takes the oppurtunity for distraction to get out of melee range, a golden blur of motion as she moves backwards rapidly.

Suspended in air, she takes several deep breaths, lungs burning and gulping down air as she looks upon her opponent with renewed wariness, analyzing the situation as her eyes fall upon Batiste. Did she have a changeling partner like her rival did, or a familiar!? "Bardiche, what is that?"

<MUSTELID DETECTED. THREAT LEVEL: NEGLIGIBLE.> So cold, Bardiche.

Breathing out another hurried breath, which became a sigh of relief since Arf isn't here with her, she steals another glance at the swan, before giving La Sirene Du Nord a look, "I don't even know what a Saint Tail is. I'm here for the Jewel Seed, it is granting the swan's wish. If you continue to get in my way, then you are my enemy!"

COMBAT: Fate Testarossa has used Lightning Bind: Standard on Nori Ankou.
COMBAT: Nori Ankou narrowly braces Fate Testarossa's Lightning Bind: Standard, taking 0 Fatigue damage!  Critical Hit!  Fate Testarossa is Psyched!  Nori Ankou's Block ability activates!  Nori Ankou's Parry ability activates!  Stun and Trap applied to Nori Ankou!

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.

Lera frowns, as the telepathic broadcast comes to her; she squints at that, before she looks sideways at Nanoha, while snapping her swords into a defensive position. <<Talk to who?>> she sends back. <<Be careful, we should focus on this monster with the Jewel Seed first!>>

Then the mage adventurer turns watching the swan take another leap. She starts running, bolting towards a tree, and she sees it moving towards Runealy. The girl jumps at one of the large oak trees on the campus grounds; her boot-clad feet hit it, crunching bark under her feet, before she kicks off the tree, and a magical circle flashes above her head on her jump.

She comes down at the swan from above, the sword in her left hand chopping across the side of the bird, as she hits the ground; then, she swings her left sword in a horizontal slash, and does a final pivot on her left foot, cutting down with the right sword a third time.

"Bad swan! Leave the Princess alone!"

COMBAT: Lera Camry has used Rapid Skyfall on Fred Burgermeister.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister fails to dodge Lera Camry's Rapid Skyfall, taking 16 Fatigue damage!

<Pose Tracker> Princess Runealy [Ohtori Academy (7)] has posed.

Princess Runealy, still unused to telepathy but no longer freaked out by it, looks over to Nanoha with concern and understanding even in the middle of falling to the yard. "Right!" Direct eye contact might be hard with the swan raging about the area, though. Doubly so when it's chasing her! It's there right as Runealy lands, and she has to dive aside in a tumbling roll to avoid being ripped in to by that beak -- by those teeth, too. A pecking gouge in the ground is a clear reminder: That could have been her! A hurried gaze skyward gets a glimpse of Lera though, calming Runealy just a little despite the danger.

Rune picks herself up and begins sprinting in an arcing path, trying to get around the swan rather than immediately fight it. Her real interest right now is Nanoha, a friend that the princess feels a deep need to tell something but fears there won't be an opportunity if this huge bird keeps pecking away. Left hand raised, Rune creates a paper-thin 'wall' of sparkling red and sends it flying at Nanoha! It tries to wrap around its recipient, to seep in as warm healing energy... but parts of it break off and take the form of tiny shields, floating around Nanoha to offer a little extra protection... a hopeful fail-safe layer, working behind the round barriers if need be.

COMBAT: Princess Runealy has used Comfort Ward on Nanoha Takamachi. 
COMBAT: Nanoha Takamachi accepts Princess Runealy's Comfort Ward, taking 0 Fatigue damage!  Critical Hit!  Withstand applied to Nanoha Takamachi!  Cleanse! All of Nanoha Takamachi's debuffs are cleared!

<Pose Tracker> Ren Aizawa [Infinity Institute (10)] has posed.

That reaction isn't expected, and Ren shrinks back. "B-But..."

<YOU WILL NOT HARM HER MAJESTY.> Souverain Heraut seems to be able to pick up on the possibly hostile intent from Endo and his device. They /did/ get called an enemy on approach, after all. The scepter glows in warning, leading Ren to start comically flailing a bit.

"Ahh! No no no no! We're allies! I promise! We both want to take out that swan, don't we?" She moves closer to Endo again, tentatively keeping her guard up however. "I just thought we could... work together?" Her words are pretty sincere. Nanoha's broadcast breaks through though, leading to the magical girl turning her back on the sword-carrying magical boy.

<<Alright! Though I'm not sure what talking to her will accomplish...>>

In the blink of an eye Ren is flying off against towards the swan. Much like Nanoha did earlier she extends a powered fist out to deliver a blow to the beast. Sometimes a good old-fashioned punch to the gut is all that's needed.

COMBAT: Ren Aizawa has used Declaration of Intent on Fred Burgermeister.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister narrowly counters Ren Aizawa's Declaration of Intent, taking 6 Fatigue damage!  Fred Burgermeister is Quipped!  Fred Burgermeister's Reverse ability activates!  Fred Burgermeister's Tactician ability activates!  
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister's counterattack, Terrortorial Peck, partially gets through, doing 5 Fatigue damage to Ren Aizawa!

<Pose Tracker> Nori Ankou [Ohtori Academy (8)] has posed.

The magical cubes smash into her wrists and ankles. La Sirene falls to her knees, and then to a four point stance, all involuntarily. "What the devil!" she exclaims, giving the Midchildian menace one hell of a look.

Batiste is scanned... and judged.

o(

He scampers up to support la Sirene, who is struggling with the bindings. She appears to have terrible strength, possibly measuring in the kilolewises; she's gotten back to her feet, if with difficulty. As Fate elaborates, la Sirene looks at the swan.

"The swan's wish... was to rampage through the park?" she says. "Was it angry at how it was treated...?"

"While that is quite possible," Batiste observes, "you should not look past the obvious answer."

"What's that," says la Sirene, her eyes threatening to mist up.

"Swans... are jerks."

"Be that as it may," she says, before glaring back at Fate, "if this object you speak of can grant an animal's wishes, it's very dangerous! Why do you want it? Are you going to use it to wish for good manners??" She attempts to shake one cubed hand at her foe, managing to mostly waggle it menacingly. (Batiste leaps into the pond, where he is more agile.)

"These are so AWFUL!" la Sirene complains then. She tenses up, her eyes squeezing shut abruptly. There is no clear reason for this, until a sudden burst of gravity-fed wind smashes out of the clear sky, trying to swat into Fate and force her to the ground.

COMBAT: Nori Ankou has used With apologies to Linka on Fate Testarossa.
COMBAT: Fate Testarossa perfectly dodges Nori Ankou's With apologies to Linka, taking 0 Fatigue damage!  Critical Dodge!  Fate Testarossa's Fade ability activates!  Fate Testarossa's Flash ability activates!

<Pose Tracker> Cute Wolf Tsukiko [Juuban Public School (5)] has posed.

Tsukiko takes advantage of the gap in the swan's attack to dart over to Nanoha. "Wolf's Blessing," the wolfgirl says as she pats Nanoha's back supportingly. "Maybe one of these days we can meet outside of a fight," she chuckles weakly.

COMBAT: Cute Wolf Tsukiko has used Wolf's Blessing on Nanoha Takamachi.
COMBAT: Nanoha Takamachi accepts Cute Wolf Tsukiko's Wolf's Blessing, taking 0 Fatigue damage!  Surge applied to Nanoha Takamachi!

<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.

Endo regards Ren's offer with a sense of wariness, his feet shifting, dark eyes moving down to the weapon in his grasp. Like he's waiting for it to say something helpful. Then Ren is rushing back off at the swan, and definitely not trying to cut Endo to pieces.

That's good enough for him. "Look out!" He leaps in Ren's wake, raising his sword high, sailing up high and coming down in a wide arc. Not for her, thankfully. For the bird again.

COMBAT: Endo Naoki has used Lander Blow on Fred Burgermeister.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister fails to dodge Endo Naoki's Lander Blow, taking 35 Fatigue damage!

<Pose Tracker> Nanoha Takamachi [Infinity Institute (3)] has posed.

For all she put into that swing, Nanoha didn't go into the melee to stay there. And for sure, when the Swan turns its violent attentions upon the tiny redhead, she's ready for them this time. Sort of. It's the first blow; the violent pecking- that sends her right back down to the ground, bouncing once before rolling onto her knees, looking out of sorts. Dizzy and pained, she manages to hoist her left hand again. A pink runic sigil of light spreads from her fingers, forming the tell-tale display of a Mid-Childan shield spell, and in the face of further abuse, it holds. The shield cracks marginally, hairline fracture forming, yet maintaining its integrity as the bird presses its assault further. She can only sigh in silent thanks as Rune's magic envelopes her, bolstering the strength of her shield and Barrier Jacket beneath, in turn with being granted yet another boon of the pack. "Y-yes! Thank you, I'm sorry we keep meeting like this." <<--Um! Maybe when we're not dealing with witches and swans, you can meet me at Midori-ya sometime.>> She does offer, while righting herself. Huff. Grasping Raising Heart in hand, the Device's rifle grip snaps down into place as an aiming rune forms in a band at the re-forming spear-like tip. <CANNON MODE. FIRE IN STUN SETTING.> With a CLICK she squeezes the trigger, unleashing the payload of a whalloping pillar of pink light that throws her arms up in a small grunt of exertion and recoil.

COMBAT: Nanoha Takamachi has used Heavy Laser on Fred Burgermeister.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister narrowly dodges Nanoha Takamachi's Heavy Laser, taking 9 Fatigue damage!  Fred Burgermeister's Fade ability activates!  Fred Burgermeister's Flash ability activates!

<Pose Tracker> Fred Burgermeister [None] has posed.

The truth of the matter has been stated. This is not revenge for imprisonment, fury at humiliation, or any of the hundred justifications for a rampage through Ohtori Academy. The simple truth is....swans are jerks. Pure white feathers, mighty wings, noble grace, massive jerks. There's a battle going on nearby, but it doesn't seem to take any notice of anything but those who are attacking it.

It's too large and too slow to avoid the rapid sword slashs from Lera and Endo, and in mute fury, lashes out at both of them with a wing apiece. The princess who was attacking it seems to have recognized her place - at least, in the swan's animalistic mind she has - and it struts for a moment in victory.

But the battle is going on. Ren outright punches it - but in the beak, not the gut, thanks to a rapid interception on the swan's part. It screeches at Ren, and pecks again and again, trying to either eat her or drive her away.. Nanoha's spell, empowered by the predator-girl, seems to strike home - but the swan vanishes in a storm of feathers. Moments later, there's a great flapping sound, and the swan can be seen with scorched feathers. Surely, it can't seriously plan to fly? Not when it's that large!

Of course, if it is flying, it will be with noble grace. And likely something involving being a jerk.

COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has used Brilliant Wing Buffet on Endo Naoki.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has used Brilliant Wing Buffet on Lera Camry.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has used Stately Strut on Princess Runealy.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has used Terrortorial Peck on Ren Aizawa.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has used Plume Maelstrom on Cute Wolf Tsukiko.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has used Plume Maelstrom on Nanoha Takamachi.
COMBAT: Princess Runealy narrowly counters Fred Burgermeister's Stately Strut, taking 2 Fatigue damage! Princess Runealy's Tactician ability activates! Blind applied to Princess Runealy!
COMBAT: Princess Runealy's counterattack, Aegis Burst, partially gets through, doing 16 Fatigue damage to Fred Burgermeister!
COMBAT: Cute Wolf Tsukiko narrowly braces Fred Burgermeister's Plume Maelstrom, taking 4 Fatigue damage! Cute Wolf Tsukiko's Block ability activates! Cripple and Diversion applied to Cute Wolf Tsukiko!
COMBAT: Endo Naoki fails to dodge Fred Burgermeister's Brilliant Wing Buffet, taking 38 Fatigue damage! Critical Hit! Fred Burgermeister is Psyched!
COMBAT: Nanoha Takamachi fails to brace Fred Burgermeister's Plume Maelstrom, taking 9 Fatigue damage! Cripple, Diversion, and Exhausted applied to Nanoha Takamachi!
COMBAT: Lera Camry fails to counter Fred Burgermeister's Brilliant Wing Buffet, taking 37 Fatigue damage! Critical Hit!
COMBAT: Lera Camry's counterattack, Sentinel Cross, interrupts, doing 0 Fatigue damage to Fred Burgermeister!
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa fails to dodge Fred Burgermeister's Terrortorial Peck, taking 15 Fatigue damage! Stun applied to Ren Aizawa!

<Pose Tracker> Fate Testarossa [None] has posed.

"Whether it desires vengeance, or it is simply mean is none of my concern. I require the Jewel Seed, that is all you need to know. My manners don't.." Her blonde twin-tails shift, as Fate feels the subtle pulse of magic. La Sirene du Nord was very good at wielding the environment to her advantage. Anyone slower than Fate would almost certainly have been splattered upon the pavement. Fortunately Fate is very fast, as she only barely misses the buffeting downdraft, her skirts and cape tearing from the quick arcing upwards to move around and up, and higher overhead.

Breathing hard from the near miss, she straightens suddenly, her voice full of determination, acknowledging La Sirene du Nord as an opponent worthy of the full force of magic and hanging in loose tatters, "Very well. I would ask you to yield, but it is obvious you don't have any such intent." Fate looks almost stately as she stands in the air, golden runic Midchildan circles appearing beneath her feet.

<PHOTON LANCER> Bardiche's chime rings clarion through the air, but it is the small girl that announces her true intent. "Phalanx Shift." Suddenly like hundreds of soldiers in formation, orbs of golden lightning appear en masse out of the aether each one crackling with purple electricity in a line parallel to the girl. The smell of ozone is thick within the air, as she swipes her partner forward, a signal from a mage general unto her creations to 'charge'. "Fire!"

La Sirene du Nord may indeed have good cause to worry about the landscaping, as suddenly all of these orbs lance forward at her, bombarding her enfilade position with them.

COMBAT: Fate Testarossa has used Photon Lancer: Phalanx Shift on Nori Ankou.
COMBAT: Nori Ankou fails to counter Fate Testarossa's Photon Lancer: Phalanx Shift, taking 45 Fatigue damage!  
COMBAT: Nori Ankou's counterattack, Les Mysteres, fails to get through, doing 0 Fatigue damage to Fate Testarossa!

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.

The swan's wing slams down towads Lera. She raises both swords up, trying to cross them in time; she fails, and the wing bats down through her defenses, and sends her flying across the battlefield. She slams into the ground, rolling a few times, before she comes up kneeling; a faint trickle of blood runs down her lip, and her short dark green jacket and arms are covered in scuff marks. "Ow!" she yells. "That hurt!"

She looks up, and sees the swan start to fly. She shakes her head once. "N-No way," she murmurs, before she looks towards Endo. "This bird is incredible!"

Then she slaps one sword on her belt; the energy blade winks away, and the bronze halves snap shut, as she grabs her sword in two hands. "I'll go high!" she yells. "And try to get it down closer! It can't fly forever!"

She lets out a primal yell, and starts to run, bolting across the ground. Red light flashes up around her as se starts to make the spell; then, she leaps up into the air.

The remaining sword's energy blade doubles in length, becoming a shimmering and shuddering long sword of energy. Lera turns in midair, and then slams it down with an overhead blow at the top of the swan.

"Talk about a swan dive!" she yells.

"S-Sorry!"

COMBAT: Lera Camry has used Inferno Slasher on Fred Burgermeister.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister narrowly dodges Lera Camry's Inferno Slasher, taking 6 Fatigue damage!  Fred Burgermeister's Fade ability activates!  Fred Burgermeister's Flash ability activates!

<Pose Tracker> Ren Aizawa [Infinity Institute (10)] has posed.

The swan's peck attack in retaliation knocks Ren down, her body spinning head over heels towards the ground where she impacts with it harshly. Again, thankfully, her suped-up barrier jacket absorbs the impact. "Ugh." She groans, righting herself and getting back to her feet. Just in time to see Endo rush in and deliver a nice blow to their common enemy. Yeah! Maybe she /did/ get through to him after all.

Ren blinks, looking down at her device. "Well... I think we can work on that." Indeed they can. But now it's time to beat up that jerk swan! She kicks off the ground and is airborne again. When she's immediately close enough to the swan, it tries pecking at her. And she tries dodging it -- to no avail. Again she's knocked back, the sting much more potent this time. Clutching the spot on her chest where the pecks did the most damage, she ends up retreating from the angry bird to float by Endo.

"Are you alright?" She asks the sword-knight, looking him over with a strained smile. "I guess all those stories about swans being mean are true, huh? But don't worry. We've got it on the ropes." Yes. Obviously. "I don't know your name but I'm glad you're here helping. Let's finish this stupid bird off, alright? We have to do our best."

COMBAT: Ren Aizawa has used Sovereign's Favor on Endo Naoki.
COMBAT: Endo Naoki accepts Ren Aizawa's Sovereign's Favor, taking 0 Fatigue damage!

<Pose Tracker> Cute Wolf Tsukiko [Juuban Public School (5)] has posed.

Ow ow feathers ow ow...

Tsukiko barely brings her arms up in time to keep the feathers from hitting her face. They still slam into the rest of her, though, leaving her slightly winded. She's not quite at the point of recklessly charging the dire swan, but she's certainly close.

In the meantime, she glances around the battlefield. Most of the magicfolk seem to be doing well, she realizes as she idly runs a hand through her hair. Well, except for maybe that one over there.

"Wolf's Blessing!" she calls out as she flick a charged strand of hair over to Endo. Every little bit helps, right?

COMBAT: Cute Wolf Tsukiko has used Wolf's Blessing on Endo Naoki.
COMBAT: Endo Naoki accepts Cute Wolf Tsukiko's Wolf's Blessing, taking 0 Fatigue damage!  Endo Naoki is Cheered!  Surge applied to Endo Naoki!

<Pose Tracker> Princess Runealy [Ohtori Academy (7)] has posed.

Princess Runealy begins backing away from the swan, unsure whether it means to step on her or go for another peck. It does neither, but Rune doesn't realize this right away and surrounds herself in another red dome. Only upon figuring it out does the princess dismiss her barrier, converging its energy into a ray sent at the swan! This is a good idea, but it's done right as a wing-flutter from the taunting avian sends dust and grass into Rune's eyes! She lets out a cry, head shaking to try clearing her vision... but for now it's no good.

And so her mind begins making best guesses; she remembers Nanoha and Tsukiko over one way, Ren, Endo, and Lera in others... and the swan is big and loud enough that she can guess its position by sound. Using this mental picture, Runealy can fight while avoiding any immediate risk to her friends but it's still not going to be ideal. Targeting sound is a lot less precise than knowing exactly what you're hitting, after all.

Nonetheless, Rune leaps high and aims down at the swan! "It /is/ incredible, but we can do this!" A call to Lera, then the princess' wand lights up and produces a trio of sparkling green orbs. Unlike the ones used earlier, these simply aim to burst if they hit the swan... but have no runes following them, instead just trying to batter it and keep it off-balance.

COMBAT: Princess Runealy has used Burst Orb on Fred Burgermeister.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister narrowly braces Princess Runealy's Burst Orb, taking 3 Fatigue damage!

<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.

Feathers go flying when Endo shears through the bird. Then Endos go flying when it returns the favor. Again he tries to use the sword as a shield, Belkan runes flashing briefly across its surface in lurid, dark colors. The strength of the bird and the thing inside of it sends the Knight skidding across the ground, bouncing and tumbling until he comes to an abrupt stop.

The fact that Ren and Lera get blasted fosters an odd sort of camaraderie, really. "That's some bird," He agrees. There's a sharp nod at the latter as she takes off into the air, Endo pushing himself to his feet in the meantime. To Ren, he jerks his head in affirmation. "Alright." So, he has allies after all. It's made even more apparent by the hair that Tsukiko throws.

He feels better. Good, actually. This time he doesn't try to get into melee. The tip of the sword hits the ground, and it begins to unleash a torrent of energy. Streaks that fly through the air, toward the swan.

COMBAT: Endo Naoki has used Comet Cannon on Fred Burgermeister.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister fails to dodge Endo Naoki's Comet Cannon, taking 18 Fatigue damage!

<Pose Tracker> Nori Ankou [Ohtori Academy (8)] has posed.

La Sirene throws her hand up again, but she's smashed into by that barrage of electrical spheres before more than a vague silver gathering of countercharm can be mustered. It would seem her strange magicks, say what you will, are not always the swiftest. She is thrown back by the burst, toppling over herself and landing in the water with a definite splash.

Her cap floats to the surface a few moments later.

Batiste dives under the water, taking the cap with him.

Time passes.

In fact, it passes long enough to get slightly uncomfortable. The thrashing of the swan and sundry chaos makes it impossible to tell if air bubbles are rising from the mouth and throat of the vanished magical girl. Has Fate's thirst for the Jewel Seeds claimed a victim - and will there be an end to this --

Oh there she is.

La Sirene rises up from the water in a shower of droplets. She does not announce herself with more sweet words - she simply throws a hand towards Fate. (Metaphorically, of course.) Her fingers curl as the drops of water still in the air - pause, near her, as if entering a field of effect. There's a glittering sort of double-magnetic-field effect around her, the shimmering light in those droplets pausing.

"The sorrows of this world are enough," she intones. "You don't need to add to them, in your quest. And even if you do - they're all mine!"

And then the droplets zing forwards, propelled with sparkling force by the siren's magics. They sing as they fly, and each individual one only stings a bit. But how many droplets of water come up when you rear out of a pond, and how many of them can you really avoid, if you're nearby? Water isn't granular, after all.

COMBAT: Nori Ankou has used Moondrops Burst on Fate Testarossa.
COMBAT: Fate Testarossa fails to counter Nori Ankou's Moondrops Burst, taking 16 Fatigue damage!  
COMBAT: Fate Testarossa's counterattack, Defenser, interrupts, doing 0 Fatigue damage to Nori Ankou!

<Pose Tracker> Nanoha Takamachi [Infinity Institute (3)] has posed.

After the charge dissipates and Raising Heart opens up her twin prongs to vent a small hiss of steam, Nanoha huffs. But it's not over. The swan is- <MY MASTER IT IS TAKING OFF.> Uwah-awawawawawa!" The deluge and maelstrom of air pressure is more than enough to prove to Nanoha that swans are terrible. The girl plants her feet, struggling to keep herself rooted, but the THWUMP-CRASH of air pressure punting her through a classroom window is kind of embarassing. Thus, a glass-vered and slightly bloodied Nanoha emerges from a door just a few paces away, shaking shards from her dress, and pulling one from her dress with a small yet obvious grunt of pain. She takes to the air again, a little wobbly at first but takes her place back in the battle quickly, huffing slightly while expending the mana necessary to repair a few damaged sections of her Barrier Jacket. "Hey..." It's to Tsukiko she's speaking, while flexing fingers in her newly repaired gauntlet. "I never got to thank you for before. I'm sorry we haven't had the chance to meet without something like this happening, so maybe after this we can, right?"

COMBAT: Nanoha Takamachi has used Encouraging Words on Cute Wolf Tsukiko.
COMBAT: Cute Wolf Tsukiko accepts Nanoha Takamachi's Encouraging Words, taking 0 Fatigue damage!  Critical Hit!

<Pose Tracker> Fred Burgermeister [None] has posed.

Noble white wings scatter feathers as they beat at the air, bringing the swan gradually into the air. Gracefully, it prepares to leave this school of roses and fashion clubs, and go be a swan in the world at large.

This might be undesirable.

What height the bird has managed to gain is lost in moments - a burning sword clips one wing, briefly igniting it, while a trio of emerald orbs burst against its beak. Blinded, it's unable to respond to the torrent of energy, catching a blow awkwardly on one wing joint. With a resounding thud, its black webbed feet are once more on solid ground.

This vexes the empowered animal. Is it not the noblest of birds, charged with a mission of being a jerk to every other living creature? Is this not a landscape it has trod on, making it the bird's territory? How dare these painful creatures and their pet wolf - or at least that's how Tsukiko smells to the swan - intrude on its turf?

Hissing, the swan charges forward. Its wings are raised high in warning, but the warning is far too brief to do anyone any good - it's just pecking at absolutely everything in sight. Attackers, non-combatants, nearby statues... all of them are intruders, and all of them must be pecked!

Or, perhaps, it's just attacking everyone and everything because it's a swan. That's also a logical explanation. 'Brainwashed by the Jewel Seed' is a distant third.

COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has used Terrortorial Peck on Nanoha Takamachi.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has used Terrortorial Peck on Ren Aizawa.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has used Terrortorial Peck on Lera Camry.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has used Terrortorial Peck on Cute Wolf Tsukiko.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has used Terrortorial Peck on Princess Runealy.
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister has used Terrortorial Peck on Endo Naoki.
COMBAT: Cute Wolf Tsukiko fails to counter Fred Burgermeister's Terrortorial Peck, taking 14 Fatigue damage! Stun applied to Cute Wolf Tsukiko!
COMBAT: Cute Wolf Tsukiko's counterattack, Silver Fangs, fails to get through, doing 0 Fatigue damage to Fred Burgermeister!
COMBAT: Endo Naoki narrowly dodges Fred Burgermeister's Terrortorial Peck, taking 14 Fatigue damage! Stun applied to Endo Naoki!
COMBAT: Princess Runealy perfectly dodges Fred Burgermeister's Terrortorial Peck, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Critical Dodge! Princess Runealy's Fade ability activates! Princess Runealy's Flash ability activates!
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa narrowly counters Fred Burgermeister's Terrortorial Peck, taking 8 Fatigue damage! Ren Aizawa's Reverse ability activates! Stun applied to Ren Aizawa!
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa's counterattack, Sublime Riposte, partially gets through, doing 8 Fatigue damage to Fred Burgermeister!
COMBAT: Lera Camry narrowly dodges Fred Burgermeister's Terrortorial Peck, taking 11 Fatigue damage! Lera Camry's Fade ability activates! Lera Camry's Flash ability activates! Stun applied to Lera Camry!
COMBAT: Nanoha Takamachi fails to brace Fred Burgermeister's Terrortorial Peck, taking 17 Fatigue damage! Stun applied to Nanoha Takamachi!

<Pose Tracker> Cute Wolf Tsukiko [Juuban Public School (5)] has posed.

Tsukiko smiles at Nanoha. "I think I'd like that," the wolfgirl replies cheerfully. Always nice to make a new friend, right?

The mood is slighty ruined by the attacking swan. In a moment of audacity, Tsukiko dashes forward in an effort to out-bite thw swan, but the plunging beak forces her to change directions.

But instead of blunting her attack, the wolfgirl instead uses this new route to build up speed, turning into a silvery blur aimed straight at the swan!

Reckless? Sure, but desperation can be quite inspiring.

COMBAT: FINISHER! Cute Wolf Tsukiko has used Silver Wolf Tackle on Fred Burgermeister.

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.

Lera sees the peck coming down, and she dives; the beak smashes into the ground next to her, and she rolls hard to the side, as the swan's on to its next target. She glances at Tsukiko and Nanoha, then snaps her head to look back at the swan. Her eyes narrow, and she hefts both of her swords up. "Ren!" she calls out. "I'm going in close! Be careful! That beak packs quite a punch!"

"It's a risk we'll have to take. You know what to do, Sky," she says, quietly. Then she starts running, and her voice elevates to a shout. "Come on! Soaring fire, burning spirit! OVER HERE, DUCKLING!"

She jumps into the air, red light igniting off both her swords as she goes airborne; a magical circle in the Midchildan tradition forms under her feet and traces itself out across the ground, flashing up under her as she flies, bringing both swords back over her head. Soaring Sky's voice speaks, without the usual amount of drollness in the Device's tone.

And then the American girl comes down a lightning bolt. She leads with her left sword, slashing along its length, and hits the ground, pivoting on her right heel to stab the right blade at it. Her blades become a blur, after that; energy blades slashing and whirling, leaving afterimages and blurs of light in their wake. At the end, she turns, both swords chopping at once, and strikes at the thing at once. Then, there is a burst of light, and a flash--

And a final beam of light erupts from her outstretched right sword, blasting at the swan's body. "Like the great American poet, Tchaikovsky, said, get your swanny self back to the lake!"

COMBAT: FINISHER! Lera Camry has used Combination Crusade on Fred Burgermeister.

<Pose Tracker> Fate Testarossa [None] has posed.

Fate's dignified posture slumps as a cloud of dust obfuscate her vision in the aftermath of one of her most powerful attacks. She was quite certain she'd heard a splash. Looking down at the water, she sees the cap rise. What she doesn't see is La Sirene Du Nord. The passing of time is suddenly uncomfortable. She's tempted to turn to the swan, to renew her original efforts, but she finds herself just watching the body of water. She remembers her mother's words. That her kindness often gets in the way, that she needs to stop holding back. That she should remove all obstacles.

For just one moment in time, Fate Testarossa ignores her mother's words. She doesn't want blood on her hands if she can help it, as she swoops down towards the body of water. She does't consider the punishment that she's likely to receive, she just wants to make certain that this girl is alive and well!

As La Sirene du Nord rises from the water, Fate stops abruptly trying to swiftly change her course. The singing droplets streak towards her, and she is about to be taken head on. It is Bardiche that tries to intervene on her behalf, to protect her. <DEFENSER>

Golden Midchildan runic sigils appear in mid air. The droplets crack the newly formed protection spell immediately, appearing as solid as sugarglass, and Fate finds herself bombarded by a multitude of stinging droplets, merging and splattering. She yelps in exclamation even as her barrier jacket is torn in multiple places and she begins to plummet towards the ground.

Mentally she starts kicking herself. Her mother was right, this was the folly of holding back. What she needed to do now.. was to remove the obstacle in her way. As she falls, she extends a hand towards La Sirene du Nord. A tiny orb of yellow light forms in her palm, streaks towards her rapidly in a straight line, with the speed and force of a bullet, it's path marked by violet lightning. It's only at the last second that she tries to pull up, hitting the ground hard, and skipping off it several times. She lays still for a time, Bardiche clutched tightly to her, before she lifts him upright, using the butt end to prop her up to her knees, where she looks behind herself at the figure of La Sirene du Nord.

Fate can't deny her words, she is adding to this world's sorrows, but she's doing it to make her mother happy. It's a contradiction that her mind roils around, and it only makes her sad, until she glosses it over, excuses it. Making her mother happy was her everything. It was the right thing, and everything else was wrong.

Staring at her with those morose scarlet eyes, full of determination, La Sirene du Nord may see that Fate knows something of sorrow, if not tears, and draws strength from it. <SIR. ARE YOU ALRIGHT?> He chimes, and she replies, "I'm fine...." She lifts herself up to a standing position, "...because I'm strong."

Abruptly, she points the scythe blade of Bardiche at La Sirene du Nord, whispering to him. "Come on Bardiche. Let's make her proud." <YES SIR.>

COMBAT: Fate Testarossa has used Thunder Bullet on Nori Ankou.
COMBAT: Nori Ankou narrowly counters Fate Testarossa's Thunder Bullet, taking 2 Fatigue damage!  
COMBAT: Nori Ankou's counterattack, Les Mysteres, partially gets through, doing 25 Fatigue damage to Fate Testarossa!

<Pose Tracker> Ren Aizawa [Infinity Institute (10)] has posed.

Ren absolutely /beams/ at Endo. It's good he seems to be accepting her words of encouragement. "See Heraut? I told you it would work out."

<...>

Ren will take his silence as a good thing. More blows land on the miffed swan. Nanoha goes through a window, prompting Ren to call out her name in shock. But the little girl is tough as always, popping back up into the fight like nothing happened. Though how many hits she -- and everyone else for that matter -- could take is debateable. Which means it's time to try and end this. Ren flies higher up into the air, trying to get somewhat above the flying swan. There's no way they can let it fly off into the wild blue yonder. Something like that loose in the world will only lead to problems. Plus, the Jewel Seed inside of it is too valuable to let go. /That girl/ would probably follow after the swan and claim it for herself, otherwise. And that's unacceptable!

"Everyone! Hit it with your strongest attacks!" Ren calls out, holding her scepter above her head. It flashes as the familiar golden rune circle appears in midair behind her. "Souverain Heraut. Lend me the strength I need to finish this!" She closes her eyes as the scepter shifts, vents appearing along the pristine metal shaft as the head detatches itself and transforms into a glittering, rotating crown.

<STANDBY...>

Several smaller rune circles pop into existence beside Ren, channelling energy into the crown which glows brighter with each passing second.

<READY.>

Ren's eyes snap open. "RELEASE!"

The crown explodes, and a torrent of white hot energy blasts forth, heading for the wild animal.

COMBAT: FINISHER! Ren Aizawa has used Brilliant Ray Decree on Fred Burgermeister.

<Pose Tracker> Princess Runealy [Ohtori Academy (7)] has posed.

Princess Runealy isn't able to entirely figure out that the swan might be about to leave, not with grass and dust still in her eyes. All she knows is it was in the air for a little bit, but is now back on the ground... and making aggressive hisses. Its steps shake the ground, and the princess can only imagine what it's going to use on her. Huge beak? Massive wings? She can't /see/, and thus can't tell. All she knows is it's close and it's about to hurt her.

'Move anyway!' This advice cuts through Runealy's mind, formed in a familiar voice. One that taught her well, to be ready to protect herself and others from demons... to stay safe! Freezing up just means she absolutely will get hit, and from what she heard of Nanoha being sent sailing by the giant swan that sounds like one really awful way to have one's day very suddenly ended.

So Rune trusts this suddenly recalled advice, leaping back from the swan's peck just in time; its beak passes just beneath her feet! Twisting about in mid-air avoids another peck that pierces right through where she had been... a very close call.

Rune lands, listening to voices and other sound cues. She still can't see well, but her friends can and they've decided to put an end to this; Ren has even specifically called for it! The princess will have to trust their decision, they know what's going on better than she does right now. That faith lets her land with feet braced, wand pointed at the swan they're bearing down on. She'll follow their lead!

"Waldia..." A chant that conjures five more orbs that spread out into a star pattern. "Burst!" A sixth one forms and floats into the center of the star. "Reign!" That shout causes all of them to split at once, turning into a wide spread of emerald sparkles that flow one after another, barraging the giant swan!

COMBAT: FINISHER! Princess Runealy has used Waldia Burst Reign on Fred Burgermeister.

<Pose Tracker> Nanoha Takamachi [Infinity Institute (3)] has posed.

"Mm, yeah it'll be-"BLAMF. That peck is really world-wrecking. For all she tries to piece her Barrier Jacket back together, the wild charge and furious assault is more than enough to ring Nanoha's bell. Right in the middle of talking with Tsukiko, to boot. As pretty as Swans may be, there's no doubting... They are -rude-. Much as the tiny redhead tries to throw up a shield in time, it shatters like glass and she's sent sprawling. And by now she's feeling it. The results of days of pushing herself. Bruises and bumps, and sheer exhaustion of balancing school life, training, Jewel Seed hunting, and fighting giant damned birds with a huge chip on their shoulder. From her new position, back down on the ground, she's left panting for breath, Raising Heart fumbling in her grasp. But that small, indomitable, little soul of iron does not let her stay down resting on her laurels. Boots make a little tup-tup as she pushes herself back to her feet, multiple orbs of bright pink light form all about her as she rapidly runs through the calculations in her head and feeds them to her Device. <DIVINE SHOOTER.> Like this, she shouldn't hit anything but the swan. Not even if anyone is going in up close to assert their dominance against the horrible avian menace. "Shoooooooot!" Just like that, the orbs become streaks of pink light, zipping and dancing about, skillfully swerving aside anyone and anything in their path to try and pummel the beast with the force of getting socked by a load of magical fastballs.

COMBAT: Nanoha Takamachi has used Divine Shooter on Fred Burgermeister.

<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.

Endo has a chunk of shoulder torn open by that nasty peck, the Knight stumbling a step backward, barely keeping his feet when the beak smashes into him. He steadies himself on the sword again, seems to falter for a second.

Then Ren is calling, sending a torrent of light down at the monstrous swan. He watches as each of his allies launce themselves at the thing in turn, blasting it with their own earth-shattering attacks, swords, teeth, one after another. Endo's fingers clench around the hilt of his sword. He can't just sit back. This is his job. This is what he NEEDS to do.

"I'm going to put all of it in." He informs his companion.

<KNIGHT. I'VE WAITED AGES.>

The sword starts to glow. Tendrils of energy begin to bleed out of it, twisting and snaking along the dark metal. Again symbols begin to shimmer in the air around the Knight, the marks of Ancient Belka. Endo, similar to Lera, flings himself at the bird. His arc is a little lower, and he comes a stop before he hits it. The last few steps are spent raising his Device high in both hands, vivid violet light streaking up toward the sky as he pumps nearly all of his Mana into the impact that's to come.

The Knight brings his weapon down. Boom.

COMBAT: FINISHER! Endo Naoki has used Planet Crusher on Fred Burgermeister.

COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister narrowly braces Nanoha Takamachi's Divine Shooter, taking 5 Fatigue damage!  
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister fails to dodge Princess Runealy's Finisher, Waldia Burst Reign, taking 71 Fatigue damage!  
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister fails to dodge Cute Wolf Tsukiko's Finisher, Silver Wolf Tackle, taking 39 Fatigue damage!  
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister narrowly dodges Lera Camry's Finisher, Combination Crusade, taking 47 Fatigue damage!  Fred Burgermeister's Fade ability activates!  Fred Burgermeister's Flash ability activates!  
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister narrowly braces Ren Aizawa's Finisher, Brilliant Ray Decree, taking 10 Fatigue damage!  
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister narrowly braces Endo Naoki's Finisher, Planet Crusher, taking 37 Fatigue damage!

<Pose Tracker> Nori Ankou [Ohtori Academy (8)] has posed.

Perhaps drawing upon her [Sorrow] was a poor decision.

The incoming burst soars through the air towards la Sirene du Nord, and her left hand throws up the sigil of protection, and her right hand strikes down and

With a single wail of a perfect magical chord, one that ripples visibly through the water behind her, silver light smashes out with liquid force, pouring into that thunder bullet. A fat spark crackles into her shoulder, making her twitch, but the erupting force slides back down the path that Bullet opened --

Trailing silvered veves along the Ohtori ground, it aims for Fate's solar plexus! (With apologies, of course, to Mr. Jansen.)

La Sirene wades forwards, emerging from the pool. (Batiste leaps into her coat pocket as she does, since he really more has to swim up, before she reaches the edge.) Glowering at Fate, she continues stalking closer.

She doesn't seem wet, even though she'd just been wallowing in the water. Her hair, maybe, but not her clothes or her skin.

La Sirene doesn't attack. She just gets nearer, almost within Bardiche's slashing range. Perhaps this is an expression of sorcerous contempt. She puts one hand on her hip and asks, "So, then."

"/Do/ you have a reason... for starting all of this fuss, and carrying on...? Or do you just want," and her tone grows curiously leaden, like a funeral bell, "/the shiny thing./" Her voice, at this range, is a palpable thing.

COMBAT: Nori Ankou has used The Nori Ankou SaGa on Fate Testarossa.
COMBAT: Fate Testarossa narrowly counters Nori Ankou's The Nori Ankou SaGa, taking 4 Fatigue damage!  Fate Testarossa's Reverse ability activates!  
COMBAT: Fate Testarossa's counterattack, Photon Lancer: Standard, partially gets through, doing 5 Fatigue damage to Nori Ankou!  Critical Counterhit!

<Pose Tracker> Fred Burgermeister [None] has posed.

The swan's wings are raised high. It is the ruling monarch of birds, noblest and purest among them. The scorch marks, the drawn blood, the lost feathers - none of it is decisive proof that it is anything but the greatest of creatures here.

The force amassed against it, however, is making a solid argument. It takes a step back, then another, as Tsukiko rushes forward - animal instincts recognizing a predator. Silvery fangs tear into its neck, and it screeches in pain and fury. There's a challenge, and it whirls its head - barely able to glimpse the incoming dual-wielding lightning bolt, before skill and strength tear into one wing.

Orbs of pink and orbs of emerald assault the creature's other wing in a relentless barrage of power and pain - in spite of the animal's best efforts, it can't avoid everything, and can only try to endure. Finally, though, there's enough of a pause for it to spread its injured wings wide, shake the wolf-girl free of its neck-

-and get a faceful of white-hot power, followed up with a mighty impact to the head.

There is, for a moment, peace and silence. In the wake of that assault, a massive cloud of steam and smoke was produced - obscuring the monster from sight. Sadly, that peace will not last - there's a great thrum, then a second, and then the cloud is gone, revealing an absolutely furious giant swan.

As many feathers are black as are white, now, and only one eye is actually focusing on its opponents - the other is unfocused, perhaps staggered by the force brought to bear. It turns, and begins flapping its wings with greater and greater force - dust, rocks, massive feathers propelled by the windstorm bearing down on those who dared to oppose the noble swan! The storm builds, and it trumpets its fury to the heavens...

COMBAT: FINISHER! Fred Burgermeister has used Swan Song on Nanoha Takamachi.
COMBAT: FINISHER! Fred Burgermeister has used Swan Song on Cute Wolf Tsukiko.
COMBAT: FINISHER! Fred Burgermeister has used Swan Song on Princess Runealy.

COMBAT: Princess Runealy narrowly braces Fred Burgermeister's Finisher, Swan Song, taking 11 Fatigue damage!  Princess Runealy's Parry ability activates!  
COMBAT: Nanoha Takamachi narrowly dodges Fred Burgermeister's Finisher, Swan Song, taking 34 Fatigue damage!  
COMBAT: Cute Wolf Tsukiko perfectly dodges Fred Burgermeister's Finisher, Swan Song, taking 0 Fatigue damage!  Critical Dodge!  Cute Wolf Tsukiko's Flash ability activates!

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.

"How is it not done yet!?" Lera groans, as she hits the ground, staring up at the swan -- and then she sees the wings flapping, a huge and terrible wind buffeted by those wings. She jumps out of the way, turning to look at her friends. She grimaces, as she sees the huge burst of wind and dirt flying by, before she looks back at the enormous swan. She has to get in there, she decides, and do something.

So she goes running, blades lifted up, ns she runs at the swan at the side. She lets her left blade stick out to the side, as a counterbalance, and then runs with the right one out. The blade flashes, glowing a brighter orange-red as she does.

A few sparks shoot off the energy blade; Lera jumps, then leaps into the air, slashes the sword down. When it comes in close, it flashes with a bright flash-bang, and Lera bounces backward, landing on her feet and scraping across the ground. "Be careful, everyone!" she yells. "This is a very stubborn water fowl!"

COMBAT: Lera Camry has used Aura Surge on Fred Burgermeister.

<Pose Tracker> Princess Runealy [Ohtori Academy (7)] has posed.

Princess Runealy finally manages to get the debris out of her eyes, just in time to see brilliant lights one after another in so many colors, flashes of movement from those choosing to get closer to the swan... surely their combined efforts will put a stop to it and protect the Ohtori campus. Yet when the fog clears, it's still standing! "Impossible... what does it take to stop this thing!?" A startled cry follows as its wings rise; she's not sure what exactly that's going to do, but it can't be anything good.

For lack of any better insight on the swan's plan, Rune holds her wand high and uses it to project a bright red energy pyramid around herself! Her heels dig in hard on the ground, eyes closed and teeth grit as feathers and debris fly about. They batter against her barrier like overgrown hailstones, cracks forming through the shield even as she staggers back a few inches while shouting in exertion!

Eventually the 'storm' subsides, leaving Runealy slumped forward and gasping for breath. "Yeah... it's stubborn, but a lot of us are too." A remark to Lera, as Rune braces herself to give just a little more. Her wand begins 'humming' with energy build-up, creating one more green ball. She stares up at the swan, then lets the projectile fly! It's moving very slowly, but this is intentional as Rune suddenly fires a second, smaller one into it. They combine, picking up speed and then flying ahead in an attempt to batter the overgrown avian.

COMBAT: Princess Runealy has used Charged Shot on Fred Burgermeister.

<Pose Tracker> Cute Wolf Tsukiko [Juuban Public School (5)] has posed.

After bodychecking the swan, Tsukiko bounced high, arcing over the barrage of energy attacks. The trajectory has the added advantage of taking her out of the gale shockwave of the swan's furious flapping, as well.

Letting gravity guide her, the wolfgirl grabs onto the swan's neck and holds on. "Down! Yield!" she shouts in barely proficient avianspeak. "Fight stop. Loser you. Kindness later."

For someone who is mostly fluent in canine, this isn't that bad; Tsukiko might give speaking avian a try more often.

COMBAT: Cute Wolf Tsukiko has used Bark! on Fred Burgermeister.

<Pose Tracker> Ren Aizawa [Infinity Institute (10)] has posed.

The vents on the sides of the scepter gush out steam, a byproduct of the massive attack that was just launched. The head of the device is back in place, glowing faintly as it cools down. Ren lowers her arms after awhile, eyes trying to cut through the plume of smoke generated by the simultaneous hits laid upon the giant swan. It clears eventually... to reveal that the bird is still standing! Of course it wouldn't be that easy.

"Are you still good to go, Heraut?"

<ALWAYS, YOUR MAJESTY.>

The swan attacks Rune, Tsukiko, and Nanoha, which causes Ren to wince. Lera dives right back in afterward, then immediately urges caution. Oh, /Lera/. "Same to you!" Ren calls out. Yes. Please. Be careful. No one needs to get KO'd. Speaking of. <<Nanoha! How are you holding up?>> The answer is probably "not very well" considering. Will Ren have to break out the bandages again?

"We can't stop! Keep going everyone!" Ren calls, sweeping her scepter out in front of her. A cloud of golden dust flitters out, aimed for the swan's eyes. This is likely going to be very irritating should it hit.

COMBAT: Ren Aizawa has used Lustrous Burning on Fred Burgermeister.

<Pose Tracker> Fate Testarossa [None] has posed.

Just as Fate manages to get to her feet, the full might of La Sirene du Nords silvered veves crashes into her stomach, knocking all of the wind out of her, and sending her crashing backwards. She tumbles end over end, and by the end of it, is gasping over, and over again. So focused is she on catching her breath, that she doesn't notice La Sirene du Nord stalking closer. Suddenly she looks up at her and she is awed because she is a very imposing figure indeed. The full weight of the contempt in her is like a crushing weight upon her. Fate almost feels herself trembling, as if she were in the presence of her mother again, in those chambers, a supplicant before the angry Sorceress. She winces visibly as La Sirene accuses her of wanting the shiny thing.

She wants to answer under the weight of the power behind that accusation. She wants to tell her that she wants to make her mother, her everything smile again. That the 'shiny thing' doesn't matter except as an extension of that.. She wants to.. punish her for using magic to make her feel this way! Bardiche is pointed at her. <PHOTON LANCER> Yet another orb of golden and violet brilliance lances from the toptowards La Sirene du Nord in an attempt to lift that weight from her.

La Sirene doesn't get the answer Fate nearly felt compelled to communicate, but she does get an answer as Fate rises to her feet, "Even if I answer, it'll mean nothing to you." <SEALING FORM. SET UP.>

Bardiche shifts, his scythe head elongating backwards, until he looks very much like a spear, with wings of golden mana trailing out of the head like feathery adornments. She drives him forward in a straight motion to try and impale her. <PIERCING LANCER>

COMBAT: Fate Testarossa has used Piercing Lancer on Nori Ankou.
COMBAT: Nori Ankou narrowly dodges Fate Testarossa's Piercing Lancer, taking 6 Fatigue damage!

<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.

<IMPROBABLE.> Fallen Stern is surprised. What a bird.

Endo, on the other hand, is tired. The Device in his hands is blowing out huge wafts of steam, its vents pumping out the residue of all that mana that just Endo just pumped into it. "Thisbird" He's panting, supporting himself on Fallen Stern again.

<WEAK. GET UP.> Fallen stern is also not as nice as Ren.

"This thing." Endo shoves himself forward, pushing himself from the little crater he's made. "This biiiird!" Woosh, he's off again. The sword is mostly carrying him along now, the thing thrusting forward with a mind of its own. The Knight lunges after the swan, sword hurtling toward it again.

COMBAT: Endo Naoki has used Asteroid Vision on Fred Burgermeister.

<Pose Tracker> Nanoha Takamachi [Infinity Institute (3)] has posed.

Just like swans... Jewel Seeds are terrible things. Making a formidable and horrid creature even worse. A worried look starts to form upon the nine-year-old's face. Though Nanoha readies herself. She's caught her breath as best she can and begins the process of taking aim. Raising Heart brought to bear in cannon mode, a targeting reticle forming, screen overlay manifesting before her eyes and laden with calculations or ranges, percentages, probailities... Nanoha is hurriedly rushing through them in her head when something catches her ear. "-ah..." Her attention shifts. And this is the biggest mistake she could possibly make. But in all matters relevant to that girl, Fate Testarossa, Nanoha Takamachi can only disregard the fight between that girl and Nori for so long. And it's a certain something that catches her ear. "No, you've got it wrong!" She bleats almost desperately. "She has a reason!" So then... ... What is it? "She just... Won't tell it to..." <LOOK OUT.> She looks up. Just in time to see the wave of white energy, and the furious wind pressure of monstrous beating wings. When dust settles she seems out cold. Barely propped up against a cratered and cracked wall, head hanging low and hair in front of her eyes. Why. Why won't that girl give a reason? The truth is; she's lost in her throughts again. And her reply to Ren is an almost glacial whisper of: "I'm fine." She's not, really. She probably shouldn't be trying to stand, and it takes her more than one attempt to do so, but she's up. And she sets her boots, locking her footing into place. "We... Need to seal it." "Raising Heart... Help me..." <I WILL DO EVERYTHING IN MY POWER...> Once again the aiming sight apparates before her, the Device's rifle grip snaps down into place and she takes ahold; finger resting gently on the trigger as runes and sigils form along the length of her staff. A large pink magic circle spreads from her boots and she hoists her Device, weaponized end brought to bear as the spear-like head fans out in a flare of pink wings of light.

"EVERYONE PLEASE GET OUT OF THE WAY!"

That is the only warning.

"Diviiiiiiiiiine..."

Click. The trigger is pulled.

In an instant a mass of energy coalesces at the tip of the Device, forming into a large sphere that erups outwards, streaking across the sky on a course that she aims for the swan, unleashing a riotous pillar of explosive pink mana in a roiling and devastatingly focused stream.

"-BUSTERRRRRRRRR-!"

COMBAT: FINISHER! Nanoha Takamachi has used Divine Buster: Full Power on Fred Burgermeister.

COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister fails to dodge Ren Aizawa's Lustrous Burning, taking 0 Fatigue damage!  
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister fails to brace Lera Camry's Aura Surge, taking 18 Fatigue damage!  Trap applied to Fred Burgermeister!  
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister fails to dodge Princess Runealy's Charged Shot, taking 15 Fatigue damage!  
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister fails to counter Cute Wolf Tsukiko's Bark!, taking 7 Fatigue damage!  Critical Hit!  Cute Wolf Tsukiko is Psyched!  
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister's counterattack, Vexing Trumpet, interrupts, doing 0 Fatigue damage to Cute Wolf Tsukiko!  
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister fails to dodge Endo Naoki's Asteroid Vision, taking 20 Fatigue damage!  
COMBAT: Fred Burgermeister narrowly braces Nanoha Takamachi's Finisher, Divine Buster: Full Power, taking 59 Fatigue damage!  Fred Burgermeister is unable to keep fighting!

<Pose Tracker> Fred Burgermeister [None] has posed.

The bird is determined.

The swan's left eye still isn't working right, and so it turns its head fully when it hears Lera's approach - only to get a faceful of flash-bang, staggering back in surprise as much as from the attack itself. Another emerald orb strikes it in the chin, and its head recoils back - just in time for the predator-girl to latch on.

The swan's response is screeched in avian - the half that Tsukiko can understand largely being a tirade about its inherent superiority. At least, it sounded like that.

The golden dust splashes against already unseeing eyes, ensuring that it can't see what's coming. The wolf-girl yelling in the swan's ear ensures that it won't hear what's coming. Endo's wild charge, drawing blood from one wing, ensures that it won't fly out of the way of what's coming.

But it certainly feels what's coming - one final storm of power to slam into a creature that has taken more punishment than it should have endured. The swan's sheer determination finally gives, and as the pink storm washes over, it coughs up an azure gem. It passes out almost immediately, beginning to shrink and revert back to normal even as the remainder of the final attack washes over it. In the end, an unconscious swan lies on the lawn, ready for an animal handler to pick up.

The Jewel Seed shines on the grass where it landed, temporarily deactivated and ready for sealing.

<Pose Tracker> Ren Aizawa [Infinity Institute (10)] has posed.

Ren knows what's coming. Nanoha's demanor is one she's been able to get a read on since spending extended periods of time around the tiny redhead. She means to finish this.

"Listen to her everyone!" And then Ren flies off to the side, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire. She holds a hand to her hurt chest, watching in silence as Nanoha takes aim and unleashes the pink laser of destruction she's become accustomed to using.

And with that the swan is no longer able to maintain it's form. Her eyes catch the jewel seed responsible for the whole ruckus as it's spat out, and she rushes over to it immediately. <<Here it is! Nanoha, I think you should seal it. You finished the swan off, after all. Are you able to?>>

<Pose Tracker> Princess Runealy [Ohtori Academy (7)] has posed.

Princess Runealy takes heed of Nanoha's words, turning and running to be sure she's well clear of the path. She's not sure Nanoha should be doing this, but there's probably not enough time to talk her out of it. When everything settles, the swan is only given passing interest. Even the Jewel Seed itself only holds Rune's gaze for a few seconds. Ultimately, it's those around her that are of greater concern. Her eyes wander to Lera, Ren, Endo, and Tsukiko in sequence; they all spent time very close to the swan-beast, and she's trying to check them out to make sure they're okay. Nanoha also gets a worried look...

...And the corner of her vision takes in La Sirene's and Fate's battle too. It's hard to tell what she should be doing about it, if anything.

<Pose Tracker> Nori Ankou [Ohtori Academy (8)] has posed.

That lance slams in -

Silhouette shot! Did it go through la Sirene's belly?!

No! She swerved at the last moment. It did, however, scrape along her side again. She looks up at Fate with wide eyes, faintly horrified, and reaches down to touch her own side, before saying with disbelief, "Are you that desperate?! Ugh!! If you're the vanguard of some army, I'm going to file a diplomatic complaint!!"

And with this, and an abrupt and surprising invocation of vertical leap, she vaults straight up - hopefully out of Berdache's range - and onto the ledge of a nearby building.

Batiste makes a slightly rude gesture (maybe? his paws are small and precious) before they shuffle out of sight.

Is it a trick...?

Once behind the immediate field of vision, la Sirene wails quietly (somehow) "My /clothes/, that horrible /girl/, ugh!"

<Pose Tracker> Cute Wolf Tsukiko [Juuban Public School (5)] has posed.

Tsukiko lets go of the swan as Nanoha's attack engulfs it. She lands and quickly checks herself, making sure there's no ill effects from being that close to that powerful of a blast.

Satisfied with her lack of additional injury, the wolfgirl carefully cradles the swan and pets it. "Safe now," she whispers calmingly in avianspeak. "Rest now. Safe. Healthy you."

She smiles gently. "I'm glad that the swan's fine now," she remarks (in plain Japanese) to anyone nearby.

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.

Lera takes her Device's and Ren's advice, dashing away to be clear of the beam plast. She turns, and watches, seeing the energy blast fly. She watches it hit, and then grimaces; the swan is okay. That feels unfair. She looks from it, to the Jewel Seed, and hesitates.

Someone's going to have to seal it.

<Pose Tracker> Fate Testarossa [None] has posed.

"I'm not from any military." The words trail off Fate can only watch as her opponent avoids the strike, and starts to leave. That was just so frustrating! A Sorceress from Earth just gave her so much trouble! She was so powerful! And..

As Fate turns towards the Jewel Seed, laying upon the ground, the look in her eyes is startled. She hadn't even realized that they'd defeated the swan. Reflexively, she starts to invoke the spell to seal it. A golden Midchildan circle appears at her feet, as dark clouds start to form overhead. Fate pours her magic into, her frustration becoming a palpable thing, and everyone can momentarily feel the electricity permeating the air. "THUNDER.."

And then realization hits and Fate sees just how extensive the forces arrayed against her are. There were so many. Too many. While she could cast this spell, she couldn't withstand the assault that would follow. The second word of the aria never comes. Common sense overrides all of her mother's words upon the Testarossa bloodline giving her the power to remove all obstacles in her way.

All of a sudden the magic dissipates, the dark clouds dispersing, as Fate rises into the air, looking at her rival head on. She looks, exhausted, worn almost to her limits. Her morose scarlet eyes peer into Nanoha's as she hovers in the air, tattered cape hanging limply. "You're right. I do have a reason, and I can't tell you what it is. Nothing will change through words alone. If you won't allow me to have the jewel seeds, then we will have to remain enemies."

<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.

<MOVE. NOW.>

Endo listens to important things like that. He jerks to the side, his Device helping boost him away from the blast of light that Nanoha launches toward the swan. Good thing, too. Endo hits the ground, covering his eyes to shield them from the massive impact. When he can look again he finds the evil swan being significantly less malicious.

It's not like Endo knows much better. He's bent, clearly fatigued, his dark eyes swiveling across the courtyard-turned-battlefield. The thing--the Jewel Seed--seems to be important. Maybe? Who knows. Either way, he's at a loss on where to proceed. His eyes turn to Fate, but he's equally unsure what her deal is. So, he waits.

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.

"That's just an excuse!" Lera shouts up at Fate, suddenly angered by that -- and, true to form, stepping ahead of the other Device users and Runealy. She doesn't point her sword up at her or brandish her weapon; she doesn't, despite the snappish shout, want to start a fight here. The teenager's eyes narrow at the blonde-haired girl, and then she shakes her head.

"Talking can change things, sometimes! If you tried it, then maybe..." She starts, before she trails off. "You can't know what would happen or what could be worked out! At least she is trying to talk to you!"

<Pose Tracker> Princess Runealy [Ohtori Academy (7)] has posed.

Princess Runealy backs away from virtually everyone. The only one she's really worried about is Fate, but if a fight breaks out she doesn't want to be standing too close to anybody. Wand lowered, Rune looks up to Fate with obvious worry. "I used to talk like that. 'I can't tell you. It won't change anything.' But right now, refusing to explain anything is changing things. It's scary. When you don't know how badly someone needs something, just how truly important their reason is, you don't know how far they'll go to get it."

Her head lowers as Lera steps ahead, waiting for her new friend to finish that plea before Rune adds something to it: "I'd rather not be afraid of you, especially not like that."

<Pose Tracker> Nanoha Takamachi [Infinity Institute (3)] has posed.

With the swan no longer in the grasp of the de-powered seed, there is just one thing legt to do. Though Nanoha is left right where she is, sweating profusely and rasping for breath. With a bleep-ping Raising HEart opens those twin ports again, a long hiss of angry steam venting off the excess magical heat accumulated by the blast And then she has to lean on the Device, several lurching steps forward towards the Lost Logia, before she pauses. Nanoha visibly wilts as once again Fate gives nothing but silent rejection. But she's limping her way towards the Jewel Seed. Though one hand grasps the back of Lera's Barrier Jacket when she steps up. At first, it looks like Nanoha is about to say something. She opens her mouth to do so, but no words come out. Not for a moment anyway. "It's fine. She'll talk on her own terms." Nanoha quietly resolves to herself then and there, to be there when she does. "I'm sorry everyone, but I'll take this." This being the Jewel Seed. While Ren, Rune, and Lera know about them already, the child does look to Tsukiko and the new Device user. One she does not know." "They're really dangerous if left unchecked."

<Pose Tracker> Cute Wolf Tsukiko [Juuban Public School (5)] has posed.

Tsukiko finishes making the swan comfortable, then gives Nanoha a shrug. "I defer to your expertise," she says with an encouraging smile. One of the things Curse Hunters learn is to trust those who know what they're doing when it comes to items you personally don't know anything about.

(Barring evil plots, of course, but thw wolfgirl trusts Nanoha.)

<Pose Tracker> Ren Aizawa [Infinity Institute (10)] has posed.

Ren turns an eye to Fate when Lera addresses her. She /still/ can't outright hate the blonde mage who so desperately seeks the Jewel Seeds. "If she would just tell us..." Yes. If only she would. Nanoha has been trying to get her to talk for ages now. And she's only met with silence. It's maddening. Why can't she just cooperate?!

Ren takes a step away from the Jewel Seed, putting herself even with Rune, whose shoulder she lays a comforting hand upon. They're all battered and bruised, but Ohtori is safe. The damage is fixable given how rich the school is. So... Ren isn't too worried about the wallets of the administrators. Moving away from Rune she limps over to Endo, stooping down once she's near to look over his injuries. Aww.

<Pose Tracker> Fate Testarossa [None] has posed.

What would talking achieve? The TSAB agent already tried to stop her, treated her like some sort of criminal. This girl here tried to stop her without even knowing what her reasons were. What would communicating those reasons change? As far as she was concerned, her rival, didn't even know 'why' she was fighting her. Or at least, so Fate believes.

She looks at Lera, her scarlet eyes wavering beneath the weight of her words. All of a sudden, she straightens, "You're right, I can't know what will happen, which is why I can't risk it." The twin-tailed girl then turns to Rune, her expression sad, but brimming with stubborn determination, "You should be afraid of me. Because if you continue to get in my way, if something like this happens again, I may not be able to stop."

Fate watches Nanoha seal it, the look on her face just so frustrated at the current situation she's in. "No, I won't." She marks that down on a mental checklist how many jewel seeds Nanoha likely has. She was becoming desperate. Suddenly she maneuvers in what looks like a back flip in mid-air, before taking off at high speed.

~Later~

Fate lays on the couch in her apartment, idly rubbing Arf behind the ears as the wolf-woman lays prone in her full wolf form, chin resting on the couch. Fate stares at the picture framed high in her otherwise bare apartment. A picture of a younger version of herself, standing in front of her smiling mother, with her hands resting on the shoulders of the younger girl. They both look so happy. She tears her eyes away from that picture, and stares out the window at the moon. For the hundred thousandth time, she promises herself that she'll do whatever it takes to see that smile she so longed to behold again.

Even if it means that next time, she has to abandon someone to drown. She thinks upon La Sirene du Nord, expression still abstracted. All sorrows in this world definitely didn't belong to her, as far as Fate Testarossa was concerned.

<Pose Tracker> Princess Runealy [Ohtori Academy (7)] has posed.

Princess Runealy knows exceedingly little about Jewel Seeds. She knows their name, and now what they look like as well as one thing they can do, but this is nowhere near the full truth. This encounter with them, and the barest scraps of information Fate shared, are all Rune has to go on.

So when someone else, like Nanoha, explains that they're dangerous... Rune has no problem whatsoever backing up a few more steps to give her room to work. "Do what you have to. If this is what they're capable of, and you know how to deal with them properly, then I'll trust you!" ...And keep a worried eye on Nanoha, given the obviously battered condition the youngest Takamachi is in.

Ren's hand draws a glance aside to it. "Thanks for the help. I... well, assuming I don't mess up much more where they'd hear about it, I kind of live here. So do some of my friends." Then her look wanders to Tsukiko. "That goes for you too. You did real good out here, you know." This praise is offered quietly; she's a little rattled by having seen how torn up some friends are winding up lately, and Fate's threat is definitely worrying.

<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.

"Hey." Now Endo speaks up. "What's with that thing?" Because that seems important. Evidence so far points to an evil-avian-maker, but that's probably not it. The blonde girl wouldn't be getting so upset about it if it was just that. He takes a step forward, literally dragging his Device behind him when he does. The thing is actually really heavy, and expending the mana to make it go would probably drain his Barrier Jacket completely. It shows.

"Are you people with the Magic Association?" Ren is greeted with a little less wariness than before when she wanders of, Endo's head tilting over toward her. He still takes a half-step back, but no more than that as the other Mage moves over toward him. "Ah? Are you? Don't lie."

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.

"You should take chances!" the Midchildan girl snaps back at Fate. "It's better than this! It--"

Lera stops talking and tenses slightly, when Nanoha grabs her barrier jacket. The fifteen year-old stops walking to turn and looks back over her shoulder, to look down at her when she talks. She hesitates for a moment, before she looks to the side. Even if it's true, she doesn't find herself satisfied with that answer. When she looks back, Fate has already taken off.

She remembers what Alyce told her: not to go after Fate, because she was dangerous. Her fingers clinch tighter around Soaring Sky. She might have to ignore that advice.

She looks back to Nanoha, nodding at her. "Take care of it," she says. "I'm not sure what those Lost Logia do, but... best we keep them out of the hands of dangerous people." She looks briefly at Endo, and then she shakes her head. "Magic Association? No--well, um, I'm not, maybe other people are. Not that I ever heard of that from someone like my mother ha ha ha!"

"Quiet, Sky!"

<Pose Tracker> Ren Aizawa [Infinity Institute (10)] has posed.

"What?" Ren's taken aback by his sudden questioning. "No. I'm not with anything like that. Neither is Nanoha. Umm... I don't think any of the others are, either." She casts a wary glance at Lera, Rune, and Tsukiko. "Why do you want to know?" Her eyes train back on Endo, relaxing further now that Fate has fled the scene. The way he asked makes Ren think he doesn't really approve of the group. "Either way... we should all head out." Before the police or someone like that shows up and starts asking questions. Yep.

<Pose Tracker> Nanoha Takamachi [Infinity Institute (3)] has posed.

So much for a night of training and recovery. Now Nanoha is going to need some break time. But right now, her focus first and foremost is tapping the gem-head of her Device to the Jewel Seed. With a *~bling~* it turns to light and is sucked into Raising Heart. <INTERNALIZE NUMBER XV.> "They're um." How to best answer Endo. <THEY ARE A LOST LOGIA. AN ENTITY OF TWISTED WISH GRANTING.> Raising Heart handles it for her, to which the girl nods mutely. Before shaking her head. "Ah... No, I'm not with them I was kind of on my own for a while, with Yuuno. Before I met a lot of you."

<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.

"Tch." Endo makes a vaguely unhappy noise at the answers he receives. Just because now he has to figure out if anyone's actually lying. It would have been way easier if they just said yes, then he could just hit them and it would be all good. But then again, there's no reason they would go out of their way to beat up swans if they were bad guys, right?

"Lost Logia, huh?" Endo thumps a knee against his sword, perhaps in attempt to have some light be shed on the situation. It has none. "Aaah. Alright. I've still got more questions, but you're off the hook this time." He doesn't have enough energy to make any real dramatic exit. Maybe his cape makes a half-hearted flap, but that's about the best he manages to retreat with.

2014-06-02 - Eat No Food A Bird Has Touched

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