{|class="toccolours" cellspacing="2"
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! style="background:#CC6699; border: 2px #CC0033 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" colspan="2" | '''Title: LOTUS INCEPTION: Lera Camry'''
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|'''Summary''': 
''Fate arrives to wake Lera up, by coming to terms with someone she lost.''
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|'''Who''': 
[[Lera Camry]], [[Fate Testarossa]], Meria Camry, Frederick Camry
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|'''Where:''' Rigate, Rigate Region, Midchilda
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|'''OOC - IC Date:''' 
6/22/2018 - April 27, 2015
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<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
The Rigate region of Midchilda is the sort of place that someone with even the barest level of familiarity with the planet may recognize. After all, it is something of a premier tourist region: snowy peaks, skiing, fishing, and some of the most striking scenery on that planet draw tourists when the season is in. Thus, when Fate arrives, she may find it familiar -- like looking at a post card.

It may not make sense, at first, though.

The Algernhorn looms, with its slightly hooked peak, in the background. That wall of granite and ice forms the majestic backdrop to a two-storied, wooden country home. The roof is peaked, with sloped roofing and wooden beams visible from the outside. It is a spacious home; the sort of place that takes money to acquire, though not the ostentatiousness one might expect of the fabulously wealthy.

The reason, however, that Fate has found herself in the Rigatian Alps makes herself known on the front door of the house. Lera Camry steps out, wearing a sweater -- because it is cold, in this world, a pleasant late spring chill -- and with her hands at her side. She tilts her head, before her amber eyes light up brilliantly.

"FATE!" she calls out, ''yells'', and then she is running towards her with a huge grin on her face. Like, in fact, she hasn't seen her for months.

Because, to Lera, she hasn't. The taller girl will, unless stopped, scoop Fate up -- spin around -- and hug her tightly.

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

There's something mystical and wondrous about Fate Testarossa's trip through the scar in the World Tree. At some points her hair gets caught and tangled. At others she scrapes a knee - but she's truly enjoying it. This path between dream worlds. The blue light wholly encompasses her vision, as she squints and forces herself upright. For now she's all smiles - even as she picks bark out of her hair, lacing her fingers through to work out the tangles.

Only to discover her clothing has changed. Somewhat at least. In this world she's the Fate Testarossa that Lera Camry knew. She's wearing a yellow and white striped shirt - a light black jacket over that - a white skirt - and black sneakers.

In her hair though are blue hair ribbons tied to look like bows.

Fate puts her hand there to check, relieved...

Relieved that she could at least take that with her.

The area - it reminds her of everything she grew up with. Rigate is not Altseim but it is the mountains on the same world. Beautiful - majestic... and... she at least has the sense she's on Midchilda - somehow.

Fate turns around, then double takes, "Oh! A house!"

Fate looks behind her - the majestic mountains - then in front of her again - a house. Where did the tree go!?

Not questioning this. Fate takes a step towards it... But before she can even reach it.

Lera opens the door with Fate's fist extended. And the girl's face lights up - all smiles. "Lera!" For once in her life - Fate looks so happy. Genuine. Pure. There's nothing held back in that smile or that face.

Which is when Lera rushes her before she can take another step. Swept up in her hug - she's spun around. Giggling lightly.

"I missed you too!" Fate says sincerely as if sensing what Lera means by the gesture, her arms wrapping around her in mid-air.

Realizing though that they're still in a dream - she doesn't want to shock her right out of it. So instead she clears her throat. "Sorry to drop by unannounced - it's okay right? You don't mind? Ah..."

A second later she unwraps an arm to put a hand to her forehead, "Little dizzy...! That's okay though!"

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
In a way, it is sad that Lera isn't aware in the moment. She ''notices'', of course, that Fate looks unreservedly happy. She notices that Fate smiles without any hesitation. But, given the world that she knows, she assumes the reason is the same as hers: that she hasn't seen Fate for months, ever since Broken Ground was retrieved and she returned to Midchilda to see her parents.

She spins her, and then she sets her down on the porch. It is a large porch, and there is a swing. In the cool breeze, that swing sways lightly. Lera looks down at her, head tilted to the side.

She shakes her head quickly.

"S-Sorry," she says, with a sheepish laugh. "I, um, got a little carried away, y'know? And you don't need to apologize for anything! I, uh--"

She looks around for a moment, before she looks back down at Fate. "...I wasn't sure if you'd be able to come," she says. "It's been so hard to get here, and... I've missed everyone a lot! But, um--"

She looks back into the house. "Mom'll be so excited to see you again! And--and you can meet Dad, too!"

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

Fate stumble steps once she's set down before regaining her footing. Straightening upright - she smiles at her, "Oh! It was hard but - somehow - I managed!" Holding up a finger, "I just don't think I can do it again - or describe how I did it - I just somehow did!"

Well that's certainly on the level and not suspicious at all.

"And everyone says - 'Hi'! They miss you too! I wish I could have brought them. All of them..."

And then Lera says it - Dad.

Her expression doesn't quite fall. More that it freezes mid-word. She's still smiling after - though she's a little more subdued. "I'd like that."

There's this singular moment of awkwardness - where Fate can be caught in this internal debate. Her eyes down.

However it's no contest really. Maybe it'll be sadder or more painful if she waits - but if there's a chance at all of Lera coming to terms with her life like she did...

Then she'll give her that.

After just a moment's thought she lifts her eyes and smiles again, "... You know what - there's a lot I have to say - and tell you about. It can wait though. Can I go see your mom again first... and meet your dad?"

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
Lera tilts her head, blinking a couple of times. She finds it odd, but not suspicious. After all, Fate is not terribly dishonest; she is certainly not terribly sneaky. The end result is that it seems odd, and that leaves Lera confused -- but finally, she smiles, and decides to accept that.

She does, however, notice the freezing of her expression. That confuses Lera more, even if she misunderstands it. (How could she understand it?) She opens her mouth, for a moment, and then she closes it. She hesitates, before she nods quickly. "Don't worry," she says, "He'll be happy to meet you!"

She misunderstands, of course.

Lera extends a hand downward, towards Fate. She holds it out, waiting.

"And I wanna hear all the things you have to tell me," she says. "And about how everyone is doing! Ren, Endo, Nanoha... and Setsuna. And you, and everyone back at Miss Lindy's! I miss all of them, y'know?"

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

"You think so?"

Fate doesn't. Fate suspects that everyone in this realm will know why she's here.

She suspects that her presence will make them all sad and on edge.

And yet... she takes that hand without hesitation.

"Oh - yes - definitely! All about them... though first I want to hear all about you!"

-=-=-

Frederick Camry is all smiles as he sees Fate Testarossa. "It's so nice to meet you. My daughter has told me so much about you..." And yet Fate sees it in his eyes. That little hint of sadness.

She knows what it means.

After all she's here to take his daughter away from him.

"You can stay as long as you like of course." Frederick reassures her. Hoping she'll choose to make this a long visit rather than a short one. "But I understand this is your home planet too... if you'd like to do some sight-seeing but..."

He looks towards Lera and suddenly is all smiles again, "But let's talk about that later. Of course you'll be staying for dinner right?" He gives Lera a wink, "It's fortunate that we always make extra on Pad Thai night."

It's an Earth dish - but somehow - it's here.

Inexplicably.

Well not so much - it's Lera's favorite after all.

Fate is all smiles - but she caught the sudden shift. "Pad Thai? She loved that so much back on Earth... um... It's so good to meet you. Lera's told me so much about you too..."

Though not really so much - only how...

"How you inspired her quite a lot... to becoming the mage adventurer she is today..."

Frederick offers a chuckle, "Please - she gives me too much credit. I'm not even half the mage my daughter is." Fate smiles, "I don't think it has to do with how good of a mage you are... just how you went adventuring... searching for lost artifacts and relics of bygone civilizations... those stories meant a lot to her growing up. I'd say it's because of them... that she went to Earth. And so it's because of them that I was able to meet her."

Fate's eyes lift to smile at the man, "I guess what I'm saying is - thank you. Because of you I was able to meet your daughter. If I hadn't... I don't even know where I'd be today."

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
Lera looks sideways at Fate, and she hesitates -- before she grins. Her head nods once. "Let's see, then! All about them... well, you've met Mom. Dad's an archaeologist. He's really smart--and gentle, and kind, and..."

-=-=-

Lera sees the look in her father's eyes, and she smiles up at him. She looks up with adoring eyes, and then she scratches behind the back of her head. But, why do they make Pad Thai here? She briefly wonders about the strangeness of an Earth dish.

Briefly. She loves it, after all.

"It ''is'' my favorite, y'know?" She tilts her head to the, and then she looks towards Fate. Fate explains a little -- and then her eyes widen -- and she looks between them. "A-aw, you two, you're embarrassing me! I-I mean... it's true. If it wasn't for Dad, then..."

She looks down, fondly. "...I'm not sure I'd have gone to Earth." She keeps smiling. But, there is something sad there. There is a pain, in her heart, that she can't fully explain. "...I... don't know what I'd have done without you, Dad."

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

Frederick looks briefly stunned. "I..." Like he hadn't expected this girl who was here to take his daughter out of the dream to understand fully his connection to his daughter's life. What he meant to her even in his absence. "... you're welcome. I'm glad my daughter was able to be there for you." After a moment he clears his throat, and smiles at Lera, "You should get used to it Lera - given your mother."

Fate's head lightly tilts to the side. She's certainly met Meria, but she hadn't known Meria to be that embarrassing. It's in that moment perhaps she realizes that... there's a reason for that.

Fate understands all too well that grief does funny things to people.

Frederick claps a hand lightly on Lera's shoulder, "Well you won't have to find out for a long - long time Lera. I'm home for good this time."

Fate doesn't say anything. Instead looking towards the kitchen. "Pad Thai..." She says in wonder.

Not knowing Midchildan cuisine very well though she can't gainsay it.

After a moment she perks up to smile again, "You have a lovely home. Thank you for your hospitality."

Maybe she's trying to change the subject?

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
"W-Well..."

Lera looks between them. She doesn't understand the words, but she understands more of the mood. She lets it sink into her; she realizes that there is something here that she is missing. It feels just out of reach, like something she grasps for and cannot clasp -- or something she looks for, but finds it missing. Still, a smile crosses her lips.

She looks towards her father, then, and smiles. She rests her hand on his and nods. "Y-Yeah," she says. "Maybe, um..." She looks back towards Fate for a moment. "...You hungry? I bet dinner is almost done."

Which is when there is a clamor -- and Meria Camry approaches, hair in a tight bun. She looks different, in this ideal world of Lera's; a few less lines on her face, her hair a little looser, her smile coming more easily. She still looks like a shorter, slightly plumper version of her daughter. She is also wearing sweats.

Meria Camry, even in a fantasy of her daughter's mind, dresses like a slob at home.

"I hope it's done soon!" she says. "Oh, hello, Fate. Glad you beat the dimensional nonsense. I'd offer you my cooking, but it's all his."

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

Fate realizes she hasn't eaten since Breakfast with the Testarossas... After a moment she smiles. "I could definitely eat."

Frederick plants a kiss on Meria's cheek, "Look who's here..." He doesn't notice of course that she's dressed like a slob because Meria Camry is the woman he loves - including the fact that she's a slob.

"Oh - Oh yes! Yes... I definitely beat it. Just like... just like you were able to..."

She makes a little fist and hooks the air like it was a simple opponent for her to defeat it.

Frederick actually manages a proud smile, "The special ingredient is a father's love and care."

Fate actually seems surprised like that's a real thing, "Oh! Is that the secret? I'm having trouble with my apple pies..."

Frederick looks at Lera, like he's sharing a secret with her in that moment, "What a coincidence... I have one of mine cooling on the window sill right now..."

<Be Careful. Pie Thieves Abound Sir.>

Chimes Bardiche. And Frederick laughs, "That must be your device. What was his name again? Glaive Guisarme?" Fate clears her throat and smiles, "Bardiche." "Well it's nice to meet you Bardiche. It sounds like there's a story in that..." Fate smiles, "Oh there certainly is..."

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
Lera's eyes widen for a moment. While she told her parents about Fate, she didn't tell them everything -- even if Meria was shocked to learn that Precia Testarossa had, somehow, survived. She looks, hesitantly, at her father. "Y-Yep!" she says. "Quite the story, y'know?"

She laughs, sheepishly, as she looks back at her dad. She gives him a brief look -- and a raised eyebrow. His secret ingredient, she thinks, might be a little corny. It is, however, sweet. And the smile on her face says as much.

"C'mon, Dad," she says. "Let's get things set up!"

"Good!" Meria says. Then, she slides next to Fate. She leans over and whispers to her: "I see that Bardiche has perfected his pie sensors. Good... good. We'll need to discuss this further!"

-=-=-

Dinner comes.

The Pad Thai is glorious; not only is it Lera's favorite food, but it is her ideal Pad Thai. The noodles have just that right amount of bite for al dente; there is a subtle spice from the sauce; the peanut crumbs give it a little crunch, along with the vegetables. Lera digs into it with a single-mindedness.

But she does look up, part way through. "Fate's actually had this sometimes!" she says. "Back on Earth. Right, Fate? But... it's never quite as good as here!"

Meria laughs. "Mm-hm!" She nods. "It was quite the wonder when this just started showing up on Midchilda..."

Lera nods, before she looks at them. "But, um... Fate's always been a good friend of mine! Ever since... everything that happened. I thought... you know, just the idea I'd never see her--or my other friends again, or Earth again..."

She looks down. Then, she looks to Fate. "...It was scary, y'know?"

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



He learned that during a duel with Nanoha after all.

-=-=-

Fate is mid-noodle slurp, and she's happily doing so. Eating with a certain single-mindedness. Only stopping to smile and wipe her chin. "Lera introduced me to it. Before her - I ah - mostly ate junk food." Mostly because she was driven to not have time to always sit down and eat. But also because... Arf loves junk food.

<It's good that you're eating properly now Sir.>

Frederick gives Meria a conspiratorial look, "Yes - a true miracle." That wink he gives make it definitely seem like he had a hand in it.

Fate stops eating for a moment though when Lera says that, "Lera... of course we were going to see each other again. Whatever happens - there's nothing that could keep me away from you..."

Frederick chooses that moment to say, "Calen are you finished yet? We have company you know..." And a younger voice pipes up, "Coming!"

A door opens at that moment - the child is a few years younger than Fate, with dirty hands. "You should wash up - but meet Fate. She's a friend of your big sister." "Oh hey! You've come a long way..."

Fate's eyes are just glued to the younger boy that Lera never mentioned. It takes her a few moments to realize...

In reality... he never existed.

"It's nice to meet you Calen." "You're younger than I pictured you." He says a little precociously rather than saying likewise. "Only a little older than me." "Ah! Well... I can see why you'd think I'm older... I started learning magic when I was very young."

Frederick mentions as an aside pointedly towards Fate, "Calen takes after his mother, always fiddling with something in the workshop... I bet one day he'll be Midchilda's preeminent Maester." Calen complains as he soaps up his hands in the sink, "Daddddd...."

And Fate just watches...

-=-=-

BGM Change: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eZVfY3TX2c

It's late, and lacking a guest room - Fate is staying in Lera's. She has the window open right now, leaning against it as the moonlight pours down around her.

She wears a smile - but it seems a little careworn. As she converses quietly.

<Is it time?>

"... It has to be now. We have so many of the others to find Bardiche and... with every passing moment who knows what's going on outside..."

After a moment, she offers this lengthy sigh.

"I wish I could give her more time..."

Turning around, she looks in Lera's direction, beginning softly, "Lera... does anything ever feel off for you? A feeling you can't explain... like you look at someone in your family and... you just hurt... and don't quite know why?"

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
"One day, when I'm through with the world... the cake will never be a lie," Meria promises, mysteriously.

-=-=-

"I've wondered about that, you know," Meria says to Frederick, giving him a knowing glance. She isn't fooled by that. She cracks a smile, sitting back in her chair. She looks, for the moment, happy.

And Lera smiles, when she watches her parents together. It feels right, she thinks, for her mother to be so happy. But... why? Why does it feel strange and distant, somehow, to see her mother and father together? Hadn't it always been this way?

Her mouth opens -- and then closes, though, when she looks at Fate. She hesitates, at the words; then, she smiles. "...Yeah. I meant what I said, y'know?" she says. "That... I'd always be with you guys. That we'd stay friends, forever."

But why, then, does it feel like she failed?

She starts to look down -- until Calen enters, and she turns her head, to see that head of brown hair, but amber eyes like hers. She blinks, and then she grins. "Mm-hm," she says. "It's true! A regular prodigy. He takes after Mom, and I take after Dad..."

-=-=-

Lera stretches, as she walks out of the bathroom adjoined to her room. She has a white T-shirt and shorts on; the T-shirt has the Rigate Giants logo on the left breast, though it's faded with time and wear. She tilts her head. She had heard Fate and Bardiche talking, but not the specifics of the words.

She beams at Fate, happy, despite a few of the doubts that linger in her mind. She feels them as little thorns, dug in and refusing to leave, but so out of place.

So when Fate calls them out -- when she describes, so perfectly, what she feels -- it's a shock. Her amber eyes widen, and they give the truth that comes better than anything Lera could say. She knows that feeling; she knows that pain. She knows who Fate means.

"I..." She trails off, and then looks down. "...I mean, yeah. I... I figure everyone does, sometimes, y'know?"

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

The look Lera gives her says it all. The moonlight leaves a bright outline around Fate as she keeps one hand on the window sill. She's still - but she smiles. "When I woke up a few days ago I was back on Altseim in Midchilda. It was just Mother... Linith... Arf... me..."

Her neck makes a half-turn towards the window, "... and my big sister. Alicia. Whenever I looked at her... I felt the same way. I had trouble letting Mother hug me too... they all told me I must have just had a nightmare..."

Her hand slides along the grain of the windowsill's wood. "And maybe I tried to believe it for a while... but it wasn't like that..."

There's a knocking on the door. Fate freezes for a moment. And Frederick opens it. He's bearing two plates with a smile. "I brought up two slices of pie... a la mode of course." The melting ice cream is evidence of that. And his eyes level on Fate as he hands Lera a piece of pie. "You know I was thinking what you told me about the adventure you two had back on Earth. And it just reminded me about when I was younger - travelling.". Sometimes I just... rushed into things without being mindful of the consequences. More often than not it put me into some real hot water."

He gives Fate a really hard look, "I just thought it was something to be mindful of."

Fate gives him a long look before prompting quietly, "She deserves to know." And Frederick says mildly with a hint of sadness creeping into that, "Don't you think she deserves to be happy more?"

Fate says quietly, "Tell her." Frederick doesn't get angry, more sad as he counters, "There's nothing to tell."

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
Lera's eyes widen, slowly.

She may not be able to identify what feels wrong, here, but she can see that what Fate tells her is wrong. She knows, through personal experience and the injuries to prove it, that Precia Testarossa is dead. She opens her mouth, but she stays silent for a moment. "Fate..." she finally manages. "Your mother, Linith, Alice, they're..."

But, no, Fate explains: that it was an illusion. That it was something she wanted to believe, but it wasn't real. Her eyes widen, as she almost begins to understand. The knock, then, is an interruption in the truest sense of the world: it stops her from askng more, and it stops her from thinking on it further. That the knock was so perfectly timed...

She doesn't, yet, wonder about what that means. She looks at her father, taking the slice of pie in her hands. Her mouth opens for a moment, and then closes. What he says makes sense...

...and yet...

It's Fate's quiet voice that, in the end, reinforces that doubt. Lera's amber eyes drift away from Frederick, to look down at Fate. Then, they look back, until they meet the same amber eyes. She tenses, her hand clutching the fork a little too tightly.

"...Tell me what, Dad?"

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

Frederick casts Lera an unhappy look. As if he were disappointed - not disappointed at Lera. Never that. Just... disappointed it came to this.

Some things once done - can never be undone.

"If you're asking that there's no helping it..." There's a sigh, as he runs his free hand through his hair. "We just wanted you to be happy... Lera."

Taking a few languid steps towards the bed, he suddenly looks tired as he settles himself down on it. Patting her down to take a seat.

"And maybe I wanted the opportunity to spend some time with my daughter without... anything coming between us."

It's unclear in this moment how much of this is the Book of Darkness... and how much of this is perhaps some lingering will.

Fate doesn't say anything for a few moments, then says, "I'm sorry." Frederick closes his eyes, "You don't need to apologize. You're just trying to do what you think is best for my daughter. I can't hate you for that. I can't even find fault in it."

Motioning for Lera to sit down, he waits for her to do so then... "I wanted this for real you know. It was just... the only way to have it. Even for a little while."

Opening his eyes, they're glimmering a little under the moonlight with droplets of water. "This isn't real Lera. Think about it for a while and you'll know where you are..."

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
Lera takes a bite of her pie, the spoon turned upside down and stuck into her mouth. She pulls it out slowly, and then rests it against the plate. It hits with a clang, and she looks down at the plate for a moment.

'We just wanted you to be happy.'

Her eyes stare down at the plate, which doesn't feel so real. It feels numb between her fingers -- and she slides it onto the nightstand, before she looks back up at him. Her eyes shift, turning to look at Fate for a moment. She looks bewildered, before she walks to the bed, and takes a seat next to him.

"Nothing was going to come between us," she says, quietly. "C-C'mon. You know that," she says. "Nothing..."

She quiets down, though, as he explains. Her eyes lift, and she looks up at Fate. She locks eyes with her, as the realization sets in: that what Fate said is true, that this isn't real. Because, in the end, her father was the one that she looked at and felt that pain so sharp that she could almost double over. She turns to look at him, and her eyes are wide. "I don't--I don't understand. I don't know what..."

The protests come fast, but then they die out on her lips. Her voice catches. "...I--I was with my friends on Earth," she says. "We were fighting something, and--" The image of Signum and Vita turning into so much light comes back. "--and before that, there was... there was a lot of stuff. I... I didn't leave Earth. I stayed there with my friends. Because... because you weren't..."

She looks down, and a handle rises, trembling, to cover her lips.

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

Frederick's lips pinch together for a moment when Lera says that, suddenly overwhelmed, before he slowly finds the words, "I wish that were so."

Lera locks eyes with Fate, and Fate just rubs a hand across the windowsill. She doesn't say more. No more prompting. They let it come out at her own pace. And when Lera finishes, Fate closes her eyes. "We're inside the Book Lera - or something... created by the Book. I found my way out of... where I was... and came for you..."

Frederick reaches out a hand towards Lera as if to comfort her, then let's it drop for a moment. Fate continues quietly, "Some things within these worlds... I think it's just... the Book trying to make us happy... but... not everyone is like that..."

Fate turns to look at Frederick, a little pointedly. "I may never be Precia Testarossa's daughter. I accept that now..." She allows herself a smile, "... but I found out that I was Alicia Testarossa's little sister. And that was so wonderful... I feel lighter. Lighter than I have in a long time."

Fate slowly moves to take her slice of pie a la mode from Frederick, "Thank you for the pie. I'm glad that I met you... but... I think I should leave you two alone for a little while..."

Fate opens the door of Lera's room. Then slowly closes it behind her.

Frederick inhales once. "It was selfish of me - but your old man wanted to see you again. I meant every word I said... you've become such a fine young woman. Even if you found... something in the stories of my life... it feels like I've had very little hand in that."

After a moment he wraps an arm around Lera from the side, it feels like a test of sorts - to make certain she won't just reject it. "I'm proud of you Lera... and I love you."

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
Lera's mouth clamps shut, when he corrects her. She stays on the bed, but she pulls her legs up, knees against her chin. Fate has seen it before; she does that when she gets worried or on edge. She looks sideways at Frederick, and her eyes start to widen. There is a hint of alarm there, as she realizes the power that the Book is expressing -- to be able to make the boundary between life and... where he was more porous. "It's... it's the wish. The one that girl, Hayate Yagami, made."

She looks back at Fate, when she speaks. "You... you met her? Then..." She looks down, though, as Fate excuses her. But, she nods. Even if she feels that same feeling as before, that pain in the bottom of her chest, she doesn't argue.

This is a talk for two.

The door closes with a click.

Lera is quiet for a moment, while he explains. It settles in, finally, how this isn't normal; that she is talking to someone that she hasn't in almost thirteen years. Someone that she thought about every day of her life, but that she can't say she knew. "Mom told me a lot of stories, y'know?" she says, quietly. "I was... I was too young to get it, at first. Even at the funeral, I didn't understand. But Mom was..." Her breath rattles, as she thinks about it, and remembers that day.

His arm is around her, and Lera didn't pull away at first. But, she takes a second, before she leans against him, her head on his shoulder. She feels her face getting hot, around her eyes, and her lips strain into a line. She fights back a sigh.

She squeezes her eyes shut. "I love you, too. But I got older, and I realized... I missed you. And you'd never see me grow up. I--we'd always miss you. And I carry it with me every day."

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

All Fate answers is with a nod and a smile. Whatever sadness that world brought her...

It seemed to have done her a world of good.

But for now the door is closed and the two are alone.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you... it feels like I missed so much."

When Lera leans against him, her other arm joins to lace around her.

"You know back then as I lay dying - I thought it'd be nice to just have one more day where we could be a family again. One more day between father and daughter."

His eyes still glimmer some, as he sniffs, "Maybe I miss carrying you around a little - but I don't regret how long it took for me to have that one day. Some things back then... I could say them and you just wouldn't understand... or remember. And now you can..."

Taking a deep breath, he says quietly, "Lera... I'm glad you missed me enough to bring me back to you. But I also know now... you can't stay here. You deserve to live your life. To find your own happiness. Not to just dwell upon what you could have had with your father."

He looks her straight in the eyes as he says, "That's all I ever wanted for you - you know that right?" He eyes her, and his lip curves up in a smile, "I'm glad you and your mother made up. Tell her she deserves to find happiness too for me. A last message from her adoring husband."

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
"It's not your fault. It... it wasn't anyone's fault."

Except maybe fate or chance, but that isn't a bitterness than she has in her. She looks up, peering from his shoulder to look at his face, and she shakes her head against his shoulder. "I-I know. I didn't... I didn't really understand a lot of things, then. About--about your side of the family being from the Autonomous Region, about how you and Mom met. She tells the story a little differently than you, y'know. More explosions in hers."

She cracks a slight smile at that, but it's only a ghost of the usual one. She looks down at her lap, as he points out the truth: she can't stay here. As much as she wants to.

She bites her lip. "I know. I'll tell her." Lera's voice grows quieter. "We're--we're doing okay. It took us awhile to figure out how to get by with just us two. I-I know I have to go, but..." Her lower lip trembles, and she wipes at her eye, but there are already tears rolling down her cheeks. "...I want more time. I want to know who you were. I don't--I don't want to lose that again."

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

"She would." Frederick has a ghost of a smile there. "She fell in love with the adventure - and I fell in love with her." That doesn't seem to be criticism, if anything he's still adoring.

"Ah Lera..." Frederick says it so quietly, "I know. I know because I wish we had more time too. That's all everyone wishes they had kiddo - and the one thing noone has. More time."

Drawing her in close he says it quietly, "We all get exactly as much time as we're allotted though - same as everyone else. A lifetime. That I got more - it's a real miracle."

Drawing back after one fierce hug, he puts his hands on her shoulders, giving her a serious look. "If you stay here much longer though - you won't be able to go back. And your friends - loved ones - they're all out there. Caught in their own dream. Or in the world outside during whatever is happening right now. Don't make it a choice between your old man and them."

Now he smiles warmly, "Even if it was - to that daughter of mine I'm so proud of - it'd be no contest. Right?"

He keeps holding her gaze with his own tear-filled one for a few moments, "And know that your father is rooting for you."

He doesn't need to say no matter how it turns out - he'll still be proud of her. Because she doesn't need to earn it.

He already is proud. It's simple fact.

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
"That... that sounds like her," Lera says with a little laugh.

She sniffs, though, and she looks up at him. She hugs him back, head buried against his shoulder. "Y-Yeah," she agrees. "It is a miracle. I--I never thought I'd have the chance to..."
Hers chance to do something that she has trouble putting in words. It never felt right in front of a gravestone; it never felt right all the times she visited the cemetery. She looks back up, tear-filled eyes blinking. Then, she smiles, slowly; she wipes at her eyes with a hand, before laying it atop one of the ones that he rests on her shoulder.

"I won't let them down," she says, quietly. "It's... it's what someone with the proud Camry name would do, right? Go save the world, again." She smiles, now, through her tears. "You and Mom gave me that. I meant it, when I said that the best parts of me came from you. I love you, y'know? And..."

She wipes at her eyes, again, and then launches forward into one last hug, head buried against her chest. The words she never found in the last thirteen years are there, finally, and hard to say... but not impossible, the way they once were.

"Goodbye, Dad."

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

Before he'd told Lera that it feels like he had very little to do with how she was brought up. Had very little hand in the best parts of her. But that's in part humility in action. If Lera wants to take pride in such things as her father... "It is." He says finally, when it comes to the Camry name, "It's what I'd do."

Then who is he tell her otherwise?

"You know that girl Fate... when she told me that I inspired you in some way..." It's one thing to hear it from Lera who's been trapped within the dream, her perceptions skewed. It's another thing to hear it from someone else who knows his daughter. To know his daughter was talking about him

"It made me happy. It made me happy to know that I got to be a part of your life beyond just... what I got. That I had some hand at all in making you the wonderful - special girl you are today..."

He closes his eyes for a moment, "I was happy."

When Lera launches that last hug, his eyes are still closed. His arms wrap around her so tightly, as he lightly rubs her back for comfort. And then - "I love you."

He becomes ephemeral in that moment, first his tears that are wet and hot - glimmering like stars, then the rest of him slowly. A million million tiny sparkling blue fireflies.

"Goodbye Lera."

And then he vanishes.

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
She looks up, smiling still, through the tears. It's a little thing, she thinks, hearing that he was proud of her; that he was happy, to have touched her life, even when he was gone. She blinks, though, as the hug becomes less tight -- as his form becomes more corporeal. The swirl of blue lights that flutters up around her. Without his weight, Lera leans forward, but she doesn't topple.

The lights vanish after his words. Lera raises a hand, palm against her mouth, and she sobs into it. Her fingers curl, and she stays leaning forward in a room that is, suddenly, quite still.

The house grows quieter and more empty now. With Frederick gone, the house has that sensation of being empty that comes naturally. The wooden frame of the home settles, which makes the door to Lera's room come ajar, with a soft creak.

She looks up at the door, bleary-eyed, but standing up slowly. As she rises to her feet, a last pair of blue fireflies swirl up around her head, and then wink out. She reaches up, to the gold necklace around a green gem, and her fingers curl around it tightly.

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

As Lera looks back at the vision of her home, a voice behind her starts softly, "I'm sorry... when I found out that you knew who I was..."

Fate shuffles her feet, "I... was worried... in a world where you have everyone... in your life... where the only thing seperating us is one problem solved... one adventure..."

The world is better for her today than it was yesterday - because she is Alicia Testarossa's little sister. Because she was worth enough for the real one to come back and save the failed - fake doll.

That the effort put into that by a member of her family... it made her realize that she has worth beyond the labels Precia placed on her.

"...it felt like if I gave you more time - you might never break free on your own."

She was worried because... the world outside certainly doesn't seem like a better one than the one in here for Lera Camry.

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
The voice surprises Lera -- and yet, it doesn't. Frederick told her that the Book was behind this, and all of this was an illusion. If the illusion has broken, then continuity is something that begins to unravel and fall apart. Lera turns around on a foot, and finds Fate there, feet shuffling, as she explains.

She wipes at her eyes a few more times. She has a portion of her composure back -- enough to help her step forward, and then kneel down next to the shorter girl, so she can see her on her level.

"It's okay," she says. "I never... I never got to talk to him. Not since I was so little that I barely remembered anything he said, just... an impression of what he was like, y'know?" Her expression is saddened, but her smile stays. "And it was a nice dream. But..."

She falls quiet, again, debating what to say.

"...He's right. There's so many people waiting for me. Counting on me. On us," she says. "I can't stay here, and he's... even if he's gone, he's still with me. But the others aren't gone."

Lera hesitates, and it seems that she isn't done with hugs today, because she pulls Fate into one. "You're not. And there's a lot more we gotta do, y'know? So... so thank you, Fate."

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

Lera draws Fate into a hug, and Fate hugs her back ferociously. Squeezing her so tightly.

"I'm so glad you're with me Lera..."

She broke free for the rest of them after all. Even if she was happy - things just aren't complete without them.

Alicia did say she's glad the reason she's leaving them is love.

"That you got to see him again... speak to him... it's truly wonderful... the best kind of dream. It's just... time to wake up."

Eventually letting go, she smiles at her. "And I'm happy to be the first person to tell you - Good Morning."

Taking a step back, "When I last spoke to Alicia the World Tree was just there... I brought out Bardiche and..."



"Don't sulk. You were magnificent Bardiche." Fate turns around and bumps right into the World Tree and marvels - "Oh. I guess - I took care of it for good! That makes things easier."

The world tree has a deep scar in it - passage for both of them. She holds out a hand to her, "Ready Lera?"

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
"Y-Yeah..." Lera's voice shakes, a little, as she agrees. But then, sits back, and looks at Fate. "Good morning, huh...? That does sound nice."

He would have left, too, she thinks. That gives Lera the reason that she needs to stand up. She does; parts of the house shift and fade around her, as she does. Her hands extend -- and a long, two-paned sword of gold and silver appears in her right, and a clockwork shield on her left. The two Devices hum, energy glowing.

<Ready, Ground?> Sky asks.

<You know it.>

Lera turns, and then blinks at the fact that the World Tree is now where her living room was. Her eyes widen. "Ah, it's so big--" But, she sees the scar on it. A twisted, ugly thing; a thing that reminds her of how she came here and what she has to do. But, still, she hesitates for a moment.

'And know that your father is rooting for you.'

She smiles, slowly, and nods. "Ready," she says, as she takes the first step forward.

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

Dream the world. Not this pallid shadow of reality. Dream the world the way it truly is.

When they enter. Something changes. It's like the dulcet call that lulls most people into dreaming has not passed away... but is lesser at least. For those who have chosen to leave. Like some narcotic woven mist in the air has momentarily receded.

It's an interesting trip for the two girls - like passage through a wardrobe into another world. The tree is an organic thing. The passage feels like it would be alive - if the tree itself weren't dead. At times they have to flatten themselves against the side. At others then have to go down on hands and knees. It feels more like spelunking in a cave.

Soon enough though - there's blue light shining on the other side.

"I really don't know how to pick where we go... who knows where we'll turn up next?"

Fate certainly doesn't - though she has her own hopes...

And then, they cross over to the other side. As the light starts to clear, "Well... whoever it is... I'm sure it'll work out."

[[Category:Logs]]

2018-06-22 - LOTUS INCEPTION: Lera Camry

2018-06-23T16:08:03Z

{|class="toccolours" cellspacing="2"
|-
! style="background:#CC6699; border: 2px #CC0033 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" colspan="2" | '''Title: LOTUS INCEPTION: Lera Camry'''
|-
|'''Summary''': 
''Fate arrives to wake Lera up, by coming to terms with someone she lost.''
|-
|'''Who''': 
[[Lera Camry]], [[Fate Testarossa]], Meria Camry, Frederick Camry
|-
|'''Where:''' Rigate, Rigate Region, Midchilda

}}

|-
|'''OOC - IC Date:''' 
6/22/2018 - April 27, 2015
|-
|}

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
The Rigate region of Midchilda is the sort of place that someone with even the barest level of familiarity with the planet may recognize. After all, it is something of a premier tourist region: snowy peaks, skiing, fishing, and some of the most striking scenery on that planet draw tourists when the season is in. Thus, when Fate arrives, she may find it familiar -- like looking at a post card.

It may not make sense, at first, though.

The Algernhorn looms, with its slightly hooked peak, in the background. That wall of granite and ice forms the majestic backdrop to a two-storied, wooden country home. The roof is peaked, with sloped roofing and wooden beams visible from the outside. It is a spacious home; the sort of place that takes money to acquire, though not the ostentatiousness one might expect of the fabulously wealthy.

The reason, however, that Fate has found herself in the Rigatian Alps makes herself known on the front door of the house. Lera Camry steps out, wearing a sweater -- because it is cold, in this world, a pleasant late spring chill -- and with her hands at her side. She tilts her head, before her amber eyes light up brilliantly.

"FATE!" she calls out, ''yells'', and then she is running towards her with a huge grin on her face. Like, in fact, she hasn't seen her for months.

Because, to Lera, she hasn't. The taller girl will, unless stopped, scoop Fate up -- spin around -- and hug her tightly.

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

There's something mystical and wondrous about Fate Testarossa's trip through the scar in the World Tree. At some points her hair gets caught and tangled. At others she scrapes a knee - but she's truly enjoying it. This path between dream worlds. The blue light wholly encompasses her vision, as she squints and forces herself upright. For now she's all smiles - even as she picks bark out of her hair, lacing her fingers through to work out the tangles.

Only to discover her clothing has changed. Somewhat at least. In this world she's the Fate Testarossa that Lera Camry knew. She's wearing a yellow and white striped shirt - a light black jacket over that - a white skirt - and black sneakers.

In her hair though are blue hair ribbons tied to look like bows.

Fate puts her hand there to check, relieved...

Relieved that she could at least take that with her.

The area - it reminds her of everything she grew up with. Rigate is not Altseim but it is the mountains on the same world. Beautiful - majestic... and... she at least has the sense she's on Midchilda - somehow.

Fate turns around, then double takes, "Oh! A house!"

Fate looks behind her - the majestic mountains - then in front of her again - a house. Where did the tree go!?

Not questioning this. Fate takes a step towards it... But before she can even reach it.

Lera opens the door with Fate's fist extended. And the girl's face lights up - all smiles. "Lera!" For once in her life - Fate looks so happy. Genuine. Pure. There's nothing held back in that smile or that face.

Which is when Lera rushes her before she can take another step. Swept up in her hug - she's spun around. Giggling lightly.

"I missed you too!" Fate says sincerely as if sensing what Lera means by the gesture, her arms wrapping around her in mid-air.

Realizing though that they're still in a dream - she doesn't want to shock her right out of it. So instead she clears her throat. "Sorry to drop by unannounced - it's okay right? You don't mind? Ah..."

A second later she unwraps an arm to put a hand to her forehead, "Little dizzy...! That's okay though!"

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
In a way, it is sad that Lera isn't aware in the moment. She ''notices'', of course, that Fate looks unreservedly happy. She notices that Fate smiles without any hesitation. But, given the world that she knows, she assumes the reason is the same as hers: that she hasn't seen Fate for months, ever since Broken Ground was retrieved and she returned to Midchilda to see her parents.

She spins her, and then she sets her down on the porch. It is a large porch, and there is a swing. In the cool breeze, that swing sways lightly. Lera looks down at her, head tilted to the side.

She shakes her head quickly.

"S-Sorry," she says, with a sheepish laugh. "I, um, got a little carried away, y'know? And you don't need to apologize for anything! I, uh--"

She looks around for a moment, before she looks back down at Fate. "...I wasn't sure if you'd be able to come," she says. "It's been so hard to get here, and... I've missed everyone a lot! But, um--"

She looks back into the house. "Mom'll be so excited to see you again! And--and you can meet Dad, too!"

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

Fate stumble steps once she's set down before regaining her footing. Straightening upright - she smiles at her, "Oh! It was hard but - somehow - I managed!" Holding up a finger, "I just don't think I can do it again - or describe how I did it - I just somehow did!"

Well that's certainly on the level and not suspicious at all.

"And everyone says - 'Hi'! They miss you too! I wish I could have brought them. All of them..."

And then Lera says it - Dad.

Her expression doesn't quite fall. More that it freezes mid-word. She's still smiling after - though she's a little more subdued. "I'd like that."

There's this singular moment of awkwardness - where Fate can be caught in this internal debate. Her eyes down.

However it's no contest really. Maybe it'll be sadder or more painful if she waits - but if there's a chance at all of Lera coming to terms with her life like she did...

Then she'll give her that.

After just a moment's thought she lifts her eyes and smiles again, "... You know what - there's a lot I have to say - and tell you about. It can wait though. Can I go see your mom again first... and meet your dad?"

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
Lera tilts her head, blinking a couple of times. She finds it odd, but not suspicious. After all, Fate is not terribly dishonest; she is certainly not terribly sneaky. The end result is that it seems odd, and that leaves Lera confused -- but finally, she smiles, and decides to accept that.

She does, however, notice the freezing of her expression. That confuses Lera more, even if she misunderstands it. (How could she understand it?) She opens her mouth, for a moment, and then she closes it. She hesitates, before she nods quickly. "Don't worry," she says, "He'll be happy to meet you!"

She misunderstands, of course.

Lera extends a hand downward, towards Fate. She holds it out, waiting.

"And I wanna hear all the things you have to tell me," she says. "And about how everyone is doing! Ren, Endo, Nanoha... and Setsuna. And you, and everyone back at Miss Lindy's! I miss all of them, y'know?"

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

"You think so?"

Fate doesn't. Fate suspects that everyone in this realm will know why she's here.

She suspects that her presence will make them all sad and on edge.

And yet... she takes that hand without hesitation.

"Oh - yes - definitely! All about them... though first I want to hear all about you!"

-=-=-

Frederick Camry is all smiles as he sees Fate Testarossa. "It's so nice to meet you. My daughter has told me so much about you..." And yet Fate sees it in his eyes. That little hint of sadness.

She knows what it means.

After all she's here to take his daughter away from him.

"You can stay as long as you like of course." Frederick reassures her. Hoping she'll choose to make this a long visit rather than a short one. "But I understand this is your home planet too... if you'd like to do some sight-seeing but..."

He looks towards Lera and suddenly is all smiles again, "But let's talk about that later. Of course you'll be staying for dinner right?" He gives Lera a wink, "It's fortunate that we always make extra on Pad Thai night."

It's an Earth dish - but somehow - it's here.

Inexplicably.

Well not so much - it's Lera's favorite after all.

Fate is all smiles - but she caught the sudden shift. "Pad Thai? She loved that so much back on Earth... um... It's so good to meet you. Lera's told me so much about you too..."

Though not really so much - only how...

"How you inspired her quite a lot... to becoming the mage adventurer she is today..."

Frederick offers a chuckle, "Please - she gives me too much credit. I'm not even half the mage my daughter is." Fate smiles, "I don't think it has to do with how good of a mage you are... just how you went adventuring... searching for lost artifacts and relics of bygone civilizations... those stories meant a lot to her growing up. I'd say it's because of them... that she went to Earth. And so it's because of them that I was able to meet her."

Fate's eyes lift to smile at the man, "I guess what I'm saying is - thank you. Because of you I was able to meet your daughter. If I hadn't... I don't even know where I'd be today."

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
Lera looks sideways at Fate, and she hesitates -- before she grins. Her head nods once. "Let's see, then! All about them... well, you've met Mom. Dad's an archaeologist. He's really smart--and gentle, and kind, and..."

-=-=-

Lera sees the look in her father's eyes, and she smiles up at him. She looks up with adoring eyes, and then she scratches behind the back of her head. But, why do they make Pad Thai here? She briefly wonders about the strangeness of an Earth dish.

Briefly. She loves it, after all.

"It ''is'' my favorite, y'know?" She tilts her head to the, and then she looks towards Fate. Fate explains a little -- and then her eyes widen -- and she looks between them. "A-aw, you two, you're embarrassing me! I-I mean... it's true. If it wasn't for Dad, then..."

She looks down, fondly. "...I'm not sure I'd have gone to Earth." She keeps smiling. But, there is something sad there. There is a pain, in her heart, that she can't fully explain. "...I... don't know what I'd have done without you, Dad."

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

Frederick looks briefly stunned. "I..." Like he hadn't expected this girl who was here to take his daughter out of the dream to understand fully his connection to his daughter's life. What he meant to her even in his absence. "... you're welcome. I'm glad my daughter was able to be there for you." After a moment he clears his throat, and smiles at Lera, "You should get used to it Lera - given your mother."

Fate's head lightly tilts to the side. She's certainly met Meria, but she hadn't known Meria to be that embarrassing. It's in that moment perhaps she realizes that... there's a reason for that.

Fate understands all too well that grief does funny things to people.

Frederick claps a hand lightly on Lera's shoulder, "Well you won't have to find out for a long - long time Lera. I'm home for good this time."

Fate doesn't say anything. Instead looking towards the kitchen. "Pad Thai..." She says in wonder.

Not knowing Midchildan cuisine very well though she can't gainsay it.

After a moment she perks up to smile again, "You have a lovely home. Thank you for your hospitality."

Maybe she's trying to change the subject?

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
"W-Well..."

Lera looks between them. She doesn't understand the words, but she understands more of the mood. She lets it sink into her; she realizes that there is something here that she is missing. It feels just out of reach, like something she grasps for and cannot clasp -- or something she looks for, but finds it missing. Still, a smile crosses her lips.

She looks towards her father, then, and smiles. She rests her hand on his and nods. "Y-Yeah," she says. "Maybe, um..." She looks back towards Fate for a moment. "...You hungry? I bet dinner is almost done."

Which is when there is a clamor -- and Meria Camry approaches, hair in a tight bun. She looks different, in this ideal world of Lera's; a few less lines on her face, her hair a little looser, her smile coming more easily. She still looks like a shorter, slightly plumper version of her daughter. She is also wearing sweats.

Meria Camry, even in a fantasy of her daughter's mind, dresses like a slob at home.

"I hope it's done soon!" she says. "Oh, hello, Fate. Glad you beat the dimensional nonsense. I'd offer you my cooking, but it's all his."

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

Fate realizes she hasn't eaten since Breakfast with the Testarossas... After a moment she smiles. "I could definitely eat."

Frederick plants a kiss on Meria's cheek, "Look who's here..." He doesn't notice of course that she's dressed like a slob because Meria Camry is the woman he loves - including the fact that she's a slob.

"Oh - Oh yes! Yes... I definitely beat it. Just like... just like you were able to..."

She makes a little fist and hooks the air like it was a simple opponent for her to defeat it.

Frederick actually manages a proud smile, "The special ingredient is a father's love and care."

Fate actually seems surprised like that's a real thing, "Oh! Is that the secret? I'm having trouble with my apple pies..."

Frederick looks at Lera, like he's sharing a secret with her in that moment, "What a coincidence... I have one of mine cooling on the window sill right now..."

<Be Careful. Pie Thieves Abound Sir.>

Chimes Bardiche. And Frederick laughs, "That must be your device. What was his name again? Glaive Guisarme?" Fate clears her throat and smiles, "Bardiche." "Well it's nice to meet you Bardiche. It sounds like there's a story in that..." Fate smiles, "Oh there certainly is..."

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
Lera's eyes widen for a moment. While she told her parents about Fate, she didn't tell them everything -- even if Meria was shocked to learn that Precia Testarossa had, somehow, survived. She looks, hesitantly, at her father. "Y-Yep!" she says. "Quite the story, y'know?"

She laughs, sheepishly, as she looks back at her dad. She gives him a brief look -- and a raised eyebrow. His secret ingredient, she thinks, might be a little corny. It is, however, sweet. And the smile on her face says as much.

"C'mon, Dad," she says. "Let's get things set up!"

"Good!" Meria says. Then, she slides next to Fate. She leans over and whispers to her: "I see that Bardiche has perfected his pie sensors. Good... good. We'll need to discuss this further!"

-=-=-

Dinner comes.

The Pad Thai is glorious; not only is it Lera's favorite food, but it is her ideal Pad Thai. The noodles have just that right amount of bite for al dente; there is a subtle spice from the sauce; the peanut crumbs give it a little crunch, along with the vegetables. Lera digs into it with a single-mindedness.

But she does look up, part way through. "Fate's actually had this sometimes!" she says. "Back on Earth. Right, Fate? But... it's never quite as good as here!"

Meria laughs. "Mm-hm!" She nods. "It was quite the wonder when this just started showing up on Midchilda..."

Lera nods, before she looks at them. "But, um... Fate's always been a good friend of mine! Ever since... everything that happened. I thought... you know, just the idea I'd never see her--or my other friends again, or Earth again..."

She looks down. Then, she looks to Fate. "...It was scary, y'know?"

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



He learned that during a duel with Nanoha after all.

-=-=-

Fate is mid-noodle slurp, and she's happily doing so. Eating with a certain single-mindedness. Only stopping to smile and wipe her chin. "Lera introduced me to it. Before her - I ah - mostly ate junk food." Mostly because she was driven to not have time to always sit down and eat. But also because... Arf loves junk food.

<It's good that you're eating properly now Sir.>

Frederick gives Meria a conspiratorial look, "Yes - a true miracle." That wink he gives make it definitely seem like he had a hand in it.

Fate stops eating for a moment though when Lera says that, "Lera... of course we were going to see each other again. Whatever happens - there's nothing that could keep me away from you..."

Frederick chooses that moment to say, "Calen are you finished yet? We have company you know..." And a younger voice pipes up, "Coming!"

A door opens at that moment - the child is a few years younger than Fate, with dirty hands. "You should wash up - but meet Fate. She's a friend of your big sister." "Oh hey! You've come a long way..."

Fate's eyes are just glued to the younger boy that Lera never mentioned. It takes her a few moments to realize...

In reality... he never existed.

"It's nice to meet you Calen." "You're younger than I pictured you." He says a little precociously rather than saying likewise. "Only a little older than me." "Ah! Well... I can see why you'd think I'm older... I started learning magic when I was very young."

Frederick mentions as an aside pointedly towards Fate, "Calen takes after his mother, always fiddling with something in the workshop... I bet one day he'll be Midchilda's preeminent Maester." Calen complains as he soaps up his hands in the sink, "Daddddd...."

And Fate just watches...

-=-=-

BGM Change: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eZVfY3TX2c

It's late, and lacking a guest room - Fate is staying in Lera's. She has the window open right now, leaning against it as the moonlight pours down around her.

She wears a smile - but it seems a little careworn. As she converses quietly.

<Is it time?>

"... It has to be now. We have so many of the others to find Bardiche and... with every passing moment who knows what's going on outside..."

After a moment, she offers this lengthy sigh.

"I wish I could give her more time..."

Turning around, she looks in Lera's direction, beginning softly, "Lera... does anything ever feel off for you? A feeling you can't explain... like you look at someone in your family and... you just hurt... and don't quite know why?"

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
"One day, when I'm through with the world... the cake will never be a lie," Meria promises, mysteriously.

-=-=-

"I've wondered about that, you know," Meria says to Frederick, giving him a knowing glance. She isn't fooled by that. She cracks a smile, sitting back in her chair. She looks, for the moment, happy.

And Lera smiles, when she watches her parents together. It feels right, she thinks, for her mother to be so happy. But... why? Why does it feel strange and distant, somehow, to see her mother and father together? Hadn't it always been this way?

Her mouth opens -- and then closes, though, when she looks at Fate. She hesitates, at the words; then, she smiles. "...Yeah. I meant what I said, y'know?" she says. "That... I'd always be with you guys. That we'd stay friends, forever."

But why, then, does it feel like she failed?

She starts to look down -- until Calen enters, and she turns her head, to see that head of brown hair, but amber eyes like hers. She blinks, and then she grins. "Mm-hm," she says. "It's true! A regular prodigy. He takes after Mom, and I take after Dad..."

-=-=-

Lera stretches, as she walks out of the bathroom adjoined to her room. She has a white T-shirt and shorts on; the T-shirt has the Rigate Giants logo on the left breast, though it's faded with time and wear. She tilts her head. She had heard Fate and Bardiche talking, but not the specifics of the words.

She beams at Fate, happy, despite a few of the doubts that linger in her mind. She feels them as little thorns, dug in and refusing to leave, but so out of place.

So when Fate calls them out -- when she describes, so perfectly, what she feels -- it's a shock. Her amber eyes widen, and they give the truth that comes better than anything Lera could say. She knows that feeling; she knows that pain. She knows who Fate means.

"I..." She trails off, and then looks down. "...I mean, yeah. I... I figure everyone does, sometimes, y'know?"

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

The look Lera gives her says it all. The moonlight leaves a bright outline around Fate as she keeps one hand on the window sill. She's still - but she smiles. "When I woke up a few days ago I was back on Altseim in Midchilda. It was just Mother... Linith... Arf... me..."

Her neck makes a half-turn towards the window, "... and my big sister. Alicia. Whenever I looked at her... I felt the same way. I had trouble letting Mother hug me too... they all told me I must have just had a nightmare..."

Her hand slides along the grain of the windowsill's wood. "And maybe I tried to believe it for a while... but it wasn't like that..."

There's a knocking on the door. Fate freezes for a moment. And Frederick opens it. He's bearing two plates with a smile. "I brought up two slices of pie... a la mode of course." The melting ice cream is evidence of that. And his eyes level on Fate as he hands Lera a piece of pie. "You know I was thinking what you told me about the adventure you two had back on Earth. And it just reminded me about when I was younger - travelling.". Sometimes I just... rushed into things without being mindful of the consequences. More often than not it put me into some real hot water."

He gives Fate a really hard look, "I just thought it was something to be mindful of."

Fate gives him a long look before prompting quietly, "She deserves to know." And Frederick says mildly with a hint of sadness creeping into that, "Don't you think she deserves to be happy more?"

Fate says quietly, "Tell her." Frederick doesn't get angry, more sad as he counters, "There's nothing to tell."

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
Lera's eyes widen, slowly.

She may not be able to identify what feels wrong, here, but she can see that what Fate tells her is wrong. She knows, through personal experience and the injuries to prove it, that Precia Testarossa is dead. She opens her mouth, but she stays silent for a moment. "Fate..." she finally manages. "Your mother, Linith, Alice, they're..."

But, no, Fate explains: that it was an illusion. That it was something she wanted to believe, but it wasn't real. Her eyes widen, as she almost begins to understand. The knock, then, is an interruption in the truest sense of the world: it stops her from askng more, and it stops her from thinking on it further. That the knock was so perfectly timed...

She doesn't, yet, wonder about what that means. She looks at her father, taking the slice of pie in her hands. Her mouth opens for a moment, and then closes. What he says makes sense...

...and yet...

It's Fate's quiet voice that, in the end, reinforces that doubt. Lera's amber eyes drift away from Frederick, to look down at Fate. Then, they look back, until they meet the same amber eyes. She tenses, her hand clutching the fork a little too tightly.

"...Tell me what, Dad?"

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

Frederick casts Lera an unhappy look. As if he were disappointed - not disappointed at Lera. Never that. Just... disappointed it came to this.

Some things once done - can never be undone.

"If you're asking that there's no helping it..." There's a sigh, as he runs his free hand through his hair. "We just wanted you to be happy... Lera."

Taking a few languid steps towards the bed, he suddenly looks tired as he settles himself down on it. Patting her down to take a seat.

"And maybe I wanted the opportunity to spend some time with my daughter without... anything coming between us."

It's unclear in this moment how much of this is the Book of Darkness... and how much of this is perhaps some lingering will.

Fate doesn't say anything for a few moments, then says, "I'm sorry." Frederick closes his eyes, "You don't need to apologize. You're just trying to do what you think is best for my daughter. I can't hate you for that. I can't even find fault in it."

Motioning for Lera to sit down, he waits for her to do so then... "I wanted this for real you know. It was just... the only way to have it. Even for a little while."

Opening his eyes, they're glimmering a little under the moonlight with droplets of water. "This isn't real Lera. Think about it for a while and you'll know where you are..."

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
Lera takes a bite of her pie, the spoon turned upside down and stuck into her mouth. She pulls it out slowly, and then rests it against the plate. It hits with a clang, and she looks down at the plate for a moment.

'We just wanted you to be happy.'

Her eyes stare down at the plate, which doesn't feel so real. It feels numb between her fingers -- and she slides it onto the nightstand, before she looks back up at him. Her eyes shift, turning to look at Fate for a moment. She looks bewildered, before she walks to the bed, and takes a seat next to him.

"Nothing was going to come between us," she says, quietly. "C-C'mon. You know that," she says. "Nothing..."

She quiets down, though, as he explains. Her eyes lift, and she looks up at Fate. She locks eyes with her, as the realization sets in: that what Fate said is true, that this isn't real. Because, in the end, her father was the one that she looked at and felt that pain so sharp that she could almost double over. She turns to look at him, and her eyes are wide. "I don't--I don't understand. I don't know what..."

The protests come fast, but then they die out on her lips. Her voice catches. "...I--I was with my friends on Earth," she says. "We were fighting something, and--" The image of Signum and Vita turning into so much light comes back. "--and before that, there was... there was a lot of stuff. I... I didn't leave Earth. I stayed there with my friends. Because... because you weren't..."

She looks down, and a handle rises, trembling, to cover her lips.

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

Frederick's lips pinch together for a moment when Lera says that, suddenly overwhelmed, before he slowly finds the words, "I wish that were so."

Lera locks eyes with Fate, and Fate just rubs a hand across the windowsill. She doesn't say more. No more prompting. They let it come out at her own pace. And when Lera finishes, Fate closes her eyes. "We're inside the Book Lera - or something... created by the Book. I found my way out of... where I was... and came for you..."

Frederick reaches out a hand towards Lera as if to comfort her, then let's it drop for a moment. Fate continues quietly, "Some things within these worlds... I think it's just... the Book trying to make us happy... but... not everyone is like that..."

Fate turns to look at Frederick, a little pointedly. "I may never be Precia Testarossa's daughter. I accept that now..." She allows herself a smile, "... but I found out that I was Alicia Testarossa's little sister. And that was so wonderful... I feel lighter. Lighter than I have in a long time."

Fate slowly moves to take her slice of pie a la mode from Frederick, "Thank you for the pie. I'm glad that I met you... but... I think I should leave you two alone for a little while..."

Fate opens the door of Lera's room. Then slowly closes it behind her.

Frederick inhales once. "It was selfish of me - but your old man wanted to see you again. I meant every word I said... you've become such a fine young woman. Even if you found... something in the stories of my life... it feels like I've had very little hand in that."

After a moment he wraps an arm around Lera from the side, it feels like a test of sorts - to make certain she won't just reject it. "I'm proud of you Lera... and I love you."

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
Lera's mouth clamps shut, when he corrects her. She stays on the bed, but she pulls her legs up, knees against her chin. Fate has seen it before; she does that when she gets worried or on edge. She looks sideways at Frederick, and her eyes start to widen. There is a hint of alarm there, as she realizes the power that the Book is expressing -- to be able to make the boundary between life and... where he was more porous. "It's... it's the wish. The one that girl, Hayate Yagami, made."

She looks back at Fate, when she speaks. "You... you met her? Then..." She looks down, though, as Fate excuses her. But, she nods. Even if she feels that same feeling as before, that pain in the bottom of her chest, she doesn't argue.

This is a talk for two.

The door closes with a click.

Lera is quiet for a moment, while he explains. It settles in, finally, how this isn't normal; that she is talking to someone that she hasn't in almost thirteen years. Someone that she thought about every day of her life, but that she can't say she knew. "Mom told me a lot of stories, y'know?" she says, quietly. "I was... I was too young to get it, at first. Even at the funeral, I didn't understand. But Mom was..." Her breath rattles, as she thinks about it, and remembers that day.

His arm is around her, and Lera didn't pull away at first. But, she takes a second, before she leans against him, her head on his shoulder. She feels her face getting hot, around her eyes, and her lips strain into a line. She fights back a sigh.

She squeezes her eyes shut. "I love you, too. But I got older, and I realized... I missed you. And you'd never see me grow up. I--we'd always miss you. And I carry it with me every day."

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

All Fate answers is with a nod and a smile. Whatever sadness that world brought her...

It seemed to have done her a world of good.

But for now the door is closed and the two are alone.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you... it feels like I missed so much."

When Lera leans against him, her other arm joins to lace around her.

"You know back then as I lay dying - I thought it'd be nice to just have one more day where we could be a family again. One more day between father and daughter."

His eyes still glimmer some, as he sniffs, "Maybe I miss carrying you around a little - but I don't regret how long it took for me to have that one day. Some things back then... I could say them and you just wouldn't understand... or remember. And now you can..."

Taking a deep breath, he says quietly, "Lera... I'm glad you missed me enough to bring me back to you. But I also know now... you can't stay here. You deserve to live your life. To find your own happiness. Not to just dwell upon what you could have had with your father."

He looks her straight in the eyes as he says, "That's all I ever wanted for you - you know that right?" He eyes her, and his lip curves up in a smile, "I'm glad you and your mother made up. Tell her she deserves to find happiness too for me. A last message from her adoring husband."

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
"It's not your fault. It... it wasn't anyone's fault."

Except maybe fate or chance, but that isn't a bitterness than she has in her. She looks up, peering from his shoulder to look at his face, and she shakes her head against his shoulder. "I-I know. I didn't... I didn't really understand a lot of things, then. About--about your side of the family being from the Autonomous Region, about how you and Mom met. She tells the story a little differently than you, y'know. More explosions in hers."

She cracks a slight smile at that, but it's only a ghost of the usual one. She looks down at her lap, as he points out the truth: she can't stay here. As much as she wants to.

She bites her lip. "I know. I'll tell her." Lera's voice grows quieter. "We're--we're doing okay. It took us awhile to figure out how to get by with just us two. I-I know I have to go, but..." Her lower lip trembles, and she wipes at her eye, but there are already tears rolling down her cheeks. "...I want more time. I want to know who you were. I don't--I don't want to lose that again."

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

"She would." Frederick has a ghost of a smile there. "She fell in love with the adventure - and I fell in love with her." That doesn't seem to be criticism, if anything he's still adoring.

"Ah Lera..." Frederick says it so quietly, "I know. I know because I wish we had more time too. That's all everyone wishes they had kiddo - and the one thing noone has. More time."

Drawing her in close he says it quietly, "We all get exactly as much time as we're allotted though - same as everyone else. A lifetime. That I got more - it's a real miracle."

Drawing back after one fierce hug, he puts his hands on her shoulders, giving her a serious look. "If you stay here much longer though - you won't be able to go back. And your friends - loved ones - they're all out there. Caught in their own dream. Or in the world outside during whatever is happening right now. Don't make it a choice between your old man and them."

Now he smiles warmly, "Even if it was - to that daughter of mine I'm so proud of - it'd be no contest. Right?"

He keeps holding her gaze with his own tear-filled one for a few moments, "And know that your father is rooting for you."

He doesn't need to say no matter how it turns out - he'll still be proud of her. Because she doesn't need to earn it.

He already is proud. It's simple fact.

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
"That... that sounds like her," Lera says with a little laugh.

She sniffs, though, and she looks up at him. She hugs him back, head buried against his shoulder. "Y-Yeah," she agrees. "It is a miracle. I--I never thought I'd have the chance to..."
Hers chance to do something that she has trouble putting in words. It never felt right in front of a gravestone; it never felt right all the times she visited the cemetery. She looks back up, tear-filled eyes blinking. Then, she smiles, slowly; she wipes at her eyes with a hand, before laying it atop one of the ones that he rests on her shoulder.

"I won't let them down," she says, quietly. "It's... it's what someone with the proud Camry name would do, right? Go save the world, again." She smiles, now, through her tears. "You and Mom gave me that. I meant it, when I said that the best parts of me came from you. I love you, y'know? And..."

She wipes at her eyes, again, and then launches forward into one last hug, head buried against her chest. The words she never found in the last thirteen years are there, finally, and hard to say... but not impossible, the way they once were.

"Goodbye, Dad."

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

Before he'd told Lera that it feels like he had very little to do with how she was brought up. Had very little hand in the best parts of her. But that's in part humility in action. If Lera wants to take pride in such things as her father... "It is." He says finally, when it comes to the Camry name, "It's what I'd do."

Then who is he tell her otherwise?

"You know that girl Fate... when she told me that I inspired you in some way..." It's one thing to hear it from Lera who's been trapped within the dream, her perceptions skewed. It's another thing to hear it from someone else who knows his daughter. To know his daughter was talking about him

"It made me happy. It made me happy to know that I got to be a part of your life beyond just... what I got. That I had some hand at all in making you the wonderful - special girl you are today..."

He closes his eyes for a moment, "I was happy."

When Lera launches that last hug, his eyes are still closed. His arms wrap around her so tightly, as he lightly rubs her back for comfort. And then - "I love you."

He becomes ephemeral in that moment, first his tears that are wet and hot - glimmering like stars, then the rest of him slowly. A million million tiny sparkling blue fireflies.

"Goodbye Lera."

And then he vanishes.

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
She looks up, smiling still, through the tears. It's a little thing, she thinks, hearing that he was proud of her; that he was happy, to have touched her life, even when he was gone. She blinks, though, as the hug becomes less tight -- as his form becomes more corporeal. The swirl of blue lights that flutters up around her. Without his weight, Lera leans forward, but she doesn't topple.

The lights vanish after his words. Lera raises a hand, palm against her mouth, and she sobs into it. Her fingers curl, and she stays leaning forward in a room that is, suddenly, quite still.

The house grows quieter and more empty now. With Frederick gone, the house has that sensation of being empty that comes naturally. The wooden frame of the home settles, which makes the door to Lera's room come ajar, with a soft creak.

She looks up at the door, bleary-eyed, but standing up slowly. As she rises to her feet, a last pair of blue fireflies swirl up around her head, and then wink out. She reaches up, to the gold necklace around a green gem, and her fingers curl around it tightly.

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

As Lera looks back at the vision of her home, a voice behind her starts softly, "I'm sorry... when I found out that you knew who I was..."

Fate shuffles her feet, "I... was worried... in a world where you have everyone... in your life... where the only thing seperating us is one problem solved... one adventure..."

The world is better for her today than it was yesterday - because she is Alicia Testarossa's little sister. Because she was worth enough for the real one to come back and save the failed - fake doll.

That the effort put into that by a member of her family... it made her realize that she has worth beyond the labels Precia placed on her.

"...it felt like if I gave you more time - you might never break free on your own."

She was worried because... the world outside certainly doesn't seem like a better one than the one in here for Lera Camry.

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
The voice surprises Lera -- and yet, it doesn't. Frederick told her that the Book was behind this, and all of this was an illusion. If the illusion has broken, then continuity is something that begins to unravel and fall apart. Lera turns around on a foot, and finds Fate there, feet shuffling, as she explains.

She wipes at her eyes a few more times. She has a portion of her composure back -- enough to help her step forward, and then kneel down next to the shorter girl, so she can see her on her level.

"It's okay," she says. "I never... I never got to talk to him. Not since I was so little that I barely remembered anything he said, just... an impression of what he was like, y'know?" Her expression is saddened, but her smile stays. "And it was a nice dream. But..."

She falls quiet, again, debating what to say.

"...He's right. There's so many people waiting for me. Counting on me. On us," she says. "I can't stay here, and he's... even if he's gone, he's still with me. But the others aren't gone."

Lera hesitates, and it seems that she isn't done with hugs today, because she pulls Fate into one. "You're not. And there's a lot more we gotta do, y'know? So... so thank you, Fate."

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

Lera draws Fate into a hug, and Fate hugs her back ferociously. Squeezing her so tightly.

"I'm so glad you're with me Lera..."

She broke free for the rest of them after all. Even if she was happy - things just aren't complete without them.

Alicia did say she's glad the reason she's leaving them is love.

"That you got to see him again... speak to him... it's truly wonderful... the best kind of dream. It's just... time to wake up."

Eventually letting go, she smiles at her. "And I'm happy to be the first person to tell you - Good Morning."

Taking a step back, "When I last spoke to Alicia the World Tree was just there... I brought out Bardiche and..."



"Don't sulk. You were magnificent Bardiche." Fate turns around and bumps right into the World Tree and marvels - "Oh. I guess - I took care of it for good! That makes things easier."

The world tree has a deep scar in it - passage for both of them. She holds out a hand to her, "Ready Lera?"

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
"Y-Yeah..." Lera's voice shakes, a little, as she agrees. But then, sits back, and looks at Fate. "Good morning, huh...? That does sound nice."

He would have left, too, she thinks. That gives Lera the reason that she needs to stand up. She does; parts of the house shift and fade around her, as she does. Her hands extend -- and a long, two-paned sword of gold and silver appears in her right, and a clockwork shield on her left. The two Devices hum, energy glowing.

<Ready, Ground?> Sky asks.

<You know it.>

Lera turns, and then blinks at the fact that the World Tree is now where her living room was. Her eyes widen. "Ah, it's so big--" But, she sees the scar on it. A twisted, ugly thing; a thing that reminds her of how she came here and what she has to do. But, still, she hesitates for a moment.

'And know that your father is rooting for you.'

She smiles, slowly, and nods. "Ready," she says, as she takes the first step forward.

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

Dream the world. Not this pallid shadow of reality. Dream the world the way it truly is.

When they enter. Something changes. It's like the dulcet call that lulls most people into dreaming has not passed away... but is lesser at least. For those who have chosen to leave. Like some narcotic woven mist in the air has momentarily receded.

It's an interesting trip for the two girls - like passage through a wardrobe into another world. The tree is an organic thing. The passage feels like it would be alive - if the tree itself weren't dead. At times they have to flatten themselves against the side. At others then have to go down on hands and knees. It feels more like spelunking in a cave.

Soon enough though - there's blue light shining on the other side.

"I really don't know how to pick where we go... who knows where we'll turn up next?"

Fate certainly doesn't - though she has her own hopes...

And then, they cross over to the other side. As the light starts to clear, "Well... whoever it is... I'm sure it'll work out."

[[Category:Logs]]

Lera Camry

2018-06-23T15:58:05Z

Texside:

{| class="toccolours" style="width: 25em; float: right; margin-left:2em; margin-right:0em; margin-bottom:2em; text-align: left; font-size: %110" cellspacing="2"
|-
! style="background:#FF6600; border: 2px #660000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" colspan="2" | '''Lera Camry'''
|-
! colspan="2" align="center" | [[File:Lera_and_Sky.png|350px]]
|-
! style="background:#668566; border: 2px #374837 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" colspan="2" | '''IC Information'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Full Name:
| Lera Camry
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Aliases:
| Double Trouble, Propane, Lera-chan, A Proud Mage Adventurer!
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Gender:
| Female
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Age/Birthdate:
| 16 (Apr. 1, 1998)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Height:
| 5'8"
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Hair Colour:
| Orange-red
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Eye Colour:
| Golden Brown
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Astrological Sign:
| Aries
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Blood Type:
| B
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Favorite Food:
| Pad Thai
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Least Favorite Food:
| Okonomiyaki
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Favorite Subject:
| Algebra
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Least Favorite Subject:
| Literature
|-
! style="background:#FF6600; border: 2px #660000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" colspan="2" | '''Dossier'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Organization:
| Unaffiliated
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Position:
| The 100% Totally Completely American Exchange Student
|-
! style="text-align:left" | School:
| [[School: Infinity Institute|Infinity Institute]] (Grade 10)
|-
! style="background:#668566; border: 2px #374837 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" colspan="2" | '''OOC Information'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Source:
| [[Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha]] (OC)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | VA (Lera):
| Akeno Watanabe
|-
! style="text-align:left" | VA (Soaring Sky):
| John Hannah
|-
! style="text-align:left" | VA (Broken Ground):
| Tom Hardy
|-
! style="background:#FF6600; border: 2px #660000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" colspan="2" | '''Text Colors'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Lera:
| #FFC200
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Soaring Sky:
| #FF6600
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Broken Ground:
| #668566
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Player:
| [[User:Texside|Texside]]
|-
|}

''"I'll get back up. I've got to, y'know? Someone with the proud Camry name can't let her friends down!"''

'''Lera Camry''' is an exchange student enrolled in Infinity Institute's high school program. She plays the part of an American (though her acting skills are questionable), but she really comes from the alien world of Midchilda. She also maintains a secret identity as a magical girl. When she first came to Earth, she worked alone to recover Broken Ground, a stolen Intelligent Device that her mother made. Her mission was hard and took a toll on her, but with the help of her friends, her mother, and even some of her enemies, Lera learned to turn to others and have faith in herself. She is a skilled aerial mage who has partnered with Soaring Sky, a melee specialist Device originally repaired by her mother. Lera is a cheerful, sincere, and loyal girl who always tries to help others. She joined the Tuners Organization after they aided her and to support her friend who joined. Now that she has recovered Broken Ground and has no doubt of her mother's love and pride in her, Lera can live her dream of being a brave mage adventurer. She can discover what that dream really entails, while helping Soaring Sky discover his origins and find Broken Ground's chance for redemption.

== Background and Timeline ==

=== Background ===
Lera was born on Midchilda to Meria and Frederick Camry. It was a happy family for the first four years of Lera's life.

Her father came from the Belkan Autonomous Region, where he worked as an archaeologist. While exploring some ancient Belkan ruins, he discovered a damaged Armed Device. It barely activated, but he took it home to his wife. Meria, being a stunningly talented Midchildan Meister, repaired the device and named it Soaring Sky. Frederick wouldn't live to see the restored Device. He died in an accident when she was only four, leaving her an only child. Meria poured her energy into her daughter, especially as Lera was really all that was left of the life that Meria expected for herself.

Lera thought herself a colossal disappointment to her mother. Lera tried to follow in her mother's footsteps, keep the family tradition alive, and eventually prove better than her mother. She grew up and immediately began being tutored in the magic needed to create Devices.

By the time that Lera turned twelve, everyone but Meria could see that her daughter was not destined to be a Meister. She didn't have the brain for magical engineering and the like; she could barely make a very basic Storage Device.

She showed much more skill at using Devices, truth be told. Her mother felt some dissatisfaction when she stopped learning how to create Devices and started learning to use them instead -- including combat applications. She considered a career with the TSAB, but decided a tour as a mage adventurer was more exciting. Her mother, naturally, was mortified at the idea that her daughter would put herself in such danger. She relented after some consideration and allowed Lera to practice.

Lera dove into it. In her mother's workshop, she found Soaring Sky. She started practicing with Sky; she developed a bond with the irritable, often arrogant Device. He pretended to think that she was an idiot, but a measure of mutual respect (or maybe mutual desire to annoy each other) developed.

Then, one day, her workshop was broken into and an Intelligent Device, Broken Ground, was stolen.

A tracking device on Broken Ground let her trace the weapon to Earth. Meria had no particular desire to admit that an Intelligent Device had been stolen and taken to another world with far more problems, especially to the TSAB. She reached a deal with her daughter: Lera was free to go to Earth, to be a mage adventurer, as long as she found and brought Broken Ground back. Lera readily agreed to this task and her mother permitted her to take Soaring Sky with her.

She enrolled in Infinity Institute as a transfer student at the beginning of September, as a third year middle school student. She has used her Intelligent Device a couple of times since then, adding to the magical girls moving about, to help deal with a couple of troublesome youma.

=== Fall 2013 ===
* Lera enrolls at Infinity Institute. She befriends [[Yukimi Amane]] when the two [[2013-10-14 - Friendship blossoms from embarrassment!|meet at the arcade]].
* She participates in the [[2013-11-02 - 1st Annual Sister Schools Sports Festival!|sports festival]].
* When the seven Star Shards appear, she helps to pursue them. While doing so, she first thinks up the name [[2014-02-01 - Starfall 1|Magical Cheeseburger Propane-chan]].
* She also befriended [[Ren Aizawa]] and [[Endo Naoki]], and would ultimately form a team with them. Yukimi gave her a necessary nudge.

=== Winter 2013 ===
* Like the rest of the Sister Schools students, Lera traveled to Hokkaido. She spent quality time with [[Minako Aino]] and Yukimi. She also encountered the final Star Shard (and a part of [[2014-03-28 - Starfall 8|Mytho's heart]]).
* She also joined the Sister Schools' play, meeting [[Usagi Tsukino]]... who she already knew as Sailor Moon. Lera was cast as Quincy Adams.
* When monsters went on a rampage, trying to destroy landmarks in Tokyo, Lera also rushed out to help them! This included an encounter with [[2014-09-09 - Feng Shui 4|Signum, the Cloud Knight]] for the first time.

=== Spring 2014 ===
* Yukimi discovered that Lera was pursuing Broken Ground after she read a message from her mother. The two decided to find him; they found a tracker in the sewers with the help of Sailor Moon and [[Kaitou Jeanne]]. They discovered that Broken Ground was stolen by her mother's former assistant, Jaren Zastava.
* And not to soon, because Jaren ambushed Ren, Lera, and [[Kuniko Saito]] in the [[2014-10-22 - A Rumble At The Harbor!|harbor]]!
* Lera dueled [[Fate Testarossa]] for a Jewel Seed and lost; Fate, showing mercy on her, took her to the hospital to recuperate. Lera didn't forget that kindness. She began pursuing the Jewel Seeds, working with Ren, Endo, and [[Nanoha Takamachi]] for that purpose.
* Lera graduated from middle school. A ghost tried to trap her, but Yukimi helped free her by showing her a text message from her mother: that she was very proud of her.
* Lera celebrated her 16th birthday at the amusement park with her friends! After everything that happened, it was a necessary breather.
* The attacks on landmarks came to a head, revealed as plot by the [[Ends of the World]]. At Tokyo Tower, Vita of the Wolkenritter unleashed a [[2014-12-14 - Feng Shui 7|dragon]] which covered up an attack on the [[2014-12-15 - Feng Shui 8|World Tree]]. Ultimately, they repelled these threats, and Lera thought she could breathe easy... but then [[Soular]] used his [[2014-12-27 - Feng Shui 9|mirror Nakewameke]] to try to control the World Tree -- and [[2014-12-29 - Feng Shui 10|destroy all life]].
* Lera fought [[2015-01-01 - Jaren Attacks! Desperation Strikes!|Jaren]] with Lux Lapsa and lost. Lera didn't take it well.
* The hunt for the Jewel Seeds led to a ploy by Fate to capture several, which led to a [[2015-02-22 - Seismic Sentiments|massive battle]]. Their competing wishes led to a massive explosion by the Jewel Seed, which left Lera, Fate, Ren, Endo, Nanoha, and many others injured.
* Lera meets [[Setsuna Higashi]] outside of a store selling sunglasses. She forgets her wallet, but the two talk a little. Mysteriously, when she returns, the sunglasses are missing. When Setsuna later reads her fortune, the chances of getting those sunglasses look bleak.

=== Summer 2014 ===
* During Tanabata, Lera decides to protect her new friend Setsuna. She transforms in front of her. This prompts a [[2015-06-02 - Then, Get Better|frank discussion]] later, in which Lera tells Setsuna more about who she really is and what she is scared of.
* The Jewel Seeds Incident reaches its climax! [[2015-06-14 - The Duel|Fate and Nanoha duel]], but the Seeds are stolen by [[Homura Akemi]]. In the confusion, Eas of Labyrinth knocks Lera away -- and the two have an explosive argument afterward. Lera sticks by Fate afterward, even after her mother rejects her.
* After talking to Setsuna -- who gives her the sunglasses that Lera was looking for -- she goes with the rest into the [[2015-07-05 - The Garden of Time (Part One)|Garden of]] [[2015-07-06 - The Garden of Time (Part Two)|Time]]. She fights Eas there. Fate appears to help them, and they all fight Precia together.
* Afterward, Lera encounters a wounded Eas, who shouts at her for saving her in the Garden. There isn't much time to rest, though; Jaren begins pursuing Ren for his mysterious master, trying to seize her Device, and he soundly thrashes Lera. Fortunately, Lera and Sailor Moon find his apartment... but this prompts Jaren to pursue rather drastic action, as his employer grows impatient.
* Lera, too, is getting desperate, becoming afraid of what her mother will think of her -- and that she may call her home. She runs into Eas one night at the [[2015-08-08 - Twilight Zone Senpai|shrine]]. The next day, she runs into Setsuna, who runs off in tears. Lera can't chase after, because [[2015-08-09 - Lost And Found Logia|Jaren found what he was looking for]]. He raises the Guardian of Ten-Thousand Points, a powerful Ancient Belkan Lost Logia. Better known as Citadel.
* Lera takes off after Jaren when he flees [[2015-08-09 - You Should Have Listened to Him!|and he breaks then steals Sky]] before he throws her to her death. Fortunately, Eas catches her, and takes her [[2015-08-10 - ...I Already Know Who You Are.|somewhere safe]]. Lera learns that her friend Setsuna and Eas are one and the same, then.
* When Lera limps back to Lindy Harlaown's house, she [[2015-08-13 - You're Her Real Daughter|talks to Fate]] about her mother. A few tears are shed. She never expected her [[2015-08-14 - The Proud Camry Name|mother to come to Earth]], but that gave her the inspiration she need. And just in time, too, because when they encounter Citadel, they discover his goal: [[2015-08-16 - Sealing and Stealing|to return to Ancient Belka, and bring part of downtown Tokyo with him]]!
* Working with [[2015-08-15 - You Aren't Alone|Ren]] and [[2015-08-19 - I Need Your Help|Fate]], a plan is hatched. Lera recovered Sky and, working with Ren, Endo, and other magical girls, managed to defeat [[2015-08-23 - A Place to Call Home|Jaren and Citadel]]. Broken Ground is recovered, Soaring Sky restored, and Citadel learns that home is lost... but maybe he could have one on Earth. Sky, however, has the first of his strange flashbacks after being recovered.
* While things are much better with Lera's mother and Sky, there are new complications. She tries to help Broken Ground recover and redeem herself. She also keeps [[2015-08-30 - What Friendship Is Worth|running into Setsuna]] and they form a complicated friendship... which starts to involve deeper feelings than friendship.
* When Lera goes to [[2015-10-01 - North Pole, Part One|the North Pole]], things come to a head. She runs into Eas while being shot through the multiverse due to Queen Beryl's curse. The two end up meeting in a cake world, where they talk and bond. Lera leaves in time to help [[2015-10-11 - North Pole, Part Four|Sailor Moon battle Metallia]].
* Eas decides to use the Nakisakebe card, to please Lord Mobius after what she feels is a betrayal. She proves powerful, but Lera reaches out. They fall in love despite everything, but that isn't enough to save Setsuna. It's ultimately because of her friends, Cure Peach, Cure Pine, and Cure Berry that she decides to stay on Earth.
* The trip to Okinawa starts! Lera is happy to run into her girlfriend there, but things seem to go terribly when [[2015-11-13 - Impassionate Gods|Northa kills Setsuna]] in front of everyone. However, thanks to a miracle, Setsuna is saved and brought back to life... as Cure Passion! Lera spends the rest of the Okinawa trip quite happy, even helping to save Mina and the Vermillion Bird.

=== Fall 2014 ===
* Lera settles into a new habit. She starts to use Broken Ground as a second Device, having first gotten to during an attack by Dark Fall. She fights against the Terribads, spends time with Setsuna, and does her best to help Fate adjust to life in Tokyo.
* She meets Jad Werke with Fate. The Midchildan becomes a friend, though... he proves a pie thief, too.
* Unfortunately, tragedy strikes during the sports festival [[2016-01-23 - Ohtori Sports Festival Dance|dance]] when [[2016-01-24 - Ohtori Academy Invaded!|the Golden Age PMC invades]]! Lera ultimately joins the magical girl resistance, and fights off [[2016-02-06 - The Battle of Ohtori, Part One|the PMC]] and [[2016-02-07 - The Battle of Ohtori, Part Two|Alyssa Searrs and Miyu Greer]]! In the end, they return to their families and friends, safe... but with questions.
* The Protodaimons begin to appear! In one terrible case, [[2016-03-12 - Knight at the Museum|one takes Setsuna's Pure Heart Crystal]] during an attack at the museum, where the Black Knight also appeared. Lera is left shaken by this -- and other events, as her girlfriend comes into contact with the powerful Pretty Cure Hunter, [[Phantom]].
* When the Keys appear, Lera tries to help secure them. This includes one that appears -- and then vanishes, only to whisk Lera, Fate, Setsuna, Ren, and Endo off to [[2016-05-14 - Locks and Keys 5|a secret]] [[2016-05-15 - Locks and Keys 6|space installation]]. They discover a little more of Souverain Heraut's true nature, which might explain why Jaren wanted to steal it -- and about Fallen Stern! Soaring Sky, in the meantime, has yet another strange flashback -- and nearly shuts. down. Nonetheless, she helps her friends to stop the drones sent after them, and safely return home.
* Unfortunately, the pursuit of another Key ends in [[2016-07-09 - Locks and Keys 10|tragedy]]. Lera fails to recover the Key -- and a protodaimon kills five girls, despite Lera's and Sailor Moon's best efforts. Lera becomes depressed, but tries to hide it.
* This culminates in Soaring Sky shutting down during another fight with Vita. Fate leaps to protect her, where she gets injured. Lera is left despondent, after Fate is injured, Bardiche is shattered, and Soaring Sky seems to have shut off entirely.

== Powers and Abilities ==
Lera is a Midchildan mage. She can utilize magic through a Device; the partnership of this Device is critical to using her magic. She has two Devices: an Armed Device, named Soaring Sky, and an Intelligent Device, named Broken Ground. While using Sky, she activates her Perihelion mode; while using Ground, she activates her Aphelion mode.

=== Barrier Jacket Perihelion ===
Lera has been partners with Soaring Sky since she was thirteen. She has a close bond with Sky and he is, without a doubt, one of her closest friends and confidants. More than that, Lera is able to draw on Soaring Sky to cast powerful magic. Sky is a rebuilt Armed Device, turned into an Intelligent Device; he uses a customized Midchildan style for powerful magical melee attacks and some ranged blasts. Soaring Sky has since been upgraded into '''Soaring Sky Perihelion,''' which increases his flight spell capabilities and his melee components. He normally is called Soaring Sky.

She can also perform some basic magical tricks and spells. Soaring Sky is capable of broadcasting a two dimensional hologram of data that he scans. This can be used to display maps and the like. Lera can also make a light orb appear, levitate small items, and other basic magical tricks. These can be performed in Standby Mode, in which Soaring Sky takes the form of a dark red writing pen.

Lera can make Soaring Sky change into two different combat modes. Slasher Form is when Lera splits him into two swords. Striker Form is when Lera combines the two swords into a bastard sword-sized weapon. Both forms can emit fields of plasma and energy blasts. Her barrier jacket in these mode emphasizes speed and impact power over defensive capabilities. Her spells include:

{| class="wikitable"
! style="background:#FF6600; border: 2px #660000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" | Spell
! style="background:#FF6600; border: 2px #660000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" | System
! style="background:#FF6600; border: 2px #660000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" | Category
! style="background:#FF6600; border: 2px #660000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" | Type
! style="background:#FF6600; border: 2px #660000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" | Description
|-
|'''Aura Surge'''
|Midchildan
|Attack
|Melee
|Soaring Sky's blade flashes a brilliant white on impact.
|-
|'''Bind Break'''
|Midchildan
|Support
|Decline
|Anti-bind rings appear and disable any binds on Lera.
|-
|'''Inferno Slasher'''
|Midchildan
|Attack
|Melee
|Soaring Sky shoots a point-blank fire explosion off from his blade.
|-
|'''Jet Ignition'''
|Midchildan
|Attack
|Melee
|Lera creates a plasma aura around herself, then rams an enemy at supersonic speeds.
|-
|'''Rapid Skyfall'''
|Midchildan
|Attack
|Melee
|While in Gladiator Form, Lera does three quick strikes with Sky's twin blades.
|-
|'''Sentinel Flash'''
|Midchildan
|Defense
|Shield
|A bright cross-shaped flash appears in front of Sky, intercepting melee strikes.
|-
|'''Arc Breaker'''
|Midchildan
|Attack
|Melee
|Soaring Sky ignites with a massive plasma storm, then strikes twice before releasing the energy as an explosion.
|-
|'''Aurora Burst Ray'''
|Midchildan
|Attack
|Bombardment
|Soaring Sky splits in two, building a powerful charge, and releases a large purifying burst of energy.
|}

=== Barrier Jacket Aphelion ===
Lera has worked with Broken Ground since the summer. She recovered him from Jaren Zastava. He wants to redeem himself after helping a dishonest man like that, but he also still wants to grow stronger. Unlike Sky, he tends to be terse and gruff, but he cares deep down. Their bond, however, is weaker, and inhibited by Ground's guilt over his past actions. His full name is '''Broken Ground Aphelion,''' because he was built to partner with Sky.

The two do not get along.

Ground has two combat modes. The first is Onager Mode, where he resembles a large clockwork hammer with a head split around a large yellow gem. This is primarily an energy blast-firing mode; his spells resemble magma and lava. The second is Lantern Mode, where he resembles a clockwork buckler that creates a field of energy on the inside to fill the gaps. Ground specializes in defensive spells in this form.

{| class="wikitable"
! style="background:#668566; border: 2px #374837 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" | Spell
! style="background:#668566; border: 2px #374837 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" | System
! style="background:#668566; border: 2px #374837 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" | Category
! style="background:#668566; border: 2px #374837 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" | Type
! style="background:#668566; border: 2px #374837 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" | Description
|-
|'''Fault Siege'''
|Midchildan
|Attack
|Bombardment
|Broken Ground emits a powerful shockwave, which emanates out from him as a starting point.
|-
|'''Magma Bomb'''
|Midchildan
|Attack
|Bombardment
|A large ball of lava-like energy is thrown at an enemy, after which it explodes in a colossal fireball.
|-
|'''Mantle Heart'''
|Midchildan
|Defense
|Shield
|A dome of interlocking golden hexagons appears around Lera and blocks incoming damage.
|-
|'''Mountain Aegis'''
|Midchildan
|Support
|Increase
|Light imbues Ground's targets, removing their binds and reinforcing their defensive capabilities.
|-
|'''Sentinel Arc'''
|Midchildan
|Attack
|Bombardment
|While in Lantern Mode, Broken Ground flies like a discus at his enemy.
|-
|'''Bombadier Cascade'''
|Midchildan
|Attack
|Bombardment
|Broken Ground's hammerhead splits in two, emitting a swarm of tiny orbs of light, which converge on an enemy and then explode violently.
|-
|'''Strata Excelsior'''
|Midchildan
|Attack
|Bombardment
|A powerful shockwave erupts around Ground like a dome, then shoots in a direction of Lera's choosing.
|-
|}

== Relationships ==

=== Family ===
* Meria Camry: "I'm glad that me and Mom talked. I'm glad she's proud of me. It feels like I can finally move on with my life."
* Soaring Sky: "I love you, buddy. Please be okay."
* [[Fate Testarossa]]: "She promised that she would protect my smile. I don't want her to be hurt for me. But, after everything we've been through, that we could have a future... that's all I could ever ask for."

=== Romance ===
* [[Setsuna Higashi]]: "I still can't believe we've come this far... but I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. Hers, mine, or this one." <3

=== Friends ===
* Broken Ground: "He's coming along. He's trying hard. But... he's too hard on himself, too, y'know?"
* [[Ren Aizawa]]: "She's my best friend. I used to think that she would hate me, but I see how wrong I was. We can do anything, if we do it together."
* [[Endo Naoki]]: "Endo's a great guy. I'm glad that Ren has him. He knows how to see on the bright side of things and say the right thing."
* [[Usagi Tsukino|Sailor Moon]]: "Sailor Moon is my friend! Which still sounds cool, y'know? I want to know her better, after everything she did for me. But... it's nice, too, being magical girls and still being able to just be real friends."
* [[Lilian Abarth]]: "She's my friend. Maybe the thief thing needs to stop! But... she's helped us and stuck by us, through the worst of it."
* [[Jad Werke]]: "He's a nice guy. Reliable. Maybe he should budget more for eating, though?"
* [[Nanoha Takamachi]]: "She helped save Fate. She's a great person. I'm glade Fate has someone like her."
* [[Yukimi Amane]]: "Even though Yukimi moved away, she's still the first friend that I made out here. She helped me more than she knows. I wouldn't have made my other friends if it weren't for her. I miss her, but I know I'll see her again someday. And bother her on the phone before then, y'know?"
* [[Mai Tokiha]]: "We're better than we used to be. I guess... I get what it's like, to really care about someone."

=== Uncertain ===
* [[Mami Tomoe]]: "She's had it hard, but... but how could she ignore all of us like that? She didn't try to help save those girls!"
* Citadel: "Poor Citadel. There's no home for him to go back to. But... I gotta help him somehow."

=== Enemies ===
* [[Vita]]: "These Cloud Knights don't play around. But... I can't let her hurt Fate like that! I have to pull my weight. Or... or who knows how it will end?"
* Jaren Zastava: "He betrayed Mom and he hurt Broken Ground, with what they did together. He did a lot to hurt me, too. I'm glad that I beat him and I learned a lot about who I really am. But... I wonder what became of him, too, and who he really worked for."
* [[Soular]]: "He's hurt my friends before. He's dangerous. I don't like how he's smug or how he can always get under my skin like that, y'know?"
* [[Westar]]: "Westie! He protected me once, but... he's still Labyrinth."
* [[Precia Testarossa]]: "She didn't know what she had."

== Logs and Cutscenes ==
All of the years below are the OOC dates on which the logs occurred.

=== 2013 ===
{{#dpl: |category = logs¦cutscenes
|titlematch = 2013-%-% -%
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|notcategory = News Files
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 3
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in during 2013.
}}

=== 2014 ===
{{#dpl: |category = logs¦cutscenes
|titlematch = 2014-%-% -%
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|notcategory = News Files
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 3
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in during 2014.
}}

=== 2015 ===
{{#dpl: |category = logs¦cutscenes
|titlematch = 2015-%-% -%
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|notcategory = News Files
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 3
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in during 2015.
}}

=== 2016 ===
{{#dpl: |category = logs¦cutscenes
|titlematch = 2016-%-% -%
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|notcategory = News Files
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 3
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in during 2016.
}}

=== 2017 ===
{{#dpl: |category = logs¦cutscenes
|titlematch = 2017-%-% -%
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|notcategory = News Files
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 3
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in during 2017.
}}

=== 2018 ===
{{#dpl: |category = logs¦cutscenes
|titlematch = 2018-%-% -%
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|notcategory = News Files
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 3
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in during 2018.
}}

== Gallery ==
<gallery height=600px>
File: lera-barrierjacket.png
File: Lera1.jpg
File: Lera2.jpg
File: Lera3.jpg
File: Lera_Summer.jpg
File: Lera (Winter).jpg
File: Lera_and_Fate.jpg
File: Lera_and_Setsuna.jpg
</gallery>

[[Category:Characters]] [[Category:Infinity]]

Logs

2018-06-23T15:55:51Z

Texside:

To create a page for your log, simply create a page with a title of 'YYYY-MM-DD - Log Title'. This index page will automatically link it in the appropriate month folder, as long as the appropriate category is included at the end with:

<pre>
[[Category:Logs]]
</pre>

For the fancy summary table you may use this code:
<pre>
{|class="toccolours" cellspacing="2"
|-
! style="background:#CC6699; border: 2px #CC0033 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" colspan="2" | '''Title: <Your title>'''
|-
|'''Summary''': 
''<The summary>''
|-
| '''Who:''' 
<Who is involved. Make sure to place their names [[Between the brackets]]>
|-
| '''Where:''' 
<The location>
|-
| '''OOC - IC Date:''' 
<RL Date - IC Date>
|-
|}
[[Category:Logs]]
</pre>
If you're interested in using an automatic log-cleaning script, please reference [https://pastebin.com/LGXybZ8r Log Muncher], made and shared by our former player [[Lucy Iwai]].

For the overall story of Battle Fantasia MUSH, please see our [[Timeline]].

[[Cutscenes]] are listed on their own page.

===2013===
'''September:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2013-09-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of September.
}}

'''October:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2013-10-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of October.
}}

'''November:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2013-11-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of November.
}}

'''December:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2013-12-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of December.
}}

===2014===
'''January:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2014-01-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of January.
}}

'''February:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2014-02-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of February.
}}

'''March:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2014-03-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of March.
}}

'''April:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2014-04-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of April.
}}

'''May:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2014-05-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of May.
}}

'''June:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2014-06-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of June.
}}

'''July:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2014-07-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of July.
}}

'''August:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2014-08-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of August.
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'''September:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2014-09-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of September.
}}

'''October:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2014-10-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of October.
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'''November:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2014-11-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of November.
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'''December:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2014-12-%
|notcategory = News Files
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|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
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|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of December.
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===2015===
'''January:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2015-01-%
|notcategory = News Files
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|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
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|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of January.
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'''February:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
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|notcategory = News Files
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|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
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|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of February.
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'''March:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2015-03-%
|notcategory = News Files
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|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
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|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of March.
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'''April:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
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|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of April.
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'''May:'''
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|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of May.
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'''June:'''
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|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of June.
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'''July:'''
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|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of July.
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'''August:'''
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|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of August.
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'''September:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
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|notcategory = News Files
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|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
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|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of September.
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'''October:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2015-10-%
|notcategory = News Files
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|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
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|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of October.
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'''November:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2015-11-%
|notcategory = News Files
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|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of November.
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'''December:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
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|notcategory = News Files
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|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
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|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of December.
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===2016===
'''January:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2016-01-%
|notcategory = News Files
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|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
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|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of January.
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'''February:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2016-02-%
|notcategory = News Files
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|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
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|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of February.
}}

'''March:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2016-03-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of March.
}}

'''April:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
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|notcategory = News Files
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|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
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|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of April.
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'''May:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
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|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of May.
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'''June:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
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|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
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|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of June.
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'''July:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
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|notcategory = News Files
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|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
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|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of July.
}}

'''August:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2016-08-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of August.
}}

'''September:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2016-09-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of September.
}}

'''October:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2016-10-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of October.
}}

'''November:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2016-11-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of November.
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'''December:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2016-12-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of December.
}}

===2017===
'''January:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2017-01-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of January.
}}

'''February:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2017-02-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of February.
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'''March:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2017-03-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of March.
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'''April:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2017-04-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of April.
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'''May:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2017-05-%
|notcategory = News Files
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|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of May.
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'''June:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2017-06-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of June.
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'''July:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2017-07-%
|notcategory = News Files
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|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of July.
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'''August:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2017-08-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of August.
}}

'''September:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2017-09-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of September.
}}

'''October:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2017-10-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of October.
}}

'''November:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2017-11-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of November.
}}

'''December:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2017-12-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of December.
}}

===2018===
'''January:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2018-01-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of December.
}}

'''February:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2018-02-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of December.
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'''March:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2018-03-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of December.
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'''April:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2018-04-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of December.
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'''May:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
|titlematch = 2018-05-%
|notcategory = News Files
|notcategory = cutscenes
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of December.
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'''June:'''
{{#dpl: |category = logs
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|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki for the month of December.
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[[Category:Logs]]

Land of the Lotus Eaters

2018-06-20T03:06:00Z

Texside: /* Fantasy Worlds */

[[File:Lotuseaters.png|800px]]

''"Sleep -- sleep as my Master sleeps, lie in an endless dream between life and death. Dream peacefully. Dream beautifully. This is my final gift to you, children of a doomed world."''

'''''LAND OF THE LOTUS-EATERS is a special event on Battle Fantasia MUSH that will run through the second half of June.'''''

Magical girls have been absorbed, body, mind and spirit, into the fully unleashed Book of Darkness, who claims to be granting her Master's final wish by giving them all the gift of eternal peace: an endless, perfect dream, surrounded by their friends and loved ones.

A fantasy where no one is missing -- no one is lost.

And everything is fine...

[[2018-06-10_-_What_Lies_Beneath_18|What Lies Beneath 18]]

Over the next two weeks, magical girls will explore their own, personal fantasy worlds, complete with idealized versions of their family and friends, enemies and allies -- and know temptation. Eventually they will encounter one another, not as each other's fantasies, but as fellow prisoners, and must search for the truth at the heart of the lie. And they will have to decide for themselves whether or not the ugly reality outside is really worth fighting for -- given who and what they'll have to leave behind.

Meanwhile, in the real world, the Book of Darkness is beginning to run rampant. She threw a vastly powerful Barrier across Tokyo, shifting the initial violence caused by her simple presence over by one dimension, but it won't be strong enough to stop NachtWal from destroying the Earth. In the meantime, those magical girls who weren't trapped in the Book must contend with a Tokyo fast transforming into an unfamiliar hellscape of grinding pillars of stone and howling pillars of magma. And the Barrier is far from perfect -- millions may have become hundreds, but there are still ordinary people trapped in there with them, too... all too vulnerable.

As magical girls escape from their dreams and into a waking nightmare, they will join their allies outside in doing what they can to protect what's left of Tokyo.

__TOC__

==The Three Phases==

There are there phases to the Land of the Lotus-Eaters plot:

* The Fantasy World
* The Shared Dream
* The Waking Nightmare

Players who absolutely want to opt-out of having a character absorbed by the Book can proceed directly to the third phase, 'The Waking Nightmare', where they will be gradually joined by Book of Darkness escapees.

Everyone else wakes up inside The Fantasy World!

===The Fantasy World===

Anyone who wants their character to have been absorbed into the Book of Darkness (and this is highly, highly encouraged) is welcome to assume they were there on the margins of the magical girl army that witnessed her rebirth, and should read the contents of [[2018-06-10 - What Lies Beneath 18|What Lies Beneath 18]] and consider it IC knowledge.

Characters absorbed by the Book awaken in not only their own bed but the /ultimate/ bed, the bed that most feels like home, a bed that may have been lost forever or even one that has never existed. They are safe and surrounded by the ones they love most, who are eager to comfort them from the nightmare they just experienced, and help them adjust back to 'reality', in a lovely, peaceful world.

Constructing a character's fantasy world is an opportunity to:

* Bring back dead characters, returning them to living, happy selves.
* Reimagine living characters through the lens of your character's fantasy; enemies could become allies, crushes could become romances, broken friendships mended, lost souls saved.
* Rewrite history wholesale, if things went off the rails years ago and your character might awaken in an extremely different life than the one they had.
* Ultimately, explore the ways in which the real world is better than the fantasy one. If Fate Testarossa hadn't had a broken family, she never would have met Nanoha Takamachi. In what ways have the trials of the real world made it worth saving?

It is not an opportunity to:

* Create a Candy Land where all the buildings are made out of choco parfait and takoyaki, NAGISA MISUMI. >:|
* In more seriousness, these dreams are powerful simulations driven by the characters' memories and desires, but they do fundamentally simulate the character's ideal /world/, as in a recognizable Earth, and furthermore, unless it is absolutely unworkable, their ideal Tokyo (for reasons that will become obvious).
* Unfortunately for those who were eager to get into trippy dream logic, it is NOT obviously a dream; the fantasy world has verisimilitude in terms of being a real place filled with real people, even if everything else feels impossible. Impossibly wonderful, that is.

Players are encouraged to introduce their character's fantasy world through a cutscene of their characters first awakening and discovering that everything up until this point has 'all been a bad dream,' posted to the wiki with the following format: YYYY-MM-DD - LOTUS AWAKENING: Character Name. (They can of course also put it on the MUSH bulletin boards if they like.) These cutscenes, besides being an opportunity to really pull on the heartstrings, are useful worldbuilding that can be referenced by other players, because:

During the first phase, any given scene can only exist in a single character's dream. All other participants are invited and encouraged to discuss NPCing special, important characters featured prominently in the main character's fantasy (such as dead family members), but can, alternatively, play the fantasy version of their own character, as envisioned deep in the heart of the main character.

* For example: Fate Testarossa, Nanoha Takamachi and Vita want to have a Fantasy World scene. They decide to let Fate be the main character. Nanoha volunteers to NPC Alicia Testarossa, and Vita appears as a version of herself that Fate dreams of being friends with. (Fate and Nanoha discuss OOCly who the fantasy Alicia Testarossa is, her role within the dream; Fate and Vita do the same about fantasy Vita. Players are encouraged to be flexible about conforming to the fantasies of the main character, as roleplaying (admittedly often somewhat Stepford) alternative versions of themselves, as wished for by another character, is a pretty unique gameplay opportunity. Fantasizing players are expected to keep it classy, as is always the case on Battle Fantasia.)

===The Shared Dream===

Many characters will be unable to break out of their fantasy without intervention by another. The Shared Dream begins when Fate Testarossa confronts the truth that her dream is not and cannot be real, and that she wants to leave it behind -- and discovers the World Tree at the heart of her dream. She can then use it to transport herself into someone else's dream, replacing her dream double.

Once this happens (it will be flagged both via bbpost and on this wiki page), all of The Fantasy Worlds begin to merge into The Shared Dream. During phase two, The Shared Dream, characters are now wandering through each others' fantasies, in a single, larger fantasy. Given that most characters want to live blissfully in a Tokyo-like location, this is often seamless, but not always. Still, the power of the Book of Darkness is very strong, and the Land of the Lotus-Eaters is very seductive; even as prisoners are able to meet one another and speculate as to what's going on, the Book tends to keep mortal enemies apart, unless reuniting with one another is a deeper level of their fantasy. The Shared Dream is still a beautiful dream -- many beautiful dreams, fading into one another.

* For example: Fate Testarossa, Steven Universe and Saki Hyuuga want to have a scene in The Shared Dream. Fate is already fully awake, and replaces her dream double; the world of this scene is is a blend of Steven and Saki's ideal worlds. As this is a shared dream, Fate and Steven can encounter Saki's fantasy version of Michiru Kiryuu, or Fate and Saki can encounter Steven's fantasy version of Rose Quartz, or both...

It is worth noting, however, that the 'idealized' PCs and NPCs within their fantasy are also aware that this is only a dream; they want to keep their main character safe and happy within the dream, but are also willing to grant them absolution to leave them behind and depart into the real world. This is a rare opportunity for closure, though not required.

Players are strongly encouraged to allow others (whether 'awakened' PCs, or idealized but actively posed PCs and NPCs) to help them find the strength to leave the Land of the Lotus-Eaters, as it should not be easy or trivial to be willing to depart; the journey of accepting and embracing a more painful reality is far better undertaken as an interactive scene rather than as a cutscene alone. However, for those who prefer it, cutscenes are also welcome. In either case, logs/cutscenes involving this turning point in any character's arc should be named under the following scheme: YYYY-MM-DD - LOTUS INCEPTION: Character Name(s)

Once fully awakened and accepting of reality, characters can stay in The Shared Dream to help free their friends, or escape the Book of Darkness via the World Tree, which exists at the heart of all of their dreams, and will return them to the shattered deadwood corpse of the real Tree in Tokyo.

This begins the third phase: The Waking Nightmare.

===The Waking Nightmare===
[[History: Modern Times#The Book of Darkness|A generation ago, the magical girls of Earth were decimated trying to contain and defeat the Book of Darkness]]; it was the most significant magical event of the new millennium, until the Long Dark Night in 2013. It is widely understood IC knowledge that Signum, Vita, Shamal and Zafira, aka the Wolkenritter, aka the Cloud Knights, have been ambushing magical girls and draining their magic into the Book of Darkness in order to fill all of its pages -- at which point the Book of Darkness will basically go supernova in a world-ending-threat-level event.

Apparently the first stage of 'supernova' was the Book transforming into a scary woman who calls herself the Tome of the Night Sky. The first thing she did was suck every magical girl she could sense into the Book of Darkness' Fantasy World. The second thing she did was spread a Barrier across Tokyo.

A 'Barrier', in Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha terms, is a particular class of magical spell: a wide-area field that shifts everything within that field about half a dimension to the left, metaphysically metaphorically speaking. The chief effect that it has is to remove all noncombatants and other non-magical people from the area it encompasses, which allows magical combat to continue with only minimal risk of collateral damage.

The Book of Darkness' barrier won't protect the world from ending when the automated defense program within her being known as NachtWal goes berserk, since that blast is far greater than her barrier can contain.

And, because Tokyo is so huge and there are so many people in it, neither is it totally successful at keeping all the noncombatants out. A small handful of noncombatants, usually either already-magical people or people closely connected to magical people, such as friends and family, have found themselves drawn inside... and Tokyo, on the other side of the barrier, is an ugly place.

('''''This is strictly optional.''''' There are a handful of people stranded in Battlefield Tokyo for exactly two reasons, narratively: first, to have people to rescue on general principles, and second, for characters who want to be OUTTED to a normal friend or family member to have a dramatic opportunity to do so, in rescuing them (Recognition Inhibition is still 'on', but this is a good reason for it to fail if someone wants it to fail in order to tell their story). If you've wanted your parents to find out what you do, or want your long-misled best friend in on the secret, this is a good time for that!)

The Waking Nightmare is yellow-and-black-skied, with a great deal of purple lightning. It is filled with eerily empty streets and skyscrapers, punctuated here and there with jagged stone spires and immense geysers of magma, created by the seismic instabilities already beginning to engulf the world as the Book of Darkness' power unfolds.

* The Book of Darkness herself, if engaged, will immediately suck combatants into the Fantasy World, which is another way of saying DON'T.
* Fleeing from her, finding allies, protecting civilians and lamenting the state of things is more the order of the day.
* There is also some pathos to be had wandering through the creepily empty, shattered cityscape.

When everyone has escaped the Shared Dream and regrouped to confront the Book of Darkness, we will be at the true finale of What Lies Beneath.

==Frequently Asked Questions==
Q: I wasn't at What Lies Beneath 17-18, can I still have been sucked into the Book of Darkness?

A: Yes! It is safe to assume your character was on the margins of those events; the Book of Darkness cast a very wide net when she absorbed everyone in.

Q: What's the approximate OOC timeline here?

A: Since there's a lot of pathos to go around, we expect to spend around a week in The Fantasy World and a week in The Shared Dream, with maybe each of those being a bit less than a week to make some space for The Waking Nightmare (though it is the least important of the three for participants of the entire plot, since its experience will in most senses be covered by the plot's actual finale).

A2: Individuals can go at their own pace, if they want to spend more time in The Fantasy World after Fate's escape initiates The Shared Dream. Time is all very relative right now, anyway.

Q: I need someone to NPC my dead parents! What should I do?

A: Ask! The staff will be on hand to provide NPC support, but the playerbase is also very strongly encouraged to volunteer.

==Fantasy Worlds==
Please add yourself and a one-sentence description of the core concept of your character's dream world to the list.
* '''[[Fate Testarossa]]''' is living happily with her mother, sister, and teacher.
* '''[[Niramo Umokeshi]]''' has a family who is always there for her, and is the leader of the magical protectors of Earth.
* '''[[Nori Ankou]]''' is in a storm-wracked and gothic Tokyo, where everyone is gorgeous, especially the precious ones.
* '''[[Fuu Hououji]]''' is a regular schoolgirl, her adventures as a Magic Knight now the province of a tabletop RPG campaign.
* '''[[Mai Tokiha]]''' is a carefree teenager with a pet bird, independent of magical trouble, Ohtori weirdness, or anyone depending on her.
* '''[[Eri Shimanouchi]]''' is an average middle schooler, free of contracts and obligations, living her best life with her family and friends.
* '''[[Inori Yamabuki]]''' is brimming with confidence and getting her happiness as a normal girl.
* '''[[Lera Camry]]''' is back on Midchilda, with her mother... and father, who is alive and well.

==Logs==

Please include 'LOTUS' in the title of all of your logs and cutscenes, and they'll automatically appear here.

{{#dpl: |category = logs¦cutscenes
|titlematch = %LOTUS%
|notcategory = News Files
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 2
|rowcolformat=width=100%
|suppresserrors = yes
|noresultsheader=There are no LOTUS logs or cutscenes yet. Fix it!
}}

2018-06-13 - LOTUS AWAKENING: Lera Camry

2018-06-18T21:38:39Z

Texside:

{|class="toccolours" cellspacing="2"
|-
! style="background:#CC6699; border: 2px #CC0033 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" colspan="2" | '''LOTUS AWAKENING: Lera Camry'''
|-
|'''Summary''': 
''Lera wakes up back on Midchilda.''
|-
|'''Who''': 
[[Lera Camry]], Meria Camry, Frederick Camry
|-
|'''Where:''' 
Rigate, Rigate Region, Midchilda
|-
|'''OOC - IC Date:''' 
6/13/2018 - April 25, 2015
|-
|}

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
Slowly, Lera's eyes blink open.

Despite the slowness of the motion, there is something heavy on her chest. A sense of loss, like she had a dream that she cannot quite place; a dream about loss, and when she brings her fingers to her eyes, they come away wet. Her fingers pull back, and Lera's eyes blink a few times at the offending tears. Her fingers curl, slowly, as she looks down at her palm like it may have an answer. "Why... am I crying?"

No answer comes, though.

More questions come. She knows this place: the wooden walls, the sharply angled roof. The posters on the wall, showing rock bands that she grew up listening to. She knows the bed, too; the creaky, antique wooden one with plush pillows and bright forest green sheets. She sits up, slowly, and it pools around her waist. She wears a dark grey tank top and shorts, her preferred clothing for sleeping. She turns her head, surveying more.

Amber eyes narrow, uncertainly, at the desk: a framed photo of her and Setsuna, a second of her and the other Mages that she fought with on Earth... but, then, she looks out the window. A great, sweeping vista of a mountain -- like a painting, except the solid wall of grey granite and white snow is quite real. She knows it better than anything: the Algernhorn, the tallest mountain in the Rigate Alps. The sight of it brings a smile back.

She knows where this is. This is home, and despite the dozen little things that feel wrong, everything feels so right.

But then she jerks upright, as she hears a voice call out, sharply: "Lera! You've overslept again!"

<Pose Tracker> Fate Testarossa [Infinity Institute (5)] has posed.

And yet there's also a gentle knocking - before someone comes in. It's a feat only a parent call pull off within a teenager's room - with almost annoying ease. But this man's presence doesn't feel like an annoyance. It's her father after all. Leaning against the doorframe, he looks at Lera and puts a finger to his lips, before looking over his shoulder, "No need to worry dear. She's up."

And yet - he notices something, perhaps it's just the faintest moisture in her eyes. Looking once more over his shoulder, he quietly closes the door. Then heads forward to sit down on the bed beside her. "You must be thinking of your friends back on Earth again."

He places an arm around her, drawing her into a hug. That seems familiar. "Don't worry. Your mother almost has it figured out - then we'll be able to bring them to visit anytime."

He draws back to arm's length quickly enough, with a smile, "Still up for our father - daughter hiking trip?"

A whirr of a Midchildan camera catches both their attention at that moment, as Meria is inside the room - how is she inside despite the door still being closed!? "And there we have it. Two of my favorite two people caught on film in a touching moment!"

Lera's father quirks an eyebrow, "Couldn't hold yourself back - could you?" Meria puts a hand on a hip with a cocksure grin, "Of course I couldn't. What do you take me for? I'm not the type of woman who gushes after just my amazing daughter after all." She winks, "I also gush about my wonderful husband."

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
For some reason, the sight of those familiar features -- the warm smile, the mustache, the simple brown hair and professorial clothes -- evoke a response in Lera that feels out of sorts. She opens her mouth, and she stares at the door as it closes, and then stares at him. Her mind has to race to make sense of it, as if trying to find a reason this moment shouldn't be real. She can't. She wants it to be real. Of all the things that she wanted, she wanted this more than anything.

"Dad," she answers, quietly. She hugs him, tightly, with both arms. Then, she laughs and shakes her head. "Yeah... yeah, I was. I still miss them, but... I'm glad I'm here with you. And with moment. And with..."

A little brother. "Calen, too. He's..." The memory comes easily; a boy with the same orange hair, but green eyes, and glasses. "...He's gotten bigger while I was gone."

She tilts her head up. "And I wouldn't miss it for the world, y'know? I--"

The whirr makes her head snap -- and she stares daggers at the unopened door ''and'' at her mother, standing there as proud as ever. "''Mom''. What'd I tell you about sneaking into my room?"

<Pose Tracker> Fate Testarossa [Infinity Institute (5)] has posed.

"He's already up for breakfast - and grousing about the fact that he can't come with us." It's not that Calen isn't /welcome/ though. They do hiking trips with the three of them all the time. "Father - daughter hiking trips are sacred though. He knows better." Just like father/son time is sacred. This all happens before her mother is in the room.

But once she is her mother allows this little triumphant laugh and gives a dismissive wave, "The committee has taken your wishes under consideration. And decided to ignore them! My right to admire my daughter and my pride as the mother of one of the youngest S-ranked mages in Midchildan history has permanent veto powers over your right to privacy."

Frederick slowly rises, walks over to her - and presses a light kiss to her forehead. "I'll run interference Lera. You just get ready to come down." "As if there's anything you could ever do to distract me from embarrassing our children - Mister Camry." Still the two exit with a laugh.

Leaving Lera alone for just a few moments to comprehend just how wonderful her life truly is...

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.

Breakfast, of course, had been wonderful. Lera helped her father cook, while her younger brother and mother spectated. It was the standard way of doing things in the family; Meria could make wonderful things, but her cuisine left something to be desired. The story went that Frederick won her heart with his cooking. Lera could believe it.

Which left, after a little staying around the house and cleaning up, the hike.

The air in Rigate is crisp and clear. The altitude is high, and the foothills of the Rigatian Alps are tall, steep, and challenging hikes. It isn't a day for a full climb -- Lera left her down jacket and crampons at home -- but she is still bundled up, because even in summer, there is a chill this high up. Her hand grips onto a piece of a rock, and she pulls herself up after her father.

He was always the stronger climber. She could remember him carrying her on his shoulders, even when she was little. She liked to go up high, so he helped with that. She could remember...

What could she remember?

She free climbs up to the ledge that he has already arrived at, and then she comes to the top. Lera rotates her shoulders a few times, and looks at her father with a sheepish grin. "You still get ahead of me pretty easy, y'know?"

<Pose Tracker> Fate Testarossa [Infinity Institute (5)] has posed.

Frederick smiles at his daughter, brow covered in sweat, "Of course. I've decided never to let age catch up with me you know." There's just this warm smile, "We'll be doing this together for the rest of our lives." She claps a hand on her shoulder, his grip still feels strong enough that he probably ''could'' lift her on his shoulders if he wanted. "Just look at that view... breath-taking."

And it is at that. As it looks over the majesty of the Midchildan mountain range

"I have a surprise for you today though... now that you're old enough..." He says a little coyly, "... maybe you didn't know - but in my younger years. I went to Earth too. And you know your mother... she was hoping I'd bring back some old Belkan relics from when their empire stretched across the stars..." His eyes sparkle, "And I did... but that's not the only thing I brought back."

Striding easily towards another side of the peak, he gestures to the ground - at a patch... of flowers.

"They're called Forget-me-nots on Earth. The first time someone told me about how they meant true love to so many people on that big blue world... I couldn't resist. I brought them back with me." How did he get them past customs!? Well that's another story! "And replanted them up here."

He then adds gently, "And then I asked your mother up here... to pop the question with an antique ring I found - and these bright blue flowers. I always told her that her Engagement ring was the most precious Lost Logia out there." He looks at Lera with a sparkle in his eye, "I just thought it'd be nice to tell you this story so that once we manage to get that nice girlfriend of yours back here to Midchilda..."

Oh - my - gosh? Is he shipping them that hard?!

He clears his throat with this smile that's just so full of warmth, "Well this would be a nice place to bring her - don't you think?"

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
'The rest of our lives,' he says, and somehow it hurts. It seems so real, it feels so right, and it makes Lera try to think of something that she knows is wrong. She doesn't know what it is. It shows, only, in a hesitation -- and the strength in the clap of his hand on her shoulder makes the thought flicker. Lera smiles, before she turns her head, to regard the mountains that she grew up around. She sighs, her hand sliding over his and patting it.

"Mm-hm," she says. "It really is, y'know?" But, Lera falls quiet -- to let him walk away and let him explain. She turns, then, on a foot. Her eyes turn -- and she looks down at the flowers. It takes Lera a moment to understand, as she mentally hesitates on the very name of 'forget-me-not.' Why does that make her think? Even though...

Even though it's so like him, to plant flowers here. Lera smiles down at the flowers, and then looks up. She blinks -- there is a little 'aww' noise at the back of her throat -- and then it turns into a sputter. "I-I definitely wanna bring her here, but--but I'm not going to propose! E-Even if that's a really cute story, y'know! Th-that's--"

She flushes, her cheeks bright red, and she puts her hand over her face. "''Dad''. I-I mean... I want you to meet her! I've always wanted you to meet her. But... but... I can't do that!!"

<Pose Tracker> Fate Testarossa [Infinity Institute (5)] has posed.

"Ohh? Are you sure? The way you talk about her... you certainly sound like I did about your mother when I was your age." It's just the lightest kind of tease. But he relents in a moment, putting an arm around her instead. "I don't really mean that. You two have all the time in the world... so you should take that time. As long as you need to figure things out."

That sounds really sad doesn't it? All the time in the world.

He speaks about it like ''he'' had all the time in the world.

"Life is a great adventure like that Lera. And for all the excitement that happened on Earth - the two of you are have just started out on yours."

It like an absolution of Lera for leaving them in the first place. For leaving him - leaving her mother. Leaving her little brother. An acknowledgement that she's growing up.

"Having a few smaller adventures at home with your old man for a while though... doesn't sound so bad - does it?"

And yet it's also obvious he doesn't want her to leave again.

Not really.

Maybe that's why he brought her up here...

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
"I-I mean... I like her a lot, y'know?" It is the sort of understatement one gives their parents; the truth of the relationship was more involved, deeper than Lera lets on, but she isn't likely to admit that to her father. She looks down, sheepishly, and taps her index fingers together. She smiles.

Until she thinks, really, about the words 'all the time in the world.'

She can't say why it makes her sad. She can't say what half-remembered memory, what half-obscured truth, tries to come out at the thought. There is, however, a powerful sense of longing there. Her smile fades slowly, as she thinks about that. "Mm... yeah," she says. "Going to Earth... I think I see what you meant. But, still, I..."

She looks up, and her head tilts. She blinks her eyes when she looks at him, again. He looks so real; he looks the way that she always imagined him looking, when she tried to picture what life would have been like. Her voice becomes quiet, with a slight tremor to it from emotion. "...I thought about you, every day. I wished you were with me. I thought about... about how a lot of the best parts of me, they came from you, and I never got to say thank you."

She smiles, and it's equal parts sad and happy. She looks like she might cry. She doesn't know why, but her jaw trembles. "I missed you."

<Pose Tracker> Fate Testarossa [Infinity Institute (5)] has posed.

Frederick puts his opposite hand up as if to stroke his chin. "Mmm." With that maddeningly knowing smile - like he knows just how his daughter is understating that.

And yet - he just lets Lera talk. With this understanding smile. "I missed you too kiddo... and not a day went by when me and your mother didn't talk about you. Calen too. He always wondered what souvenirs he was going to bring you."

He enfolds her into a warm bear hug, which doesn't apply too much pressure. "And don't sell yourself short. There's plenty that belongs to you that me and your mother had nothing to do with. Upbringing - blood. They only afford you so much. Those best parts? They belong to you... and only you..."

And he offers the lightest whispers, "And that's why I couldn't be prouder that my little girl grew up to be the fine young woman that stands in front of me."

<Pose Tracker> Lera Camry [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
"Y-Yeah..." Lera trails off, trying to find words and failing. She can remember, now, bringing souvenirs from Earth back; she gave Calen a few of the popular toys there. The memories still feel foggy, and she can't say why. What is clear, though, is the person in front of her. He hugs her, and suddenly it feels like she is four again. She returns the hug, consciously that her arms are around his shoulders instead of his leg.

She bites her lip and tries to not cry, but it falls apart before she can really commit herself to the idea. She buries her face against him, not sure why it hits her so hard.

She knows, though, that this is what she wanted. This is what was missing for so long. Who was missing for so long.

[[Category:Logs]]

2015-09-06T20:22:21Z

Texside:

{|class="toccolours" cellspacing="2"
|-
! style="background:#CC6699; border: 2px #CC0033 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" colspan="2" | '''Title: What Friendship Is Worth'''
|-
|'''Summary''': 
''Lera texts Setsuna after the battle with Jaren.''
|-
| '''Who:''' 
[[Lera Camry]] and [[Setsuna Higashi]]
|-
| '''Where:''' 
Lera is in her room and Setsuna is in her room. Also, Japan's 4G and LTE data networks.
|-
| '''OOC - IC Date:''' 
08/20/2014 - 8/30/2015
|-
|}

''Sent from Lera to Setsuna during the fight with with Jaren and Citadel the [[08/23/2015 - A Place to Call Home|day before]]:''

Hey Setsuna.

I don't really know if you want to hear from me again. I don't really know what I think, sometimes, when it comes to you. Even knowing what I know, I don't always understand you. I'm still trying, though. I think you were wrong, when you said I shouldn't get involved. Or maybe you were right. I want to be involved, though.

You were right about a lot of things. I keep getting back up, even if it hurts. Even if I think I shouldn't get back up. I always decide to. I think I do it because I'm scared of what happens if I don't. I don't want to think less of myself anymore. And... I don't want to lose anyone again. So I'll keep getting up. Even if it's annoying. <3

I'm about to get back up and do something you're gonna call stupid. I know it's what I should do. I know if it goes badly, I won't have a chance to see you again. I still don't know what I should say to you, exactly, but I know it's not nothing. So...

Thanks. For believing in me. For being a lot more than you think you are. For being my friend, even if us being friends is stupid. Even if it gets us both hurt, I think our friendship is worth it. I think it makes us both better people. I just hope I get to see you again someday so we can talk about it or argue about it or whatever. I hope I get the chance to find the right thing to say and say it to you.

But right now I have to jump off a building bye!

----

''On the 20th:''

'''>Hi, um. I kinda sorta didn't die or anything!'''

'''>I totally nailed the landing, too, y'know? :D'''

It's about fifteen minutes before Lera gets any answer at all. When she does...

'''>what is wrong with you'''

Lera sits up from where she was sitting, looks at her phone, and blinks down at the message for a second. Then her face screws up.

'''>What??'''

Then she sends an important clarification, after a moment's thought:

'''>it's two ?'s because it's DOUBLE THE QUESTION y'know?'''

Setsuna has long since been staring down at her phone. ...She's not in the mansion. For reasons. ...Reasons that might've had something to do with the delay.

'''>what do you mean what'''

'''>first we're not friends and second you cannot kinda die you can only die or not die so what is wrong with you'''

Lera blinks down at the phone. She rolls over on her back and lifts the phone up above her. It's more comfortable to sprawl out on her sofa that way, but it means her typing quality quickly dips to...

'''>omg first we're totally friends!! like we're super great but kinda sad friends y'know? I wanna work on the sad part but like 1 thing at a time k?'''

'''>second I was doin that understatement thingy that people do so I'm just totally not dead'''

'''>it's pretty great btw <3'''

...the level it reaches when Lera is comfortable texting someone.

Setsuna, however, types each and every letter with such quickness and precision that her answers are speedy and her phone...

Well it's a good thing she has a screen protector.

'''>that is ridiculous and i do not think friendship works that way'''

'''>that is also ridiculous'''

'''>you are ridiculous'''

Lera squints up at the phone and she makes a face. She sighs, before she sits up; she has been so motivated. It takes her a good fifteen minutes to compose her reply. First, she opens an art program, and draws with her finger. The first is a little finger sketch of a girl with orange hair; the second is a girl with purple hair. They both have immense happy grins on their faces.

Then she presses the 'attach' button with a pointed finger jab.

Finally, Lera flops back down, and resumes her lazy typing with pride.

'''> attached: bestpals.png this is us, this is our friendship, deal w/ it'''

Setsuna waits. And waits.

And then Lera has to wait because Setsuna takes five minutes to reply.

'''>i do not understand how a colored map of an unfamiliar location is relevant'''

"Sh-she didn't even see what it's supposed to be!" Lera whines at her phone. "Sky, Sky, look at this--"

<No.> Soaring Sky answers. <Additionally: no.>

Lera's face scrunches up as she looks down at the phone. It takes her a moment before she sighs and starts to type again.

'''>omg okay so it's totally us like see that's me on the left and you on the right because you're shorter than me and then there's a tree behind us because trees happen sometimes and i guess the lake was confusing but gosh!!!'''

Setsuna hears none of this. Instead, there is another delay of some good two minutes.

'''>i do not like to be mocked'''

'''>also trees do not happen they are objects not events'''

Lera frowns at the screen. It is irritated, at first; then it turns into a guiltier expression.

'''>i wasn't mocking you!! i tried to make you look cute'''

'''>sorry :('''

'''>also trees happen but only in the cosmic sense y'know?'''

Setsuna also frowns at her phone. She glances up slightly, looking at the picture again.

'''>i do not have a large gaping mouth'''

'''>also that makes no sense'''

'''>also i am not cute'''

There's a pause of about thirty seconds, and then a picture of a kitten is transferred back. It is sleeping.

'''>there is no resemblence whatsoever'''

Lera purses her lips, squinting up at the phone. She glances, briefly, at Soaring Sky. The Device is careful to make no pulse or other indication that he is awake or listening. She sighs, then she pulls the picture up. She hits send a moment later.

'''>so i'm an art expert y'know? comes with being american!! and that's a smile! or a grin! or maybe like you're about to get a dental exam because i did get carried away huh?'''

Then she gets a picture of a kitty. It takes her thirty seconds to stop squealing and rolling around because of the picture. Then, she stops, and types:

'''>okay you're not as cute as kitty because omg kitty like look at it setsuna!! but you're actually kinda cute sorry'''

'''>except not sorry'''

'''>also omg kittyyyyyyyyyyy <3'''

There's no delay in this one.

'''>you are not american'''

Sometime in the midst of Lera's squealing, Setsuna adds again.

'''>i do not smile'''

Then of course, there's the response. She continues looking at it. She is still frowning.

'''>how severe was your head injury you should seek medical facilities'''

She squints up at the message, frowning long enough for her to get all of them at once; the squealing and rolling around gave her a necessary pause. Then she sighs, and she begins to type anew.

'''>okay i'm not american that's fair'''

'''>um I didn't get a head injury!! everything is totally okay y'know? why??'''

There is the briefest pauses, before she adds:

'''>that's another double question btw'''

Setsuna is somewhat mollified by Lera's concession of the point.

...Only slightly. Lera's insistence about the whole thing makes her lips press together, her eyebrow twitch slightly in irritation. She gets the second message, yes... but then the next after that, too.

'''>fine'''

Ten seconds pass.

'''>whatever'''

Ten seconds pass again. ...And another six.

'''>leave me alone'''

The first reply comes quickly. Lera types it out almost reflexively, falling back on habits ingrained into her after long years of expecting to disappoint.

'''>sorry... :('''

The second reply, though, takes longer. Lera puts her phone down and rolls over onto her side; the phone is left of the coffee table, while she turns to face the back of the sofa. The guilty feeling doesn't leave. She realizes that she shouldn't beat herself up over it; that she shouldn't offer an apology only to mollify someone.

But that leaves her not knowing what to say. She started to unlearn one behavior. She has nothing to replace it with. The insecurity that she feels is, suddenly, plainly visible to her. She rolls back over, grabs her phone, and starts typing.

She hits send.

'''>Are you angry with me?'''

Then she bites her lip, types a little more, and hits send again. She only thinks better of it afterward.

'''>...is it because I'm still on Earth?'''

There's nothing at the apology. The apology only makes things ''worse'' as far as Setsuna is concerned, and she looks down at her phone in frustration. Her hand squeezes tightly on it, and she looks at it again, unable to speak or to say anything at first. Then the questions...

Setsuna can only stare down at them. Seconds pass, and those seconds begin to accumulate. But Setsuna is not a patient girl.

'''>no'''

'''>why should i be angry'''

'''>you showed me what friendship is worth'''

'''>leave me alone'''

Lera's lip trembles when she reads the texts. It clicks into place, then, when she sees her own words: what friendship is worth. Her eyes start to tear up; she feels grateful, then, that she isn't facing Setsuna while they said this. But more than that, she feels guilty. Her eyes drift back down at the sofa. It takes her a few seconds before she starts typing again. Ordinarily, when she gets nervous, the messages come out with careful consideration and proper grammar.

When she feels comfortable, they become loose and free.

When she feels upset, they come quickly and with every thought put into text. Coherency isn't Lera Camry's strong suit, when that happens.

'''>i'm sorry, i didn't know i hurt you, i just didn't know how what to say'''

'''>im stupid and i didnt want to worry you so i tried to say im okay in a silly way and make it hurt less y'know?'''

'''>all i do is make it worse for you. im sorry.'''

Setsuna ends up gripping her phone in both hands, staring down at it. But her expression can't be transmitted through the phone.

Her texting style is always the same... except here. She puts effort into seeming 'normal' with others, but is too agitated to remember that she's committing anything electronic. And then...

'''>shut up'''

'''>Shut up!'''

'''>worrying me is stupid! this is stupid! i don't care! all you're ever going to do is leave anyway'''

'''>dont talk to me anymore'''

When she reads the final text in that string, the words start to blur. Lera realizes why, then: once more, she is crying. She can't seem to get through a conversation with Setsuna without that happening. She crumples down into the sofa, rolling over. She starts to type again into the phone.

'''>i won't leave, I know bet'''

She deletes that. It feels wrong. It feels angry to say that to her. Lera bites her lip, before she starts to try again.

'''>no i won't because i'''

She stops typing that too and stares at it. Her fingers hover over the keys, as she realizes that she doesn't know how to finish that. So she deletes it, finally, and then drops the phone onto the floor. She closes her eyes, leaving the screen shining its light up at the ceiling until it goes dark again.

[[Category:Logs]]

2015-08-30 - What Friendship Is Worth

2015-09-06T20:18:06Z

{|class="toccolours" cellspacing="2"
|-
! style="background:#CC6699; border: 2px #CC0033 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" colspan="2" | '''Title: What Friendship Is Worth'''
|-
|'''Summary''': 
''Lera texts Setsuna after the battle with Jaren.''
|-
| '''Who:''' 
[[Lera Camry]] and [[Setsuna Higashi]]
|-
| '''Where:''' 
Lera is in her room and Setsuna is in her room. Also, Japan's 4G and LTE data networks.
|-
| '''OOC - IC Date:''' 
08/20/2014 - 8/30/2015
|-
|}

'''>Hi, um. I kinda sorta didn't die or anything!'''

'''>I totally nailed the landing, too, y'know? :D'''

It's about fifteen minutes before Lera gets any answer at all. When she does...

'''>what is wrong with you'''

Lera sits up from where she was sitting, looks at her phone, and blinks down at the message for a second. Then her face screws up.

'''>What??'''

Then she sends an important clarification, after a moment's thought:

'''>it's two ?'s because it's DOUBLE THE QUESTION y'know?'''

Setsuna has long since been staring down at her phone. ...She's not in the mansion. For reasons. ...Reasons that might've had something to do with the delay.

'''>what do you mean what'''

'''>first we're not friends and second you cannot kinda die you can only die or not die so what is wrong with you'''

Lera blinks down at the phone. She rolls over on her back and lifts the phone up above her. It's more comfortable to sprawl out on her sofa that way, but it means her typing quality quickly dips to...

'''>omg first we're totally friends!! like we're super great but kinda sad friends y'know? I wanna work on the sad part but like 1 thing at a time k?'''

'''>second I was doin that understatement thingy that people do so I'm just totally not dead'''

'''>it's pretty great btw <3'''

...the level it reaches when Lera is comfortable texting someone.

Setsuna, however, types each and every letter with such quickness and precision that her answers are speedy and her phone...

Well it's a good thing she has a screen protector.

'''>that is ridiculous and i do not think friendship works that way'''

'''>that is also ridiculous'''

'''>you are ridiculous'''

Lera squints up at the phone and she makes a face. She sighs, before she sits up; she has been so motivated. It takes her a good fifteen minutes to compose her reply. First, she opens an art program, and draws with her finger. The first is a little finger sketch of a girl with orange hair; the second is a girl with purple hair. They both have immense happy grins on their faces.

Then she presses the 'attach' button with a pointed finger jab.

Finally, Lera flops back down, and resumes her lazy typing with pride.

'''> attached: bestpals.png this is us, this is our friendship, deal w/ it'''

Setsuna waits. And waits.

And then Lera has to wait because Setsuna takes five minutes to reply.

'''>i do not understand how a colored map of an unfamiliar location is relevant'''

"Sh-she didn't even see what it's supposed to be!" Lera whines at her phone. "Sky, Sky, look at this--"

<No.> Soaring Sky answers. <Additionally: no.>

Lera's face scrunches up as she looks down at the phone. It takes her a moment before she sighs and starts to type again.

'''>omg okay so it's totally us like see that's me on the left and you on the right because you're shorter than me and then there's a tree behind us because trees happen sometimes and i guess the lake was confusing but gosh!!!'''

Setsuna hears none of this. Instead, there is another delay of some good two minutes.

'''>i do not like to be mocked'''

'''>also trees do not happen they are objects not events'''

Lera frowns at the screen. It is irritated, at first; then it turns into a guiltier expression.

'''>i wasn't mocking you!! i tried to make you look cute'''

'''>sorry :('''

'''>also trees happen but only in the cosmic sense y'know?'''

Setsuna also frowns at her phone. She glances up slightly, looking at the picture again.

'''>i do not have a large gaping mouth'''

'''>also that makes no sense'''

'''>also i am not cute'''

There's a pause of about thirty seconds, and then a picture of a kitten is transferred back. It is sleeping.

'''>there is no resemblence whatsoever'''

Lera purses her lips, squinting up at the phone. She glances, briefly, at Soaring Sky. The Device is careful to make no pulse or other indication that he is awake or listening. She sighs, then she pulls the picture up. She hits send a moment later.

'''>so i'm an art expert y'know? comes with being american!! and that's a smile! or a grin! or maybe like you're about to get a dental exam because i did get carried away huh?'''

Then she gets a picture of a kitty. It takes her thirty seconds to stop squealing and rolling around because of the picture. Then, she stops, and types:

'''>okay you're not as cute as kitty because omg kitty like look at it setsuna!! but you're actually kinda cute sorry'''

'''>except not sorry'''

'''>also omg kittyyyyyyyyyyy <3'''

There's no delay in this one.

'''>you are not american'''

Sometime in the midst of Lera's squealing, Setsuna adds again.

'''>i do not smile'''

Then of course, there's the response. She continues looking at it. She is still frowning.

'''>how severe was your head injury you should seek medical facilities'''

She squints up at the message, frowning long enough for her to get all of them at once; the squealing and rolling around gave her a necessary pause. Then she sighs, and she begins to type anew.

'''>okay i'm not american that's fair'''

'''>um I didn't get a head injury!! everything is totally okay y'know? why??'''

There is the briefest pauses, before she adds:

'''>that's another double question btw'''

Setsuna is somewhat mollified by Lera's concession of the point.

...Only slightly. Lera's insistence about the whole thing makes her lips press together, her eyebrow twitch slightly in irritation. She gets the second message, yes... but then the next after that, too.

'''>fine'''

Ten seconds pass.

'''>whatever'''

Ten seconds pass again. ...And another six.

'''>leave me alone'''

The first reply comes quickly. Lera types it out almost reflexively, falling back on habits ingrained into her after long years of expecting to disappoint.

'''>sorry... :('''

The second reply, though, takes longer. Lera puts her phone down and rolls over onto her side; the phone is left of the coffee table, while she turns to face the back of the sofa. The guilty feeling doesn't leave. She realizes that she shouldn't beat herself up over it; that she shouldn't offer an apology only to mollify someone.

But that leaves her not knowing what to say. She started to unlearn one behavior. She has nothing to replace it with. The insecurity that she feels is, suddenly, plainly visible to her. She rolls back over, grabs her phone, and starts typing.

She hits send.

'''>Are you angry with me?'''

Then she bites her lip, types a little more, and hits send again. She only thinks better of it afterward.

'''>...is it because I'm still on Earth?'''

There's nothing at the apology. The apology only makes things ''worse'' as far as Setsuna is concerned, and she looks down at her phone in frustration. Her hand squeezes tightly on it, and she looks at it again, unable to speak or to say anything at first. Then the questions...

Setsuna can only stare down at them. Seconds pass, and those seconds begin to accumulate. But Setsuna is not a patient girl.

'''>no'''

'''>why should i be angry'''

'''>you showed me what friendship is worth'''

'''>leave me alone'''

Lera's lip trembles when she reads the texts. It clicks into place, then, when she sees her own words: what friendship is worth. Her eyes start to tear up; she feels grateful, then, that she isn't facing Setsuna while they said this. But more than that, she feels guilty. Her eyes drift back down at the sofa. It takes her a few seconds before she starts typing again. Ordinarily, when she gets nervous, the messages come out with careful consideration and proper grammar.

When she feels comfortable, they become loose and free.

When she feels upset, they come quickly and with every thought put into text. Coherency isn't Lera Camry's strong suit, when that happens.

'''>i'm sorry, i didn't know i hurt you, i just didn't know how what to say'''

'''>im stupid and i didnt want to worry you so i tried to say im okay in a silly way and make it hurt less y'know?'''

'''>all i do is make it worse for you. im sorry.'''

Setsuna ends up gripping her phone in both hands, staring down at it. But her expression can't be transmitted through the phone.

Her texting style is always the same... except here. She puts effort into seeming 'normal' with others, but is too agitated to remember that she's committing anything electronic. And then...

'''>shut up'''

'''>Shut up!'''

'''>worrying me is stupid! this is stupid! i don't care! all you're ever going to do is leave anyway'''

'''>dont talk to me anymore'''

When she reads the final text in that string, the words start to blur. Lera realizes why, then: once more, she is crying. She can't seem to get through a conversation with Setsuna without that happening. She crumples down into the sofa, rolling over. She starts to type again into the phone.

'''>i won't leave, I know bet'''

She deletes that. It feels wrong. It feels angry to say that to her. Lera bites her lip, before she starts to try again.

'''>no i won't because i'''

She stops typing that too and stares at it. Her fingers hover over the keys, as she realizes that she doesn't know how to finish that. So she deletes it, finally, and then drops the phone onto the floor. She closes her eyes, leaving the screen shining its light up at the ceiling until it goes dark again.

[[Category:Logs]]

2015-08-23 - A Place to Call Home

2015-09-06T19:49:24Z

{|class="toccolours" cellspacing="2"
|-
! style="background:#CC6699; border: 2px #CC0033 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" colspan="2" | '''Title: A Place to Call Home'''
|-
|'''Summary''': 
''Citadel has activated his teleportation spell, which threatens to take Tokyo Tower with it. In his desperation, Jaren has one chance left to get those Devices. Lera confronts him for Soaring Sky, and Ren unveils a newfound power!''
|-
| '''Who:''' 
[[Lilian Abarth]], [[Ren Aizawa]], [[Lera Camry]], [[Fuu Hououji]], [[Makoto Kenzaki]], [[Seika Miuchi]], [[Endo Naoki]], [[Hikaru Shidou]], [[Fate Testarossa]], Citadel, and Jaren Zastava
|-
| '''Where:''' 
Tokyo Tower
|-
| '''OOC - IC Date:''' 
08/19/2014 - 08/23/2015
|-
|}

Disrupting Citadel's barrier isn't an easy thing. It required work with the Tuners to make happen: a quartet of Storage Devices needed to be set up around the square containing Tokyo Tower. Each looked innocuous enough: a gunmetal-colored box, with a little golden gem in the center of each, with panel lines and emitters that gave it away as advanced Midchildan magical technology. The Storage Devices aren't complicated, though, because they serve one function: disrupting Citadel's barrier.

There isn't a loud proclamation when they activate. At first, each of the little boxes hums softly; a tiny vibration that might blend into the nearby traffic, and a little flash of yellow light from the gems in their centers. The flashes practically vanish when compared to the glowing, prismatic rainbow light of the barrier around Tokyo Tower.

But the humming increases, slowly, until it is a steady rumble. The flashes become more persistent and brighter. Then, each Storage Device sends out a rippling shockwave of yellow light. It passes through buildings, streetlamps, and cars without incident. When they hit the barrier, though, the entire thing ripples like a boulder dropped into a pond. The barrier doesn't simply come down; instead, holes from the size of a penny to a Volvo appear, and stay there, making it look more like Swiss cheese.

Then the fanfare begins.

First, from a rooftop across the street, Lera Camry's voice shouts out. Using Radical Freeband, the communicator Storage Device that her mother gave her, the girl's voice booms out like it comes from a megaphone: "Charge!"

She always wanted to yell that.

And then, finally, as the signal is given -- and the gathered Tuners, magical girls, Device Wielders, and other warriors begin their advance on Citadel -- a piece of paper flies down from a roof. It wafts down, carried on a gentle but deliberate air current, to hover directly in front of Jaren Zastava's face. The paper is a memo, complete with letterhead:

From the Office of Meria Camry, Device Meister and Engineering Consulting Services

Form 9-B2: Notice of Termination
Employee: Jaren Zastava, Assistant Meister and Device Tester
Rationale: You're a poor team player and don't fit into our future plans of not hiring jerks. Best wishes in your future endeavors (in prison), darling! <3

Jaren Zastava has had. THE WORST. Few days. He can't go home, because all these crazy sparkle chicks are after him, because somehow they all have some PROBLEM with him BEATING UP THEIR FRIENDS and STEALING THEIR INCALCULABLY POWERFUL RELICS! What in the world is WRONG with people when a guy can't just claim the spoils of a perfectly legitimate fight, these days!!

AND he's been cooped up with Citadel, who may as well be named the NO FUN EVER SENTINEL, and he's had to subsist on HOT DOGS and PRETZELS and his stomach has NEVER FELT WORSE and he had to sleep on some wage slave's UPSETTINGLY-STAINED MATTRESS and, oh, let's not forget this one, HIS BOSS IS GOING TO LITERALLY MURDER HIM and, AND NOW.

AND NOW!

THESE JOKERS ARE HERE!!!!

Jaren takes a deep breath. The teleport isn't ready yet. He has only one Device to show the boss. He has to stop them all and, also, beat up two children and steal their Devices, an act which has continuously eluded him for reasons HE CANNOT COMPREHEND.

Calm. Deep breaths. Think of waterfalls. Ahhhhh.

Jaren is not particularly upset when the barrier begins to weaken, because it was obviously going to happen; he stands ready, as cleaned and polished as he can get in a facility that is not actually intended to host a permanent resident, with Broken Ground in hand and the pen form of Soaring Sky on a chain on his neck. The cracks are healed. Jaren repaired him. He might be useful later. "You ready, bud?"

<WE WILL SMASH THEM. WE ARE THE STRONGEST TEAM.>

"Ha ha," Jaren says, and takes a breath, his eyes hardening. "You know it."

Which is when that neatly-worded letter drifts up to his face, and his eyes scan across it, half-expecting some imported TSAB instruction to surrender. No. His teeth grind and he rips it out of the air, crumples it up, throws it away, and lasers it into ash with a thin beam from Ground.

"YOU CAN'T FIRE ME, YOU CRAZY HAS-BEEN!!" Jaren screams at the heavens. "I QUIT!!"

COMBAT: Jaren Zastava transforms into Youma Form Jaren Zastava!
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has fully healed himself.

For thousands of years, Citadel lay in wait at the bottom of the ocean, awaiting orders. For ages before that, the Lost Logia stood vigilant as the Guardian of Ten Thousand Points, staring endlessly into the space beyond that fortress for any hint of enemies. Through war and peace, the guardian watched and waited. Such was its mission. Such was its duty. Such was its purpose.

Citadel, Guardian of Ten Thousand Points, knows the meaning of patience.

Jaren Zastava, it seems, does not.

Jaren complained - endlessly - that the time was not right for them to go to Belka. Complained about his defeats, complained about accommodations, complained about anything and everything. Even Citadel's legendary patience might, soon, approach its limits.

In this instant, however - an event is occurring. The prismatic barrier, hallmark of this Lost Logia, has been sapped. Drained, damaged, undermined. Technology - unfamiliar to the Lost Logia, and novel in that right - used to assault the barrier in a way it had not expected.

For a moment, Citadel glances at Jaren. It's a long, almost judgmental look. Then, it turns to face the magic-wielders arrayed against it. Wings flair to kaleidoscopic life, light of ancient Belka brought to life once more. "STAND DOWN. I WILL RETURN TO THE TEN THOUSAND POINTS, NO MATTER THE COST - DELAY ME FURTHER, AND YOUR LIVES ARE FORFEIT."

COMBAT: Westar transforms into Youma Form Citadel!
COMBAT: Citadel has fully healed himself. He is now ready to take on 9 opponents!

"I'm really sorry, Citadel-san," a gentle voice rings out - followed by an arrow flying at the barrier, aimed not with magic but only with the skill of a practiced archer.

"But we *really* can't let you or Jaren-san depart with one of Tokyo's most prominent landmarks in tow," the Magic Knight of Wind finishes, leaping from the rooftop from which she laucnhed that arrow, and touching down lightly a few meters outside of the prismatic barrier. "Tokyo Tower is important to a great many people in this city, and I include myself among those who hold it in such esteem." Her attention shifts to Jaren. "Why is it necessary for you to enclose the Tower in your barrier while you're preparing to depart?"

Admitedly, the Wind Knight has more on her mind than just Tokyo Tower, but recovering any stolen Devices is going to have to come AFTER the barrier goes down.

Fiat Silver got real anxious when the B-word started being dropped. They said Belkan - just like the ancient city - with a capital B and that rhymes with T and that stands for "Tokyo Tower is in peril."

She had joined the ranks called to this battle, though she had, as befits a thief, lurked towards the back and tried to avoid being in the line of sight of people who might feel an overwhelming sense of justice. And then comes the time.

<That man has not washed in three days, I estimate,> Silver Scorpion remarks, disapprovingly, to Fiat Silver. Fiat Silver solemnly raises up her ungauntleted hand to pinch her nose, though she's smiling slightly.

"Zastava! I had told you that I would come for you, and now you hold no surprises for me," Fiat Silver says, floating aloft with her hand returning, saucily, to her hip. "You have already been defeated, and if you surrender yourself and your plunder, it will go much smoother for you. And oh, I am aware of the irony - oh oh ho h-"

Citadel talks. Fiat Silver shushes.

"... The Ten Thousand Points... do you mean outer space?! Must you imperil this fine piece of public art in order to make your way? Yes, exactly," Fiat Silver says, indicating what Fuu is saying. "None of us bear you any ill will... our anima is reserved solely for that man, Jaren Zastava!"

<...I believe you meant 'animus,' madame.>

Fiat Silver's lips press into a thin line.

Miuchi Seika is not a Tuner. She had no idea this was coming.

"Storage Devices?" the girl breathes, hand caught at her throat as she watches from the shadow of a phone booth. She blinks as the devices begin to do their work.

"It does seem the Tuners have had plans, Masque Feu," Augustine notes from where he flutters alongside her. "And it also seems that young Lera Camry is leading the charge! I think this would be an opportune time to aid her."

Seika presses her lips together with intent, and reaches into her purse for her mask. "Yes... we must help," she agrees as she raises the item to her face.

She whispers the words of calling.

A heartbeat later, another figure is sprinting in from a slightly different angle from the rest of the Tuners. It is easy to tell who it is both from the little black and gold ballroom mask and the long stream of ringleted hair billowing out behind her. "Lera," she calls out, not raising her voice all that much, but still clear and crisp enough to easily be heard. "We're with you...!"

She breathes a bit more heavily as she downright sprints towards the tower. Her heels scrape against pavement as she scoots to a halt. For a moment, the Soeur pauses, catching her wind before she snaps a look up towards the massive Lost Logia looming in the shadow of the Tower. "Citadel-san," she calls up, her voice crisp and not especially hostile. "Surely there is a way to do this without taking a part of this world with you."

Augustine flutters up next to her with a rapid beat of wings. "To return home like this," the talking turtledove shouts, "can only leave harm in your wake! Would you really do this to excite a man like Jaren Zastava?! He can't even treat these girls with /respect!/"

"We can't let you do this, she's right!" The Fire Knight says, showing contrast to her ally the Wind Knight. "We're going to stop you and make sure you cause no more trouble for us! And we're going to save our landmark!" She points her sword at Citadel. "We're here to stop you and protect everything and everyone!"

'Charge!'

Fate Testarossa did not charge when the call came, though she did clench her grip upon Bardiche's obsidian metal haft, marvelling at how efficiently the Camry matron had dealt with the barrier. "How are you feeling Bardiche?" <Condition: All Green and ready for action Sir.> The baritone wavered for a moment, before adding, <Your timing will have to be perfect. He is very strong.> "Our timing." She corrected, "We can do this for her." <Yes sir.>

From her perch in nearby Shiba park, she watched unseen, waiting for each of the girls to do their part. She waited, and watched the flashes of magic from the distance as the magical girls move in, her eyes upon the Lost Logia as they speak to it, trying to ignore the stab of guilt she felt at seeing which might cause her focus to waver.

From the night sky, Broken Ground's sensors might detect an incoming projectile. A crackling orb of gold, wreathed with violet electricity. It streaks out of nowhere to try to attempt to test itself against his defensive and auto-protection spells.

A few moments after it was timed to reach him, a flash of gold comes from the opposite direction, moving arguably as quickly, perhaps even faster as she pushes herself to the limit, stopping only as Bardiche makes contact with the chain around his neck. She smoothly severs it with a metallic chime. <While he may be annoying->

She jerks Bardiche upward, and with a twist, sends Soaring Sky upwards into the air, in a neat arc that spirals him towards Lera's own perch. <-we're sending him back where he belongs.> Fate's own scarlet eyes briefly make contact with Jaren's, steel within them harder than the metal Bardiche is made of. "Consider our agreement rescinded."

Cue Weapon Toss Insert Song: Plenty of Grit - SlayerS(Megumi Hayashibara)

She backpeddles with a flourishing display of Bardiche, pointing him Jaren's way, ready to defend herself against what is certainly about to be considerable reprisal.

COMBAT: Fate Testarossa has used Thunder Bullet on Jaren Zastava.
COMBAT: Fate Testarossa has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has adjusted his boss levels. He is now ready to take on 2 opponents!
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava narrowly counters Fate Testarossa's Thunder Bullet, taking 9 Fatigue damage! Fate Testarossa is Psyched! Jaren Zastava's Reverse ability activates! Jaren Zastava's Tactician ability activates!
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava's counterattack, Terra Fissure, partially gets through, doing 22 Fatigue damage to Fate Testarossa! Critical Counterhit!

Clutching her device as she floats in midair, Ren is amongst the assembled magical forces aimed to hopefully take down Jaren and Citadel. With Endo by her side, a sea of familiar faces poised at the ready, and Lera helpfully dictating things from a nearby roof, she's feeling pretty confident -- despite being knocked out of the fight last time. She tells herself that doesn't matter now, though. Because today is going to be the day they put an end to all of this. It's already been decided. Jaren is going /down/.

<THE BARRIER HAS BEEN WEAKENED.> Heraut speaks, and indeed that seems to be the case. It doesn't come down completely but there are more than enough holes for them to squeeze through. And then Lera's amplified voice echoes through the air, commencing the operation. "Let's go Heraut!" Ren streaks forward in the next moment, focusing on getting close to Citadel in particular. "Now!"

<REGAL CRASHER!>

Ren makes a slashing motion with her device, and an explosion of light is sent spiraling towards the stone-faced mechawolf.
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa has used Regal Crasher on Citadel.
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa has finished attacking.

Cure Sword by and large works on her own. Because of that, on the magical girl side of things, she has a certain lack of resources. It was for that reason (along with plenty of encouragement from Davi) that, when approached by a Tuner representative about joining their loose-knit organization, she agreed. Of course, the Tuners know her strictly as Cure Sword, and she prefers it that way. She gets to get information from them, and in return, she helps keep the city safe. It's something she would do anyway--it's the right thing to do, and besides, the one she seeks is *somewhere* in here, surely--so it's only beneficial. Davi *eventually* talked her into thinking that way, anyway.

So while Cure Sword may know nothing about Lera or Jaren or Citadel beyond what's immediately happening, she actually prefers it that way. Not being attached means she'll be able to step back and keep focused on what needs her focus. She assists when the devices that punch holes in the barrier in the middle of the city, and when ordered to charge, she dives through one large enough to admit her. She lands in a roll and comes up running, lavender eyes set and determined, largely not concerning herself overmuch with the other magical girls in attendance, though she does again note several whom she recognizes. When she spots Jaren and Citadel--not hard to do, all considered--she leaps up to the nearest rooftop, then hops several until she is close enough to the two to be seen and heard. Jaren screams something about a has-been, while Citadel--who/which looks to Sword to be the bigger threat--tells them to stand down.

Not a chance.

"The blade of courage: Cure Sword!" she announces by way of self-introduction, sweeping a hand around and posing in profile, side-eyeing the Lost Logia from where she stands. She turns a half-step to face them. She's heard much about their ambitions and designs, and though she doesn't know all the details... "I, Cure Sword, will cut down your ambitions with my sword of love!" she declares, creating a spade symbol with her hands.

She practically radiates intensity. Though this may be a Pretty Cure talking about love, there is nothing at all loving about that gravely sharp look in her eyes.

COMBAT: Cure Sword has used The Blade of Courage on Citadel.
COMBAT: Cure Sword has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Citadel narrowly braces Ren Aizawa's Regal Crasher, taking 25 Fatigue damage! Critical Hit!
COMBAT: Citadel fails to dodge Cure Sword's The Blade of Courage, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Cure Sword is Psyched!

Endo is ready! The boy's hands are curled around the hilt of his device, body leaning half-against the hunk of dark metal as he watches the storages devices do their trick. His fingers drum against his weapon, eyes surveying the barrier as it begins to ripple, and then tear as the machines work their magic. He glances to Lera, and then to the rest of the assembled allies.

"Stern, can you talk to that thing?" They were a bit busy before, but he knows his device is from Belka, and Citadel says it is, so maybe he can make it seem some reason. And not teleport away with important landmarks.

<...I SHALL.>

"O-kay!" When Lera says charge, he charges. He's good at doing that, he's got lots of practice. He flings himself toward one of the holes in the shield, threading through and holding his Device aloft.

<CITADEL, GUARDIAN OF THE TEN THOUSAND POINTS. I AM FALLEN STERN, THE METEOR. KNOW ME, AND KNOW YOUR HOME IS BROKEN. WHAT YOU SEEK TO RETURN TO IS NO MORE. CEASE THIS.>

Not as diplomatic as Endo was hoping.

COMBAT: Endo Naoki transforms into Barrier Jacket!
COMBAT: Endo Naoki has used <WITNESS ME.> on Citadel.
COMBAT: Endo Naoki has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Citadel perfectly counters Endo Naoki's <WITNESS ME.>, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Critical Counter!
COMBAT: Citadel's counterattack, Guardian's Denial, bursts all the way through, doing 10 Fatigue damage to Endo Naoki!

Lera promised everyone that she would stay out of harm's way. It was a request she took seriously. After she issues the call to charge, she ducks back down on the roof across the street. Lera has her phone in hand. She looks down at a message waiting there; her finger hovers over the button on her touch screen. A moment's hesitation, then her thumb presses down on 'send.'

"Sorry, Setsuna," she murmurs quietly, but to herself. "I'll keep my promise, but... I don't think I'm really gonna make things easier on you."

She looks back over the edge of the building then. She watches her friends charge forward. There is a quick nod to Masque Feu; then she looks at Lilian, then to Ren. Her eyes lock on the top of the girl's head for a moment and she lets out a deep breath, while she waits. They can talk to Citadel.

They may have to fight him. Knowing what she knows, she doesn't like the thought of that. But what choice do they have?

"Hang on, everyone," she murmurs to herself. Then her eyes lock onto Fate. Her heart is practically in her throat while the younger girl goes rushing in at Jaren and Broken Ground. She knows how dangerous this is. She can't keep the feeling of guilt and worry out of her. But, she has faith in the girl.

So her eyes widen, when she sees the scythe blade hit that chain. Soaring Sky's bronze pen form goes flying into the air. Lera's eyes shoot as wide as saucers as she traces the arc in her head. She runs to the roof's edge, and in an inversion of the fight with Jaren that led her to this point, she leaps off. Her hands catch the tiny pen; the red bead at the end of it gleams in the light.

Lera clutches it and begins to fall. She pulls the pen to her neck, two-handed, and touches the pen to the green emerald neckless she wears. There is a glow; a spark of light, that passes from the necklace to the pen.

<Activation.>

The pen suddenly flashes -- and then expands into a broadsword, sleek and bronze, with a golden hilt. Her hands clutch the hilt, as the red gem in the crossguard pulses once with light. Lera's golden eyes reflect in it.

FIFTEEN YEARS AGO -- RIGATE UNIVERSITY, MIDCHILDA

"Who knows how long this has been here?" Frederick Camry mused as he ducked down in the storage room. The crates in here were new, but the contents inside were old. Items collected from ruins scattered across the dimensional worlds could be found inside. The black-haired man pulled out an old shield, eyeing some of the tarnish on it. It was sad, he thought, to see the damage done to it.

But the Belkan runes on it were an excellent example of Ancient Belkan writing. He studied them thoughtfully, scratching at his mustache for a moment, before he laid the shield on the table next to him. He could decode them later. It was probably ceremonial.

He leaned back into the box, glancing at another shield that had been laid inside of it. That, though, was when his eyes caught the strangest thing: a tiny glint of red. He lifted the shield and found it: a sword. It was bronze in color, with gold about the crossguard. The blade was broken; the jagged cracks left it looking in truly rough form, and it was hard to distinguish panel lines from the damage.

"A Device!" he exclaimed, softly. Then, to his surprise, the thing hummed to life.

<A-Activa...tion...>

Frederick's golden eyes widened, reflected in the smooth surface of the Device. He mouthed the word softly, repeating it, before smiling down at the shattered weapon. "I'll get you to Meria. She'll be able to help," he said. "Don't worry. You'll be all right."

PRESENT DAY -- TOKYO, EARTH

Lera's golden eyes widen, reflected in Soaring Sky's gem. She smiles down at him, biting her lower lip, before she nods. "Hey there, buddy," she says softly; her voice shakes. "Sorry I'm late. Don't worry. You'll be all right."

<...Lera?> Sky hesitates, somehow. Something familiar echoes in his voice, deeper than it ever had before. Then, a flood of relief. <You're--you came for me! You're alive! You're-->

"Of course I did," she says, while they plummet down to the ground below in a free fall. She wipes her eyes with one hand, before she grips him -- and then glances at a passing window. "Hey, um, Sky? You think we could...?"

<...Oh. Yes. Right away. Say my new designation.>

Lera's eyes widen -- and then she thinks of the spell that her mother put into the necklace. The word floated there, tiny and hard to see, but somehow impossible to miss. She nods, then she calls out: "Soaring Sky Perihelion! Get ready!" A deep breath, then: "Soaring dreams, fiery love! Soaring Sky, SET UP!"

<Get set! Barrier Jacket! Perihelion Form, initiate!>

Light erupts around the girl as she plummets. Red-orange, burning like the setting sun, as strands of it shoot out. She does a midair twist; the shirt and blue jeans vanish in a wink of light, to be replaced by a silvery shirt and black pants. The green jacket appears in a flicker -- and this time, there are new slashes of red in it. Gunmetal grey shoulder armor appears, then more around her wrist cuffs, forming bracers. A belt shines into existence along her waist, hanging down slightly to one side.

Lera winks -- and the feather charm pops into existence on her forehead. She swoops down low over the ground, then flies up to hover in midair, and shoots a look straight down at Jaren.

"You've got a lot to answer for!"

COMBAT: Lera Camry transforms into Barrier Jacket Perihelion!
COMBAT: Lera Camry has used Soaring Dreams! Fiery Love! on Lera Camry.
COMBAT: Lera Camry has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Lera Camry accepts Lera Camry's Soaring Dreams! Fiery Love!, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Accelerate and Empower applied to Lera Camry!

Jaren grunts. Citadel is getting antsy. The teleport's /not done/ yet, though; pushing through those coordinates takes time and energy and the only way Jaren would be done by now is if he were an unfeeling machine. Which he isn't. But Citadel is, so that excuse doesn't fly very far.

Or, you know, had a remotely functional work ethic. Which he also does not.

The other problem is that if he goes home now his boss is going to literally murder him, possibly with an actual physical axe. So he doesn't have a lot of motivation. On some level he was hoping this is how it would go. They'd come to him. Citadel would hold them off, and Jaren could thrash a few people in the background, and make off with--

The blast of gold slams into his barrier and he's already searching for the attacker. "Who's got the guts!" he barks, angrily, raising one hand--

Which makes it all too easy for Fate to slip in to his guard from behind him, tuck Bardiche past his coat, and flick Soaring Sky off his neck. Jaren's eyes shrink to pinpoints.

He stares at her.

"GROUND!" he shrieks, and swings the warhammer-device overhead, both-handed; a bead of light forms above the hammerhead, and: <TERRA FISSURE> when it slams into Fate, it impels her with vastly disproportionate speed!

Or, in other words, she suddenly flies at the ground like she'd been hit by fifteen trucks, crashing into a deep, deep hole. "I," Jaren clarifies, with great calm and abundant clarity, "NEEDED THAT. YOU'RE DAMN RIGHT OUR DEAL'S OFF!"

Then he thrusts Ground up, roaring, "GROUND! BREAK HER."

<FAULT ASCENSION>

Adding injury to injury; the ground under Fate rushes upward in a sharp, magically-induced spike, slamming into her back with a force that only a Barrier Jacket prevents from being quite tragic indeed.

Jaren then rushes down. No more nice guy. OK. They wanna play hard, HE'S GOT A HAMMER, HE CAN DO HARD ALL DAY! But the sky lights up, and he stares off. "no," he croaks. "No, no, no, no! NO!"

Yes. She rushes up to him, all fire and glory, and Jaren fairly boils with hate. "I /killed/ you," he spits, unshy of the word. Ground chimes, but says nothing. "The only thing I've got to answer for is WHY YOU ARE NOT DEAD. I had something MARKED OFF MY LIST on this /miserable little world/! For ONCE! And now you're here."

<MASTER.>

Jaren stops short. Seethes a breath, slow and cool, and his eyes glide open with a calmer, but still scathing, glare. "I don't know how you sparkly /pests/ keep doing this. But I'm going to put an end to it. I'm out of second chances. So so are you. Ground, Stone Torch." <SMASH.> The bolts of silver light begin to form in the air, and Jaren whips Ground around, smashing several in Lera's direction with hard, rapid strikes.

COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has used Fault Ascension on Fate Testarossa.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has used Stone Torch on Lera Camry.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Fate Testarossa narrowly dodges Jaren Zastava's Fault Ascension, taking 19 Fatigue damage! Fate Testarossa's Fade ability activates! Fate Testarossa's Flash ability activates! Cripple applied to Fate Testarossa!

Citadel's long tail lashes back and forth, scraping against pavement, sending discarded debris flying wildly as one intruder after another arrives, declaring intent to interfere. As each voice speaks up, Citadel's hackles raise just a little more, until eventually the armor forms a sinister ridge across its back.

Fuu's arrow finds a weakening but strong wall, and her words find a simple explanation - as does Hikaru's outburst. "POWER GATHERS HERE, AND ONLY FROM HERE MAY I DEPART. MY MASTERS WILL RETURN YOUR...STRUCTURE, IN TIME - BUT FURTHER DELAYS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED."

Fiat Silver has a grudge against Zestava, and again Citadel's gaze wanders to the man in question. It seems contemplative as Masque Feu joins in in condemning the man. "IT IS NECESSARY. AND THAT MAN HAS PROMISED TO GUIDE ME HOME - WE DEPART TOGETHER. WHATEVER HIS FAULTS, THE TEN THOUSAND POINTS WILL JUDGE THEM" The dragon-wolf construct is in no rush to defend Jaren beyond that, mind.

As proven when the man is attacked by a golden-haired warrior, and his spare device stolen without Citadel even moving. As Soaring Sky is returned to Lera, Citadel speaks to Jaren. "NOW YOU HAVE NO DEVICES TO RETURN. WE SHOULD HASTEN PREPARATIONS FOR OUR DEPARTURE. Gold light shines from the grand triangle at its feet, power building fractionally greater."

Ren bursts through a hole in the barrier, and a spiraling blast of light slams into the Logia's side. It hisses - and raises its gaze to meet Cure Sword's challenging glare. "MY AMBITIONS ARE SIMPLE. I WILL RETURN HOME TO BELKA, AND NOTHING WILL STOP ME-"

The Logia freezes in its tracks at Endo's arrival, at Fallen Stern's words. Words of horror, of blasphemy - and the countless colours shining in the remaining barrier are swiftly dominated by bright crimson. One wing flashes out, cutting off Fallen Stern's argument with a shining blast of light. "YOU LIE, METEOR! MY WORD IS IRONCLAD, AND I VOWED! SO LONG AS I DRAW BREATH, THE TEN THOUSAND POINTS SHALL NOT FALL!"

That fury does not fade - it grows only greater as Citadel turns its gaze high to unfamiliar stars. "FAR TOO LONG HAVE I WAITED - NO LONGER. ONE TOWER IS NOTHING IN LIGHT OF RETURNING TO MY DUTY...AND YOU WERE, ALL OF YOU WARNED." Wings shine brightly as the beast inhales deeply, heaven and earth shining in tandem, and it utters a single word. "FALL."

Ten thousand points of light shine, and erupt with terrible judgmental fury.

COMBAT: Citadel has used Ten Thousand Lights on Ren Aizawa.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Ten Thousand Lights on Endo Naoki.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Ten Thousand Lights on Fuu Hououji.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Ten Thousand Lights on Hikaru Shidou.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Ten Thousand Lights on Cure Sword.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Ten Thousand Lights on Lera Camry.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Ten Thousand Lights on Masque Feu.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Ten Thousand Lights on Fiat Silver.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Ten Thousand Lights on Fate Testarossa.
COMBAT: Citadel has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Masque Feu perfectly counters Citadel's Ten Thousand Lights, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Critical Counter! Masque Feu's Reverse ability activates!
COMBAT: Masque Feu's counterattack, Shining Burst, interrupts, doing 0 Fatigue damage to Citadel!
COMBAT: Lera Camry narrowly dodges Jaren Zastava's Stone Torch, taking 5 Fatigue damage! Lera Camry's Fade ability activates! Lera Camry's Flash ability activates! Cripple applied to Lera Camry!
COMBAT: Lera Camry narrowly dodges Citadel's Ten Thousand Lights, taking 13 Fatigue damage! Lera Camry's Fade ability activates! Lera Camry's Flash ability activates!
COMBAT: Fuu Hououji narrowly counters Citadel's Ten Thousand Lights, taking 19 Fatigue damage! Blind applied to Fuu Hououji!
COMBAT: Fuu Hououji's counterattack, Gale Arrow, fails to get through, doing 0 Fatigue damage to Citadel!
COMBAT: Endo Naoki narrowly counters Citadel's Ten Thousand Lights, taking 16 Fatigue damage! Endo Naoki's Reverse ability activates!
COMBAT: Endo Naoki's counterattack, Asteroid Rush, partially gets through, doing 11 Fatigue damage to Citadel!
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa narrowly braces Citadel's Ten Thousand Lights, taking 17 Fatigue damage! Ren Aizawa's Block ability activates! Ren Aizawa's Parry ability activates! Blind applied to Ren Aizawa!
COMBAT: Cure Sword narrowly counters Citadel's Ten Thousand Lights, taking 18 Fatigue damage! Cure Sword's Reverse ability activates! Cure Sword's Tactician ability activates! Blind applied to Cure Sword!
COMBAT: Cure Sword's counterattack, Sacred Dagger, partially gets through, doing 5 Fatigue damage to Citadel!
COMBAT: Fate Testarossa perfectly counters Citadel's Ten Thousand Lights, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Critical Counter! Fate Testarossa's Reverse ability activates! Fate Testarossa's Tactician ability activates!
COMBAT: Fate Testarossa's counterattack, Defenser, interrupts, doing 0 Fatigue damage to Citadel!
COMBAT: Fiat Silver perfectly dodges Citadel's Ten Thousand Lights, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Critical Dodge! Fiat Silver's Fade ability activates! Fiat Silver's Flash ability activates!
COMBAT: Hikaru Shidou fails to dodge Citadel's Ten Thousand Lights, taking 41 Fatigue damage!

Well, that seems to dismiss the possibility of talking Citadel into standing down peacefully, doesn't it? The Wind Knight quickly gathers her power as she draws another arrow back, then lets it fly with a call of, "Gale Arrow!"

But even the wind guiding her shaft isn't enough to let it hit Citadel - and even if it HAD, it's nowhere neare enough to prevent the ancient artifact from blasting her right off her feet, dazzling her *and* sending her glasses flying; somehow she can actually hear the tinkle as they break on the pavement.

Again. She's going to have to start shaking bad guys down to help pay for replacements at this rate, even as rude as *that* is.

As the Magic Knight of Wind sits back up, she listens as well as squinting through the darkened blurs to pick out her allies. She caught a glimpse of both Lera and Fate getting punched into the air by Jaren's assault weaponizing the ground under one's feet and the mana bolts flying at the other; she can pick out more or less where they are, but her eyes need to recover as well, and the sooner the better.

Good thing she's got a spell for that.

"Winds of Healing!" the Magic Knight in green calls out; most of the restorative spell is focused on Jaren's opponents, although she reserves some of the power to help nurse her eyes back into accepting the light properly and offsetting the bruises from her own rough landing. "I'll be with you again in a moment, Citadel-san," she calls out apologetically to the magical dragon-wolf automaton.

She really does need to get her other pair of glasses on first; if she can't aim at specific structural weaknesses, this is going to go REALLY badly (and it still might, even with that advantage).

COMBAT: Fuu Hououji has used Winds of Healing on Lera Camry.
COMBAT: Fuu Hououji has used Winds of Healing on Fate Testarossa.
COMBAT: Fuu Hououji has used Winds of Healing on Fuu Hououji.
COMBAT: Fuu Hououji has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Lera Camry accepts Fuu Hououji's Winds of Healing, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Cleanse! All of Lera Camry's debuffs are cleared!

"I suppose trying to solve this diplomatically wasn't going to work in the first place," Masque Feu mutters to herself a touch bitterly.

Ten thousand points of lights shine. "Masque Feu, look out!" Augustine shrieks.

The Soeur is already moving - because she saw something. Lera Camry, grasping the fire of a new power. Her eyes shine with quiet joy behind the Blessed Masque of Flame - and her spirit soars.

"Blessed Flame," she declares, her voice ringing out. She levels her right hand forward, fingers splayed. A surge of holy fire blossoms out in front of her, whirling, ripping into the form of a defensive barrier. It is the spell of shielding she cast forth to try and protect Fate Testarossa from her mother's wiles. That day, it failed her; today, it holds strong, and the shining flame blasts into the points of light, searing them from existence as they pound towards Masque Feu. The motes of light hit the shield itself and fade away.

The flame dies. Masque Feu leaves her hand held level, her eyes fixed upon the Lost Logia. "You cannot warn me not to stand beside my friends, Citadel-san," she declares in a voice crisp and stern. "I know Lera Camry, now. I know that her heart is good. And if you choose to side with a man who would hurt her, even when his dishonour is laid bare before you..."

She closes her eyes. "Then forgive what I am about to do."

Sliding her heels apart, Masque Feu raises her right hand into the air. Atop her finger, a spark of the Blessed Flame dances, whirling and undulating, almost like a mass of gelatin. "Clingfire Spread," she calls out in an echoing voice. "Burn away dishonour and leave only truth...!"

With a deft flick, she grasps the writhing ball of fire in her hand. She reels back and lets fly with the fireball, a howitzer-like pitch - but as the fireball flies, the force of its flight tears it apart into a hundred little sparks. Or rather, not sparks - /droplets./ The Blessed Flame has taken on the form of a blazing liquid, like napalm.

Masque Feu attempts to splatter that fireball against Citadel - and where it strikes, the flame will cling and begin to spread, to try and weaken the Lost Logia's vast body like an armour-eating parasite of some kind.

COMBAT: Masque Feu has used Clingfire Spread on Citadel.
COMBAT: Masque Feu has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Citadel narrowly braces Masque Feu's Clingfire Spread, taking 13 Fatigue damage! Stagger applied to Citadel!

The strange attack literally destroys the Fire Knight! Or something similar. Because she's left down on the ground after all is said and done. But she does still get back up, since she is the Magic Knight of Fire, and as long as she can fight, she has the will to fight burning within her! She won't be defeated that easily! She stares at the enemy and yells, "You did well then, but you'll need more than that!"

The Magic Knight of Fire doesn't use a bow like her ally the Wind Knight, but she can still conjure magic arrows like her ally. She does so in the form of a flaming arrow, before shooting it at the enemy.

COMBAT: Hikaru Shidou has used Fire Arrow on Citadel.
COMBAT: Hikaru Shidou has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Fuu Hououji accepts Fuu Hououji's Winds of Healing, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Cleanse! All of Fuu Hououji's debuffs are cleared!
COMBAT: Fate Testarossa accepts Fuu Hououji's Winds of Healing, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Cleanse! All of Fate Testarossa's debuffs are cleared!

"No, you kicked me off a building," Lera corrects Jaren. "You didn't kill me. You tried, but..." She cracks a smile. "...looks like I've got friends I know I can count on."

The bolts of silver light come flying at Lera -- and she demonstrates that she suddenly has far more speed than she used to. The girl does a sudden, sharp turn and the bolts of silver energy slam into the building behind her, sending cracks through it. Her teeth grit together, as Citadel makes the skies light up.

Ten thousand points of light rain down -- and Lera does a sharp turn, tucking her arms into a barrel roll -- and does a tight twist, only barely emerging unscathed. She gasps, staring down at Sky. He pulses with red light; it might be pride. Then, she turns to look at Fate. She sees the spells hit her.

"Fate, you okay?" she asks.

After all of that, she looks back at Jaren. The bronze sword flashes, light crackling up it. <Ground. Is this really what you want to do? You didn't want to push it this far.> While her Device speaks, Lera goes flying in towards Jaren. She does another barrel roll, leaving a slash of red-orange light in the air in her wake.

She glances at Fuu -- then grins and shoots her a thumbs-up, while the light washes over her.

"JAREN!" she yells. "Everything you've done here is selfish! We don't have any right to come to this world, to hurt the people here, and to lie and cheat and steal from others! Just like you're doing to poor Citadel, y'know?" Lera raises her Device-sword, swinging it back over her shoulder. "C'mon, Sky! Let's show him what we can do!"

<With pleasure, my master!> Soaring Sky chimes. <Inferno Slasher!>

Lera closes the distance between Jaren in the blink of an eye. Her sword wheels around, as a Midchildan magical circle flashes up underneath her feet. The energy field explodes around the double-edged sword -- and she chops it down. An edge of plasma explodes off the blade, then erupts straight into the air. The jagged explosion shoots directly at Jaren.

COMBAT: Lera Camry has used Inferno Slasher on Jaren Zastava.
COMBAT: Lera Camry has finished attacking.

The girl who had sent out the call to the Tuners retrieves something from that man Jaren, and falls only to transform. Cure Sword doesn't look down as Lera hurtles towards the ground, but she has to force herself not to. It's a relief when she appears again, flying in midair. She and that blonde girl seem to have Jaren well in hand, and Citadel is a rather *angry* sapient artifact, so it's not wise for her to let her guard down.

Case in point: a magical boy whom Sword doesn't know has his own sapient artifact tell Citadel something interesting, to which Citadel reacts poorly. From there, it sheds a million points of light. Sword cries out from the brilliance, unsuccessfully attempting to shield her eyes against it, and in the same movement sweeps her fingers on her Lovely Commune. Light of her own formulates in spade-like daggers, and she hurls them back towards Citadel in retaliation. She leaps back, landing by instinct as explosions go off around her, battering her as she holds her ground. When the deluge ends, she lowers her arm. Her vision is spotty--very spotty--but she can still manage.

"Cure Sword, are you all right?" squeaks a voice at her hip.

"I'm fine," she lies, blinking rapidly. She can at least make out basic shapes, and Citadel's is very unmistakeable. "Let's go, Davi!"

"Right!"

With a practice twist of the hand, Sword sets a Cure Lovead into the face of her Lovely Commune, which sparkles with an even greater light. "Davi de Davi de Davi~!" the cat-like face in it calls as luminescence swirls up around Sword's hand.

"Radiant Spade!!" she calls, hurling an even greater of magical daaggers towards the Lost Logia, aimed for its weak points... if she can manage to see well enough, or unleash a lucky enough throw, to locate them, anyway.

COMBAT: Cure Sword has used Radiant Spade on Citadel.
COMBAT: Cure Sword has finished attacking.

Fiat Silver's head turns to look towards Fate and -- "Ah? A - Cure Sword?" she says, as that dramatic entrance from the blade of cure-age slams inwards.

She can also hear Stern drop some harshness. <Oh dear,> Silver Scorpion mutters. But perhaps more poignant is when Lera strikes out - and reclaims what is hers! Fiat Silver smiles... and Citadel begins talking again, imposingly. He addresses Jaren, who seems occupied in protesting the reclamation of his stolen goods, and -

- and - Citadel, who...

There is a sudden, shining, screaming ray of light. It arcs outwards, piercing forwards. Ten thousand points of light scream out their judgment --

Fiat Silver rises, back contorted, twisting around! "Wh-what kind of a power is this?! If we hadn't moved, I would have more holes in me than a plate of late night yakitori!" (Lilian likes yakitori.)

<This is the power of a Lost Logia... I am astounded that there have been so many, madame! Mi - er- our fellows chose well, I suppose, if we must be inclined in this course of trade,> Silver Scorpion muses aloud.

"But I'm not interested in seizing control of such things!" Fiat Silver cries.

<We have a platoon of potent warriors with us. Strike without fear, Fiat Silver!>

Fiat Silver's lips thin, and she rights herself, raising up the baton and bracing it on her armored glove, targetting downwards towards Citadel as he is, perhaps, occupied in devouring the Magic Knights and swallowing their souls. "Grenadier mode!"

<Engage.> "Capacitors to full. Target is there... the range is clear...!"

The baton twinkles. Inside of it, the spell takes form, resting in hidden nooks within as the spiralling shape of the aiming disk-platen takes form. "Scorpio Seven!" Fiat Silver proclaims as the disk widens and brightens, before contracting with sudden speed-- and a shrieking bombardment of just over half a dozen jeweled sapphires of refulgent splendor arc down towards the Lost Logia! Upon impact, they explode in splendid prismatic light... and, well, also explosions, which are the real point of the operation.

COMBAT: Fiat Silver has used Scorpio Seven on Citadel.
COMBAT: Fiat Silver has finished attacking.

<THEN YOU TOO MUST BE BROKEN.>

Endo's hand rises, sword raised between himself and the flash of light that Citadel sends shooting his way in ire. The barrier that forms around him is a quick and shaky thing, the blast throwing him back and sending him stumbling with a cry of, "That's not what I meant when I said talk to it!"

Endo pauses when Lera flares to light above, the boy squinting up at his friend and Fate taking on Jaren. She's got Sky back! And she's all shiny, that's a good sign.

What isn't a good sign is all that light. Endo grits his teeth, grips his device, and goes forward. Towards the light! It hurts. The point of his device is stretched forward, shearing through some of the energy, others raking across his barrier jacket and burning into his skin. Still, he slams into the hulking figure of Citadel nonetheless.

And, once he's there, he can deliver a more powerful blow. The boy brings his weapon in two great circles, huge cleaves coming at the side of the giant beast, trails of purple light left burning in their wake.

<RADIAL VELOCITY.>

COMBAT: Endo Naoki has used Radial Velocity on Citadel.
COMBAT: Endo Naoki has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Citadel fails to counter Hikaru Shidou's Fire Arrow, taking 21 Fatigue damage!
COMBAT: Citadel's counterattack, 'More Than That', fails to get through, doing 0 Fatigue damage to Hikaru Shidou!
COMBAT: Citadel narrowly braces Cure Sword's Radiant Spade, taking 13 Fatigue damage! Citadel is Quipped!
COMBAT: Citadel narrowly dodges Endo Naoki's Radial Velocity, taking 30 Fatigue damage!
COMBAT: Citadel narrowly braces Fiat Silver's Scorpio Seven, taking 22 Fatigue damage! Critical Hit!

Of course, talking to Citadel has not yielded much luck since his first appearance thus far. Not that Ren herself has particularly tried with all her focus previously having been on Jaren. She flies off to the side as other attacks join hers in battering the disgruntled Lost Logia. She knows his resistance is absurdly high so they can't expect to down him this early. It's going to take an ongoing effort. As long as they keep hitting him and don't let up...

Stern (wisely? foolishly?) makes direct contact with Citadel during all of this -- and sets off the Logia mighty fiercely. Ren can feel the oncoming storm before it even materializes -- the ten thousand lights barreling down on Citadel's aggressors. She begins to weave about, throwing up a shield that wavers under the continued barrage. It breaks at one point, the explosion sending Ren reeling backwards, though she manages to regain her balance before slamming into any structures or the ground itself. Her barrier jacket is smoking, patches of it burned in places, and the shock is clear on her face. Citadel packs a punch!

"Alright Heraut. We're gonna have to avoid getting hit like that from now on." The device chimes in response. <AGREED. EVASIVE MANEUVERS ARE IN ORDER.> Indeed they are, though Ren isn't sure how long she'll be able to play keep-away like that. "Right then! Always keep moving!" She bolts forward again like before, doing a barrel roll as she flies under Citadel, leaving a jet of bronze light in her wake that cuts into the underside of the Logia. She rights herself as she speeds out from behind, kicking off part of the red tower to bound up higher into the air, keeping to her professed strategy.

<NEW SIGNATURE DETECTED. IT IS FAMILIAR.> Heraut says once Ren gets up high. "What?" And then she sees Lera. And... Soaring Sky?! But something is different. And new. Oh so very new. Ren's face breaks out into a smile as she mentally shoots her friend a message: <<Lera-chan! Sky-kun! Do your best!>>
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa has used Arc Cutter on Citadel.
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa has finished attacking.

Fate Testarossa had marked Jaren Zastava as strong, long ago. A threat. Which is what had led to their previous agreement of non-aggression after he'd came into possession of a jewel seed. A fissure of energy strikes her, a loud grunt coming from her throatas it impacts her auto-protection spells, energy chipping away like little chunks of glass as it strikes through and grazes holes in her barrier jacket as it forces her down into a hole in the ground.

The follow up is no less brutal. Twisted metal and earth rising up from the same ground to try to pierce her from behind. A quick ascent as a golden blur cause what might have been a brutal impact to be a glancing blow instead, tearing through her fluttering cape to dig a small tear near her spine.

But Jaren is only one threat. The Guardian of Ten Thousand Points is arguably even more of one. Her eyes follow the ten thousand pinpricks of light as they shine brightly, many breaking away to arc towards her in her flight. <Incoming!> She suddenly brakes into a half turn, a palm sweeping outward. "Do your best." She whispers to her partner, <Always. Defenser!>

A runic field appears in her palm, expanding outwards, the lights slamming against the barrier one by one, raising a large cloud of smoke and flashing light that causes her to briefly disappear against the bombardment of energy bleeding along the edges of her shield. She takes a quick breath, relieved that the field held, before clearing the smoke with a sweep of Bardiche.

'Fate, you okay?' A smile upon her lips as she sees the results of her work as Lera rases, with her new Barrier Jacket, reunited with her partner. "We did it. They're together again." <As it should be.> She wasn't entirely used to people asking after her welfare, so it takes her a moment to respond to the actual question, "I'm fine. I'm perfectly fine." Yet it is still a reflexive denial. She's obviously not fine. She had gotten pounded out there.

She takes a moment longer to take stock at the situation, having been entirely focused on her task before, as she now looks upon those gathered upon the others and at Masque Feu in particular as she calls out to Citadel. There's a small sound from her throat, of surprise perhaps. "Be careful, please." A beat, "Longing for home can make anyone desperate and dangerous."

Fiat Silver, Ren, and Endo also get looks, eyes clouding over for a moment from guilt. Which is when the winds of healing wash over her. It feels like a cool breeze along her back, causing her hair and twintails to whip up. The Magic Knight of Wind gets a look, like she was shocked to receive any aid at all.

She shakes her head, thinking that it would perhaps be a grave error to not focus on the battle, and suddenly Bardiche shifts, <Scythe Form>

Shifting with surprising alacrity, a curved blade of energy erupting from his head. She dives downward in the wake of Lera's explosive slash, admiring her swordwork, as she tries to bring her partner to bear against his barrier jacket with a powerful cut across his back and flanks. <Scythe Slash> "You underestimated her." She says softly, her only rebuttal to all that Jaren had said.

COMBAT: Fate Testarossa has used Scythe Slash on Jaren Zastava.
COMBAT: Fate Testarossa has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Citadel narrowly dodges Ren Aizawa's Arc Cutter, taking 10 Fatigue damage! Stagger applied to Citadel!
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava narrowly braces Lera Camry's Inferno Slasher, taking 17 Fatigue damage! Lera Camry is Psyched! Jaren Zastava's Block ability activates! Jaren Zastava's Parry ability activates!
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava narrowly counters Fate Testarossa's Scythe Slash, taking 6 Fatigue damage! Jaren Zastava's Reverse ability activates! Jaren Zastava's Tactician ability activates!
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava's counterattack, Mantle Witness, fails to get through, doing 0 Fatigue damage to Fate Testarossa!

Fate and Lera. Jaren's teeth are grinding so hard he can barely hear. This is ridiculous. How do they keep getting BACK UP? But...well. This is what it is now.

With him facing down death, because he couldn't handle four people who aren't among them /half/ the professionals he's handled with no problem. He doesn't get it. But he gets some satisfaction out of watching the Ten Thousand Points released. "No, Citadel," he says, with grit teeth. "I have my orders. I'm not to return without them." Muttered. He knows Citadel can /and will/ force this if he goes down again. And if that happens, he's done.

Then he's on the defensive. Lera's moving faster than she should be after a direct hit from Stone Torch. Fate's moving faster than she should be after he attempted to snap her in half. Another one of their support wizards. Maybe he should've started with that one, he thinks; a quick move, thrusting Groun forward. The shimmering field of <PROTECTION.> absorbs Lera's hit, but forces Jaren to give an inch of ground; Jaren sees Fate's incoming slash, and swings back in counter; a bolt of light races away from the sweeping warhammer to slam into her Bardiche and force it away while Broken Ground grunts, <MANTLE WITNESS.>

Jaren breathes. "I didn't underestimate ANYONE," he spits. "I've trashed you brats a thousand times! I know JUST what you're capable of! You're NOTHING! But you still KEEP. GETTING. UP! So I'm going to KEEP. PUTTING YOU. DOWN!"

Broken Ground doesn't immediately respond, beeping in silent response to Sky. <...I MUST SERVE.> is his response, in the end, and then: <MAGMATIC CRASH.>

"Good choice," Jaren spits, and swings hard for Fate, who has the misfortune to be closer at the moment; the warhammer misses, but a spiraling Midchildan circle forms where the warhammer's head stops, and then releases a screaming torrent of dirty light into her face.

Jaren whips toward Lera, then, and holds Ground aloft again. "Now, for you," he growls. "I've put you down once. I guess I didn't play for keeps /enough/, eh? Ground, crush her."

Ping. <MOUNTAIN CRASHER.>

Jaren sweeps the device up, magic power fluttering his long coat, and for a second the only thing visible is flickering light. Until one of the statues from the parks below shoots into range and slams toward Lera with intent to just crush her into the biggest and most painful-looking building Jaren can find.

COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has used Magmatic Crash on Fate Testarossa.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has used Mountain Crasher on Lera Camry.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has finished attacking.

The light, riotous and destructive, fades. In its wake, those who dared to stand against the Guardian of Ten Thousand Points...still stand. The dragon-wolf Logia pauses a moment, tail flicking back and forth - how long has it been since it was forced to act? How long has it slumbered, since it became lost?

Fire splashes against one side - and remains, hissing and clinging with Masque Feu's regrets. Fire flies from another side, punching through the light-wing flicked out to meet it. Spades and jewels, shining brilliantly, rain down in a brief but inescapable barrage - repeated impacts driving the Logia ever back. Finally, Ren and Endo rush in, blades crossing as they pass - and ancient armoured plates scream in protest. Steam seethes from Citadel's jaws - and finally, it abandons the sigil it was empowering.

For all that it stands as an indomitable fortress, a stationary guardian...when Citadel of the Ten Thousand Points chooses to move, it moves swiftly. Trailing the flames that still cling to it, it rushes Hikaru and Feu, turning swiftly to lash out with a great, armoured, and whip-like tail - one that cleaves through several signs on its way to them. It continues on a wild charge, claws lashing out as it pounces from location to location, from Fuu to Ren before sliding to a halt before Endo, teeth bared before lashing out. "I SHALL NOT!" Fiat Silver and Cure Sword, who had bombarded it from a distance, are answered by the ancient creature inhaling deeply...and unleashing a rainbow stream of energy from its maw.

Resplendent in the corona from its brilliant blitz, Citadel roars out another challenge. "I STAND BY ALL MY OATHS AND PROMISES - THAT I WILL RETURN TO GUARD MY HOME! NOTHING ELSE, NOT YOUR LIVES, NOR THIS TOWER, NOR THIS FOOL OF A MAGE - NONE OF IT MATTERS BEFORE MY DUTY!" Golden light shines from the very ground, pleadingly reaching to distant forgotten heavens as the power continues to gather...

COMBAT: Citadel has used Raging Dragon Tail on Hikaru Shidou.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Unbroken Guardian on Masque Feu.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Enemies of the World on Fuu Hououji.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Enemies of the World on Ren Aizawa.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Enemies of the World on Endo Naoki.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Prismatic Breath on Cure Sword.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Prismatic Breath on Fiat Silver.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Ancient Guardian on Citadel.
COMBAT: Citadel has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Citadel accepts Citadel's Ancient Guardian, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Critical Hit! Citadel is Reinforced by Citadel!
COMBAT: Masque Feu narrowly dodges Citadel's Unbroken Guardian, taking 11 Fatigue damage! Citadel is Psyched! Masque Feu's Flash ability activates!
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa fails to dodge Citadel's Enemies of the World, taking 26 Fatigue damage! Critical Hit!
COMBAT: Fuu Hououji fails to brace Citadel's Enemies of the World, taking 20 Fatigue damage! Stun applied to Fuu Hououji!
COMBAT: Hikaru Shidou narrowly dodges Citadel's Raging Dragon Tail, taking 17 Fatigue damage!
COMBAT: Lera Camry fails to dodge Jaren Zastava's Mountain Crasher, taking 29 Fatigue damage! Stun applied to Lera Camry!
COMBAT: Fiat Silver narrowly dodges Citadel's Prismatic Breath, taking 25 Fatigue damage! Critical Hit! Fiat Silver's Fade ability activates! Fiat Silver's Flash ability activates! Stagger applied to Fiat Silver!
COMBAT: Cure Sword narrowly braces Citadel's Prismatic Breath, taking 9 Fatigue damage! Cure Sword's Block ability activates! Cure Sword's Parry ability activates!
COMBAT: Fate Testarossa narrowly counters Jaren Zastava's Magmatic Crash, taking 5 Fatigue damage! Jaren Zastava is Psyched! Fate Testarossa's Reverse ability activates! Fate Testarossa's Tactician ability activates!
COMBAT: Fate Testarossa's counterattack, Bright Clash, partially gets through, doing 16 Fatigue damage to Jaren Zastava!
COMBAT: Endo Naoki fails to brace Citadel's Enemies of the World, taking 17 Fatigue damage! Stun applied to Endo Naoki!

<<You bet, Ren-chan!>> Lera answers telepathically. She can't risk a look back at her, being up in Jaren's face, but there is a grin as she completes her spell. <<Try to help Citadel! Stern's right!>>

She recoils backward, when the strike slams into a barrier. Lera bounces back, hovering in the air just off the ground. Her eyes flicker sideways at Fate for a moment, before she looks back towards Jaren. She starts to open her mouth to retort -- and then the statue tears from its base and flies into Lera. It slams into her before Sky can get a barrier up, smashing the girl hard into the copper-colored wall of a nearby office building.

The building's facade cracks; the statue crumbles apart into chunks, and Lera falls down, briefly to a knee, breathing hard. She brushes some rubble and debris from her hair. "Yeah," she says, "I keep getting back up. It's annoying, isn't it?"

She glances once at Fate. Then she grins. She heard what she told Jaren.

<Gladiator Form.> With that chime from Sky, the Intelligent Device splits into paired sabers. She swings them both up, taking a deep breath, and glances briefly at Citadel. She remembers what Usagi told her. She considers, for a moment, then she looks back at Jaren. She goes running forward, charging straight at him.

She can help Citadel in a moment.

She leaps as she gets closer to him. A Midchildan circle erupts underneath her feet as she goes airborne, and does a midair pivot, before she comes down while leading with her left sword. A trail of red-orange is left in its wake. <Rapid Skyfall!> Lera slashes the sword straight down.

"It's because I don't accept what you're trying to do!" she shouts. "I'm not gonna let you just wreck all these peoples' homes and lives, y'know!"

The sword in her right hand lashes out, swinging up for Jaren's chest. Then, she does a turn on her right heel, and stabs the saber-like weapon in her left hand, stabbing it right for him with a fencer's grace.

COMBAT: Lera Camry has used Rapid Skyfall on Jaren Zastava.
COMBAT: Lera Camry has finished attacking.

The Magic Knight of Wind staggers, letting out a cry of pain, and struggles to right herself again without falling flat on her face. "We don't seek to prevent your return, Citadel-san!" she calls out. "We ask only that you leave Tokyo Tower where it is - surely you don't need to take the structure if you only need the power that flows beneath the ground!"

A piece of her really does not want to stay focused on Citadel - it's Jaren who's the real source of the problem; Citadel just got co-opted like any hacked computer and is taking orders from the wrong source. And there's a corner of the Wind Knight's mind which wants to latch onto that, to focus on trying to break Jaren's control ... but Citadel is still the major source of enemy damage, and if the Wind Knight doesn't help contain that threat, this is going to end very badly.

"I'm sorry to have to play rough ... Winds of Admonishment!!" the green-clad Magic Knight calls out, conjuring the winds again - this time in the form of a tornado to enclose and hopefully restrain Citadel. She's done this before - to little effect, admittedly - but she's trying again ... if she could just figure out how he channels magic through the ground to make beams erupt sometimes, she might be able to do even better. As it is, though? Citadel HAS wings, and the Wind Knight is trying to use that fact to her advantage as she struggles to confine the artifact ...

COMBAT: Fuu Hououji has used Winds of Admonishment on Citadel.
COMBAT: Fuu Hououji has finished attacking.

'Be careful, please!'

Masque Feu's eyes widen - and she looks up towards Fate, breath catching a bit. "I'll be careful, Fate-chan," she calls back with as much confidence as she can muster. "Please take care of yourself...!"

That massive tail rips through street signs and markers, bound for magical girls - and Masque Feu sucks in a breath. She throws herself into the air, twisting, lunging, spinning over that heavy tail lash. It cuts close; she eludes the swing by a hair, enough that she can't quite nail the landing, coming down awkwardly on her left heel and wincing as a jolt of pain shoots up from her foot through her calf. She stumbles a little, pivoting to her other leg and wheeling away for a second's relief.

She doesn't stop to think. She turns and levels a finger at Citadel - and her eyes flash with a spark of anger behind her mask. "To return home at any cost?" she questions, her voice loud and ringing. "To cast yourself upon the tender mercies of a man with no heart? To take this tower and the livelihoods of innocents with you? To leave a trail of hurt in your wake? That is not the duty of a just being!"

With a swift leap, Masque Feu lunges towards the top of a piece of scenery - a lamppost. She bounds from there to the edge of a nearby building.

Her hair streams around her as she snaps her finger towards Citadel again.

"Those are the actions of /a being with no honour!/ And I /know/ that is not who you are--!"

COMBAT: Masque Feu has used Maria-Sama Is Watching on Citadel.
COMBAT: Masque Feu has finished attacking.

The Fire Knight tries to get out of the way, but it's no use. She isn't quick enough and the attack gets part of her, causing her to fall to the ground mid-dodge, although this time it's not as bad as it previously was. Still, the girl struggles to get up nonetheless. For some reason the injuries she's sustained during this fight are more serious than what she's used to. Even her armor hasn't helped fully this time around. Nevertheless, the burning desire to fight keeps her pushing on, as well as the indirect encouragement provided by the Wind Knight's presence.

"Don't be sorry we have to play rough!" The Magic Knight of Fire calls to her comrade, before she raises her sword and imbues it with the power of fire. "We have to do this! We have no other choice!" She then sends forth the flames with a slash of her sword.

COMBAT: Hikaru Shidou has used Flaming Slash on Citadel.
COMBAT: Hikaru Shidou has finished attacking.

Fiat Silver's eyes cut back at the Inferno Slasher, brighter, fancier - is it? She can't quite tell. Lera's reconnection with her Device, though... it warms her heart to see.

<Eyes up!> Silver Scorpion says. Fiat Silver's eyes do in fact go up, a moment before Citadel moves fast and swift and bellows forth with a rainbow road of storming force. It catches Fiat Silver, sends her tumbling --

"Telson mode!"

But before she can reach the ground, she lashes out with a rippling ribbon of force, catches part of Tokyo Tower, and swings herself round!

And promptly gets stuck in between several of the metal struts, but she tried, and that's what counts.

"Where is your home? You have spoken of it a thousand times. Ten thousand times! What is the NAME of your home, you great gallumphing gallot!" Fiat Silver says, with a little petulance as she unlimbers herself and lashes out with that whiplike streak of blue. At this range it's kind of marginal but it DOES make an impressive crack! sound.

COMBAT: Fiat Silver has used Scorpio Telson on Citadel.
COMBAT: Fiat Silver has finished attacking.

Overhearing her name, Cure Sword looks over towards Fiat Silver. Her grave, serious expression doesn't change, nor does she say anything overtly, but if Silver is paying attention, Sword does look at her long enough--and with a slight enough tilt of the head--that it might be taken as an acknowledgement.

Sheesh, it's like she's an intense loner or something.

But that's as much acknowledging as she does. Cure Sword is peripherally aware of the others in the area--Fate and Lera's battle against Jaren, the Wind Knight and her friend, Masque Feu, Ren and Endo--but the bulk of her concentration is on the enemy. And indeed, although she hadn't anticipated on empathizing with this strange entity, she finds she understands how it must feel.

'I stand by all my oaths and promises that I will return to guard my home!' it says.

For an instant no longer than the flash of a shooting star, sympathy flickers in her eyes. Then the lasers fall, and Cure Sword stands her ground, crossing her arms before her to defend herself. Pain sears through them as the Lost Logia's power falls, and concrete piles under her heels as she's forced back.

But still, she stands. And what Masque Feu says is true. No matter how great the duty, one cannot betray one's core precepts. How would doing otherwise reflect on what one guards? And if what this creature guards wouldn't /care/, then... it remains her enemy after all. (Never mind that that's not *quite* what Feu is trying to say.)

"I have my own duty," she announces back to Citadel, "and to allow you to do as you will would jeopardize it. If you'll fight to the end to return home, then I'll fight to the end to protect who I love!"

To protect this city where she is.

With a great upwards leap, Cure Sword twists in midair, then begins to fall heel-first, one leg tucked up underneath her, one leg pointed straight out for Citadel, with perhaps surprising strength. "Pretty Cure KICK!" she shouts as she hurtles in towards it.

COMBAT: Cure Sword has used Pretty Cure Kick on Citadel.
COMBAT: Cure Sword has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Citadel narrowly braces Fuu Hououji's Winds of Admonishment, taking 7 Fatigue damage! Fuu Hououji is Psyched! Trap applied to Citadel!
COMBAT: Citadel fails to counter Hikaru Shidou's Flaming Slash, taking 20 Fatigue damage!
COMBAT: Citadel's counterattack, Wing Beat, fails to get through, doing 0 Fatigue damage to Hikaru Shidou!
COMBAT: Citadel narrowly braces Cure Sword's Pretty Cure Kick, taking 6 Fatigue damage! Cripple and Stagger applied to Citadel!
COMBAT: Citadel fails to dodge Masque Feu's Maria-Sama Is Watching, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Citadel is Quipped!
COMBAT: Citadel narrowly braces Fiat Silver's Scorpio Telson, taking 6 Fatigue damage! Diversion and Exhausted applied to Citadel!

Endo raises his weapon to meet Citadel's claws, but the huge machine swats him aside like a fly. The knight goes tumbling through the air, cape aflutter, body crashing against one of the more solid edges of the barrier. He flops against the ground after that, sliding down the barrier and slumping into a pile.

He picks himself up. Slowly. "Ah-listen...I know you want to go home, big thing, but we can't let you take a chunk of Tokyo with you! That's too much!"

<IT IS UNFORTNATE.> Stern agrees.

So, Endo does his own duty. No matter how unfortunate it may be. But if he can stop the beast, maybe it'll see reason. He uses his sword to do it, blurring into motion and rushing forward, the device boosting him back toward the fight so he can cleave toward its head.

COMBAT: Endo Naoki has used Blueshift on Citadel.
COMBAT: Endo Naoki has finished attacking.

Unforutnately, being high up in the sky doesn't seem to deter Citadel from striking back. Ren sees him coming and tries to feint off to the left, but isn't quick enough, ultimately. With a yelp she's clipped by his massive claw swipe, and is unceremoniously sent spiraling down into the ground headfirst. She barely has time to raise her arms up to brace for the impact, hitting with enough force to leave a Ren-sized indention in the asphalt. Smoke wafts up from the destroyed area, and for a moment there is silence.

...Then, coughing. As the smoke clears to show a thoroughly battered Ren on one knee now it's clear she's beginning to feel the fatigue of the battle. Citadel is /so/ strong. Those hits are plain nasty. Is this the true might of Belka? It's overwhelming! A thoroughly battered Ren is on one knee now, starting to feel the fatigue of the battle catching up with her. "No. Not now..." She grimaces, pounding a fist into the cracked ground beneath her. "Lera-chan is fighting so hard. Endo-kun too. And everyone else. I can't..." Tears begin to prickle at her eyes, blurring her vision. She reaches up to wipe them away in frustration, chest heaving as she attempts to stop herself from completely breaking down.

<YOUR MAJESTY. DO NOT DESPAIR.> Heraut speaks evenly, shaking Ren out of her despair. The girl's eyes widen then as the scepter begins to glow, shrinking down within her grip until it completely disappears.

"...Heraut?" She questions in a shaky voice, slowly climbing to her feet. It's clear there's something in her hand, and upon unfolding it a single yellow gem is revealed, still glowing with the same energy as before. The gem then floats up out of her palm, spinning slowly as it comes to a rest in front of her. Heraut chooses this moment to speak once again.

<...I WILL COMBINE MY CORE WITH YOUR OWN AND UNLEASH A NEW POWER. IT WILL BE DANGEROUS, BUT...> His worry is clear, Ren easily able to pick up on it. Her face softens, the light of the gem reflected within her eyes. "I trust you completely, Heraut. You know that. I can handle anything as long as you're with me."

The gem pulses magnificently as it moves towards her. <AFFIRMATIVE. CORE FUSION INITIATED.> The gem continues moving until it touches her chest, where it proceeds to sink inside.

'''THUMP THUMP'''

Ren's Linker Core reacts to the merger, and the girl brings both of her now clapsed-together hands up, eyes closed. In an instant there's a flash, and ribbons of gold spinning around her as a new barrier jacket is knitted into existence onto Ren's form -- a double-breasted frock coat with pronounced shoulder pads, a billowing silk cape with tassels hanging from the edges and a stylized fleur-de-lis etched into its center, a pair of studded gauntlets made of heavy leather, durable pinstripe breeches with stitched in leather padding at the knees, and sturdy lace-up ankle boots. The colors are a mixture of burgundy, purple, and gold, with several elements of her costume decked out in the finest of jewels rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. Perhaps the most stunning bit of all though is the glittering crown that sits on top of her head, made of polished white gold and overflowing with gems that constantly seem to glint and sparkle.

<MERGE COMPLETE.> Heraut sounds out within her mind, and Ren reopens her eyes to marvel in her newfound glory. Steam wafts up from her as she opens and closes her gloved palms. She feels strong. Unstoppable even. With a grin she looks up at Citadel -- who doesn't seem all that intimidating anymore. Ren takes a step forward, locking eyes with the tyrant. "I'm sorry... but you can't go home."

That is the only thing she says before kicking off the ground with enough force to kick up bits of ruined asphalt in her wake. Her body seems to blur and thrum with power as she just becomes a /comet/ that is on a full-on crash course with the hulking mecha-beast.

Woah.

COMBAT: Ren Aizawa transforms into Barrier Jacket: Sovereign Mode!
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa has used Zephyr Reach on Citadel.
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa has finished attacking.

Fate hovers in front of Jaren, grounding herself purposefully to take a step into his guard, and twists into a vertical spin of her partner's Scythe form. The scythe blade strikes the head of the Warhammer, as she hooks it around the beard, and tries to leverage it backwards to turn it away, the energy strike shearing against his auto-protection spells.

Despite her efforts, she still catches the edge of the explosion from his strike, sending her leaping backwards with wisps of smoke wafting off of her barrier jacket. Fate replies softly, but not to Jaren at first, "You must serve, Broken Ground?"

She lets that linger for a moment, before adding, "I guess I understand why you feel that way. I know what it's like to choose to be used as a tool." Her eyes flicker with notable sadness at the thought. "But you don't have to live that way, if you want."

She hears Masque Feu speak to her, imploring her to take care of herself. "I'll try." She replies softly but at the same time considers herself a touch more expendable than the others. Her eyes harden as she looks at her opponent once more, "Maybe you have defeated her before but there's something different about her today. Haven't you noticed?"

She advances a step towards Jaren, before swinging Bardiche in several short slashing feints, his blade humming through the air, as she cuts wide in a brutal, upwards diagonal arc. A deception so that she'll seem like she's wide open.

Which is the exact moment her palm juts out, a runic circle within it. <Spark Edge> An sphere of energy forms in her hand, arcing like a plasma sphere. It collapses into a shower of sparks that wash over Jaren's barrier jacket... and she hopes, to give Lera the opening she needs. "She's stronger because she knows she doesn't have to prove herself by doing this alone anymore. She's allowing herself to rely on others a bit more."

There's a bit of affectionate amusement in her tone as she speaks again, "It only took her a bit longer than it did me to realize that she could." 'Thank you Nanoha. Everyone.' She thinks, to herself, just as she catches the bright comet that Ren has become out of the corner of her vision. It takes her breath away, and at the same time, makes her feel ashamed of what she'd done to the strong girl in all of their previous encounters

COMBAT: Fate Testarossa has used Spark Edge on Jaren Zastava.
COMBAT: Fate Testarossa has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava narrowly braces Fate Testarossa's Spark Edge, taking 1 Fatigue damage! Jaren Zastava's Block ability activates! Jaren Zastava's Parry ability activates! Diversion applied to Jaren Zastava!
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava narrowly counters Lera Camry's Rapid Skyfall, taking 8 Fatigue damage! Critical Hit! Jaren Zastava's Reverse ability activates! Jaren Zastava's Tactician ability activates!
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava's counterattack, Mantle Witness, fails to get through, doing 0 Fatigue damage to Lera Camry!
COMBAT: Citadel narrowly dodges Endo Naoki's Blueshift, taking 19 Fatigue damage!
COMBAT: Citadel fails to brace Ren Aizawa's Zephyr Reach, taking 11 Fatigue damage! Ren Aizawa is Psyched!

"Yes," Jaren spits, because /Lera did it again/. "Yes it is! You know how annoying it is, to have the things you think are finished KEEP UNFINISHING!? Of course you don't, Camry!"

He jabs a finger, and Broken Ground throbs, <MANTLE WITNESS.> "YOU NEVER FINISH ANYTHING!" Jaren screams, and that bolt of light races straight at Lera; it's not much, but it's enough to force Lera off-course, with a little extra juking from Jaren. He huffs a breath, ready to fire more, when Fate comes at him and tries to /take Ground away/. "Oh NO YOU DON'T!" Jaren shrieks, and is all too pleased when Broken Ground blasts the girl awway.

The Device doesn't respond to Fate's query, but Jaren does: "Yeah, where'd she get a second one from?" he wonders, scowling. "How the heck did she get better with a Device SHE DIDN'T EVEN HAVE!" EARTH PEOPLE ARE STUPID! EVEN MIDCHILDAN FAKE EARTH PEOPLE. ARGH. He thrusts a hand up at Fate's assault, snarling, "GROUND!" <PROTECTION.> The flickering barrier catches most of the Spark Edge, sparkling lights shattering against the field, but then he's stuck, watching the two girls uneasily. And at Fate's earnest, sincere words, all he can say is: "That's...what? That's stupid. Did you hear that on TV? That's dumb! Ground, I'm sick of both of them! Put them DOWN!" <SMASH. MAGMA RUPTURE.>

"Hah, ace choice, partner!" <...WE ARE THE STRONGEST TEAM.> "YOU!" Jaren laughs, as he holds Ground aloft; flickering light racing up and along its form, as a flickering ball of bright red energy forms above Ground's hammerhead, roiling and surging. "KNOW IT!"

<SMASH.>

And then it splits in two, hovering for a moment, before finally screaming down toward Lera and Fate both in flawless unison.

COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has used Magma Rupture on Lera Camry.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has used Magma Rupture on Fate Testarossa.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Fate Testarossa fails to dodge Jaren Zastava's Magma Rupture, taking 29 Fatigue damage!
COMBAT: Lera Camry narrowly braces Jaren Zastava's Magma Rupture, taking 5 Fatigue damage!

They still stand.

Howling winds buffet Citadel, catching on phantasmal wings - followed closely by Hikaru sneaking in a blazing swift strike while the creature is off-guard. As it struggles to return its feet to the ground, the guardian snarls. "AND YET, HERE YOU STAND - DEFYING ME, PREVENTING ME FROM FULFILLING MY DUTY!" It lashes out swiftly - its tail's reach far longer than that of its claws - and turns to the others.

Masque Feu speaks out, and the draconic head turns to face her with a ferocious glare. That glare softens, however, as she speaks of honour and duty. "...I REGRET IT. I WILL ASK THAT MY MASTERS AID IN RIGHTING THESE WRONGS - BUT I MUST...I MUST RETURN."

A whip-crack sounds against metal armour, and Citadel turns to face Fiat Silver next. That lost look in its eyes from its conversation with Masque Feu only deepens. "...YOU TRULY DO NOT KNOW? THE GLORY OF THE FORTRESS, THE TEN THOUSAND POINTS?...THE JEWEL OF THE BELKAN EMPIRE?..."

A kick from above, slamming down with enough force that the pavement beneath Citadel's claws shatters. Its tail whips around as it turns to face her, a snarl on its maw - but Cure Sword's words sink in, and those claws dig even deeper into the ground. "...AN IMPASSE. STAND BY YOUR DUTY AS YOU WILL - BUT KNOW THAT I CANNOT ABANDON MINE!"

Its gaze lashes around furiously as Endo charges, teeth bared to meet him and Stern as the blade clips it in the side once again. "THIS, FROM THE ONE WHO SPOKE OF BROKEN LANDS?! WHAT OF YOUR BELKAN PRIDE-"

There's a thump of a heartbeat, echoing through the magic of the area - magic to which Citadel is acutely aware. It turns as Ren's power blazes to life, as she shines like a star in her wild charge. "THAT - CANNOT BE-" She slams into the armor - rebounds off, rather than punching through - but Citadel staggers, all the same.

It's not even looking at Jaren. Whatever he may be, he's not worth the Lost Logia's attention at this moment.

The ancient guardian's stance is less tense than it was, less certain - and its tail lashes back and forth at a frantic pace. "...WHY. WHY GO TO SUCH EFFORTS FOR A SINGLE BUILDING, WHICH MAY BE REBUILT? WHY STAND AGAINST A GUARDIAN OF THE BELKAN EMPIRE, SEEKING TO THWART A SACRED DUTY?" Its wings begin to flap, shining brilliantly - and cascades of multichromatic energy waft forth from those beats. One wave, then a second, then a windstorm of shining light - and the Lost Logia shouts out almost desperately. "TELL ME! WHY DOES THIS WORLD NOT HONOUR THE WILL OF BELKA!?"

COMBAT: Citadel has used Unbroken Guardian on Fuu Hououji.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Unbroken Guardian on Hikaru Shidou.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Rainbow Beats on Endo Naoki.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Rainbow Beats on Ren Aizawa.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Rainbow Beats on Masque Feu.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Rainbow Beats on Fiat Silver.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Rainbow Beats on Cure Sword.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Ancient Guardian on Citadel.
COMBAT: Citadel has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Citadel accepts Citadel's Ancient Guardian, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Citadel is Reinforced by Citadel!
COMBAT: Masque Feu fails to counter Citadel's Rainbow Beats, taking 9 Fatigue damage! Diversion applied to Masque Feu!
COMBAT: Masque Feu's counterattack, Quickie Red Bind, fails to get through, doing 0 Fatigue damage to Citadel!
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa narrowly braces Citadel's Rainbow Beats, taking 3 Fatigue damage! Ren Aizawa's Block ability activates! Ren Aizawa's Parry ability activates!
COMBAT: Fiat Silver fails to brace Citadel's Rainbow Beats, taking 8 Fatigue damage!
COMBAT: Cure Sword narrowly counters Citadel's Rainbow Beats, taking 5 Fatigue damage! Cure Sword's Reverse ability activates! Cure Sword's Tactician ability activates!
COMBAT: Cure Sword's counterattack, Sacred Dagger, partially gets through, doing 4 Fatigue damage to Citadel!
COMBAT: Fuu Hououji narrowly dodges Citadel's Unbroken Guardian, taking 10 Fatigue damage! Citadel is Psyched! Fuu Hououji's Fade ability activates! Fuu Hououji's Flash ability activates!
COMBAT: Hikaru Shidou fails to dodge Citadel's Unbroken Guardian, taking 18 Fatigue damage!

Hikaru tries to get out of the way, but she doesn't quite make it. She drops once again, and this time she doesn't quite get up that easily. She's obviously having difficulty standing on both legs, as one of them is definitely injured. With that she is forced to pull back. She gave her all but her all wasn't quite enough...

"Yeah, it's frustrating!" Lera shouts back at Jaren. She is forced to fly backward, while Jaren uses a defensive spell to fend off Fate's attack. "But you get up, and you try again! You figure out what you can do, y'know? And you figure out what makes you better, instead of REPEATING SOMETHING THAT ISN'T WORKING IN THE FIRST PLACE!"

The ball comes screaming down at Lera. She remembers what happened before, and she starts to bank around to outrace it. She realizes, though, that won't work. She opens her mouth--

<Protection!>

--and Sky reads what she wanted before she can say it. A shimmering field of red-orange light forms, and the ball slams into that. It explodes off it, flaming billowing out before it can touch Lera. The girl wheels back around, to stare at Jaren, while she breathes hard and pants.

'If you'll fight to the end to return home, then I'll fight to the end to protect who I love!'

Lera turns her head to look at the Pretty Cure, before she shouts: "We have to stop him!" she yells. "He doesn't understand--Belka is gone! It was wiped out ages ago! I--I don't think he wants to hear it, but--"

There isn't a home for Citadel there. There isn't anything left of Ancient Belka.

She doesn't manage to finish that, though, because Ren does something she never heard of before. Lera turns her head to the side, staring briefly at Ren when she changes like that. She isn't sure, exactly, what happened; she knows enough that it's incredible. She opens her mouth, gasping softly, and then she stares while Ren goes screaming down at Citadel in a blur of fire and raw magical power.

Then she hears what Citadel yells; she turns to look at him. "Because... because Belka's gone, Citadel," she says. "It has been for ages. Longer than anyone here has been alive."

Then, she looks back at Jaren. Her eyes flicker to Fate, fighting so hard for her; then she thinks of Feu's kindness to the girl. She can't let her fight alone. She goes rocketing in, turning into a blur of red-orange light. She ends right in front of Jaren Zastava--

--or, rather, her foot does, slamming towards her chin at roughly a hundred miles per hour.

COMBAT: Lera Camry has used Sonic Kick on Jaren Zastava.
COMBAT: Lera Camry has finished attacking.

Rainbows come to kill Masque Feu. She gasps and darts back as quickly as she can, snapping off a pair of coils of flame from her palms; they vanish into the rainbow wave harmlessly before it breaks across her. With a pained hiss, she throws her arm up to try and shield herself, to no avail; her hurt leg gives out, and she's driven to one knee in the shadow of the massive Lost Logia.

"This world is not subject to any other," the lone Soeur forces out. Her voice is low, but steely, a bulwark of determination. "The power I wield... is the power that protects the Earth. The power that preserves a world where all people live in peace under a shining sun and don't have to walk in fear. You speak of duty, honour...."

Throwing herself forward, Masque Feu plunges through the last of the rainbow wake, vaulting into the air again and coming down neatly balanced atop another lamppost. She holds one hand at waist level, the other above her head. "...But understand this," she calls, her voice resonant and clear, like a light in the dark. "I am Masque Feu, Soeur of the Blessed Flame - and /my/ duty is to protect this world and all who live in it. To stand with those like Lera Camry and Fate Testarossa, my /friends./ To help them when they are hurt, even though I do not understand their world, just as others stood by me when they did not understand my world. And that duty... is one I will not abandon!"

As she speaks, she sweeps her arms out in an arc, bringing them forward again with palms clamshelled. "Pure Spark!" she calls - and with the flame of her defiance shining brightly in those palms, it leaps into the air. Large fireballs pound forth in a heavy salvo, battering towards the Lost Logia with a sacred blessing. The power to purify the vampires of the night - but here, the power simply to stand with her friends.

COMBAT: Masque Feu has used Purespark Barrage on Citadel.
COMBAT: Masque Feu has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Endo Naoki fails to brace Citadel's Rainbow Beats, taking 12 Fatigue damage! Critical Hit! Diversion applied to Endo Naoki!

The Magic Knight of Wind flings herself to the side, her bow and quiver vanishing as she lands in a roll, coming to a halt and wincing as she gets back to her feet. "Sad to say, most of this world's natives are not acquainted with the Belka of which you speak, Citadel-san, but I should be glad to learn more of another world. For now, though ..."

She wills her legs to steady beneath her, and draws herself to her full (if unimpressive) height. "Like you, Citadel-san, many of us are guardians, charged with the well-being of this world and its people, or even of other worlds whose duties and quests brought us here. So too is Tokyo Tower a vital point - yes, it may be rebuilt, but a new structure in the same place would not possess the strengths that Tokyo Tower itself possesses, those traits which make it a unique and precious treasure to the people of this city."

She hasn't willed either of her weapons to manifest again, nor does she look as if she's going to.

"You clamor against being stranded in this world for thousands of years, and you seek more than anything to return to the Ten Thousand Points of which you are the guardian. If Tokyo Tower were to speak to us, if it were to display your power and your ancient wisdom and will ... would it not protest as much as you have? Would it not seek above all else to *stay here*, in the city where it was built, and to continue to serve its purposes as it was built - *born* - to do?"

Fuu is aware of several possible holes in her argument. Tokyo Tower is a building, even located as it is on the ley lines, but as far as she knows, it's not a sacred or enchanted artifact the way Citadel seems to be. Additionally, the purpose for which the Tower *WAS* openly built - to be a transmission tower for radio and television signals in the Tokyo area - has largely been superseded by the opening of Tokyo Sky Tree, some distance away. But it's Tokyo Tower itself which serves as the one currently-known 'bridge' between Tokyo and Cephiro; it was *here* that Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu were summoned from, and this was the place they returned to when Clef sent them back to begin growing in strength and skill and knowledge. Whether the Tower serves similar purposes for anyone else, she has no idea whatsoever.

But Citadel should have no way of knowing those things. For all the arcane automaton knows, Tokyo Tower *COULD* be a dormant guardian artifact, similar in nature to Citadel but hiding its power while at rest.

So ... yeah, it's a bluff. But the Magic Knight of Wind doesn't have much else to work with.

COMBAT: Jaren Zastava narrowly braces Lera Camry's Sonic Kick, taking 2 Fatigue damage! Lera Camry is Psyched! Jaren Zastava's Block ability activates! Jaren Zastava's Parry ability activates!

That long look from Cure Sword sticks with Fiat Silver after she's firmly perched in the eaves of the tower. "Why don't we use a sword..."

<...I am not optimized for combat at that ranges, as you well know,> Silver Scorpion says, stoutly.

And then... The fusion of cores bursts out. Fiat Silver's eyes widen behind her mask and her mouth hangs slightly open at the sight of such sheer and sparkling splendor at that presentation. She is, frankly, a bit jealous of Ren in this moment-- but only, in a purely and solely professional way.

But there is a greater problem at hand. Fiat Silver stares ahead. She has no immediate reply - and Silver Scorpion, however, does. <We are unfamiliar with such a place! Belka is practically mythological. Why, my former owners were in some cases of an opinion that it did not actually exist, and had been invented as a form of illustrating political theory-->

"This place may be reconstructable," Fiat Silver says, suddenly. "It is unusually simple in its basic design. Made of metal and wires... very utilitarian in a way... But if it was rebuilt, then it would not be the same place. And I do not intend to let you steal this away from the people of this world!"

Silver Scorpion hums electronically, with pride.

Of course, Citadel's polychromatic bombardment smashes upwards, and Fiat Silver topples out of her perch with an "Uk--!" But she is able to land neatly, and with a "hora!" of effort, the spell she's invented is invoked. Another burst of light radiates from the baton-wand of the Silver Scorpion's grenadier mode. It bounces, it skids -

It may seem like a misfire as it skips its way in between the Lost Logia's legs.

And then it erupts! Consuming itself in spiralling and stinging flame--!

COMBAT: Fiat Silver has used Scorpio Tortoise on Citadel.
COMBAT: Fiat Silver has finished attacking.

Fate blinks at Jaren's accusation, "Huh?" A moment later, "TV are those picture boxes they watch from?" ... This child barely even knew what TV was other than sometimes seeing them displaying cheerful advertisements in stores. This fact will change soon.

As the ball of bright red energy comes to her, she flies away at high speed, intending to bank into a feint. When it splits however, she twists in just slightly the wrong direction. It hits her barrier jacket hard, sending her spinning towards the structure of the Tower itself, which she hits hard with a cry of pain and screech of metal. A few crossbeams and support bars are bent and twisted by the impact, which leaves her struggling to get up. But get up she does, hovering in the air trembling limbs and ragged breath.

A moment later, mana boils off of her in flashover waves like golden fire, a runic circle forming at her feet like an insubstantial platform she stands on. Through some great force of will, she manages to raise Bardiche heavensward. "Arcus Cultus Aegeas - heavenly gods that rise over all, descend upon us now." As she recites the words of the ritual spell, the sky growing ominously dark, as clouds manifest and swirl together, centered over her position.

There's a hum of electricity that permeates the atmosphere, and the distinct smell of ozone as the dark clouds flash. Her eyes look to the Guardian after a moment, looking sad, her words pained and not just from her injuries as she follows up on Lera's words, "For the same reason that Al-Hazard would not honor the will of my mother."

"It no longer exists. There is no home for you there any longer. Much like me, the only home you can have is the one you make for yourself." Her eyes close, "I'm so sorry. It's a little selfish, but I don't care much about this building. All I know is I won't let you hurt my friends who taught me important things like that anymore." Friends like Nanoha, Lera, Fiat Silver, and Masque Feu.

There's a sharp cry as she lowers Bardiche in a fierce swing that has none of the soft sentimentality or the sadness from before, merely resolution of two hearts joined in unison, <Thunder->"THUNDER-" <-Rage.> "-RAGE!"

Lightning descends, bolt after bolt upon Jaren and the Citadel, blanketing the pair with all of the wrath of a stormfront and the roar of numerous thunderclaps that seem to ignore the far bigger and more obvious lightning rod nearby.

COMBAT: FINISHER! Fate Testarossa has used Thunder Rage on Jaren Zastava.
COMBAT: FINISHER! Fate Testarossa has used Thunder Rage on Citadel.
COMBAT: Fate Testarossa has finished attacking.

<THAT PRIDE-> The gem at the hilt of Endo's sword flares, whirling in patterns, as if it's trying to process something. Something that doesn't make sense. <IT HAS DESTROYED US. IT WILL DESTROY YOU.>

Endo's momentarily distracted when Ren explodes in light, his eyes widening as she undergoes her transformation. "Aah! Ren-chan!" She's gone super-Ren! The sight of it bolsters him, as does Lera, the sight of Fate fighting on their side at last, and the rest of the magical girls that throw themselves against the war machine.

"Ren! You can do it!" She's got more of a chance than he does, at this point.

COMBAT: Endo Naoki has used Goooooo Ren! on Ren Aizawa.
COMBAT: Endo Naoki has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa accepts Endo Naoki's Goooooo Ren!, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Critical Hit! Ren Aizawa is Reinforced by Endo Naoki!
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava narrowly braces Fate Testarossa's Finisher, Thunder Rage, taking 34 Fatigue damage! Jaren Zastava's Block ability activates! Jaren Zastava's Parry ability activates!
COMBAT: Citadel fails to brace Masque Feu's Purespark Barrage, taking 35 Fatigue damage!
COMBAT: Citadel narrowly braces Fiat Silver's Scorpio Tortoise, taking 8 Fatigue damage! Diversion applied to Citadel!
COMBAT: Citadel narrowly braces Fate Testarossa's Finisher, Thunder Rage, taking 49 Fatigue damage! Critical Hit!

Cure Sword rebounds off of Citadel's armor and lands on both feet. Her eyes narrow at its response. "I know," she calls back. She does know. If it were her, she would never abandon her duty. In that way, she almost feels sorry for Citadel; loyalty, in and of itself, isn't a bad trait to have.

But she overhears what Lera shouts to her about how Belka has already fallen, and her eyes widen. Come to think, hadn't that one boy's device said something about that? She hadn't heard it clearly, only seen how poorly Citadel had reacted, but now that she has this information--that's exactly what it had been talking about, hadn't it? Fate, too, speaks, though to Jaren, about how Lera is stronger because she doesn't have to fight alone anymore. Cure Sword's expression twists into something pained, something hurt and alone--but she shakes her head as if to cast it off.

Of course Citadel wouldn't want to hear it. Who ever wants to hear that their home has been destroyed and they were unable to protect it?

So what this world wants, why this world won't honor Belka's will, is beyond Sword's ability to comment upon. That isn't why she's here, anyway. She just can't allow this city to be potentially destroyed--after all, while Citadel speaks of only this one building, the Tuner Organization's message said it could be as much as the entire city or a chunk of Japan itself. Transporting all those people to a dead world would itself be a death sentence.

"I'm sorry," she murmurs, too low for most--perhaps anyone--to hear as the draconic artifact flaps its wings, sending forth torrents of rainbow light to sear down at them. Again, she counters with magical knives of light, some of which pock against the incoming attack and partially defending her from it. Some of them even make it thorugh, though she can't see how much damage, if any, they did. Cure Sword glances to one side when Ren transforms, impressed despite herself--however, not knowing her, she doesn't say anything. Instead, she sets a new Cure Lovead on her Lovely Commune and leaps again for Citadel.

"Twirl!" she calls, both hands glittering with light. Blades extend from each of them, then magically appear in the air around her as well. She wields each with equal skill, despite the fact that some are not technically being wielded, and she steps with sure footsteps in a certain pattern as she literally twirls into the Lost Logia point-first, each slash of each blade trailing brilliant lavender light. "SWORD DANCERRRR!"

Those who are both paying attention and are fans of Makopi might find the choreography oddly familiar.

COMBAT: FINISHER! Cure Sword has used Twirl! Sword Dancer on Citadel.
COMBAT: Cure Sword has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Citadel narrowly braces Cure Sword's Finisher, Twirl! Sword Dancer, taking 35 Fatigue damage! Critical Hit!

The hit she scores against Citadel is immensely satisfying. She's smiling like an idiot despite her attempt to remain focused and stone-faced. The power is making her feel /extremely/ giddy. And not to mention confident. With a flourish she flips into the air, over Citadel, and goes into a tumble at the end of which she lands perfectly on one of the upper rungs of the tower with a resounding CLANG.

"Heraut this is incredible! I... didn't think this was even possible!" She says, looking down at herself once again in awe. There's a mental ping inside of her head: Heraut. <IT IS A RARE TALENT THAT YOU POSSESS, YOUR MAJESTY. LIKE MY PREVIOUS MASTER...> At that Ren looks downcast for the next few moments, reflecting on the talk they had previously about the device's past. "I see. I won't make you go through that again, Heraut. I promise."

Her gaze returns to Citadel again, jumping into the air as he retaliates. The various barrier spells swirling around her person shield her from the bring of the Logia's wrath as she digests his words. Boldly, she spins around and moves to float in front of him at eye level.

"Citadel." She starts, addressing the mecha-wolf directly, eyes blazing. She hears Endo's encouragement from behind her, and it causes her chest to swell with pride. Everything she's fighting for comes to a head as she raises a single hand. As Fate launches a devestating attack on both Logia and Master, followed by an equally good show from Cure Sword, an incredibly large spear of fuzzy energy appears within her grasp. Calmly, she speaks again to Citadel: "I'm sorry."

<HAZE SPEAR: SUPERNAL SHIFT!>

Ren becomes a blur, too fast to keep eyes on, and suddenly she's right in Citadel's space -- along with a multitude of similar lances to the one she holds, all having appeared behind her in the blink of an eye. She thrusts the lance in her hand forward, and the others all converge simultaneously at the same time on a single point -- Citadel's face.

EXPLOSION.

COMBAT: FINISHER! Ren Aizawa has used Haze Spear: Supernal Shift on Citadel.
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Citadel fails to brace Ren Aizawa's Finisher, Haze Spear: Supernal Shift, taking 137 Fatigue damage! Critical Hit! Citadel is unable to keep fighting!

"So what, you want me to ask ya /nicely/ to hand over your device you just took back? I can do that! I can /so/ do that! Except, see, there's this thing, and it's, I kind of hate you and am going to kill you and everyone you like." There's very little mirth in his voice. Broken Ground emits a faint chime. He doesn't notice.

Jaren stares at Lera with hard intent...and then she says a few things, and Jaren's lips curl back. They've been shouting it at Citadel the whole time, but somehow, he feels it differently now. "Oh no you DON'T!" Jaren shrieks, shooting toward Lera with his power burning bright around him. But Fate's moving too, saying the same things with just as much heart - and lowering the same thunder with all the power she wields. Jaren has to stop cold to address it. "One at a time then," he snarls. "I can do that. I CAN DO THAT! GROUND!"

<MANTLE HEART.>

"The hell's that?" Jaren mutters, but the warhammer's already shining - a muddy green Midchildan ring exploding into the space in front of him, crackling with its own supercharged existence. Thunder Rage slams into it, and crackles all along it...but it holds. It holds.

Jaren is forced to skid backward from the hit, feet grinding against air; but he is moved no more than he must be, and he looks down at his warhammer partner with a blank tip of his head. "Uhhh. What?"

<--I DID AS I SAW FIT.>

Jaren glowers a little. "Nobody telling me anything today," he spits. "Fine! At least you're useful. Now help me put this brat in a hole."

<WE WILL SMASH HER.> "Yes, that's the idea!" <...I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN BY HOLES. MASTER.> "Yeah, you do, buddy!" Jaren laughs, as he holds Ground aloft. The warhammer flickers, twice.

And then, finally, like grinding tombstones, groans out: <BOMBADIER CASCADE.>

Jaren's face splits in an evil grin. "Yeah, I like the sound of that," he snarls, glaring at Fate. The lights begin to form above him; motes of light that gather together, filling the night with a thousand new stars. Jaren, wide-eyed and leering, snarls, "HE'S COMING. WITH ME! BOMBADIER CASCADE!"

<SMASH.>

They fall - a thousand motes of starlight, screaming down directly to Fate Testarossa in an annihilating wave of light, releasing a huge explosion of power as they finally accrete and burst. Jaren laughs, deep in his belly. Broken Ground chimes, quiet.

The world shines, dreadful.

One of these things has forgotten Lera Camry is present. One of these things is an idiot.

COMBAT: FINISHER! Jaren Zastava has used Bombadier Cascade on Fate Testarossa.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Fate Testarossa narrowly dodges Jaren Zastava's Finisher, Bombadier Cascade, taking 57 Fatigue damage! Fate Testarossa is unable to keep fighting! Fate Testarossa's Fade ability activates! Fate Testarossa's Flash ability activates!

"Understand this. While our grandeur is without compare, the Belkan Empire is not without its enemies - to say nothing of the potential for enemies from within. Your duty is that of guardian - the Ten Thousand Points are critical, and your life is nothing if they are claimed by an enemy."

"UNDERSTOOD. SO LONG AS I DRAW BREATH, THEY SHALL NOT FALL."

~*~*~*~*~*~

Citadel demanded answers. For one - an answer to the question of why these defenders fight so fiercely. Masque Feu answers, with blame and with conviction. She speaks of peace, she speaks of duty, she speaks of friendship - and of those three pillars, Citadel can claim but one. Standing alone, with Jaren Zastava somewhere nearby, Citadel braces itself for the fiery salvo - purifying blast after purifying blast hammering home.

Fuu appeals to an empathy for another construct of steel and architecture. The Logia takes pause for a moment, extending its senses...and finding nothing. That long tail lashes back and forth in agitation, legs tensing anew as Fuu admits to not knowing of Belka - how far could it have fallen from its post, that this world is so ignorant?

Fiat Silver speaks of tradition - of reconstruction not being the same as protection. That the location in question has some value. Citadel's tension lifts a moment as it pauses - and explosions erupt around its feet, leading it to let out a roar of fury.

And Citadel asked of Belka.

As the storm builds, Fate speaks another name known to Citadel - that of Al-Hazard. A civilization ancient beyond even the Belkan empire - the dragon's eyes lock on Fate, widening at the comparison. "YOU CANNOT MEAN..." The heavens cry out in the Logia's stead - thunder and lightning cascading down to hammer the guardian repeatedly. It roars in pain, in fury, in anguish.

Lera speaks from the heart. Speaks a terrible truth, of the fate of an empire. Fallen Stern joins in, speaking of that Empire's pride - and the fall that followed. Citadel's gaze goes from one to the other, nearly uncomprehending...but that lashing tail goes still, its rear legs lowering.

Cure Sword apologizes. As quiet as it is, the guardian turns to face her. Swords of brilliant light spear through rainbow might, the sword-dancer rushing in to deliver blow after blow - and with each strike, both Citadel's wings and the remnants of the barrier flicker.

Citadel looks to the sky, to the stars - closes its eyes, and looks again. This time, as it tries to forget where the lights of ancient Belkan fortresses would shine...more sense can be made of the heavens. It may well be...this is why it was never retrieved.

Ren apologizes - and appears before Citadel's maw. There is strength yet within the body, ancient machinery holding the power to unleash a landscape-scathing torrent of energy - but instead, it just meets Ren's sorrowful gaze. "...SO MY PURPOSE IS LOST."

Something ancient is broken.

In answer, there is a riotous storm of kaleidoscopic light - all the power Citadel had gathered and accumulated, released as a brilliant pillar. The remnants of the barrier surrounding Tokyo Tower, the grand teleportation sigil inscribed upon the ground - all of it shatters into fragments of light. They shine brilliantly in the air, gently falling - not as a rain of destruction, but as gently drifting petals. Where Citadel had stood...

...there remains something far smaller, and far more forlorn. Not a titanic wolf-dragon, but a slumbering wolf-pup.

...dragon.

Lera's eyes start to widen when Jaren says that. There was something about this situation that she never quite wanted to accept. She didn't want to think that he was beyond being reached; she wanted to think that her mother's former assistant was the kind of person who could, ultimately, be talked down. She realizes, though, that isn't the truth.

Right now, nothing that she says can reach him. She can't change his mind. That makes Lera falter for a moment.

Then she sees the very same attack that laid her low, poured into Fate this time. The blasts come raining in to her, a thousand motes of energy, converging on the girl who swore to protect her. The girl, Lera thinks, who risked her life to get Sky back -- and now he strikes her down, after everything else that happened to her.

"FATE!" Lera screams, raggedly, eyes widening in terror.

For just a moment, Lera feels her heart sink and she starts to give up again. But, she has Soaring Sky back. Something else changed.

<...Ground.> A pulse of red light emanates from the Device's core. <That ability. Why hasn't he been using your primary form? You weren't built for this purpose. You aren't a cannon. You're a fortress.>

Then, it clicks into place for Lera: the one she needs her words to reach isn't Jaren Zastava. She looks at him, then down at the Intelligent Device in her hands. She promised to bring him home, she remembers. She grits her teeth. "Sky," she says. "Mom said that it's what's in our heart that matters, with Devices. More than anything else."

<Yes, my master. I think it's about time we show them that, don't you think? Besides.> A joking pulse of light comes out from the Device's red gem core. <I'm tired of them pretending they're the best team. They're looking right at it.>

"I couldn't agree more," Lera says. She turns to look at Citadel; she sees the brilliant pillar of light shoot into the sky. She gets a look at what's left of Citadel, and the rain of petals. Her eyes widen, but then she feels a pang of loss.

"Citadel," she murmurs, sadly. Then, she realizes: she has her chance. Between the attack and Citadel's fall, Jaren is distracted. She can get down there and help Citadel in a moment.

Thus, while Jaren's side is turned, Lera clicks her blades back together. The sword splits down the middle, though, and bolts of lightning leap between the two blade-halves. A faint white glow begins to gather inside of it.

A trio of control rings appear, ever turning, directly in front of the sword. A massive Midchildan magical circle appears underneath Lera's feet. She sets down on it and takes a breath, as a staticky feeling crackles out from under her feet. She cracks a smile, as she looks down at him. "This is for Fate," she says quietly. "And Setsuna, and Yukimi, and Ren, and... and Mom. All the people who believed in me."

<AURORA BURST-->

The sword suddenly crackles with light. Then, a beam of white light explodes from the split open blade. It bleeds gold at the edges, and a shockwave ring of light fires off from the tip of the blade. The energy beam screams straight downward, guided by the control rings, and straight for Jaren Zastava's side.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!"

COMBAT: FINISHER! Lera Camry has used Aurora Burst Ray on Jaren Zastava.
COMBAT: Lera Camry has finished attacking.

A thousand motes of starlight coming to smash her at his command. Fate's mind briefly flashes to her own attack, the Phalanx Shift. She watches them descend towards her, shining, death from many directions thinking of how she would defend against her own attack.

While she's more than willing to die fighting for her newfound friends. She just doesn't want to die if she doesn't have to. Besides being scary, she just wanted to spend more time with them. A small selfish wish.

"Bardiche." She whispers, <Blitz Action>

Faster than the naked eye can see, she ascends upwards into the night, spiralling and corkscrewing and moving in random patterns, each mote of starlight following. Some burst in the air like blossoming fireworks, in clusters and bursts and flashes of light.

For a while it looks like she's going to make it. All the remaining motes of light suddenly converge on her point, and explode, just as she vanishes in an after image, her speed such that she appears just above into chaining bursts of what becomes an enormous explosion.

While she did make it out of that main blast, the blast wave hits her, striking her right in the back. It sends her spinning out of control, before she loses consciousness and her flight spells fail. The small and battered shape of Fate Testarossa falls through the night, holding onto the cracked form of Bardiche only by reflexive instinct. She goes down, down, down inexorably towards the ground, her eyes only open the barest fraction, uncomprehending of her situation despite the telltale rush of air.

COMBAT: Jaren Zastava accepts Lera Camry's Finisher, Aurora Burst Ray, taking 108 Fatigue damage! Jaren Zastava is unable to keep fighting!

Right now there is something else screaming through her senses. Something significantly more blonde.

Where Masque Feu once was, she is no longer.

Instead, there is a fast-moving shape wind-sprinting across the Tokyo Tower grounds. It is not actually Usain Bolt. It's Masque Feu running faster than she's ever run in her life. She is actually kicking up dust clouds. Somehow she's managing it on a bad leg and in high heels. She breathes hard, arms and legs pumping madly, eyes on the plummeting little golden shape in the sky. "Fate!!" she calls out, her composure broken enough that it's actually a shout. "Fate, hang in there!!"

She's not going to make it, she realizes. And even if she does -- it's too far to fall.

She doesn't think. She jumps as hard as her legs will carry her - lands on a hot dog cart - and kicks off it with all the force she can manage.

It is an impossibly high leap. As the little blonde girl falls, the Soeur rises, as if in seconds that take hours. She reaches out with both arms.

"FAAAAAAAATE!!" she screams, her eyes wide, as she reaches, reaches, for the tiny girl.

Her fingers brush solidity.

She /snaps/ her arms out like a flycatcher. She pulls Fate in in midair, snatching her up and cradling her to her body, clinging to her like a big sister capturing a little.

And then she begins to fall out of the air too, having evidently not thought this through too well. She catches her breath, eyes wide as she tries to turn herself to land on her heels, knowing she's probably going to break her legs when she lands. She falls and falls and falls and--

Fiat Silver rises up in the aftermath of that polychromatic wonderland. She gazes with wonderment upon what remains, even as Silver Scorpion murmurs, <From that Belkan relic... something so...>

Their thoughts are cut off as a screaming burst of light hits -- "Fate?!" Fiat Silver cries in dismay. Masque Feu leaps upwards with terrifying speed - but Fiat Silver can tell from her trajectory that... "She can't fly!"

<But we can,> Silver Scorpion says.

With a glimmer of blue and no further ado, Fiat Silver launches herself upwards even as Masque Feu wraps herself around Fate in protective anticipation. Instead of hitting the ground, she hits Fiat Silver, with a thump and a jar but no painful agonizing impact. Feu gets a hug, perhaps involuntarily, and a confident, almost jaunty, "I have you!"

But who has them!?

The explosive light clears, and Citadel is no more. Well, that's not quite true, thankfully. Ren didn't set out to completely obliterate the Lost Logia, and is relieved when she sees it slumbering peacefully -- massively reduced in form from before.

"Citadel..." Ren floats down, landing right in front of the wolf-pup. "Hah. You're sleeping. That sounds really good right now..." She says, falling down onto her knees as she feels her strength completely leave her. There's a brief flash as her barrier jacket dispels, and her eyes close as she falls forward and into darkness, looking as though she's just taking a nap along with Citadel. Awww.

It seems Citadel has finally accepted the truth of the matter. The massive power that Ren brings to bear smashes through the last of his defenses, but perhaps the Lost Logia had decided to simply accept its fate. The magical blades vanish from around Cure Sword, and she leaps back out of the blast range just in time. However, she still is there to bear witness as the sigil shatters, then falls like flower petals, leaving behind a tiny wolfdragon-puppy, curled up in slumber.

Something in Cure Sword's chest squeezes.

"Citadel..." she murmurs, taking a few steps forward. She's interrupted when Ren drifts down next to him and likewise curls up to go to sleep, leaving Sword blinking rapidly, taken aback. "H-hey, are you all right?" she asks, forgetting herself to hurry forward and kneel down next to her. When it becomes apparent that Ren is just fine, merely asleep, she breathes out a faint sigh and looks around at the remaining combatants.

Fiat Silver grabs Fate and Feu around then. At the same time, Lera smashes the utmost of her power into Jaren. Cure Sword shields her face against the radiance. It seems like what remains is well in hand, but she'd best keep an eye out... just in case. If everything is indeed in hand, she'll leave without any further fanfare before anyone has time to notice.

Meanwhile, with a gentle hand, almost without realizing it, Sword strokes Citadel's head.

'<You aren't a cannon. You're a fortress.>'

Jaren's eyes cut to the side, his voice stuck in his throat, staring at the jewel on his device's hammerhead. "What," he rasps out.

<...I WANTED TO LEAVE THAT PLACE. YOU HAD NO USE FOR A SHIELD.>

Jaren's whole demeanor shifts, eyes growing wild. "You're a...shield..."

<AFFIRMATIVE.>

"You...YOU'RE WHY...WHY I CAN'T SEEM TO BEAT THESE BRATS?!"

<...I DO NOT AGREE.>

"WELL I DON'T SEE WHERE ELSE THE PROBLEM IS, GROUND!" Jaren screams. "A SHIELD! A SHIELD, WHEN I NEEDED TO SMASH EVERYONE TO DUST! A SHIELD WHEN I NEEDED A BIG, SMASHY HAMMER! Oh, I see! I GET IT! FAKING EVERYTHING JUST SO I'D KEEP YOU, LIKE SOME STUPID, DAMN, DUMB, DOG! YOU--

'....SO MY PURPOSE IS LOST.'

Jaren's eyes shrink to pinpoints, and he immediately spins on his heels and completely forgets about both Lera, who is having a Moment with Sky, and his own Device, who is blinking at him silently. "WHOA HEY!" he squawks. "NO NO NO NO! No no! Nooo no no! You, hey man, let's not get hasty, there's, you know, there's other...vast, inconceivable empires...in the sea, you know!? You don't have to, uh, do--"

Radiant prismatic light shines in every direction and Jaren shrieks "THAT! THAT IS--DON'T DO THAT! NO NO NO NO! NO! NO, STOP IT! DAMN YOU, STOP!"

His throat is hoarse and it doesn't help. His screaming cannot stop the collapse of an ancient horror - defeated as much by despair as by force.

<JAREN.>

"The hell do /you/ want?" Jaren spits, spinning. "I'm not done with y--"

<YOU DO NOT PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS.>

Jaren takes a faltering step back, on his midair platform. "No," he croaks. "NO!" he shrieks. "GROUND! PROTECTION! DEFENSOR! MANTLE HEART!"

<AS YOU WISH.>

The barriers go up, one after another, tapping deep into Jaren's reserves - but Lera's glorious light slams into him, and Jaren finds himself almost immediately forced to the street by the sheer wonder of it; boots against pavement, pavement cracking beneath him, barriers cracking above him. "IT'S NOT WORKING! WHY ISN'T IT WORKING!" Jaren shrieks. "WHAT THE HELL GOOD ARE YOU!?"

<...I HAVE IDENTIFIED THE FLAW.>

"WHAT IS IT!?" Jaren screams. "DON'T TELL ME ABOUT IT AND JUST--"

<WE ARE NOT THE STRONGEST TEAM.>

Jaren's lips part in horror, and he almost says something before the barriers all fail at once, torn apart by Lera's blast, and Jaren Zastava disappears in a shaft of light.

Soon, though, the light fades. The dust settles from where the street ruptured. The rushing water from a ruptured water line slowly fades as someone, somewhere, turns off the pressure; and as all this happens, Jaren Zatava is gone. The only signs of his passage are a few scraps of ragged cloth, torn in his haste to leave...and the cracked, half-shattered warhammer of Broken Ground; the gem run through with cracks, one head mostly missing, the other cracked in half.

Lera sinks to the ground slowly. Her eyes drift to Masque Feu and Fiat Silver, both having caughter Fate. Then she turns, her eyes drifting down to Ren, slumped over next to Citadel. The girl watches her for a moment; she smiles, before she finishes her descent down to the ground. After that, her eyes fall on Broken Ground, and the scraps of cloth. Her lips part for a moment, as she realizes that Jaren got away.

Then, she realizes that it doesn't matter. She heard what he screamed at Ground. She heard Ground's response. The girl steps over the blasted ground, looking at the wreckage that Aurora Burst Ray made of the ground near where Jaren had been.

She finally reaches Broken Ground's broken form, and kneels down next to it. She puts her fingers on the Intelligent Device's hilt, her fingers touching it haltingly. She had worked for a year for this moment: to reclaim the Device of her mother's that was stolen. She wondered, worried, and feared at what might happen if she never got him back. She never quite imagined what he might feel like.

"Hey, Ground," she says, a little sadly. "It's okay. Guest registry." The little gem in the broken hammer pulses once. "Standby Form."

The hammer flashes and turns into a small bracelet; the green gem dangles from it, and cracks run through the bracelet. Lera's fingers clutch it, gently, as she looks down at it.

<...initiating recovery mode.>

The damaged Device goes dim and silent after that. Lera looks down at it, then she slumps back, leaning against the steel of Tokyo Tower. She lets out a long breath, as she looks about at her friends, and sighs. "I think... I think we did it, Sky."

<We did. I... thank you. I couldn't have done it without you, Lera. Any of it. I-->

Lera lifts the sword up, then leans her forehead against the blade. "I know. I was scared with you, too." A beat, then she smiles and closes her eyes. "I love you, buddy."

<You too.>

[[Category:Logs]]

2015-08-16 - Sealing and Stealing

2015-09-06T18:47:52Z

{|class="toccolours" cellspacing="2"
|-
! style="background:#CC6699; border: 2px #CC0033 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" colspan="2" | '''Title: Sealing and Stealing
|-
|'''Summary''': 
''Now that he has Citadel, Jaren Zastava makes a final bid to claim the Intelligent Device of Ren Aizawa and her friends! However, Citadel's true goals are revealed -- and quite a complication besides!''
|-
| '''Who:''' 
[[Lilian Abarth]], [[Ren Aizawa]], [[Lera Camry]], [[Duck]], [[Fuu Hououji]], [[Seika Miuchi]], [[Endo Naoki]], Citadel, and Jaren Zastava.
|-
| '''Where:''' 
Tokyo Tower
|-
| '''OOC - IC Date:''' 
08/16/2014 - 08/16/2015
|-
|}
The summer heat is here, but that is hardly enough to keep away the crowds. The reports of the incident at the marina on Tuesday didn't scare people away. Even now, though, an electronics store across the street from Tokyo Tower has the news flashing across one of the teleivions. 'Marina damaged by JSDF drone experiment gone awry!' scrolls across on one of the banners on the bottom.

The crowds nearby don't pay attention to that, though. A little boy licks his ice cream cone, while a couple of foreign tourists stare up at the great red-and-white radio tower. What are the chances that it could occur again?

Pretty good, actually.

The air shimmers with light, tiny rainbow-colored displays rippling in the sky. Unlike before, they do not immediately attack. The pill-shaped things, with the golden gem in the center, send their red-colored cable arms afluttering, before they all point downward. Nevermind the beginnings of a ripple of prismatic light on an immense scale -- likely the herald of Citadel's arrival.

They flash down spotlights onto one, central position. A Midchildan magical circle appears there, as the teleportation spell flashes into effect.

Appearing amid flickering rings of light, accompanied by the hammering of a drumroll he personally programmed into the hovering drones, he fades into being, finishing the transit with a flash of light: Jaren Zastava, with his smug grin and sideburns sculpted to immaculate perfection, running parallel to his cheekbones like gelled hair spikes. Around his neck hangs a strange pendant; a bronze pen with a cracked red gem at the top. "Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls! And whatever else happens to populate this weird little city of yours!" He sweeps his Device, Broken Ground, in a wide, showmanlike arc. "I have a little business with your dumb tower, here, so if you could all be good little sheep and buzz off, I'd really appreciate it!" He pauses. "Unless you happen to be someone who already knows what's happening, because if you could all transform and line up in an orderly fashion and let me beat you and steal all your toys that'd really help on my performance review! Ha ha!"

His grin fades as he cuts his eyes to the side, watching Citadel transfer in. He reaches up to gently tuck that pen into one of the pockets on his Barrier jacket, not wanting it to get in the way in the fight. "OK, big guy. We need to use this for the transition, since the local gateports are all run by people who don't realize I'm such a big deal. While we do that, though, there's a couple, uh, rogue mages whose Devices I need to reclaim. For, uh, the Magisters. You know. I mean, we're already here, may as well do two things at once, right?"

COMBAT: Jaren Zastava transforms into Youma Form Jaren Zastava!
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has fully healed himself.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has fully healed himself. He is now ready to take on 2 opponents!

Closely following in Jaren's wake comes a second transference - this one heralded by the appearance of triangular spell-sigils scaled up considerably. The second appearance, as it happens, is considerably larger - twenty feet tall at the shoulder, and a wolf-like quadruped with a tail longer than the body itself.

It's not entirely lupine - the head and tail distinctly draconic in style, and the entirety of the creature is covered in blue-grey armor plates. How much is beast, and how much machine?...anyone close enough to answer that question would likely be inside its mouth already.

Citadel, Guardian of the Ten Thousand Points, rests low on its clawed paws. That great tail lashes back and forth in agitation as it surveys the unfamiliar landscape, the towering crimson monument, the people screaming in fear...and finally arches its back to survey the skies above. As bright as the sun might be, keen eyes might still discern the light of stars beyond...

The tail lashes back and forth again. "...UNDERSTOOD. HOW FAR FROM THE HEART OF THE EMPIRE I HAVE FALLEN I KNOW NOT..."

From its back, the stubs of wings unfurl - and kaleidoscopic rainbow light spreads out to form the Lost Logia's wings. Armor creaks as hackles raise, keen eyes surveying the terrified crowd for opposition. "...BUT PLEASE. MAKE LITTLE DELAY. I CARE NOT FOR THE OTHER MAGISTERS' DESIRES, ZASTAVA - I WISH ONLY TO RETURN TO GUARD MY HOME."

COMBAT: Citadel transforms into Youma Form Citadel!
COMBAT: Citadel has fully healed himself. He is now ready to take on 8 opponents!

It bothers Miuchi Seika - it bothers her immensely. It bothers her that she couldn't discourage Lera Camry from going off alone. It bothers her even more that she does not know what happened to the girl.

"Masque Feu, why are you so worried about that?" Augustine questions as he flutters alongside her, the pair sprinting away from the black BMW of the Miuchi family driver. "That girl is an experienced fighter with strong magic. I am sure she can handle herself. Besides which - you barely know who she is!"

Seika's eyes harden as she looks up at the tower ahead. She doesn't answer immediately. She can see something sparkling ahead.

She dips a hand into her purse; slips behind a mailbox.

"I did not know Fate, either," she says, her voice soft.

Augustine blinks a couple of times. "Masque Feu," he murmurs, before trailing off.

Seika leaves it at that. She bows her head, lowering her face into the Blessed Masque of Flame, and whispering the blessed words. Coils of flame whip around her for a second, leaving her shining, then melting away into the tabard of one of the Soeurs of the Silver Star - or rather, the only such Soeur.

Seconds tick past. Then more.

A sharp high heel suddenly descends with an imperial click to the top of a postbox in the tower's shadow.

"This tower belongs to the people of Tokyo, not to you," declares Masque Feu as she sets a hand at her hip, hair rippling behind her as she levels a steady gaze upon Jaren and the Lost Logia with him. "The attitude that you demonstrate is unseemly - that all things are simply yours to take. This tower. The will of your companion, who only wishes to return home. Though I do not know you well, one thing is abundantly clear--"

The Soeur levels a finger upon Jaren. "You, sir, are a user," she declares. "And I, Masque Feu, do not like those who cynically use others for selfish ends...!"

COMBAT: Seika Miuchi transforms into Masque Feu!

Someone had come to her - pled their case - and after two seconds of stony silence, Lilian Abarth could not ignore their plea. Reluctant in some ways though it may be, she is spurred from "playing a DS" (she likes Charlotte!!) and into action.

And so shines forth...

FIAT SILVER

Who, in her overcoat and silver jumpsuit, should be sweating. But she isn't - because her clothes are magical, and thus air conditioned. She flies from a direction not linearly traceable to Infinity Institute, firmly clutching the baton of Silver Scorpion as she cruises forwards. Nearer yet. When she sees Citadel clearly from further away than she really wants to, she starts frowning.

<That creature...> says Silver Scorpion.

"I suppose we know that Lera was not kidding," Fiat Silver mutters to herself. She then clears her throat - and zips up, with a hint of sparkle, to float in front of Jaren and Citadel's field of view. "Pardon, pardon - you there, yes, you with the teeth -" She points her baton towards Jaren, albeit merely to indicate him.

"It is very strange," Fiat Silver says, slapping her baton in her palm with an audible smak!. "I could have sworn that we had never met before. And that is a little interesting, because you are now operating within the territory of the Fiat Group, you see, and... Hmmm..." She taps her lips with the tip of the baton. "Yes, I think that you are talking about stealing /more/ Devices? Of course that must be a mistake, something must have gone wrong, because surely, surely you would not have so casually infringed upon our territory...?"

It's good that the mask hides her eyes because she is totally watching Citadel even as she talks smack to Mr. Zastava.

COMBAT: Lilian Abarth has fully healed herself.
COMBAT: Lilian Abarth transforms into Barrier Jacket!

~A LITTLE EARLIER

The knock on Lilian Abarth's door was a little plaintive. But, Lera Camry knew where Lilian lived. She knew that she was a Device wielder, too, and she knew that her friends could use a mage. She didn't have an Intelligent Device anymore -- no, she corrected, she didn't have one at the moment. She had a Storage Device, though, that her mother provided her. Radical Freeband existed for one purpose: communicating telepathically and detecting magical outbursts.

Lera stood there, when the door opened. Her expression was a little worn. She didn't like the idea of explaining again, but...

She could get a little back-up for her friends. "Hey, Abarth," she said. Her tone was more measured than usual. "I... I have a favor to ask."

~NOW

Lera Camry is sprinting down the street. She turns a corner, breathing hard, and has a small camera-like piece of technology in her hand; it is big and fat, shaped like a handgun camera, but colored a garish neon green instead of a reasonable color. Radical Freeband was built for show business, not for this purpose. The girl slows to a stop, and then she glances up.

She sees Fiat Silver standing up on a roof; she smiles, before she glances at Masque Feu. Her eyes widen, and then she ducks back behind a dumpster. Tokyo Tower -- well -- towers over her. She swallows, as she stares at Jaren. She feels a cold, sharp spike of fear; then she remembers the sensation of falling.

Then, slowly, she looks up at Citadel. "He's huge..."

Ren's been waiting for the other foot to drop. So she's not entirely too caught off guard when Jaren and Citadel appear in such a public and outrageous fashion. Still, it's distressing how willing he is to endanger the citizens of Tokyo who have no clue what is going on.

"Jaren...!" Ren arrives on the scene, touching down on a lampost nearby, turning to briefly make sure Endo is still behind her before looking back up at Jaren and Citadel. She remembers her talk with Lera -- the girl's sadness and willingness to blame herself. Her grip on Heraut tightens instinctively.

Of course, Lera herself showing up is expected, too. "Lera-chan..." Ren winces, hoping the girl doesn't try to do anything too brash given her lack of device.

COMBAT: Ren Aizawa transforms into Barrier Jacket!

The JSDF has drones? That's slightly new news to Fuu, but maybe she should have been paying better attention to reports in current technology. Certainly the REST of the world has drones ...

She might believe the story a little more readily if she didn't recognize the date and place of the incident as the spot where an extradimensional thief awakened a powerful semi-autonomous artifact. Fuu shakes her head a bit, pulling her attention away from the TV, and bends her steps towards the crosswalk. She texted Umi this morning to see if the fencer from Ohtori would like to meet at Tokyo Tower; there's been no response yet, but Fuu intends to go up to the observation deck anyway.

And that's *still* her intention when Jaren and Citadel appear in front of the Tower's main entrance, along with a whole bunch of smaller drones floating in the sky. That's going to interfere with the view, for certain. Rather than screaming and running, Fuu calmly turns to look around. Other magical girls are arriving; civilians are generally withdrawing to a safe distance from the looks of things ... and there's a clothing store she can duck into briefly and 'borrow' a dressing room. It'll do; she heads inside, then up a couple of floors.

A couple of minutes later, the Magic Knight of Wind emerges quietly on the store's roof, bow already in hand. She glances about for drones that might be spotting her, then creeps quickly to the corner of the roof, nocking an arrow, drawing it back, and letting it fly.

Specifically, at one of the drones that WOULDN'T have noticed her. She's still certain to draw retaliatory fire from the others if she hasn't already, but if she can get the drop on one of the drones ANYway it should make life much easier. Her attention were filter to Jaren once there are fewer drones to worry about.

COMBAT: Fuu Hououji has used Trick Arrow Shot on Citadel.
COMBAT: Fuu Hououji has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Citadel narrowly braces Fuu Hououji's Trick Arrow Shot, taking 6 Fatigue damage! Critical Hit!

More drones, more trouble.

Why isn't Hikaru Shidou surprised? Because she's become used to the way that trouble always seems to pop up when you least expect it here in Tokyo. Of course, that's why there are the Magic Knights to help put an end to things like this. Unfortunately, Umi hasn't been heard from in awhile, so she's out of the question. But Hikaru has a strong sense that Fuu-chan will be there, albeit as the Magic Knight of Wind. So Hikaru takes the time to find a quiet spot to change into her Magic Knight form.

Taking out her glove-jewel and pulling it on, she recites the incantation: "Belief becomes power. Flames guide me!" And with a fiery flourish, Hikaru becomes the Magic Knight of Fire!

As she arrives at the scene, the Magic Knight of Fire is unsurprised to see her buddy there already. Although she is surprised at just how chaotic things are right now. She steps back a little and begins to mentally plan things out, realizing this isn't going to be as easy as last time.

Duck was, of course, concerned about Tokyo Tower when she heard the news. (A JSDF drone, really...?) And although she knew the accident was unlikely to repeat itself, Duck has found herself with a reason to be at the Tower today. Even if nothing happens - which, of course, it won't - there are surely interesting sights to be had here! And it's not so easy to get lost, with the towering Tower /right there/.

'It's a good thing, too,' Duck thinks, 'because it's so easy for me to get lost in the city! Oh, if only it were as simple as it is in town.'

Unfortunately, fate has other plans, as creatures most certainly not normal and /probably/ not drones (though Duck has never seen a drone) come into view. She doesn't know what's going on, but she can put two and two together, and so she ducks behind a hedge...

Princess Tutu leaps up upon a signpost, balanced there as if it were the most natural thing in the world. She cups a hand at her ear, miming 'listen' as other magical girls appear and speak.

This man wants to reclaim the 'devices' of rogue mages. Girls appear and claim that he's stealing them. Given that he has appeared here, scaring everyone, Princess Tutu is willing to accept that explanation until a better one arrives.

"Excuse me," she calls, to Jaren, "but why must you steal from them?"

COMBAT: Duck transforms into Princess Tutu!

Endo is, in fact, right behind Ren. His path through the city is marked by a blur of purple, a ball of light that ping-pongs between buildings, across rooftops, and occasionally soars in long leaps between empty spaces. His cape billows out behind him, his overside device lugged along for the ride. He's been waiting for this, like Ren has. And it's hard not to spot a bunch of flying robots and a giant wolf attacking Tokyo tower, no matter where you are.

<THIS CREATURE AGAIN. AN IMPRESSIVE REMNANT.>

"I'm glad you like it so much." Endo does not. It's big. And scary. But he'd fought it before, and he'd fight it again. There are others already on the scene, and at least that lifts his heart a little bit. He's never alone out here.

"Ren! Be careful!" And, when he spots Lera, he echoes that statement: "And you too, Lera-san! And everyone else!"

COMBAT: Endo Naoki has fully healed himself.
COMBAT: Endo Naoki transforms into Barrier Jacket!

Jaren grunts. "I'll get right to it, then," he says, putting Broken Ground forward into a battle-stance. "If we gotta cut and run, I've already given you the transmission information, right?"

And then, they start showing up and sassing him. Siiigh. "Oh, right, I keep forgetting you folks get these /ideas/ about being halfway competent," he laments, and rolls his eyes at Silver. "I don't know what you're sellin' lady, but /you/ are on /my/ turf, and therefore you're on /his/, and therefore drones and/or Citadel, buddy, please smash her."

He starts hovering off the ground, boots leaving the Earth to settle into flight and sweep his eyes across the field. He's only really interested in two people, today...

...but Princess Tutu is in his vision when he finishes his ascension, and he cocks his head to the side with all the grace and composure of a dazed seal. "'Steal?' Man, who gives out these lines? I am /reacquiring/ them from /untrained amateurs/ who are going to firebomb somebody's apartment or something." Rassum frassum Sailor Moon. "'scuze me," he adds, and then boosts away. "CITADEL!" he adds, voice twisted by dizzying speed. "I'M STARTIN'!"

He shoots down like a bullet, lands directly in front of Endo and kicks up dust with the landing. "HEY, BRAT!" he adds, with a cheery voice. He is already in the process of swinging Ground directly at him, a shockwave of light and energy encompassing the head to slam him clear across the field with strength far greater than the actual impact would impart. "WHAT'S UP!"

<MASTER. BEHIND US.>

"See it!" he calls, and whips around, and levels Ground straight at Ren. "Stone Torch!" <SMASH.> A ball of stone-grey light flickers into being in front of Jaren, and he winds up and bats it straight at Ren, hopefully bowling her over.

COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has used Magmatic Crash on Endo Naoki.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has used Stone Torch on Ren Aizawa.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa narrowly braces Jaren Zastava's Stone Torch, taking 4 Fatigue damage! Ren Aizawa's Block ability activates! Ren Aizawa's Parry ability activates! Cripple applied to Ren Aizawa!
COMBAT: Endo Naoki narrowly counters Jaren Zastava's Magmatic Crash, taking 11 Fatigue damage! Jaren Zastava is Psyched! Endo Naoki's Reverse ability activates!
COMBAT: Endo Naoki's counterattack, Asteroid Rush, fails to get through, doing 0 Fatigue damage to Jaren Zastava!

There are fewer drones today, and all of them devoted to supporting Jaren Zastava's spectacle. Rattling drumrolls, spotlights, a couple of them turning upward to illuminate Tokyo Tower with an impromptu laser lightshow...they seem content, for the moment, to ignore the arriving warriors of hope and justice. Even an impromptu arrow, flying through the air to neatly spear one drone in a cable-arm, seems to go ignored for the moment...

Up until Jaren commands them to smash, at which point they spread out to do just that.

Citadel, for all its bulk, continues lashing its tail back and forth as Jaren starts to speak. "...YOU HAVE. THE STARS ARE NO LONGER AS I REMEMBERED THEM...BUT THE PATH HOME BECKONS. FOR THIS, UNTIL MY DEBT TO YOU IS REPAID..."

A few voices speak out against Jaren, and the tail goes still, the Lost Logia baring its teeth. Fiat Silver challenges based on territory, and the mighty creature intones as Jaren's rant concludes. "HOWEVER FAR I HAVE COME...NOWHERE IS BEYOND THE REACH OF THE EMPIRE. IN SERVICE OF THE TEN THOUSAND POINTS, HERE I STAND." Seika's words, however, Citadel seems to bear no objection - perhaps the mighty creature agrees with her assessment of Jaren's character?

And when Princess Tutu asks why Jaren seeks to steal Devices...Citadel seems to pay very close attention to the answer. ...it seems acceptable enough that the tail continues lashing back and forth.

The drones swarm forward, lashing out with their cables...but compared to the other night, it's half-hearted. They aren't in as much force, and several of them seem to have forgotten their combat instructions...or perhaps, if a soulless drone can feel fear, they are intimidated by the dragon-wolf that stands behind them.

Jaren has charged towards Ren and Endo, and those who rush in recklessly are terribly hard to protect...but the ground quakes as the beast takes a step forward, eyes catching each of the others present. "I AM CITADEL - GUARDIAN OF THE TEN THOUSAND POINTS. THE LIGHT OF BELKA SHINES FROM MY WINGS... HERE I STAND AS THE GREATEST GUARDIAN. CHALLENGERS AGAINST MY DUTY SHALL PERISH!"

COMBAT: Citadel has used Here Come The Drones on Fuu Hououji.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Here Come The Drones on Fiat Silver.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Here Come The Drones on Masque Feu.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Here Come The Drones on Duck.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Here Come The Drones on Hikaru Shidou.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Ancient Guardian on Citadel.
COMBAT: Citadel has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Citadel accepts Citadel's Ancient Guardian, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Citadel is Reinforced by Citadel!
COMBAT: Masque Feu narrowly braces Citadel's Here Come The Drones, taking 5 Fatigue damage! Tangle applied to Masque Feu!
COMBAT: Duck narrowly dodges Citadel's Here Come The Drones, taking 7 Fatigue damage! Tangle applied to Duck!
COMBAT: Fiat Silver narrowly dodges Citadel's Here Come The Drones, taking 8 Fatigue damage! Fiat Silver's Fade ability activates! Fiat Silver's Flash ability activates! Tangle applied to Fiat Silver!
COMBAT: Fuu Hououji narrowly dodges Citadel's Here Come The Drones, taking 4 Fatigue damage! Fuu Hououji's Fade ability activates! Fuu Hououji's Flash ability activates! Tangle applied to Fuu Hououji!
COMBAT: Hikaru Shidou fails to dodge Citadel's Here Come The Drones, taking 11 Fatigue damage! Tangle applied to Hikaru Shidou!

Problem 1: incoming drones, and more of them than the Wind Knight expected.
Solution 1: Dodge them by jumping off the roof and down to street level. Except that leads to ...

"Eeep - !! GYAH!!"

... Problem 2: Get ensnared by drones *anyway* ....
Problem 2a: ... and dangle upside-down by your ankle for an extremely precarious few seconds.

"WINDS OF HEALING!!" the Magic Knight of Wind calls out - maybe with more force than necessary, but she just FELT her ankle twist in the cable's 'grasp' and she doesn't want to land on it. Mending her ankle from a sprain when the sprain hasn't had time to swell up or anything makes for easy enough healing, and she directs the restorative breeze to bathe both the Fire Knight and Ren in its soothing magic as well. Hopefully that'll also spare Hikaru from any cable-related injuries; she's less sure about how much it'll help Ren. Hopefully 'enough to keep fighting,' but from the Wind Knight's perspective that seemed like a pretty bad hit.

Anyway. The Wind Knight manages to flip around and land on her feet ... and only then does she realize that Citadel-san could probably take one step forward, maybe two, and just swallow her whole. She looks up at the mechanoid dracowolf ...

And bows, deeply and politely, to Citadel. "Pardon my inquiry, Citadel-san, but I've been curious since you awoke - what are the 'Ten Thousand Points' of which you speak?" ... hey, sometimes asking a question elicits a useful answer, and it doesn't usually hurt to be polite even in mid-battle.

This could still turn out to be the exception.

COMBAT: Fuu Hououji has used Winds of Healing on Fuu Hououji.
COMBAT: Fuu Hououji has used Winds of Healing on Ren Aizawa.
COMBAT: Fuu Hououji has used Winds of Healing on Hikaru Shidou.
COMBAT: Fuu Hououji has finished attacking.

Lera's eyes are drawn to Ren and Endo. She sees them running to engage Jaren Zastava, and a storm of thoughts rushes through her mind; a flood of emotions pours through her heart. She feels guilty that they have to do this without her, because she rushed in so foolishly. She feels proud that they haven't faltered, despite the guilt she saw in Ren's eyes. She bites her lip.

She can't leave her to do this alone. Nor can she ignore the situation. She has to be careful -- and that leads Lera to begin to tip-toe between alleys, until she gets to near the plaza. She places a building between herself and Jaren.

She feels that spike of cold fear in her stomach. Without a Device...

'So /act/ like it, child!' her mother's voice says in her ears. She grits her teeth and nods; Lera picks up the neon green camera-gun, holds it up to her forehead, and takes a deep breath. "Storage Device," she says, "activate."

<OH YEAH~ Radical Freeband online!> the Storage Device chimes. The AI system is hardly as advanced as an Intelligent Device. It is limited -- mercifully -- to its stock phrases. <I've got a good feeling! Let's take some calls!>

Lera's eyebrow twitches. But, then, she activates the telepathy -- and broadcasts her thoughts to Ren, Endo, and Fiat Silver. She only addresses one.

<Ren-chan! It's me! You can do this! Don't... don't let your guilty feelings get to you! Don't let yourself be scared of him. Remember what I told you, about where our strength comes from, y'know?>

COMBAT: Lera Camry has used I Believe in You on Ren Aizawa.
COMBAT: Lera Camry has finished attacking.

"I thought the Fiat Group was a car company," Seika murmurs with a blink in Fiat Silver's direction.

More girls dash into battle. Masque Feu winces as Fuu comes in firing; so much for any chance of trying to convince the Lost Logia that Jaren's a jerk with stupid sideburns, she can't help but think. SOmething else, though, catches her eye.

She glances sidelong; her eyes, for a moment, meet Lera's. Her expression doesn't change much; her lips relax just a bit, a slight softening in her normally cool and controlled features.

Jaren starts mouthing off; Masque Feu mentally tunes out most of it to a dull 'WOMP WOMP WOMP' in her head. At least, until he starts moving. She bends her knees a little, ready to jump or hold ground. What comes is less furious than she expected; she crosses her arms and drops to a knee to try and hold off the drone wave. Weaving arms snare her about the thighs; she winces, knowing the fight is already a little closer to lost for her, that without being able to move she is simply a target for the massive Lost Logia.

"Masque Feu," Augustine exclaims, "quickly, we need to hit it as hard as we can! If we can defeat the creature before it can power up--"

"No, Augustine-sama," Masque Feu says with a shake of her head. "I do not think that is it."

Springing forward as best she can, Seika wrenches herself free of the tangle of limbs; her legs ache, ensuring she won't be doing quite as much jumping as usual. But the leap is not a long one anyway. She lands on both feet and begins to walk forward -

And she holds her hands out at her sides, as she walks slowly towards Citadel. Her steps are steady and calm despite the Lost Logia's size and the battle going on around her.

"Onegaishimasu... Citadel, listen to me," she says with firm politeness, her voice level, but carrying. Ojou-sama does not have to shout to be heard.

"When we battled prior, you departed despite the force some of us cast upon you," she says, eyes steady upon the vast being. "You say that your only wish is to return home. The Blessed Flame is a flame that burns evil - and I refuse to turn it upon those who do not fight with darkness in their heart. But...."

She sets her jaw, bringing a hand up to her collarbone with fingers curled. "...you must see that a man such as this Jaren, who takes from others so freely... this is not the sort of man whose heart is so good that he truly wishes to help you...!"

COMBAT: Hikaru Shidou accepts Fuu Hououji's Winds of Healing, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Critical Hit! Cleanse! All of Hikaru Shidou's debuffs are cleared!
COMBAT: Masque Feu has used The Question That She Asked on Citadel.
COMBAT: Masque Feu has finished attacking.

Again, magical girls not even directly involved in Jaren's sinister scheme show up, and Ren feels her chest swell. Fuu, Duck, Hikaru, Fiat, Masque all earn her eternal gratitude. Together... they'll persevere.

Jaren chooses the next moment to act, springing forward to deliver attacks at both Endo and her. Ren is swift enough to raise her device up in front of her. Heraut chimes out.

<PROTECTION!>

And she's shielded, though the force knocks her off her perch, down onto the ground, back impacting with the hard, unforgiving concrete. But she's been battered around in much more brutal fashions than this. And getting Soaring Sky back is all the impetus she needs to pop back up onto her feet and fly at Jaren with a scream of anger.

<SHEAR BATTERY.>

The scepter in Ren's hands temporarily disappears, and her gloved-hands glow bright white with power as she goes in on Jaren, delivering a flurry of punches from multiple directions. At the same time she can feel Fuu's healing energy wash over her, empowering her further, as well as hear Lera's encouragement to continue onward. Once she delivers her last strike she jumps backward, turning to Endo.

"Now Endo-kun!"

COMBAT: Ren Aizawa accepts Fuu Hououji's Winds of Healing, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Cleanse! All of Ren Aizawa's debuffs are cleared!
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa accepts Lera Camry's I Believe in You, taking 0 Fatigue damage!
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa has started a combo targeting Jaren Zastava!

Endo's sword comes up to meet Jaren's hammer, the boy setting his stand and swinging Fallen Stern's bulk up to meet Broken Ground with a crash of metal and flare of purple light. They connect, and Endo goes flying. He's like a croquet ball. It's a short lived flight, and the street is always there to break his fall. When he rolls to his feet and drags his sword up, he faces Jaren once again.

"Yaaa, alright, if you want my device, I'll give it to you!" And Endo charges. He'll give it to him right in his dumb face.

<RADIAL VELOCITY.>

Ren's assault provides the opening he wants, and as soon as the girl leaps back he's coming at Jaren from the other side. His movements are sweeping turns, one arc of his weapon coming in high, a second slash low, the knight twirling like a top and leaving garish purple-black streaks of energy in his wake.
COMBAT: Endo Naoki has joined the combo started by Ren Aizawa!
COMBAT: COMBO! Ren Aizawa and Endo Naoki have used Combo: Beat 'Em Up!, composed of Shear Battery and Radial Velocity, on Jaren Zastava.
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Endo Naoki has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Citadel narrowly dodges Masque Feu's The Question That She Asked, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Citadel is Taunted!

The Magic Knights, the Princess Tutu, the Masque Feu - others are here, even if Lera Camry is lagging behind. Fiat Silver, frankly, thinks she should stay in cover. But such is life.

She answers Jaren tartly. "No, sir, it is YOU who are on MY turf. You have never heard of us? Then you must be truly small time indeed!" She tilts her head back as if to look down her nose at Jaren; airborne, of course, it's easy. Especially when -

Wait. Uh oh.

Drones are swarming forwards, full of cables. <Where did they get all of these!> Silver Scorpion declares in dismay, as Fiat Silver throws herself down towards the ground, tumbling along and finding her right leg pinioned downwards.

"Maybe the Logia created them," Fiat Silver says. "With... with the power of a Lost Logia!!"

<When you put it that way, madame...>

Fiat Silver is struggling still with these drones, of course, but the baton of Silver Scorpion's militant mode manifests a sparkling ribbon of day-blue light which is thrashed and spun arouned, aiming to crush every drone Fiat Silver can say, from Logi-A to Logi-Z!

COMBAT: Fiat Silver has used Scorpio Telson on Citadel.
COMBAT: Fiat Silver has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Citadel narrowly braces Fiat Silver's Scorpio Telson, taking 1 Fatigue damage!
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava fails to brace Ren Aizawa and Endo Naoki's Combo: Beat 'Em Up!, taking 83 Fatigue damage!

Unfortunately, the Magic Knight of Fire has no idea of what the drones are planning untill it's too late. Their attack catches her off-guard and knocks her down, leaving her a bit out of it for a few moments. But then the Magic Knight of Wind uses her magic to help Hikaru get back up and onto her feet. "Thank you!" She calls out to her ally in armor. Then she looks towards the drones. "This is not going to end well for you!"

She raises her hand and summons the magic of fire. It forms into the shape of an arrow. With that she shoots it off at the drones!

COMBAT: Hikaru Shidou has used Fire Arrow on Citadel.
COMBAT: Hikaru Shidou has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Citadel narrowly braces Hikaru Shidou's Fire Arrow, taking 15 Fatigue damage!

Jaren's introductory slam-in is met by IMMEDIATE TEAM WORK.

What is a teamwork. He has never once a teamwork. So while Jaren's pretty pleased with himself for slamming Endo across the street and bonking Ren off her pole, they strike. "Oh, cool, so you'll just hand it over?" Jaren laughs at Endo. "You're smarter than I thought, kid! Ha ha, like I actually think th--whoa!"

He's got to move fast; snapping Ground up to try and ward off Ren going all Kenshiro on him. "Wh, what the hell is this business?!" he squawks, a little shrill. "Nobody told me about boxing!" She lands solid hits on him, each blast staggering him back with a hit, and a hit, and another hit, and then - then Endo comes at him, one, two, three - and the last hit smashes Jaren back, toppling a whole line of trees before he slams hard into the side of a building. He emits a low groan.

The drones very helpfully flash a multicolored spotlight on him and play a jaunty fanfare. Then they shoot a spray of confetti.
Jaren emits a low wheeze as he starts to sort of collapse out of his crater; but he catches himself on one foot before he actually lands, sucking in deep breaths through pained lungs. "Oh, OK," he whispers. "We're playing that game. OK. Cool. I gotcha." And then he's screaming. "GROUND! WE'LL PICK THE DEVICES OUT OF THE RUBBLE! TECTON RISE!" <MASTER. THAT ATTACK IS-> "WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO DO *RIGHT NOW* YOU GLORIFIED IPOD! TECTON! RISE!"

... ... <AS YOU WISH. SMASH.>.

The whole hammerhead of Broken Ground glows with crackling magmatic red, and then Jaren SLAMS it down; the Earth fissures, a sudden, glowing crack that shoots down the line and straight toward Ren; the ground rises up with the horrible screaming of broken concrete and steel reinforcement as it attempts to simply smash Ren between two slabs of Earth, grinding her down to dust.

And while that's happening, Jaren bursts toward Endo, screaming, "WHAT'S UP!" before sweeping Ground at him sideways; when he stops short, a blast wave of overwhelming magical energy erupts from Ground's hammerhead, hopefully smashing Endo into the nearest tree.

COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has used Tecton Rise on Ren Aizawa.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has used Fault Ascension on Endo Naoki.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Endo Naoki fails to dodge Jaren Zastava's Fault Ascension, taking 23 Fatigue damage! Stun applied to Endo Naoki!
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa fails to counter Jaren Zastava's Tecton Rise, taking 61 Fatigue damage!
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa's counterattack, Quartz Guard, interrupts, doing 0 Fatigue damage to Jaren Zastava!

There are many drones. But they're uncoordinated - getting in each others' way as much as anything, and easily diverted. A handful break off their attack to illuminate Jaren's embarrassment, while still others get caught up in Fuu's healing breeze. Their fleeting attempts to form back up are met with precise strikes from Fiat Silver's flashing whip - herding them together enough for Hikaru's bolt of flame to slam into a large cluster at once.

The drones are not alone, however - behind them stands the ancient guardian called Citadel. Fuu's question is met with a long stare - as if the Lost Logia cannot comprehend why the question was even asked. Masque Feu's polite request, however, pulls the Logia's attention to hear that respectful request.

For a time, Citadel is silent. Its speech, already bearing the ponderous weight of the ages, is slower still. "PURITY OF HEART...IS NOT MY CONCERN. THERE IS ONLY DUTY AND HONOUR - AND THIS MAN HAS SWORN TO RETURN ME TO THE HOME LOST TO ME." Silence, again, as Citadel turns its gaze to the blue sky. Longing drips from its voice as it searches the skies above. "...HOW FAR MUST I HAVE FALLEN...THAT THE PEOPLE OF THIS LAND DO NOT KNOW MY MASTER?..."

The pace of Jaren's battle with Ren and Endo picks up - even Citadel, musing about distant realms, cannot miss noticing Jaren's detriment and escalation. That long tail lashes back and forth, uncertain, and the voice booms louder. "...ZASTAVA. I CAN NOT GUARD YOU FROM HARM WHILE YOU FIGHT - ABANDON THIS, THAT WE MIGHT RETURN." Rainbow wings spread wide - and Citadel turns to the others.

"THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING - BEYOND THIS POINT I CANNOT GUARANTEE YOUR SURVIVAL. BEGONE!" Rainbow wings flash brilliantly - and light erupts from the ground in answer, in a brilliant cascade against all who stand before it.

Perhaps wisely, the drones scatter, and retreat to a safe distance.

COMBAT: Citadel has used Ten Thousand Lights on Masque Feu.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Ten Thousand Lights on Fiat Silver.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Ten Thousand Lights on Fuu Hououji.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Ten Thousand Lights on Hikaru Shidou.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Ancient Guardian on Citadel.
COMBAT: Citadel has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Citadel accepts Citadel's Ancient Guardian, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Citadel is Reinforced by Citadel!
COMBAT: Citadel has adjusted his boss levels. He is now ready to take on 5 opponents!
COMBAT: Fuu Hououji accepts Fuu Hououji's Winds of Healing, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Cleanse! All of Fuu Hououji's debuffs are cleared!
COMBAT: Citadel has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Fuu Hououji narrowly braces Citadel's Ten Thousand Lights, taking 16 Fatigue damage!
COMBAT: Fiat Silver perfectly dodges Citadel's Ten Thousand Lights, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Critical Dodge! Fiat Silver's Fade ability activates! Fiat Silver's Flash ability activates!
COMBAT: Hikaru Shidou narrowly dodges Citadel's Ten Thousand Lights, taking 27 Fatigue damage! Blind applied to Hikaru Shidou!

"He isn't fighting like a man of duty and honor, though, is he?" the Wind Knight replies - and then magic erupts all around her; all she can do is brace herself and try to endure the barrage, even though she's basically *standing on it* - or at least on part of it.

Maybe she shouldn't even be trying to talk to the ancient artifact; maybe she should be pouring all her power, physical and magical, into trying to bludgeon it out of being a threat. But at least Citadel told the Device-thief that they should probably retreat instead of fighting ... is that a good sign?

She can only hope so.

"I want to talk to you and understand better who you are, where you're from!" the Magic Knight of Wind calls out to Citadel. "But if our only option is to physically *make* you listen ..."

"Winds of Admonishment!!"

Citadel is too big for the binding whirlwind to envelope fully, but the Wind Knight does the best she can - trying to wrap the confining winds around Citadel's head and neck, hoping to limit the movements of that part of his body and see how much that restricts him otherwise. It's a difficult spell to manage in this way, but short of actually running away or going on full-attack mode, it's the one thing she can manage at the moment. Still, she manages to call out, over the shriek of the winds she just summoned, "Is your 'master' fighting like a man who actually keeps his oaths?"

COMBAT: Fuu Hououji has used Winds of Admonishment on Citadel.
COMBAT: Fuu Hououji has finished attacking.

Holding her arms out at her sides, Masque Feu continues to walk forward, showing no signs of an intent to actually attack. "I understand, Citadel-sama," she says, her voice quiet and grave. "I see the honour in you. But I also understand what honour means - and what it does not."

Masque Feu walks forward. She watches as Citadel spreads his wings. The drones scatter.

Masque Feu keeps walking.

"Look out!" Augustine cries from the background. Masque Feu raises her chin, quietly defiant.

The light pours forth - and Masque Feu stops in place. She holds her arms out at her sides - and faces it. She makes no effort to defend herself.

Energy blasts across the Soeur of Flame. Her hair blows back in a wild stream; she arches for a moment as her muscles scream with pain, a silent protest soon joined by her own pained scream. Her feet give way; she's hurled from her feet and blasted backwards, defenseless as a baby duck. The dark-haired Soeur hits the ground on her back and skids, kicking up dust. Her tabard is tattered around the edges, ugly scrapes and little burns marring exposed skin.

She groans - and, reaching out with her right hand, pushes herself to her feet. She struggles to stand, managing it after a few seconds.

And she holds out her arms again - once again, making no effort to defend her wounded body against the coming assault.

"Your honour is beyond doubt," she says, her voice laced with pain, but steady; the blue-grey eyes behind the Blessed Masque of Flame do not leave the titanic Lost Logia. "But it is not your honour that I would ever have questioned. I come only to ask you a question."

She jerks her head to one side - to indicate Jaren Zastava.

"This man with which you travel," she says, "is not an honourable man. The suffering of Lera Camry... the pain he inflicts upon her friends... these are proof of what he is. So I ask you, honourable Citadel-sama...."

Her eyes harden, for a second. "Do you believe Jaren Zastava is honourable? Do you truly believe it is honourable to fight alongside a man who simply takes? And do you think that he will truly help you...

"...Or shall he take you?"

COMBAT: Masque Feu has used The Answer That She Sought on Citadel.
COMBAT: Masque Feu has finished attacking.

Trails of smoke waft upward from Ren's hands as she stands back panting. Her and Endo's one-two strike is pretty effective by all means. Jaren certainly didn't expect it, and probably has to start taking them seriously now. Which... might be a bad thing. Though Ren is angry enough to take whatever he dishes out.

...Which is good, because he comes back with a vengeance. The ground cracks from the thunderous slam Jaren delivers with the warhammer-like device, splintering its way towards her. Ren holds her hands out beside her, Heraut reappearing in the air in front of her to bark out a response.

<QUARTZ GUARD!>

A dazzling array of shields spin up into existence around her just in time to meet the two slabs of rock that seek to make her mincemeat.

<...SHIELDS CRITICAL!> Heraut warns after the continued grinding begins to wear down at Ren's defenses, causing her to grunt. "Just a little longer! Come on!" But she can feel the spell unraveling, and before she can try to move out of the way there's a loud CRASH as the shields break apart, leaving her open to the crushing force as it presses in around her. Ren lets out a scream, getting battered around, barrier jacket flaring as her last line of defense. It holds, thankfully, though Ren's body is wracked with pain, her device clutched tightly to her chest now.

<YOUR MAJESTY!>

"I'm... alright." She insists, glaring up at Jaren. "We're not done yet." And again she's moving forward -- a bit slower than before, but still moving forward. The scepter glows brightly as she closes the distance and brings it around to slam into the sideburned jerk.

COMBAT: Ren Aizawa has used Imperial Slam on Jaren Zastava.
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Citadel fails to dodge Masque Feu's The Answer That She Sought, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Citadel is Quipped!

Once again, Jaren Zastava employs excessive force with Broken Ground. Lera wants to cry out, desperately, to her friends. She hasn't mastered that guilt, yet, and while it may be lessened, it hurts to see Ren and Endo torn into that way. The crack in the street makes her stare for a moment. She swallows, hard, before she considers something else.

Once again, Broken Ground didn't want to employ such force. Is he...?

She shakes her head, and then she sprints out onto the grounds. She dives to the side -- just managing to get behind a car. She looks, nervously, at Jaren. And then she looks up at Citadel and she hesitates. She yells up at him.

"Your name is Citadel, right?"

This is where Sky might tell her to be more careful. Lera, however, only has Radical Freeband. He instead chimes, apropros of nothing: <Talk about a top hit!>

She glances sideways at Masque Feu, then. She looks -- for a moment -- bewildered. Right now, she is a girl in a white T-shirt and jeans. She isn't a magical girl, anymore. Or...

'So /act/ like it, child!'

Lera's courage comes back, and she looks up at the hulking Lost Logia. Her expression is firm -- but not angry. Determined, but not enraged. If Jaren Zastava looks in her direction, he can be sure of one thing: he hasn't beaten her yet. It might be like Eas said: she keeps getting back up.

Her words, though, are for Citadel: "We don't wanna hurt you, we just--we wanna try to help you!"

So the lights flash and then they attack, or something to that effect. Hikaru tries to get out of the way, although she's not entirely sure where she'd be going in a situation like this. In this case, she finds herself getting hit hard and not knowing what exactly to make of it. But she does know that Citadel must be stopped at any cost.

"You won't learn the easy way, so it seems we're going to have to teach you the hard way!" Hikaru's sword glows with the power of flame. With a slash she sends forth that blast of fire at Citadel. "You give us no choice!"

COMBAT: Hikaru Shidou has used Red Hot Blade on Citadel.
COMBAT: Hikaru Shidou has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Citadel narrowly braces Fuu Hououji's Winds of Admonishment, taking 6 Fatigue damage! Fuu Hououji is Psyched!
COMBAT: Citadel narrowly counters Hikaru Shidou's Red Hot Blade, taking 13 Fatigue damage!
COMBAT: Citadel's counterattack, Devout Corona, partially gets through, doing 16 Fatigue damage to Hikaru Shidou!

"Good job, Ren!" He'd stop and give her a high-five, if he could. But there are more pressing things to worry about.

<KNIGHT, LOOK OU-->

Endo turns to guard against Jaren's newest assault, but he doesn't expect the magic. His attempt to form a barrier comes too late, and the energy is rocking him backward, sending him sailing once again with a gasp of pain. This time he just bounced a few times, until the weight of his weapon brings him to a stop.

<FOCUS. HURRY.>

"Right. Sorry." Endo's eyes flash over toward the mass of drones and Citadel, and the magical girls swarming around it. He catches a glimpse of Masque Feu engulfed in light, and he grits his teeth. He wants to help. But he can't. Not with Jaren there.

"I'll show you what's up..."

<HE WILL BE SHOWN.>

"I'm sick of you! That's what's up!" Endo shouts it once he's back on his feet, his fingers gripping tight around his Device. He lunges forward again, kicking off and closing the distance between himself and the other mage with alarming speed. It's another slash this time, not as violent, but quicker, aimed to strike along with Ren.

COMBAT: Endo Naoki has used Blueshift on Jaren Zastava.
COMBAT: Endo Naoki has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava narrowly braces Ren Aizawa's Imperial Slam, taking 11 Fatigue damage! Ren Aizawa is Psyched! Jaren Zastava's Block ability activates! Jaren Zastava's Parry ability activates!
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava fails to dodge Endo Naoki's Blueshift, taking 23 Fatigue damage!

Jaren's savagery relents after that hateful blow, taking a long, deep breath. "Alright, that's better," he mutters. "Y'all gotta learn to respect someone as important and majestic and suchlike as myself." He puffs up, and then while Ren and Endo are pulling their heads out of the ground, turns up to Citadel. "Yo, Citadel!" he calls up. "Uh, sorry about the...mess, here. I need another couple minutes! Don't worry about me, just keep the rest of these folks busy for me, 'kay? You're a peach!"

At which point Broken Ground throbs, <PROTECTION.> Ren's sluggish rush at him slams into a defensive screen, and Jaren turns to glare at her with a smug look. "Slowin' down, shortstop?" he taunts. "Only got one trick up your sleeve!? Lemme FIX that for y--"

Endo sword chops him in the neck and the Barrier Jacket flares in response, bowling Jaren over mid-sentence. He doesn't get outraged this time, at least; staggering to his feet to drunkenly glare at both mages. "OK, look," he says, shaking his head out to clear the spinning stars. "I know we've said some things you're going to regret, and I know, you know, I'm /maybe/ not the best with kids who aren't doing exactly like they're told like you should, but, I feel like, uh." Pause.

Tilts his head. "You know what I don't know where I was going with that, the point is you're both horrible brats and I want your Devices. Ground!" <YES.> "Smash 'em!" <PROCEEDING. MOLTEN BOLT.>

Two orbs of fiery red light form, one on either side of Jaren's body, and Jaren thrusts Ground forward; they race downrange toward Endo and Ren, splattering on contact into shifting, gluey strands of binding magic.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has used Molten Bolt on Ren Aizawa.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has used Molten Bolt on Endo Naoki.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa narrowly braces Jaren Zastava's Molten Bolt, taking 5 Fatigue damage! Ren Aizawa's Block ability activates! Ren Aizawa's Parry ability activates! Cripple applied to Ren Aizawa!
COMBAT: Endo Naoki perfectly braces Jaren Zastava's Molten Bolt, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Critical Brace! Endo Naoki's Parry ability activates!

A howling windstorm, conjured by the knight of wind, envelops Citadel's head entirely. For a moment, the winds seem to bind the monstrous foe in place - but then there's a flash of light, and the tempest shatters like spun glass. From the side, Hikaru comes in with sword ablaze - only to be met with a rainbow wing, slamming into her attack and her with full force. Sheer force seems to do little to stymie the monstrous Lost Logia, which stalks forward with terrible inevitability.

But there are words, as well.

'He isn't fighting like a man of duty and honor!' Citadel's gaze wanders over to where Ren and Endo are battling Jaren, judging the fight in progress...but there's no conclusive answer to be had there. "THIS MAY WELL BE HIS DUTY...TO PURSUE THIEVES, AND DELIVER JUDGMENT." Even the booming voice seems uncertain, though...

'Do you think he will truly help you...or shall he take you?' Masque Feu rises again, accepting brutal wrath in exchange for a chance to talk. Devotion worthy of consideration - and a blasphemous idea uttered in exchange. Stone splinters as Citadel's claws flex against the ground below, that terribly long tail lashing back and forth even more. "THROUGH TRICKERY WAS I SENT HERE. THROUGH HONESTY MIGHT I BE RETURNED - AND JAREN ZASTAVA HAS NOT YET LIED TO ME. WHY..." Citadel trails off.

'--we wanna try to help you!' From Masque Feu, Citadel's gaze veritably snaps to Lera. Slowly, the Lost Logia finishes the thought it began. "...WHAT CAUSE HAVE I TO BELIEVE YOU OVER YOUR ENEMY?" That tail lashes in Jaren's general direction, as if in indication. "HE HAS KEPT HIS WORD - TOLD ME WHERE MY HOME LIES. WHEN THIS LAST TASK IS COMPLETE..."

'You're a peach!' Citadel's musing, gaze driving to the heavens above, returns to Earth abruptly. The tail's lashing stills, the lengthly appendage coming around to curl protectively around the monstrous machine-beast itself. No lies, no...but the attitude is not exactly...

"...YOU HAVE YOUR HOPES. YOU HAVE YOUR PURPOSES. BUT FORCE WILL NOT DENY ME!" The coiled tail flicks out - swift strikes lashing out at Fuu and Hikaru both as answer to their attacks. And then...it stills, as that gaze bears down on Lera and Masque Feu. "...STAND WHERE YOU ARE...AND YOU WILL NOT BE HARMED. WHEN ZASTAVA'S BATTLE IS CONCLUDED...THEN HE AND I SHALL RETURN. TO MY DUTY OF GUARDING THE TEN THOUSAND POINTS. TO BELKA."

COMBAT: Citadel has used Raging Dragon Tail on Fuu Hououji.
COMBAT: Citadel has used Raging Dragon Tail on Hikaru Shidou.
COMBAT: Citadel has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Fuu Hououji narrowly dodges Citadel's Raging Dragon Tail, taking 39 Fatigue damage! Fuu Hououji's Fade ability activates! Fuu Hououji's Flash ability activates!
COMBAT: Hikaru Shidou fails to dodge Citadel's Raging Dragon Tail, taking 44 Fatigue damage!

Augustine the Heretic is finally beginning to catch on. He stares at Masque Feu's back for a moment - then flutters towards Lera. The girl is suddenly treated to a turtledove hovering near her on brisk wingbeats. "That's right!" he chirps. "We do not want to challenge you - we wish to help!"

Masque Feu, meanwhile, waits for the attack.

It does not come.

She tilts her head back - then looks to the side with a blink as she realizes Lera has come out of hiding, without her Barrier Jacket or magical device. She swallows a hard lump in her throat. Jaren Zastava seems to have taken more from Lera than Masque Feu realized. A powerful urge to walk over and put an arm around the girl seizes her.

She forces it down. That would be unseemly. And she wants to talk to Citadel, not provoke the massive creature from a world she scarcely understands.

"Lera Camry is not someone who would call me a personal friend, Citadel-sama," she says in that same quiet tone that carries anyway, though this time, her voice has lost a bit of its hardness. "But I have watched from across battlefields, and seen the way she has conducted herself, when our paths have crossed. This girl is a brave person. Her love for her friends, for those who stand with her... I have seen the fullness of it. Perhaps it means something that even I, who understands nothing of her life and your world, can see that she is one with a heart that does not take - for she is one who gives.

The lone Soeur clasps her hands together and bows her head, her eyes closing. "Jaren Zastava called her friends brats," she says, voice quieting. "But as you look at them... at these people who only fight from the goodness of their heart... surely, Citadel-sama, you do not see brats, but love."

COMBAT: Masque Feu has used Maria-Sama Is Watching on Citadel.
COMBAT: Masque Feu has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Citadel perfectly braces Masque Feu's Maria-Sama Is Watching, taking 0 Fatigue damage! Critical Brace!

When Lera hears that name, her eyes widen with shock.

She doesn't know a great deal about Ancient Belka. Her father was an archaeologist and historian from the modern Belkan Autonomous Region, but she remembers far less of his work and research than she remembers of his smile and how he held her. He passed away when she was four. What she knows, she mostly heard in school -- and learned from her mother, later, in passing.

From where she stands, Citadel might as well have said that he came from Atlantis or Mu. Lera opens her mouth in confusion.

"The Ten Thousand Points--then that must be--" She stammers it out, her words racing with her mind. But, she can't quite form a coherent sentence. "Citadel, you can't--you don't understand!"

She reaches a hand out -- and then feels the rush of wind from the tail swing. Her head snaps away from Citadel and Masque Feu, then to the Magic Knights. Citadel, true to his word, didn't strike them. But the power in the Lost Logia's body is apparent. She looks worriedly at the lone Souer, hesitating when she hears her words. It's a wonderful description of her.

After talking to her mother, she even believes it.

Ren /is/ slowing down. After delivering her blow against Jaren's shield she immediately feels most of her reserves sapped in that instant. Endo is thankfully there to pick up the slack, batting Jaren aside while she takes a sight breather. Heraut has been monitoring his master's status and chimes up with his worries. <YOU ARE RAPIDLY APPROACHING OPERATIONAL LIMITS.>

"I know Heraut but-" That sentence gets interrupted by Jaren jumping back into the action, Ren raising the device to snap up her admittedly-weakened shields, which thankfully keeps her mostly safe. In a swing of her device she dispels the rest of Jaren's attack and then leaps for him again, not caring if she's overextending herself. Too much is on the line. She'll let herself be Jaren's punching bag in the hopes that it wears him down enough. It's foolish... but her mind is made up.

The dracowolf automaton's tail turns out to hit REALLY hard, and both Magic Knights are sent flying off their feet by its impact. The Wind Knight fetches up against a lamppost with enough force to BEND IT OVER; how the impact doesn't shatter her shoulder or some ribs is an impenetrable mystery. Maybe, she thinks, it actually did break and she just can't feel the pain ... ?

She moves her left arm experimentally. It hurts, but not like broken bones. She breathes in, then out. Same.

She opens her eyes. Everything is blurry, but it's a familiar sort of blur - her glasses must not have survived, or at least didn't stay in place. Citadel is an extremely large target, though, so there's no way she can miss even if she did launch an arrow ... which she isn't sure she has the energy for.

The Magic Knight of Wind pauses in her train of thought, reconsidering that last one. That's not a good sign, is it? She tries reaching for her magic .. and it's there, at least, but she can't quite focus enough to gather it up for a spell.

Hopefully the Fire Knight is in better shape; she didn't see how far Hikaru-san got sent flying ... but there's one thing she wonders, and with an effort, she pulls the question together, arranging it into words.

"Duty and honor ... are they defined by your master? Or were they defined by something else, older than humans .. ?"

COMBAT: Jaren Zastava fails to dodge Ren Aizawa's Rending Uppercut, taking 7 Fatigue damage! Ren Aizawa is Psyched!

<BARRIER.>

Endo's shield flares to life around him, the ball of energy smashing into it a second later. For once, Endo is ready for it. Not that it doesn't hurt. He can feel the heat burning across his skin as energy cracks and sheers off his shield, a few steps taken back to catch his balance before he's ready to do again. Too close for comfort.

And then Ren is throwing herself forward again. So Endo does too.

"Stern! Let's hit him hard!" He keeps close to Jaren, as close as he can, supposed Ren with another slash of the blade, trying to press the other mage back and keep him from doing too much harm to his partner.

COMBAT: Endo Naoki has used Blueshift on Jaren Zastava.
COMBAT: Endo Naoki has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava narrowly braces Endo Naoki's Blueshift, taking 8 Fatigue damage! Jaren Zastava's Block ability activates! Jaren Zastava's Parry ability activates!

Jaren knows he's got Ren beat. He clobbered her good and she's been staggering ever since. It gets him smug. He rolls his eyes as she swings at him, taking an easy step back to dodge, and stubbing his boot heel against a crack in the pavement, making him trip and allowing Ren to clobber him right in his dumb face.

He staggers back a few yards, hand coming up to check his jaw for blood or misalignment. Neither. "Feisty," he spits, displeased. "Alright. I've let you two play long enough, I think."

<ROUND SHIELD.> Jaren's eyes cut to the side and he throws a hand up; a spinning Midchildan magic barrier forms, just in time for Endo to slam into it. Jaren yields a step from the transferred inertia, and then looks up to where Citadel is...busy. "I'm out of time," he decides, and turns the full weight of his glare on Ren and Endo. "So let's finish this, then," he grunts, and shoots up into the air. It's a clearing tactic; both can follow him with relative ease. Except: "Ground, we're finishing this."

<AS YOU WISH.>

"...no lip?"

<WE ARE THE STRONGEST TEAM.>

"Ha ha! Damn right we are! Let's do it, then, buddy!" He throws up his hand, and a bead of red light forms above his palm. Ground chimes: <STRATA EXECUTOR.> as the ball pulls in rays of light, energy gathering together until the ball is the size of a beachball.

Then Jaren roars, "I WIN!" as he lobs the sphere down at the hurting duo, and Ground confirms, <SMASH.> It hurtles downward, accelerating rapidly, and then SLAMS into, hopefully, Endo's precious little head; and then EXPLODES, releasing a ring-shaped shockwave that topples trees, sends cars flying, and hopefully knocks kids unconscious so Jaren can take their stuff.

COMBAT: FINISHER! Jaren Zastava has used Strata Executor on Endo Naoki.
COMBAT: FINISHER! Jaren Zastava has used Strata Executor on Ren Aizawa.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Ren Aizawa narrowly braces Jaren Zastava's Finisher, Strata Executor, taking 52 Fatigue damage! Ren Aizawa is unable to keep fighting! Ren Aizawa's Block ability activates! Ren Aizawa's Parry ability activates!
COMBAT: Endo Naoki narrowly dodges Jaren Zastava's Finisher, Strata Executor, taking 57 Fatigue damage! Critical Hit!

"Ren!" It burns. It doesn't burn his head off, but it's close. When Endo spots the sphere coming his first impulse is to get out of there as fast as humanly possible.

The job he does is barely passable. He goes up, throwing himself into the sky as the world erupts in fire beneath him, energy swallowing him up and searing through his barrier, across his barrier jacket, and burning through his skin. For a second, he vanishes beneath the destruction, consumed and swallowed by agony.

<BROKEN GROUND.> Fallen Stern's ugly, reverberations echo.

<YOU ARE INCORRECT.>

And then there's Endo. Burnt and battered, but still going up. The sword is burning with ugly violet light, steaming and smoking, raised high into the sky as the knight reaches the top of his arc. He seems to just stay there, feet planted on nothing, weapon held high. The dark metal bursts into nothing more than a pillar of light, a huge streak toward the heavens.

<ABSOLUTE MAGNITUDE.>

He puts everything he has left into it. His anger at Jaren for hurting his friends. His desire to protect Ren, Tokyo Tower, to help Lera, Masque Feu, Fuu, Hikaru, Fiat Silver, all the others before it's too late. He brings it down. One big, final drop as the beam of light comes crashing down to earth. Down on top of Jaren Zastiva.

<NONE ARE STRONGER.>

COMBAT: FINISHER! Endo Naoki has used Absolute Magnitude on Jaren Zastava.
COMBAT: Endo Naoki has finished attacking.
COMBAT: Jaren Zastava accepts Endo Naoki's Finisher, Absolute Magnitude, taking 139 Fatigue damage! Jaren Zastava is unable to keep fighting!

Hitting Jaren is cathartic as always. Especially so when she actually gets that uppercut in, putting all of her remaining strength into it. She wobbles and has to use Heraut for support as a result, breathing heavily as her vision begins to blur. She can feel the weight of her fatigue and injuries so vividly. Heraut chimes: <MAGIC LEVELS CRITICAL. YOUR MAJESTY I->

"No Heraut! Soaring Sky is still..." She looks to Lera and feels a pang of desperation. "I'm sorry Lera-chan... I can't afford to be careful anymore..." And then she kicks off into the air after Jaren, despite the fact that he's winding up for a devestating attack. Ren pushes herself further, speed increasing. If she can just reach him before-

<INCOMING!> Heraut's warning comes just before Jaren hurls the sphere. Ren holds out a hand desperately, the beginnings of a shield being formed. It sparks in front of her pathetically though before fizzing out completely, and Ren's left there with widened eyes as the orb bears down on her.

<DISCHARGE!> There's a ringing tone as time around Ren seems to slow and ripple as the orb moves ever closer. In a flash her barrier jacket disperses, and a crystalline-substance begins to form around her, shaping itself into a protective cocoon. <BE SAFE, YOUR MAJESTY...>

And then time "resumes", the magnitude of the attack washing over her. She can feel the heat -- so much so that she passes out -- but remains unscathed. The crystal around her cracks and splinters but holds firmly. Then, it drops down to the ground as gravity takes over, and with a SLAM impacts with a quake that shakes the entire area, leaving a smoking crater behind. Ren is still.

And Heraut goes tumbling through the air, content with having protected his master.

Jaren grins as he watches Ren's defenses collapse. His eyes widen with delight as Heraut breaks off from her entirely. "ONE DOWN!" Jaren roars with laughter, and like the fool he absolutely is, completely forgets about Endo, figuring he must have burned much the same. He rushes down, moving to collect Heraut's falling form and claim another Device as his own.

<MASTER. ABOVE US.>

"I know, he's losing patience, Ground! Second, man!"

<MASTER. NOT HIM.>

"The hell do you--" ... "THE KID!" he shrieks, shrill and horrified, and whips around to see...it's less of a beam and more of a column, a titanic punishment of screaming light slamming into Jaren Zastava's gut and driving him into the ground in a neat little crater right next to Ren's. But the light's not all that's screaming:

"NOT AGAIN! NOT AGAIN! YOU BRATS! HOW DO YOU DO THIS!" He throws himself against it; casting shields, protections. Each shatters under a mere moment's caress from Endo's Absolute Magnitude. "We're the strongest! WE'RE THE STRONGEST! /I'M/ THE STRONGEST! HOW DO YOU KEEP--"

<MASTER! WE MUST GO!>

Jaren snaps his arm out and the biggest Protection spell he can muster at the moment shields him for a few seconds, already cracking under the apocalyptic doom. "NO! If we fail again, he'll--!"

<IRRELEVANT. THIS IS LOST.>

Jaren whips around, watches the shield cracking. "Screw you! You're not the boss of me! NOBODY IS! I won't...BE--!!"

The final hit comes home, and the street ruptures under the force of the impact. His shields fail.

Jaren lays at the bottom of the crater, barely conscious, finger clawing in Heraut's direction. "Not...again...!" he breathes, with the last of his strength.

There's a bird. Citadel tracks its movement for a few seconds, evaluating it as a threat...but this tower isn't the place the Lost Logia was built to guard. The Ten Thousand Points are nowhere to be seen, and that...is perhaps, concerning. Words from the humans implied that some of them had never heard of the place...what might that mean?

How long has the guardian neglected the duty?

Fuu - staggering to her feet in the wake of that lashing tail - steps forward with a question. The tip of the tail cracks the ground open before her in warning...but Citadel does not strike again. Not yet. As for the question... "EVEN THE MAGISTERS ARE HUMAN. MY DUTY IS TO PROTECT MY HOME, MY RULER...NO MORE, NO LESS." It's a simple duty, a simple rule...

Masque Feu is more direct - speaking of the virtues of those who still stand, of the better portions of Citadel's foes rather than try to highlight the flaws of Jaren. The behemoth does not answer with words - instead its gaze wanders from Masque Feu to the other fighters to Jaren, once more. Finally... ...I HAVE NEVER WORRIED FOR THE VIRTUE OF THOSE WHO STAND BEFORE ME. INTRUDER OR NOT - SUCH IS ALL."

And Lera...Lera is practically panicking. The guardian of the Ten Thousand Points stands up straighter, more confidently - encouraged by Lera's recognition. At last, proof that the Belkan weapon is not alone. "LONG HAVE I WAITED. BUT AT LAST..."

There's a scream of pain from Jaren - his triumphal blow interrupted by a vicious counterattack. Orders were orders, but... "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!" In answer to the pillar of light claiming victory against Jaren, three more pillars of rainbow light burst from the ground - none close to combatants, mercifully. Citadel springs back, wings ablaze with radiant light - and like a curtain, a kaleidoscopic wall begins to be drawn between the three beacons. A barrier - one that nearly sears the eyes, that portions the Tokyo Tower apart from the rest of the world.

On one side of the barrier, Citadel and the fallen Jaren. On the other, those who stood up in opposition. As the curtain is drawn, as the distance becomes impassible, Citadel speaks to all present to listen. "JAREN ZASTAVA. YOUR BATTLE IS DONE - I HAVE FULFILLED MY DUTY. OUR BARGAIN...WE WILL GO. FAR FROM THIS PLACE AND TO THE TEN THOUSAND POINTS." The rainbow light closes, sealing Citadel and Jaren off from their foes with a nigh-impenetrable wall. The dragon-wolf arches its back, gazes up into the distant sky.

"...I AM GOING HOME."

Masque Feu looks on with quiet awe as Endo simply pours his heart and soul into knocking Jaren into next week.

The barrer rises. The girl in the mask sucks in a startled breath, shielding her eyes with one arm, to little avail. "Lera, be careful," she calls to the girl as she vaguely catches sight of her barreling in like a maniac. The lone Soeur does no such thing.

Only after a moment does she start forward, moving close enough to the barrier to look up at it in wonder.

"It's days like this I wish vampires were /all/ I had to deal with," complains Augustine.

The Magic Knight of Wind isn't capable of much more right now; she didn't so much 'stagger back to her feet' as 'get lodged in a lamppost and stuck in a sort of upright position'.

Making further conversation is a little out of her league right now. She could probably use some help vacating the area, for that matter - or risk her secret identitty ceasing to be quite as secret. And some of her friends here already know that the Magic Knights have deadly enemies who don't care about secret identities.

"No, you don't understand! Citadel, listen to me! He's lying! He--"

Lera cries it out with a yell, her hand thrown out in front of her. The girl goes charging forward, while pillars of light slam into the pavement. Stones, torn concrete, bent rebar, and rolled over cars are all around her. She doesn't care. She can't even spare a glance at Jaren, at the moment, except to hope that Sky is okay. She can only briefly chance a look at Ren.

Her eyes are on the enormous Lost Logia, as the air shimmers and he takes to the air, and lands on Tokyo Tower. She sees the magical triangles appear -- and she sucks a gasp in. The shimmering wall of light appears, a rainbow bulwark suddenly cutting Citadel, Jaren, and Tokyo Tower off from all of Tokyo. Her fingertips touch it.

And come to a stop, with a crackle of static. Lera pulls her fingers back, then stares up at the tower. "Oh, no..."

'''MEANWHILE, IN AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION...'''

The room is poorly lit. Despite the presence of windows, one would be hard pressed to say whether this is day or night. Long shadows are cast across the tables and chairs here. Those shadows fall across the man at the desk, standing there coolly. They shade everything but his mouth, as he lifts a communicator shaped not all that unlike a phone to his mouth.

On the screen in front of him, reflected in his amber eyes, the battle at Tokyo Tower is plainly visible. His eyes lock onto Jaren, laying in the middle of that crater that Endo punched him into.

"Mister Zastava," he says, calmly, into the receiver. "I'm a results-oriented man. You need to secure and deliver those Devices, because I'm tired of waiting for results. Otherwise, I'll be forced to terminate your employment."

His lips curl, slightly, into a smirk. "And my employees enjoy lifelong contracts."

[[Category:Logs]]