[LOGS] Dundee Game: Day Five (3/3)
"My brother is as good as dead," Lucia says flatly.
Oh.
* Kazuki agrees, "yeah, he was turned into a monster by your butler, or something like that, right? He still has some humanity in him though, or else he wouldn't be so worried about you."
"A monster?" Lucia's head jerks towards Sidney.
Sidney looks unconcerned. "By my standards, not particularly."
You're admitting it!?
* Sera says, quietly: "A creature who feeds on fear, and lives on the periphery. He gave us nightmares last game."
"I swore I'd never lie to Miss Lucia," Sidney says.
Lucia's mouth is in a tight line. ". . . I don't care."
About your--
* Vaan realizes this is probably not the right time.
* Kazuki continues what Sera says, "I'm just telling you how it is. He needs to make people afraid in order to have enough power to keep living. His soul to keep living, I mean. And that's how he tries to talk to people too, by making them afraid enough of him to listen to what he says."
That's... awful.
...
.....
... Uh, question.
Why is he like that in the first place?
"I killed him," says Lucia.
. . .
* Sera nods.
Sidney starts to walk up to Lucia, slowly.
... why?
* Shuri is silent...
... According to Kazuki, he's not.
... not in the normal terms anyway.
* Kazuki connects the dots, and also nods, "And then your butler turned him into a monster somehow." ...also turns to Sidney, "If you don't mind, I'm trying to talk to her one-on-one."
And yeah, isn't his body alive?
"My apologies." Sidney stays to one side, then. "I simply hoped to give some moral support."
* Kazuki eyes Sidney warily, but gives a nod to let Sidney know he won't kick up a huge fuss about it.
"He's in a coma," Lucia says irritably, eyes flashing, and reaches out one hand to Sidney, beckoning. "When I summoned Sidney, my brother . . . died. You can hardly say that vegetative body is my brother. And that monster isn't, either!"
Sidney approaches Lucia again.
* Koizumi^Risa looks at Sidney. Not a pact?
He was the sacrifice.
He smiles at her evenly.
* Kazuki 's mouth twists, "That demon sigil, from last game. I was told that David's blood on it made him into what he is."
"I don't know," Lucia says. "I don't care."
Why would you kill--
* Shuri sidelong glance. "What DO you care about, Lucia?"
You don't have to care. I'm just saying. You wanted to hear, right?
... so the question is, why did you summon Sidney?
.....Your brother.........
...
Were you...
Lucia leans against Sidney. "I have the things I want!" she says sharply.
Sidney puts an arm around her.
...The demon your butler is can give you whatever treasures you want if you command him. That's how it is, isn't it?
* Shuri hmmms, and crosses his arms.
"Exactly," says Lucia.
...Even your own family...
Sidney, what do you get out of this?
I think that what you really want isn't so easy to get. But what would I know?
"Lucia is my master," Sidney says. "This isn't about me."
I don't believe that.
Uwah, I think we're all curious nevertheless.
I don't think any of us believe that.
"That's unfortunate," he says. "She is my master; I have no pact with her."
Lucia... what I really want to know, is... why do murders follow your household around? First in Orange County... now here.
The same kind.
Lucia looks at her blankly. "Demons need to eat."
...?
...ah.
Murders?
.......
Risa, we saw a car on the road--
"As for the murders here," Lucia says, "they're not all us. Not the serial killings. That's not us."
Do you know who?
Lucia tilts her head. "Something I want."
Something...?
... not someone?
"I don't care about who wields it," Lucia shrugs. "They're just puppets."
It's the--
I'm hearing a lot of 'I want.' That's pretty selfish, if David didn't tell me otherwise I'd think that's all you were capable of, being selfish I mean.
* Robin^Sena looks at Shuri.
Lucia twitches a little, jerking like she's been slapped.
* Shuri mutters. "Sword?"
* Robin^Sena nods.
* Vaan looks at Shuri....
Sidney's hand strokes down Lucia's side.
* Shuri ...glances back up at Lucia and Kazuki
...
Kazuki,
Kazuki where's David?
Maybe we should *all* talk to him.
He's here. Or at least, his body is. His spirits around too, wherever Sidney isn't. Sidney has been leeching off your brother, did you know that Lucia?
"It's not surprising," Lucia says calmly.
but that's missing the point. You WANT to know why that would make me want to kill your demon, right?
Lucia raises an eyebrow, then nods. "Tell me."
... man I so confused right now.
* Vaan is with Risa on this, man.
* Shuri just looks sort of depressed. :/
Because even in a dark, quiet, cramped closet where he was trying to scare the shit out of me, David has enough humanity in him to make friends. Me. And he has enough humanitiy in him to want to see you stop being tired, to stop blaming yourself, and to go back to not having to worry so much about life. And the only way he knows how to do that is to get rid of your demon, the source.
You might not care, but... I want to ask you, what do you want? To be miserable? Thought of as selfish by others? What?
Lucia's eyes widen. ". . . a-ah . . ."
Sidney bends down to her. "You know what you want, Lucia," he says, softly. "You know the choices you've made and why you've made them."
* Sera looks down. "...do you want to be our friend, or to collect us? ...that's what I really want to know."
Lucia hesitates--then jumps (as well as the rest of the room, probably) as one of the windows implodes suddenly, flooded with an incoming murder of crows.
* Robin^Sena turns and gasps.
Ahhhh--?!
HOLY SHIT.
* Kazuki looks up!
Ahh!
whoaaa
...
There is the roar of an engine outside.
Someone's here.
What's that?!
I wonder who it is outside....
". . . Konatsu . . ." says Lucia. Unsurprised.
* Robin^Sena starts running downstairs.
--They found him??
--He's back?
. . .
Where was he?
"He found us," says Lucia, taking Sidney's hand.
* Kazuki stays up here, next to Lucia and Sidney
* Sera stays, too.
...
"Let's go." He scoops Lucia up and heads for the front entryway.
Hey--
Wait just a second, where do you think you're going?!
* Shuri FOLLOWS THEM
Lucia tilts her head to look at Kazuki. "Are you coming?" she asks.
* Vaan FOLLOWS
* Sera follows, too.
* John^Brown follows!
* Koizumi^Risa shrugs and follows.
* Kazuki ...follows, "Alright. Because I made a promise to look out for you."
Lucia turns her head away so he doesn't see her expression.
#aculminationofgooddecisions
The scene is as such: Konatsu (in stellar threads, a blood splattered red t-shirt and tight jeans) has . . . crashed a motorcycle into the first floor sitting room. Sidney is coming downstairs with Lucia in his arms: she is still dressed in a nightgown, and has a crow on her shoulder. There are a group of the others following her.
UP IN THE SKY is . . . a dragon, being ridden by Belphegor, Raidou, Elli, and Itachi.
And: go.
Konatsu--!
* Shuri just. ... stares.
Konatsu's jeans are very tight, Shuri.
* Sera ... glances at Konatsu and then stares up.
* Shuri notices that THANK YOU, NARRATOR.
* Vaan watches the sky in amazement.
* Konatsu dismounts the bike, pulling a familiar sword from a sheath on his back, holding it out with a wide, wicked smile on his face. "Mr. Sidney, it's been far too long."
* Ashton WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON
* Kazuki looks up, looks at Konatsu... moves closer to Lucia and Sidney, who are still his priority.
* John^Brown JOINS ASHTON IN THAT CORNER
Mr. Sidney takes a step behind Kazuki, still holding Lucia.
* Robin^Sena is watching Konatsu warily, putting on her glasses.
#Konatsumakesgooddecisions
(We can kill them all can't we? Make quick work of them if they move to stop us.)
(The more the merrier, dear.)
#aculminationofgooddecisions
. . .
Uhm.
"My goodness," he says. "It has been. I hardly recognize you."
...oh no.
* Vaan rubs his eyes. This has *gotta* be some bad dream.
What the hell is going on?
Is that...
That sword--!
* Robin^Sena glances frantically at Sera.
Sidney. It'd be a good idea to put Lucia down.
* Shuri MUTTERS TO HIMSELF. "So he was--!"
* Konatsu laughs, short and clipped. "Are you hiding now? Please don't hide from me."
...
...
Lucia hops down out of Sidney's arms, standing in front of Sidney.
CHRIST KONATSU DID YOU MAKE A PACT?!
It's the sword!
...
* Kazuki stands next to Lucia, even if she's in front of Sidney. :/
Elli shouts from the dragon, "It's possessing him! Watch out, he won't care who he kills!"
Konatsu--
WHAT'S possessing him?!
Elli!
* Shuri also stands near Lucia...
* Konatsu steps forward, deliberately, toward Sidney. "Come now, fight me like a man why don't you?"
The sword.
...So Konatsu killed that guy...
* Sera ... stays near Lucia too.
Is there a way to get him UNpossessed?
* Vaan sadfaces at Ashton.
* Ashton makes a 'what' face at Vaan.
Kohryu circles a bit before approaching the ground.
Sidney glances at Kazuki. "I don't suppose you'll lend me a hand," he suggests.
* Konatsu sneers at him. "Coward! Fight your own battle!"
* Kazuki ...grimaces. "You can't handle a fight? you're supposed to be a high ranking demon aren't you?"
#konatsumakesgooddecisions
(Boring! Enough with the talk. Let's kill.)
#aculminationofgooddecisions
* Vaan tries to understand this . . .
"We need to get the sword from him, or he'll lose his mind completely," Lucia says to Kazuki.
How are we supposed to do that??
* Itachi drops down from the dragon.
Sidney cracks his knuckles. "Miss Lucia, what are your orders?"
... ITACHI!!
I don't know if my fire will work...
* Kazuki turns to Lucia, "If I help him out, will you keep out of the way?"
Lucia nods. "Take care of him!"
* Raidou looks at Elli. "Does the possession give him resistance to mental attacks?"
...Risa.
"Enough of orders!" Konatsu shouts, diving toward Sidney, sword poised to strike.
* Kazuki --REAPER BEAMS AT KONATSU!
... what the heck are you guys doing here? Wait, hold that thought. maybe we should talk after Konatsu uhm. Stops being crazy
Sidney smacks the sword aside with the flat of one hand as he twists away, drawing the battle away from Lucia.
* Shuri holy shit, getting out of the range of this fight.
Yes, I think so.
* Sera transforms and stays between Lucia and Konatsu.
Lucia runs to take cover. With Shuri, probably. GG, brave Shuri.
* Vaan just kinda stares at it.
* Robin^Sena is keeping an eye on Lucia and Shuri to shield them with fire if necessary.
* Ashton very confused, but moving to cover Shuri and Lucia's retreat.
* Koizumi^Risa runs over to Vaan.
* Kazuki hops around to Konatsu's back, eying the sword.
Eh--Risa
* Belphegor finally drops down from the dragon. His mink hovers in the air nearby, awaiting his command.
What, I don't wanna get stabbed.
D:
* Shuri is ALMOST like protecting Lucia ok.
--We can't have Konatsu die.
* Konatsu raises one arm, easily smacking Kazuki's beam away, moving to throw him from his back as well. Snarls and dives at Sidney again, aiming to stab him.
Well...uh.
* Itachi keeps his attention on Konatsu.
* John^Brown moves to stand next to Robin, even if he can't do anything other then being a meatshield
We're probably not that safe right here.
* Ashton moving next to Robin and John. Defense wall?
....backs up, bringing Risa with him.
* Vaan .......to where Robin, John, and Ashton are.
... you know, a big crowd would be an easy target. Just sayig.
You're right.
* Kazuki is unbalanced from Konatsu's throw! Tries to regain it, before bolting after Konatsu.
Fan out?
Well, what should we do then?
Ah--
* Sera attempts to cast Bufudyne on Konatsu in the interest of getting him unsworded.
Yeah, spread out.
* Robin^Sena moves to the side to hit long-range.
* Raidou recalls Kohryu and summons two demons from the confinement tubes in his hand: Lilith and the Black Rider.
Sidney pulls a sword out of nowhere himself, black and glistening, and blocks one of Konatsu's swings.
* John^Brown moves away and JUST STANDS THERE DERP
... yeah heck no.
* Koizumi^Risa going to run back by the house.
* Ashton draws his swords. The dragons rear up.
Risa--.
* Belphegor readies a small barrage of knives, coating them in storm flames. He holds them between his fingers, looking for the perfect spot to aim. He cares not about casualties, but his target is Konatsu. And then he throws once an opening appears.
* Vaan pulls out his pole . . .
* Robin^Sena yells at Belphegor. "Don't kill him!"
H-He can survive something like that!
He's hardier than he looks.
...Right??
* Shuri looks unsure suddenly.
* Konatsu holds against Sidney's counter, scowling and stepping back. A strange power surges about him, surging in flames, melting Sera's spell before it hits home, fire licking up Belphegor's wires.
#konatsumakesgooddecisions
(Kill Him, kill Him NOW)
(Don't let him mock us like this! I'll take his position!)
(Power, kill the rest of them, we'll have their power then!)
(he's strong... cut the pendant from the girl, hopefully with her head as well! If she's not in possession of it she cannot command them -- whoever has possession can!)
(We'll take it, we'll make him our dog!)
(That would be a beautiful day!)
#aculminationofgooddecisions
... wow.
A-apparently he can!
* Robin^Sena 's eyes widen.
* Kazuki ...grabs his holy water bottle. Opens it. THROWS IT LIKE A GRENADE AT KONATSU!
#konatsumakesgooddecisions
(OW MOTHERFUCKER)
#aculminationofgooddecisions
* Belphegor , shocked at the flames heading back toward him, drops the wires.
Mink!
* John^Brown OFFERS UP A PRAYER TO AID THE HOLY WATER
... SHURI. SHURI.
WHAT?!
* Koizumi^Risa grabs his sleeve.
* Vaan ....sob why does he just have a pole.
Lilith heads towards Konatsu while the Black Rider circles around for an opening to strike.
Sidney salutes Konatsu with his blade -- or, it seems, salutes Konatsu's *sword*. He's also in the path of the holy water and his swing gets off balance as he gets hit with it as well.
* Konatsu hisses in pain, recoiling before he turns to Kazuki, growling and diving with a slash aimed at releiving him of his head.
* Shuri turns to Risa?!
You think any of Lucia's things are... holy aura enough to do something to Konatsu?
* Belphegor 's mink flies toward Konatsu with a 'kii~' to surround him in a circle of storm flames on the ground.
* Vaan shouldn't have opened that treasure chest in front of Old Dalan's after all.
Ask LUCIA!
* Ashton THROWS A BIBLE AT KONATSU'S HEAD.
LUCIA?!
* Shuri turns to Lucia instead. 8(
THE BELL--
I-I don't think the bell really does anything like that--!
It warded Rand away, didn't it?
* Kazuki backs up, and holds up his second bottle of holy water to meet Konatsu's sword.
"I can't use anything that'll hurt my demons, too! It's a double casualty . . ." Lucia crosses her arms.
...
W-We don't want a casualty anyway!
#konatsumakesthebestdecisions
(The girl the girl the girl! Don't let it end like this!)
(I won't let this end, I'll kill them all!)
#aculminationofgooddecisions
* Konatsu pulls away quickly, turning the slash to a stab aimed at Kazuki's gut.
But you don't want Konatsu TO STAY LIKE THIS
No one's going to KILL Konatsu--
I KNOW THAT SHUT UP!
Sidney shakes off the holy water, large black wings spreading behind him, tongue too long as he hisses frustration.
....
holy fuck
* Ashton . . . AHHH.
* Konatsu casts his glance quickly about the room as he attacks, eyes locking on Lucia with a wicked smile. "There she is, there she is!"
Wow......
* Kazuki is stabbed in the gut! But brings the bottle of holy water DOWN onto Konatsu's hand and sword hilt, even as the sword goes even deeper into his gut.
* Shuri --holy shit stands in front of Lucia.
* Belphegor throws another small array of knives at Konatsu, this time without wires.
KAZUKI!
* Sera is still between Lucia and Konatsu. Brings her bladed arms up in defense.
* Konatsu howls in pain. Only tightening his grip on the sword as he twists it inside of Kazuki.
K-Kazuki!
* Kazuki WINCES, and grabs at Konatsu's wrist, trying to pull the sword out!
* Konatsu pulls the sword out with a violent upward slice, aiming to rend Kazuki from end to end.
Lilith closes as much distance between herself and Konatsu as she can, then casts Dormina in an attempt to at least sedate him if not knock him out.
* Ashton brings up his swords. Ururun is firing off quick blasts of ice, trying to hit Konatsu's arms and legs.
* Belphegor approaches the scene, considering using one of the Hell knives he got from Michael.
* Koizumi^Risa has an idea, drags our priest over to the side.
* Kazuki is not QUITE rended end-toend, but has a HUGE, deep slash through his torso now. Stumble backs, then collapses!
Ah--Risa where are you--
* Robin^Sena puts a large fire shield around Lucia.
A-ah, Risa?!
... Can you bless a hose?
...
Lucia yelps a little in surprise, grabbing onto Shuri's arm. Then abruptly pretends she hadn't.
* Vaan follows them . . .
this is a totally serious question.
...to shoot Holy Water?
#konatsumakesthebestdecisions
(...in retrospect this was a little one-sided... But you can make it, can't you?)
(I can kill her I can kill her)
(DO IT)
#aculminationofgooddecisions
* Konatsu keeps a shield of flame about himself by now, has grown weary of these distractions. Turns with a howl charging at Lucia, cutting fire with fire.
* Koizumi^Risa nods.
* Sidney notices everyone else seems to be doing a good job and flicks some dust off his should-- oh shit
* Sera charges back at him, trying her best to STAB HIM SOMEWHERE.
* Shuri preparing zaiphon haha haaaa
We're gonna try to break this off with *water*?
* Ashton ALSO CHARGES KONATSU.
...
* Robin^Sena gasps
I can try!
* Kazuki ...is slowly healing on the ground. But can't get up just yet.
holy water, dammit.
John, do it! Please!
Turn on the hose
* Belphegor has the mink create a flame barrier in front of himself in order to get close and throws knives at Konatsu.
* Koizumi^Risa grabs the hose and ready to fire.
* John^Brown BLESS THIS HOSE, GOD!
* Vaan is probably in the way.
"Sidney, dodge!" yells Lucia.
* Vaan .... gets out of the way
* Konatsu lets loose a blast of power, pushing back anyone who tries to attack, driving his sword straight toward Lucia's heart.
Sidney is forced back from the holy water hose, watching as Konatsu lunges for Lucia
Lucia--!!
#konatsumakesthebestdecisions
(No matter how much damage you take, if you get that amulet, all will be well!)
(I'll kill her, they can't stop me, I can win!)
(Is this all you have in you? More! You can't stop yet!)
#aculminationofgooddecisions
* Sera tries her best to get in between Konatsu and Lucia again.
* Kazuki GETS UP, not fully healed, god no and lunges for Konatsu
* Ashton twists, lands, tries to charge between them again.
* Robin^Sena tries her shield again, but is knocked back
Lilith moves to intercept Konatsu, hoping her immunity to physical attacks will hold.
* Shuri trying to zaiphon Konatsu in the face, but um. :(
* Koizumi^Risa still just holding the hose at Konatsu. :|b
* John^Brown keeps a stream of exorcism prayers going at Konatsu
Lucia is standing with her back against the wall, pale-faced but unreacting, watching everyone.
Lucia, RUN!
* Sera is unaffected by holy water! DOING HER BEST WITH THE STABBING.
* Belphegor 's flame barrier holds up, but he doesn't approach further yet.
* Konatsu the water hisses and turns to steam against his shield of flame, he lifts his sword on his approach, slashing down on Lucia.
EHH--
* Vaan runs towards Lucia--
KONATSU!
Lucia looks up at the sword, not moving.
* Ashton 's dragons are sputtering and roaring angrily, but not actually dying from holy water.
* John^Brown prays harder!
Sidney -- and Elli, incidentally -- are completely held at bay by the holy water hose and prayers, though Sidney hardens his face and approaches the stream again.
* Kazuki turns to John, "TURN OFF THE WATER! It makes that guy weak, and we have to work with him!"
* Shuri trying to jump on Konatsu's back slkdfjwa.
* Itachi uses teleporation jutsu to try to intercept Konatsu.
Risa!
* Ashton t-trying to get in there and block Konatsu wtf
* Koizumi^Risa shuts the water off.
* Kazuki ...fuck this, GOING FOR LUCIA and trying to drag her away
... WELL IT WAS A GOOD IDEA. Sort of.
* Belphegor 's mink releases the barrier and flies toward Konatsu, trailing storm flames. Would do to send him a good blast of that stuff.
Well, your ideas always are....
I have good ideas, shush.
* Koizumi^Risa sprays Vaan.
H-hey!
Lucia says, "Everybody, STOP!"
* Konatsu growls violently, hacking and slashing at anyone who stands between him and Lucia, flames licking at anyone who approaches from behind.
Go with God, Vaan.
* Belphegor 's mink stoooops. Bel glances at Lucia.
What?
That's-- kind of hard, you know! When you're about to get SLASHED BY A SWORD!
Who's God--
* Itachi dodges Konatsu and stops when Lucia shouts.
* Shuri gets up from where he has been knocked over and... pauses
... nothing, nevermind.
* Raidou makes an annoyed sound and recalls Black RIDER for Black FROST, who is at least immune to fire.
.....
* Kazuki ...bleeding heavily on Lucia probably, btw.
* Ashton just trying to block Konatsu's attacks, okay.
* Sera is with Ashton.
* Konatsu pushes Ashton away with a burst of power, aims another at Sera. Drives forward with an angered growl to stab both Kazuki and Lucia through in one strike.
Sidney ... ...stops as he was ordered...
WHY ARE WE STOPPING--!?
* Ashton ...gets shoved. Ururun spits ice at Konatsu's sword.
LUCIA!
KAZUKI!
* Robin^Sena tries another fire shield in front of Lucia and Kazuki
Lucia shoves Kazuki away and grabs Konatsu's blade. With her hands.
That is a lot of blood!
Sidney's face contorts.
#konatsumakesthebestdecisions
(Your wounds... that's enough, I suppose. I can take her now.)
You feel it fleeing, your bloodlust with it.
It is rushing into her, leaving you.
Your injuries probably hurt like fuck now
#aculminationofgooddecisions
* Robin^Sena 's shield dissipates abruptly
* Itachi blinks.
* Kazuki ffff, is pushed pretty easily considering he has yet to completely heal
* Konatsu tightens his grip on the hilt and reaches one hand out for Lucia's neck.
Ah--
* Shuri ...sobs.
* Belphegor readies more knives, waiting.
Asmodeus, do something! You said she was your master!
Lucia's blood runs down the blade, and she stares at Konatsu, wide-eyed.
Lucia...
* Konatsu stares back, his eyes suddenly just as wide, his hand frozen in midair.
Lucia tugs on the sword. Gently.
What on earth--
* Belphegor watches carefully...
* Shuri oh man what is happening ;;
Sidney runs across the holy-water-soaked lawn towards them, feet steaming.
* Ashton ahhh what.
... Konatsu...?
...oh no.
.....shit
...
...
* Konatsu easily releases it, dropping to one knee before her.
What? Is someone going to explain?!
W-what's happening?
IS SHE POSSESSED TOO?
Risa, shhh.
* Kazuki struggles upwards, trying to reach for the sword and to get it out of Lucia's hand.
She gave it blood--
...
...
"Let me through," Sidney says.
Lucia moves to grip the sword by the hilt, still bleeding all over her nightgown.
The blood... is the blood the contract?
* Shuri s-steps out of the way for sure
* Itachi is just watching all this, silent and impassive because he's a ninja.
Without the sword's weight holding him up, Konatsu collapses at her feet with a low groan.
Lucia looks up at Sidney, tilting her head.
* Shuri is completely the opposite of impassive and is probably crying rather pitifully at this whole situation.
* Sera is frozen, still.
You--wh-what did . . .
Elli tries to push through after, swearing as her feet, also, steam, though she's going for Konatsu instead of Lucia.
Konatsu...?
* Vaan is probably crying a little.
Sidney looks down at Lucia. "Are you still there," he says.
* Sera is recalled to the situation by Elli and tries casting Diarama on Konatsu, still watching.
* Kazuki ...goes to lean against the wall. Trying to concentrate on healing some more, letting Sidney get owned by his own Master if he wants.
"Thank you," Elli stammers to Sera.
* Koizumi^Risa is just watching, standing here with the hose.
* Konatsu recovers HP!
Lucia pulls the necklace from her neck, dangling it to show to Sidney. "Is this yours?" she asks.
* Ashton scrambles up. Then stands there.
"That's mine," he says, agreeably.
* John^Brown stands there and... derps
* Konatsu pushes himself away from between Sidney and Lucia, still stumbling a bit as he gets to his feet, watching.
* Vaan derps with John.
* Sera moves to stand next to Elli.
* Koizumi^Risa stares at Konatsu warily.
* Shuri NOT-SUBTLY MOVING TOWARDS KONATSU
Lucia hefts the sword to her shoulder, smiling. "We wanted to kill him, didn't we, everybody?" she asks. "Asmodeus."
...
Who are you?
......
...
* Belphegor watches Lucia, frowning.
... kill him.
Konatsu--!
...you're not Miss Bellcourt.
"You want to kill me?" he asks Lucia.
* Kazuki says agreeably, "I wanted to. You though, I'm pretty sure you didn't"
We had an agreement, kill him.
... What's going on.
Konatsu, you made a deal just to kill him?!
.........
I really wish everyone would stop making msyterious deals when no one else is looking.
I agree.
* Koizumi^Risa turns the hose on Konatsu.
People are too stupid not to. What do you expect?
It would be easier that way. . .
* Kazuki ...starts to get conflicted.
* Konatsu gets wet!
* Konatsu sputters, holding up his arms to block the water. "Wh-what?!"
* Koizumi^Risa keeps the hose on him. "IDIOT!"
* Ashton . . . sighs in tandem with his dragons.
* Vaan hehe its not me anymore.
"Miss Risa stop it!"
* John^Brown just shakes his head
Sidney does not look away from her. "What a conflict," he murmurs. "The woman I love, my master, and my enemy. What will I do when you give me an order?" He reaches for her.
No. I think you deserve a good soak.
Oh *man*.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend!
...........
"Shall I order you to die?" Lucia asks sweetly, raising the sword.
That's not true!!
* Koizumi^Risa turns the hose off and walks over to Konatsu... and slaps him again.
* Robin^Sena just watches Sidney and Lucia carefully.
* Konatsu takes that, holding his hand to his cheek. "N-Now is not the time--!"
* Itachi smirks at Risa, before turning his attention to Sidney and Lucia.
"Can you kill me?" he counters. His fingers reach for her forehead.
* Sera glances at Elli to see if they have any opinion on this.
...
* Kazuki ...fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffuck. Reaches out for Lucia, trying to tug her sword arm back and away from Sidney, "Stop! Sidney... do you really think it'd be her wanting you to die?"
Elli looks... terse, perhaps in a way where she does not want to face a demon prince if avoidable and wants to see how this resolves.
* Koizumi^Risa knees Konatsu in the crotch before turning her attention at Lucia.
* Shuri turns back to Sidney and Lucia too. ;;
* Sera waits, then.
* Konatsu squeaks in pain and doubles over.
Lucia tilts her head, looking down at Kazuki. "And what do you want?"
...
This is not going to end well . . .
* John^Brown tenses
Me? I want... I want you and David to be happy. Fuck, I want Sidney to go away, and the best way I think that can happen is to get him to die... but not like this!
Sidney's fingers touch Lucia's forehead. "And I told you: You're mine, nobody else's."
Even if Asmodeus is gone, you're still here.
Lucia closes her eyes.
* Kazuki looks to Sidney, "No. She's not just Yours. You know it, I know it, she even probably knows it, everyone here... who is friends with her, have her!"
* Konatsu grunts, grumbling through the pain. "Why are you wasting so much time--?!"
Be quiet, Konatsu.
"Does the red sword have her, then?" Sidney asks Kazuki, sarcastically, "while you're doling her out so freely?"
* Shuri looks sort of helplessly between Konatsu and Sidney and Lucia, sob.
* Koizumi^Risa is reminded why she likes Itachi so much.
She's her own. And she should kill who she wants. Not what it wants.
"Does anybody really want her?" the words come out of Lucia's mouth.
* Konatsu would glare at Itachi if he could.
* Vaan has no idea who half these people are.
Lilith glances archly at Konatsu. "Perhaps I should try putting him to sleep again."
What's that supposed to mean?!
......
What Sera said. Lucia is her own to give out... and I want her, if it helps.
I want to be her friend.
I guess...I could be.
Seriously, exactly!
... I would, too.
Yeah, me too!
We--had an agreement, she would not die unless necessary.
...and I know David does as well.
I would too.
She's not going to die AT ALL.
* Sera nods.
Lucia snorts. "That's very touching. An inspirational speech, everybody."
And she's not going to be JUST yours. Or the swords, if we can help it.
"What is this," Sidney says, hand sliding down to touch the blade of the sword instead, "a touching television power-of-friendship moment?"
Ironically the sword and Sidney appear to be in agreement.
Demons. What can you do with them?
They asked a question and we're ANSWERING IT!
Yes! ...what's television?
What's television.....
... we'll explain later.
... Man, can like, no one die? Please? If everyone dies, I don't think we can get back home.
Nothing important.
I don't expect you two to understand.
His hand closes around the sword and he tries to pull it from Lucia's grip.
* Kazuki tugs Lucia back as Sidney does that?!
* Konatsu watches carefully, shoulders tense.
I'm not that dumb--
Lucia looks up at Sidney, then falls back into Kazuki's arms, hands falling limply from the hilt of the sword.
* Vaan watches this anyways.
Lucia...!
* Ashton ... well then.
* Kazuki is HIGHTALING IT TO THE OTHERSIDE OF. ...AWAY FROM SIDNEY with Lucia now.
Sidney looks at the sword and then leans it over one shoulder casually.
Lucia tries--kind of weakly, still bleeding--to elbow Kazuki in the balls.
"I'll put this upstairs with your other belongings, shall I?" Sidney asks. "Miss Lucia."
* Sera checks the Elliometer again.
* Kazuki his elbowed in the thigh, then. "I try to save you and this is the thanks I get..."
Elli is staring at the sword. "Give it here."
That kind seems a little dangerous.
It . . . it didn't work?
What didn't work??
What didn't work?
He was trying to kill Asmodeus... right?
"Ahhhhh, of course I didn't kill him," Lucia complains. "Ow, hell, my hands . . ."
Why didn't you kill him?
* Sera is willing to take Elli's cue on this. Walks towards Sidney. "I think her having you -and- that is a little much..."
* Kazuki ...rips off some of his pants, NOT THAT LUCIA WOULD APPRECIATE IT, and gives it to her as a makeshift bandage.
What's going onnnn...
"But she's worked so hard to get it," Sidney tells them.
"We didn't even kill Konatsu . . ."
Lilith gestures languidly and casts a healing/Mediarama spell on Kazuki and Lucia.
He nods to Konatsu. "I appreciate you taking the bait, by the way."
....
Bait--?
what.
You used him??
You--! You did this--!?
Lucia perks up a little as she's healed.
"Well, you did," Sidney said. "I simply caved to your demands to explain the situation to you before everyone else."
... what.
...
........
...uh.
* Raidou watches Sidney, eyes narrowed.
* Itachi sighs
Elli turns to Lucia. "It's not safe for you to have that sword," she says. "I cannot be affected by it. Please give it to me until it can be destroyed."
"And the demon?! what of him?" Konatsu's eyes dart quickly to the sword.
* Shuri CANNOT DECIDE WHETHER HE SHOULD BE GLARING AT KONATSU OR SIDNEY
* Kazuki ...just helps Lucia to sit up, leaning her against a wall as they're healed.
"You had shown me before that it had made a pact with you," Sidney says, a little pleased. "It was a gamble but I thought if yout wo were in the same town it'd try to claim you again."
* Belphegor mutters under his breath, calling his mink back.
--the blood in the closet!
"It was really hard to find, so we had you bring it to us," Lucia sighs.
. . .
...
...
.........
...
* Konatsu eyes widen for a moment before he launches himself at Sidney with an inarticulate cry of rage.
...
What were we *looking* for then?
... you were willing to sacrifice your friends for a collectors item, huh? Just like you sacrificed David for Sidney.
Konatsu, no--!
* Koizumi^Risa turns the hose on Konatsu again.
So if you planned this from the START, why were you so mad about it, Lucia--
* Shuri whoa whoa what is Konatsu doing
* Itachi thinks Konatsu is not very bright.
Sidney doesn't mind if Konatsu launches. Whatcha doin there, Konatsu.
* Konatsu going for the stupid sword again, buddy.
Lucia looks at Kazuki, then away. ". . . my friends, hm?" She makes no comment on David.
* Belphegor thinks the lot of them all are idiots.
"Well, fortunately, nobody died," Sidney says, holding the sword out of Konatsu's reach.
Lucia...!
Elli says, "Lucia Bellcourt. Please listen."
* Ashton ... jumps forward to collar Konatsu.
* Sera is over by Sidney at this point, and grabs Konatsu so he doesn't try to die again. :/
Lucia looks over at Elli. "What? Who are you?"
* Kazuki replies back, "Yep. I'm still your friend, even if I think it's stupid. Cause I think that you're so used to collecting things now you don't think you can even have friends, and all that matters are the items. So I'm going to make it my job to prove you wrong."
* Ashton looks at Sera. "Maybe we should sit on him."
"I'm a survivor of one of that sword's massacres," Elli says.
* Kazuki also-- shuts up for Elli.
* John^Brown listens...
* Konatsu struggles against Sera and Ashton. "Just--he's our enemy, isn't he?!"
Lucia . . . hears Kazuki, but just looks at at Elli. "And?"
Konatsu, please...!
You're not helping.
* Sera ... watches Elli, holding onto Konatsu.
* Itachi looks at Konatsu, "Blindly attacking him isn't going to solve anything."
"I--we had a deal--! He'd--he said he'd take me to see Cain--!" Konatsu's tone pitches high, hysterical.
...
...
"I saw my brother take up that sword and murder everyone I know," she says. "I killed my brother to stop it." She draws a shaky breath.
"It isn't meant to be collected until it gets out and kills again. It needs to be destroyed."
You were manipulated.
What on Earth....
K-Konatsu...
Elli...
Lucia closes her eyes, looking away.
I only killed those who deserved it! It told me I could see him!
* Ashton listens. His dragons clamp their beaks on Konatsu's shirt for good measure.
...
* Sera ...squeezes Konatsu's shoulder, while still hanging on.
* Kazuki mutters to himself, "The prison massarcres..."
* Shuri just ahhhhh this is too much happening at once and I have a headache.
"It's just a thing," Elli tells Lucia. "Why do you even want it?"
* Konatsu stops struggling, just staring at Elli and the sword, tears running down his face.
Lucia . . . shrugs. "I don't have anything. Except things."
You've got us!
That's ridiculous! You've got people all around you!
Elli looks around, then back. Dubiously, in Luka's voice, he says, "Really?"
* Kazuki agrees with Elli, "And David, even if you don't want him. But it's not that easy to believe, huh?"
The other household demons are creeping out to see what was going on, though they stay away from the holy-water soaked lawn
* Sera leaves Konatsu to Ashton and goes to stand with Elluka.
* Robin^Sena keeps an eye on the demons that they don't get too close.
Lucia looks up at Sidney.
* Raidou watches the demons as well.
* Kazuki also looks to Sidney.
Sidney gives her a one-shouldered shrug. "Well," he says, uncaring of the outcome, "it's yours to do with what you like. It means nothing to me."
* Ashton and the dragons continue hanging onto Konatsu, but not roughly.
* John^Brown looks for Jez...
* Vaan is watching the demons.
"Ah . . . everything will have been for nothing, then," Lucia sighs.
* Konatsu isn't putting up any resistance anymore, crumples quietly to the floor.
"But hasn't it been an exciting party regardless? Do what you like. Don't let them sway your thoughts."
Haha, really?
Do you really think that? Isn't everything enough just to have fun with everyone?
Only if the sword is the only ultimate goal that meant anything...
* Ashton e-eases Konatsu down. Awkward.
Lucia . . . brings her knees up to her chest, and looks at Shuri.
* Kazuki ...looks to Shuri. And wriggles his eyebrows.
* Shuri looks at Lucia and ignores Kazuki, thanks.
Sidney looks at Shuri with mild killing intnet.
* Shuri ... also ignores Sidney, thanks.
". . . I didn't mean for Konatsu to . . . have that happen," Lucia says awkwardly. "I just worked with it when it did."
... Okay.
Was your frustration a lie, too?
Lucia shakes her head! "No!"
--You still shouldn't have really done that, but at least--right...
* Koizumi^Risa just makes her way over to Konatsu and grabs his hand.
Lucia shifts, awkwardly, and says, ". . . I have to think about things."
* Shuri looks around at everyone and then glances back. "Are you going to be all right?"
* Kazuki nods, "Yeah. If you want more answers-- from any of us, I'm pretty sure, just ask. But don't let anyone sway your thoughts but yourself."
* Sera tilts her head.
"Some of you don't forgive me. Some of you are idiots. And as for the rest of you . . ." Lucia just shakes her head.
. . .
* Vaan is *probably* one of those idiots.
* Shuri ...crosses his arms, not entirely sure what category he's supposed to fit in. :(
* Kazuki grins at her, "I'm an idiot all right."
* Sera ... eyes Elluka sideways. "I'm willing to accept a label."
* Belphegor snorts. "I don't really care." He's obviously not an idiot, and all this was just something to do while he was here.
Elli is still watching, silent and pale.
Lucia looks at Kazuki. "If I give up the sword, you won't try to take away Sidney?"
A smile flickers across Sidney's face.
* Kazuki ...looks sideways at Sidney, and admits honestly, "Probably not. But that's because the sword is just some item to me, I don't care what happens to it."
... how do you destroy it, though...?
Elli reaches into a boot and pulls out a gun.
...um.
You're going to *shoot* the *sword*?
would that work?
* Sera has tensed up.
Elli says, "That was my plan, yeah."
... uh, maybe we should step back
How would you shoot a /sword/?
if it shatters
...Wouldn't the bullet...
and you know, take someone's eye out
Ah, that's true.
* Shuri just gets out of the way, geez
* Vaan gets out of the general way.
* Belphegor steps back warily.
"It's still an if, isn't it?"
* Ashton drags Konatsu out of the way.
Lucia stands up, wobbly.
It couldn't be an ordinary bullet.
* Kazuki moves in front of Lucia
Lucia looks at him, raising her eyebrows.
...is that like Sam and Dean's? Kazuki, don't.
* Kazuki raises his eyebrows back at her, "Why not?"
"What?" Lucia asks.
...I -think- we're beyond the shooting each other unexpectedly stage.
Yeah. But better me than her to get hit by sword pieces, right?
True.
". . . you really . . . like my brother . . ." Lucia says in a tiny voice.
My fire will deflect bullets. I can cover you.
* Kazuki nods at Robin, acknowledging that, but stays in front of Lucia anyway, "Yeah. I do. Would you believe it, he had a hard time accepting it too? You guys are so dumb, not getting such a simple thing."
Elli nods to Sera. "You could say they've inspired a few of my choices."
...Lucia, meet Elli. She's another friend.
And Luka, too.
* Sera GRINS WITH LOTS OF TEETH at that.
* Kazuki ...is confused by all this 'she' and 'he' talk when Elli looks like a boy to him... but whatever.
". . . can I think about this?" Lucia says finally.
* Sera shrugs.
* Robin^Sena looks hesitant, but says nothing.
It's your sword, your butler, your brother. You don't have to ask us to think.
* Ashton lost track of what was going on like an hour ago.
* Itachi is still a silent, impassive ninja.
* John^Brown needs a flowchart to know exactly all that went on...
* Vaan is still an oblivious thief.
* Shuri is just looking to see how okay everyone else is with this decision. :x
"Well then. Shall we have lunch?"
Sidney smiles at the group idly, still holding the sword.
"Food....."
...we missed breakfast...
* Robin^Sena 's stomach growls, betraying her.
Yeah.....
* Konatsu is done crying now, just watching Sidney and Lucia in a daze.
...Lunch sounds good.
Ah... Right...?
"Let's all get out of the. Ah. Wet." He heads inside.
Lucia follows him in.
* Robin^Sena ... sighs and takes off her glasses.
* Shuri ... follows them!!
* Ashton ...offers Konatsu a hand up. "Come on. Please?"
* Vaan follows them inside, because he's hungry sigh.
* Koizumi^Risa drops the hose. Yeay lunch!
* John^Brown follows tiredly MAN THIS WAS EXHAUSTING
* Sera ...transforms back, anyway.
* Kazuki ...follows. But is seriously considering skipping lunch to go back into the closet.
* Itachi follows.
* Belphegor heads inside. Food. The mink goes back in the box.
* Konatsu stays where he is, staring straight ahead. "Ah . . . you can go."
Konatsu...?
* Shuri looks over his shoulder at Konatsu :x
Konatsu...
At least come inside.
* Sera goes to him instead and offers him a hand up. :x
I'm not . . . particularly hungry.
You don't have to eat.
* Belphegor by now has already collected his fallen knives anyway, woo hoo.
There's no sense sitting out here and beating yourself up more.
* Shuri handwaves, and then... goes in
Hah.
* Vaan looks back at everyone outside.
Ah, well.
You can come lay down on the sofa.
Mm.
#stilloutside
...Konatsu...
I don't need your pity.
It's not pity, it's being sensible!
Mm.
* Robin^Sena sits down on the grass next to Konatsu.
...I told you at the beginning, we're all in this together, Konatsu.
Elli has stayed outside as well.
I don't--I had what I needed . . .
A car pulls up! :D
* Robin^Sena glances at it, curious.
And what was that?
* Ashton -- looks up at it.
That power . . .
The last few members of our cute little party have arrived for lunch: Germany, Kaname, Rayfell, and Tristan.
Oh. Hi.
* Robin^Sena ... blinks.
* Sera nods at Germany, Kaname, and Tristan.
* Robin^Sena keeps blinking.
* Robin^Sena puts on her glasses.
So here you are.
. . . hey?
* Kaname looks around?
Elli raises a hand to them. "...You decided to come by? But I thought you were avoiding... him."
* Sera sits down next to Konatsu too.
...power isn't as useful as it looks from the outside.
Mm.
It's--it was useful.
You need...people. You can't just be powerful all by yourself--because if you lose it, then...
What happened?
* Robin^Sena jiiiiiiiiiiiii
* Robin^Sena oh wait, talking to Konatsu.
* Germany is listening to what is going on.
* Konatsu pushes himself up from the ground only stumbling a little as he does.
Konatsu... what will you do now?
* Sera watches.
* Ashton doesn't move.
It's--no use waiting here.
* Konatsu moves toward the house.
* Robin^Sena watches him sadly.
* Ashton watches him go.
Tristan walks up and drapes an arm around Robin.
Uh--I'm still confused myself.
Those who drove up found blood on the ground, holy water on the ground, a bunch of nervously lurking demons, and the remains of battle. And everyone going inside to eat sandwiches now.
* Robin^Sena sighs, still sitting on the ground. "Hello, Tristan."
Tristan hopes this area of the lawn is dry. :|a "What happened? Did you explode a priest?"
* Sera ...wanders over by Elluka again. "It was a hose. A holy garden hose."
* Ashton 's dragons keep glaring and shaking themselves, even though they've gotten most of the holy water off their scales.
Tristan makes a face and . . . tries to stay away from dragon spray. Ew.
Konatsu got possessed by a sword... he was trying to kill Asmodeus. Something. I'm not sure. It's all so confusing.
Elli looks up at Sera, seated near where Konatsu had been.
* Ururun sticks his tongue out at Tristan.
* Robin^Sena is most likely on dry grass.
Tristan pushes up his glasses. "Looks like we arrived late to the party. Just like I like it."
Elli says to Tristan, "I'm surprised you came to the party at all."
Where's Sidney?
So am I... but you are the one causing the fatigue around here, aren't you?
* Sera plops down by Elli. "I guess you and Tristan have met."
He's inside. Hello, Kaname.
* Kaname nods in greeting. "Robin."
Everyone is thinking about what to do. And eating lunch.
Tristan grins at Robin. "Nope," he says. "Not this time, pretty."
Then why are you...?
"Why am I what?" He drapes all over her.
Here, I mean.
"Oh," Tristan said. "I happened to have business here."
* Raidou raises an eyebrow at that.
* Robin^Sena makes a disbelieving pout.
* Sera kind of likes this lawn party.
* Kaname glancing at the demons
The demons seem to think the show's over and are heading off inside or around back again.
Tristan stretches. "Anyone want to go in and get sandwiches?"
* Raidou idly watches them go, looking for any familiar faces.
In a minute.
It seems we've missed a lot. I don't see everyone here either.
None, Raidou.
* Sera to Elli: "Want to come in? I think people are just going in and out of the house at this point."
I'd like to go in and get dry.
* Robin^Sena says to Tristan, "I meant to thank you."
Elli rubs her head. "I feel a bit odd about it under the circumstances," she says, ruefully. "But just sitting out here is just a little contrary."
* Germany decides to go inside, not knowing what he could accomplish out here.
Tristan raises an eyebrow at Robin. "For my little kiss? Sometimes I'm a nice guy, I guess."
Yeah... come on.
* Sera heads inside.
* Kaname follows
* Robin^Sena nods. "Yes. It helped, even though it was strange for me."
* Ashton heads in.
Lilith stretches languidly. "Perhaps we should go inside as well, Raidou-chan. You haven't eaten at all today, have you?"
* Robin^Sena 's stomach growls, and she looks sheepish.
I guess I should go inside, too...
"Go on in," Tristan nudges Robin. "I'll be in in a minute."
* Raidou sort of... winces. "No, Lilith."
* Robin^Sena stands up, smiling a little. "Okay."
* Raidou heads inside with Lilith and Black Frost.
#stillinthecloset
* Kazuki is beat up and bloody. But mostly healed by now. Good times.
Kazuki sneaks off to find a closet--but ironically, finds Joshua instead.
--you!
My, quite the disappointment, aren't you?
Yeah, well, fuck you too.
That so? Upset because I thought you could handle things on your own?
It was quite the vote of confidence! Too bad it didn't pay off.
No. I'm upset because you don't get the situation at all.
Oh, I understand it clearly.
If you want you powers back, you can have them.
Do you? I doubt it.
What if I chose to take away more than that? Surely you know I can, don't you?
And quite the bold statements for someone who hasn't seen me for a time! I thought you'd miss me, at least.
* Kazuki laughs, going a little off-edge! "You're from a fucking video game! A game where you needed to follow some guy around just to trust humanity, to believe in it! And you say you understand the situation? You say you can take my humanity away from me? As for missing you, sure, you're an entertaining guy. Like a video game is entertaining."
* Kazuki ...then takes a deep breath, hopefully before Joshua can register exactly what was said, "But you know? That's unfair of me to say. In camp I met tons of guys from video games, from manga, from all sorts of stuff, and they're a lot more human than I gave them credit for..."
"And you probably are too. And you know what? Lucia is a lot more human than I gave her credit for too, and I can't take away Sidney just like that. And I can't use these power you gave me just like that either. So sorry. That's how it is. You can at least understand that, right?"
* Joshua doesn't look as if his rage--which, for the record, is clearly visible in the way he frowns--has gone away just yet. His eyebrows pinch and he raises a hand--
No. I wouldn't brag about your potential again.
* Kazuki grins, mainly at himself, "I have potential. Like evry human does."
You've done a poor job of showing it. Now how many humans will die because of your attachment?
I didn't say I was done. This isn't over yet.
It should be. A shame ... but you won't have a second chance.
Fine by me.
* Joshua doesn't hesitate before clenching his fingers into a fist, ripping the wings away from Kazuki and destroying his power. He then grabs his gun quickly and points it at the other boy's head, letting a bullet blow through it.
* Kazuki dies! Whoo.
Wouldn't want to keep anyone in suspense ...
* Joshua opens the door and tosses the body out, before vanishing in a flash of light.
* Kazuki ...after a while, the bullet hole in his head heals over, as does his face. And Kazki wakes up, revived. "Fucker.
* Kazuki ...oh right, and what with dying and revivng, the past injuries of the fight are all healed too.
You're alone in the bloodstained hallway.
* Kazuki ... goes to finally get lunch, I'll go back to the closet later.
Lucia intercepts!
* Kazuki ...is sort of covered in blood, "There's a mess in the hallway. My bad."
Lucia looks around. ". . . it's a rental," she says.
"If you want to charge anyone for it, charge Joshua."
"That guy was here?" Lucia asks, mouth twisting. ". . . irritating." She looks away, awkwardly. ". . . so . . ."
"He was." Kazuki affirms, then waits for Lucia to finish.
Lucia frowns. ". . . I'm not making any promises or anything, but . . ."
* Kazuki actually looks a little surprised, "But?"
"I'll think about what you said," Lucia says. "About . . . my brother."
...thanks. I don't feel right leaving him this way though.
* Kazuki heistates, then asks, "Is it possible to keep his body away from Sidney? I know you're thinking about it, but I'd prefer if he at least didn't get leeched off of."
Lucia shakes her head. "I don't know," she says. ". . . I'll talk to Sidney."
* Kazuki smiles a little weakly, barely having enough strength after snapping at Joshua, reviving, on top of everything else that happened this morning.
Lucia kisses him on the cheek. "Let's go get lunch," she says. "You must be exhausted."
* Kazuki ...blushes a little under the blood, but gives the closet one last sideglance before nodding.
Oh.
* Kazuki agrees, "yeah, he was turned into a monster by your butler, or something like that, right? He still has some humanity in him though, or else he wouldn't be so worried about you."
"A monster?" Lucia's head jerks towards Sidney.
Sidney looks unconcerned. "By my standards, not particularly."
You're admitting it!?
* Sera says, quietly: "A creature who feeds on fear, and lives on the periphery. He gave us nightmares last game."
"I swore I'd never lie to Miss Lucia," Sidney says.
Lucia's mouth is in a tight line. ". . . I don't care."
About your--
* Vaan realizes this is probably not the right time.
* Kazuki continues what Sera says, "I'm just telling you how it is. He needs to make people afraid in order to have enough power to keep living. His soul to keep living, I mean. And that's how he tries to talk to people too, by making them afraid enough of him to listen to what he says."
That's... awful.
...
.....
... Uh, question.
Why is he like that in the first place?
"I killed him," says Lucia.
. . .
* Sera nods.
Sidney starts to walk up to Lucia, slowly.
... why?
* Shuri is silent...
... According to Kazuki, he's not.
... not in the normal terms anyway.
* Kazuki connects the dots, and also nods, "And then your butler turned him into a monster somehow." ...also turns to Sidney, "If you don't mind, I'm trying to talk to her one-on-one."
And yeah, isn't his body alive?
"My apologies." Sidney stays to one side, then. "I simply hoped to give some moral support."
* Kazuki eyes Sidney warily, but gives a nod to let Sidney know he won't kick up a huge fuss about it.
"He's in a coma," Lucia says irritably, eyes flashing, and reaches out one hand to Sidney, beckoning. "When I summoned Sidney, my brother . . . died. You can hardly say that vegetative body is my brother. And that monster isn't, either!"
Sidney approaches Lucia again.
* Koizumi^Risa looks at Sidney. Not a pact?
He was the sacrifice.
He smiles at her evenly.
* Kazuki 's mouth twists, "That demon sigil, from last game. I was told that David's blood on it made him into what he is."
"I don't know," Lucia says. "I don't care."
Why would you kill--
* Shuri sidelong glance. "What DO you care about, Lucia?"
You don't have to care. I'm just saying. You wanted to hear, right?
... so the question is, why did you summon Sidney?
.....Your brother.........
...
Were you...
Lucia leans against Sidney. "I have the things I want!" she says sharply.
Sidney puts an arm around her.
...The demon your butler is can give you whatever treasures you want if you command him. That's how it is, isn't it?
* Shuri hmmms, and crosses his arms.
"Exactly," says Lucia.
...Even your own family...
Sidney, what do you get out of this?
I think that what you really want isn't so easy to get. But what would I know?
"Lucia is my master," Sidney says. "This isn't about me."
I don't believe that.
Uwah, I think we're all curious nevertheless.
I don't think any of us believe that.
"That's unfortunate," he says. "She is my master; I have no pact with her."
Lucia... what I really want to know, is... why do murders follow your household around? First in Orange County... now here.
The same kind.
Lucia looks at her blankly. "Demons need to eat."
...?
...ah.
Murders?
.......
Risa, we saw a car on the road--
"As for the murders here," Lucia says, "they're not all us. Not the serial killings. That's not us."
Do you know who?
Lucia tilts her head. "Something I want."
Something...?
... not someone?
"I don't care about who wields it," Lucia shrugs. "They're just puppets."
It's the--
I'm hearing a lot of 'I want.' That's pretty selfish, if David didn't tell me otherwise I'd think that's all you were capable of, being selfish I mean.
* Robin^Sena looks at Shuri.
Lucia twitches a little, jerking like she's been slapped.
* Shuri mutters. "Sword?"
* Robin^Sena nods.
* Vaan looks at Shuri....
Sidney's hand strokes down Lucia's side.
* Shuri ...glances back up at Lucia and Kazuki
...
Kazuki,
Kazuki where's David?
Maybe we should *all* talk to him.
He's here. Or at least, his body is. His spirits around too, wherever Sidney isn't. Sidney has been leeching off your brother, did you know that Lucia?
"It's not surprising," Lucia says calmly.
but that's missing the point. You WANT to know why that would make me want to kill your demon, right?
Lucia raises an eyebrow, then nods. "Tell me."
... man I so confused right now.
* Vaan is with Risa on this, man.
* Shuri just looks sort of depressed. :/
Because even in a dark, quiet, cramped closet where he was trying to scare the shit out of me, David has enough humanity in him to make friends. Me. And he has enough humanitiy in him to want to see you stop being tired, to stop blaming yourself, and to go back to not having to worry so much about life. And the only way he knows how to do that is to get rid of your demon, the source.
You might not care, but... I want to ask you, what do you want? To be miserable? Thought of as selfish by others? What?
Lucia's eyes widen. ". . . a-ah . . ."
Sidney bends down to her. "You know what you want, Lucia," he says, softly. "You know the choices you've made and why you've made them."
* Sera looks down. "...do you want to be our friend, or to collect us? ...that's what I really want to know."
Lucia hesitates--then jumps (as well as the rest of the room, probably) as one of the windows implodes suddenly, flooded with an incoming murder of crows.
* Robin^Sena turns and gasps.
Ahhhh--?!
HOLY SHIT.
* Kazuki looks up!
Ahh!
whoaaa
...
There is the roar of an engine outside.
Someone's here.
What's that?!
I wonder who it is outside....
". . . Konatsu . . ." says Lucia. Unsurprised.
* Robin^Sena starts running downstairs.
--They found him??
--He's back?
. . .
Where was he?
"He found us," says Lucia, taking Sidney's hand.
* Kazuki stays up here, next to Lucia and Sidney
* Sera stays, too.
...
"Let's go." He scoops Lucia up and heads for the front entryway.
Hey--
Wait just a second, where do you think you're going?!
* Shuri FOLLOWS THEM
Lucia tilts her head to look at Kazuki. "Are you coming?" she asks.
* Vaan FOLLOWS
* Sera follows, too.
* John^Brown follows!
* Koizumi^Risa shrugs and follows.
* Kazuki ...follows, "Alright. Because I made a promise to look out for you."
Lucia turns her head away so he doesn't see her expression.
#aculminationofgooddecisions
The scene is as such: Konatsu (in stellar threads, a blood splattered red t-shirt and tight jeans) has . . . crashed a motorcycle into the first floor sitting room. Sidney is coming downstairs with Lucia in his arms: she is still dressed in a nightgown, and has a crow on her shoulder. There are a group of the others following her.
UP IN THE SKY is . . . a dragon, being ridden by Belphegor, Raidou, Elli, and Itachi.
And: go.
Konatsu--!
* Shuri just. ... stares.
Konatsu's jeans are very tight, Shuri.
* Sera ... glances at Konatsu and then stares up.
* Shuri notices that THANK YOU, NARRATOR.
* Vaan watches the sky in amazement.
* Konatsu dismounts the bike, pulling a familiar sword from a sheath on his back, holding it out with a wide, wicked smile on his face. "Mr. Sidney, it's been far too long."
* Ashton WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON
* Kazuki looks up, looks at Konatsu... moves closer to Lucia and Sidney, who are still his priority.
* John^Brown JOINS ASHTON IN THAT CORNER
Mr. Sidney takes a step behind Kazuki, still holding Lucia.
* Robin^Sena is watching Konatsu warily, putting on her glasses.
#Konatsumakesgooddecisions
(We can kill them all can't we? Make quick work of them if they move to stop us.)
(The more the merrier, dear.)
#aculminationofgooddecisions
. . .
Uhm.
"My goodness," he says. "It has been. I hardly recognize you."
...oh no.
* Vaan rubs his eyes. This has *gotta* be some bad dream.
What the hell is going on?
Is that...
That sword--!
* Robin^Sena glances frantically at Sera.
Sidney. It'd be a good idea to put Lucia down.
* Shuri MUTTERS TO HIMSELF. "So he was--!"
* Konatsu laughs, short and clipped. "Are you hiding now? Please don't hide from me."
...
...
Lucia hops down out of Sidney's arms, standing in front of Sidney.
CHRIST KONATSU DID YOU MAKE A PACT?!
It's the sword!
...
* Kazuki stands next to Lucia, even if she's in front of Sidney. :/
Elli shouts from the dragon, "It's possessing him! Watch out, he won't care who he kills!"
Konatsu--
WHAT'S possessing him?!
Elli!
* Shuri also stands near Lucia...
* Konatsu steps forward, deliberately, toward Sidney. "Come now, fight me like a man why don't you?"
The sword.
...So Konatsu killed that guy...
* Sera ... stays near Lucia too.
Is there a way to get him UNpossessed?
* Vaan sadfaces at Ashton.
* Ashton makes a 'what' face at Vaan.
Kohryu circles a bit before approaching the ground.
Sidney glances at Kazuki. "I don't suppose you'll lend me a hand," he suggests.
* Konatsu sneers at him. "Coward! Fight your own battle!"
* Kazuki ...grimaces. "You can't handle a fight? you're supposed to be a high ranking demon aren't you?"
#konatsumakesgooddecisions
(Boring! Enough with the talk. Let's kill.)
#aculminationofgooddecisions
* Vaan tries to understand this . . .
"We need to get the sword from him, or he'll lose his mind completely," Lucia says to Kazuki.
How are we supposed to do that??
* Itachi drops down from the dragon.
Sidney cracks his knuckles. "Miss Lucia, what are your orders?"
... ITACHI!!
I don't know if my fire will work...
* Kazuki turns to Lucia, "If I help him out, will you keep out of the way?"
Lucia nods. "Take care of him!"
* Raidou looks at Elli. "Does the possession give him resistance to mental attacks?"
...Risa.
"Enough of orders!" Konatsu shouts, diving toward Sidney, sword poised to strike.
* Kazuki --REAPER BEAMS AT KONATSU!
... what the heck are you guys doing here? Wait, hold that thought. maybe we should talk after Konatsu uhm. Stops being crazy
Sidney smacks the sword aside with the flat of one hand as he twists away, drawing the battle away from Lucia.
* Shuri holy shit, getting out of the range of this fight.
Yes, I think so.
* Sera transforms and stays between Lucia and Konatsu.
Lucia runs to take cover. With Shuri, probably. GG, brave Shuri.
* Vaan just kinda stares at it.
* Robin^Sena is keeping an eye on Lucia and Shuri to shield them with fire if necessary.
* Ashton very confused, but moving to cover Shuri and Lucia's retreat.
* Koizumi^Risa runs over to Vaan.
* Kazuki hops around to Konatsu's back, eying the sword.
Eh--Risa
* Belphegor finally drops down from the dragon. His mink hovers in the air nearby, awaiting his command.
What, I don't wanna get stabbed.
D:
* Shuri is ALMOST like protecting Lucia ok.
--We can't have Konatsu die.
* Konatsu raises one arm, easily smacking Kazuki's beam away, moving to throw him from his back as well. Snarls and dives at Sidney again, aiming to stab him.
Well...uh.
* Itachi keeps his attention on Konatsu.
* John^Brown moves to stand next to Robin, even if he can't do anything other then being a meatshield
We're probably not that safe right here.
* Ashton moving next to Robin and John. Defense wall?
....backs up, bringing Risa with him.
* Vaan .......to where Robin, John, and Ashton are.
... you know, a big crowd would be an easy target. Just sayig.
You're right.
* Kazuki is unbalanced from Konatsu's throw! Tries to regain it, before bolting after Konatsu.
Fan out?
Well, what should we do then?
Ah--
* Sera attempts to cast Bufudyne on Konatsu in the interest of getting him unsworded.
Yeah, spread out.
* Robin^Sena moves to the side to hit long-range.
* Raidou recalls Kohryu and summons two demons from the confinement tubes in his hand: Lilith and the Black Rider.
Sidney pulls a sword out of nowhere himself, black and glistening, and blocks one of Konatsu's swings.
* John^Brown moves away and JUST STANDS THERE DERP
... yeah heck no.
* Koizumi^Risa going to run back by the house.
* Ashton draws his swords. The dragons rear up.
Risa--.
* Belphegor readies a small barrage of knives, coating them in storm flames. He holds them between his fingers, looking for the perfect spot to aim. He cares not about casualties, but his target is Konatsu. And then he throws once an opening appears.
* Vaan pulls out his pole . . .
* Robin^Sena yells at Belphegor. "Don't kill him!"
H-He can survive something like that!
He's hardier than he looks.
...Right??
* Shuri looks unsure suddenly.
* Konatsu holds against Sidney's counter, scowling and stepping back. A strange power surges about him, surging in flames, melting Sera's spell before it hits home, fire licking up Belphegor's wires.
#konatsumakesgooddecisions
(Kill Him, kill Him NOW)
(Don't let him mock us like this! I'll take his position!)
(Power, kill the rest of them, we'll have their power then!)
(he's strong... cut the pendant from the girl, hopefully with her head as well! If she's not in possession of it she cannot command them -- whoever has possession can!)
(We'll take it, we'll make him our dog!)
(That would be a beautiful day!)
#aculminationofgooddecisions
... wow.
A-apparently he can!
* Robin^Sena 's eyes widen.
* Kazuki ...grabs his holy water bottle. Opens it. THROWS IT LIKE A GRENADE AT KONATSU!
#konatsumakesgooddecisions
(OW MOTHERFUCKER)
#aculminationofgooddecisions
* Belphegor , shocked at the flames heading back toward him, drops the wires.
Mink!
* John^Brown OFFERS UP A PRAYER TO AID THE HOLY WATER
... SHURI. SHURI.
WHAT?!
* Koizumi^Risa grabs his sleeve.
* Vaan ....sob why does he just have a pole.
Lilith heads towards Konatsu while the Black Rider circles around for an opening to strike.
Sidney salutes Konatsu with his blade -- or, it seems, salutes Konatsu's *sword*. He's also in the path of the holy water and his swing gets off balance as he gets hit with it as well.
* Konatsu hisses in pain, recoiling before he turns to Kazuki, growling and diving with a slash aimed at releiving him of his head.
* Shuri turns to Risa?!
You think any of Lucia's things are... holy aura enough to do something to Konatsu?
* Belphegor 's mink flies toward Konatsu with a 'kii~' to surround him in a circle of storm flames on the ground.
* Vaan shouldn't have opened that treasure chest in front of Old Dalan's after all.
Ask LUCIA!
* Ashton THROWS A BIBLE AT KONATSU'S HEAD.
LUCIA?!
* Shuri turns to Lucia instead. 8(
THE BELL--
I-I don't think the bell really does anything like that--!
It warded Rand away, didn't it?
* Kazuki backs up, and holds up his second bottle of holy water to meet Konatsu's sword.
"I can't use anything that'll hurt my demons, too! It's a double casualty . . ." Lucia crosses her arms.
...
W-We don't want a casualty anyway!
#konatsumakesthebestdecisions
(The girl the girl the girl! Don't let it end like this!)
(I won't let this end, I'll kill them all!)
#aculminationofgooddecisions
* Konatsu pulls away quickly, turning the slash to a stab aimed at Kazuki's gut.
But you don't want Konatsu TO STAY LIKE THIS
No one's going to KILL Konatsu--
I KNOW THAT SHUT UP!
Sidney shakes off the holy water, large black wings spreading behind him, tongue too long as he hisses frustration.
....
holy fuck
* Ashton . . . AHHH.
* Konatsu casts his glance quickly about the room as he attacks, eyes locking on Lucia with a wicked smile. "There she is, there she is!"
Wow......
* Kazuki is stabbed in the gut! But brings the bottle of holy water DOWN onto Konatsu's hand and sword hilt, even as the sword goes even deeper into his gut.
* Shuri --holy shit stands in front of Lucia.
* Belphegor throws another small array of knives at Konatsu, this time without wires.
KAZUKI!
* Sera is still between Lucia and Konatsu. Brings her bladed arms up in defense.
* Konatsu howls in pain. Only tightening his grip on the sword as he twists it inside of Kazuki.
K-Kazuki!
* Kazuki WINCES, and grabs at Konatsu's wrist, trying to pull the sword out!
* Konatsu pulls the sword out with a violent upward slice, aiming to rend Kazuki from end to end.
Lilith closes as much distance between herself and Konatsu as she can, then casts Dormina in an attempt to at least sedate him if not knock him out.
* Ashton brings up his swords. Ururun is firing off quick blasts of ice, trying to hit Konatsu's arms and legs.
* Belphegor approaches the scene, considering using one of the Hell knives he got from Michael.
* Koizumi^Risa has an idea, drags our priest over to the side.
* Kazuki is not QUITE rended end-toend, but has a HUGE, deep slash through his torso now. Stumble backs, then collapses!
Ah--Risa where are you--
* Robin^Sena puts a large fire shield around Lucia.
A-ah, Risa?!
... Can you bless a hose?
...
Lucia yelps a little in surprise, grabbing onto Shuri's arm. Then abruptly pretends she hadn't.
* Vaan follows them . . .
this is a totally serious question.
...to shoot Holy Water?
#konatsumakesthebestdecisions
(...in retrospect this was a little one-sided... But you can make it, can't you?)
(I can kill her I can kill her)
(DO IT)
#aculminationofgooddecisions
* Konatsu keeps a shield of flame about himself by now, has grown weary of these distractions. Turns with a howl charging at Lucia, cutting fire with fire.
* Koizumi^Risa nods.
* Sidney notices everyone else seems to be doing a good job and flicks some dust off his should-- oh shit
* Sera charges back at him, trying her best to STAB HIM SOMEWHERE.
* Shuri preparing zaiphon haha haaaa
We're gonna try to break this off with *water*?
* Ashton ALSO CHARGES KONATSU.
...
* Robin^Sena gasps
I can try!
* Kazuki ...is slowly healing on the ground. But can't get up just yet.
holy water, dammit.
John, do it! Please!
Turn on the hose
* Belphegor has the mink create a flame barrier in front of himself in order to get close and throws knives at Konatsu.
* Koizumi^Risa grabs the hose and ready to fire.
* John^Brown BLESS THIS HOSE, GOD!
* Vaan is probably in the way.
"Sidney, dodge!" yells Lucia.
* Vaan .... gets out of the way
* Konatsu lets loose a blast of power, pushing back anyone who tries to attack, driving his sword straight toward Lucia's heart.
Sidney is forced back from the holy water hose, watching as Konatsu lunges for Lucia
Lucia--!!
#konatsumakesthebestdecisions
(No matter how much damage you take, if you get that amulet, all will be well!)
(I'll kill her, they can't stop me, I can win!)
(Is this all you have in you? More! You can't stop yet!)
#aculminationofgooddecisions
* Sera tries her best to get in between Konatsu and Lucia again.
* Kazuki GETS UP, not fully healed, god no and lunges for Konatsu
* Ashton twists, lands, tries to charge between them again.
* Robin^Sena tries her shield again, but is knocked back
Lilith moves to intercept Konatsu, hoping her immunity to physical attacks will hold.
* Shuri trying to zaiphon Konatsu in the face, but um. :(
* Koizumi^Risa still just holding the hose at Konatsu. :|b
* John^Brown keeps a stream of exorcism prayers going at Konatsu
Lucia is standing with her back against the wall, pale-faced but unreacting, watching everyone.
Lucia, RUN!
* Sera is unaffected by holy water! DOING HER BEST WITH THE STABBING.
* Belphegor 's flame barrier holds up, but he doesn't approach further yet.
* Konatsu the water hisses and turns to steam against his shield of flame, he lifts his sword on his approach, slashing down on Lucia.
EHH--
* Vaan runs towards Lucia--
KONATSU!
Lucia looks up at the sword, not moving.
* Ashton 's dragons are sputtering and roaring angrily, but not actually dying from holy water.
* John^Brown prays harder!
Sidney -- and Elli, incidentally -- are completely held at bay by the holy water hose and prayers, though Sidney hardens his face and approaches the stream again.
* Kazuki turns to John, "TURN OFF THE WATER! It makes that guy weak, and we have to work with him!"
* Shuri trying to jump on Konatsu's back slkdfjwa.
* Itachi uses teleporation jutsu to try to intercept Konatsu.
Risa!
* Ashton t-trying to get in there and block Konatsu wtf
* Koizumi^Risa shuts the water off.
* Kazuki ...fuck this, GOING FOR LUCIA and trying to drag her away
... WELL IT WAS A GOOD IDEA. Sort of.
* Belphegor 's mink releases the barrier and flies toward Konatsu, trailing storm flames. Would do to send him a good blast of that stuff.
Well, your ideas always are....
I have good ideas, shush.
* Koizumi^Risa sprays Vaan.
H-hey!
Lucia says, "Everybody, STOP!"
* Konatsu growls violently, hacking and slashing at anyone who stands between him and Lucia, flames licking at anyone who approaches from behind.
Go with God, Vaan.
* Belphegor 's mink stoooops. Bel glances at Lucia.
What?
That's-- kind of hard, you know! When you're about to get SLASHED BY A SWORD!
Who's God--
* Itachi dodges Konatsu and stops when Lucia shouts.
* Shuri gets up from where he has been knocked over and... pauses
... nothing, nevermind.
* Raidou makes an annoyed sound and recalls Black RIDER for Black FROST, who is at least immune to fire.
.....
* Kazuki ...bleeding heavily on Lucia probably, btw.
* Ashton just trying to block Konatsu's attacks, okay.
* Sera is with Ashton.
* Konatsu pushes Ashton away with a burst of power, aims another at Sera. Drives forward with an angered growl to stab both Kazuki and Lucia through in one strike.
Sidney ... ...stops as he was ordered...
WHY ARE WE STOPPING--!?
* Ashton ...gets shoved. Ururun spits ice at Konatsu's sword.
LUCIA!
KAZUKI!
* Robin^Sena tries another fire shield in front of Lucia and Kazuki
Lucia shoves Kazuki away and grabs Konatsu's blade. With her hands.
That is a lot of blood!
Sidney's face contorts.
#konatsumakesthebestdecisions
(Your wounds... that's enough, I suppose. I can take her now.)
You feel it fleeing, your bloodlust with it.
It is rushing into her, leaving you.
Your injuries probably hurt like fuck now
#aculminationofgooddecisions
* Robin^Sena 's shield dissipates abruptly
* Itachi blinks.
* Kazuki ffff, is pushed pretty easily considering he has yet to completely heal
* Konatsu tightens his grip on the hilt and reaches one hand out for Lucia's neck.
Ah--
* Shuri ...sobs.
* Belphegor readies more knives, waiting.
Asmodeus, do something! You said she was your master!
Lucia's blood runs down the blade, and she stares at Konatsu, wide-eyed.
Lucia...
* Konatsu stares back, his eyes suddenly just as wide, his hand frozen in midair.
Lucia tugs on the sword. Gently.
What on earth--
* Belphegor watches carefully...
* Shuri oh man what is happening ;;
Sidney runs across the holy-water-soaked lawn towards them, feet steaming.
* Ashton ahhh what.
... Konatsu...?
...oh no.
.....shit
...
...
* Konatsu easily releases it, dropping to one knee before her.
What? Is someone going to explain?!
W-what's happening?
IS SHE POSSESSED TOO?
Risa, shhh.
* Kazuki struggles upwards, trying to reach for the sword and to get it out of Lucia's hand.
She gave it blood--
...
...
"Let me through," Sidney says.
Lucia moves to grip the sword by the hilt, still bleeding all over her nightgown.
The blood... is the blood the contract?
* Shuri s-steps out of the way for sure
* Itachi is just watching all this, silent and impassive because he's a ninja.
Without the sword's weight holding him up, Konatsu collapses at her feet with a low groan.
Lucia looks up at Sidney, tilting her head.
* Shuri is completely the opposite of impassive and is probably crying rather pitifully at this whole situation.
* Sera is frozen, still.
You--wh-what did . . .
Elli tries to push through after, swearing as her feet, also, steam, though she's going for Konatsu instead of Lucia.
Konatsu...?
* Vaan is probably crying a little.
Sidney looks down at Lucia. "Are you still there," he says.
* Sera is recalled to the situation by Elli and tries casting Diarama on Konatsu, still watching.
* Kazuki ...goes to lean against the wall. Trying to concentrate on healing some more, letting Sidney get owned by his own Master if he wants.
"Thank you," Elli stammers to Sera.
* Koizumi^Risa is just watching, standing here with the hose.
* Konatsu recovers HP!
Lucia pulls the necklace from her neck, dangling it to show to Sidney. "Is this yours?" she asks.
* Ashton scrambles up. Then stands there.
"That's mine," he says, agreeably.
* John^Brown stands there and... derps
* Konatsu pushes himself away from between Sidney and Lucia, still stumbling a bit as he gets to his feet, watching.
* Vaan derps with John.
* Sera moves to stand next to Elli.
* Koizumi^Risa stares at Konatsu warily.
* Shuri NOT-SUBTLY MOVING TOWARDS KONATSU
Lucia hefts the sword to her shoulder, smiling. "We wanted to kill him, didn't we, everybody?" she asks. "Asmodeus."
...
Who are you?
......
...
* Belphegor watches Lucia, frowning.
... kill him.
Konatsu--!
...you're not Miss Bellcourt.
"You want to kill me?" he asks Lucia.
* Kazuki says agreeably, "I wanted to. You though, I'm pretty sure you didn't"
We had an agreement, kill him.
... What's going on.
Konatsu, you made a deal just to kill him?!
.........
I really wish everyone would stop making msyterious deals when no one else is looking.
I agree.
* Koizumi^Risa turns the hose on Konatsu.
People are too stupid not to. What do you expect?
It would be easier that way. . .
* Kazuki ...starts to get conflicted.
* Konatsu gets wet!
* Konatsu sputters, holding up his arms to block the water. "Wh-what?!"
* Koizumi^Risa keeps the hose on him. "IDIOT!"
* Ashton . . . sighs in tandem with his dragons.
* Vaan hehe its not me anymore.
"Miss Risa stop it!"
* John^Brown just shakes his head
Sidney does not look away from her. "What a conflict," he murmurs. "The woman I love, my master, and my enemy. What will I do when you give me an order?" He reaches for her.
No. I think you deserve a good soak.
Oh *man*.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend!
...........
"Shall I order you to die?" Lucia asks sweetly, raising the sword.
That's not true!!
* Koizumi^Risa turns the hose off and walks over to Konatsu... and slaps him again.
* Robin^Sena just watches Sidney and Lucia carefully.
* Konatsu takes that, holding his hand to his cheek. "N-Now is not the time--!"
* Itachi smirks at Risa, before turning his attention to Sidney and Lucia.
"Can you kill me?" he counters. His fingers reach for her forehead.
* Sera glances at Elli to see if they have any opinion on this.
...
* Kazuki ...fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffuck. Reaches out for Lucia, trying to tug her sword arm back and away from Sidney, "Stop! Sidney... do you really think it'd be her wanting you to die?"
Elli looks... terse, perhaps in a way where she does not want to face a demon prince if avoidable and wants to see how this resolves.
* Koizumi^Risa knees Konatsu in the crotch before turning her attention at Lucia.
* Shuri turns back to Sidney and Lucia too. ;;
* Sera waits, then.
* Konatsu squeaks in pain and doubles over.
Lucia tilts her head, looking down at Kazuki. "And what do you want?"
...
This is not going to end well . . .
* John^Brown tenses
Me? I want... I want you and David to be happy. Fuck, I want Sidney to go away, and the best way I think that can happen is to get him to die... but not like this!
Sidney's fingers touch Lucia's forehead. "And I told you: You're mine, nobody else's."
Even if Asmodeus is gone, you're still here.
Lucia closes her eyes.
* Kazuki looks to Sidney, "No. She's not just Yours. You know it, I know it, she even probably knows it, everyone here... who is friends with her, have her!"
* Konatsu grunts, grumbling through the pain. "Why are you wasting so much time--?!"
Be quiet, Konatsu.
"Does the red sword have her, then?" Sidney asks Kazuki, sarcastically, "while you're doling her out so freely?"
* Shuri looks sort of helplessly between Konatsu and Sidney and Lucia, sob.
* Koizumi^Risa is reminded why she likes Itachi so much.
She's her own. And she should kill who she wants. Not what it wants.
"Does anybody really want her?" the words come out of Lucia's mouth.
* Konatsu would glare at Itachi if he could.
* Vaan has no idea who half these people are.
Lilith glances archly at Konatsu. "Perhaps I should try putting him to sleep again."
What's that supposed to mean?!
......
What Sera said. Lucia is her own to give out... and I want her, if it helps.
I want to be her friend.
I guess...I could be.
Seriously, exactly!
... I would, too.
Yeah, me too!
We--had an agreement, she would not die unless necessary.
...and I know David does as well.
I would too.
She's not going to die AT ALL.
* Sera nods.
Lucia snorts. "That's very touching. An inspirational speech, everybody."
And she's not going to be JUST yours. Or the swords, if we can help it.
"What is this," Sidney says, hand sliding down to touch the blade of the sword instead, "a touching television power-of-friendship moment?"
Ironically the sword and Sidney appear to be in agreement.
Demons. What can you do with them?
They asked a question and we're ANSWERING IT!
Yes! ...what's television?
What's television.....
... we'll explain later.
... Man, can like, no one die? Please? If everyone dies, I don't think we can get back home.
Nothing important.
I don't expect you two to understand.
His hand closes around the sword and he tries to pull it from Lucia's grip.
* Kazuki tugs Lucia back as Sidney does that?!
* Konatsu watches carefully, shoulders tense.
I'm not that dumb--
Lucia looks up at Sidney, then falls back into Kazuki's arms, hands falling limply from the hilt of the sword.
* Vaan watches this anyways.
Lucia...!
* Ashton ... well then.
* Kazuki is HIGHTALING IT TO THE OTHERSIDE OF. ...AWAY FROM SIDNEY with Lucia now.
Sidney looks at the sword and then leans it over one shoulder casually.
Lucia tries--kind of weakly, still bleeding--to elbow Kazuki in the balls.
"I'll put this upstairs with your other belongings, shall I?" Sidney asks. "Miss Lucia."
* Sera checks the Elliometer again.
* Kazuki his elbowed in the thigh, then. "I try to save you and this is the thanks I get..."
Elli is staring at the sword. "Give it here."
That kind seems a little dangerous.
It . . . it didn't work?
What didn't work??
What didn't work?
He was trying to kill Asmodeus... right?
"Ahhhhh, of course I didn't kill him," Lucia complains. "Ow, hell, my hands . . ."
Why didn't you kill him?
* Sera is willing to take Elli's cue on this. Walks towards Sidney. "I think her having you -and- that is a little much..."
* Kazuki ...rips off some of his pants, NOT THAT LUCIA WOULD APPRECIATE IT, and gives it to her as a makeshift bandage.
What's going onnnn...
"But she's worked so hard to get it," Sidney tells them.
"We didn't even kill Konatsu . . ."
Lilith gestures languidly and casts a healing/Mediarama spell on Kazuki and Lucia.
He nods to Konatsu. "I appreciate you taking the bait, by the way."
....
Bait--?
what.
You used him??
You--! You did this--!?
Lucia perks up a little as she's healed.
"Well, you did," Sidney said. "I simply caved to your demands to explain the situation to you before everyone else."
... what.
...
........
...uh.
* Raidou watches Sidney, eyes narrowed.
* Itachi sighs
Elli turns to Lucia. "It's not safe for you to have that sword," she says. "I cannot be affected by it. Please give it to me until it can be destroyed."
"And the demon?! what of him?" Konatsu's eyes dart quickly to the sword.
* Shuri CANNOT DECIDE WHETHER HE SHOULD BE GLARING AT KONATSU OR SIDNEY
* Kazuki ...just helps Lucia to sit up, leaning her against a wall as they're healed.
"You had shown me before that it had made a pact with you," Sidney says, a little pleased. "It was a gamble but I thought if yout wo were in the same town it'd try to claim you again."
* Belphegor mutters under his breath, calling his mink back.
--the blood in the closet!
"It was really hard to find, so we had you bring it to us," Lucia sighs.
. . .
...
...
.........
...
* Konatsu eyes widen for a moment before he launches himself at Sidney with an inarticulate cry of rage.
...
What were we *looking* for then?
... you were willing to sacrifice your friends for a collectors item, huh? Just like you sacrificed David for Sidney.
Konatsu, no--!
* Koizumi^Risa turns the hose on Konatsu again.
So if you planned this from the START, why were you so mad about it, Lucia--
* Shuri whoa whoa what is Konatsu doing
* Itachi thinks Konatsu is not very bright.
Sidney doesn't mind if Konatsu launches. Whatcha doin there, Konatsu.
* Konatsu going for the stupid sword again, buddy.
Lucia looks at Kazuki, then away. ". . . my friends, hm?" She makes no comment on David.
* Belphegor thinks the lot of them all are idiots.
"Well, fortunately, nobody died," Sidney says, holding the sword out of Konatsu's reach.
Lucia...!
Elli says, "Lucia Bellcourt. Please listen."
* Ashton ... jumps forward to collar Konatsu.
* Sera is over by Sidney at this point, and grabs Konatsu so he doesn't try to die again. :/
Lucia looks over at Elli. "What? Who are you?"
* Kazuki replies back, "Yep. I'm still your friend, even if I think it's stupid. Cause I think that you're so used to collecting things now you don't think you can even have friends, and all that matters are the items. So I'm going to make it my job to prove you wrong."
* Ashton looks at Sera. "Maybe we should sit on him."
"I'm a survivor of one of that sword's massacres," Elli says.
* Kazuki also-- shuts up for Elli.
* John^Brown listens...
* Konatsu struggles against Sera and Ashton. "Just--he's our enemy, isn't he?!"
Lucia . . . hears Kazuki, but just looks at at Elli. "And?"
Konatsu, please...!
You're not helping.
* Sera ... watches Elli, holding onto Konatsu.
* Itachi looks at Konatsu, "Blindly attacking him isn't going to solve anything."
"I--we had a deal--! He'd--he said he'd take me to see Cain--!" Konatsu's tone pitches high, hysterical.
...
...
"I saw my brother take up that sword and murder everyone I know," she says. "I killed my brother to stop it." She draws a shaky breath.
"It isn't meant to be collected until it gets out and kills again. It needs to be destroyed."
You were manipulated.
What on Earth....
K-Konatsu...
Elli...
Lucia closes her eyes, looking away.
I only killed those who deserved it! It told me I could see him!
* Ashton listens. His dragons clamp their beaks on Konatsu's shirt for good measure.
...
* Sera ...squeezes Konatsu's shoulder, while still hanging on.
* Kazuki mutters to himself, "The prison massarcres..."
* Shuri just ahhhhh this is too much happening at once and I have a headache.
"It's just a thing," Elli tells Lucia. "Why do you even want it?"
* Konatsu stops struggling, just staring at Elli and the sword, tears running down his face.
Lucia . . . shrugs. "I don't have anything. Except things."
You've got us!
That's ridiculous! You've got people all around you!
Elli looks around, then back. Dubiously, in Luka's voice, he says, "Really?"
* Kazuki agrees with Elli, "And David, even if you don't want him. But it's not that easy to believe, huh?"
The other household demons are creeping out to see what was going on, though they stay away from the holy-water soaked lawn
* Sera leaves Konatsu to Ashton and goes to stand with Elluka.
* Robin^Sena keeps an eye on the demons that they don't get too close.
Lucia looks up at Sidney.
* Raidou watches the demons as well.
* Kazuki also looks to Sidney.
Sidney gives her a one-shouldered shrug. "Well," he says, uncaring of the outcome, "it's yours to do with what you like. It means nothing to me."
* Ashton and the dragons continue hanging onto Konatsu, but not roughly.
* John^Brown looks for Jez...
* Vaan is watching the demons.
"Ah . . . everything will have been for nothing, then," Lucia sighs.
* Konatsu isn't putting up any resistance anymore, crumples quietly to the floor.
"But hasn't it been an exciting party regardless? Do what you like. Don't let them sway your thoughts."
Haha, really?
Do you really think that? Isn't everything enough just to have fun with everyone?
Only if the sword is the only ultimate goal that meant anything...
* Ashton e-eases Konatsu down. Awkward.
Lucia . . . brings her knees up to her chest, and looks at Shuri.
* Kazuki ...looks to Shuri. And wriggles his eyebrows.
* Shuri looks at Lucia and ignores Kazuki, thanks.
Sidney looks at Shuri with mild killing intnet.
* Shuri ... also ignores Sidney, thanks.
". . . I didn't mean for Konatsu to . . . have that happen," Lucia says awkwardly. "I just worked with it when it did."
... Okay.
Was your frustration a lie, too?
Lucia shakes her head! "No!"
--You still shouldn't have really done that, but at least--right...
* Koizumi^Risa just makes her way over to Konatsu and grabs his hand.
Lucia shifts, awkwardly, and says, ". . . I have to think about things."
* Shuri looks around at everyone and then glances back. "Are you going to be all right?"
* Kazuki nods, "Yeah. If you want more answers-- from any of us, I'm pretty sure, just ask. But don't let anyone sway your thoughts but yourself."
* Sera tilts her head.
"Some of you don't forgive me. Some of you are idiots. And as for the rest of you . . ." Lucia just shakes her head.
. . .
* Vaan is *probably* one of those idiots.
* Shuri ...crosses his arms, not entirely sure what category he's supposed to fit in. :(
* Kazuki grins at her, "I'm an idiot all right."
* Sera ... eyes Elluka sideways. "I'm willing to accept a label."
* Belphegor snorts. "I don't really care." He's obviously not an idiot, and all this was just something to do while he was here.
Elli is still watching, silent and pale.
Lucia looks at Kazuki. "If I give up the sword, you won't try to take away Sidney?"
A smile flickers across Sidney's face.
* Kazuki ...looks sideways at Sidney, and admits honestly, "Probably not. But that's because the sword is just some item to me, I don't care what happens to it."
... how do you destroy it, though...?
Elli reaches into a boot and pulls out a gun.
...um.
You're going to *shoot* the *sword*?
would that work?
* Sera has tensed up.
Elli says, "That was my plan, yeah."
... uh, maybe we should step back
How would you shoot a /sword/?
if it shatters
...Wouldn't the bullet...
and you know, take someone's eye out
Ah, that's true.
* Shuri just gets out of the way, geez
* Vaan gets out of the general way.
* Belphegor steps back warily.
"It's still an if, isn't it?"
* Ashton drags Konatsu out of the way.
Lucia stands up, wobbly.
It couldn't be an ordinary bullet.
* Kazuki moves in front of Lucia
Lucia looks at him, raising her eyebrows.
...is that like Sam and Dean's? Kazuki, don't.
* Kazuki raises his eyebrows back at her, "Why not?"
"What?" Lucia asks.
...I -think- we're beyond the shooting each other unexpectedly stage.
Yeah. But better me than her to get hit by sword pieces, right?
True.
". . . you really . . . like my brother . . ." Lucia says in a tiny voice.
My fire will deflect bullets. I can cover you.
* Kazuki nods at Robin, acknowledging that, but stays in front of Lucia anyway, "Yeah. I do. Would you believe it, he had a hard time accepting it too? You guys are so dumb, not getting such a simple thing."
Elli nods to Sera. "You could say they've inspired a few of my choices."
...Lucia, meet Elli. She's another friend.
And Luka, too.
* Sera GRINS WITH LOTS OF TEETH at that.
* Kazuki ...is confused by all this 'she' and 'he' talk when Elli looks like a boy to him... but whatever.
". . . can I think about this?" Lucia says finally.
* Sera shrugs.
* Robin^Sena looks hesitant, but says nothing.
It's your sword, your butler, your brother. You don't have to ask us to think.
* Ashton lost track of what was going on like an hour ago.
* Itachi is still a silent, impassive ninja.
* John^Brown needs a flowchart to know exactly all that went on...
* Vaan is still an oblivious thief.
* Shuri is just looking to see how okay everyone else is with this decision. :x
"Well then. Shall we have lunch?"
Sidney smiles at the group idly, still holding the sword.
"Food....."
...we missed breakfast...
* Robin^Sena 's stomach growls, betraying her.
Yeah.....
* Konatsu is done crying now, just watching Sidney and Lucia in a daze.
...Lunch sounds good.
Ah... Right...?
"Let's all get out of the. Ah. Wet." He heads inside.
Lucia follows him in.
* Robin^Sena ... sighs and takes off her glasses.
* Shuri ... follows them!!
* Ashton ...offers Konatsu a hand up. "Come on. Please?"
* Vaan follows them inside, because he's hungry sigh.
* Koizumi^Risa drops the hose. Yeay lunch!
* John^Brown follows tiredly MAN THIS WAS EXHAUSTING
* Sera ...transforms back, anyway.
* Kazuki ...follows. But is seriously considering skipping lunch to go back into the closet.
* Itachi follows.
* Belphegor heads inside. Food. The mink goes back in the box.
* Konatsu stays where he is, staring straight ahead. "Ah . . . you can go."
Konatsu...?
* Shuri looks over his shoulder at Konatsu :x
Konatsu...
At least come inside.
* Sera goes to him instead and offers him a hand up. :x
I'm not . . . particularly hungry.
You don't have to eat.
* Belphegor by now has already collected his fallen knives anyway, woo hoo.
There's no sense sitting out here and beating yourself up more.
* Shuri handwaves, and then... goes in
Hah.
* Vaan looks back at everyone outside.
Ah, well.
You can come lay down on the sofa.
Mm.
#stilloutside
...Konatsu...
I don't need your pity.
It's not pity, it's being sensible!
Mm.
* Robin^Sena sits down on the grass next to Konatsu.
...I told you at the beginning, we're all in this together, Konatsu.
Elli has stayed outside as well.
I don't--I had what I needed . . .
A car pulls up! :D
* Robin^Sena glances at it, curious.
And what was that?
* Ashton -- looks up at it.
That power . . .
The last few members of our cute little party have arrived for lunch: Germany, Kaname, Rayfell, and Tristan.
Oh. Hi.
* Robin^Sena ... blinks.
* Sera nods at Germany, Kaname, and Tristan.
* Robin^Sena keeps blinking.
* Robin^Sena puts on her glasses.
So here you are.
. . . hey?
* Kaname looks around?
Elli raises a hand to them. "...You decided to come by? But I thought you were avoiding... him."
* Sera sits down next to Konatsu too.
...power isn't as useful as it looks from the outside.
Mm.
It's--it was useful.
You need...people. You can't just be powerful all by yourself--because if you lose it, then...
What happened?
* Robin^Sena jiiiiiiiiiiiii
* Robin^Sena oh wait, talking to Konatsu.
* Germany is listening to what is going on.
* Konatsu pushes himself up from the ground only stumbling a little as he does.
Konatsu... what will you do now?
* Sera watches.
* Ashton doesn't move.
It's--no use waiting here.
* Konatsu moves toward the house.
* Robin^Sena watches him sadly.
* Ashton watches him go.
Tristan walks up and drapes an arm around Robin.
Uh--I'm still confused myself.
Those who drove up found blood on the ground, holy water on the ground, a bunch of nervously lurking demons, and the remains of battle. And everyone going inside to eat sandwiches now.
* Robin^Sena sighs, still sitting on the ground. "Hello, Tristan."
Tristan hopes this area of the lawn is dry. :|a "What happened? Did you explode a priest?"
* Sera ...wanders over by Elluka again. "It was a hose. A holy garden hose."
* Ashton 's dragons keep glaring and shaking themselves, even though they've gotten most of the holy water off their scales.
Tristan makes a face and . . . tries to stay away from dragon spray. Ew.
Konatsu got possessed by a sword... he was trying to kill Asmodeus. Something. I'm not sure. It's all so confusing.
Elli looks up at Sera, seated near where Konatsu had been.
* Ururun sticks his tongue out at Tristan.
* Robin^Sena is most likely on dry grass.
Tristan pushes up his glasses. "Looks like we arrived late to the party. Just like I like it."
Elli says to Tristan, "I'm surprised you came to the party at all."
Where's Sidney?
So am I... but you are the one causing the fatigue around here, aren't you?
* Sera plops down by Elli. "I guess you and Tristan have met."
He's inside. Hello, Kaname.
* Kaname nods in greeting. "Robin."
Everyone is thinking about what to do. And eating lunch.
Tristan grins at Robin. "Nope," he says. "Not this time, pretty."
Then why are you...?
"Why am I what?" He drapes all over her.
Here, I mean.
"Oh," Tristan said. "I happened to have business here."
* Raidou raises an eyebrow at that.
* Robin^Sena makes a disbelieving pout.
* Sera kind of likes this lawn party.
* Kaname glancing at the demons
The demons seem to think the show's over and are heading off inside or around back again.
Tristan stretches. "Anyone want to go in and get sandwiches?"
* Raidou idly watches them go, looking for any familiar faces.
In a minute.
It seems we've missed a lot. I don't see everyone here either.
None, Raidou.
* Sera to Elli: "Want to come in? I think people are just going in and out of the house at this point."
I'd like to go in and get dry.
* Robin^Sena says to Tristan, "I meant to thank you."
Elli rubs her head. "I feel a bit odd about it under the circumstances," she says, ruefully. "But just sitting out here is just a little contrary."
* Germany decides to go inside, not knowing what he could accomplish out here.
Tristan raises an eyebrow at Robin. "For my little kiss? Sometimes I'm a nice guy, I guess."
Yeah... come on.
* Sera heads inside.
* Kaname follows
* Robin^Sena nods. "Yes. It helped, even though it was strange for me."
* Ashton heads in.
Lilith stretches languidly. "Perhaps we should go inside as well, Raidou-chan. You haven't eaten at all today, have you?"
* Robin^Sena 's stomach growls, and she looks sheepish.
I guess I should go inside, too...
"Go on in," Tristan nudges Robin. "I'll be in in a minute."
* Raidou sort of... winces. "No, Lilith."
* Robin^Sena stands up, smiling a little. "Okay."
* Raidou heads inside with Lilith and Black Frost.
#stillinthecloset
* Kazuki is beat up and bloody. But mostly healed by now. Good times.
Kazuki sneaks off to find a closet--but ironically, finds Joshua instead.
--you!
My, quite the disappointment, aren't you?
Yeah, well, fuck you too.
That so? Upset because I thought you could handle things on your own?
It was quite the vote of confidence! Too bad it didn't pay off.
No. I'm upset because you don't get the situation at all.
Oh, I understand it clearly.
If you want you powers back, you can have them.
Do you? I doubt it.
What if I chose to take away more than that? Surely you know I can, don't you?
And quite the bold statements for someone who hasn't seen me for a time! I thought you'd miss me, at least.
* Kazuki laughs, going a little off-edge! "You're from a fucking video game! A game where you needed to follow some guy around just to trust humanity, to believe in it! And you say you understand the situation? You say you can take my humanity away from me? As for missing you, sure, you're an entertaining guy. Like a video game is entertaining."
* Kazuki ...then takes a deep breath, hopefully before Joshua can register exactly what was said, "But you know? That's unfair of me to say. In camp I met tons of guys from video games, from manga, from all sorts of stuff, and they're a lot more human than I gave them credit for..."
"And you probably are too. And you know what? Lucia is a lot more human than I gave her credit for too, and I can't take away Sidney just like that. And I can't use these power you gave me just like that either. So sorry. That's how it is. You can at least understand that, right?"
* Joshua doesn't look as if his rage--which, for the record, is clearly visible in the way he frowns--has gone away just yet. His eyebrows pinch and he raises a hand--
No. I wouldn't brag about your potential again.
* Kazuki grins, mainly at himself, "I have potential. Like evry human does."
You've done a poor job of showing it. Now how many humans will die because of your attachment?
I didn't say I was done. This isn't over yet.
It should be. A shame ... but you won't have a second chance.
Fine by me.
* Joshua doesn't hesitate before clenching his fingers into a fist, ripping the wings away from Kazuki and destroying his power. He then grabs his gun quickly and points it at the other boy's head, letting a bullet blow through it.
* Kazuki dies! Whoo.
Wouldn't want to keep anyone in suspense ...
* Joshua opens the door and tosses the body out, before vanishing in a flash of light.
* Kazuki ...after a while, the bullet hole in his head heals over, as does his face. And Kazki wakes up, revived. "Fucker.
* Kazuki ...oh right, and what with dying and revivng, the past injuries of the fight are all healed too.
You're alone in the bloodstained hallway.
* Kazuki ... goes to finally get lunch, I'll go back to the closet later.
Lucia intercepts!
* Kazuki ...is sort of covered in blood, "There's a mess in the hallway. My bad."
Lucia looks around. ". . . it's a rental," she says.
"If you want to charge anyone for it, charge Joshua."
"That guy was here?" Lucia asks, mouth twisting. ". . . irritating." She looks away, awkwardly. ". . . so . . ."
"He was." Kazuki affirms, then waits for Lucia to finish.
Lucia frowns. ". . . I'm not making any promises or anything, but . . ."
* Kazuki actually looks a little surprised, "But?"
"I'll think about what you said," Lucia says. "About . . . my brother."
...thanks. I don't feel right leaving him this way though.
* Kazuki heistates, then asks, "Is it possible to keep his body away from Sidney? I know you're thinking about it, but I'd prefer if he at least didn't get leeched off of."
Lucia shakes her head. "I don't know," she says. ". . . I'll talk to Sidney."
* Kazuki smiles a little weakly, barely having enough strength after snapping at Joshua, reviving, on top of everything else that happened this morning.
Lucia kisses him on the cheek. "Let's go get lunch," she says. "You must be exhausted."
* Kazuki ...blushes a little under the blood, but gives the closet one last sideglance before nodding.