Ad Libitum Synopsis Pt. 5
Part 5...
Meeting the World
Return of the Great Zelos
Camping.
Meeting the World
Rita and Stahn reach Blessenwood; Rita still isn't quite convinced that she's in a different world. Stahn admits that he doesn't know much about the situation either.
Arche flies by on her broom, shocking both Rita and Stahn. At the same time, Rita seems fascinated and wants to know how Arche does it. Arche greets the pair, and Stahn introduces them. Rita asks to borrow the broom for a moment, mentioning that she's a blastia researcher. Arche doesn't know what blastia is, another oddity for Rita, but she's still not convinced. Rita gives an explanation on blastia, then studies Arche's broom, finding nothing out of the ordinary. Arche then claims the teacher status, explaining the situation about Atlas and the World Tree. She mentions that everyone summoned has joined the Ad Libitum guild. Rita turns around and explains that the blastia's conversion of aer is what's putting her own world in danger. She had been working on an experiment to turn aer into a new substance before waking up in Atlas. She then asks how Arche's broom works without blastia, now realizing that she really is in a new world. The realization frustrates her as she wondered why it had to be her, and why it had to be now. Arche says that her broom is powered by her magic, and tries to comfort Rita, explaining that the world is in danger. Arche vows that she won't give up and die without returning to her own world. Realizing the magnitude of the situation, Rita vows to help save Atlas no matter what.
Stahn is amazed at the two girls, pointing out that all he had was a talking sword. Arche explains that Rita can join the guild by completing a quest with a current member. She seems amazed at the thought of a talking sword, while Rita seems unamused. Arche points out that she's a guild member, but she needs to check on the available quests. Rita thanks Stahn for showing her the way.
Flynn is taking a walk around the town when he notices the girls at the town entrance. He recognizes Rita and greets her. Rita is glad to find someone else from her own world here. Flynn admits that he's been here for a few days. He repeats the explanation of the World Tree dying, and mentions that the tree responded to his and Tear's healing artes. He then gives a few more details, mentioning the world's mana, and Martel summoning them. And he finally tells Rita that the town is called Blessenwood. Flynn mentions the weeding incident, and Rita is glad that she missed it. He then wonders about Estelle's ability to create spirits, but Rita doesn't know about it. Flynn points out that it was Rita's own theory on how to control the excessive flow of aer. Rita is confused by this, wondering if Flynn was summoned from a future time. Flynn apologizes for startling her, but Rita denies being startled.
Arche is startled to see Flynn, only recognizing him from the weeding quest, although she hadn't talked to him before. Flynn recalls hearing Arche argue with Yuan about half-elves, mature women, and thousands of years. Arche asks where Flynn came from. Flynn answers in both senses; from the inn, and from Terca Lumereis. Arche mentions that she's from Aselia and asks for Flynn's name. Flynn makes a mental note that he needs to talk to more people, cursing Yuri for being a bad influence on him. Flynn asks what half-elves are. Arche becomes depressed, pointing out that half-elves aren't exactly liked in her world. Flynn compares them to a race called Kritya. He comments about humans and elves loving each other and bearing a half-elf child, whom the parents love. Arche thanks him, and Flynn realizes that she's a half-elf. He curses himself for upsetting an innocent girl. Arche suddenly changes the subject to one that's less depressing by asking if Flynn is on a quest. Flynn is looking for Tear, trying to decide what kind of quest to take. He knew it was only a matter of time before he saw someone else from his world here. Arche hopes that Martel doesn't summon anyone else from her world while it's still in danger. Rita grows impatient and suddenly interrupts the conversation. Arche is startled and asks Flynn to lead Rita to the guild. Flynn accepts, despite not being a full member yet. Arche flies away on her broom again.
The Return of the Great Zelos
Zelos Wilder is returning from a long mission to Port Merrium. He had apparently been exiled by Yuan, but he didn't mind, for Port Merrium has many beaches and babes. Jay strolls out of the inn, seeing Zelos as another idiot redhead to taunt and tease. Zelos appears not to notice Jay as he is approached by a female soldier.
Cantabile wakes up by the World Tree, only blinking for a moment before finding her way to Blessenwood. She asks the villagers about Engeve or St. Binah, but no one knows those locations. She then decides to try asking Zelos. He doesn't know about the locations in question either, but he instantly tries to hit on her by calling her "hunny." He recognizes her as a new arrival from the World Tree. Cantabile happens to notice Jay following Zelos, but doesn't act on it. When he starts hitting on her, she briefly ponders about asking Jay instead. Zelos explains that Cantabile was summoned by Martel to save the world. Cantabile doesn't believe him and asks for proof. She points out that Zelos' lines sound like pickup lines. Zelos decides to take her to the forest to show her the proof, because he doesn't want to catch the wrong kind of attention. He vows not to lay a hand on her, so Cantabile reluctantly agrees to follow him. Jay stops following when they leave the town. Cantabile asks about the World Tree and the fonons around it, but seems puzzled that Zelos doesn't know anything about the basic knowledge. Zelos tells her to close her eyes, then begins to form his angel wings. Somehow it's enough to convince Cantabile, and she then warns him that someone was following him in the town. Zelos wonders if the stalker is Yuan, but Cantabile describes a runt with black hair. They decide to return to Blessenwood. Cantabile suggests that they might be able to confront Jay, but Zelos doesn't seem worried about him. Cantabile asks about how to get back, and Zelos offers to take her to the Ad Libitum guild building. Upon re-entering Blessenwood, Jay resumes his stalking. Cantabile studies the buildings in the town while keeping an eye on Jay, who stops at the inn. Zelos casually begins to make a move on her while explaining Ad Libitum's cause. Cantabile grows suspicious as Zelos wraps an arm around her waist, giving her a tour of Blessenwood, mainly pointing out the trees. Cantabile pulls away from him, insisting that she'll be fine as long as Yuan isn't an uptight bastard with crazy ideals.
Camping
A Behemoth has been reported near the World Tree, and a young child has set out to slay it. Asch is assigned to rescue the child before he gets eaten. He yells at the child to flee, but the child only hides behind him. Asch casts Explosion on the beast. When he tries to cast more spells, the Behemoth attacks him before he can finish. Asch contemplates that he may have to run. The child tries to attack the monster again, but Asch tackles him out of the way.
Jay just happens to be nearby, slaying random monsters and collecting valuable items from them. He senses the battle going on, and quietly goes to investigate. He decides to watch for a while, to see Asch's capabilities, and to form any strategies should he be forced to join the fight. Asch hits the monster with a Raging Blast, then once again orders the kid to flee. This time the child flees from the battle. Asch takes the opportunity to cast Icicle Rain. He realizes that, despite the injuries the monster took, it was in better shape than he was. Asch tries to attack the smaller and weaker areas of its body, and even uses his mystic arte. The monster is knocked down, and Asch casts Explosion again. Jay watches as the child flees back to town, pleased with Asch's abilities. Asch then makes a series of costly mistakes, such as thinking he was strong enough to kill the monster, and relying purely on physical attacks instead of fonic artes. The Behemoth sinks its teeth into Asch (literally). Asch believes that he's going to die, but is still determined to fight to the bitter end. He stabs the monster's eye, causing it to drop him. While searching his pack for a gel, the monster steps on him, pinning him down.
At that moment, Jay feels compelled to join the battle. He stops the monster by hurling his exploding dagger from afar. He taunts the monster to leave Asch and target him instead. Jay manages to knock it down with Merciless Thunder, then races to Asch's side, giving him an apple gel. Asch warns him not to expect any thanks, but takes the gel anyway. He gets up and begins to draw wind fonons, casting Thunder Blade. He then follows with a series of melee attacks. Jay watches his moves, realizing that the Behemoth just doesn't die easily. He keeps his distance from the monster, throwing his daggers at its already wounded neck, hoping to eventually kill it. Asch vows that he would fight his hardest until the monster was dead. The Behemoth turns its attention to Jay, but Asch continues to attack it. Just as he's about to unleash another mystic arte, the monster's axe-like tail digs into his side, rendering him unconscious.
Now the Behemoth turns to Jay again, slowly advancing on him. Jay backs off, knowing that his weak attacks would do little or no harm to the monster. He dodges its tail, causing it to hit a tree. Jay gets an idea; he throws his daggers at the same tree until it falls over. He directs the tree to hit the Behemoth, finally killing it. Jay returns to Asch again and tries to wake him up, but to no avail. Realizing that it's getting dark, Jay decides to set up a camp for the night.
Several hours later, Asch regains consciousness, trying to deduce what happened. Jay is relieved to see that Asch has awakened. Asch immediately tries to head back to Blessenwood, only to collapse from his injuries. Jay warns him that he shouldn't move so much, and that they'd be safer staying put until morning. Asch reluctantly settles down by the fire and begins to tend to his wounds. Jay admits that he would have preferred to get back to town, but he's not strong enough to carry Asch. Jay asks about the beast, and Asch tells him that it's called a Behemoth. He asks Jay for some sticks and bandages in order to set his wounded arm. Jay offers some sandwiches, but Asch refuses. Asch tries to distract Jay with conversation as he tends to his wounds, asking why Jay was out here. Jay admits that he comes out often for hunting and training, and admits that he's never seen a beast like the Behemoth before. Asch admits that Jay wasn't entirely incompetent in battle. Jay knows that he's only battle-competent because of Solon's training. Asch brings up Jay's so-called "connection," supposing that it's with Luke instead, for saving the world. Jay swears that the connection is all emotional (and he doesn't know who Luke is). He swears that Solon only trained him to see him suffer, and to use him as a killing tool. He pulls out his bell, believing that it's the only thing that helped him survive. Asch tells him that the past doesn't pertain to anything going on right now. Jay shakes off his negative thoughts and decides to focus on this moment, admitting that he enjoys the peaceful time with the God-General.
By now, Asch is forced to admit that he needs help bandaging his broken arm. Jay gladly helps him out, commenting on his strength in battle. However, Asch believes that he's gotten weak, or else he wouldn't be in this shape. He points out that Jay was the one who had killed the Behemoth, admitting that he's more competent than Asch had expected. But Jay points out how strong the monster was, admitting that he's nowhere near as powerful as Asch. Asch complains that he fought like an amateur, and Jay advises him to learn from his mistakes. Asch becomes suspicious, questioning Jay as to what he wants. At first, Jay insists that he doesn't want anything, but then realizes that he doesn't know what he wants, and that it's hard not to act on his feelings. At this point, Jay finally feels cornered into admitting that he likes Asch.
Asch tries to scare off Jay by telling him that it's not smart to like someone with a "Bloody" title. But Jay is undeterred, insisting that despite his gruff façade, Asch is not so bad on the inside. He then tries to get to Asch's point, asking if Asch intends to kill him. Asch points out that he's merely suggesting for Jay to stop assuming things about people he doesn't know. Jay insists that he sees the nice person in Asch, recalling the time when Asch helped him during the cheesecake incident. He then recognizes that Asch has pride issues. Asch points out that he only helped Jay because it was his responsibility. He then snaps at Jay's remark about pride, and asks for his sword. Jay fetches the sword and hands it to him. He points out that both he and Asch have done bad things because they had no choice, but insists that it doesn't make them bad people. Asch insists that he can never be the nice or heroic person again. Jay recognizes that he still clings to what he had before even after it had been lost. Asch slowly begins to fall asleep, pointing out that Luke has all of his friends waiting for him, and no one is waiting for Asch. Jay brings up the idea of Asch living on the Legacy, but Asch is unsure. The God-General is fully asleep, and Jay takes the chance to cuddle up with him, falling asleep himself.
Jay awakens the next morning and checks to see if Asch is still alive. Asch starts to draw his sword before realizing who had woken him. Jay gives him a canteen of water, then checks the Behemoth for any valuables, recovering a golden helm. Asch takes a swig of the water, then pushes himself to his feet. Together they begin to head back to Blessenwood.
Meeting the World
Return of the Great Zelos
Camping.
Meeting the World
Rita and Stahn reach Blessenwood; Rita still isn't quite convinced that she's in a different world. Stahn admits that he doesn't know much about the situation either.
Arche flies by on her broom, shocking both Rita and Stahn. At the same time, Rita seems fascinated and wants to know how Arche does it. Arche greets the pair, and Stahn introduces them. Rita asks to borrow the broom for a moment, mentioning that she's a blastia researcher. Arche doesn't know what blastia is, another oddity for Rita, but she's still not convinced. Rita gives an explanation on blastia, then studies Arche's broom, finding nothing out of the ordinary. Arche then claims the teacher status, explaining the situation about Atlas and the World Tree. She mentions that everyone summoned has joined the Ad Libitum guild. Rita turns around and explains that the blastia's conversion of aer is what's putting her own world in danger. She had been working on an experiment to turn aer into a new substance before waking up in Atlas. She then asks how Arche's broom works without blastia, now realizing that she really is in a new world. The realization frustrates her as she wondered why it had to be her, and why it had to be now. Arche says that her broom is powered by her magic, and tries to comfort Rita, explaining that the world is in danger. Arche vows that she won't give up and die without returning to her own world. Realizing the magnitude of the situation, Rita vows to help save Atlas no matter what.
Stahn is amazed at the two girls, pointing out that all he had was a talking sword. Arche explains that Rita can join the guild by completing a quest with a current member. She seems amazed at the thought of a talking sword, while Rita seems unamused. Arche points out that she's a guild member, but she needs to check on the available quests. Rita thanks Stahn for showing her the way.
Flynn is taking a walk around the town when he notices the girls at the town entrance. He recognizes Rita and greets her. Rita is glad to find someone else from her own world here. Flynn admits that he's been here for a few days. He repeats the explanation of the World Tree dying, and mentions that the tree responded to his and Tear's healing artes. He then gives a few more details, mentioning the world's mana, and Martel summoning them. And he finally tells Rita that the town is called Blessenwood. Flynn mentions the weeding incident, and Rita is glad that she missed it. He then wonders about Estelle's ability to create spirits, but Rita doesn't know about it. Flynn points out that it was Rita's own theory on how to control the excessive flow of aer. Rita is confused by this, wondering if Flynn was summoned from a future time. Flynn apologizes for startling her, but Rita denies being startled.
Arche is startled to see Flynn, only recognizing him from the weeding quest, although she hadn't talked to him before. Flynn recalls hearing Arche argue with Yuan about half-elves, mature women, and thousands of years. Arche asks where Flynn came from. Flynn answers in both senses; from the inn, and from Terca Lumereis. Arche mentions that she's from Aselia and asks for Flynn's name. Flynn makes a mental note that he needs to talk to more people, cursing Yuri for being a bad influence on him. Flynn asks what half-elves are. Arche becomes depressed, pointing out that half-elves aren't exactly liked in her world. Flynn compares them to a race called Kritya. He comments about humans and elves loving each other and bearing a half-elf child, whom the parents love. Arche thanks him, and Flynn realizes that she's a half-elf. He curses himself for upsetting an innocent girl. Arche suddenly changes the subject to one that's less depressing by asking if Flynn is on a quest. Flynn is looking for Tear, trying to decide what kind of quest to take. He knew it was only a matter of time before he saw someone else from his world here. Arche hopes that Martel doesn't summon anyone else from her world while it's still in danger. Rita grows impatient and suddenly interrupts the conversation. Arche is startled and asks Flynn to lead Rita to the guild. Flynn accepts, despite not being a full member yet. Arche flies away on her broom again.
The Return of the Great Zelos
Zelos Wilder is returning from a long mission to Port Merrium. He had apparently been exiled by Yuan, but he didn't mind, for Port Merrium has many beaches and babes. Jay strolls out of the inn, seeing Zelos as another idiot redhead to taunt and tease. Zelos appears not to notice Jay as he is approached by a female soldier.
Cantabile wakes up by the World Tree, only blinking for a moment before finding her way to Blessenwood. She asks the villagers about Engeve or St. Binah, but no one knows those locations. She then decides to try asking Zelos. He doesn't know about the locations in question either, but he instantly tries to hit on her by calling her "hunny." He recognizes her as a new arrival from the World Tree. Cantabile happens to notice Jay following Zelos, but doesn't act on it. When he starts hitting on her, she briefly ponders about asking Jay instead. Zelos explains that Cantabile was summoned by Martel to save the world. Cantabile doesn't believe him and asks for proof. She points out that Zelos' lines sound like pickup lines. Zelos decides to take her to the forest to show her the proof, because he doesn't want to catch the wrong kind of attention. He vows not to lay a hand on her, so Cantabile reluctantly agrees to follow him. Jay stops following when they leave the town. Cantabile asks about the World Tree and the fonons around it, but seems puzzled that Zelos doesn't know anything about the basic knowledge. Zelos tells her to close her eyes, then begins to form his angel wings. Somehow it's enough to convince Cantabile, and she then warns him that someone was following him in the town. Zelos wonders if the stalker is Yuan, but Cantabile describes a runt with black hair. They decide to return to Blessenwood. Cantabile suggests that they might be able to confront Jay, but Zelos doesn't seem worried about him. Cantabile asks about how to get back, and Zelos offers to take her to the Ad Libitum guild building. Upon re-entering Blessenwood, Jay resumes his stalking. Cantabile studies the buildings in the town while keeping an eye on Jay, who stops at the inn. Zelos casually begins to make a move on her while explaining Ad Libitum's cause. Cantabile grows suspicious as Zelos wraps an arm around her waist, giving her a tour of Blessenwood, mainly pointing out the trees. Cantabile pulls away from him, insisting that she'll be fine as long as Yuan isn't an uptight bastard with crazy ideals.
Camping
A Behemoth has been reported near the World Tree, and a young child has set out to slay it. Asch is assigned to rescue the child before he gets eaten. He yells at the child to flee, but the child only hides behind him. Asch casts Explosion on the beast. When he tries to cast more spells, the Behemoth attacks him before he can finish. Asch contemplates that he may have to run. The child tries to attack the monster again, but Asch tackles him out of the way.
Jay just happens to be nearby, slaying random monsters and collecting valuable items from them. He senses the battle going on, and quietly goes to investigate. He decides to watch for a while, to see Asch's capabilities, and to form any strategies should he be forced to join the fight. Asch hits the monster with a Raging Blast, then once again orders the kid to flee. This time the child flees from the battle. Asch takes the opportunity to cast Icicle Rain. He realizes that, despite the injuries the monster took, it was in better shape than he was. Asch tries to attack the smaller and weaker areas of its body, and even uses his mystic arte. The monster is knocked down, and Asch casts Explosion again. Jay watches as the child flees back to town, pleased with Asch's abilities. Asch then makes a series of costly mistakes, such as thinking he was strong enough to kill the monster, and relying purely on physical attacks instead of fonic artes. The Behemoth sinks its teeth into Asch (literally). Asch believes that he's going to die, but is still determined to fight to the bitter end. He stabs the monster's eye, causing it to drop him. While searching his pack for a gel, the monster steps on him, pinning him down.
At that moment, Jay feels compelled to join the battle. He stops the monster by hurling his exploding dagger from afar. He taunts the monster to leave Asch and target him instead. Jay manages to knock it down with Merciless Thunder, then races to Asch's side, giving him an apple gel. Asch warns him not to expect any thanks, but takes the gel anyway. He gets up and begins to draw wind fonons, casting Thunder Blade. He then follows with a series of melee attacks. Jay watches his moves, realizing that the Behemoth just doesn't die easily. He keeps his distance from the monster, throwing his daggers at its already wounded neck, hoping to eventually kill it. Asch vows that he would fight his hardest until the monster was dead. The Behemoth turns its attention to Jay, but Asch continues to attack it. Just as he's about to unleash another mystic arte, the monster's axe-like tail digs into his side, rendering him unconscious.
Now the Behemoth turns to Jay again, slowly advancing on him. Jay backs off, knowing that his weak attacks would do little or no harm to the monster. He dodges its tail, causing it to hit a tree. Jay gets an idea; he throws his daggers at the same tree until it falls over. He directs the tree to hit the Behemoth, finally killing it. Jay returns to Asch again and tries to wake him up, but to no avail. Realizing that it's getting dark, Jay decides to set up a camp for the night.
Several hours later, Asch regains consciousness, trying to deduce what happened. Jay is relieved to see that Asch has awakened. Asch immediately tries to head back to Blessenwood, only to collapse from his injuries. Jay warns him that he shouldn't move so much, and that they'd be safer staying put until morning. Asch reluctantly settles down by the fire and begins to tend to his wounds. Jay admits that he would have preferred to get back to town, but he's not strong enough to carry Asch. Jay asks about the beast, and Asch tells him that it's called a Behemoth. He asks Jay for some sticks and bandages in order to set his wounded arm. Jay offers some sandwiches, but Asch refuses. Asch tries to distract Jay with conversation as he tends to his wounds, asking why Jay was out here. Jay admits that he comes out often for hunting and training, and admits that he's never seen a beast like the Behemoth before. Asch admits that Jay wasn't entirely incompetent in battle. Jay knows that he's only battle-competent because of Solon's training. Asch brings up Jay's so-called "connection," supposing that it's with Luke instead, for saving the world. Jay swears that the connection is all emotional (and he doesn't know who Luke is). He swears that Solon only trained him to see him suffer, and to use him as a killing tool. He pulls out his bell, believing that it's the only thing that helped him survive. Asch tells him that the past doesn't pertain to anything going on right now. Jay shakes off his negative thoughts and decides to focus on this moment, admitting that he enjoys the peaceful time with the God-General.
By now, Asch is forced to admit that he needs help bandaging his broken arm. Jay gladly helps him out, commenting on his strength in battle. However, Asch believes that he's gotten weak, or else he wouldn't be in this shape. He points out that Jay was the one who had killed the Behemoth, admitting that he's more competent than Asch had expected. But Jay points out how strong the monster was, admitting that he's nowhere near as powerful as Asch. Asch complains that he fought like an amateur, and Jay advises him to learn from his mistakes. Asch becomes suspicious, questioning Jay as to what he wants. At first, Jay insists that he doesn't want anything, but then realizes that he doesn't know what he wants, and that it's hard not to act on his feelings. At this point, Jay finally feels cornered into admitting that he likes Asch.
Asch tries to scare off Jay by telling him that it's not smart to like someone with a "Bloody" title. But Jay is undeterred, insisting that despite his gruff façade, Asch is not so bad on the inside. He then tries to get to Asch's point, asking if Asch intends to kill him. Asch points out that he's merely suggesting for Jay to stop assuming things about people he doesn't know. Jay insists that he sees the nice person in Asch, recalling the time when Asch helped him during the cheesecake incident. He then recognizes that Asch has pride issues. Asch points out that he only helped Jay because it was his responsibility. He then snaps at Jay's remark about pride, and asks for his sword. Jay fetches the sword and hands it to him. He points out that both he and Asch have done bad things because they had no choice, but insists that it doesn't make them bad people. Asch insists that he can never be the nice or heroic person again. Jay recognizes that he still clings to what he had before even after it had been lost. Asch slowly begins to fall asleep, pointing out that Luke has all of his friends waiting for him, and no one is waiting for Asch. Jay brings up the idea of Asch living on the Legacy, but Asch is unsure. The God-General is fully asleep, and Jay takes the chance to cuddle up with him, falling asleep himself.
Jay awakens the next morning and checks to see if Asch is still alive. Asch starts to draw his sword before realizing who had woken him. Jay gives him a canteen of water, then checks the Behemoth for any valuables, recovering a golden helm. Asch takes a swig of the water, then pushes himself to his feet. Together they begin to head back to Blessenwood.