Mosaic City, located along China's coast, is quite large city sometimes called the Crossroads Between Nations due to its diverse population. While it was once a large tourist spot, the city was placed under a blockade as the military appeared claiming there was a radiation leak. The true hazard, however, is much more sinister.
Post by Kaitou Nagano on Apr 23, 2014 18:57:15 GMT -5
"Ugh, I should have brought a clothespin or a gas mask or something..."
Dressed in navy jeans and a thick black denim jacket, Kaitou walked along the railed path above the rank sewers, stopping when he reached the center of what appeared to be a crossroads. This was where he would meet today's allies for the mission he signed up for at the Gap. In particular, this had been the brunette's way of reaching out to one of the two women who'd piqued his interest at the full moon battle: Shirako Tachibana.
From what sparse information he could gather, she was an absolute nobody. Not as in a lowlife, but rather, a complete unknown. All he could figure out was her apartment address. Well, the little details were irrelevant here-- the sole reason he wanted to speak to her was to see if they shared any opinions or viewpoints and then attempt to ally with her. The katana at her side was a plus. Maybe he needed someone to spar with.
On the other hand, Kaitou had already fought alongside the third member of their group, Tatsuma Kirihara. He was quite the punk but well-natured enough. Memories of the chaotic battle against the Thinker began to resurface but were quickly repressed. That fight had already been concluded. Now he would have to focus on today's mark: a massive rat Shadow that was stinking up the sewers far more than necessary.
So, as the man was oft to do, he leaned back against the rails and waited for the others to arrive.
Last Edit: Apr 23, 2014 19:15:21 GMT -5 by Kaitou Nagano
Post by Tatsuma Kirihara on Apr 24, 2014 4:11:25 GMT -5
Tatsuma wasn’t sure what possessed him to accept a mission in the sewers. He already had been to that place and still couldn’t get the horrible smell out of his favorite jacket. He had to leave it at home and only put a black vest on his shirt this time instead. He still had no weapons with him aside from his fists, which was enough and preferred anyway.
The sewers smelled as bad as he remembered, and sadly, he could smell it outside and away even. He made sure to take a deep breath of the not so clean Shadowlands air before venturing closer, but it was all in vain, clearly. As soon as he continued breathing, the smell filled his lungs and there was no way back. This was clearly another bad decision on his part.
At least he knew who to expect at the mission, and he wasn’t disappointed to see Kaitou leaning on the rails as he was approaching. They were fighting in the museum together, and Tatsuma had to admit he had started to respect the guy. Even without a persona, he was there and ready to dish out damage. That was something, considering he didn’t have the protection of his inner self. That didn’t change the fact he was doing something stupid and reckless, but Tatsuma really had no place to reprimand him on that.
He saw another name when signing up for the mission, but he wasn’t sure who it was. The name, Shirako Tachibana, wasn’t familiar, but he guessed they will at least get acquainted soon. He was curious who else would sign up to a mission where you had to beat a rat... But he made sure to remember the name and the face whenever she appeared.
"Man, you seem to show up everywhere." He called out to Kaito with a wave of his hands casually. They didn’t know each other that well, but fighting together made it easier for Tatsuma to get to now people. Thug background was probably to be blamed for that.
Post by Shirako Tachibana on Apr 24, 2014 9:04:43 GMT -5
Shirako had taken the open mission for a small multitude of reasons. While she had no problem with getting dirty if it meant getting a lead, or if there was some sort of redeeming factor to the work, she did not find it pleasurable to do so for no reason. She could not ignore the chances of there being some sort of lead in the sewers- it wasn't entirely out of bounds for one of the two marks remaining- but it was unlikely. Therefore, anything that would at least justify a visit down there was appreciated. The woman did not recognize the names of the people who signed up. It seemed like she wasn't going with the duo from last time. It was only unfortunate due to the fact that they carried themselves well, though.
She could only hope “Nagano” and “Kirihara” were capable of holding their own. She really didn't want to be stuck nursing people again.
Well, whatever the case, Shirako had taken care to minimize the filth that would actually make contact with her body. While she wasn't a clean freak, the sewer systems were not exactly a healthy place to get into, after all. She had a weak heart. She didn't really need Hepatitis, or some other disease, on top of her health. So, that said, she dressed a little more heavily than usual. On the outside, it was still the black ensemble that she typically wore when out. More often than not, darkness was prevalent, so sticking to the shadows made for a good tactic. Underneath her clothes, though, was a thin, water-resistant weave. While she wasn't going to expose herself to the full danger of the bacterial growth of the sewers, she was also not going to sacrifice any large fraction of her speed. Her long hair was doubled over and bound into ponytail. She wanted to mitigate the possible mess as much as possible. Naturally, her blade was at her waist, on the left.
”It seems I was the last.” She commented after stepping in on the congregation of men. It was a simple statement, a notation. In truth, though, it was more to announce her arrival, as she came from one of the darker paths. It was better to ensure that she didn't set her allies on edge- especially if they didn't know her. They were both young men. As for how reliable they looked. . .
. . . well, neither of them were exactly prizes, but appearances were seldom something to go by, she chided herself. She didn't feel as reassured with them, though, as she did with Luka and Ayakura.
”Shall we get on with it?” And, without introductions, she jumped straight to the business at hand. Job first, other things later. In some circles, it could be considered preferable. In others, it was likely rude. However, going by the woman's impassive expression, it was safe to assume she was simply the sort that wanted to get the mess done sooner as opposed to later.
Post by ChromaticTruthsayer on Apr 25, 2014 15:14:25 GMT -5
You only spend a little bit of time wandering in the sewers before you hear a strange rumbling noise accompanied by the sound of splashing. The noise begins to close in on you as you see many ripples in the water form from along one of the tunnels. A moment later, you see a large monstrous form begin to shamble over towards your group. You can only assume that this is the beast you were sent to take care of.
Sewer Rat
Hyper Fang Tail Whip Crunch Scary Face Wild Charge
Abs: ? Rpl: ? Null: ? Rs: ? Wk: ?
with a loud screeching noise, several small rats begin following behind the large one. None of them seem to be of any threat thankfully. But your target is in front of you and you will likely have to fight it now. Better do that!
Post by Kaitou Nagano on Apr 25, 2014 18:19:03 GMT -5
Seems like Tatsuma was next to arrive once again. Kaitou pushed off the rails, acknowledging the other man with a short nod. "Nobody else seemed to want to take this mission. Someone's gotta do the dirty work-- whether it's cleaning up trash or knocking down statues." He smirked--mostly to himself--before pulling out a flu mask and a pair of black gloves from his jacket. As he was slipping them on, another figure slipped out of the darkness and spoke to them. This was her, then. Shirako tachibana. From her tone and statement, she didn't seem keen on small talk before getting on with the mission.
"Short introductions, at the least," he replied, snapping the bands of the mask behind his ears before walking down the path towards the sewer depths. "Kaitou Nagano. Let's get along." Shortly after speaking up, the waters began to churn and the sewers rumbled with the approach of a creature. It didn't take long before a massive beast made its way towards the group. 'As big as a van, huh... guess this is it.' Kaitou noted the presence of a bunch of smaller rats crowding around the big one, but they appeared to be harmless.
One target, one objective. The three of them were more than prepared for their mark as opposed to the battle against The Thinker. There wouldn't be any need to fill the silence with orders. Kaitou placed a hand on the hilt of Ikusaba and took off, drawing his blade and cutting across the Shadow's hide.
Action: Level 3 (Moderate) Slash attack on the Raticate Sewer Rat
Dodge Roll for Wild Charge l69Q0vOU1-5 If 1-2, dodge succeeds.
1-5
Last Edit: Apr 26, 2014 20:22:32 GMT -5 by Kaitou Nagano
Post by Tatsuma Kirihara on Apr 26, 2014 0:33:41 GMT -5
"I can kinda understand why no one would want this mission." Tatsuma added talking to Kaitou. No one would want to venture into the sewers willingly, just two stupid guys like them. And maybe someone that wouldn’t really care about the smell and dirt.
When the last member that signed up to the mission, the girl, showed up, Tatsuma noted she was familiar. She was probably there at the battle during the full moon. "Going by exclusion, I am Tatsuma Kirihara. You must be... Shirako Tatchibana, then?" He remembered the name, and he had a face to match it to now. She looked capable, and if his memory didn’t fail him, most people at the full moon battle were really good fighters. Maybe they had the luck to meet one of the higher level users in the city.
There wasn’t even a need to venture deeper into the sewer, their target seemed to come to them this time too. These bigass shadows seemed to like confrontation and searched out the party themselves. Well, that at least made their job a little bit easier. The rat was as ugly as he could imagine from mission description. Not to mention the smaller rats swarming around, but lucky enough those seemed to be mostly harmless.
Okay, Behemoth, just like up till now. Raise the attack before going on the offensive! He called for the beast to raise their attack for this round. Seeing how effective the others will be, he might keep on buffing or turn to attacking. He will decide that later. Behemoth was clawing at the walls of his mind, he would want to bite at the rat right away, but Tatsuma held himself back. Not yet.
Action: Tarukaja
Dodge roll for Wild Charge YVZbCJ9Z1-5 Dodged if 1-2
Post by Shirako Tachibana on Apr 26, 2014 10:12:17 GMT -5
The woman just nodded to the two younger males. Simple and to the point, their “introductions”, if one were to call it that, was over with fairly quickly. They proceeded, or not, and the mark in question appeared. It seemed that there would be little exploration. How. . . unexpected. Well, she wasn't one to complain about good fortune, even if it did mean she'd likely have to return to search later. Oh well. She drew her blade, arms parallel with her shoulders, and tightened her grip. Yaksa appeared beside her simultaneously. Simply readying for battle caused the automatic speed-enhancement to pick up, but the woman was not satisfied with just that. Instead, she willed for an additional, voluntary usage of the skill.
”Evasion should be simpler now.” She calmly noted, explaining in case the two were not familiar with the effect of Sukukaja. ”I can also heal, if needed. Fight without fear.” Regardless of how skilled the two were, most people would be relieved to know there was at least one proper healer around. At least, that was often the case with assignments she had been in. Tell someone they'd get a band-aid, even if injured, and they gave it their all. Just like kids.
A third usage would likely be unnecessary. Unless the rat was exceedingly powerful, she'd likely be able to begin attacking next.
Action: Using Auto-sukukaja to produce a second layer. Notes: Auto-sukukaja activated; 2x Sukukaja in effect.
Post by ChromaticTruthsayer on Apr 26, 2014 19:12:20 GMT -5
The rat looked over the group, sizing them up. They didn't seem like they would be much of an issue for the rat. Nothing else it had come across seemed to bother it all that much. What would make these things any different? The first thing that the rat felt was a slash, which hurt of course. It did normal damage to it. Nothing more though.
Looking over the group, the rat began to whip its tail around which seemed to have some sort of magical properties. The humans' defense has been lowered!
A moment after, the rat began to release an electrical charge throughout its body before charging through the group dealing moderate electrical damage to everyone!
Finally, the rat turned back around targeting Shirako and biting her for major pierce damage! Afterwards, the rat retreated to a safe distance before it would launch a few more attacks.
Post by Kaitou Nagano on Apr 26, 2014 20:41:28 GMT -5
A clean strike. Ikusaba raked across the Shadow's flesh but did not seem to be extremely effective versus the rat. No matter-- at least it didn't resist Slash attacks like The Thinker had. He noted that he was also the only one attacking. Tatsuma began with the usual Tarukaja, but it seemed that Shirako was also capable of buffing with Sukukaja. Thank the fates. "Gee, that's nice to know. I've always wanted to go berserk on a giant plague rat in the middle of a festering sewer," he quipped, though he kept his eyes on the rat.
Good that he did, too, for as soon as the words left his mouth, it retaliated by waving its tail, creating a bluish-white aura around the three that reduced their defensive capabilities. It then dashed through the group and discharged a large amount of electricity. Images from the shrine battle flashed in Kaitou's mind and he reflexively jumped back, avoiding the sparks. After lunging a second time at Shirako, it crept back away.
During the short lull in between attacks, he turned back to the tattooed man, waving towards the rat. "Oi, Tatsuma! Skip the buff this round-- check its Dark resistance!" With the woman acting as their support, it was probably safe for the two to wail on the rat without having to go to great lengths to amp their attacks.
Speaking of which, it was time for the next round of whack-a-rat. Kaitou rushed the Shadow once again, katana raised over his head. As he passed the beast he brought the blade down for another chop at its hide.
Action: Level 3 (Moderate) Slash attack on the Sewer Rat
Dodge Roll for Wild Charge yceXx3Fj1-5 If 1-2, dodge succeeds.
1-5
Last Edit: Apr 27, 2014 20:57:35 GMT -5 by Kaitou Nagano
Post by Tatsuma Kirihara on Apr 27, 2014 0:46:04 GMT -5
Tatsuma could feel his speed raise with Shirako’s magic, and was thankful for the girl to be there. Really, such a spell was useful in case they wanted to avoid the rat’s attack. He was only able to raise their attack, so this would at least give them means for defense. Next up he could feel his resilience weakening as the sewer rat whipped its tail. He was wondering if it was able to lower their defense, since such a thing seemed to prove to be possible in past battles as well. Damn, then prolonging the battle by buffing up their attack really wasn’t going to work. Raising their attack power was his usual opening in battle, but even one buff would be useful later. He will turn to offense.
The sewer rat’s electrically charged attack hit Tatsuma head on, he wasn’t able to avoid it as easily as Kaitou did. The charge went through his nerve system to damage him from the inside, the attack proving to hurt more than it normally would due to weakened defense. Damn, this hurt, you motherfucker! He could feel Behemoth snarling wildly inside his mind, and Tatsuma was ready to let the beast loose on the rat even before he heard Kaitou’s voice.
"You really like ordering me about. Behemoth, Mudoon!" He wanted to change to attack this time anyway. It wasn’t all that bothersome to hear Kaitou’s orders, he was taking them more like suggestions, and it just reassured him that someone else thought he should be doing what he was doing. Either that or he was getting soft. Man, he needed to work on his punkass appearance some more, or his nonexistent reputation will drop.
Action: Mudoon (moderate dark damage) on Sewer Rat
In effect: 2x Sukukaja 1x Tarukaja
1x Rakunda
Dodge roll for Wild Charge Oce5Fx7s1-5 Dodged if 1-2
Post by Shirako Tachibana on Apr 27, 2014 9:49:00 GMT -5
The rat was an odd specimen, but she had encountered odd creatures influenced by Shadows before, so it wasn't something she was too worried about. Rather than concerning herself with the enemy's nature, she worried more about the enemy's attacks. The first was a lightning burst. She dodged it fairly easily. What followed was a bite. It connected, but her innate resistance to Pierce, combined with her armor, make the connection negligible. Healing did not seem to be necessary just yet. More than that, she wanted a good idea of how durable the rat was. Because of this, she opted not to layer another speed-up, but to assault the rat. Her blade was powerful, certainly, but Yaksa's own skill packed a bit more of a punch.
Reacting to the woman's will, Yaksa surged forward after their allies' attacks, twirling both blades before spinning at a fast pace. The blades sent off a slicing wave of decimation at the rat. If she could go off of it's reaction, she could possibly get an idea of just how long this fight would go on for. That would help her determine exactly how much support these other two would need. Well, that was the hopeful case, at least. Seldom did things work out properly as hoped or planned these days.
Action: Deathbound (+50% due to Slash Amp accessory)
Post by ChromaticTruthsayer on Apr 27, 2014 20:07:13 GMT -5
Some more slash attacks flew at the beast. This time the attacks were much larger in quantity and strength. Another attack seemed to fly at the beast that didn't really match the "slash" type. It was a dark attack which unlike the slashes, produced no effect on the beast whatsoever upon hitting it. With a good distance between the beast and the humans, the rat decided to make another move.
The first thing the rat did was make a rather intimidating face. Rather, the face was clearly more than just some expression. Whatever the rat had done involved magical energy, causing the humans' attack power to fall!
Once again, the beast targeted Shirako. Using its teeth, the beast attempted to release some dark powered energy into Shirako, dealing Major Dark damage should it connect!
Finally, the beast looked over the whole group once more before releasing an electrical current like before. Again, the current would strike everyone for Moderate Electrical damage should it connect. And with that, the rat took a leap back to a safe distance once more. After that last it, there was a few signs of slight limping on the rat's part. It was losing strength.
Post by Kaitou Nagano on Apr 27, 2014 21:22:50 GMT -5
"Hey, I'll have you know that I was raised to boss people around. Taking command comes a little naturally!" Kaitou ducked out of the way as Shirako's Persona sliced up the rat, but the Mudoon from Tatsuma seemed to have absolutely no effect on the Shadow. While he was returning to the group it made a gruesome face, baring its fangs. That was creepy as fuck and wound up erasing the crimson aura around the party. Following that and another isolated attack on the woman, it chose to run through the group again. This time the brunet could not avoid the charge, but the combination of his armor and the enchantment placed on it that resisted electric attacks dulled the pain to a mere prickling sensation.
Still, it seems as if the Shadow will meet the Reaper soon enough, don't you think? Why not try a daring finisher on it?
'You again...' What the hell are you doing in my head?' No response once again. How annoying.
He'd think about it later. For now it seemed that the Shadow was nearing its limit. If they didn't need to take the time to heal, one more round of attacks could possibly end it. ...Really, this seemed too simple, but to look the gift horse in the mouth now would be asinine.
There was nothing to it. Kaitou raised his blade and charged forward, swinging down on the Shadow's head.
Action: Level 3 (Moderate) Slash attack on the Sewer Rat
Last Edit: Apr 28, 2014 3:35:12 GMT -5 by Kaitou Nagano
Post by Tatsuma Kirihara on Apr 28, 2014 11:32:48 GMT -5
Tatsuma saw that his attack had no effect on the Sewer Rat, and it made him growl audibly in annoyance. Of course it nulls darkness, why wouldn’t it? He could hear Kaitou talk while he was keeping an eye on the shadow and watching its reaction for any possible opening. "Oh, I wonder if bossing people around is supposed to be a compensation for something?" He started teasing the other guy for what he said, but it really made him wonder just why he was raised to boss people around. Maybe they were dealing with a young master, and Tatsuma wanted to know the details and not at the same time.
He was watching the girl’s persona slice at the rat with awe. She was surely stronger than they were, and it showed in the way she could take and toss damage as well. It was inspirational in a way. And at the same time, it made him want to connect at least one attack on the rat itself. Because damn, it did null his darkness, but not like that was his only offensive skill.
He jumped to the side to avoid the electrical attack sent their way, and mentally thanked for the boosted evasion they received from her as well. He could raise their attack again, but the rat showed signs of getting weaker, though that didn’t mean it was nearing its end. Behemoth seemed to agree with him, and clawed at the wall of his mind with such force it made him wince. Tatsuma let the beast rush at the rat with its own slash attack to sink its claws into the shadow’s pelt.
Action: Mind Slice
In effect: 2x Sukukaja
1x Rakunda
I bet it nulls confusion, buuuuuuut just in case. Confusion roll for Mind Slice, inflicted if 1. 0x75chM01-4
Post by Shirako Tachibana on Apr 28, 2014 13:01:38 GMT -5
The rat seemed to be more aligned with darkness than anything. If the immunity to the trait was not enough to give it away, then the fact that it's next offensive move was dark in nature was enough to drive it home. The enemy also removed their offensive boost. She evaded the darkness, but the follow-up of lightning slammed into her. Nothing to really worry over in moderation, though, she concluded. Nagano had been hit, but he seemed to be sturdy enough to stay up. Meanwhile, Kirihara evaded it outright. The both of them pressed on to assault the rat again, after some words were shot back and forth. It was probably healthy for males to have that sort of relationship. It seemed they all shared the same opinion regarding the rat's endurance. Another full assault, maybe two, and they'd be victorious. Of course, that was assuming that there was nothing else up the right's figurative sleeves.
Deciding that healing could wait until after this wave, the woman willed for another Deathbound. Yaksa charged in following the other two attacks, then, once close enough to the target, whirled, sending another cutting wave of destruction at the rat. It was about time that the rattrap came down to end things. She was not overly fond of normal rats. Making them larger and Shadow in nature certainly was not going to improve her opinion of them.