[IC] Fabula Nova Crystallis: War of Transgression

[fer1323]

Noir did not know how or why it all went to hell but they are in deep trouble.
Despite having a sturdy door between them and those that want them died, Noir does not feel safe. The eerie silence does not help either. The voice makes Noir feel uneasy calm inside of him.

After evening shown the vision, Noir's right plan side forearm burns slightly,
revealing the symbol of the dreaded fal'cie. Noir has heard stories about fal'cie but he never thought he would become one. The stories often end in tragic or so he has heard. Nadia is the first to ask the all important question. Noir says without really addressing anyone. "For once, I do not have the answers nor do I have a plan to get out of this mess. That scares me." What he said is the truth. Planning without having all answers is one thing but not having a plan scares him.

[Kyrisse]

Nyxia looked back just in time to see the door close with Madeleine still outside, beyond the Bahamuth that blocked the path. She took step forward but it was too late and all she could hear was a muffled scream from the other side. For a moment, she stood there, staring at the closed door. While she really didn't know the woman aside from her being from Cocoon, she was a member of the team she was in. And a good soldier never leaves a comrade behind. But right now, going back for a rescue was impossible. She reluctantly turned her attention to the center of the room.

As soon as Nyxia's eye fell on the bound form in the center of the room, her whole body tensed and her hands tightened on the hilt of her blades. This was her chance, this was her moment. Her leg muscles were so tensed that they felt like metal springs ready to uncoil to launch herself at the fal'cie. The longer she stared at it, the more she felt offended by it. She was just about to launch her attack on it when the voice inside her head stopped her short.

"In vainglory we arose, shouting challenges at the Gods. But prevail we did not. Our doom it is to walk the Chaos until time's end. I am Shemhazai, the Whisperer."

She staggered a step backward when the incomprehensible vision crashed into her mind. Images of powerful beings, displays of power... what did it all mean? What did its words mean? She felt a surge of energy rush through her whole being, something she attributed to the excitement of finally being close enough to end a fal'cie's existence.

Why am I wondering about mundane things when what I have to do is clear and is in front of me. I--- her thoughts were interrupted at the burning sensation on her left shoulder. She extended her arm and peered at it, wondering if somehow, in the ensuing chaos she ran through to get to this room, she got injured. Her eyes widened at the all too familiar brand that now marked her skin. She stared at it dumbfounded before she looked at the other people with her, all looking at the brands they now all shared.

A look of anger came over her face, her blue eyes blazing with fury. "No!" the single word was full of rage. "How. Dare. You," she spatted out and with those words, she launched herself at the fal'cie, her blades raised and her eyes burning with murder.

[JBRam2002]

"It's... the fal'Cie..." Julian barely had time to get the words out of his mouth when the vision took over, assaulting his senses with myriad images. When they finally faded, pain seared his right hand, and he stared. "The mark... of the l'Cie. This wasn't supposed to happen." He glared up at Shemhazai, stepping forward. "How dare you?! Taking innocent lives for no reason? We were going to learn from you, help you! And now..."

"You will help us," the whispers continued. "You are now our l'Cie. Do as you have been bidden, and face your own mortal destruction." The figure strained against the chains, and the links began to snap as it wrenched itself free. Shemhazai now stood before them, and its form was made clear. Shemhazai was clearly feminine, but with the body of a mechanical centaur. Her arms appeared to be formed from razor-sharp pikes that she now flashed at the group. "Come and meet your destiny!"

Shemhazai, the Whisperer

Group A Battle!	Current Time: 81.6 sec	Paradigm:	Double Trouble	Next Up: Noir
Noir - COM	HP: {[][][][][][][][][][]} HP: 280/375	Next: 81.6 sec	TP: {[][][][][][][][----|}	Status:
Nyxia - COM	HP: {[][][][][][][][][][]} HP: 270/315	Next: 83.8 sec	TP: {[][][][][][][][][--|}	Status:
Shemhazai	HP: {-KO-}	Next: 87 sec	Chain: -STAGGER!- 470.6% Break: 107.6 sec	Status: None

Group B Battle!	Current Time: 85 sec	Paradigm:	Slash and Burn	Next Up: Julian
Nadia - COM	HP: {[][][][][][][][][][]} HP: 216/345	Next: 86 sec	TP: {[][][][][][][][][--|}	Status:
Julian - RAV	HP: {[][][][][][][][][][]} HP: 231/345	Next: 85 sec	TP: {[][][][][][][][][--|}	Status:
Shemhazai	HP: {-KO-}	Next: 87 sec	Chain: -STAGGER!- 470.6% Break: 107.6 sec	Status:

---

Combat

Group A The current Paradigm is Arcane Defense!
Noir's turn! He targets Shemhazai with Provoke, which hits! He then begins to Steelguard.
Nyxia's turn! She targets Shemhazai with Aero for 61 damage.
Shemhazai's turn! She uses Wave of Whispers on the group, hitting Noir twice for 28 damage. She hits also hits Nyxia once for 15 damage.
Nyxia's turn! She changes her Paradigm to COM! The new Paradigm is Misdirection! She targets Shemhazai with an attack for 99 damage, then attacks for 100 damage.
Noir's turn! He changes his Paradigm to SYN! The new Paradigm is Supersoldier! He then targets self with Protect for 206 seconds.
Shemhazai's turn! She uses Crystal Rain on Noir for 74 damage.
Nyxia's turn! She targets Shemhazai with Ruin for 138 damage, attacks for 119 damage, and attacks for 120 damage.
Noir's turn! He targets Nyxia with Protect for 206 seconds.
Shemhazai's turn! She attacks Noir three times for 105 damage.
Noir's turn! He changes his Paradigm to SEN! The new Paradigm is Misdirection! He then targets Shemhazai with Provoke, but missed!
Nyxia's turn! She changes her Paradigm to MED! The new Paradigm is Lifeguard! She then targets Noir with Cure for 116 HP.
Shemhazai's turn! She attacks Nyxia 3 times for 92 damage.
Noir's turn! He targets Shemhazai with Provoke, but missed! He then uses Steelguard.
Nyxia's turn! She changes her Role to RAV! The new Paradigm is Arcane Defence! She then targets Shemhazai with Fire for 147 damage (Staggered!).
Noir's turn! He changes his Role to COM! The new Paradigm is Slash and Burn! He then targets Shemhazai with an attack for 308 damage.
Nyxia's turn! She targets Shemhazai with Fire for 204 damage, Aero for 211 damage, and Fire for 219 damage.
Noir's turn! He targets Shemhazai with an attack for 366 damage, attacks for 367 damage, and attacks for 368 damage.
Nyxia's turn! She changes her Role to COM! The new Paradigm is Double Trouble! She then targets Shemhazai with an attack for 367 damage.
Noir's turn! He targets Shemhazai with an attack for 402 damage, attacks for 404 damage, and attacks for 405 damage.
Nyxia's turn! She targets Shemhazai with an attack for 403 damage, attacks for 404 damage, attacks for 405 damage.
Shemhazai's turn! She attacks Nyxia three times for 102 damage!
Noir's turn! He targets Shemhazai with an attack for 445 damage, attacks for 446 damage, and attacks for 447 damage.
Nyxia's turn! She changes her Role to MED! The new Paradigm is War & Peace! She targets self with Cure for 116 HP.
Nyxia's turn! She changes her Role to COM! The new Paradigm is Double Trouble! She targets Shemhazai with an attack for 477 damage.
Noir's turn! He targets Shemhazai with an attack for 481 damage, attacks for 482 damage, and attacks for 483 damage.
Shemhazai's turn! She attacks Noir 3 times for 83 damage!
Nyxia's turn! She changes her Role to MED! The new Paradigm is War & Peace! She then targets Noir with Cure for 116 HP.
Noir's turn! He targets Shemhazai with an attack for 131 damage, attacks for 131 damage, and attacks for 132 damage.
Shemhazai's turn! She attacks Nyxia 2 times for 65 damage, missing the third!
Nyxia's turn! She targets self with Cure for 116 HP, then Cure for 116 HP.
Noir's turn! He targets Shemhazai with an attack for 151 damage, attacks for 151 damage, and attacks for 152 damage.
Nyxia's turn! She changes her Role to RAV! The new Paradigm is Slash and Burn! She then targets Shemhazai with Fire for 101 damage.
Shemhazai 's turn! She uses Wave of Whispers, hitting Nyxia for 45 damage and Noir for 41 damage, dispelling Protect on both! Shemhazai begins forming a magic crystal in front of her.
Nyxia's turn! She targets Shemhazai with Fire for 191 damage, Fire for 198 damage, and Fire for 205 damage!
Noir's turn! He targets Shemhazai with an attack for 361 damage, attacks for 362 damage, and attacks for 363 damage.
Nyxia's turn! She targets Shemhazai with Fire for 239 damage, Aero for 246 damage, and Fire for 254 damage.
Noir's turn! He targets Shemhazai with an attack for 437 damage, attacks for 438 damage, and attacks for 439 damage.
Nyxia's turn! She changes her Role to COM! The new Paradigm is Double Trouble! She then targets Shemhazai with an attack for 439 damage.

Group B The current Paradigm is Supersoldier!
Nadia's turn! She targets Shemhazai with Ruin for 107 damage, Ruin for 99 damage, and Ruin for 106 damage.
Julian's turn! He targets Nadia with Protect for 206 seconds.
Shemhazai's turn! She uses Wave of Whispers on the group, hitting Julian three times for 45 damage. She also hits Nadia twice for 21 damage.
Julian's turn! He targets self with Protect for 206 seconds.
Nadia's turn! She targets Shemhazai with an attack for 111 damage, Ruin for 104 damage, and attacks for 122 damage.
Shemhazai's turn! She uses Crystal Rain on Nadia for 66 damage.
Julian's turn! He changes his Paradigm to RAV! The new Paradigm is Slash and Burn! He then targets Shemhazai with Thunder for 156 damage, finding a weakness!
Nadia's turn! She changes her Paradigm to SAB! The new Paradigm is Undermine! She then targets Shemhazai with Deprotect for 62 damage (Missed status!).
Julian's turn! He targets Shemhazai with Thunder for 162 damage, Thunder for 0 damage (Missed!), and Thunder for 170 damage
Shemhazai's turn! She attacks Nadia three times for 97 damage.
Nadia's turn! She changes her Paradigm to MED! The new Paradigm is Yin & Yang! She then targets herself with Cure for 122 HP.
Julian's turn! He targets Shemhazai with Thunder for 177 damage, Thunder for 184 damage, Thunder for 192 damage.
Shemhazai's turn! She attacks Julian 2 times for 69 damage, missing the third hit.
Nadia's turn! She changes her Role to SAB! The new Paradigm is Undermine! She then targets Shemhazai with Deprotect for 84 damage (Debuff Missed!)
Julian's turn! He targets Shemhazai with Thunder for 342 damage, Thunder for 357 damage, and Thunder for 371 damage!
Nadia's turn! She targets Shemhazai with Deprotect for 168 damage, Slow P for 231 damage, Deprotect for 157 damage.
Julian's turn! He targets Shemhazai with Thunder for 428 damage, Thunder for 443 damage, and Thunder for 457 damage.
Nadia's turn! She changes her Role to COM! The new Paradigm is Slash and Burn! She then targets Shemhazai with an attack for 541 damage.
Julian's turn! He targets Shemhazai with Thunder for 499 damage, Thunder for 514 damage, Thunder for 529 damage.
Nadia's turn! She targets Shemhazai with an attack for 577 damage, Ruin for 434 damage, and attacks for 633 damage.
Julian's turn! He targets Shemhazai with Thunder for 555 damage, Thunder for 569 damage, and Thunder for 584 damage.
Shemhazai's turn! She attacks Nadia three times for 95 damage!
Nadia's turn! She changes her Role to MED! The new Paradigm is Yin & Yang! She then targets self with Cure for 122 HP.
Julian's turn! He targets Shemhazai with Thunder for 573 damage, Thunder for 587 damage, Thunder for 601 damage.
Nadia's turn! She changes her Role to COM! The new Paradigm is Slash and Burn! She targets Shemhazai with an attack for 143 damage.
Julian's turn! He targets Shemhazai with Thunder for 140 damage, Thunder for 148 damage, Thunder for 155 damage.
Nadia's turn! She targets Shemhazai with an attack for 169 damage, attacks for 168 damage, and attacks for 159 damage.
Julian's turn! He targets Shemhazai with Thunder for 157 damage, Thunder for 164 damage, Thunder for 172 damage.
Nadia's turn! She targets Shemhazai with an attack for 197 damage, attacks for 192 damage, and attacks for 206 damage.
Julian's turn! He targets Shemhazai with Thunder for 182 damage, Thunder for 189 damage, and Thunder for 197 damage.
Shemhazai's turn! She attacks Nadia 3 times for 94 damage!
Nadia's turn! She targets Shemhazai with an attack for 212 damage, Ruin for 147 damage, and attacks for 0 damage (Missed!).
Julian's turn! He targets Shemhazai with Thunder for 349 damage (Staggered!), Thunder for 364 damage, and Thunder for 379 damage.
Nadia's turn! She targets Shemhazai with an attack for 463 damage, Ruin for 328 damage, and attacks for 516 damage
Julian's turn! He targets Shemhazai with Thunder for 444 damage, Thunder for 459 damage, and Thunder for 474 damage
Julian's turn! He targets Shemhazai with Thunder for 537 damage, Thunder for 552 damage, and Thunder for 567 damage.
Nadia's turn! She targets Shemhazai with an attack for 647 damage, Ruin for 414 damage, and attacks for 652 damage.
Julian's turn! He targets Shemhazai with Thunder for 579 damage, Thunder for 605 damage, and Thunder for 634 damage
Nadia's turn! She targets Shemhazai with an attack for 747 damage and Ruin for 509 damage.

As the last blow of l'Cie magic from Nadia hit Shemhazai, she gave a quiet chuckle. "You have proven yourselves well," she said quietly, as if she were straining for each word. "My time has come to an end. You shall carry on our story. You shall be our Pride and our Vengeance. Fare the well."

With a snap of her fingers, another surge of energy exploded throughout the room, blasting open the doorway behind the group and continuing throughout the whole warehouse. Where previously one could hear sounds of blades clashing and shouts of victory or defeat, now an utter silence filled the area. Shemhazai looked down on the group momentarily before she stumbled forward, collapsing to the ground. "Make... us proud... again..." she whispered before her body disintegrated into a flood of rose petals.

You have defeated Shemhazai. You gain the following rewards: 2 Potions, 800 Gil, 6 CP. The Potions and Gil are shared among all party members.

[fer1323]

Despite the great strength that he and no doubt the others now wield, Noir takes a moment to catch his breath after the fight. Striaghtening from his battle, he glances around the now less empty and now eerily quiet warehouse. Noir takes a quick look at the others. They look a bit battered but a good night's rest or two could easily fix that. Noir decides to take a look around the warehouse for anything of use. "I am going to look around for something of use. I will report back in a little while."

As he passes the place their opponent fall, lays a pile of gil and a couple potions. He carefully places the potions in one of his pounces and the gil in his gil pouch. Noir approaches crates on the far side of the warehouse. Most of them are labeled but almost all are filled with something that is either too big to carry on person, not useful or both. Only one small package is labeled basic foot-soldier equipment which catchs his eye. After opening the package, Noir finds inside three items that he knows to be a Iron Bangle, a Power Wristband, and finally a Magician's Mark. He take the items and heads back towards the others

[Landaus Five-One]

Nadia felt a bit overwhelmed with killing an fal'Cie, one of the protectors of Pulse. However, she had to protect herself from dying. She sheathed her Dream Scythe and was a bit shaken at the entire event that had happened. "What's the world coming to?" Nadia thought to herself. She cupped her two hands together and looked around at everyone. She started to pace a bit but realization came for her that it could have been worse. "W-What is happening?" Nadia asked, a bit freaked out. Her body was shaking after the realization kicked in that she was the one who finished off a fal'Cie.

Nadia noticed Noir approaching the group with a package. She gave a small smile on her face towards Noir. "W-What do you got there? Noir," Nadia said, trying to calm herself down with talking to someone in the group. She had tears going down her face because this is too much for her to handle and after being threatened by that Pulsian Soldier and now this.

[JBRam2002]

As the figure of Shemhazai disappeared, Julian looked on in shock. The last several minutes had gifted him with the disappearance of all of his Cocoon allies, a surprise attack that his intel should have seen coming, and not least of all, a l'Cie brand. Thankfully, while Julian stood paralyzed, Noir took the initiative, searching through the warehouse and returning with some useful gear. Julian took a deep breath to refocus himself and turned towards his new ally.

He took a few seconds to glance over the items that Noir carried. "This one should make you stronger, this one enhances your manadrives, and the last lets you take more of a beating. I wonder..." Julian took the Magician's Mark and focused on his new l'Cie powers. "Yes, this Mark also affects our new abilities as well. It seems that Nyxia and I are the ones who are most magically oriented. One of us should take this item. The Wristband should go to the strongest among us. I feel as if that would be Nadia. And I suggest that the Bangle go to the one who has the hardest time taking a hit... which I feel was Nyxia from the look of the last battle. And..." Julian looked at the items that Noir found, then back to his allies. "Looks like we're one short. Damn. I'll let you all decide the best way to hand these out then."

[Kyrisse]

Nyxia stared at the rose petals, her whole body still buzzing from the rush of adrenaline the fight had brought about. There really was no sense of relief or achievement from seeing the fal'Cie fall from the group's joint effort. There was just a feeling of frustration. Why did she let it mark her? Why did she let it brand her like a master would a slave. She threw one of her blades with enough force so that the long length of the chain wrapped itself around her body, caught it and then sheathed both blades into their own scabbards a little forcefully. She looked at Noir when he spoke but did not acknowledge his words. Instead, she looked down at the black brand on her left arm.

She felt a new surge of anger run through her. Did she leave Oerba just to suffer the same fate as her father? How long will it take for her to turn into a monster? Who would end up killing her? She took a couple of deep breaths to calm herself down. She needed to figure out what to do. There was no way to go back in time to redo what was already done. The fal'Cie was no more. It will not be able to take back its mark.

The only way to go was forward.

And forward meant travelling with the group she was with now. All of them marked. All of them cursed.

She looked at Julian, who was explaining what the items Noir brought back. She shook her head. "I am fine not taking any of those items," she said.

[fer1323]

Noir comes up with a suggestion for the items to help the process. "I agree that the iron bangle could go to the most frail of us but I also could take it and try to draw the enemies' attacks to me. Althought I can already take a beating, I will not be able to survive a focused barrage , even with my new-found powers" Noir aims to build on what Juilian said about bolstering their inate strengths.

"I would like to make to make this decision quick or we must do it at a later stage. It might not sound like it but we are still in hostile territory. We must get out of here soon." It is possible that he is still on edge from the adrenaline and the eerie silence is not helping either. With the added fact of them being now branded and fal'Cie being vanquished by them, Noir gets the feeling that they should get a move on. Time is of the essence and act while the option to do so is still available.

[JBRam2002]

As the group discussed their next move, a cry of alarm came from outside the warehouse. Julian looked up immediately, conceen writ on his face. "We can decide on the way," he said. "For now, I'll take the Mark." In a single motion, he slipped the Magician's Mark from the items Noir held and placed in on his arm. "Let's go!"

Julian led the way outside, but stopped short when he opened the door. The sounds of battle were silenced, and the flames of war that had burned previously were frozen into crystalline shards of amber. The only sign of life in the area was a small white creature crawling on the ground. "Ohhh kupooo," she muttered quietly before glancing up at the group. "Hey! Hey, you guys! What happened? And uh... help, pleeease?"

[Landaus Five-One]

Nadia looked a bit confused and she accepted the Brawler’s Wristband from Noir by taking it with a smile towards him. ”T-Thank you, Julian for explaining them. I will take the one that will make me stronger...,” Nadia said, confidently and a bit confused and terrified all in one. Her emotions was slightly a bit all over the place with what is happening.

Nadia heard what everyone was talking about afterwards and agreed they need to get out of here. She followed Julian with cautiousness since she is still in shock because of what happened. She looked at the battlefield outside and was startled when she heard a voice and saw a small white creature crawling on the ground. ”W-What is that?” Nadia asked, pointing at the one who called to them for help. She had never seen this creature before in her life or had any stories during her childhood about them. She slowly walked to it with a bit of a gentle smile coming across her face. ”W-We should help this thing…,” Nadia said, with gentleness to her.

[JBRam2002]

"Oh, th-thank you!" the creature cried out in response. "I was just fluttering by watching the fireworks show when this blast of energy knocked me out of the sky. I tried to stay aloft, but I think my wing is hurt." The creature pointed to one of the purple bat-like wings that sprouted from her back. From her testimonial, it seemed these tiny wings gave her the ability to fly. "As for me, my name is Mo... uh... Molly. Yeah! I'm a Moogle, but I'm not like those normal kupo-spewing, cutemongering, pompom-fluffed moogles. I'm dangerous!"

If Molly didn't look so pitiful on the ground, her arms barely able to reach the ground to pull her forward, her declaration of danger may have been seen as comical. As it was, Julian held back a chuckle as he wracked his brain on these creatures. Moogles had been mentioned in one of his briefings as a Pulsian creature with some potential, but that they were definitely too dim-witted and fearful to be useful. Perhaps Molly was different. "What can we do to help, Molly?" he asked, deciding to focus on the situation at hand before trying to recap what had just happened before he was even certain of it himself. Besides, they did npt know the origin of the moogle. Perhaps she was a spy from Cocoon. Seeing a Pulse brand on them may cause troubles.

"I'm just a little hurt," Molly replied. "I'm sure if you could find me a Kupo Nut, I would be just fine. No... no more Kupo Nuts. I'm getting chubby. A Potion should do, I think."

[fer1323]

In the end, Noir gives Nyxia the iron bangle since she needs it more than he does. After following Julian to the door and seeing the worse for wear moogle, Noir is in two minds about handing over a potion. He vaguely remembers some stories that his grandmother told him. They can be useful companions if he remembers correctly. Manpower is also an important resource which they greatly Lack at the moment.

He walks over to the moogle and takes out a potion. "Do not make me regret this." He offers the potion to the moogle. In the end, Noir does not want this moogle to be an unnecessary casualty. If this moogle flees and dies, there is nothing he can do. Noir hopes that this moogle can return the favour and help them.

[Kyrisse]

After stating her disinterest in the items Noir found, Nyxia turned her attention back at the brand on her left arm. It was a reminder of how she fell into the same trap her father did, the black mark an omen, a harbinger of death and destruction. It didn't matter that she left Oerba. It didn't matter that she tried living a different life. It didn't matter that she was able to, with the help of the people she was with now, destroy a fal'Cie. It didn't matter that she saw it as some sort of payback for what she went through. In the end, she was a fal'Cie's slave.

She reached down and tore a strip of cloth from what she was wearing. Straightening up, she worked rapidly, wrapping the strip of cloth around her arm, completely concealing the mark. And then with the help of her teeth, she tied a knot on it.

She had just finished tying her arm when she looked up and saw Noir extend the iron bangle to her. She looked at him silently for a few seconds and then without a word, accepted the accessory. She gave him a small nod before she slipped it onto her wrist and followed after the rest of the group.

Nyxia stayed a couple of steps behind, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings just in case danger pops out again. But the commotion a small white creature was making made her catch up. A small smile lifted the corners of her lips when she saw the moogle. She was familiar with the creature and have several times encountered them while she wandered Gran Pulse. They were gentle creature that could offer useful help. She wondered though what one was doing here in Cocoon.

When Noir stepped forward to give the moogle the potion, Nyxia watched him. She would have given the little creature a Kupo nut but sadly, she didn't have any.

[JBRam2002]

Molly's bauble danced as she accepted the potion. "Thank you!" she squealed as she rolled back onto her back, pulling the stopper out with both hands while she gripped the potion with her feet. She then drank the potion, feeling her strength return to her. "Ahhh... not quite as tasty as a Kupo Nut, but it gets the job done. Now, where was I? Oh yes!" She fluttered her wings and rose into the air until she was at eye level with the others.

"I was following some strong magic from that building you just came out of. I'm a researcher of sorts. Magic is pretty rare unless it comes from fal'Cie, l'Cie, or manadrives. I'm one of the few people I know that can use magic naturally! All thanks to this bauble." Molly tapped the crystalline pom-pom that dangled from an antenna sprouting from the center of her head. "But I've never seen as much magical energy as the discharge that knocked me out of the sky, especially not all at once. And then of course, there's the Cie'th. But what was in there? From my readings, that's almost as powerful as a fal'Cie!"

[Landaus Five-One]

Nadia heard what Molly had said about herself and had a confused look on her face because she had never seen a moogle until now that is. She stayed quiet when she saw the moogle drinking the potion, she had a small smile on her face. She looked back at the building they came out from and slowly looked back at Molly. ”F-Fal’Cie was in there but it is no longer,” Nadia said, with a nervous to her. Her heart sank when she spoke about what she had said and her tears started to come back.

Nadia had never felt worse than until now and she looked at her l'cie mark on her right arm. She felt as if she was in a dream still. ”M-Makes no sense… W-Why?” Nadia thought to herself, with a confused look on her face. Her hands were shaking a bit since the adrenaline in her system finally went away. She was depressed by all the events that happened and the truth she learned was even more shocking.

[Kyrisse]

A researcher. Well, that makes sense... Nyxia thought. The smile that was on her lips curved down into a frown at the mention of fal'cies and l'cies. Her mood darkened once more as she was reminded of what laid beneath the strip of cloth she had tied around her arm. Feeling determined to ignore the frustration, she looked towards the scythe wielding girl from Yaschas Peak. The look on the younger girl's face reminded her that she was not alone in this plight.

Although Nadia was not to be trifled with in battle, she looked vulnerable with the tears threatening to spill from her eyes, no doubt confused why a mission that was supposed to be straightforward turned out this way. She decided to approach the girl and laid a hand on her shoulder. "It'll be okay," she assured despite not knowing what laid ahead of them.

[fer1323]

Noir crosses his arms as the others talk with Molly. Noir turns to Julian and says him. "I will leave it up to you tell Molly all she may want to ask." While noting the position of Eden, Noir takes out a map and compass. "I suggest we get a move on to safer pastures. I do not feel safe here and every second wasted is a second that we can not afford." Although there is no enemies currently, there is always the chance that enemies can show up.

[JBRam2002]

As the group discussed their new companion, a shout of alarm sounded from the center of town. "Help! Come on, Maurice, put them down! HELP!" Julian glanced at the others and motioned for them to follow before darting over to investigate. As the group rounded a corner, they saw two Cocoon soldiers attempting to fight off a pair of fiery Pulsian multi-sided automata. They rolled and flared as one of the two soldiers frantically sent spell after spell at them, but they seemed at a deadlock. The other soldier periodically rushed in to deal some damage and give his ally a break, but was quickly overwhelmed by the flaming attacks.

"I'm trying the best I can, Rikken!" the darker skinned soldier called out, sweat pouring from his brow. "This ain't easy work, either!"

"Gah! If only we had Lily here!" Rikken replied as he withdrew once more. "There. That's the last potion. If this keeps up, we're done for."

Before the group could react, a Cocoon gunship approached, dropping a squad of Guardian Corps soldiers. "Ah, reinforcements. Good," Maurice called out before a shot rang out. "Hey, that almost hit me! Watch it!"

"Clear the area!" the GC Gunner called out. "Purge anyone who's been tainted by the fal'Cie. Start with these two."

Julian looked back at his allies. "I'm going to help them. Noir, Nyxia, Molly... if you could distract the Corps units, I think that Nadia and I can take out those two bombs. Deal? Let's act fast!"

Enemy Images

- - -

Corps Gunner - Corps Marksman - Corps Pacifex - Corps Regular

Bomb

Group A Battle!	Current Time: 56.9 sec	Paradigm:	Aggresion	Next Up: Nyxia
Noir - COM	HP: {[][][][][][][][][][]} HP: 105/468	Next: 59.6 sec	TP: {[][------|---------|}	Status:
Nyxia - COM	HP: {[][][][][][][][][][]} HP: 429/429	Next: 56.9 sec	TP: {[][][][][][][][][][]}	Status:
Molly - RAV	HP: {[][][][][][][][][][]} HP: 291/410	Next: 62.5 sec	TP: {[][][]---|---------|}	Status:
Corps Gunner	HP: {-KO-}	Next: -	Chain: {--} 100%	Status: None
Corps Marksman	HP: {-KO-}	Next: -	Chain: {--} 100%	Status: None
Corps Pacifex	HP: {-KO-}	Next: 60.8 sec	Chain: -STAGGER!- 277.7% Break: 19.6 sec	Status: None
Corps Regular	HP: {-KO-}	Next: -	Chain: {--} 100%	Status: None

Group B Battle!	Current Time: 17.6 sec	Paradigm:	Thaumaturgy	Next Up: Maurice
Nadia - MED	HP: {[][][][][][][][][][]} HP: 260/422	Next: 21.5 sec	TP: {[][][][][][][][][]-|}	Status: None
Julian - RAV	HP: {-KO-} HP: 0/410	Next: -	TP: {[][][][][][][][][]-|}	Status: None
Maurice - RAV	HP: {[][][][][][][][][][]} HP: 391/391	Next: 17.6 sec	TP: {N/A}	Status: None
Bomb A	HP: {-KO-}	Next: -	Chain: {--} 100%	Status: None
Bomb B	HP: {-KO-}	Next: -	Chain: {--} 100%	Status: None

Group A Battle

Group A Battle! - Starting Paradigm: Guerilla
Noir's turn! He targets Nyxia with Protect for 138 seconds.
Nyxia's turn! She targets Corps Marksman with Fire (Null) for 0 damage, Fire (Null) for 0 damage, and Fire (Null) for 0 damage.
Molly's turn! She targets Corps Marksman with Deprotect P for 50 damage, Deshell P for 51 damage (Missed!), and Slow P for 50 damage.
Corps Gunner's turn! He uses Manadrive Barthunder on himself.
Corps Pacifex's turn! He uses Manadrive Watera on Noir for 92 damage and on Nyxia for 93 damage.
Corps Regular's turn! He uses Manadrive Fire on Nyxia for 117 damage.
Corps Marksman's turn! He uses Manadrive Enfire on himself.
Corps Regular's turn! He attacks Molly 3 times for 207 damage.
Noir's turn! He targets Molly with Protect for 138 seconds.
Corps Gunner's turn! He attacks Noir 3 times for 132 damage.
Corps Pacifex's turn! He attacks Nyxia 3 times for 126 damage.
Nyxia's turn! She changes her Role to MED! The new Paradigm is Evened Odds! She then targets self with Cure for 127 HP.
Molly's turn! She changes her Role to MED! The new Paradigm is Convalescence! She then targets self with Cure for 127 HP.
Corps Marksman's turn! He attacks Molly 3 times for 181 damage.
Noir's turn! He targets self with Protect for 138 seconds.
Corps Regular's turn! He attacks Nyxia 3 times for 145 damage.
Corps Gunner's turn! He uses Manadrive Enfire on Corps Regular.
Corps Pacifex's turn! He attacks Molly 3 times for 125 damage.
Nyxia's turn! Nyxia uses a Potion, healing Noir for 150 HP, Nyxia for 150 HP, and Molly for 150 HP.
Noir's turn! He changes his Role to COM! The new Paradigm is Discretion!
Molly's turn! She targets self with Cure for 130 HP and Cure for 132 HP.
Nyxia's turn! She changes her Role to RAV! The new Paradigm is Diversity! She then targets Corps Marksman with Aero for 80 damage.
Corps Regular's turn! He uses Manadrive Fire on Nyxia for 132 damage.
Noir's turn! He targets Corps Marksman with Blitz for 425 damage, hitting Corps Gunner for 192 damage and Corps Pacifex for 198 damage, and attacks Corps Marksman for 249 damage.
Molly's turn! She targets Nyxia with Cure for 128 HP, Cure for 133 HP, and Cure for 129 HP.
Corps Marksman's turn! He attacks Noir 3 times for 199 damage.
Corps Pacifex's turn! He uses Manadrive Watera on Nyxia for 117 damage, hitting Noir for 94 damage and Molly for 109 damage.
Nyxia's turn! She targets Corps Marksman with Aero for 83 damage, Aero for 91 damage, and Aero for 95 damage.
Noir's turn! He targets Corps Marksman with Blitz for 468 damage, hitting Corps Gunner for 195 damage and Corps Pacifex for 230 damage, and attacks Corps Marksman for 318 damage.
Corps Regular's turn! He attacks Nyxia 3 times for 146 damage.
Molly's turn! She targets Noir with Cure for 127 HP, Cure for 131 HP, and Cure for 128 HP.
Corps Gunner's turn! He uses Manadrive Barthunder on Corps Regular.
Nyxia's turn! She changes her Role to COM! The new Paradigm is Tireless Charge! She then targets Corps Marksman with an attack for 298 damage, defeating him!
Corps Pacifex's turn! He attacks Nyxia 3 times for 129 damage.
Noir's turn! He targets Corps Gunner with Blitz for 220 damage, hitting the Corps Pacifex for 210 damage, and attacks Corps Gunner for 142 damage.
Corps Regular's turn! He attacks Molly 3 times for 146 damage.
Molly's turn! She targets Nyxia with Cure for 126 HP, Cure for 128 HP, and Cure for 130 HP.
Nyxia's turn! She targets Corps Gunner with an attack for 158 damage, attacks for 165 damage, and attacks for 168 damage, defeating him.
Corps Pacifex's turn! He attacks Nyxia 3 times for 100 damage, missing once.
Noir's turn! He targets Corps Pacifex with Libra! The Pacifex is weak to Thunder and resistant to Water. See the Bestiary for more info!
Corps Regular's turn! He attacks Molly 3 times for 151 damage.
Molly's turn! She targets self with Cure for 127 HP, Cure for 128 HP, and Cure for 133 HP.
Noir's turn! He targets Corps Regular with Libra! The Regular is weak to Fire and Blizzard and resistant to Thunder. See the Bestiary for more info!
Nyxia's turn! She changes her Role to RAV! The new Paradigm is Diversity! She then targets Corps Regular with Blizzard (Weak) for 168 damage.
Noir's turn! He targets Corps Regular with Blitz for 225 damage, hitting Corps Pacifex for 220 damage, and attacks for 145 damage.
Corps Pacifex's turn! He uses Manadrive Watera on Nyxia for 99 damage, hitting Noir for 108 damage and Molly for 102 damage.
Corps Regular's turn! He uses Manadrive Fire on Nyxia for 142 damage.
Molly's turn! She targets Nyxia with Cure for 127 HP, Cure for 129 HP, and Cure for 132 HP.
Nyxia's turn! She targets Corps Regular with Blizzard (Weak) for 223 damage, Fire (Weak) for 249 damage, and Blizzard (Weak) for 255 damage.
Noir's turn! He targets Corps Pacifex with Blitz for 191 damage, hitting Corps Regular for 279 damage, and attacks for 122 damage.
Molly's turn! She changes her Role to RAV! The new Paradigm is Relentless Assault! She then targets Corps Regular with Froststrike (Weak) for 454 damage (Staggered!), defeating him!
Nyxia's turn! She changes her Role to COM! The new Paradigm is Aggresion! She then targets Corps Pacifex with an attack for 155 damage.
Corps Pacifex's turn! He attacks Noir 3 times for 127 damage.
Noir's turn! He targets Corps Pacifex with an attack for 129 damage, attacks for 133 damage, and attacks for 0 damage (Missed!).
Molly's turn! She targets Corps Pacifex with Stonestrike for 109 damage, Froststrike for 120 damage, and Stonestrike for 220 damage (Staggered!).
Nyxia's turn! She targets Corps Pacifex with an attack for 352 damage, attacks for 361 damage, and attacks for 375 damage.
Corps Pacifex's turn! He attacks Noir 3 times for 128 damage.
Noir's turn! He targets Corps Pacifex with an attack for 310 damage, attacks for 312 damage, and attacks for 272 damage.
Molly's turn! She targets Corps Pacifex with Froststrike for 237 damage, Stonestrike for 246 damage, and Froststrike for 264 damage.
Nyxia's turn! She targets Corps Pacifex with an attack for 437 damage, attacks for 425 damage, and attacks for 438 damage, defeating him!

Group A Battle Complete!

Group B Battle

Group B Battle! - Starting Paradigm: Strike Team
Nadia's turn! She targets Bomb A with an attack for 179 damage, Ruin for 123 damage, and attacks for 191 damage.
Julian's turn! He targets Nadia with Protect for 138 seconds.
Squad's turn! They change their Role to RAV! The new Paradigm is Decimation! Maurice then targets Bomb A with Blizzard (Weak) for 201 damage.
"I know they look weak," Maurice says, "but they can heal themselves. When they're fully healed, those bombs will blow!"
Bomb B's turn! It uses Flamestrike on Maurice for 144 damage, healing itself to full!
Bomb A's turn! It uses Flamestrike on Nadia for 139 damage.
Julian's turn! He targets Maurice with Faith for 70 seconds.
Squad's turn! Maurice targets Bomb B with Blizzard (Weak) for 281 damage, Fire (Absorb) for -137 damage, and Blizzard (Weak) for 280 damage.
Nadia's turn! She targets Bomb A with an attack for 173 damage, Ruin for 129 damage, and attacks for 202 damage.
Bomb B's turn! It uses Flamestrike on Nadia for 153 damage.
Julian's turn! He changes his Role to RAV! The new Paradigm is Relentless Assault! He then targets Bomb A with Stone for 103 damage.
Bomb A's turn! It uses Flamestrike on Julian for 214 damage.
Squad's turn! Maurice targets Bomb A with Blizzard (Weak) for 294 damage and Blizzard (Weak) for 306 damage, defeating it. Maurice then targets Bomb B with Blizzard (Weak) for 276 damage.
Nadia's turn! She changes her Role to MED! The new Paradigm is Thaumaturgy! She then targets self with Cure for 130 HP.
Julian's turn! He targets Bomb B with Thunder for 95 damage, Stone for 97 damage, and Thunder for 97 damage.
Bomb B's turn! It uses Flamestrike on Julian for 264 damage, KOing him!
Nadia's turn! She targets Maurice with Cure for 117 HP and Cure for 119 HP.
Squad's turn! Maurice targets Bomb B with Blizzard (Weak) for 269 damage and Blizzard (Weak) for 258 damage, finishing it off.

Group B Battle Complete!

Combat Rewards:
11 CP, 2 Potions, 1 Phoenix Down, 1000 gil

[JBRam2002]

Maurice collapsed to the ground, panting heavily as he looked at the newcomers. "Looks like you saved our bacon," he muttered, handing his weapon towards Rikken. "If you guys hadn't shown up, we would have been goners for sure."

Rikken nodded as he reached down to help Julian to his feet. "You look familiar for some reason," he said, scratching the back of his head as he wracked his brain. "Wait... Cagle, right? You're the nerd that bust into my recruitment center a while back. How'd that go for ya?"

Julian brushed the dirt off his shirt as he stood up. "Lietenant now," he replied. "Noir, get us a tactical assessment of the area. Molly, check around for any magical equipment. Maybe see what that explosion did. Nyxia, please keep an eye out for more dropships. And Nadia... maybe you should stick close to me for now."

Rikken watched as Julian gave his orders, nodding thoughtfully. "Lieutenant, huh? You've come a long ways. But your squad... they have some interesting names. Where are they from, Bodhum?"

Julian squinted back at Rikken. "You realize the GC just tried to kill you, right? We should get moving before they send in PSICOM. There was a fal'Cie in that building, and PSICOM can't be far behind."

"We know," Maurice replied, his voice solemn. "Your little cuddly friend won't have to look far. Most of the soldiers here got turned into some kind of monster. We were able to take out most of em, but those Bombs were a handful."

Molly fluttered back as Maurice finished talking. "Cie'th, and I am not cuddly, kupo! There's a whole pack of Cie'th down that road around the corner. They're bad news. We need to fly!"

Julian nodded. "You two should come with us. You're on the run from Cocoon whether you like it or not. Once we're back at base, I'll explain everything we know."

"Sounds like a plan, Lieutenant," Rikken responded with a grin. He held out a small metallic band towards Julian. "Here, take this. You all will need it more than us. Before we go, I suggest checking out that crashed gunship over there. We cleared out a bunch of Cie'th from that ship before the bombs drove us back. There's gotta be something good in there."

>Party gains an Iron Bangle!

[Landaus Five-One]

Nadia had her hands shaking a bit after the battle and she on accident dropped her scythe onto the ground. Her thoughts were all over the place about what had happened. She put her two hands together right at her chest and was trying to think of happy thoughts. ”I-I have no idea what’s going on,” Nadia thought to herself, with tears running down her cheeks. She snapped back into reality when Julian talked towards her. ”S-Stay close… I-I will try,” Nadia said, a bit shaken from what has happened and tears. She looked down and saw her scythe on the ground. She picked it up with her hands and they were still shaking but she was holding onto her scythe a bit tighter.

Julian grimaced slightly as Nadia held her scythe. This Pulse girl was hardly fit for the front line duty that the circumstances had thrust upon her. He directed Maurice and Rikken to search for any useful materials while Julian remained behind to keep an eye on Nadia. As she trembled, Julian reached forward towards the brand on her right arm. “Might I take a closer look?” he asked. “Everything is happening so quickly. My head is spinning from all this. Why us, right?” Julian tried to find Nadia’s gaze with his own and spoke gently as he approached. She seemed no different from any random Cocoon girl he had met. Her attire was strange, but he had seen stranger in Nautilus. Her reactions were definitely not as monstrous as Eden would have their citizens believe. All his scrutiny turned up was a scared, normal girl put in circumstances far outside her comfort zone.

Nadia heard Julian’s first question and was shaking a bit more. ”Y-Yeah… you can,” Nadia said, with a slight ounce of caution and a bit fear of what might happen next. She had not been this afraid in her life for once she had no idea what’s going on. ”I-I have no idea,” Nadia replied. She continued to look down while looking at her scythe and noticed her hands still shaking but couldn’t stop herself from doing so. She had never been this afraid in her life. ”T-This mission… was supposed to be simple but…,” Nadia thought to herself, with tears coming down her face.

Julian nodded as he inspected her brand. “Same for me. A simple reconnaissance mission, with potential rewards that would help both Cocoon and Pulse. But I was lied to, it seems, and now we’re all Pulse l’Cie. I’ll just say I never dreamed I’d be in this position.” Julian looked at the back of his right hand, comparing his own brand with Nadia’s. “They look the same. Whatever just happened back there, we’re now in this together. And it looks like you have a friend in Noir as well. We’ll do whatever we can to keep you safe, okay?”

Nadia heard what Julian had said and it was a bit shaken and tried calm herself down. She couldn’t shake a feeling of dread. ”I-I guess,” Nadia said, a bit unsure of herself. She was startled when he told her about safe and everything he had said. She slowly looked up and had been teary eyed from the beginning. ”O-Okay. I-I’ll try not to be…,” Nadia said, with tears coming down her face. She tried to put on a smile but it turned into a frown instead. Her body was still shaking from all that has happened.

Julian placed his hand on her shoulder, patting it lightly. “It’s okay to be scared. This all just... is not optimal. But we need to focus for now, at least until we get to safety. I know you can be strong; I just saw it when we fought those Bombs.” Julian gave a quiet sigh before glancing around at what the others were doing. “If what Molly said is correct, we need to keep moving. We don’t want those Cie’th finding us. I think we should regroup back at my camp. We can resupply and rest there, and then try to figure out what that damned vision meant.” He looked back to Nadia, attempting to size her up. She didn’t appear to be much for traversing the wilds, and her intelligence-gathering skills had yet to be proven. “What can you do to help us?” he asked softly. “Each one of us will need to work together to make this work. What will your role be?”

Nadia got shaken when he mentioned the bombs, it was mostly the adrenaline that kept her from faltering. She calmed down a bit when he said about the camp, she wanted to get out of this place the most. Her hands slowly stopped shaking but she was still worried. ”I-I’m a cook… I was trained in the a-art of cooking when I joined the P-Pulsian… Military,” Nadia said, a bit tense in her tone of voice. She had a bit of a tough time in basic training in the Pulsian Military. ”T-They were hard on me… They said, I was too id-idealistic...,” Nadia said. She looked down at the ground a bit weary and tired.

At the comment of idealism, Julian let out a laugh. “Idealism is probably what got most of us into this mess,” he replied, still chuckling. “I welcome it. If I learned nothing else, it’s this: knowing what you believe is a more powerful motivator than being told what to believe. And, lucky for you, I’ve been looking for a chef. Cid might be great with machines, but he makes a terrible cook.” Julian gave Nadia a reassuring smile. “Come on, let’s go find the others.”

Nadia was taken aback at Julian’s straightforwardness in what he said. ”O-Okay, I will try my best,” Nadia said. She giggled at what he had said. She felt a bit more relaxed and finally put her scythe away by sheathing it. ”Cid…? I-I guess I will meet him soon,” Nadia said, a bit confused. She wanted to find the people in the group that were thrusted into this role. ”T-That vision… was strange,” Nadia thought to herself, with a confused look on her face.