View source for 2339/The Crown of Succession: Ritter

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2025/02/19
|Location=Plot Room 1
|Synopsis=Chrono, Sugata, Amy, and Zephyr hunt down the Knight and fight it on a bridge!
|Cast of Characters=216,80,166,107,197
|Tinyplot=The Crown of Succession
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:216|Aloisia Stauss (216)}} has posed:'''<br>Towards the edges of southwestern tokyo, one of the bridges had become somewhat of a hot spot of late due to the mysterious appearance of a statue that seemed to have shown up seemingly out of nowhere a few months ago. At first people didn't make much note of it --though some officials had attempted to remove it unsuccessfully a few times, beyond the surprisingly high level of detail, it wasn't the strangest thing to show up in Tokyo really. Still, the boys of a nearby highschool had started taking pictures with it, a few of them even taking pictures pretending to take the knight's sword. <br><br>More recently, the gemstone associated with it had grown active as well, likely delayed to give the attempting noble a chance to recover and do repairs or handle family matters, maybe the activations were semi-random. Who knows, considering it's an ancient, near-lost ritual. Having learned from the last encounter with a statue that they don't necessarily need Prinzessin Nichts there, the group is likely more prepared for it to activate upon their approach as he stands, both hands on the hilt of his sword, which was in its hilt and pointed down towards the base that he was standing in, eyes seeming to gaze watchfully over the bridge that he was 'protecting'. <br><br>Lapis Lazuli, the Knight of the Knights of Trial awaits. His glittering blue and gold jewel visible in the sheathe of his sword. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:80|Wind Dancer (80)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:cyan">&lt;</span> <span style="color:#5B29FF">Chief. Detecting magic reaction in Southwest Tokyo. Signature matches broad strokes with Rook and Pawn... Classifying as 'Knight' after cross-referencing local news sources for the area.</span> <span style="color:cyan">&gt;</span><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Got it Dee. Send out the message. We'll need a plan of action before we trigger this one, if we can believe Rook's warnings."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Message goes out to those she knows, and more details follow those who respond that they'll be comming to help.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;Knight gem active, Coordinates attached. If you can help meet at Orosano Bridge. We need a loose plan before we engage with this one. - Wind Dancer.&gt;<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The mage herself is standing in a public place, waiting for those arriving to... arrive, arms folded over her chest as leans against a wall. She's standing outside the range of the gem's activation... given when Rook triggered after the Pawn gem was brought nearby... hopefully she judged it right.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:166|Chrono Harlaown (166)}} has posed:'''<br>Chrono Harlaown received the alert and... ah. The gems. Aloisia's little quest to become the princess of nothing. Of course. He supposed he should be grateful, after all. From what Rashmi told him, they were endeavoring to not be true threats to the innocent and that, in and of itself, was a small miracle. Especially now.<br><br>With all the other work he'd done, he'd not managed to experience one until now. But... Rashmi... Rashmi didn't need this now. As he approached, his eyes glanced over... Zephyr. Huh. So... it seems he wouldn't be the only TSAB representative at least.<br><br>Chrono gave a small nod to her as he landed, before looking towards the statue. "Hmmm." His arms were crossed behind his back and he stood at attention when he gazed at it. "How long until the princess arrives, do you think?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Okay, so ''hopefully'' they're not having to fight the Prinzessin today.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But it seems these fights are quite possibly going to all have weird gimmicks -- Amy was lucky last time in that 'lots of homing missiles' was well suited to counter its gimmick of splitting up, but who's to say the knight won't counter ''her''? She can't help but be a little on edge until she sees what it is.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also, she has to be ready to speak fast assoon as the statue activates:<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She shouts, "The Prinzessin has been corrupted and so have you! You have ''seconds'' to tell us anything that can stop it before it gets you!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Magical Rocket Girl Red looks up at the knight, desperately hoping it will listen AND say something useful.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:197|Ginga Kingu (197)}} has posed:'''<br>Well, there are always those full of hope. Ginga Kingu isn't expecting ''anything'' helpful from the Knight - there is to be a trial, and more than likely, a confrontation with the Prinzessin, when she comes to claim her title. <br><br>Still, Faust-san wouldn't be Faust-san if she didn't try. <br><br>Seeing Chrono and Zephyr, Ginga Kingu nods at them in greeting, his Star Sword, Diamante, already drawn and in one hand. <br><br>"Either of you is capable of erecting a barrier, correct?" The question is a brisk one, as he looks over the group - a barrier would be helpful, given the chances of property damage. People know about this statue - it's become a tourist attraction. They don't need lingering innocents.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:216|Aloisia Stauss (216)}} has posed:'''<br>As Zephyr stands out of its range, the statue of the Knight stands silent still, though there is that sensation that even as it stands in that little garden in the middle of the bridge (With, frankly, a rather lovely little mix of flowers around it), it was watching over its 'domain' with a calm and watchful eye. That ever so slight tingle of the hair on the back of one's neck raised, that sensation of eyes on oneself. <br><br>At present, there wasn't much sense of Prinzessin Nichts in the area, and since they had realized they didn't need to lure her there, it meant they hadn't needed to go /hunt her down/ either which is probably for the best, since that was one less complicating factor. Of course, the activation of the statue would no doubt draw her there inevitably. <br><br>Crack.<br><br>Did Zephyr misjudge? <br><br>Crack.<br><br>Once more that voice rings out, spoken in the Belkan language, yet somehow auto-translating itself. &lt;<span style="color:xterm111">I am the courageous Knight. I test if you are worthy.</span>&gt; <br><br> All at once the statue's covering shatters, as the blade is drawn from that scabbard, the gemstone on it shining momentarily. <br><br>&lt;<span style="color:xterm111">BESHLEUNIGEN. KANTE SCHARFEN</span>&gt; <br><br>...And the Knight seems to briefly disappear. <br><br>And Chrono's instincts suddenly SCREAM, as the blue knight is suddenly approaching from his left, that drawn blade's glowing edge swinging towards his neck. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:80|Wind Dancer (80)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Long enough that we won't need to worry about it." replies Zephyr as she looks over at Chrono. "We don't actually need her to activate the statue and the Guardian Program of the gem." she lifts her right arm, and tugs the Device off it, shifting to her Henshin in a flicker of light. The axe forming in her left hand. "Dee. Bring Out Red Jasper #21319."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:cyan">&lt;</span> <span style="color:#5B29FF">PING</span> <span style="color:cyan">&gt;</span> <span style="color:cyan">&lt;</span> <span style="color:#5B29FF">BRING OUT. #21319.</span> <span style="color:cyan">&gt;</span><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The gem at the head of the axe-like Device emits a pulse, and a small gemstone emerges, dropping into Zephyr's hand. It's a Red Jasper stone. "We just need this... or the one we got from Pawn. They seem to be just as active triggers as the remains of the Crown itself that corrupts Aloe." she explains. "Take In."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:cyan">&lt;</span> <span style="color:#5B29FF">PING</span> <span style="color:cyan">&gt;</span> <span style="color:cyan">&lt;</span> <span style="color:#5B29FF">TAKE IN. #21319.</span> <span style="color:cyan">&gt;</span><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The gemstone lims in purple, and shrinks back into the Device core with a flicker of light. "According to the Defense Program for Rook, where the Jasper came from, this one. 'Knight' will be a lot more powerful and far less forgiving... I tend to believe her, as she tried to give us every advantage she could before the corruption overtook her on awakening. I just hope we get a good mix of people so we can deal---"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The statue starts to activate... "What? Did I misjudg--"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:cyan">&lt;</span> <span style="color:#5B29FF">CHIEF!</span> <span style="color:cyan">&gt;</span><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Right. Barrier Expansion!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wind Dancer slams the end of her axe into the ground, causing a dome of energy to expand from that point, encompassing the area and shifting all non-magicals out of the danger zone... though that doesn't protect Chrono from the Knight's initial assault.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:166|Chrono Harlaown (166)}} has posed:'''<br>Good. Zephyr had the barrier sorted and...<br><br>The left.<br><br>Countless years ago:<br><br>"So, Chrono, what have you learned?" Aria Liese asked.<br><br>"I've learned--"<br><br>From his left, he could feel the impending glomp from Lotte... And the disgruntled shriek when she triggered his binds and found herself enveloped in magic ribbons, stopping her. "Always cover your blind spots," Chrono said.<br><br>"Perfect!" Aria said. "Good luck in your exam!"<br><br>Now.<br><br>Chrono didn't even look up. As the knight came at him, suddenly a midchildian circle appeared under the knight's feet, as ribbons reached up and wrapped around the statue. They'd only last for a moment, just slow it down, but that was all the time Chrono needed. He whipped around, gripping his staff in both hands and catching the blade against it, not blocking so much as redirecting, pushing away from the momentum and using the force to shove him back and to the knight's side.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:#096FC9">&lt;&lt;Stinger Blade!&gt;&gt;</span><br><br>Three blue magical energy swords materialized under the knight's feet, before launching themselves up. They didn't even do the spin.<br><br>"So this challenge is meant to challenge a belkan adult, correct? I'll adjust myself accordingly. Red, please use less explosive rounds for this battle. I don't think striking at a distance will be a full option."<br><br>He glanced towards his device. He already had a knick in it. Troubling. This wasn't going to be an easy fight, was it? Well... No matter. The people of this planet were mind breaking in and of themselves. A bit of belkan won't be able to compete with the distilled, mind altering existence that this world reveled in.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:197|Ginga Kingu (197)}} has posed:'''<br>The barrier spreads around them, creating the sepia tone dimension that means they're free to unleash their power, and the knight moves, lunging for Chrono. <br><br>Sugata moves too, darting around the Knight's side, glowing energy sword lashing out in a swift flurry of blows, not so much trying to devastate as distract and test defenses. <br><br>Chrono had launched attacks to defend himself, but also keep the knight off guard. Sugata can do the same - though with fewer energy swords to throw around. <br><br>...Honestly, that could make for some interesting training sessions. He'd have to consider picking Chrono's mind about that in the future. <br><br>"This one doesn't seem interested in talking - so let's just put it down and seal away the gem before the Prinzessin comes along to make things more complicated." <br><br>The words are accompanied by a dodge away from an expected retaliation, and then the energy sword is launched from Ginga Kingu's hand, flying at speed for the Knight's neck, trailing a comet-tail of blue-white energy. <br><br><span style="color:#52F9FF">"</span><span style="color:#6EFAFF">S</span><span style="color:#8BFBFF">t</span><span style="color:#A8FCFF">a</span><span style="color:#C5FDFF">r</span> <span style="color:#FFFFFF">C</span><span style="color:#E2FEFF">r</span><span style="color:#C5FDFF">a</span><span style="color:#A8FCFF">s</span><span style="color:#8BFBFF">h</span><span style="color:#6EFAFF">!</span><span style="color:#52F9FF">"</span><br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This one... doesn't talk. It just flash steps--<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy glances up as she turns around, to see if he reappeared above or behind her -- but there's already the sound of blade meeting staff. She turns that way and fires what look like dual pistols in her hands, shooting homing bullets (they may not explode but they're tiny rockets and so in her purview).<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Only after does she process what Chrono said. "Already on it." Hmmm... she'll have to see how this guy fights to work out something more effective...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:216|Aloisia Stauss (216)}} has posed:'''<br> Perhaps it had been bringing out the gemstone that had increased the range enough to activate it, or perhaps just the magical person right up in front of the statue, it's hard to tell really. On the upside, regardless of the reason there was now a Barrier up and running in the area as that Knight moved towards the Enforcer who looked suspiciously similar to him. <br><br> ... Maybe to some degree these Knights' appearances were based on people who had made an impression on Aloisia in the past, perhaps? Or just that there had been some ancient knight that just happened to look strikingly similar to Chrono Harlaown. Yeah it's probably just that. <br><br>It's not like Blue hair is that weird out in the universe at large, right? <br><br>Blade meets staff and is diverted, likely for the best since with that enhanced blade, there was a good chance directly taking it on the staff might have caused more significant damage. Pushed and shoved to the side, the Knight uses the force caused by that to push off of Chrono as well as break out of the chains that had wrapped around him. <br><br>Tink tink rip! <br><br>Two of the oncoming blades were knocked away, as the third tears through the front side of the Knight's armor, leaving a glowing mark in its wake. <br><br>A swift series of blows comes from the knight's right, as bullets shoot out from a distance. <br><br>&lt;<span style="color:xterm111">ALCHEMIE: SCHILD.</span>&gt; <br><br>A kite shield shape sparks into existence as the Knight catches those swift series of blows towards it on the shield, using the force of those blows to further reposition and break away from the melee -- and away from the pistol shots towards him. <br><br> &lt;<span style="color:xterm111">ALCHEMIE: STAHLREGEN.</span>&gt;&gt; <br><br>As several belkan magical circles appear above, unleashing a series of steel spears raining down towards Ginga Kingu, Chrono, and Zephyr -- though somewhat indirectly in her case due to proximity, as well as using the distraction to further distance himself from the comet-tail blue-white blade swinging towards his neck. <br><br>He doesn't let them rest long even as those spears rain down from above, darting in again, this time intent on dashing behind and past Ginga Kingu, that blade slicing towards the back of Ginga Kingu's left calf. <br><br>...Strangely, he hasn't shown the telltale signs of corruption taking over. Either he had been from the start, or he simply didn't care. He had his job and he was going to do it. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:166|Chrono Harlaown (166)}} has posed:'''<br>The belkan was... methodical, at least. Dangerous. Deadly. As the knight pushed away, metal spears began to rain down. Chrono didn't look up, he merely lifted a gauntletted hand to form a midchildian shield against the assault. It was for reasons like this he wore the metal gauntlets. Cloth gauntlets had a tendency to get torn if the shield wasn't enough.<br><br>His eyes never left the knight. He watched for each movement, the twitch of the blade, the movements as he dodged and wove around...<br><br>This was a belkan, an old one. And he knew exactly how dangerous they could be. An entirely different style from Hannah's, but no less dangerous.<br><br>As the knight went in for Kingu, Chrono took off at him, his own staff coming down at the knight's back. He was expecting the knight to try and parry with the sheath...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:#096FC9">&lt;&lt; Subzero Impulse! &gt;&gt;</span><br><br>And if the staff hit? Ice would then spread out, attempting to cover from the point of contact and immobilize.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:80|Wind Dancer (80)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:cyan">&lt;</span> <span style="color:#5B29FF">Evade!</span> <span style="color:cyan">&gt;</span><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zephyr doesn't need to hear more than that. In fact she didn't need her Device's warning, as she throws herself to the right, avoiding the raining spears. She lands a bit awkwardly, but uses the momentum to kick off the ground and into the air, her flight spell manifesting on her ankles as she does, lofting her up above the melee. "Dee, options."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:cyan">&lt;</span> <span style="color:#5B29FF">Option one: Hit it until it dies. Option two: Run away.</span> <span style="color:cyan">&gt;</span><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"... helpful." grouses Zephyr in that moment she has to formulate a plan of attack. Chrono's getting in close, and Kingu's entirer schtick is close range, outside of that big orbital laser thing, so she can't just fire heedlessly into the melee.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Think girl, think. What did mom used to say?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Opening her mismatched eyes again, she locks onto the Knight and shifts her weight. A spell seal appears behind her, and she angles to land her feet against it, gathering down as if to leap at that weird angle. She extends her legs then, firing off like a rifle bullet with her Device held behind her to the left, both hands on the haft.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:cyan">&lt;</span> <span style="color:#5B29FF">PING</span> <span style="color:cyan">&gt;</span> <span style="color:cyan">&lt;</span> <span style="color:#5B29FF">TEMPEST SABER!</span> <span style="color:cyan">&gt;</span><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Device announces, as its blades begin to boil. Purple mana gathering and swirling like a contained stormfront. She times her attack to land after Chrono gets clear from his own strike, looking to capitalize on the freezing effect, or a bad position after the riposte. If her strike lands, even if it misses, the mana explodes like a shaped charge, the attack designed to breach weaker shields, and overwhelm Barrier and Field defenses with raw power.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy is... outside the magic circles?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Convenient.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also, that prohibition on explosives ''only'' applies while the Knight is in melee -- if he ''does'' successfully break away from melee, he gets shot at with HEAT rounds for his trouble.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And even if he ''does'' keep to melee, Amy starts trying to think about how to do more damage with the gyrojets she's using, as the rocket-propelled kinetic penetrators get a bit bigger, and then longer, shaped more like oversized rifle rounds than pistol ones, her weapon changing accordingly.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She was researching anti-armor weapons the other day, trying to understand what traits to shape into them with her magic, and distinctly recalls that kinetic penetrators eventually come to favor being as long as you can keep stable, for highest sectional density, basically, more mass concentrated on the projectile's area when it makes contact.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As she tweaks and experiments, some of the projectiles get too unstable and fly off-target, but she just tweaks and tries again; Magic doesn't need her to machine new weapons and ammunition, it just makes them.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:197|Ginga Kingu (197)}} has posed:'''<br>Ginga Kingu is - as would be unsurprising to his partners - enjoying this. <br><br>The Knight is an excellent fighter, aggressive, assertive, heavy on the offense but not slouching in defense either, forcing him to give as good as he can get and to protect himself, pushing his energy to the fullest. It's an enemy that could and would kill him if he's unworthy, and Ginga Kingu is, was, and will always be worthy. <br><br>When the strike aims for his lower-calf, he's ready for it, deflecting with Diamante, flipping and sliding away when necessary, putting all that lanky CLAMP boy-body to good use at keeping on his feet, and there are close calls - his military coat takes more than one tear - but as the fight goes on? <br><br>The usually stoic boy is starting to grin. <br><br>Spears rain down from above, and Ginga Kingu's eyes flash with light as he calls - <br><br><span style="color:#00EEFF">"</span><span style="color:#1FF0FF">K</span><span style="color:#3FF2FF">i</span><span style="color:#5FF4FF">n</span><span style="color:#7FF6FF">g</span><span style="color:#9FF8FF">'</span><span style="color:#BFFAFF">s</span> <span style="color:#FFFFFF">C</span><span style="color:#DFFCFF">o</span><span style="color:#BFFAFF">u</span><span style="color:#9FF8FF">n</span><span style="color:#7FF6FF">t</span><span style="color:#5FF4FF">e</span><span style="color:#3FF2FF">r</span><span style="color:#1FF0FF">!</span><span style="color:#00EEFF">"</span> <br><br>A square of light forms above them, catching the rain of spears - and then bouncing them back, flying for the knight with all their rebounding kinetic energy. <br><br>And then, with Chrono and Zephyr's attacks striking, he considers an orbital strike - but it's not the right moment, and stays out, to see if Zephyr and Chrono have weakened or frozen the knight.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:216|Aloisia Stauss (216)}} has posed:'''<br>That was the trouble with fighting experienced fighters; in a way they were almost more predictable. As that staff swings towards the Knight, it does in fact turn to defend with that Alchemically Created shield that had been placed over the scabbard, that ice beginning to spread over the scabbard, shield, and the knight... until... <br><br>&lt;<span style="color:xterm111">PLATZEN.</span>&gt; The shield and the mana put into manifesting it suddenly explode outward to free the knight of the spreading ice, along with sending a shockwave and shrapnel of magic and ice out from the location as a counter-attack towards Chrono! <br><br>The rapid follow-up of the Tempest Saber slams down towards the knight in the wake of that burst of magic, axe striking the scabbard-device and exploding with mana, sending the Knight skidding off a few feet into the distance, rolling with impacts and managing to land on his feet in spite of everything. <br><br>Which puts him, momentarily, in that 'out of melee range' area which leaves that space for a HEAT round open briefly, sending him rolling off further away again, this time having to scramble to recover himself as parts of the bridge start to crumble under the weight of the heavy attacks -- an older one, more of a footbridge than anything. <br><br> As Amy experiments mid-fight on bullets and the spears are bounced back and shoot towards the knight... <br><br> His sword is dropped briefly and he grabs one of the spears out of the air, turning slightly with its momentum and twisting... to chuck the spear right back into the fight towards Amy, as others cut past his body and strike off his armor in places. The sword is left on the ground as he darts back in towards the group, briefly blurring into a moment of difficult-to-track speed once more... approaching low this time. <br><br>&lt;<span style="color:xterm111">ALCHEMIE: FAUST.</span>&gt; <br><br> A part of the bridge suddenly shoots out from underneath the trio of closer-to-each-other teens in the form of a fist, attempting to launch them into the air with blunt force -- as well as get them closer to Amy. <br><br>&lt;<span style="color:xterm111">ALCHEMIE: SICHERUNG.</span>&gt; <br><br>The scabbard is stabbed into the side of the fist post-launch, fusing together into the form of a fist-hammer, followed by the knight leaping up and after them... <br><br> To attempt to combo-smash them back down, intent on using Amy's own teammates as weapons against her (and themselves)! <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:80|Wind Dancer (80)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zephyr lands hard from the sheer speed she used to get that strike in. Her feet even crack the pavement beneath her. "Solid impact, that had to hurt." she muses, turning to look at the Knight... before he blurrs out again.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:cyan">&lt;</span> <span style="color:#5B29FF">CHIEF. BELOW YOU!</span> <span style="color:cyan">&gt;</span> tries to warn the Device, but it's a split-second too late.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Debris bursts out around that fist, and a chunk slams into the Wind Dancer's chest and sends her tumbling. She topples end over end for a few meters, before a pulse of magic stops her momentum, and she staggers back on her feet, a spell seal forming to cushion the last of her momentum, which quickly redirects to intercept thhe incoming hammer-strike. It angles, then starts to crack under the impact before the Wind Dancer cries.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"PARRY!" <span style="color:cyan">&lt;</span> <span style="color:#5B29FF">PARRY BURST!</span> <span style="color:cyan">&gt;</span><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Much akin to the Knight's own detonating shield, Zephyr's explodes out in a shaped cone of force to deflect the rest of the incoming attack. It's not as dedicated to counter-attack damage though.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:166|Chrono Harlaown (166)}} has posed:'''<br>And he parried, ice and... exploded himself. Not unexpected. If anyone was going to explode themselves to stop their opponents, it would be a belkan. And then the knight was hurtling one of the spears towards Amy and... she could handle it. He knew, logically, she could. It didn't make him want to, any less, dive down and try to shield her.<br><br>He tried not to think of Molly, her being pierced by that vine and....<br><br>Instead, he had attempted to knock all of them near Amy. Chrono didn't desist, allowing himself to be setup... but not so easily knocked down. Especially when Zephyr moved in to parry the blow.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:#096FC9">&lt;&lt;Stinger Move!&gt;&gt;</span><br><br>As Wind Dancer attempted to parry the blast, Chrono followed up. Three orbs of blue magic appeared, before darting out and weaving through the air. The first would go at the hand, attempting to disorient...<br><br>While the last two went at the knight's hands, attempting to knock his sword and device out of said hands, and disarm their opponent.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A spear is thrown at her; Amy hops to the side, the spear missing her but punching through her cloak as it flows behind her. And then the Knight's Device... calls her name?! She can't help reflexively looking-- fortunately the attack that follows is ''not'' coming from under ''her''. Oh, it's Belkan.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, while the fist is pushing people away--<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:#d70000">"ALCHEMIE: PANZERFAUST!"</span><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy shouts the words with a smartass grin and fires the distinctively-shaped HEAT round, her adjustments to the weapon making her rock forwards from reverse recoil.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't expect what comes next, and her mouth is agape with shock as she tries to dive out of the way of her friends!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:197|Ginga Kingu (197)}} has posed:'''<br>Well, that was unfortunate, Ginga Kingu thinks, as a fist-shaped section of bridge punches them up into the air, and the knight comes to try and use them as a literal hammer to strike down at Faust-san. <br><br>Mmmm, no thanks. <br><br>Luckily for Sugata, he's learned to fly, recently, and blue-white energy sparks at his feet, at the base of his thigh-high boots, as he kicks off in the air and darts about like Shadow the Hedgehog to just - flit away from the threat as Chrono and Zephyr unload in explosive deflection and attacks at the weapon, which is, ultimately, just stone from a bridge - <br><br>And then he dives, catching Faust up as she scrambles into a dive to avoid being struck, into the air and away from the falling stones. <br><br>"If you were waiting for a chance to unload - this is it."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:216|Aloisia Stauss (216)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Parry burst! <br><br>The hammer's strike is stopped prematurely, followed by stinger blade shooting into the hammer to shatter it, and follow-up strike to the Knight's hands which were both wrapped around the scabbard as a shaft for the 'hammer', causing cracks in the hands... but not quite successfully disarming him -- more than he already had been, having left the sword behind on the bridge for the hammer time! <br><br>Which also meant that maybe the sword itself wasn't that important to the Knight, though he refused to let go of the scabbard -- which made sense, considering the lapis lazuli jewel that was the core of the knight of trial was inlaid into said scabbard. <br><br> On the upside for Amy, dodging out of her friends is MOSTLY unnecessary, though the raining bits of stone is probably still smart to get away from really. On the downside for the knight there is another HEAT round coming towards him to send him flying from the explosion once more, impacting with the other side of the bridge. Which starts to collapse from the various forms of damage done to it. <br><br>And as Wind Dancer falls towards it, there was actually, ever so briefly, a moment of panic on the Knight's face. <br><br> &lt;<span style="color:xterm111">EISIGE HERRSCHAFT.</span>&gt;&gt; <br><br> The scabbard is tapped against the ground, and water below begins to freeze rapidly, turning into a slide to catch and send Wind Dancer on a route to solid ground, instead of river. <br><br>...Look it's a test of worthiness, not a survivalism test. <br><br>On the upside it also gives everyone a moment of respite from the unending attacks. And from the cracks in the knight's form, the damage had been accumulated nicely on him. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:166|Chrono Harlaown (166)}} has posed:'''<br>Chrono Harlaown narrowed his eyes on the warrior, only squinting slightly as the rocks fell around him. And then...<br><br>The panic. Zephyr? No, Zephyr was an enforcer, Chrono trusted her to be able to handle herself. Still... the knight's decision to prioritize keeping her safe. It did earn him a moment's reprieve while he setup and...<br><br>That was all, though. It was still a belkan test and Chrono glanced back towards Amy.<br><br>&lt;&lt; He's right, now is the time to unload. &gt;&gt;<br><br>While he didn't launch an attack himself, he instead waved his staff. And binds would erupt out from around the knight. Magical ribbons reaching out to grab his wrists, ankles, neck and waist, to try and pin him for a moment...<br><br>So the others could blow him away and finish this.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:80|Wind Dancer (80)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Parry successful, but with the impact disrupting her flight spell, she's suddenly falling. "Shiiiiiii--- OOF... Wh-"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's the sound of an enforcer beginning to fall, finding something not expected on the trajectory, and being profoundly confused.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The ramp saves her from a watery encounter, but she still ends up slamming pretty hard into one of the bridge support pillars.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:cyan">&lt;</span> <span style="color:#5B29FF">Alert. Major damage to barrier jacket. Defense compromised. Life systems nominal. Continued combat inadvizable.</span> <span style="color:cyan">&gt;</span><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tenraikaze's alert goes out to her allies, letting them know that Zephyr is out of the fight, but not badly hurt. Just her stuff got rocked badly enough she can't continue to contribute.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy is... caught?! And carried?! And ''flown?!''<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's not the first time, but it's still a very uncommon experience for her!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Someone showing concern and protecting her was a total shock when Sailor Moon jumped in front of Carbonado's lightning for her; it's ''less'' unusual now but actions taken to protect her still ''hits'' in those lingering self-worth issues. Also, for most of her life she wasn't getting carried anywhere by anyone -- mahou strength may be in play here but it nonetheless serves as an immediate physical reminder of how much more ''right'' this shape is--<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--and she doesn't have time to consciously process any of that, only to feel a rush of ''feelings'', blushing a bit. Perhaps because it's Sugata, though, she doesn't really feel any confusion that it might be romantic feelings. Even in this moment, he's cool and calm and directing her to the task at hand before she can even say thank you.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her initial reaction is to wave an arm in the Knight's direction, conjuring a half-dozen mini-missiles to chase after him as he drops down to the river.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then Amy conjures a giant artillery cannon and WHOOPS she's suddenly hundreds of pounds heavier dragging Sugata down -- she dismisses it a half-second later, "Sorry!" opting instead for her usual launcher -- which she fires several times in rapid succession, CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! Sending 8½cm canonballs to just try and crack or break the statue knight with impact force!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:197|Ginga Kingu (197)}} has posed:'''<br>In any other circumstance, as the attacks rain and a stillness takes the battlefield, Ginga Kingu would be calling down King's Pillar, striking the enemy down, ending the fight - <br><br>But in this case, the Knight has stopped, in the middle of the fight, to protect an opponent. Ginga Kingu goes still in the air as he watches the Knight rescue Zephyr, ensuring they go down safely. <br><br>He regrets giving Faust the incentive to unload - the knight is honorable, still. He was a good opponent, and he deserves to go down in proper battle, sword to sword. <br><br>Faust summons a wave of mini-missiles, and then they dip in the air as hundreds of pounds of artillery cannon appear, and he can ''hold'' her but well they dip - <br><br>"It's fine." <br><br>And then she's firing off the shots, and he... does not do an orbital strike. <br><br>"If this doesn't work, I'm challenging it to single combat."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:216|Aloisia Stauss (216)}} has posed:'''<br> The Knight had known the moment it went for the save that the battle was over, its Device was damaged enough that most of its spells were going to be difficult to do as efficiently. As the ribbons appear around him, he kneels down to grab his sword, turning it and sliding it into the scabbard. <br><br>And then he is bound. <br><br>And missiles come in. And then cannonballs follow them. Explosions and cannonballs annihilating the part of the bridge that the Knight had been kneeling on. <br><br> &lt;<span style="color:xterm111">You are worthy.</span>&gt; <br><br>And all that is left in the wake is the lapis lazuli jewel and cracked scabbard and sword. <br><br>No longer a functioanl device, but much like the other knights of trial's weapons, it was useful for parts or maintenance of other devices. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:166|Chrono Harlaown (166)}} has posed:'''<br>Chrono Harlaown let out a sigh of relief when he was called worthy along with the others. By a belkan device. He... he had opinions about that. He is suddenly reminded of Hannah's hull-cracking headbutt. And now his head hurt.<br><br>But they'd done it. And, more importantly? No sign of people dying. Zephyr was hurt and exhausted. He was a bit achy. Amy was flummaxed. Sugata was... Sugata-ing.<br><br>He landed by the scabbard and raised his device into the air.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:#096FC9">&lt;&lt; Seal! &gt;&gt;</span><br><br>It was good enough for a jewel seed, it was good enough for this. He'd give it to Rashmi and... who knew? Maybe... it would help.<br><br>"Thank you everyone for your aid in this endeavor. Let's... let's go get some well earned rest." Smile. Keep smiling. Keeeeep smiling.<br><br>Soldier on. There was still a belkan princess to save.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:197|Ginga Kingu (197)}} has posed:'''<br>They've won. Trial complete, and ''this'' time, without the Prinzessin herself showing up. <br><br>Sugata flies himself and Faust down, allowing them to land securely before he releases her as Chrono seals away the jewel and scraps - and then he turns to Chrono, expression serious. <br><br>"We heard about Skyline-san," he says, quiet. "If there's ever a need for additional force, call on us. Takuto and Wako would agree with me." <br><br>That's all it is - but he hasn't seen Rashmi, since, and he knows Chrono is connected to that group. This is his condolences. <br><br>"There are several more tests, but with each victory, we're closer to restoring the Prinzessin." <br><br>That's, apparently, his version of a fairwell, because he'll be heading out with that said.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He... sheathed his sword before the attacks hit? "Did... he give up?" Amy wonders, dismissing her weapon again as... the knight is gone.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sugata sets her down and she bows just slightly, "Thank you." before returning to respond to Chrono. "Thank ''you'' for helping too. I mean... we ''all'' want to help Ms. Stauss."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She does look briefly more solemn as Sugata mentions Molly, but... only briefly.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...Don't suppose I can hitch a ride back to school...?" she asks the others. Although she can use public transport and rooftop-jumping if needed!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:197|Ginga Kingu (197)}} has posed:'''<br>"I can give you a ride," Sugata says, easy, and, after a moment of consider... "I don't suppose you can make a backpack or something?" <br><br>Wako isn't the jealous sort and neither is Takuto, but he has enough tact to not want to carry a girl back in his arms all the way to the academy.<br> <br>
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