melodiesoflife | Event || Revelations

"Ugh..." Akane wasn't feeling so hot. She definitely wasn't one of the people who would have been prioritized for protection from job-disabling, and she'd known that.

So she'd stocked up on potions, antidotes, and ethers. When the attack came, her first thought was for her brother, who she would have been staying close to in case their jobs did get cast off.

"Aoi, here," she rummaged in her knapsack with shaking hands, pulling out a couple of vials. "Drink these to recover your strength." Because she certainly intended to do the same.

"How--can we-- no... we have to. That's right. She's manipulated all of us from the beginning. She needs to be stopped."

He gritted his teeth, and held his hand close to his chest. No, he's not dying, not yet.

Despite his cry, Mikleo was plenty aware of how to defend himself with or without his job classes. He'll fight her with his weapons if he has to but that just means getting injured and possibly even more hurt since the "Crystal Knight" job and weapons infused with it were not something he possessed.

Something he might consider investing in after this. He winces at the amount of damage that is done to him but he doesn't budge. He's not going to let her get away with all she has done to the people around him...even the ones that have passed. He's more than a bit frustrated but that didn't mean he didn't stock up supplies to save the party.

If he's going to be part of this fight he's going to contribute every fiber of his being to it, including fighting if he needed to. For the time being it was better to watch everyone from afar and gauge them. If they get hurt, he's already giving them antidotes, and potions.

Everything began so fast, and Cloud wasn't able to react as quick as he wanted. But in that moment where her spell drove him to his knee under the force of the sudden weariness, there was a cool calm that spread over him. There were ways he hoped for this to go, and ways he expected and ways he feared. And now the path was cut down. The endpoint might change, but the way forward was clear.

"Palitutu. You don't understand. You lie. You cheat. You steal. You trick. You have all of this planned out for yourself, the way you expect things to go. You call us fools for trying to find another way. You think us weak and cowards...you had all those files on us but you don't even know who we are..."

He pushed back to his feet, propping himself up with his gunblade. Leaving it leaning against his hip he reached into a pouch in his belt and began to fish around for something he'd been holding onto for so long he forgot when he got it. But he knew he'd need it.

"There are some innocents here, but most of us are fighters, soldiers, warriors in some way or another. You think we don't know how to kill someone? Most of us have. But not wanting to kill someone doesn't make us weak. It means we understand the weight of life. THAT is why we're trying so hard to save everyone we can. Because the moment you start to choose who should live and who shouldn't, it says something about yourself." The vision, the sacrifice suggested there. He wouldn't let that come to pass either.

"And if we have to kill you, it's not because of your plan, or your test to see if we can do this. We're doing this because of everything you've done, both to us and Crystallis. You play with lives because you want to be right...we're doing this because life is too important to be played with. We're flipping your board." He pulled from the pouch a large pink potion, one filled to the brim with doses of medicine. He flung the megalixir into the air and in a flash grabbed his gunblade once again. He pointed up and fired, shattering the vial and sending the potion raining down on everyone, restoring their HP and MP to full.

Rialynn staggered up to her feet, refreshed. She was no stranger to being a Freelancer, but she'd kind of been hoping that she might be able to use the legendary melodies she'd been practicing.

So much for that!

She drew her rapier, shifting her weight in indecision. She wasn't really eager to kill Palitutu, just like she had no real intentions of killing Garland no matter how many people kept trying to push them onto that path. But she didn't want to lay down and die arguing for peace, either.

She glanced uncertainly at her friends, Duster, Ramza, and K'pandolu, and shrugged slightly. Whatever they chose to do, she'd help them, but more than anything she wanted to pay attention to what happened in this fight so it could be recorded in the genrations to come.

"Cloud's right. You act like you're above everything, like some sort of God who decides who lives and who dies. I know you're not going to respond to us. Because if you respond to us, that means you have to actually think about what you've done." Twilight said. "You don't want to do that, do you?"

Once that grenade goes off, Twilight's charging, horn out. She may not have her magic, but she can still fight.

"You don't want to think about the people you've killed or the worlds you're going to shatter. Only if you survive. You're no hero. You're no villain or even a God. You're just a pathetic little nobody who's scared of death and is trying to cheat it."

However, Twilight isn't going to attack Palitutu - she's going after Artemicion, intending on ramming him and sending him to the ground.

"And you, cowardly following her every order and treating us with the same contempt. I hate to break it to you, but you give Moogles a bad name."

"Enough talkin'. We're long past that."

Why was everyone even bothering? Palitutu wasn't going to listen. Her opening move hurt, but it didn't stop Sparks from summoning his Magitek Armor. He doesn't have much in the way of group healing, but he can use the armor's Healing Force to help out those around him a little, and himself a little more.

After that, it's time to ready the missiles.

Sheena grunted softly as she got to her feet. It was one thing to suddenly be powerless, another to have most of your life drained away. And for a moment, she looked at Palitutu with narrowed eyes.

She could kill them at any time, so why didn't she? Why didn't she just hit the reset button on all of this instead of having them fight all the time? Because of that, Sheena felt they were on the right track with their research and questions.

Something her ego might possibly not be able to handle--after all the work she had put into it during her lifetime.

A few things began to click together for the ninja, but for the moment, she put them to the side. They had to get through this before they could do anything else. And Sheena believed that they could--Crystallis Jobs or not. All of them were skilled fighters to begin with.

And while others focused on Palitutu, Sheena went towards Lust.

"You heard the lady, stand down!"

Mary flicked her wrist, the blade popping from her left sleeve while she drew her sword with her right. She knew she was at a disadvantage with her job skills blocked, but she at least had her own personal training. Palitutu could stop them from doing many things, but she'd still be an Assassin until she died.

She just hoped it wouldn't be today.

"Well past it. I've been wanting to put my blade to use on the little wench for a while now..." She walked forward slowly. She was exposed and that wasn't her preferred style. And she wasn't precisely looking forward to being in a position to use her Limit Break again. "But now all of a sudden you want us to fight you to the death? And what neat little trick of yours will go off when your heart stops I wonder?"

Knowing that they had, indeed, long gone beyond the point where their words could still have any impact on the Taturaru's choices, Ace decided not to waste his breath. What was this if not another trial of hers? If there was anything Palitutu had made crystal clear, it was that she valued acts of courage over their attempts at diplomacy. She would speak only when she wished to be heard.

Just as some Heroes had been able to get around her skill-sealing trap, perhaps there was a way to disable it entirely. It wouldn't be as easy as destroying a Crystal Jammer, for the nature of her power remained unknown, but with so many of them participating, a moment of distraction could turn out to be their breakthrough.

For now, his cards were as good as useless without the magic, so he wanted to see what the opponent would come up with next. The unexpected Megalixir left him feeling rejuvenated, so that he could easily maneuver between Tarutaru's potential targets and push them out of the harm's way, if needed - and in case of emergencies, he still had a potion or two to share.

No job skills? No problem. The Freelancer lifestyle has prepared Ramza for this day. And after his trip to Ivalice, he at least has a full inventory of swords ~~to somehow lose~~ and potions.

He mislikes being a puppet on a string, but he has fought enough unrelenting enemies to know that sometimes, a fight to the death is the only alternative to defeat. He wishes it were not so, but he is not so naive as he was as a cadet to believe every confrontation could end with words. But first, he will not start this battle on his knees from fatigue. He draws a potion out of his pack and drains it. Then he arms himself with a katana blade and starts to look for an opening through the chaos.

A Black Crystal appeared floating above Artemicion’s tiny hands, but then he dived right before Palitutu—Taking in whatever attacks were directed to her, and noticeably the Jars of Bees that had been directed at her.

“N-Not the bees, Kupo! Uaaaah… !”

The poor(?) Moogle flailed around haplessly, but he still did manage to conduct his part in the battle. The Black Crystal shone, and a light fell onto Palitutu for a second.

>Job Switch
Palitutu is now a Black Mage

Nothing reflected that change, and while Artemicion should have gone back to protecting Palitutu—“They’re going in my eyes, Kupooooo!” And with that done, Artemicion went to fly around—Faster than the bees in an effort to lose them. On the bright side, he wouldn’t be able to switch Palitutu’s Job anytime soon again while doing that. And the Tarutaru did look more than noticeably exasperated by her companion’s attitude, but that couldn’t be helped. She did answer the Heroes that addressed her however.

“Then if you can kill me, show it. Don’t do as you did with Narashima.”

>Focus

Palitutu doesn’t attack, but the Ultima she will cast next turn will be far more powerful than normal. Multiple Heroes of Light will die if she is allowed to attack.

And if there's anyone more exasperated than Palitutu, it's Deadpool.

"Oh, COME ON!" Deadpool yelled, watching as all of their attacks are deflected by the Moogle. "You sit here and say that you want us to kill you and you let that Moogle be a living meat shield! You're not even letting us use our Jobs for this! What, are all of our attacks gonna be stopped next by that one-eyed Time Mage next so you can kill us all in one swoop and gloat! You're not an awesome villain anymore, you're just a HACK!"

And he punctuates this by unloading his guns into Palitutu.

While Deadpool was screaming his heart out, Ace sneaked in closer to get a better view of the situation. Having spent the past few months studying the secrets of the Black Mage Job, he would recognise that language of the movements anywhere.

"She's gathering energy to unleash a spell! We need magic barriers, now!"

The ideal scenario would be to stop her from casting entirely, but that was their goal to begin with.

Jade had to grin at the antics of his companions. Bees, really?

Nevertheless, Ace was right. They didn't have time to waste. First, the combo that had served them well against the Ultima WEAPON -- Stats Lore and Enlightenment, quadrupling everyone's attack power. Even the Jobless Heroes should be able to perform adequately now.

And as a bonus, Stats Lore also doubled the effects of all items -- including the bees.

"Don't let her finish casting! Go!"

While the others focused on Palitutu, Sheena had other ideas. Forgetting Lust, she went towards Artemicion, Jade's assistance giving her a boost in her running speed. Moogles could switch people's jobs, and if she could just get a hold of the little bugger, maybe she could convince him to disable Palitutu's.

Like with a threat of sticking him in a beehive.

That doesn't mean she's not keeping an ear peeled to what the other Heroes are saying. Time is more than of the essence here...

Yeah, no pressure.

No time to lose. Keeping a safe distance, Ales commanded his puppet to strike Palitutu with another volley of Arm Shots. With Artemicion temporarily distracted, he hoped that everyone else targeted the main threat.

"And that's why I brought these!" She opens up her hefty satchel, revealing an assortment of potions, tonics, and grenades. "Anyone who lacks their Jobs or lacks fighting ability otherwise, take a jar and toss it!"

Ellana downs a Fire Resistance tonic, upping her fire resistance by sixty percent in preparation for her next move; just in case she were to friendly fire herself. Though she isn't entirely pleased her Healing Mist grenade isn't useful, what with the hi-elixir being used, if she survives this next attack she can revive anyone nearby with it. In theory; she'd rather not test it with their newly-regained mortality.

With that having been done, she tosses an Antivan Fire at Palitutu.

Edited 2016-08-31 15:04 (UTC)

This is getting more and more ridiculous. She just wants this to get over with and go home and deal with the much bigger problem than Palitutu's inflated ego.

But, they need something to stop her, huh? Thanks to Jade's Haste, she has just the thing.

"CHOCO METEOR! TWICE!" Tsubomi shouts, allowing two Meteors to fall from the sky on top of Palitutu.

Bees. In Duster's world, a person would throw honey at an enemy to attract bees (or a bear), but this was more efficient. Having lost his Bard abilities, he had relegated himself to tossing things at Palitutu or Artemicion. The smoke bombs in his pack would do well as a distraction, but with Palitutu appearing to charge up an attack, they needed to get as many hits as they could.

His hand jerked towards the jar of bees. He had a good throwing arm, Job or not, but the stinging foes would make melee attacks difficult without getting hurt.

Then it was settled. Duster dashed at Palitutu, still fast despite his natural abilities being locked, and kicked her in the face. His legs were strong from years of training, and with the hard shoe, he could get in some damage despite his weakened state.

It was very hard at the time, to keep the pride at Cloud's use of the mega-elixir, not to spread out too far in a smile on his face but it turned out that it was short-lived. Sephiroth's eyes narrow again and his expression turned back to it's standard level of all-serious as Artemicion revealed his use of -guess what- a Black Crystal!

Those things should have been hunted down right when they had first gone missing. It would have saved them all no end of trouble, all considered. It makes Sephiroth feel doubly sour as he recognizes that he's one of only a handful who remember when those Crystals had gotten out into the wider world in the first place. Oh how little they had known then.

As Jade, in particular, works to shore up as many others' stats as possible Sephiroth takes those few moments in which others are spending their attacks to cast protection of his own. ShinRa Guard, first on himself and then consecutively on one or two others who were nearby; aiming for those who he knew weren't Crystal Knight equipped, or part of the small group who had enhanced gear.

Shortly after Duster's kick, there was an opening.

Now wasn't the time for hesitation no matter how something of an ache deep in Sephiroth's bones followed that rush of palpable energy that charged his frame; priming for a Deathblow. A second later he rushed Palitutu himself, Masamune up and poised, the blade flashing as it came down and up for that first smooth uppercut slash after which Hellsgate came down.

Making a point to jump back a distance, after the maneuver, so that others could get in.

Cloud sighed and shook his head, "Fine...we gave you every chance to work with us." Raising his fingers to his lips he blew hard and a shrill whistle filled the air. The call was answered by a loud 'KWEEEHHHHH~' and Zack came charging out from the back lines. Wings flapped and feathers flew as the chocobo rushed out at breakneck speed before leaping into the air to deliver a hard kick. However, this time instead of being aimed at a large tough target like the Ultima Weapon's core, it was being delivered to a much smaller and lighter target instead.

If Palitutu could keep her spellcasting focus after being belted in the head by a Chocobo's foot, Cloud would honestly be impressed.

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The goal was to stop her, to bring her down, certainly to stop her from casting this spell. But Mary felt the need to do this properly. "Saori!" she called out, inviting support as she rushed forward. The Assassin broke out into a full run, adjusting her approach through the volley of attacks launched at Palitutu. She leaped up, vaulting off of the chocobo as it backed off from its own attack and raised her hand high. She soared through the air impressively before coming down on Palitutu with the intent of driving her hidden blade into the tarutaru's neck.

Unlike her comrades, Minfilia chose against attacking Palitutu but only because there is a much bigger cost than the first time Ultima was used. It hurt and they were saved thanks to her Limit Break kicking in but she doubted that she could call it again now. So she had to think quickly before it was too late. If Crystal Knights like herself could manage to protect someone at least from Ultima's blast, it would logically be a healer...one who knew how to cast Life.

In other words: hello Jade, there is a woman heading close to you as she casted Shell on the party just as a precaution. Thanks to her Crystal Shield ability, she can absorb the upcoming Ultima attack AND protect another from it.

Having a Job active or not, does not stop Vincent from being an experienced marksman. While he would prefer sniper rifle or something heavier, it would be awkward enough with all the melee-crowding... A hand-gun is slightly better, even if most people wouldn't take the chance of firing into the group.

Vincent would, as he was used to it. Fast and agile even without an active Job, it was part of how he'd been trained and part of what he was used to. Even if the bullets lacked the same power as before, he focused on Palitutu, zig-zagging his movements and being sure to make every shot count. They had to stop her from casting!

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