melodiesoflife | Scouting Ahead

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Scouting Ahead

WHO: Lust, Flynn Scifo, Mikleo
WHAT: Lust takes her weird friends to Mysidia so they can get a good look at the Temple of Heroes for themselves and make sure they're up to the task of exploring when the day comes.
WHEN: September 19th, 2016
WHERE: Continent of Ruin - Temple of the Heroes of Light

Some might say that Lust didn't have any particularly positive traits about her, and that just wasn't true. For one, she was patient. She didn't mind waiting if the end result was worthwhile, and saw no need to rush things so long as events fell into place as planned. And she was excellent at planning. Meticulous and thoughtful, she disliked acting impulsively with no thought as to the consequences of actions and decisions. Eventually a party of Onion Knights would come to this place and open the sealed doors. While she would prefer to be with them, she did trust that they would keep their word about letting her examine the crystal belonging to the late White Mage Hero of Light, to see if it indeed held the power she sought.

The monsters on this continent were tough. Even Lust would be hard-pressed to fight them on her own, so she didn't mind extending an invitation to Flynn and Mikleo to accompany her on her scouting mission. She wasn't surprised when they agreed, but she was pleased nonetheless. They were oddly dependable, even knowing what she was, and what she was capable of doing.

And still they didn't seem to want anything for their efforts... She'd given up trying to question it any further.

She brushed aside a curtain of hanging vines, seemingly at ease in her shining black armor with the wicked looking sword sheathed across her back.

"Doesn't this bring back memories~" she smirked, looking about the dense foliage before turning her gaze on Mikleo. This area was one of the first they'd explored after making their way out of those hellish crystal tunnels and journeying south to Mysidia.

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Mikleo wasn't the type that would casually ignore invitations from his friends, especially when it came to Lust whom he had gotten close with in the seven plus months he had spent getting to know her. The Temple of Heroes was the icing on the cake. He was eager to see it in more depth and explore every little crevice of it since they were here.

He was often seen circling to different places and jotting down notes, and then sketching when he got the chance. He looked rather serious, and concentrated as he continued his investigation. He knew what they were there for and their end goal was. He knew that they had to keep going so he couldn't stop and never leave. Of course with this adventure, there was one person in the group he did not know well or at all.

A young knight from what he recalled. He often saw the blonde hanging around Selphie from time to time so he's aware of him but that's about it. Of course he's too busy right now to introduce himself so it might be a little rude of him. Regardless, he'll probably speak to Flynn and Lust once he's done doing his research in which he stops when List speaks to him.

"Yes, I suppose it does."

He replied furrowing his brows together. He didn't forget how they ended up saving that creature-- or rather he stopped Lust from mercy killing it and it was grateful. He wondered how the thing was faring now.

The woods were not a place that Flynn wasn't used to. Sure, he usually spent his time within the barrier blastia of cities rather than outside, but his pilgrimage showed him a lot of the world. That and his interactions with Yuri showed him a lot of the dark side of humanity as well. Not that any of that had to do with this, but Flynn has been reflective as of late considering that when one was faced with the real possibility of death incoming in the coming months, it was difficult to see any future ahead of it. And where you are banned, you go somewhere else. So thinking about the past it was.

"I always thought it would have been really fun to have the chance to explore the ruins of the world." Flynn commented. "I didn't have the chance to back in my world, Terca Lumireis, so I suppose I should be happy to have the opportunity to do so here."

"You had best move fast, then. Many of the interesting places are becoming crystallized," Lust remarked, her eyes resting on Mikleo as she watched him work for a few moments. Then she turned her head, performing a quick sweep of their surroundings. Monsters were prevalent in this area, and among the most dangerous in the world. She had no intention for any of them to be caught off guard.

At least Mikleo seemed happy with his work. She curled her fingers beneath her chin with a little smile, then turned to start working her way around the side of the temple. Wouldn't it be funny if the thing had a back door... Unlikely, but she wasn't going to take anything for granted.

"Mikleo and I have visited this continent before. We arrived here together. What about you, Flynn? Is this your first time?" Her grin grew a little wider.

There was the faintest rustle of movement in the thick foliage near Mikleo, where a carved illustration had nearly been worn smooth with the passage of time.

"Yes, I know. Just a moment, I'm almost done."

He replies rather softly to her as he finishes off the last of the details he needs for the notebook that he has in his hand. He glances back at Flynn for a moment before speaking to the two of them after he finished with his sketches and writing.

"What is Terca Lumireis like if you don't mind the question? I'm rather intrigued by the name if anything."

They'll probably lag even further behind if the two of them let Mikleo ask questions but at least he looks like he's prepared to walk ahead now. As much of a nerd as Mikleo was, he kept himself guarded. Lust didn't need to remind him. However, he did remember the conversation she shared with Sorey and him intervening when she tried to kill a Hellion.

"You should be careful as well, Lust."

After all she did try to break things without knowing what they were.

"Yes, it's a rather fascinating area. There are several different layers of ruins around here as well. They seem to carry a lot of history. I'm rather interested in being able to understand more about this world."

"We will definitely need to set aside time to discuss things at some point, Sir Mikleo." Flynn smiled. He had no problem with bantering with Yuri while fighting, but anybody else he had to make sure not to distract. "I would like very much to hear about the structures of your world as well."

Flynn continued slashing away at the foliage, and he had to blink a bit before continuing. "Is this what we were looking for, Miss Lust?" He asked, turning around to her and stepping aside to reveal what he had found.

"I doubt it," Lust replied. She withdrew from her position nonetheless and came to approach Flynn, thinking he'd only managed to find some sort of inscription. They were a dime a dozen out here. "Unless someone already saw fit to take the stone out of the temple, there's nothing..."

She drew up short once she saw the wounded, silly-looking dinosaur with the tiny wings. It was bleeding heavily, and lifted its head with a weak and hopeful chirp as it looked at them.

"...Oh my. To think we'd meet again with such familiar circumstances." Rather than draw her weapon, however, she curled her fingers thoughtfully under her chin. Sure, she could put it out of its misery, but she knew that would upset Mikleo if he were to find out. Did these things regularly get chewed on and escape within an inch of their lives, waiting for some hero to stumble across them? It was peculiar to say the least.

"I don't suppose either of you are equipped with a job that utilizes healing magic."

"I suppose I'll hold you to it then, Flynn. Mikleo is fine. I'm certain you're older than I am. There is no need formalities."

He replied with a nod of his head towards Flynn as he pushed the topic aside for later. He supposed he won't get all his answers in one day. Mikleo does smile when Flynn asked about his world.

"I would enjoy exchanging information with you on a later date."

With that they continued and he would help slash at the foliage for the time being. His allies were all capable of taking heavy physical damage, so Mikleo opt for his White Mage and Black Mage jobs so he'd be able to take down the enemies with spells instead of physical strength if there were any that were immune to physical attacks.

He does look at Lust strangely as she curled her fingers under her chin. He steps in front of her as soon as she speaks.

"I have the White Mage job equipped. I can heal his injuries this time."

He speaks firmly as he steps out from behind Lust and Flynn and towards the injured creature.

Flynn blinked a bit. There was some subtext he was missing here, but it was probably for the best he didn't pry. Not that Lust was terribly secretive or anything, but if this sort of thing had some sort of meaning between them, it was probably best if he didn't take away from it.

"It's no crystal, but at least we came along and were able to help it," he mused aloud, more to himself than anyone else.

Lust remained oddly silent, keeping her thoughts to herself. She watched Mikleo move to help the creature, but only for a moment before she lifted her head and glanced around them. There didn't seem to be any sign of the creature that had inflicted these wounds, and that made her suspicious.

"You two seem like you're having fun," she mused somewhat absently. Neither of them seemed the slightest bit uneasy about the situation, which begged the question: which of them was the one behaving strangely? Was Lust simply being her usual cynical self? Or were they too trusting?

When nothing came barging through the trees in an attempt to eat them, Lust looked back at Mikleo, quietly regarding his posture, then Flynn's expression. Was this truly reward enough for them? Lust couldn't really say the same, but at least she was learning something by watching their display of mercy and compassion.

It's best if he doesn't. Mikleo doesn't think it's a good time to talk about such things from the past. Of course, he did remember that they had saved something similar before. He's not against reminiscing that. Ever since then, his friendship with Lust has been growing. He's learned a few more things about her when he spent more time around her.

"That is true. It isn't right to let something die because it cannot help itself."

He replies as he lowers himself in front of the creature. Mikleo hadn't seen the creature that attacked the injured monster right now. It makes him worry that it might be out on the prowl somewhere and waiting to eat them when they let their guards down. He continues to be cautious as he reaches over to heal the monster.

"I wouldn't call it fun but I suppose it's not too far from the word," he replies frowning a little at her teasing.

"Flynn, I'm going to ask you to step back just in case it tries to run when it's healed."

Wild things are wild after all. It's really not all that strange to help someone in need. At least that's his opinion. He's never once changed his expressions on these matters.

"Makes sense to me. Judging by its wounds, its attacker might still be around... if it didn't kill our friend here, though, was it just hunting for sport rather than food?" Flynn mused aloud, absentmindedly. Hopefully it was empty.

"I wondered about that as well," Lust remarked. But still, nothing leaped out of the bushes trying to devour them. It's just like it was before, making her think it might be little more than a test. But of what, compassion or gullibility?

Either way, once the healing magic washes over the strange dinosaur, it hops up to its feet with a happy chirrup, spinning in place, before a strange energy flows over the three of them. Its useless wings flutter before it turns to run off back into the jungle, doubtless to get mauled again and again.

Lust examined her hand, feeling oddly...light. It's much as it was when they found the hamster that demanded they pet it. So that's what it did? Gave them experience for their jobs? It was no wonder she'd felt nothing last time, both of her jobs had been maxed out at the time.

"In any case, I think it's safe to say a party searching this area shouldn't encounter too much trouble. Shall we head back, or would you prefer to keep looking around?"

"It seems more likely to be a prey than a predator. Judging from its general responses in the past. I don't think what we're looking for is this creature."

He pats it softly once he finishes healing it and steps back with his staff, "There you go. Please continue to be cautious."

Mikleo watches as the dinosaur runs off completely and disappears into the forest. He glances around searching for any possible enemies, but it doesn't look like any of that is possible at the moment. He keeps his usual cool, though and presses forward a few more steps. The experience points definitely explain why they didn't feel anything the firs time.

"I'd like to keep going if it's possible. There's a few more details I'd like to look into and perhaps maybe we can find the predator and eliminate it before it harms any other living thing."

"We may as well make the most out of our trip," Flynn agreed with Mikleo, "Unless you feel that we should go back, Lust. Then I'll agree with your intuition." Flynn was also pleased at the sensation of his job increasing proficiency.

"How agreeable of you~" Lust chuckles, curling her fingers under her chin. And how noble of Mikleo, wanting to hunt down a vicious wild predator. She doesn't feel like they'll find anything else of use out here, but she's not above indulging either of them if that's what they want. She wouldn't mind testing her combat skills against a strong enemy, especially as those enemies have a tendency to drop items and money that are both very valuable. If she was going to continue making purchases at O'aka's shop, then it would be best to ensure she had the proper funds to do so.

"Very well." Tossing back her thick mane of dark hair with a careless brush of her hand, Lust took to the path and strode forward with quick, confident steps. She drew her blade and carved through the tangle of vines with one well-practiced stroke. "Let's see what else there is to find."

They probably won't but Mikleo wants to ensure that there aren't any dangers lurking out there for those unfortunate creatures. They were quite helpful to him and he didn't want to repay their help with letting them continue to be hunted. Mikleo nods his head as he starts ahead as well following after Lust.

"Thank you, Flynn."

He replied offering the knight a smile before he moved after Lust. He continued to keep in pace with the both of them as he looks around.

"It would be helpful if we could solve the predator issue."

"Indeed. Killing for one is one thing, but killing for sport... I don't see a number of these things around, so it's not like their population needs to be kept in check." Flynn nodded at Mikleo. "And who knows? While doing that, we may come across something we can return to town with."

"They're monsters. It's their nature to kill, they don't always need a justifiable reason." In that, she supposed she was at least a little different. She didn't care to waste her time cutting down living creatures or people unless it would benefit her in some way. The monsters of this place were indeed difficult enemies, but the riches and rewards they dropped were enough to make the endeavor worth her while.

Besides, if the boy wanted to continue exploring the ruins, let him. There was always the possibility that he might turn up some tidbit of useful information.

As they moved through the thick vines and undergrowth of the balmy Mysidian jungles, there was a heavy, metallic groan. It wasn't close, but the volume of the sound was enough to reverberate in a person's bones. Lust lifted her head, scanning the treetops for signs of movement. A large number of trees were disturbed and thrashed by the passing of something large. Well. They got their wish.

"I do hope at least one of you knows a type of fire magic," she intoned, drawing her sword. Whatever it was, it was slowly making its way toward them.

"I suppose you do have a point Flynn. I certainly hope it's something that can be of use to us all."

He nods as they keep moving. Mikleo wanted to believe for the better but sometimes it takes someone like Lust to remind him how dangerous things are in the real world. Cystallis was no different, really. It was filled with carnivorous creatures hunting other Heroes of Light and Animals for fun. The world is a cruel place and being overly optimistic isn't always the best idea. Still, he is determined to stop the threat if he can.

He's a rather stubborn boy on that matter. Mikleo stops short as he raises his staff looking around at the loud sound of thrashing and possibly stomping of sorts.

"No worries, I have Black Mage equipped along with White Mage. If you two are capable of offensive abilities, I will support from the back."

He replies calmly.

"We have a good mix between the three of us, so we should be fi-"

Almost on cue, a gigantic fearsome monster appeared behind Flynn and the others. Judging by the blood marks on its claws and fangs, it was the culprit behind the sport hunting.

After his hair wilting a bit from the stench of the roar of the creature, Flynn blinked. "It's behind me, isn't it?"

Since when did Iron Giants have fangs and claws? Lust narrowed her eyes, deeply suspicious. Given where they were, she wouldn't have been the least bit surprised if some crazed cultist had decided to incapacitate one of the mighty creatures just to needlessly change its aesthetics.

Still, she had to admit it was rather effective.

"Get out of the way, you idiot," Lust growled, shoving past Flynn as she lunged straight for the monster. Was it the wise thing to do? No, absolutely not. But if Flynn insisted on making stupid quips and presenting his defenseless back to the thing, she needed to make herself a more tempting target, now. She wouldn't allow it to ignore her, lashing out with her inky black sword before thrusting her hand upward to let arcs of blinding lightning lance from her fingertips into the monster's face.

"Mikleo, fire spells!"

"Fl-Flynn!?"

Well that's a great way to start off the fight, having the thing appear right behind their companion. Of course, he has no time to freak out or talk about what is going on. He hears Lust shout for him to cast a fire spell and he does just that as soon as the comments are out of the way.

He'll shoot the creature with a Firaga spell. The thing gets shot back but he's not sure how much damage it's done to it.

Flynn lost his balance after being pushed aside by Lust and fell to the ground before using the momentum to roll over and get back onto his feet, drawing his sword. How could he be so careless? Well, there was no regretting it now, not while Lust put herself in danger for his sake. "Lust, duck!" Flynn commanded, as he began with a running start at te beast with his sword drawn.

...Did he just tell her to duck? If he dared try to play leapfrog off of her, she'd turn around and go home right now.

After stabbing him.

Multiple times.

Instead of ducking and putting herself in a more vulnerable position, Lust instead darted to the right. If he was going to attack it with full force from the front, then she'd flank it from the back and divide its attention between them. She slashed at it twice where its armor was still glowing from the molten heat of the Firaga spell, hoping that the fire had softened up its incredible defenses.

"Flynn be careful!"

He shouted at the other as he stood much further from the two offensive fighters. Mikleo's role is to support. Getting himself injured while protecting the other two won't help them win the battle. He had to be strategic about how he was going to approach him.

Mikleo moved a bit closer before throwing another Firaga spell at the armor and continued to do it in small areas so Lust and Flynn can hack at its defenses.

The Firaga spell was spot on, and Flynn could see the tempered metal that the enemy's armor was made of glowing white hot. Using that opportunity - and given that it managed to hit a joint - Flynn slammed his sword into it with all of his might in an attempt to at least cause the monster some pain, if not immobility.

Lust was hot on Flynn's heels. Mikleo had done well to create a weak spot for them, and she meant to take full advantage of it. Flynn went first, his strength lending power to the blow of his blade against the softer metal. As soon as he'd finished his strike, Lust came in only a split second after. Two quick cross-slashes was followed up by one particularly vicious strike as she hammered it hard.

The Iron Giant's leg buckled, and it teetered dangerously to one side. Lust smirked triumphantly as she leaped back, standing halfway between it and Mikleo as she watched it carefully. She needed to be ready to rush it again if it chose to go after the spellcaster to stop it before it could even come close to reaching Mikleo. But if their combined might managed to topple it prematurely, then she would dive in and hack at it viciously while it was at its most vulnerable.

Mikleo will keep out of the combatants' way since he doesn't want to be a handicap to them. Instead, he'll attack where he sees fit and allows the two of them to get at the monster. He'll even use a few spells to attack it directly head on to direct its attention to him.

Eventually, he'll just keep his distance from them as the two ensured his safety.

"I think we almost got it!"

He shouted to the two of them. It seemed like the creature was being worn down.

Luckily, we're in a Final Fantasy-based world and Limit Breaks exist.

"Firebird... Flight!" Flynn announced grandly as his sword enveloped in flame, as the image of a phoenix became superimposed on him.

And it was finished.

"Is everyone all right?" Flynn asked, facing Lust and Mikleo.

"Not even so much as a scratch," Lust remarked, sounding halfway between bored and disappointed. At the very least, if the three of them could so easily dispatch one of these creatures, it was unlikely that those who entered the Temple of Heroes of Light would encounter much difficulty. After all, none of the members of this merry trio had managed to complete all of the Onion Knight jobs. It should be a piece of cake.

"Shall we search the area for others, or are you both satisfied with the day's work?" she asked, sheathing her blade and brushing a fleck of ash from her polished black armor.

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Scouting Ahead

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