melodiesoflife | Endgame || Apocalypse

Entry tags:

Endgame || Apocalypse

Characters: Anyone
Where: Pandaemonium
When: March 05th
Summary: The first phase of endgame begins! The Heroes of Light are on their way to deal with Garland as they’ve left their unfinished businesses in the hands of their friends amongst the NPCs. How will it end? The mingle threads shall not be modded, only The Guardian will be modded. Please do not start individual threads for The Guardian, reply in a single thread. Starting from now on, the game is officially in endgame. Please do not post any new posts on Mognet or in the Log Community, unless they’re backdated to before this event. The second phase of endgame will be posted once The Killer Of World thread will have been unlocked and completed.
Warning: ̩̼͋ͬͅ.̷̳̗ͦͣ͐ͭͣͬ̈́ ̤̙ͫ̉.̨̯͖̗͓̥̭̣̂̄ͣ̏ͯͫ ̶̼̻̳ͫͧͥ̆.̭͎ͮ͂ ̳̤͓̖̫͌ͪͥ̄͗̐̌.͚͍̀ ͈̻̠̥̜ͦͦ̆ͨ͋.̼̹̹̠̟͚͎ ͙͇̲̘͖̉̌̒͂̈ͮ.͇͙͑̍̽ ̪̭̹̤͓̯̜ͦͣ̒̾͆͗ͦ͟.̝̯̲͗͊̽ ̛̙͌̈ͤ̚.̪̮̰̘͚̏ͦͤ ̲̼̺͓̣̝̐.͗ͨ͜ ̧́̑̄ͥ.ͬ͊̋ͣ ̝̠͍̭̯̽.́ ̊̽̈.̡̥̖̣͓̬̠̰͗͑͂ ͍̭̩̝̉͊̑̃̓ͤ̇.͆̔̀̈́̐̋ ͇̬̤̲͉̜͙̓̍ͦͯͤͥ̔.̯̻̺͔̰̞̙͋͡ ̻̼̣̮͖̮̋ͬ.̖̝̞ ͕̦̙̞̹̲̖̓̃.̌ͯͯ͟ ̺̘̪͊̊.̲͖ ̧̼̙̋ͦͧ̂́̑͑.̷̼̬̭͔͙̹̫ͦͧ̔̄͐̏ͫ ̱͎ͥͥ̈͝.̲̣͖̪͓̯ͩ̓̈̿ͧ̅́ ̪͈͚̺̦̝͎̒ͦ̇̚.̂̆ͯͦͩ̃̀̀ ̬͕̼̆.͎̃́͐̄͒̑ͪͅ ̠̳͎ͬ.̛̭͓͗͌ͪ ̴͉̱͉̘̯̟̔͐.̫̣̥̔͑͛́ ̝̭̤̜͖͎̙̈ͪ̿̓ͯ͂̚.̟̲̥̥͈̭̳̈̋ͥͦ ͔̩̈͋͐͗̚.͓̝̼͍̈ͧ͊ͅ ̥ͥ.̷̬͍͙ͥ̓͋ͅ ̪̯̠ͨ́̂.̱̙̘̫̰͕͈̎̓̊ ̧̻̃̎.̬̇̄ ̘̣̺̼ͯ͋̀.̯ͬ ̆͗͆̆̋͝.̴̞͖̫́ͬ͌̉̍̿ ̪̹̥͙̑ͅ.̵̻̮͓̉̃ͯ͑̊̈́̚ ͚̽̒̚͘.͇̮͇̻͍͈̠͂̓ͣ̀͡ ̩̠̖̋.̺͎͈̦̺̈́ͮͬ͌̋ͧͩ ̳̠͕͙̎ͩ͜.̛̆ͥ̒͑ ̘̠͓͚̱͗͜ͅ.̢̠̠̥͍̬̂̊͋͊̂̄̐ ̦͛.̰͚̫̱͙̩̅̓ ̲̜͌̒ͭ͑͠.̠̆̈̏͆̉ ̰̹̳̻̥̮̬ͨ̍̐̆͗ͫ͜.͕̥͔̳ͩ͞ ̣͓̥̑̍͊̽̄̀.̳̘̭ͭ̔̎̍͜ ̟̞̯̏.̙̯̦̞̱̘ͬ͐ͩ ̯̠̣͉̪̅̅ͣ́ͅ.̡͗̍̿͊͐͊ ̲̙́̽̽́.̝̟͇͈͚̿͝ ̑͜

Mingle Thread
The Guardian
The Killer Of Worlds

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Sorry," Selphie muttered with a slightly indignant look at Yuri for telling her off.

She half-turned to look over at Garland and shook her head. This was one of the many things that she'd been thinking about during their journey to Pandaemonium. How did she want to proceed? She wanted to save Crystallis just as much as she wanted to save her own world and firmly believed that there had to be another way. She listened while the other heroes said what the wanted to and smiled sadly at the Emperor.

"Sometimes," Selphie began slowly after Sephiroth had finished speaking. "When something doesn't work, we have to try another idea and look at it from a different angle, Your Majesty. I can't really say for sure if what you've been doing is either right or wrong when you've been doing what you thought was best for everyone on this world.

"But," she looked at the others gathered in turn with a slight nod. "We need to find a way to save all of the worlds and Crystallis without sacrificing any more lives. It's not fair to them, to us or to you. If we can do try something else, even thought I'm not sure what we'd try, then let's try another approach."

"Should that price really be the lives of others that are involved, including the various Heroes of Light that have been sacrificed?"

Mikleo didn't find the whole situation helpful at all. On one part he was against all of this but the other part, he could relate to why Garland wanted to fight them. He was trying to preserve something that would keep the world moving and alive. There was no doubt that they didn't know what would happen after they defeat the Calamity much less stopping the cycle. He squeezed his staff briefly as listened to everyone else speak. It was just as they said. They had to do something. They couldn't sit here and wait for everything to be fixed or let the cycle continue.

He didn't want to see anyone else die.

"If there is a sliver of hope that we can overcome this ordeal, then I want to take it. Just because the cycle is inevitable doesn't mean it will always be inevitable. We can't be scared because many have failed before but I understand why you must do what you must, Garland. You are a ruler who need protect his subjects. However, I am the same. I won't let my friends or those I care about suffer in lieu of this cycle. I do not wish to fight you. I hope we can come to some sort of resolve on the matter and that you would hear us out."

Edited 2017-03-07 03:55 (UTC)

"But, it's not as easy as that, is it?" Sonic said, passing Mikleo and crossing his arms as he did. "If it were that easy, we'd have everything solved about a year or so ago. The senseless violence, double talk and mystery wouldn't of happened."

He stared down Garland as he continued. "But, it isn't. Everyone whose wanted to keep this cycle going has insisted that this is just fate, that the fate of one world is worth eradicating millions of others. That there's nothing we can do to change it. Because they don't want to. It's easier to keep going the easy route rather than make a change."

"The easy path isn't my way. I don't let myself get chained by fate and destiny and hopelessness, even if everyone tells me to slow down and think it over. If we can't talk you down, we'll certainly knock you down. I sympathize with you, but sympathy can only go so far - I'm Sonic the Hedgehog and I'm free like the roaring wind and I'll make sure that these worlds are the same!"

Sparks Nevada, who always champions the idea of saving everyone no matter what, has had a hard time in Crystallis in his time here. It was evident long ago that that was most likely not a possibility in the face of the Calamity. But that didn't mean he couldn't try. If he had to give his life up trying, he'd rather go knowing that he stuck to his own convictions.

He put a calming hand on Tsubomi's shoulder, but his other hand rested on his sword.

"I'm with her. Reckon there'd be no point to us still bein' here if we weren't gonna try. We might as well just let the Calamity grab us all up. But we didn't. We're here, and we're ready to do whatever we can. Doesn't mean it needs to come down to a fight, but..."

He figured he didn't need to finish that statement.

Lust listened impassively as each person stated their feelings. Pleas for reason and understanding...frustration and anger... She remained silent, arms folded. It wasn't until Mikleo spoke that she lifted her head, regarding him with a critical sidelong glance.

When he finished speaking, she exhaled. "Tch," Lust frowned. "You're so soft."

She had no qualms about seeing Garland dead, if that's what it took to break the cycle. She'd only just begun to acquire a taste for being human, and if he intended to take that away, she'd see him choke on his own blood. There was more she wanted to feel...more she wanted to be. The baleful glare she fixed on Garland spoke volumes that her velvet voice did not.

And yet, in spite of all this, her sword remained in its sheath. Why? If you asked her, she probably wouldn't know. But it might have something to do with the fact that someone she trusted with her life was trying so hard not to let anyone die...not even this wretch of an old man who probably wanted nothing more than to be put out of his misery.

To this day, Jade still couldn't completely disagree with Garland and Palitutu's reasoning, and normally he'd be loath to act on something as irrational as emotions. Nevertheless...

His instincts, reshaped by his time in Crystallis, told him they were doing the right thing, against all logic. A faint smile played across his lips as each Hero voiced their resolve. What reckless children he'd chosen to ally himself with.

He let the more heroic of the group speak up first. Finally, in a gesture that meant little to those not from Auldrant, Jade removed his glasses and fixed his red-eyed gaze on Garland.

"We all know the stakes, as well as the risk Kalki poses. Even so, we have made our decision. The cycle must come to an end. Whatever happens from here on, we are prepared to carry the burden of our choice."

He made no attempt to talk Garland down from fighting. If the Guardian's resolve were any weaker than theirs, the cycle would have ended long ago.

"Good. I didn't expect any less. Her faith in you is not misplaced."

With that said, Garland turned away from the Heroes of Light and walked away, back to where he had been awaiting them in the first place.

"Hero of Light is a name that was given to you by the Ancients. It was but a ruse to manipulate you and yet, these words still holds meaning to countless. Fight for your beliefs and show me what meaning you give to this title."

A black sword appeared in his hand and the black helmet returned to protect his face--

Job(s): N/A
The Emperor of Hera and Guardian of the Cycle. Upon being reborn, he lost all memories from the past cycles along with his powers as a result of the previous Heroes of Light's sacrifice. However, Palitutu found and adopted him, restoring all of his memories and abilities as part of the Aqures Tosf accident. In spite of having weakened him, the past Heroes of Light who chose to fight all died facing him. His defenses make him nigh-invulnerable and most attacks, even some of the most powerful ones, are ineffective against him.

Garland drives his sword first thing into the ground, which has two effects: Firstly, the flight of stairs leading to the exit disappears. Any Job skills that should normally to allow the characters to flee will not work. Secondly, a wave emanates from the sword, washing over the Heroes of Light before fading. While it doesn't hurt them, its effects are as follow:

> Chaotic Wave
> The defense of all Heroes of Light is decreased by 300%. Buffs and heals are only 20% as effective as they should be. Attack power (physical and magical) is decreased by 80%. The Heroes of Light will lose 5% of their maximum health each turn.
Eidolons (Summoner) and Melodies (Bard) are not affected by the effects of Chaotic Wave.
The effects of Chaotic Wave will remain active until this form of Garland is defeated.

Characters with Custom Jobs or Onion Knight are affected by this as well.

Duster stood behind, letting the others voice their conviction. While he did not say anything during the confrontation, their beliefs were his beliefs. Letting the world restart, ignoring past mistakes...if everyone were to die for that, it wasn't worth it. He would fight for a universe of life.

However, there was no time to ruminate and formulate a plan of attack with everyone so quickly weakened. Without time to consciously think about it, Duster whipped out his concertina, stepped back, and played Boss Theme. It wouldn't make up for their paltry defenses, but it was better than nothing.

Well, this is it. And Garland sure started with a bang, unlike the Knight battle. Nanami could feel herself weakened, and her strength sapping away. There was no way they could beat Garland like this...

... but good thing they had brought help. The numbers looked right, so Nanami started to summon Knights of the Round. They needed to get Garland down quickly before he could finish them off.

Please, let this work. She hadn't had time to cast any of her defenses before starting to summon. Hopefully Garland would be too distracted to retaliate against her.

Unable to escape? Debuffs like hell? Not Deadpool's concern. His real concern?

"Oh, c'mon! You didn't even declare that you were going to knock us down? What kind of Garland are you?!" Deadpool complained. "Very well, if you're not going to do the Final Fantasy memes, then I, Deadpool, will declare to you to welcome to die, Christopher Lee!"

And, with that, Deadpool charges ahead, attacking with Stasis Sword. Thanks to being a fully-maxed Cyber Ninja, there's also the Slicer ability to deal with as he strikes, hoping to cut through anything metally.

Cloud was ready. He had to be. That's what he kept telling himself. But it looked like Garland wasn't going to make it easy for them. They'd have to start this off on defense. He shot Nanami a nod of approval as she started gathering a familiar feeling energy. Despite coming to this fight for offense instead of defense he moved to step between her and their foe.

With a flick of his left arm the armlet he was wearing unfolded and fanned out into a kite shield. He'd approached both MarKus and Albel about this a while ago and it was done just in time, a shield that worked similarly to the sword he had from his future self. That sword too had been modified in preparation for this fight but he kept it on his back, one hand on the hilt as he braced himself in front of Nanami and focused on readying Runic just in case.

Natalia recoiled from the effects of the Chaotic Wave with a wince, her knees quaking and threatening to drop her from the sheer drastic plunge in all of her defenses. There were others among them that can bolster their abilities back to what they were, she knew. As there were no injuries in need of healing, and with her offensive capabilities nearly worthless, she decided to concentrate instead on buying the party time. They were simply too weak right now...too exposed.

"Camouflage!" she called out, thrusting her palm skyward to summon the shrouding mist that, she hoped, would shield at least some of them from a direct attack. "Is anyone hurt?" She knew she herself hadn't been afflicted with any injuries, but she couldn't keep track of everyone's status at once.

The Chaotic Wave is so strong and so unexpected that it forces Levy to her knees, her entire body shuddering under the sheer pressure of Garland's presence. But as afraid as she is, she didn't come this far to lose. She's a Fairy Tail wizard, damn it, and that means one thing.

"I won't give up!"

Slowly, steadily, and somewhat shakily, she gets back to her feet. Briefly reaching back to touch the back of her shoulder where her guild mark is, she channels the power of the Crystal Researcher job to lay down Gift of Crystallis on the group.

"Come on, everyone! Let's get him!"

Sonic grunted as he felt the Chaotic Wave hit him. Thankfully, there's a bit of help with the Gift of Crystallis nailing him. With a grin, he balled up his fist as he pointed to Garland.

"Alright, time to give you a taste of your own medicine!" Sonic said.

Demi was slapped onto Garland, attempting to take a chunk of his HP away.

Yuri stumbled back but he could feel the Chaotic Wave sucking his powers away. Well, he's not going to let that stop him. If Garland was out of words and wanted to fight, then that's fine. He'll fight him.

"I guess we'll have to start off easy huh?"

He replied shaking himself a bit before throwing his sheath aside and shooting his sword up, "Brave Vesperia!".

All allies stats will be increased by 25%.

That Chaotic Wave is enough to knock the breath out of the best of them and Sephiroth is no exception. It hits him like a ghostly wave wrapping around his whole self, with just barely enough tangibility to be felt as such. The resulting jar to his balance is caught, though, preventing him from stumbling or crashing to even one knee. No weakness showing. Not now at this end.

Whether it would help to counter or not, Combat Mode was initiated as Sephiroth drew his gaze around their surroundings -noting the flight of stairs that had now vanished- and also preparing something of an internal log for himself of what others were doing while he flipped his sword around finally and drew the handle up and into his right shoulder - his signature ready-stance about as poised as it's ever going to be.

ShinRa Guard followed next, but like with the stats-boost his combat job usually gave, Garland's ability was making it clear why all those other Heroes had failed before; who knew if all those buffs that were flying around would stack up or not.

It was all they could do, to prepare, as it seemed already a Summon was being called upon.

Lydia still wasn't sure if she'd be able to help--but she was here. Talking had failed, as she'd thought it might even though she hoped otherwise. Small, and slight, and utterly silent thanks to her job. So many people with so much more powerful-attacks and she wasn't sure what she could do. But she'd do something, at least.

Especially as the Chaotic Wave hit, and sent her to her knees, hand rising to her head. That was not a good feeling, even with some relief from the others countering it. But the Vampire job had been her first and primary job for so long, and her dark eyes narrowed as she reached out. Casting Absorb Stats on their foe. If he was going to make things tough, she would do her best to make things tough for him in turn.

Her Ghostbuster Job was maxed as well, and the combination of the two jobs allowed her to channel what normally required a proton pack, through magic and weapons. Pulling out her rapier and focusing, calling on the Power Surge to boost the Particle-Thrower's stream channeled through her sword.

Having been at the receiving end of most buffs in the past, Jade could tell something was off. Trying to make up for the massive drop in their defenses was going to take every resource they had, it seemed. No wonder Garland had never been defeated...

However, this time they had the Knights on their side. That may well change everything.

Since Levy had handled Gift of Crystallis, Jade started with Stats Lore as usual, doubling the effects of items and buffs he was going to use. With Haste still working somewhat, he was just about able to follow it up with Enlightenment. Normally that would quadruple everyone's attack power, but with that wave reducing the skill's potency... Well, they'd just have to make do for now.

(deleted comment)

Cloud will find another shoulder fast at his side, as Jack casts Sentinel, and stands ready, greatsword in hand, to intercept anything that is going to come Nanami's way. The entire battle is going to change once she gets that summon off.

The last time Jack saw this room, the first thing he saw was himself dead on the ground. He really can't think about how close he standing to that exact spot right now.

What the hell was that effect?

"...That feels like cheating."

Thought it felt likes drops in a bucket compared to the Chaos Wave, Sparks quickly slaps on a Runic as he calls out his Magitek Armor.

It was easy to see this was going to be dire. As much as Johnny wanted to rush forward and unleash his own hell on Garland, the group as a whole needed more backup against that awful effect. Begrudgingly, he took up his guitar and began playing The Final Fantasy, in the hopes that the song would at least cancel out the draining effect Chaos Wave was having on them.

"Well, now I know why no one defeated you - you're nothing more than a hack!" Twilight shouted, angry at the Knight. This was like those early encounters with Discord, applying rules to make it fair to him. She had to hold him back, though, applying her Magical Telekinesis to hold him down.

Edited 2017-03-07 23:07 (UTC)

Kaji puts a hand to his chest in discomfort when the wave of dark energy rolls over all of them. He had equipped Zelda's last legacy as a hope that her light would help drive back the darkness. But maybe it's made him more sensitive to it as well.

Although he is clad in his Archers light armor, he has no weapon yet and he doesn't draw one. He instead gently presses his hands together and bows his head further.

Lend us your strength.

His cast of Hylia's Prayer is aimed at Cloud, a faint white light shimmers around him. Replacement Shinji? Maybe. But at least, if Cloud guessed wrong, and Garland's attack is a physical one, he'll have some added resistance now.

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BOSS FIGHT: Garland

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