mind the side effects.

priv. baizhu rp blog, affiliated with gnostic hymns.

[eudaimcnia]

"While it is a doctor's duty to save others, the doctor is also themselves a person who deserves to be saved. If we wish to preserve lives, we should strive for an outcome where everyone will live to see another day."

                   A private RP blog of Baizhu & Changsheng, written by taro.

              TALENTS.    /     MUN.    /    MUSE.    /    AFFILIATION.

[eudaimcnia]

clock that tea sis

QIAOYING TEA FESTIVAL / baizhu + mydei.

[eudaimcnia]

This time of the year was the most ideal for Baizhu to visit Chenyu Vale. It was where he grew up, after all, and it is always important for him to remind himself of his roots. Unfortunate, how it turns out that Qiaoying Village had been struck with harsh weather, damaging not just the tea harvest but the paths leading to the village. It would be remiss of him to not lend a helping hand where he can, for he feels a sense of duty to uphold as someone familiar with the lay of this land.

The village is quaint, serene… peaceful. Everytime Baizhu visits, he feels as if he’s right at home. A place thriving with community, iconic for its variety of tea leaves. It does not take much for him to be given permission to help in the villagers' endeavors. As he starts plucking tea leaves one by one, placing them into the basket balanced between his hand and midriff, a peculiarly-dressed stranger catches the corner of his eye. 

An outlander, perhaps? His attire resembles nothing like any person from Liyue — or even Teyvat, for that matter. Since they are both doing the same task and are near enough in proximity, the doctor thinks to greet him, until —

“I’ve never seen a person walking around half-naked before.” Changsheng thinks out loud curiously, to which prompts the most composed, yet embarrassed laugh that Baizhu can muster. Always speaking her mind, as usual…

Quickly, he speaks up, offering the stranger a smile. “My apologies. It’s not very common to come across a foreigner in a small village like Qiaoying. She’s just fascinated about your appearance, is all.”

[ @mydcimos ]

[deathstaroverload]

remnants of paradise

firefly & baizhu .

[deathstaroverload]

although not involved within the guided tours that took place , the stellaron hunter had been present on the island , she's left here for the aftermath , she figured the IPC wasn't the most reliable to be on time unless there was payment involved , so when she knew she had the opportunity , she took the chance to suit up , where Firefly once stood , SAM had appeared , she had a vague idea of how this would go , no matter how much she'd try to defy it .

the script always told nothing but the truth , despite how much she'd try to defy it , she knew something bigger was at play here , just not what it was , so while trying to get closer to figure out what was happening , the giant suit of armor would be seen moving aside rubble , helping whoever needed evacuating get out -- doing what she could before the IPC had arrived , not to mention , it luckily also helped protect her from the toxic air surrounding the place .

head tilted up as the ships came into view , a sign to begin walking towards a more secluded area , one where they . . . hopefully wouldn't look , trying to find out what she can about the area around , doing investigations as best they could , she didn't know if anyone on that ship would be brave enough , or even strong enough to face down against SAM if it came to it .

though , it wouldn't be good if she got caught . . . so she let the armor fade as she explored the island , knowing none of the IPC members should recognize her , trying to conclude her search in private and away from prying eyes .

if there was a stellaron , or even remnants here , she'd hopefully get to the bottom of it , be it alone or with help , though . . . she probably should have grabbed a mask beforehand .

@eudaimcnia

[eudaimcnia]

The Liyuean doctor was new to this intergalactic business, really. The Interastral Peace Corporation, or IPC for short, gave him a lucrative offer to provide relief aid for the survivors of this destroyed realm.

It was, admittedly, an extremely risky and perhaps reckless endeavor. With Baizhu's frail condition, it would be out of the question for him to explore the remains of the destruction on his own, or even take up on the mission at all. Still, there was something in him lingering, hoping that he can at least save a life from succumbing to this fate. Even if those people weren't of his own world.

He'd initially learned of this place being a vacation spot. A getaway for those who seek a refreshing and exciting experience... What could have possibly happened for it to end up in such a catastrophic state? A targeted attack? A reckless experiment?

They had descended as a small team, with the doctor accompanied by two other soldiers of the IPC. They were to conduct a search of the destroyed establishment for any survivors and reconvene at the drop-off point. He was given a mask manufactured by the IPC, said to help in regulating the air he breathes; it's very... innovative, to say the least. Baizhu had only thought such creations were only feasible by adepti craftsmanship or the ingenuity of a Natlanese or Fontainian inventor. But, he digresses. This is merely the least they can do for him, a foreigner with no prior planet-delving experience.

Searching among the debris a distance away from the soldiers leads him to an alleyway, where a young girl stands. Her clothes are practically spotless -- strange, considering the surrounding environment -- yet still, he calls out to her, "Excuse me, miss. Are you alright?" The doctor holds out a spare mask. "I can take you to a safer location. I'm a doctor."

[eudaimcnia]

[EAT] Sender brings receiver food while they're focused on another task.

A gentle knock taps alongside the entrance frame of Bubu Pharmacy, before Yelan enters, a container within her hands. “Hey, Baizhu,” she states, rather matter-of-factually. Her tone still carried a warmth, as though she were thankful to the pharmacist, without so much as uttering a reason for why.

She walks up to him, placing the container before his figure. “This is for you~ I know that Jade Fruit Soup is your favorite. I made sure to store it carefully before coming by. And no, I didn't put any egregious number of spices in it or anything~"  

A soft giggle escapes Yelan's lips as she briefly bows. “Enjoy the soup.” Yelan then about-faces, beginning to walk out of the door. As she makes it back to the entrance-way, she speaks once more, a knowing tone as the words escape her lips. “I'm sure I'll be seeing you again soon enough. Expect more bowls of Jade Fruit Soup as additional thanks, Baizhu.” 

And she departs, down the steps and off to do whatever it is she seeks to do. 

Despite the quiet atmosphere of the pharmacy today, there’s no shortage of logistical work that Baizhu has to go through. It’s simply the byproduct of running an independent business, even with his helpful assistants on duty. When there are no patients to tend to, he checks off a list of all the inventory, ensuring all of their medicinal products are properly stored and preserved. Some of these mixtures were made by Baizhu himself, so it’s of his utmost responsibility to keep them fresh and potent.

“Hm?” He looks up from his checklist and pushes up his glasses to see a familiar face enter the pharmacy. Though, instead of greeting him with any sort of injury, she offers him soup.

“Oh? Have you been studying my diet without me knowing?” There’s a slight attempt to tease as he smiles gently. “Thank you for the gift, Yelan. I’ll be sure to savor it.”

The pharmacist briefly watches her make her exit, and thinks to himself. He can’t help but think this is her way of getting into his good graces… Yet he cannot deny that the soup looks and smells delectable. 

[shiromemes]

𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑐 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑐𝑦 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑠

Feel free to add context if needed! Add "Reverse" to any action to swap the roles!

[BRUSH] Sender offers to brush receivers hair

[STYLE] Sender offers to style receivers hair

[ADJUST] Sender straightens/fixes receivers clothing (Tie, coat, hair accessory, etc.)

[FASHION] Sender brings over an outfit for receiver to try on

[EAT] Sender brings receiver food while they're focused on another task.

[KISS] Sender kisses receiver on the cheek

[FOREHEAD] Sender kisses receiver on the forehead

[HUG] Sender suddenly hugs receiver

[REST] While out on a walk, sender guides receiver to sit down somewhere and rest.

[OPEN] Sender opens something for the receiver (pickle jar, package, etc.)

[GIFT] Sender gives receiver a small gift (Make sure to name what it is!)

[PAY] Sender pays for receivers meal

[HOLD] Sender hugs receiver and holds them close.

[LIFT] Sender picks up receiver princess style

[HIGH] Sender gets something off the high shelf for receiver

[WATER] Sender brings receiver a water bottle

[HAND] Sender takes receivers hand so they don't get lost in a crowd.

[generalsangonomiya]

Into the Mists of Memory

[generalsangonomiya]

There have always been strange stories of Tsurumi island and the Sea of Fog. More myths and legends than one could count, speaking of everything from the risen dead to abyssal monsters to fallen gods lurking within the mist that consumed the seas south of Watatsumi. And every year, there were more, especially during the more stable times when adventurers tended to get more daring. Kokomi would have likewise discounted this particular rumor as something not worth investigating, had one of the adventurers in question not come to visit her the very next day.

The woman was one of her people - a former soldier who'd turned her skills to adventuring, after the end of the war - and had been asking for her help, so, naturally, she'd agreed to see her. She'd been worried that the apparent difference in her perception of time had been due to a head injury or some illness, but after a careful examination, Kokomi had found nothing amiss, and told her to stay nearby and check in with one of the shrine maidens if anything changed.

But, from her inital findings, it seemed more and more likely that there was something strange about the flow of time on Tsurumi Island. She thinks about a forbidden book, written in a lost language, telling the tale of the Ruler of Time's involvement with Enkanomiya, and wonders.

And so the next day, Kokomi takes a small boat and sets off for Tsurumi island. She makes good progress initially, but as the fog sweeps in, as she loses the sun and the wind and the surface of the sea becomes unnaturally still, she finds herself utterly lost.

But even when the skies deceive her, she knows these seas, and they do not lie. Closing her eyes, she reaches out to sense the currents whispering below, listening to how they flow across the seafloor, bending around rock and sand, and sails onwards, easily correcting her course.

The beach she eventually reaches is just as silent and still, but the fog thins slightly around a Statue of the Seven. That, in itself, is the first anachronistic incongruity - according to the few actual records of the civilization that once lived here, they worshipped a deity they named Kanna Kapatcir, not the Raiden Shogun, and had been supposedly wiped out thousands of years ago.

But further speculation can wait - she's not the only one here. The green-haired stranger doesn't seem to have noticed her arrival, but the white snake draped across their shoulders has, and raises its head as she approaches.

"Greetings, stranger. What brings you here?"

@eudaimcnia

[eudaimcnia]

News has told of an island in Inazuma shrouded in a strange phenomena. It was usually not Baizhu’s place to be investigating such mysteries – especially when it’s of a nation he merely has surface-level knowledge of – however, he cannot deny the curiosity it instilled in him when he further read about the tale. 

An island that was once home to a civilization, yet now it resides shrouded in fog that seemingly interferes with the mind. Was it the island itself causing this? Or was there an incident involving the people who used to inhabit it? 

One of the first things he noticed upon arriving was a Statue of the Seven. It’s certainly a relief that he can use this as his first landmark, whether it’d actually prove useful or not for his exploration. It emanates the brightest light around these parts, and while he isn’t the type to get lost easily, it's better to be safe than sorry.

"Baizhu." Changsheng quietly calls to him. When he turns his head to where she's looking, his eyes widen in slight surprise upon seeing another person.

“Ah, I wasn’t expecting someone to be here.” It’s a relief, if he were to be honest. He offers her a smile, with his snake companion curiously eyeing the stranger up and down. “I’m a doctor from Liyue. There were a few odd incidents I’ve read about the people who venture to this island, so I decided to take a boat here to investigate it. Are you here for the same purpose?”

[eudaimcnia]

wanted plots - destruction

Hello hello! Baizhu is back in business! Here are some plots from the commission board I'm interested in.

As usual, contact through Discord DMs or a ping in the plotting channel is preferred! Tumblr IMs are fine, but may take longer for me to check and respond to.

This post will be edited to include additional plots next month if they interest me.

TEYVAT: [ TSURUMI ISLAND ] - The timeloop phenomenon intrigues this ol' doctor, and he wonders if it has any physical effects on the body. Care to find out with him? [ KONDA VILLAGE ] - Something more lighthearted. I think he deserves this type of break. Care to join him and Changsheng?

REQUIRES SEA OF QUANTA MUSE: [ EMPYREA ] - The mun knows of the horrors that took place in lore, but Baizhu doesn't. He'd probably need some protection before venturing here, as his sickly state isn't the most suitable for a seemingly post-apocalyptic environment...

[eudaimcnia]

a non-medical visit?

BUBU PHARMACY / baizhu + lisa.

[eudaimcnia]

Life at Liyue Harbor is normal as always. There were a couple of patients to see in the morning, prescriptions to sort out during the afternoon, and business finances to tabulate in the evening.

While Bubu Pharmacy had its renown and Baizhu often takes on more work than his body wills him to, the evenings are most peaceful in that he is able to quietly sort out his documents. That isn’t to say the establishment is closed just yet–a doctor must always be prepared in case of a late night emergency–it’s simply that he doesn’t expect anyone to be visiting at such an hour.

Changsheng had taken a small break from perching around his neck, slithering off onto the empty space on the counter. As he is engrossed in double-checking his most recent prescriptions in preparation for his appointments the next day, he hears footsteps approaching the front of the pharmacy. A lady in white and purple, donned with a witch’s hat to match.  

“Hm?” The doctor looks up from his glasses. She doesn't appear particularly unwell at first glance. “Is there anything I can help you with, miss?”

[ @thetruthbehindtherose ]

[eudaimcnia]

A small parcel arrives at the pharmacy with the next day's delivery of supplies. Within: a dozen egg-sized strange mango-like fruit (but not mangoes, it should be noted), a bookmark (pressed with a flower perhaps reminiscent of a peculiar day...), and a letter.

To: Mister Baizhu

reads on the front, ssssort of neat but in a scrawl,

Sorry if it's a little late. Heard from a little birdie it was a certain someone’s birthday. The townsfolk really do like you, yknow? They're so happy to talk about ya

I kept thinking I didn't know what to get What do you get for a handsome guy you spent a morning hand-in-hand with?

Then it hit me Literally!! I ran into this fruit while I was looking back at a weird noise a bird had made Apparently it's pretty popular in medicines, but you'd probably know more than me there

Anyway your pal Sampo says hi and happy birthday!

... Maybe next time he'd swing by for an actual visit but ah, well, business calls, you know?

There are many medicinal herbs to sort out this time of the month. Usually, he would have Gui assist him in counting their inventory, but this day is a bit different. His assistants had been busy with other matters relating to Bubu Pharmacy–making deliveries to the elderly patients and collecting herbs from the cliffside, so he’d have to take on this task on his own.

Baizhu already has the way his suppliers package their goods memorized. It’s only a parcel which stands out from the rest that catches his eye. Was it sent to the wrong address? No, that can’t be. The note atop is clearly referring to him. Usually, personal gifts were passed to him directly… He keeps the lone package to the side, carrying on with his business until he allows himself to check its contents.

By the time he finishes arranging the goods to their respective cabinets, the doctor turns his attention to that strange parcel. No return address, nor clear indication of who it could possibly be from. His curiosity gets the best of him, and so he cautiously opens it.

Fruits. Ones that aren’t from Liyue, from what he can tell. Though, if this is a gift from someone not from Teyvat, why would there be a glaze lily imprinted into the bookmark that’s included? Unless…

He opens the letter and fixes his glasses to read it.

“… Mr. Sampo?” The man whom he was cursed to hold hands with until he could flirt his way out? It couldn’t be… They were only mere acquaintances brought together by the whims of a mischievous being. But even then, why does he feel a little bit flustered that Sampo took the time to prepare a gift for him?

[eudaimcnia]

[ Happy Birthday, Baizhu ]

Although their time was informative and rather short, compared to the lifespan he lives and people who have even outlived himself, he is not one to care for remembering things that do not interest him. A birthday that was not one of his granddaughters or even ones such as Rita and Durandal were generally out of his willing preview, and he scant remembered them outside of morbid curiosity. This time was not a time of remembrance at all, but a coincidence and some spun up gossip in Liyue.

While he's not one to lend an ear, he is one to collect all sorts of information and this happened to be one. And the individual just so happened to be familiar, and in truly good standing. Man of science to man of science, yes.

If the day was busy and the doctor had a lot on his plate, Otto would never know as he appears as suddenly as he leaves. His dress shoes carry himself upon the thick wooden floor with a care for disturbing the peace too much, but not out of due courtesy to residents and awaiting patients. A time during work hours had always been the best time to hand over a gift and scamper away, he remembers. That strategy used on him by his—nevermind.

At whatever time he could find an opening—not enough people to crowd the man but just enough he could walk away in a, technical, crowd—he moved in. It was when he placed the short box, perfectly 1:1 and large enough to fit comfortably in the hands of just about anyone. It was lite, had a brown box underneath properly sealed, and a sheer ribbon wound around it for anyone to fashionably call it wrapped or for holding. He was not picky for it to go into the other's hands directly, so he carefully placed it upon his desk.

"A quick hello and goodbye to our resident physician, happy birthday. It was good to see you again, even if it's so short, Dr. Baizhu. I'm here to impart my gift to you and leave you to your work, I don't have long in this city." He is nothing but courteous. "If you'd like to catch up with me when you're free, I will be around the wharf for... business. Otherwise, I will see you next time, dearest doctor."

Inside the box is...

He’d been in quite a busy state of mind when the blond man first entered, not even noticing his presence at first. 

“Mister Otto?” He couldn’t help but let his surprise show in his voice. What a coincidence that they would encounter each other here, at the very harbor where Baizhu lives–on his birthday no less. “Thank you for your birthday wishes. I will certainly consider your offer, if time allows me to. I hope Liyue Harbor has been a pleasant experience for you so far.”

In truth, he wouldn’t be able to spare that time, given his workload. Unfortunate. However, the universe works in wondrous ways if it would want them to cross paths again. 

It’s only until the end of the day when Bubu Pharmacy closes that he’s able to divulge time into sorting out his presents. Amongst the ones he’d received from his Liyuean acquaintances, he looks over to the unwrapped box–the one which Otto had given him. Unassuming, and a little mysterious. Would his present be of any relevance to his interests? Even if not, the matter stands that he doesn’t want to leave a gift unopened. He carefully loosens the ribbon and peers into the box.

Small vials are lined up neatly in a cushion, each with a delicate sample of plant he had never seen before. The labels on them, while scientific and very useful for someone in his line of work, do not help him identify what exactly they were. He supposes it’s fair that someone from another world would present to him a piece of their culture, a little souvenir that gives him an inkling of what their planet could possibly be like.

“He’s a considerate one when it comes to gifts, isn't he?” Baizhu quietly chuckles to himself. “I wonder if one day, I can visit him in return.”

[trailblczed]

☆ it all started.. when I was born

【 post credit scene ── to the pharmacy 】

[trailblczed]

❛ Oh- you're the doctor? ❜

Caelus asks aloud, eyes slightly widening as he gazes at the person behind the counter before immediately fumbling to apologize.

❛ Sorry, I hope that didn't sound rude. I just assumed- ❜

The lad laughs nervously as he reorients himself, lightly pinching the tips of his thumb and pointer finger together. Right- focus up lad! Aeons he wishes someone else came with him at least so if he made a fool of himself at least he'd have backup. Alas, the boy must grow up some time.

❛ Right. S-Symptoms. Um.. Fatigue, Insomnia, and um... uncontrolled limb movements. ❜

His smile looks just as awkward as he feels, struggling to be as precise as he can while also being vague enough to not completely out himself. But even Caelus knows any doctor needs to know as many details as possible to be able to assist a patient properly. Hiding things would only be hurting himself.

❛ Ah, I guess I should also ask- um.. have you had abnormal patients? I mean- like, Non-human patients..? ❜

Wow Caelus, way to be discreet.

a story re-featuring @eudaimcnia

[eudaimcnia]

“Haha, you don’t have to worry. I suppose I don’t look like a doctor at first glance, given your confusion.” He laughs lightheartedly, the corners of his eyes wrinkling slightly. The doctor walks along the back of the counter, picking up a notepad and an ink brush.

Fatigue, insomnia, uncontrolled limb movements. The last symptom would require further questioning. Gesturing with the brush towards one of the benches, he exits from the counter. “Please, take a seat.”  

The process of checking a patient requires Baizhu to be, well, patient. The first step to ease any patient is to be approachable. Building trust and maintaining objectivity go hand-in-hand in ascribing symptoms to the potential cause.

“Non-human patients? I have treated those with adepti blood in them before. However, you aren't from this world, correct?” He figures this young person isn’t just referring to veterinary work either. There’s no reason for them to be asking that question while unwell themselves, unless they are the non-human in question. “Could you describe those 'uncontrolled limb movements' in more detail?”

[fermatafour]

.✧  ݁ ˖ ending a grand overture

Spiral Abyss Team 10 ; Floor 3

[creationkissed]

A lifetime battling against Honkai beasts had taught Durandal how fleeting life is in combat. One moment, a comrade could be laughing at your side and the next—gone. Killed in a space of a breath.

And yet, no amount of experience could fully dull the sting. Kafka collapses, her body still aside from the effects of the static, and Durandal’s breath catches.

Still, she only allows it for an instant. Grief is a luxury in battle, and hesitation could mean death. No beasts—especially not the dragon before them—would wait for their shock to fade before continuing with their assault. So she steels herself, forces her grip to steady and raises her voice, the playful tone and easy smiles from earlier now gone.

Durandal 9/10HP 0SP rolls 6 energy

“Eyes forward!” She yells, commanding, but not unkind. “Remember, there is no death in this realm!”

The words are unnecessary. They all know the truth of this place now, thanks to Kafka’s earlier fall. But sometimes, the obvious must be spoken aloud—not to inform, but to remind. To anchor any wavering resolves. To keep fear from seizing them.

[2 Energy] Durandal 9/10HP 0SP uses Elemental Burst: Sceptum Regalis. [1 Energy] Durandal 9/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 174.5/250HP [Roll: 16 = Hit! -15HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 159.5/250HP. Paragon +1 Universal Diagnosis triggers! -1HP Shadow Of Azhdaha: 158.5/250HP.  +2HP Durandal 10/10HP 0SP  [1 Energy] Durandal 10/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 158.5/250HP [Roll: 21 = Crit! -17HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 141.5/250HP. Paragon +1 [1 Energy] Durandal 10/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 141.5/250HP [Roll: 7 = Hit! -15HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 126.5/250HP. Paragon +1 [1 Energy] Durandal 10/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 126.5/250HP [Roll: 15 = Hit! -15HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 111.5/250HP. Paragon +1 Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP Shadow Of Azhdaha: 109.5/250HP

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 109.5/250HP uses Moonlit Wave on Durandal 10/10HP 3SP [Roll: 19 = Crit! -4HP] Durandal 9/10HP 0SP. Mark applied. Seamless Shield destroyed! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 107.5/250HP Moonlit Wave Effect: -2HP Baizhu: 9/10HP 0SP Seamless Shield destroyed! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 105.5/250HP

Her muscles scream in protest as she keeps herself upright despite the dragon’s weighty swipe of its tail, her breath coming in ragged gasps. At the moment, her body is well, what with their healer always so swift to mend her wounds, but her exhaustion’s beginning to catch up, her vision blurring at the edges, the world tilting dangerously.

With the last of her strength, she drives her lance into the ground, using it as an anchor to keep her upright.

Just for a moment. Just long enough to steady herself.

[originsrebirth]

her body yelled and ached , screaming out in pure agony , this place was testing her limits -- each time she was healed help alleviate the pain , if just a little more . . .

she still felt it , second after second , it only increased further and further , her body could only hold up for so long , something had to have broken by now , but . . . she can still stand .

Raiden Mei: 8/10HP 0SP rolls 6 energy.

Durandal 9/10HP 0SP takes 2 damage from Mark.

Durandal 7/10HP 0SP|Raiden Mei consumes 3 stacks of Twisted Origin to use Phantom of Dazai on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 105.5/250HP.

Aggravate triggers! [4 x 1.5 = -6HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 99.5/320HP|Aggravate Effect: -3HP, Durandal 4/10HP 0SP

Universal Diagnosis triggers! -1HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 98.5/320.

+2HP, Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP.

Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin.

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 98.5/320. [Roll: 19 = Crit! -5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 93.5/320.

Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin.

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 93.5/320. [Roll: 14 = Crit! -5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 88.5/320.

Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin.

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 88.5/320. [Roll: 16 = Crit! -5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 83.5/320.

Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin.

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 83.5/320. [Roll: 19 = Crit! -5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 78.5/320.

Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin.

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 78.5/320. [Roll: 8 = Hit! -3.5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 75/320.

Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin.

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 75/320. [Roll: 23 = Crit! -5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 70/320HP

Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin.

Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP Shadow of Azhdaha 68/250HP. Dendro applied.

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 68/250HP uses Moonlit Wave on Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 3SP [Roll: 6 = Miss!]

the healing kept her going , it kept her alive , but she was beginning to falter , especially mentally , her breaths growing heavy , even with all of the effort she put in . . .

she was falling further and further into this cycle of pain , she was struggling to stand despite her body not having so much as a scratch on the surface .

" When is this thing going to die . . . ? ! "

their numbers thinned , she could still move fast , but these wounds seemed to be beginning to have impact on her allies , too . .

[eudaimcnia]

Paragon Stacks converted to SP. Durandal: 0.5/10HP 3SP Durandal: 0.5/10HP 3SP takes 2 damage from Mark. Durandal: 0.5/10HP 1SP

"Durandal!" Blow after blow, she stands strong. However, even the strongest of warriors have their limits. She's putting on a brave face, but Baizhu can see that if he hesitates any longer she'll end up like Kafka. The Seamless Shield which protects Mei fades on its own, to which he waves his hand to summon it.

Baizhu: 9/10HP 0SP rolls 5 Energy [4 Energy] Baizhu: 9/10HP 0SP uses Elemental Burst: Holistic Revivification. All allies gain Seamless Shield. Unit heals 2+1HP after using Elemental Burst, party members heal 1+1HP. Baizhu: 10/10HP 3SP, Durandal: 2.5/10HP 3SP

The dragon staggers ever so slightly in its slow, heavy movement. Baizhu had been too engrossed in their wavering fortitude to notice previously.

They have a chance... they just need to take it.

The doctor tries to provide as much healing as he can to the blonde warrior so that she has enough vitality to charge forward. A silent cheer to finally end this creature once and for all, even when he has to get up close to the beast to do so. The risk taken upon himself isn't nearly as heavy as this opportunity that's given to them. "This game is almost over. Now's our chance!"

[1 Energy] Baizhu: 10/10HP 3SP used Normal Attack: The Classics of Acupuncture on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 68/250HP. [Roll: 8 = Hit! -2HP] Shadow of Azhdaha: 66/250HP +2HP to all allies, Durandal: 4.5/10HP 3SP Shadow of Azhdaha: 66/250HP counterattacks with Body Slam. [Roll: 7 = Hit! -2HP]  Baizhu: 10/10HP 1SP Seamless Shield regenerates! -2HP, Shadow of Azhdaha: 64/250HP

[ @creationkissed @originsrebirth @fermatafour ]

[fermatafour]

.✧  ݁ ˖ ending a grand overture

Spiral Abyss Team 10 ; Floor 3

[creationkissed]

All allies take 2 damage from Mark. BAIZHU: 9/10HP 1SP, DURANDAL 9/10HP 1SP, KAFKA 7/10HP 1SP, RAIDEN MEI 4/10HP 1SP. All Marks removed.

Durandal 9/10HP 1SP rolls 5 energy

It’s far from over. Of course, it's still far from over. Durandal had wondered briefly why the fight, though it may have had hiccups and one too many little accidents, seemed to be going so well. This only made sense—that the beast in front of them would have a second wind, that they must fight yet again, as if they haven’t been doing so for what felt like hours on end already.

How frustrating. How many more times must they be injured and healed? How much more must their healer exert himself before he can finally have his well-earned rest?

“Worry about yourself and the others first, Doctor,” Durandal calls back, her voice steady even as the ground underneath them trembled under the dragon’s renewed fury. “I will be quite alright.”

[1 Energy] Durandal 9/10HP 1SP used  Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 248/250HP. [Roll: 9 = Hit! -6HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 242/250HP  [Follow-Up Attack: Gentle but Cruel] Kafka: 7/10HP 1SP follows up. [Roll: 9, Hit! Aggravate triggers!  -0.5hp x 1.5 = -0.5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 241.5/250. Shocked applied. Aggravate Effect: -0HP, BAIZHU 9/10HP 1SP.

With the Abyss Flower in her hand, she rushes towards the dragon. Almost on cue, the sound of Kafka’s gunshot from a distance rings the moment Durandal’s lance collided against their enemy’s hard body, and like always, sparks of electro skitters across the dragon’s body, before finding another target. Thankfully, their healer seems to be alright despite it—could it be that they’re getting used to all these little zaps already?

[1 Energy] Durandal 9/10HP 1SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 241.5/250HP. [Roll: 19 = Crit! -8HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 233.5/250HP [1 Energy] Durandal 9/10HP 1SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 233.5/250HP. [Roll: 17 = Hit! -6HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 227.5/250HP [1 Energy] Durandal 9/10HP 1SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 227.5/250HP. [Roll: 11 = Hit! -6HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 221.5/250HP [1 Energy] Durandal 9/10HP 1SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 221.5/250HP. [Roll: 9 = Hit! -6HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 215.5/250HP

She huffs out a laugh, both at the hilarity of the thought and exasperation.

Then another thrust, another brutal impact, each strike precise, each movement calculated to carve away at the dragon’s hard body.

By the time Durandal finished her fifth strike, the dragon was reeling, its movements sluggish, its once-imposing form now riddled with cracks. It may not be much compared to its large, imposing form and assaults, but considering they’ve been battling it for a while now, their bodies and minds both weary, this will have to do.

The dragon’s tail lashes out in one last, desperate attempt—a sweeping arc of Electro-charged force—but Durandal is already out of range by then, her breath steady, her grip firm.

Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 213.5/250HP

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 213.5/250HP uses Moonlit Wave [Roll: 8 = Miss!] Durandal 9/10HP 3SP

She exhales, rolling her shoulders as she turns to her teammate and flashes a brief thumbs up.

“Let’s keep it up.” She says, hoping to boost everyone’s morale, even if just a little. “Just a little bit more, and maybe we’ll finally see the end of this.”

@fermatafour

[fermatafour]

She barely caught her breath as the storm rolled over them. Static clung to her skin, buzzing in her teeth. She could feel the tremor of it deep in her bones, a lingering echo that told her just how close she’d come to dying again.

Kafka sighed, dragging the back of her glove across her mouth. “Of course there’d be another phase.”

Enemy Passive: Rage Beneath the Mountains halves damage taken from Electro.

“Unfortunately,” Kafka muttered, clicking her tongue as her bullets skittered uselessly off the dragon’s hide, “I’ll have to rely on you all to do any significant damage.”

KAFKA rolls 4 energy.

[1 Energy] KAFKA 7/10HP 1SP uses Normal Attack: Midnight Tumult on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 213.5/250HP. [Roll: 12, Hit! -0.5HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 213/250HP] Electro applied. Shocked applied.

[1 Energy] KAFKA 7/10HP 1SP uses Normal Attack: Midnight Tumult on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 213/250HP. [Roll: 21, Crit! -1.5HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 211.5/250HP] Shocked applied.

[1 Energy] KAFKA 7/10HP 1SP uses Normal Attack: Midnight Tumult on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 211.5/250HP. [Roll: 7, Hit! -0.5HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 211/250HP] Shocked applied.

[1 Energy] KAFKA 7/10HP 1SP uses Normal Attack: Midnight Tumult on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 211/250HP. [Roll: 22, Hit! -1.5HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 129.5/250HP] Shocked applied.

Her guns were worthless here. Her blade, marginally better, but still little more than a nuisance against the Electro now shielding the beast. She struck anyway, steel hissing as it sliced into the joint behind its leg—not deep, not enough to matter, but it left a mark.

Did she have to make a thousand more cuts like that just to bleed this thing out?

Seamless Shield regenerated! Aggravate triggers! [2 x 1.5 = -3HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 126.5/250HP.

Aggravate Effect: -1.5HP, DURANDAL 9/10HP 1.5SP. Paragon +1

KAFKA 7/10HP 3S

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 126.5/250HP uses Moonlit Wave [Roll: 20 = Crit!]

KAFKA 6/10HP 0SP

Seamless Shield destroyed! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 124.5/250HP. Dendro applied.

Moonlit Wave Effect: -2HP, KAFKA 4/10HP 0SP

@eudaimcnia @creationkissed @originsrebirth

[eudaimcnia]

Everyone is getting a little tired of having to fight this creature. He can sense it in their movements. Even Durandal, who had been managing herself well throughout their fights, seems exasperated. Her gesture makes him offer a small smile, if only because he too would like to keep up their morale.

When Kafka gets thoroughly knocked by the dragon's Electro prowess, as if on cue, the beast charges another one and consecutively whips its tail, bolts of lightning sweeping the battlefield.

Engulfed in the storm, when clouds of dust settle enough for Baizhu to see his surroundings, Kafka is once again laying on the ground, body twitching lifelessly with leftover static grazing her bloodied clothes. It's clear that she suffered a direct hit. "You..."

He gasps and leaves himself wordless.

Maybe it's better he not react at all, for the sake of his own well-being.

Paragon Stacks converted to SP. DURANDAL 6.5/10HP 3SP. All allies take 2 damage from Mark. Paragon +1 BAIZHU: 6/10HP 0SP, DURANDAL 6.5/10HP 1SP, RAIDEN MEI 1/10HP 0SP.

It hurts. Again.

But if there's one thing the doctor knows, it's that he performs better under pressure. He closes his eyes briefly, takes a deep breath, and waves his hand with grace. A Gossamer sprite flies past his arm and trails the dragon's body.

BAIZHU: 6/10HP 0SP rolls 6 energy. [3 Energy] BAIZHU: 6/10HP 0SP used Elemental Skill: Universal Diagnosis. Deal 1 damage to 3 random enemies. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 104.5/250HP. Heals all allies for 1+[5]+1HP.  BAIZHU: 10/10HP 0SP, DURANDAL 10/10HP 1SP, RAIDEN MEI 8/10HP 0SP. [Skill Effect] While user is on the field, once per ally turn, after ally’s ability deals damage to enemies, deal flat 1 Dendro damage to 1 random enemy and heal the attacking ally for 1+1HP. Lasts until the end of Player Phase.

"You're right, Durandal. Let's keep this up. We'll have plenty of time to rest once this is taken care of." Being in top shape - or, as much as his condition allows him to be, anyway - he decides to go for the dragon's body once more. Baizhu weaves his way towards it and applies pressure with his index and middle fingers. Again, and again, until he finds one of its weak points. It cries, clearly not enjoying the prodding, but still he continues.

[1 Energy] Baizhu: 10/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: The Classics of Acupuncture on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 104.5/320HP. [Roll: 8 = Hit! -2HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 102.5/250HP +2 HP, RAIDEN MEI 10/10HP 0SP Universal Diagnosis triggers! -1HP Shadow Of Azhdaha: 101.5/250HP [1 Energy] BAIZHU: 10/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: The Classics of Acupuncture on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 101.5/320HP. [Roll: 20 = Crit! -4HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 97.5/320HP [1 Energy] BAIZHU: 10/10HP 0SP used Normal Attack: The Classics of Acupuncture on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 97.5/320HP. [Roll: 14 = Hit! -2HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 95.5/320HP Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP Shadow Of Azhdaha: 93.5/250HP.

It tries to retaliate with a swing of its tail, ruptures of Electro coursing from the edges. He focuses on the blind spots, quickly escaping from the dragon's reach.

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 103.5/250HP uses Moonlit Wave. [Roll: 8 = Miss!] BAIZHU: 10/10HP 3SP

[ @creationkissed @fermatafour @originsrebirth ]

[fermatafour]

.✧  ݁ ˖ ending a grand overture

Spiral Abyss Team 10 ; Floor 3

[creationkissed]

She huffs out a sigh as again, another jolt of stray electricity nipped at her battlesuit—as if the combined elements could actually hear their conversation, and had been waiting for the best comedic timing. She rewards Mei with a dry look, though there’s the faintest of smile tugging at the corner of her lips, head shaking as she listens to Kafka laugh—a brief, lighthearted moment that, alas, turns out to be rather short-lived.

Durandal lets out a whistle as Kafka is tossed up in the air, wincing at the crash.

“At least, if there’s anything new I’ve come to learn about you, it’s that you are rather difficult to kill.”

Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP rolls 5 Energy

[2 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP uses Elemental Burst: Sceptum Regalis 

With a burst of light, Durandal’s phantom knights materialize at her side—King and Queen, their weapons gleaming as they fall upon the wounded dragon in perfect sync before dancing around her once, ready to strike.

And strike she does—lance carving a silver arc through the air before driving deep into the dragon’s flank. The beast roared, its stony hide cracking under the impact. Kafka’s quick with her assist, just in time with King’s as its blade falls in time with the sound of her gunshot.

[1 Energy]  Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP uses Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 94/320HP [Roll: 7 = Hit! -15HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 79/320HP. Paragon +1 [Follow-Up Attack: Gentle but Cruel] Kafka: 7/10HP 3SP follows up.  [Roll: 16, Crit! Aggravate triggers!  -3HP x 1.5 = -4.5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 74.5/320. Shocked applied. Aggravate Effect: -2HP, Baizhu: 9/10HP 0SP Seamless Shield destroyed! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 72.5/320HP. Dendro applied

Then the second lunge of her lance, and the third, each attack followed, as always, with King's wide sweeps and Queen's cleaves.

[1 Energy]  Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP uses Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 72.5/320HP [Roll: 10 = Hit! -15HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 57.5/320HP. Paragon +1 [1 Energy]  Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP uses Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 57.5/320HP [Roll: 14 = Hit! -15HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 42.5/320HP. Paragon +1 Shadow Of Azhdaha: 42.5/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull.  [Roll: 15, 5. Hit, Miss! -1.5HP] Durandal: 10/10HP 1.5SP  Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 40.5/320HP.   Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP

The dragon fights back with a furious swing of its massive tail, but Durandal’s quick enough to block it with the Abyss Flower, letting the blow glance off her guard—still, the force still sends a sharp jolt through her arms, prompting her to click her tongue.

“He’s certainly getting feistier…” She shakes out her wrist, unbothered. “We definitely should finish this soon.”

[fermatafour]

"After this is over, I can do a more proper check-up, if you would allow me to."

Kafka let out a low exhale, something between a scoff and a laugh as she pushed herself upright again, bones aching and limbs sluggish beneath her. “If I’m still breathing by the end, doc, you’re welcome to poke and prod as much as you want.”

“At least, if there’s anything new I’ve come to learn about you, it’s that you are rather difficult to kill.”

Durandal stepped forward to engage the beast once more, deflecting a punishing tail swipe with practiced ease. Kafka couldn’t help but hum in approval as she darted in alongside her.

“People do usually die when they are killed,” she said, almost conversationally as she passed, “but I’ll consider it a blessing I keep slipping through.”

She drove her blade into the beast’s flank, the strike finding its mark with precision. The dragon bellowed, jerking with the impact. Baizhu’s shield caught the retaliatory blow, sparing her the worst of it, and she twisted low beneath the next one, firing off a salvo of bullets that triggered a chain of elemental reactions—finally focused, striking where it hurt.

Kafka: 7/10HP 3SP rolls 4 energy. [1 Energy] Kafka: 7/10HP 3SP uses Normal Attack: Midnight Tumult on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 40.5/320HP. [Roll: 17, Crit! Aggravate triggers! [3 x 1.5 = -4.5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 36/320HP. Shocked applied. Aggravate Effect: -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 34/320HP Shadow Of Azhdaha: 34/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull. [Roll: 10 = Hit! -1.5HP, Kafka: 7/10HP 1.5SP]  [Roll: 1 = Miss! 0HP, Kafka: 7/10HP 1.5SP] Stamen of Khvarena’s Origin stacks: 3/3 [1 Energy] Kafka: 7/10HP 3SP uses Elemental Skill: Caressing Moonlight on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 34/320HP. -6HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 28/320HP. Electro applied. Stamen of Khvarena’s Origin stacks: 0/3 Shocked triggers! -3HP. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 25/320HP. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 25/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull. [Roll: 5 = Miss! -1.5HP, Kafka: 10/10HP 1.5SP]  [Roll: 20 = Crit! -3HP, Kafka: 8.5/10HP 0SP] Mark applied. Seamless Shield destroyed! Aggravate triggers! [2 x 1.5 = -3HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 22/320HP. Aggravate Effect: -1.5HP, Baizhu: 7.5/10HP 0SP. Stamen of Khvarena’s Origin stacks: 1/3 Kafka forfeits 2 energy. Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 21/320HP. Dendro applied. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 21/320HP uses The King’s Rebuke. [Roll: 16, Hit! -2HP, Kafka: 8.5/10HP 1SP]

She had barely enough time to get her bearings before Azhdaha roared—a seismic, bone-deep wave of sound that slammed into her like a tidal wall. Her shield reformed just in time, the green light flickering violently beneath the weight of it.

“Finish him!”

[originsrebirth]

noticeably , the beast was beginning to weaken , she knew very well that a few more hits would take it down , just push yourself a little further , ignore the pain and fight . . . push yourself a little harder , before she knew it , she took off in a sprint straight towards the enemy , little care for what had happened to her after the fact .

Raiden Mei: 6.5/10HP 3SP rolls 6 energy.

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 6.5/10HP 3SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 21/320HP.

[Roll: 18, Crit! Aggravate triggers! [5 x 1.5 = -7.5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 13.5/320HP.

Aggravate Effect: -3.5HP, Kafka: 6/10HP 0SP.

Seamless Shield destroyed! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 11.5/320HP. Dendro applied.

" Kafka ! " she yelled out , jumping aside for a clear opening for her ally to get shots in , in her attempt to dodge -- .

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 11.5/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull.

[Roll: 13 = Hit! -1.5HP]

[Roll: 19 = Crit! -3HP]

Raiden Mei dodge attempt. Roll: 1, 4. = Failure. -3HP

Raiden Mei: 6.5/10HP 0SP

Seamless Shield destroyed! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 9.5/320HP. Dendro already applied.

[Follow-Up Attack: Gentle but Cruel] Kafka: 6/10HP 0SP follows up.

[Roll: 17, Crit! Aggravate triggers! -3HP x 1.5 = -4.5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 7/320. Shocked applied.

Aggravate Effect: -2HP, Kafka: 4/10HP 0SP.

" Damnit . . . just a little more and this thing will fall ! "

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 6.5/10HP 3SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 7/320HP.

[Roll: 22, Crit! Aggravate triggers! [5 x 1.5 = -7.5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 0/320HP.

Aggravate Effect: -3.5HP, Baizhu: 4/10HP 0SP.

Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 5/320HP. Dendro applied

" . . . Is it over ? "

two hits was all it took , it caused her allies to take a few hits in return , but now -- the beast would fall , the battle would end here . . . or , that's what she thought , at the very least , she should've known the battle wouldn't be so easy , they'd have been out of here long ago , if that were truly the case .

but that would be way too easy .

[eudaimcnia]

The Geo dragon starts to finally buckle under the onslaught of their collective attacks, knocked prone to the ground. Baizhu stands still, his chest heaving, out of breath.

A wave of healing washes over him, just like the other times when they were about to face a new foe. Something doesn't feel right...

Baizhu coughs in a delicate manner. "No... I don't think it is. Not yet."

The ground rumbles, and the beast which was once motionless rises to its feet again. Pyro energy fades from its tail, and it begins to charge up for yet another round of battle.

ROAAAAAARRRRR!!!

Its Pyro infusion isn't as much of an issue for them previously, so it must have studied the way Baizhu and his teammates utilized their elements. Almost reminiscent of the large scorpion they fought prior, Electro crackles through its system, tail glowing in bright purple. It begins digging its claws into the earth, burying itself until only its tail is visible, sticking out as if mimicking a tree. Intense hues of Electro strike across the field, a lightning storm brewing within the confines of this cave.

Amidst the strikes and thunder, concentrated spheres of Electro form on the precipice of its tail. While Baizhu is able to miraculously dodge out of harm's way, the same couldn't be said for his teammates.

Paragon Stacks converted to SP. DURANDAL 7/10HP 3SP. All allies take 2 damage from Mark. Paragon +1 BAIZHU: 6/10HP 0SP, DURANDAL 7/10HP 1SP, KAFKA 5/10HP 0SP, RAIDEN MEI 2/10HP 0SP. Save us, Baizhu. Omg????

BAIZHU: 6/10HP 0SP rolls 4 energy.

The doctor can't lie to himself anymore. He might be doing adequately in a physical sense, however his mental state had been wavering ever since their first battle together. How much longer are they going to take? In the end, he is still just human. A human who never quite experienced fights as involved as these.

"I'm doing all I can to help. Please hold on!" Adrenaline can only fuel him now, if he were to be so adamant on not letting anyone go through what Kafka must have experienced when she died.

[4 Energy] BAIZHU: 6/10HP 0SP used Elemental Burst: Holistic Revivification. All allies gain Seamless Shield. Unit heals 2+1HP after using Elemental Burst, party members heal 1+1HP. BAIZHU: 9/10HP 3SP, DURANDAL 9/10HP 3SP, KAFKA 7/10HP 3SP, RAIDEN MEI 4/10HP 3SP.

His Seamless Shield shimmers, whittling down the dragon's health. Baizhu believes it is a miracle that he's able to dodge the incoming lightning on time. Once he is in a relatively safe distance away, his gaze turns to Durandal. "Are you alright?"

Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP, SHADOW OF AZHDAHA: 248/250HP. Dendro applied. SHADOW OF AZHDAHA: 248/250HP uses Moonlit Wave. [Roll: 4 = Miss!] BAIZHU: 9/10HP 3SP

[ @creationkissed @fermatafour @originsrebirth ]

[fermatafour]

.✧  ݁ ˖ ending a grand overture

Spiral Abyss Team 10 ; Floor 3

[originsrebirth]

Mei , not too far from Durandal , replied to her little comment . " Believe me , if I had any control over where it went , you'd be the last person receiving it , I can't imagine the earful Kiana would give me if she'd heard . . . " letting out a little chuckle as she readied her weapon .

" Here's hoping it won't last much longer ! "

Raiden Mei: 9/10HP 0SP rolls 6 energy. Raiden Mei consumes 3 stacks of Twisted Origin to use Phantom of Dazai on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 171/320HP.  Aggravate triggers! [4 x 1.5 = -6HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 165/320HP Aggravate Effect: -3HP, Baizhu: 10/10HP 0SP. Seamless Shield destroyed! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 163/320HP. Dendro applied. Universal Diagnosis triggers! -1HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 162/320.  +2HP, Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP. Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 162/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull.  [ Roll: 15 = Hit! ] [ Roll: 7 = Hit ! ] Raiden Mei dodge attempt. Roll: 3, 4. = Failure. -3HP Raiden Mei: 7/10HP 0SP. Mark inflicted.

either out of pure speed or her own power , it looked like clones of her had appeared to deliver cuts to their foe , said clones disappearing as quick as they appeared , their only mission to deliver a single slash each upon the enemy , before fading once more .

speaking of those elements -- her eyes drifted over to Baizhu the moment she saw the stray remnants , she hesitated -- how many times was she going to keep hurting her teammates or herself with these ?

in that moment of distraction -- she takes a hit , hard , that pesky thing continuing to damage her , but she wasn't out yet , not yet !

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 7/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 162/320HP [Roll: 18 = Crit! Aggravate triggers!  -5HP x 1.5 = -7.5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 154.5/320.  Aggravate Effect: -3.5HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 151/320. [Follow-Up Attack: Gentle but Cruel] Kafka: 10/10HP 0SP follows up. [Roll: 15, Crit! -3HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 148/320. Shocked applied. Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 148/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull.  [ Roll: 10 = Hit! ] [ Roll: 1 = Miss! ] Raiden Mei dodge attempt. Roll: 3. = Success. -0HP

this time -- it aimed where she wanted , finally landing a hit upon this annoyance of an enemy , managing once more to swiftly side step their attacks , but this thing really didn't seem to even be phased by her attacks , just how bulky was it ?

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 7/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 148/320HP [Roll: 7 = Hit! -3.5HP ] Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 144.5/320HP Shadow Of Azhdaha: 144.5/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull.  [ Roll: 9 = Hit! ] [ Roll: 17 = Hit! ] Raiden Mei dodge attempt. Roll: 4, 4. = Failure. -3HP Raiden Mei: 4/10HP 

even with her increasing speed , this thing was somehow beginning to manage to keep with her , she thought she could out speed it without fail , without even a worry -- but it managed to hit her without any effort not once , but twice ? this was beginning to become a bit scary , these wounds were starting to hurt . . . so instead , she'd bring out a move she knew this thing couldn't keep up with .

[4 Energy] Raiden Mei: 4/10HP 0SP uses Elemental Burst: Thunder of Redemption on all enemies. Roll, 4, 4, 1, 2. -15HP. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 129.5/320HP Seamless Shield regenerated! Aggravate triggers! 2x1.5 = -3 HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 126.5/320HP.  Aggravate Effect: -1.5HP, Durandal: 9/10HP 1.5SP Raiden Mei: 4/10HP 3SP

mustering the rest of the strength she could for this moment , her mask once more formed on her face , her only moment to breathe being that of her frozen time , being that moment they granted her , letting the feeling of this power flow through her . . . letting it become one with herself , pure focus .

swift and precise slashes dished out in unison , unmoving from her position , still as could be as the wounds are dealt and the mask fades away .

. . . she'd likely have to get on her knees and beg Durandal for forgiveness by the time this was over .

" This is beginning to get a little worrisome . . . I'm surprised at how much it can take -- but it's nothing we can't handle with enough brute force . . . we've done it plenty before , we aren't stopping now . "

[fermatafour]

Kafka sighed as the warmth of Baizhu’s healing rolled over her again, knitting tissue back together, coaxing breath into bruised lungs. It wasn’t unwelcomed—far from it—but there was a resigned edge to it now, an unspoken understanding.

This will happen again.

Probably soon.

They’d fall back to recover, catch their breath, and she’d step forward again, ribs still sore, reflexes dulled just enough to earn another strike. A cycle, messy but efficient.

Baizhu’s soft voice followed: something about unwarranted reactions. Kafka chuckled under her breath.

“Aww. I think the reactions are half the fun.”

Durandal’s quip about being bullied by stray elements made it better—an amused smile on her lips, even as she brushed a smear of soot from her sleeve.

And then, almost as if on cue, Mei’s next strike did it again.

Electricity snapped from the dragon’s wound in a vicious fork—straight into Durandal. The timing of it was enough to make Kafka laugh, proper this time, the sound low and delighted.

“Oh, I promise to try,” she called lightly, spinning her blade once as she moved, “but maybe the problem’s just you, Valkyrie. Ever think you’ve got too magnetic a personality to not attract the side effects?”

She darted in before Durandal could fire back—legs burning, momentum driving her past scorched stone and shrapnel, blade flashing as she closed the distance.

Her blade sank into the dragon’s hide—just at the joint where plated scale met softer flesh—and she twisted hard, sending a pulse of electricity up through the metal.

Kafka: 10/10HP 0SP rolls 6 energy. [1 Energy] Kafka: 10/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Midnight Tumult on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 126.5/320HP. [Roll: 17, Crit! -3HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 123.5/320HP] Electro applied. Shocked applied.

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 123.5/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull. [Roll: 19 = Crit! -3HP, Kafka: 7/10HP 0SP] Mark applied. [Roll: 19 = Crit! -3HP, Kafka: 4/10HP 0SP] Stamen of Khvarena’s Origin stacks: 3/3

Kafka was airborne before she realized it, breath torn from her chest, her ribs screaming in protest. She crashed hard near the group, landing with a thud that knocked the last air from her lungs. She didn’t move for a beat. Just lay there.

Kafka forfeits 5 energy. What the fuck, Azhdaha Dragon got hands. Maybe dodge next time.

“…Right,” she rasped, staring up at the ceiling like it had personally betrayed her. “Not exactly a fan of being thrown around like loose change.”

A shimmer of green curved into view—Baizhu’s shield, gentle and precise, sliding over her like a whispered apology. She felt her ribs begin to ease, the tight pain in her chest softening.

Universal Diagnosis triggers! Aggravate triggers! [1 x 1.5 = -1.5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 122/320. +2HP, Kafka: 6/10HP 0SP. Aggravate Effect: -0.5HP, Raiden Mei: 4/10HP 0.5SP.

She manages to call out a playful oops when she sees the effect lash at Mei, before dropping her volume for Baizhu. “Thanks, doc,” she murmured, voice still dry. “You really are too good to me.”

Then, with a grunt, she rolled to one side, planted a knee into the ground, and pulled her stringed gauntlet taut. She didn’t need to stand. Just to aim.

The wires lashed out, violet lightning dancing between her fingertips as she yanked them violently through the air—directing the surge with a flick of her wrist.

Electricity leapt to the dragon, snapping across its hide in a brilliant arc.

Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 120/320HP. Dendro applied.

Kafka: 6/10HP 3SP takes 2 damage from Mark. Kafka: 6/10HP 1SP. Shocked triggers! -4HP. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 114/320HP.

@eudaimcnia

[eudaimcnia]

Baizhu: 8/10HP 0SP takes 2 damage from Mark. Baizhu: 6/10HP 0SP.

The doctor can feel the mark chip away at his state. His teammates have done so well in conquering the dragon despite the whims of what the power of Dendro is capable of. At first, he thought that being their healer is simply part of his duty, but now he's starting to think that it's also a compensation for the unintentional aggravated electricity.

Kafka doesn't seem all too bothered by it, even calling it 'fun'. An interesting character, she is.

"Even if we are able to come back to life in this realm, I'd rather not let us experience the feeling of dying..." He replies to her comment, passing a glance of concern. "After this is over, I can do a more proper check-up, if you would allow me to."

Baizhu: 6/10HP 0SP rolls 6 Energy [4 Energy] Baizhu: 6/10HP 0SP used Elemental Burst: Holistic Revivification. All allies gain Seamless Shield. Unit heals 2+1HP after using Elemental Burst, party members heal 1+1HP. Baizhu: 9/10HP 3SP, Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP, Kafka: 5/10HP 3SP, Raiden Mei: 4.5/10HP 3SP

Even after re-summoning the Seamless shield, Baizhu feels it wouldn't be enough for Kafka and Mei to survive the brunt of the Geo dragon's assault. He decides to take the risk and put his acupuncture skills to work. As the creature lay eyes on him, he rushes towards it and presses his fingers between its scales to replenish his allies' life force, and as if on cue, Kafka fires at it in tandem.

[1 Energy] Baizhu: 9/10HP 3SP used Normal Attack: The Classics of Acupuncture on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 102/320HP [Roll: 10 = Hit! -2HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 100/320HP +2 HP to all allies. Baizhu: 10/10HP 3SP, Kafka: 7/10HP 3SP, Raiden Mei: 6.5/10HP 3SP  [Follow-Up Attack: Gentle but Cruel] Kafka: 7/10HP 3SP follows up.  [Roll: 6 = Hit! Aggravate triggers!  -1.5HP x 1.5 = -2HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 98/320. Shocked applied. Aggravate Effect: -1HP, Baizhu: 10/10HP 2SP Shadow Of Azhdaha: 98/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull.  [Roll: 3 = Miss!] Baizhu: 10/10HP 2SP. [Roll: 10 = Hit! -1.5HP] Baizhu: 10/10HP 0.5SP. 

Fortunately, his shield is tough enough to protect him from the incoming side effects of their elements combining. Though, it's unsafe for him to continue attacking when his teammates have it covered. And so, he retreats into the backline again.

Baizhu forfeits 1 Energy. Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 96/320HP. 

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 96/320HP uses The King’s Rebuke on Baizhu: 10/10HP 3SP [Roll: 17 = Hit! -2HP] Baizhu: 10/10HP 1SP

[ @creationkissed @fermatafour @originsrebirth ]

[fermatafour]

.✧  ݁ ˖ ending a grand overture

Spiral Abyss Team 10 ; Floor 3

[creationkissed]

She does not mean to, especially not when things appear very dire as they are, but a laugh slips past Durandal’s lips at Kafka’s remark anyway. Kafka’s casual resurrection and even more casual one-liner simply seemed so ridiculous—so out of place amidst the grimness of their situation—that it almost loops back around to being reasonable. Almost.

Very little still made sense of this Abyss. But, Durandal thinks, if she squints hard enough, she could almost compare this space to the Imaginary Space where she had met Su. The same Imaginary Space where she’d also been put into test, nearly forced to fight Rita when she did not want to. And oh, what a coincidence—back then, she even had this same Battlesuit on.

“If I may make a request,” The Valkyrie starts, lifting her lance up so she could rest it on her shoulder, “let’s try not to make “dying dramatically” a part of our battle strategy again. It’s terrible for team moral, I think.”

Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP rolled 7 energy

The ground underneath them shakes, pillars come to form, and immediately they are thrust into another battle against a new enemy. Bigger. More imposing. And so ready to catch them off-guard that even Durandal failed to dodge its first strike. But no matter. Their healer is quick to mend her wounds, and Bianka is all the more quicker to pick herself back up, blue eyes full with resolve as she brings forth both of her phantom.

[2 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP used Elemental Burst: Sceptum Regalis

“Come to me, King, Queen!”

The two soulium constructs materialize at her call—two forms her team, no doubt, have grown all too familiar now. One with a broad sword, the other with a shield. Without hesitation, she surges forward, her own weapon a silver blur as she beings her barrage.

Kafka’s bullets follow in her wake, electricity crackling through the air as they strike its hard body. A jolt of lightning ripples through the dragon’s body, and Durandal feels the static prickle at her skin.

[1 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 307.5/320HP [Roll: 17 = Hit! -15HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 292.5/320HP. Paragon Stacks +1

[Follow-Up Attack: Gentle but Cruel] Kafka: 10/10HP 3SP follows up. [Roll: 15 = Hit!  Aggravate triggers! 1.5x1.5 = -2HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 291/320HP. Shocked applied.

Aggravate Effect: -1HP, Durandal: 10/10HP 2SP

She doesn’t slow down.

Another lunge—King swings its sword from the sky above, carving a large arc through the air. Another hit, and this time Queen follows, its shield’s tip digging deep into the dragon’s hardened body. By the fourth strike, the trio moved in perfect synchronicity.

[1 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP 2SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 291/320HP [Roll: 4 = Hit! -15HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 276/320HP. Paragon Stacks +1

[1 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP 2SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 276/320HP [Roll: 13 = Hit! -15HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 261/320HP. Paragon Stacks +1

[1 Energy] Durandal: 10/10HP 2SP used Normal Attack: Gladius Milites on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 261/320HP [Roll: 22 = Crit! -17HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 244/320HP. Paragon Stacks +1

King rushes in first with another large swipe of its sword, while Queen follows seamlessly into the opening King made. Behind them, Durandal had distanced herself just a tad, before hurling her lance forward with a loud roar (one she’ll most likely be embarrassed recalling to, once she’s at home and in the comforts of her bed, when all the adrenaline has worn off.) It pierces through with a crack, briefly embedding deep into the stone-like body before reappearing back into Durandal’s hold.

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 244/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull.  [Roll: 18 = Hit! -1.5HP] Durandal: 10/10HP 0.5SP.  [Roll: 4 = Miss!] Durandal: 10/10HP 0.5SP. Paragon Stacks +1  Durandal forfeits 1 Energy. Seamless Shield regenerates. Deal 2 damage to 1 random enemy. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 242/320HP. Dendro applied. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 242/320HP uses King’s Rebuke on Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP [Roll: 2 = Miss!] Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP

The dragon retaliates with a furious swing of its tail, but Queen is faster. Shield held up, it blocks the brunt of its attack, debris cutting into the skin of Durandal’s shoulders and cheek.

“Thank you, King, Queen. You may go.”

[originsrebirth]

Seeing Kafka rise to her feet made her breathe a sigh of relief . . . death here worked different , huh ? that's why Mei was able to come back later . . . then why didn't -- oh , whatever , Kiana ended up coming back after , so did she . . .

" Glad to have you back . . . if I'm right -- this battle is our last here , or , it should be , if things are the same . "

speaking as someone who has battled here before , she readied her weapon , if this was the end . . . nothing against her allies -- but she'd like out of here as quick as she possibly can , these battles are beginning to tire her out . " Come on ! "

Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 1SP rolls 4 Energy [1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 1SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 240/320HP  [Roll: 19 = Crit! Aggravate triggers! -5HP x1.5 = -7.5HP ] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 232.5/320HP Durandal: 10/10HP 3SP takes damage from Aggravate. -3.5HP.  Durandal: 9.5/10HP 0SP. Paragon Stacks +1 Seamless Shield destroyed. Deal 2 damage to 1 random enemy.  Shadow Of Azhdaha: 230.5/320HP. Dendro applied. Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin. [Follow-Up Attack: Gentle but Cruel] Kafka: 10/10HP 3SP follows up. [Roll: 14, Hit! Aggravate triggers!  -1.5HP x1.5 = 2. ] Shocked applied. Durandal: 9.5/10HP 3SP takes damage from Aggravate. -1HP.  Durandal: 8.5/10HP 0SP. Paragon Stacks +1 Shadow Of Azhdaha: 230.5/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull.  [ Roll: 6 = Miss! ] [ Roll: 14 = Hit ! ] Raiden Mei dodge attempt. Roll: 4 = Failed. -1.5HP Raiden Mei: 9.5/10HP 0SP Pyro applied. Mark inflicted. Seamless Shield destroyed. Deal 2 damage to 1 random enemy.  Shadow Of Azhdaha: 228.5/320HP. Dendro applied.

her clashing with Azhdaha began almost instantly , flying forward and almost instantly sending slashes flying , taking blows of her own and sending them back , remnants of the energy from Baizhus attacks -- from the shields breaking open , flying everywhere , hitting her own teammates , but she was too focused to notice where they were flying until she caught it out the corner of her eye . " Sorry , Durandal -- ! "

[1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 9.5/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 228/320HP  [Roll: 18 = Crit! Aggravate triggers! -5HP x1.5 = -7.5HP ] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 220.5/320HP Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 220.5/320HP takes damage from Aggravate. -3.5HP.  Shadow Of Azhdaha: 217/320HP  Shadow Of Azhdaha: 217/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull.  [ Roll: 13 = Hit! ] Raiden Mei dodge attempt. Roll: 4 = Failed. -1.5HP Raiden Mei: 8/10HP [ Roll: 19 = Crit! ] Raiden Mei dodge attempt. Roll: 1 = Success. -0HP [1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 8/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 217/320HP  [Roll: 11 = Hit! -3.5HP ] Electro applied. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 213.5/320HP  Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 213.5/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull.  [ Roll: 16 = Hit! ] Raiden Mei dodge attempt. Roll: 3 = Success. -0HP [ Roll: 6 = Miss! ] [1 Energy] Raiden Mei: 8/10HP 0SP uses Normal Attack: Strike of Fulminata on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 213.5/320HP [Roll: 24 = Crit! -5HP ]  Shadow Of Azhdaha: 208.5/320HP Raiden Mei gains one stack of Twisted Origin. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 208.5/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull.  [ Roll: 19 = Crit! ] Raiden Mei dodge attempt. Roll: 3 = Success. -0HP [ Roll: 14 = Hit! ] Raiden Mei dodge attempt. Roll: 3 = Success. -0HP Shadow Of Azhdaha: 208.5/320HP uses King’s Rebuke on Raiden Mei: 8/10HP 0SP  [ Roll: 12 = Hit! -2HP. ]

even so , she showed no signs of slowing down , her blows got quicker , she got quicker on her feet , her focus caught solely on the enemy before her , being this close , she could taste victory -- they could taste freedom , at first , she kept taking the hits unintentionally , barely unable to dodge out of the way of such big hits , but eventually , she was able to swiftly dodge between them , not even letting it stop her momentum , she just kept fighting back , knowing well what she was capable of -- knowing well that her and her allies could fell this beast in no time .

[eudaimcnia]

Sigils marked upon Durandal and Kafka inflict them with pain. The former may have her own form of protection to ease off the wear and tear, though all of his allies are hurt and damaged all the same.

The shields he provided are already doing their job - breaking, regenerating, and facilitating the intense reactions of Dendro and Electro combined. It's best for him to stay out of the fray of battle, so that he won't cause his teammates anymore worry. Right now, what they need is healing, and that shall be his main task.

Two Gossamer sprites slither and weave across the dragon's body, returning to revitalize the team once more. "I believe in you all!"

Baizhu: 7.5/10HP 0SP rolls 5 Energy [3 Energy] Baizhu: 7.5/10HP 0SP used Elemental Skill: Universal Diagnosis. Deal 1 damage to 3 random enemies. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 181/320HP. Heals all allies for 1+[5]+1HP. Baizhu: 10/10HP 0SP, Durandal: 10/10HP 1SP, Kafka: 9.5/10HP 0SP, Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP [Skill Effect] While user is on the field, once per ally turn, after ally’s ability deals damage to enemies, deal flat 1 Dendro damage to 1 random enemy and heal the attacking ally for 1+1HP. Lasts until the end of Player Phase. [1 Energy] Baizhu: 10/10HP 0SP used Elemental Skill: Universal Diagnosis. Deal 1 damage to 3 random enemies. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 180/320HP Heals all allies for 1+[5]+1HP. Kafka: 10/10HP 0SP

With nearly all of them in better health, he is certain that they can live long enough to withstand its next attacks. Baizhu may not be cut out to be a fighter, but it is with working alongside his allies that they may conquer the trials of the Abyss. "I hope my protection is enough to aid you... I do apologize for any, ahem. Unwarranted reactions."

Baizhu: 10/10HP 0SP forfeits 1 Energy. Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 178/320HP. Baizhu: 10/10HP 3SP

[ @creationkissed @originsrebirth @fermatafour ]

[fermatafour]

.✧  ݁ ˖ ending a grand overture

Spiral Abyss Team 10 ; Floor 3

[fermatafour]

Darkness doesn't linger. It retreats all at once, like a curtain yanked back too soon, exposing Kafka to the harsh light of reality in a flash of agony.

She gasps—sharp, high in her throat—body jolting with the sudden return of sensation. Air saws into her lungs. Her chest feels like it's burning from the inside out, and her back arches instinctively as if to escape it. The floor beneath her is too real. The pain too sharp.

“Oh,” she wheezes, voice rough. “I’m still alive.”

The weight of her limbs settles next. Her fingers twitch and brush something cool beside her. She blinks, vision swimming, then slowly pulling into focus. Her phone. Its screen glows weakly in the shadows, blinking like a distant lighthouse beacon.

Thirty-two missed calls.

...Oh.

She groans quietly, rolling onto her side with deliberate care, every breath a blade. She needs a second. Just a second—to register her bearings, to blink sweat and ash from her lashes, to assess.

The others? Still standing. The battlefield? …Changed.

The rift at the far end of the room pulses with new energy, a tide drawing back before a greater wave. The scorpion and the beast are gone. Kafka exhales slowly, biting back a wince. She knows it means they’re due to fight another round.

And then, with another pulse from the room, her lingering aches and pains are healed. She sighs and grabs the phone, lifting it to her mouth and murmuring into it as she pushes herself back to her feet. She sends the voice message and slips the phone back into her pocket, smiling at the others.

“Sorry, team,” she says, tone dry. “My death appears to have been greatly exaggerated.”

Their next opponent, a massive creature, lumbers forth—brown, black, and earthen, with a tree like a crown erupting from its tail. Kafka's head tilts.

“Is that… Torterra?” She squints. No. Close enough, though. Her thoughts drift to Silver Wolf, knowing the gamer would have loved to fight a gargantuan Pokemon, but the battle begins before she can even think to take a picture.

Kafka: 10/10HP 3SP rolls 6 energy.

The fight becomes a blur.

The others strike in unison, magic and steel carving away at the dragon’s form. The air vibrates with the weight of it. Kafka hangs at the edge of the dance, darting in only when she spots a weakness, a pause, a twitch in the tail or neck. Her bullets find their mark—but splashback licks at her allies too.

She takes the risk anyway.

What’s a gamble without a little pain?

Kafka: 10/10HP 3SP uses Elemental Burst: Twilight Trill on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 204/320HP.

Aggravate triggers! [-3HP x 1.5 = -4.5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 199.5/320. Shocked applied. Aggravate Effect: -1.5HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 198/320HP. Shocked triggered! -4HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 194/320HP.

The electricity laced in her bullets finds its mark, triggering another aggravated reaction, sending ripples of lightning across the beast’s thick hide. It bellows, furious, and turns toward her with surprising speed for something so massive.

Its horn swings wide.

Kafka braces—but the impact never lands.

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 194/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull. [Roll: 9 = Hit! -1.5HP, Kafka: 10/10HP 1.5SP] [Roll: 16 = Hit! -1.5HP, Kafka: 10/10HP 0SP] Stamen of Khvarena’s Origin stacks: 2/3

Seamless Shield destroyed! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 192/320HP. Dendro applied.

Baizhu’s shield flares around her, taking the brunt of the hit before shattering spectacularly in the dragon’s face. She spins out from the edge of it, breath short, momentum scraping the soles of her boots against the stone.

“Thanks again, healer,” she calls, barely catching her balance.

But the dragon isn’t done.

It rears back and slams both feet into the ground with a fiery snarl, a tantrum of molten fury. The arena quakes. Kafka staggers, footing lost as the tremor rattles through her spine.

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 192/320HP uses King’s Rebuke on Kafka: 10/10HP 0SP. [Roll: 10 = Hit! -2HP, Kafka: 8/10HP 0SP] Pyro applied. Mark inflicted. Stamen of Khvarena’s Origin stacks: 3/3 Seamless Shield regenerated! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 190/320HP.

Baizhu’s shield reforms—but she doesn’t have time to retreat. The dragon’s skull crashes into her side like a battering ram. This time the shield bursts like glass, and the force hurls her back.

Kafka: 8/10HP 3SP takes 2 damage from Mark. Kafka: 8/10HP 1SP.

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 188/320HP uses Earthen Skull on two random targets. [Roll: 20 = Crit! -3HP, Kafka: 6/10HP 0SP] [Roll: 7 = Hit! -1.5HP, Kafka: 4.5/10HP 0SP] Seamless Shield destroyed! -2HP, Shadow Of Azhdaha: 186/320HP.

She hits the floor hard, breath knocked from her again, blood hot in her mouth. Pain sears along her ribs—deep now, too deep—and she curls instinctively, panting. Her vision pulses at the edges again. She rolls onto one knee with a hiss.

Kafka: 4.5/10HP 0SP takes 2 damage from Mark. Kafka: 2.5/10HP 0SP. Kafka: 2.5/10HP 0SP is no longer Marked.

“Not bad,” she says, staggering upright.

@creationkissed @eudaimcnia @originsrebirth

[eudaimcnia]

Mere seconds after Kafka’s fully motionless, the two foes they were fighting vanish into thin air. The arena warps in appearance as it widens into a cave-like domain. What surrounds the walls is a golden barrier. Geo.

Baizhu isn’t even given a time to grieve when the magenta-haired lady is revived. “Kafka? You came back to life…?” Now, this place feels even stranger to him. A place where death isn’t permanent…

He’s too shocked by what just happened to pay attention to his teammates’ own reactions. The arena is oddly familiar, despite his memory adamant that he’s never been here before. Large, rectangular, imposing pillars stand before them, surrounding an enormous creature he’d never seen before. He can vaguely recognize the Liyuean script phasing within the thin barrier.

It is not too long until the pillars sink into the ground, their largest foe yet awakening.

“This is…” His mouth hangs agape as he slowly backs away and takes in more of its features. A rotund body, bright red eyes… Its tail bears a striking resemblance to the Dragon-Queller in Nantianmen… “An Earth Dragon?”

Shadow Of Azhdaha: 320/320HP infuses with Pyro. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 320/320HP uses King’s Rebuke on everyone. [Roll: 1 = Miss!] Baizhu: 10/10HP 0SP [Roll: 11 = Hit! -2HP] Durandal: 8/10HP 0SP. Pyro applied. Paragon Stacks +1 [Roll: 2 = Miss!] Kafka: 10/10HP 0SP [Roll: 4 = Miss!] Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 0SP

The beast bows its head, tail charging with Pyro energy. It gets ready to unleash its attack, letting out a rumbling roar. As if on instinct, everyone moves as far as they can away from the beast. Durandal is, unfortunately, unable to dodge in time. He decides to take the first initiative to summon the Seamless Shield once again.

Baizhu: 10/10HP 0SP rolls 6 Energy [4 Energy] Baizhu: 10/10HP 0SP used Elemental Burst: Holistic Revivification. All allies gain Seamless Shield. Unit heals 2+1HP after using Elemental Burst, party members heal 1+1HP. Durandal: 10/10HP 0SP. Gain +1 energy on next turn.

The doctor, wanting to take its eyes off of his teammates for a brief moment, rushes in, pressing his fingers against one of its wide ankles. Kafka is quick to fire like in their previous battles even when she had just been resurrected, the electricity zapping the dragon with fervor. Its power is in exchange for its volatility, for it does not differentiate between ally and foe.

[1 Energy] Baizhu: 10/10HP 3SP used Normal Attack: The Classics of Acupuncture on Shadow Of Azhdaha: 320/320HP [Roll: 20 = Crit! -4HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 316/320HP. Dendro applied. [Follow-Up Attack: Gentle but Cruel] Kafka: 10/10HP 3SP follows up. [Roll: 16 = Crit! Aggravate triggers! 3x1.5 = -4.5HP] Shadow Of Azhdaha: 311.5/320HP. Shocked applied. Aggravate Effect: -2HP, Raiden Mei: 10/10HP 1SP Shadow Of Azhdaha: 311.5/320HP counterattacks with Earthen Skull.  [Roll: 19 = Crit! -3HP] Baizhu: 10/10HP 0SP

Blows are exchanged, and he senses he can't keep up with it without risking his own life. The others depend on his healing. He needs to keep himself safe.

Seamless Shield destroyed. Deal 2 damage to 1 random enemy.  Shadow Of Azhdaha: 309.5/320HP. Dendro applied. [Roll: 14 = Hit! -1.5HP] Baizhu: 8.5/10HP 0SP. Pyro applied. Mark inflicted. Baizhu forfeits 1 Energy. Seamless Shield regenerates. Deal 2 damage to 1 random enemy. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 307.5/320HP. Shadow Of Azhdaha: 307.5/320HP uses King’s Rebuke on Baizhu: 8.5/10HP 3SP [Roll: 5 = Miss!] Baizhu: 8.5/10HP 3SP.

[ @creationkissed @originsrebirth @fermatafour ]