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[ action ] - It's hunt time!

[This is one of those very rare times where Celes is caught off-guard. Moreover, she's not paying quite enough attention to what's around her as she pulls out her Sky Phone to check the network. She, Terra, and Setzer are in the Sunleth Waterscape and she's starting to get bored with it. Or maybe she's still restless. She's not really sure.

It's about then that the stupid Spherimorph makes its appearance as a giant water pillar that stomps viciously on her. The Sky Phone is knocked out of her hands. Celes ignores the phone as she picks herself back up and goes in for a shot.]

All right, this is it! Runic!

[Time to see which element the thing blasts off with when she hits it with her sword. Her blade bites into it, giving her the feeling of slicing into thick jelly, and the Spherimorph immediately counters with Fira, which Celes' blade absorbs. She smirks.]

Terra! It's weak to ice!

[At least for now, it is.]

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Right.

[Terra nods; she had been about to cast Libra, but that was no longer necessary. Instead, she focuses and casts Blizzara, shooting large pieces of ice at their opponent. Hopefully that would catch it off guard enough for the others to take advantage.]

[Long enough, perhaps. Setzer isn't sure that cards will be the best of choices here, but he can still manage his Slots, and he follows up Terra's spell with a Prismatic Flash. He'll decide what to do next based on how it reacts to that.]

[Celes stands back enough to allow Terra and Setzer to target easier. Both land it well, though as soon as they hit, the Spherimorph seems to twitch and shift inside itself. Celes raises an eyebrow and goes back in with her blade. This time, the thing counters with Blizzara, right at her, catching her off-guard. Sputtering a little from the cold, she's barely given time to breathe before the thing tries its stomping move again. At least this time it doesn't do as much damage.]

[ooc: btw, feel free to do stuff with the mark, too!]

[Does that mean it's now weak to fire? Terra can only hope so. She focuses and casts Firaga; in a moment, flames engulf the creature. Of course, it can't stand for that and retaliates with an ice spell directed at her. She flinches, but it's nothing she can't cure.]

[Given the evidence so far, Setzer would be inclined to be inclined to say so. Since he hasn't got any (reliable) fire spells, however, he simply goes with Prismatic Flash again. Naturally, it means that he's promptly the target of an ice spell as well, but he can take at least one of those.]

[Celes is just happy to have back-up in the form of two people she trusts most out here. The thing seemed pretty stable and it liked to shoot off spells every which way. Noticing that her companions were taking hits - curse Gaia for not letting her Runic ability keep up with them - she reached inside for reserves she hadn't used often here on Gaia. A quick Cura would have them all back on their feet and besides, if Celes used her magic, Terra would have more to spare for the Spherimorph.]

[That Cura is definitely appreciated. Renewed by the healing energy, Terra remains on the offensive. She's able to get in one more Firaga blast before the Spherimorph counters by shifting weaknesses. It then transforms into a giant pillar and descends on Terra.]

[Celes gets a brief nod of thanks for the Cura. His own healing is far too unreliable to be trusted, so it's quite a relief to know that someone has their backs. Still, he winces at the attack that land on Terra - that one looks like it hurt.

This time it's not flash of rainbow light that answers his slots. This time he rolls up a veritable stampede of chocobos. (Who knows where they came from.)]

[The thing Celes likes most about these new paladin abilities aren't the offensive ones - though those are a definite plus. What she likes most... is the ability to heal more than just a simple scrape. Still, she waits for her companions to strike, noticing the watera spell the thing counters with. The spell is promptly absorbed by her Runic ability. She stops to think for just a split second. Thunder is opposite Water, right?

Gripping her sword a little harder in her hands, she decides to show this thing that it's messed with the wrong people. Leaping forward, she channels her magical ability into her sword, using a bright attack called Thunder Slash. Hopefully, that will do a good amount of damage to it.

Unfortunately, the Spherimorph counters with a powerful Waterga this time and follows up by stomping on her once again. She should really get used to that.]

[Terra holds back from the offensive for a moment, tending to her/their wounds with Cura, then casting Shell. If this thing is going to constantly lash out with magic, at least she can blunt its efforts somewhat.]

[Setzer nods to himself at the thunder attack and goes for something a little more powerful himself. If the slot will just align...

Unfortunately, they don't quite. But at the very least it's another bit of healing, however minor.]

[Minor healing is good healing. Celes glances to her companions with the smallest of grateful expressions after her big attack, choosing to hold back for a moment before she lunges at it again with another. Of course, the fact that both of her companions are focused on healing and buffing means that she's the one soaking up the counterattack spell and pillar stomp. This is getting ridiculous as far as she's concerned. Despite the healing, she's beginning to feel the strain on both her physical self and her magic reserves. This can't be good.

Intending to split the Spherimorph's attention, she darted around behind it, forcing it to ignore Setzer and Terra and focus on her.]

[Setzer's additional healing is enough for Terra to take to the offensive again. While Celes darts around, Terra leaps into the air and summons her Holy missiles. If nothing else, they'll distract the Spherimorph long enough for Celes to unleash her attack.]

[Well, it wasn't Setzer's intent to stick to healing, and he goes to try same thing as before. This time it works as planned, calling up a random Esper. And as luck would have it, what he gets is Carbuncle. Reflect for everyone!]

Edited 2011-04-24 20:39 (UTC)

[ Well, Celes had been about to attack, but a few spells, a Reflect, and a pillar stomp were enough of a distraction. So, her big attack was a bit delayed. Unfortunately, the Reflect bounced the counterspell back at the Spherimorph, healing it. Grumbling to herself, she moved in again, ignoring the fact that her energy was quickly running out.]

[The Reflect will come in handy, she's certain. Even as the Spherimorph is healed, Terra begins to transform. This creature is a pain and reaping the benefits of her Esper form can't hurt, at this point. She rises into the air and takes careful aim, then sends another round of Holy at the monster. That provokes another attempt at a pillar stomp, but Terra is narrowly able to avoid this one.]

[Reflect might heal the Spherimorph, but it also means that none of them will have to suffer through those spells. This time, however, he falls back to Prismatic Flash. Even if the resulting spell throw his heals it again, he's still done something and that's good enough for now.]

[Balthier's first thoughts upon landing were mostly along the lines of creative cursing -- of course Celes had beat him here, she'd had a head start, but the beast was still standing, so she couldn't have been here for long. Well. If one could call it standing. If he were being completely honest, any witty remark he might have made to dress up his late arrival as being incredibly timely, instead, was put right out of his head when he laid eyes on the thing.

Certainly, nobody could fault the name for false advertising. He raised an eyebrow as he saw the creature begin to re-shape itself into a pillar, getting a clearer shot of the trio it was aiming to stomp as he quickly drew closer, leaving the Strahl behind.

That looked painful. And, just his luck, the thing seemed to be gelatinous the whole way through. That meant his bullets wouldn't do him much good, though he did have a case of elemental shots tucked away in his pack, something that had been on his person since his departure from Ivalice. He had been saving them to use in a pinch, though if these three were having trouble, now might have been the time to use them. For the moment, he stuck with normal bullets, firing two shots into the Spherimorph in rapid succession. If nothing else, it would draw the creature's attention and offer the others a brief reprieve.

He recognized the only male figure among the group and offered a wink as a greeting.]

Hello again. Need a hand?

[By the time Balthier arrived, Celes had become the target of yet another pillar stomp. The Spherimorph seemed to be ignoring him except to throw out its natural counterspell. This one hurt so much that she was rendered incapable of getting up right away. She sucked on the air around her and pushed herself to her knees just in time to see the sky pirate arrive and hear his call.]

No. We don't need help.

[So said the one on the ground. Sucking in another breath, she cast Cura, which rebounded against her reflect and hit the Spherimorph. The general swore. Time to hit the potion pack.]

[Terra barely has time to acknowledge the newcomer, focused as she is on the immediate battle. When then Spherimorph is healed, she charges magical energy into her arms. A moment later, she spins and whips out her arms to fire several crescent-shaped bands of energy at their opponent.]

[Setzer offered a slight nod to Balthier in return. His own weapons being somewhat more naturally aligned to keeping a decent range he figures he can afford at least that much courtesy.]

I wouldn't say no to it.

[He follows this up with yet another trio of rainbow flares of light. It's what works, after all, more or less. Naturally, the Spherimorph counters with yet another blast of magic which is then promptly reflected back.]

There's a good sport. [He offered Setzer a tip of the head in thanks.] Now, what harm could an extra pair of hands possibly do? [He quickly went about exchanging his standard shots for the specialty elemental ones he had stored in the pack at his hip, offering Celes a hand up once his left hand was free, using the other to take careful aim and fire.]

[Celes was not pleased that she had to be helped up like a mere commoner as she downed a potion, but that seemed to be this man's aim. Knowing it wasn't a battle she wanted to fight just yet, she accepted his help, frowning. His voice...? It sounded familiar.]

They're only harm if they're in the way. [Meaning, he'd better not get in the way.]

Runic. [She manages to activate her special ability again just as the Spherimorph counters at Balthier. Her sword rises a little and absorbs the spell, giving her a little more energy. She then channels that energy into Stock Break. Combined with Terra's earlier attack, the giant blob is starting to look a bit damaged.]

I think it's weakening! Hold together! It'll go down soon!

[Terra reverts into her more human-seeing green-haired form, nodding to that. Checking with Libra to see what element it's weak to now, Terra then sends a Firaga at the creature. The result significantly damages it, though that doesn't stop the Spherimorph from turning into a pillar to stop her.]

[Setzer lips quirk into the faint echo of a smile at Celes' first comment. He can't imagine that Balthier's going to get in the way, but neither does he feel quite like saying as much to her.

The second comment, on the other hand, gets a proper nod, and yet again he turns to his slots. It might be a somewhat repetitive way dealing with things, he mused, as the bright lights of Prismatic Flash came up again, but no one could really deny that it worked.]

[Balthier makes an effort to keep from rolling his eyes at Celes' comment, following Setzer's lead and holding his tongue for the time being as they focus on bringing the Spherimorph itself to a halt. He fires another shot into the creature's gelatinous body, squinting one eye as the bullet at first appears to be harmlessly lodged inside of it, then smirking as the shell erupts and causes a small-scale explosion inside of the beast. Not enough to bring it to its knees, so to speak, but certainly enough to cause damage. Not to mention a fine spray of blue slime in their direction. Well. At least it was effective, if messy.]

[Her group seemed to be doing well. Balthier's method of explosion was, she had to admit despite her pride, effective. A few more blasts and the Spherimorph dropped, fizzling out and seeping into the ground. Celes was just glad it had stopped, though she didn't let her guard down until she'd kicked around the area where it had fallen.]

Looks like that's the last of it.

[Coming back to the group, her eyes dart towards Balthier. Be polite, Celes.]

...Thanks for your help.

[All things considered, he could probably have done without the spray of slime. But it gets them closer to defeating it, so he doesn't complain. If it works, it works.

Once it's properly dead, he offers a nod of thanks to Balthier.]

[As the Spherimorph is defeated, Terra relaxes and then casts a round of healing magic for all who need it. She then nods to Balthier.]

Yes, thank you. That creature was difficult, and it was good to have some help.

My pleasure. [He offers the group a brief bow, little more than a quick bend at the waist.] You must have been here some time. That creature was resilient, if nothing else.

[He glances between the two ladies present. He recognizes Terra from the network, though they've never met in person, which means the blonde must be Celes. Being so much less willing to chat than she had been during their first conversation, it would have been difficult to tell from voice alone.] Nicely done. I admit, I'm a bit disappointed that you beat me here, but I wouldn't have fared well on my own. Not even with the fon Ronsenburgs for aid. [Where were the two of them, anyway? They must have decided to stay aboard the Strahl.] Not much magic to be had among us.

[He inclines his head towards Setzer with a smile.] It's good to see you again, friend.

We were. I wouldn't have been in such a compromising position if we hadn't been wearing it down already.

[Celes' eyes glance between Setzer and Balthier. She's pretty sure she knows who this is and her irritation towards him grows. Still, she'll be polite and introduce herself.]

So you know Setzer. This is Terra. And I'm General Celes Chere.

[She doesn't give her full former title often and it's usually only when she wants to intimidate someone. Is it working, Balthier?]

[Setzer nods at the comment about them knowing each other.]

I can't call our first meeting the most auspicious of ways to meet, but you'd be quite correct all the same.

Edited 2011-05-04 01:08 (UTC)

[Terra is suddenly a bit self-conscious, realizing that Balthier saw her as an Esper. She hangs back, though manages a smile as she doesn't want to be rude.]

Hello. It's nice to meet you. Thanks for helping us.

[Balthier offers both Terra and Celes a pleasant smile, nodding as they are introduced. If he's at all intimidated by Celes and her title, it doesn't show.] A pleasure to meet the both of you in person. I was happy to give what little help I could offer.

[He did see Terra in Esper form, but refrains from commenting. From her body-language alone, one can see that she's sensitive about it. A fascinating power, to be sure, but that's a discussion for another day.]

[He looks towards Setzer.] Life has been treating you well since Memoria, I hope?

[Celes remains silent for now, just watching Balthier while hanging protectively close to Terra. So this is the man she spoke with on the phones. This meeting is proving quite different from that one.]

[Setzer, for his part, is watching Celes out of the corner of his eye. It's mostly curiosity, and seeing what he can of what she thinks of Balthier.]

I can't complain, now that we're not being pulled around by forces that seem determined to show us at our worst.

[Terra, not certain what to say, just observes. She notices Celes' reaction to Balthier, and darts her friend a curious glance, but questions will probably have to wait for later.]

That foe was...difficult. I hope there aren't a lot more of its like around.

I should hope not. If there are, then I'd say the bounty posted should be much higher. [He smirks, raising an eyebrow as he surveys those assembled.] I do hope the prize is worth the trouble, the one seemed particularly irritating.

We'll find out when we get back, I suppose.

[She's watching Balthier now. Is he going to want part of that bounty or not? She still can't figure him out.]

[Setzer, for one, wouldn't be entirely surprised. After all, he did have a hand in putting an end to to the creature.]

As the lady says.

Right....

Shall we, then?

[She doesn't see much point in lingering, unless they want to attract more trouble.]

[Balthier offered the three of them another bow, this one rather more formal than the first.]

I'm afraid this where we part ways, then. I've my own ship and passengers to tend to, and you did beat me to the mark quite fairly. [He smiles quite deliberately in Celes' direction at that.] Do enjoy your bounty, then.

[That gets an eyebrow raise. Terra's got a point about leaving soon, but she's surprised Balthier doesn't seem to want part of the bounty.]

You did help us.

[Which is the only real admission he'll get right now.]

[Setzer just raises an eyebrow as if to ask 'well'? He won't blame Balthier for not taking a cut, but if the option's there, perhaps...?]

[Terra herself is a little surprised and she pauses.]

Are you sure...? It's only fair to share with you.

[The pirate shakes his head.]

I appreciate the offer, but that wasn't our original bargain. I got here second, my cut is forfeit. Besides, Celes accepted the hunt well before our challenge. The bounty was earned fairly; it would be rather uncouth for me to demand any part of it, all things considered.

If you're sure.

[She's honestly surprised and it shows. Most people she knows would have wanted a share in it.]

Thanks again for your help. We'd better get out of here before more things show up.

[Setzer offers one last nod to Balthier, in thanks.]

Lead the way then, and we'll be off.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ action ] - It's hunt time!

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sorry for my slow

it's okay, I'll be slow, too, for a while x.x

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ready to get swooped in on by a sky pirate or two soon?

Sure!

I'm ready!

DUN DU-DUN-DAH!

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/back for good now!

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