The Zodiac Brave Story

"Forgive the mix up," Divum said in response to the 'de' thing. "So, I assume that you two are serious about your relationship."

"It is recent, but I like to think that we're starting something special," Zac replied. He looked at Lilith and smiled a bit.

*Safian continues charging bolt on the chocobo, while Cassandra slashes again*

~Mandalia~

*Safian fires another bolt spell, which this time hits both the Chocobo and herself. Critically wounded, the Chocobo pecks at her and runs away, critically wounding her in turn. The Red Panther attacks twice again. Though she does manage to block one hit with her shield, the other one comes up to Cassandra and bites her.*
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~Lesalia~

L"It's...a first for me."

Taiyo has no idea what she's going on about.

Taiyo: "You really don't have to do this."

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Azuma: "Any nearby jobs posted?"

*Safian casts other bolt spell on the chocobo, while Cassandra uses a potion of her*

~Mandalia~

*The Red Panthers circle around to Cassandra's sides and attack her once more, critically wounding her. A Chocobo dies.*

~3~
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~Lesalia~

*Aroma is holding up a gold bracelet & a silver bracelet, presumably for Taiyo to compare.*

<...Are you saying you want to forgo jewelry altogether? I suppose it isn't strictly necessary. I just thought that it would accentuate your style.>
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<I've got package delivery to Zeltennia, or mine work in Gollund.>

*Cassandra drinks her final high potion, then gets out of spell range while Safian casts ice on the Panthers*

Mortal let out a little 'd'aww'.

Divum said, "Thank you for answering my questions on the matter."

~Lesalia~

L"It is...not a problem."

*Though she says that, she is still quite embarrassed.*

E"Not to ruin the mood, but I was wondering what you've been up to in Limberry."

L"I certainly do not mind. I haven't had the chance to really do much of anything. I have plans to bolster the economy, culture, and living conditions once the war is over, but in the meantime, I've been preoccupied with defending the city from a certain sociopath."

E"Who might that be?"

L"Probably no one you've ever heard of, then again, it has proven to be a remarkably small kingdom. He is a simple Black Mage, who goes by the name of Seraph."
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~Mandalia~

*Fortunately, the ice crystals that punch through the Red Panthers do enough damage to put the 2 beasts down for good.*

"Seraph has..." Sab stopped herself, "I am nearly ashamed that I was surprised about that."

"Did you work together before?" Noct asked.

Sab nodded, and motioned to Zac and Lilith, "Yes, he was part of our group when I traveled with these two."

Taiyo: "No, I mean this whole shopping thing and paying for everything."

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Azuma: "Package delivery. Sounds simple enough."

~Lesalia~

<Oh, well, yes I do. One doesn't simply drop in on a Royal Event without their best attire. And your outfit is barely holding together. Not that I'm complaining, but if you're going to need new clothes anyway, we might as well just consider this a fortunate coincidence. Besides, the money does not concern me.>
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<You would need to deliver it to the tavern in Zeltennia, who would then pay you a 10,000 Gil fee, and a moderate amount of JP. They are not factoring in for any fights you may come across on your way there.>
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L"I know not how, but he seems to have gained himself a powerful ally. He had minions, which was strange from the outset, because he's not exactly a charismatic leader. Then, when the ninja--I believe her name was Vanessa--was captured, Senthose himself came to free her. I assume you two have heard of Senthose Rasheverek?"

Azuma: "All right, we'll do it."

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Taiyo: "Oh. Okay..."

At 'the ninja' Mortal let out a long sigh, "Yes, we know Senthose, and Vanessa. I'm the one who put that scar on her face, and we've tossed Senthose off this very roof."

Zac looked shocked, "Small world indeed."

~Lesalia~

*Lilith lets the silence linger for a while.*

L"...Well, I don't think you finished the job."
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<So...silver, gold, or neither?>
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<Alright.>

*He pulls a wrapped brown parcel out from behind the counter, approximately the size of a large book, & hands it to Azuma.*

Taiyo: "Silver?"

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Azuma takes the package and they set off for Zeltennia.

"I know, he was under the employment of Bremondt," Mortal said, "We saw him there ."

~Lesalia~

L"That was too many soldiers if all he wanted to do was knock you off."

E"He was after Bremondt's spell. You know, the one that turns humans into dragons, and vice versa."

L"Even still, it doesn't account for this partnership. Also, I feel I can entrust you with this information--Seraph had a Zodiac Stone. Doubtless Senthose would have at least one of his own."

*Euryale nods.*

E"He does."
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<Well, we can't really get you a necklace because of...>

*She points to her own neck, then turns to the salesperson.*

<I'll take 4 of these silver bangles.>

*She slips the 2 bangles she's holding over one of her wrists & shakes it.*

<You dangle a few from each wrist, like this, you see. It's all the rage among Dancers.>
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~Grogh Heights~

*The first thing they encounter is a Coeurl & a pair of Cockatrice scavenging off of the monsters they killed earlier.*

"Honestly, they're a bit common nowadays," Noct said.

"How so?" Zac asked.

"I believe we're in possession of two of our own," Noct replied.

Taiyo covers her own neck, looking a little depressed.

Taiyo: "I know what bangles are and how to wear them."

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Azuma: "So then, I take the cat, you the birds assuming they attack?"

Mimiru: "Don't care."

The two approach with caution.

~Grogh Heights~

*The Coeurl hisses at them, & the Cockatrice squawk loudly, flapping their wings.*
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~Lesalia~

<Oh, that's good then. I don't know how many Dancers you grew up around.>
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L"Well, there are 12 of these, and it seems that most are artifacts of nobility. We would have one, but some weirdo in a mask stole it."

"Did he have a kind of 'Y' shaped symbol on his chest?" Noct asked.

Taiyo: "Not many. Since meeting Azuma and Mimiru we never stayed in one place for long. You're really the first person I've met in a long time."

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The two spread out, Mimiru lining herself up with the Coeurl.

Mimiru: "Change of plans."

Mimiru attacks with Shockwave.

*Cassandra heads over to Safian*

<You alright?>

Safian:<Yep.>

*They look around to make sure there are no other threats*

~Eagrose~

*A cold wind blows across the empty plains.*
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~Grogh Heights~

*The Coeurl leaps on top of her & scratches. One of the Cockatrice also flies behind her & pecks at her. The other attacks Azuma with a feather bomb before moving closer.*
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~Lesalia~

L"Yes, he did. And abnormal powers. He took the likeness of a friend at one point."
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<I see. I'm afraid I don't know that many people, either. I spent most of my life cloistered within a library in Mullonde. It was only recently, after Bremondt died, that I was considered important enough to be made a Confessor & inherit Lionel Castle.>