[Closed][Quest Log]

[theshowsover]

WHO: Akira, Akechi, and Yusuke
WHERE: The cliffs
WHEN: April 5-sih
WHAT: PTs explore the woods and hunt some harpies
WARNINGS: violence?

[With the distraction of the talking furniture, they hadn't gotten to go explore the woods as soon as Akira had hoped. But that was alright; they have time now, and with the new quests on the forum, they also have a new objective in mind.]

Okay. [They stand on the edge of the forest, Akira peering out into the colorless trees.] We'll go look for those harpies it mentioned, and keep an eye out for any of the shadows Dave and Keith mentioned. Stay close, alright? Just like any other palace.

[He closes his eyes for a moment. The feeling of calling on his Metaverse outfit, and not wearing it automatically due to the suspicion of the shadows, is odd, but not something out of his reach. Like calling on his personas themselves, it thrums in his soul, always close at hand.

In a flash, he's not longer Akira, but Joker, jacket flaring out behind him for a moment even though there's no wind.]

Let's go.

Comments

[doublecrowss]

Understood. [ A nod. ] We will be counting on you, Leader.

[ To Akechi, the process of summoning his Metaverse gear isn't so foreign; being able to freely switch between outfits gives him that edge, an added familiarity with the secrets of cognition that the Phantom Thieves have yet to achieve. And if all goes according to plan, they never will.

His figure is engulfed in raw energy for a second, only to reveal the usual white, prince-like suit, red mask secured in place. Just like expected. ]

Given our current numbers, we won't be able to strike in two waves like customary. [ He brings a hand to his chin for a brief moment of pondering, but it's gone just as quickly, replaced with a smile that is just a shade different from his practiced pleasantries. It's almost... giddy. ] Regardless, I must admit I have been looking forward to this.

[ Hey, having permission to blow shit up is the perfect mechanism to cope with unresolved anger issues, right? ]

[bufudyne]

[Just after the two of them, in a flash Yusuke's in the customary costume, his hand adjusting his mask slightly as he gazes through the eyeholes into the forest. He cuts a glance over to Akechi but soon turns his attention back to Joker.]

It may be more dangerous than usual. Especially where we won't know the capabilities of our opponents at all, if we encounter them.

[And Fox hasn't yet procured an actual real weapon to fight with... it's personas all the way down. But he will faithfully stick close. Just like a palace, conga line behind the leader!]

[theshowsover]

[Okay, Akechi looks... maybe a little too excited for this. It's a bit unsettling, even if he doesn't look quite as unhinged as he did during their fight in the Metaverse (and, he assumes, how he looked when he "shot" him).

At least he can count on Yusuke. Even if Yusuke does have only a fake sword... Akira's knives have actual blades in them, even if they aren't particularly strong.

Personas all the way down it is.]

And we don't have Mona or Oracle here to guide us. Watch yourself.

[At least he has his Third Eye, still. It will help them gauge the power of the harpies.

Off they go then. He leads them through the woods, careful to watch the washed out leaves around them for any approach.]

[doublecrowss]

[ Oh, please, trust these idiots to make a huge fuss over these woods; granted Akechi had done some minor exploration on his own before, and even that little was enough to have him realize this place pales in comparison to most palaces he has been to before. For one, this forest wasn't nearly as well guarded as dungeons in the Metaverse, and the few creatures that are around seem more interested in fleeing human presence rather than attacking.

A few minutes into their journey, and his theories seem to be confirmed once again; no real enemies within sight, let alone their targets. It's severely disappointing, really. ]

You know... If these harpies are the same as in mythology, they will be swift, but they might still be attracted to food. [ He ventures a guess, takes the chance to show off his trivial knowledge just a little. ] Joker, what do you think? Should we perhaps set up some bait and ambush them?

[theshowsover]

[He glances at Crow and considers. If what he's saying about harpies is right (and Akira doesn't know enough about them to dispute it), it's not a bad idea. The only obstacle is the obvious one.]

What do you want to use for bait?

[They aren't exactly swimming in food, even with the return of color to some things. Maybe they should have brought a colored fish along...]

[doublecrowss]

Oh, about that--

[ He smiles. Since it was his idea, of course Akechi would be prepared; he reaches for his coat and withdraws a large piece of cloth bundled up in a makeshift bag. He just needs to untie the knot and voila-- a few apples have been procured! ]

These are not much, and I was saving them up in case we needed to take a break, but I do believe the trade-off is worth it.

[ Was that gonna be his lunch? Maybe. ]

[bufudyne]

[Fox cocks his head to one side as he gazes questioningly at the apples in Crow's hands. Is he thinking that he's hungry and hasn't eaten yet today? Maybe. The answer is maybe. But he can leave that aside.]

Do you think that they will be interested in such a thing?

[Apples are great and all, but...] They may be solely carnivorous.

[doublecrowss]

[ Um, no, Fox, these apples aren't for you! They were supposed to be for the team, but even that might not an option now.

Which brings us to Crow's next point: ] If they are not exactly the same as in mythology, you may be right. Then again, if they are solely carnivorous, don't you think we ourselves make excellent bait as it is?

[ He's just saying the harpies might have come after them by this point if they were hungry for meat. He's definitely not suggesting using someone as bait, he would never do that. ]

[theshowsover]

[Akira does catch the way Yusuke eyes the apples, and the fact that Akechi has the apples at all (why do these two not eat? is he going to have to hound them every day?), but lets it go, for now. They have bigger fish to fry, as it were.]

No one is being used as bait. [At least, not yet. They have other options to try first.] We'll try the apples.

[He'll have to find more later, and make sure these two actually eat them.]

[doublecrowss]

[ Wow, Joker, you, too? He just meant the harpies would've been attracted by them if they wanted meat! Why does everyone keep doubting his good intentions, gosh?? ]

Very well. Now let's see...

[ One quick scan of their surroundings and Akechi moves forward, up to a small clearing in the woods. The apples are then removed from their makeshift package and placed in the center, carelessly scattered about on purpose so to go for a more natural look. Trust this guy to be extra. ]

There! I believe we can hide behind those bushes over there-- [ A motion of his hand towards said bushes. ] --while keeping a close eye on our bait. If it does work, we should have no issues ambushing them.

[ Should he have left this for Joker to decide? Maybe. Is he still gonna take up leadership on occasion like he was running the show? Absolutely. ]

[theshowsover]

[Excuse you, Akechi, there can't be two Freds in this group!

Akira watches at Akechi decides the course of action, but makes no comment. He's irritated, sure, but better not to make a big fuss about it; it's not even like being the leader is all that important to him, usually, it's just that Akechi is such an asshole about it.

He goes over to the bushes complacently enough, despite his inner thoughts, motioning for Fox to follow.]

[bufudyne]

[Fox is a little less good at hiding his reactions-- his head jerks a little, as though he's offended that Akechi is leading the way when, for all intents and purposes, he is the junior of juniorest of phantom thieves! Akechi you are Scrappy Doo.

Hmph.

He only goes when Joker gestures, doubtful as to how well the plan will work but it's a start.]

...How long shall we wait? [said very softly.]

[doublecrowss]

[ Wow, look at all those booties getting blasted over so little-- it's hardly Akechi's fault he's the only competent person who actually came prepared! ]

I will leave that up for Joker to decide. [ There, compromise! Are you happy now, you big babies?

But, ah-- is that some rustling he's picking up? Could it be... ]

[theshowsover]

[Akira doesn't answer this verbally, just holds up a hand when he hears the rustling. It could be anything coming through, but hopefully it is what they seek.

And after a moment, there it is: a disturbing creature with birdlike features and a human's face. Akira assumes that's the harpy they've been sent to fight, though it looks different than he would have thought, given the sort of monsters they saw in palaces.

But that's right; this is just like a palace. He breathes in once, feeling the thrum of his personas in his soul as he waits for the harpy to encroach on the bait.

He doesn't speak, only throws his hand down before moving forward out of the bushes.

Now.]

[bufudyne]

[Fox holds his breath, waiting...

Wow is that an unpleasant creature. He can feel his skin crawling and he narrows his eyes behind his mask, focusing on it intently. He's splitting attention between that and Joker, waiting for the signal.

And there it is. He's right behind Joker, getting an ice spell ready so the thing doesn't get any ideas of flapping off on them.]

[theshowsover]

[Nice - the ice spell definitely traps it, freezing the surprised harpy in place. It cries out in an ugly voice, writhing against the ice pinning it down.

It's pretty gross, and Akira finds he doesn't feel bad as he draws on his persona, feeling as it rises to the forefront of his soul. He pulls off his mask.]

Sarasvati!

[The goddess of the arts appears behind him, and he points at the harpy; the spell that flows from him is Matarunda, and the harpy's cries weaken as it takes effect.

He turns back toward Fox, holding out his hand to swap. He caught it, so he can end it.

(And maybe he's purposely leaving Akechi out for being a showoff earlier.)]

[bufudyne]

[SORRY AKECHI, maybe you can have the next harpy.

Fox slaps his palm against Joker's as he passes and pulls off the mask with another jerk of his hand to call his persona. Kamu Susano-o follows along with Yusuke's... overtly grandoise gesture (it's Yusuke what can we expect, really) and brings down the blade straight on the harpy.

it's like

persona overkill, really, how can one harpy stand up to overpowered teens]

[doublecrowss]

[ You pieces of shit. It was his idea, he should get the first kill! ]

Nice work, Fox! [ No matter how pissed he is, the enthusiastic praise still comes easily enough, always keeping up with his act. ]

It would seem my plan was a success, as well. [ WELL, he gotta show off a bit, too. So he moves over and picks up one of the apples they had setup as bait, tosses it up with a flick of his wrist and catches it as though to reinforce his point. ] So what do you say? Should we continue to wait here or use our tricks elsewhere?

[theshowsover]

[Maybe next time, Detective... actually, definitely next time, if they're all going to kill one of these things before they leave the woods.]

Let's move on. We can go the way the harpy came.

[Follow its tracks back to the source, in a manner of speaking.]

[bufudyne]

Thank you, Crow.

[Regardless of how Akechi may or may not be be roasting inside, Yusuke seems to accept the praise with a solemn nod of thanks.]

Let us proceed carefully. The others could have heard us.

[doublecrowss]

[ If the others had, indeed, heard them, wouldn't that make this quest a lot easier on them? It's not like they have a chance against their persona, what are these idiots so afraid of, anyway?

Still, he moves to pick up the remaining apples and hands them over to Joker, knowing they will be used as bait again. ]

I'll leave these in your care, so you can decide where we set up our ambush next.

[ So compliant, so helpful, so murderously pissed off inside. ]

[theshowsover]

[He slips the apples away, then looks back the way the harpy came and heads that way without further preamble. They have more harpies to find.

It doesn't take long before he hears more of them in the area. Holding up a hand, he stops the other two, before bringing out the apples once again.

Time to lay another trap. He quietly creeps out into an opening, laying the tantalizing red apples out for the harpies to see.]

[doublecrowss]

[ Quiet though he may be, the bait seems to have been enough to lure their target out even without a sound-- and this time, the harpies seem to have come better prepared, striking as a small group, and just as Joker has his back to them. An ambush, huh?

Well. Not if he can help it. ]

I'll take care of these-- Robin Hood! [ A quick summon, and the archer manifests just as Crow leaps out from the bushes and takes the lead. There's three of them, so the best way to go about this while ensuring their leader doesn't get hurt is a multiple attack; time for a well-aimed Megidola, then.

(Not that he actually thinks Joker would have much of an issue against the harpies, but it works as a perfect excuse to justify his greed and his lesson: never steal his kill.) ]

That was close! [ His smile is supposed to be one of relief, but if he's a little giddy again, well, it's because he's just had a double victory. ] I didn't think they would be so clever as to try to pull off an ambush of their own... We have underestimated them.

[theshowsover]

[Three at once, huh? Joker almost wants to laugh. Leave it to Crow to be all fired up over being denied his chance earlier.

He looks at Akechi, and then his eyes widen almost imperceptibly before he's pulling off his mask-]

Queen Mab!

[And then a well placed Agidyne is taking out the last harpy that had been sneaking up on them.

He grins and claps Akechi on the shoulder.]

Looks like you missed one. Not bad for a beginner, though.

[He's killing himself with his own jokes, here. Well, at least Yusuke can appreciate them too.]

[bufudyne]

[A SHOW OFF INDEED

Yusuke had his hand partially lifted but there's no more waiting in the wings (haha get it because they're harpies) to pounce on the crew so no need to fire off some ice. He lowers his hand, propping it on his hip, and chuckles briefly.]

That is quite a few of their number we've just taken out. I wonder how many more of them there actually are?

[theshowsover]

There could be hundreds.

[Or more. Maybe they're like shadows, and they just spawn spontaneously from... wherever this place gets power.

(He's still not entirely convinced this place isn't some warped dimension born of someone else's cognition.)]

I wonder how many we have to kill.

[bufudyne]

Would it not benefit others who may not be able to fight if we took out as many as we could?

[For the good of the town!!

For the good of the people!!! Something like that.]

Without exhausting ourselves or being injured in the process, of course.

[theshowsover]

Might as well. It might make the woods less dangerous.

[At least... he's assuming the harpies attack people and aren't just... hanging out.

They are monsters, after all.]