Pandemonium

[tntoverlords.livejournal.com]

Characters: Mikoto, Warrior of Light, Firion, Refia, Edward, Locke, Genesis, Blank, Vivi, Rikku, Mjrn, Serah
Progress: Ongoing
Summary: The group finally confronts Garland.
Location: Pandemonium
Date: August 15, 1804
Warnings: Violence
Notes: Additional information on this week's segment can be found here. To see the entry walk into Pandemonium, you can watch here.

Out of the bleak starkness of the ruination that was Terra, there rose a dark shape. Entirely whole and ominous in mere design alone sat Garland's fortress. Large enough to compete with Lindblum Grand Castle for size, its shadowed approach led to a hulking edifice that defied destruction. The paths were disconnected circular stepping pads that would require deftness in leaping to navigate. Its owner had no visitors and no need to make for a welcoming walk. As the group approached, the heavy iron gates opened of their own accord. It was an invitation to enter. If they dared.

Comments

[morehatthanmage.livejournal.com]

The flare spell had certainly done its damage, it was fairly unlikely he would be able to stand were it not for the fact that right now he couldn't not, but Vivi didn't even flinch. It was in this state that his origins were clearest, despite Trance being entirely fuelled by emotion the small mage's actions weren't betraying anything of the sort, he moved like a mage who hadn't awakenned. The only hint that that was still Vivi in there was when he moved a little to remain in front of Mikoto.

He considered Doomsday, running on pure emotion right now and unable to think of things as mundane as restraint. It was all whatever part of his mind was still able to think of anything but burning Garland could do to keep him from using the suicide spell.

"Flare!" He shouted again, no longer trembling. "Flare!"

[notathiefcole.livejournal.com]

Seeing Garland's reaction, Locke's thief instincts took action as he flung his boomerang and attempted to dive out of the way of the incoming onslaught. What would have been a successful dodge among other opponents found him flat footed as he took the brunt of the attack along with his companions.

It was only visions of his Returner family that gave him the strength to stand once more despite the burns along his legs. They had to win this battle before them. Everyone was counting on them and he wasn't about to succumb to defeat at the hands of this crazy man.

[melodiesoflute.livejournal.com]

Watching the slaughter in horror, Edward was almost hesitant to act. He knew Garland would be powerful, but this powerful?! The man was like the reincarnation of Golbez, except ten times worse than before. Deciding to lend his aid wherever he could, the bard began to play on his lyre. He was further away from the onslaught, making his distance prove to be a challenge for Garland's magic. However, Edward's magical lyre could reach the ears of his many companions.

Much like before, he opted to play the Haste March to boost his comrades speed. But they need more than just increased speed, that is why he began to play another tune after casting his first spell.

If the others feel as if they have been encased with a protective warm glow, it was because the bard cast his own version of Shellaga and Protectaga upon the party. Garland's magic would have a tough time knocking down his magical defenses, but goodness those spells could still a kill a man if his friends weren't careful.

[cycleofchaos.livejournal.com]

With weapons zeroing in on his person and an unfortunate infliction of Silence, Garland had no choice but to weather the first round of physical attacks. He shuddered from pain, but persisted in his onslaught against the crowd. The little black mage was his next victim of Psychokinesis, lifting the puppet into the air then dropping him. Effortless.

Next, he gathered energy and thrust another Wave at the collective, with the intent of knocking back all his assailants until he could reverse the Silence. It would be ineffective against those airborne, but he hoped to significantly cut back on the numbers to deal with at one time.

[knowshermachina.livejournal.com]

When the second round of Flares came, Rikku took the chance and leapt off the side of the platform, landing with a gasp and a groan on one hanging a bit lower and then twisting around. Her eyes were wide as the magic ripped through the others. It was...she didn't even know how to describe it. Even at his most powerful, Seymour could not have cast a spell like that. And yet...here this Garland could do it, seemingly with easy.

She tugged out two more bottles, pressing down on the tops with her thumbs as she decided where to throw them. Garland was shrugging off their magic attacks as though they weren't even there. But something big enough...

She turned her attention elsewhere, hurling one of the bottles at the nearest support for the planet model hanging over Garland's head. Another twist and she hurled the next bottle at the next support.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

Good, her Silence spell worked. Mjrn had wondered whether or not it would be worthwhile to use status effect spells on such a formidably opponent, but mages of any sort seemed to be vulnerable to such a spell. Every little bit helped.

...not that it helped Vivi. Mjrn cried out as the little mage was dropped, but she wasn't close enough to help him. Still airborne, she had to exploit her advantage as the next Wave affected those on the ground. Positioning her spear for maximum impact, she plummeted toward Garland, ready to strike the moment he was within range.

[morehatthanmage.livejournal.com]

Once again, Vivi didn't make a sound as he slammed to the ground, landing in a small, mage-shaped heap, eyes not leaving Garland the whole time. He returned to his feet without even stumbling, Edward's music might have played some part but even considering that Vivi was still a very fragile creature and the fact that he was still standing at all was remarkable. He raised a single hand at Garland once again and-

-the trance wore off, the glow fading as instantly as it appeared and exhaustion and pain were quick to replace the rush of emotion-fuelled power. His eyes narrowed as he tried to focus on his magic through the pain but failed, giving a choked, terrified whimper as the damage he'd sustained during the trance took its toll. After a few seconds more of trying and failing to concentrate enough to call another Flare, he gave another whimper and unceremoniously toppled to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut.