[Blade Unlimited]

Well... for all his bluster and dramatization for the attack, Shiya's Monado purge did pretty much nothing against the inhuman monstrosity they were battling. "Oh come on! It even had a cool name: Monado Purge! That's just oozing coolness!" Shiya complained, mostly to himself after seeing the sword beam have relatively no effect. "Oh well... at least it's taking damage now-"

His words were cut short as a sprawling, endless haze of fiery doom was unleashed from the phantom deity; a torrent of flames quickly sprawling towards them, threatening to engulf everyone whole! "...why do I say things!?" Lamenting, Shiya locked his knees straight to stop himself from dodging. He'd promised to shield Arle and not move; so, despite every bone in his body screaming to run in the other direction, that was just what he was gonna do! 

f77NG8LSp_1d20+3 (Hell Aura Resista-Oh jeez. Toasty time for Shiya again)

 Realizing that there was pretty much no chance in hell that he'd be able to brave the attack unscathed, Shiya shut his eyes tight; throwing up his arms in hopes of at least protecting his more delicate features from charring to a crisp... What he didn't plan on however, was that instead of being burned to a smokey charcoal; Shiya's face instead being pulled into a surprisingly warm embrace. Opening his eyes in surprise, the mage was instead met with the abrupt sight of Warle's personal affects as his charge held him in a protective embrace.

"W-W-W-Wha-Bu-Bu-Arle-Hu-Derr-" Barely stammering out partial words, Shiya's entire face began burning up for two completely separate reasons.

Stumbling backwards in a daze after Warle had released him, he still struggled to say anything. Leftover flames dotted the spots of his garments and hair which had been unable to be guarded from the deadly attack, but he either didn't notice or didn't care; instead prioritizing rebooting his language skills in order to respond. After a few seconds of shaking his head profusely, Shiya managed to finally squeak out a few words; a puff of smoke almost comically billowing out of his mouth on the first word. "It's-fine. T-Thank-you."

His face still red as a tomato, Shiya tried forcing out a loud bout of laughter in hopes of hiding his awkwardness. Well there goes looking cool, for the rest of forever. "HAHAHAHA! TIS MERELY A FLESH-"

p_1d20+1 (Laser Dodge - Failed)

Just as he began speaking, the teen was quickly silenced as lasers he had no knowledge of, nor time to dodge, cascaded from across the room before engulfing him in a blinding and searing flash. "-WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUND!!!" 

It seemed almost inhuman that Shiya was still standing even after all of tha-THUMP

...nevermind. Having collapsed face-first onto the floor, Shiya lay there, unresponsive until Arle's healing magic managed to return him back to consciousness. "Thank you." He coughed, shakily pushing himself back to his feet before hastily turning back to face the boss monster that was still very much a threat at the moment. Fight now, think about feelings and awkwardness later!

Except anger. Yeah, seemed like a good emotion for Shiya to channel and focus on at the moment. Slamming both of his palms onto the ground, the EnerGy normally trailing through his body to form weapons instead flowing out of him and into the ground, spreading like a wild-fire as the cyan pattern soon covered the entirety of the room! "That's it! OVERTRACE!"

"INFINITE SWORD BIRTH!"

As if on cue; the world around them erupted. As the bright light engulfed and blinded everyone in the room, it quickly faded to reveal every single person (except Choppun, oddly enough) now inhabiting a wasteland-like space, populated with hundreds upon thousands of weapons wedged into the ground. Everyone, including The Phantom of God!

(Shiya used his Final Smash: Infinite Sword Birth! Everyone has now been transported to the projection dimension where Shiya stores every weapon he has ever analysed. Removes startup time and cool down for up to 5 of Shiya's sword-related attacks while active; +5% DMG to all attacks; Duration: 3 posts)

Shiya's body was suddenly filled with a rejuvenating strength and energy, his posture straightening and relaxing as he suddenly rushed towards the deity. "You're in my world now!" Confidently screaming his lungs out at the big bad boss; Shiya abruptly thrust his hand foreward before a portal gun flew out from among the sea of weapons; sliding perfectly onto his hand before he fired two portals down at the ground in front of him and onto a cliff-side raised up near the Phantom of God. "PHYSICS SMASH!" Slipping down the orange rift in space; he emerged instantaneously from it's cyan counterpart with a triumphant roar (and apparently not giving up just yet on coming up with a cool attack name). As Shiya descended onto their opponent, another weapon flew out from the ground below before latching onto his arm; this one resembling more of a giant wheel-gun than a arm-cannon as he smashed it down into the seemingly omnipotent being's face!

(Shiya summoned an Upperdash Arm with Sword Birth!)

p_1d20+2 (Upperdash Arm: DMG 20% -> 25%, Cooldown: 1 post - ....can you do anything right?)

Shiya Damage: 86%/180% Shield Durability: 65%/65% Status: Infinite Sword Birth (3 turns) Upperdash Arm C.D: 1 post Sword Birth C.D: 3 posts Monado Purge C.D: 4 posts ISB Removals: 1/5

1d20+3·1d20+1·1d20+2

[Coolshaymin]

qFFeBPplp_1d20+6(Heat Resistance)
p_1d20+6(Photon Smasher Dodge)

Galacta Knight observed the movements of the god-like monstrosity up until it let out as a growl sounded and the room's atmosphere grew uneasy. However, the knight was prepared as a sea of flames attempted to assault them to which he swiftly put his shield in front of him and absorbed the blow as the heat overwashed him he managed to endure it and prepare himself for the next attack. The Phantom of a Deity then let out another spell incantation and let out blue light that seemed to be going around the room and converging on him... As confident in his skills as he was, that attack could have consequences if he tried to take it all in and put it back out. The knight quickly dodged out of the way swiftly and with great agility as he gracefully evaded the attack successfully and got back into stance.

He felt a sacred energy on him as it seemed his endurance has been boosted greatly by what he assumes to be Arle. It was a good plan, he seemed to have succeeded in drawing the attention of the monster. The lance wielding warrior however gave a confused look around as the red cloaked man screamed some attack name and the area around them began to warp into some weapon graveyard. This man may have more power than the knight initially expected. As the furious man in red went in for the blow, Galacta Knight shot another golden beam at the Deity. He just needed to not use his electricity based attacks, got it. With a nod, Galacta Knight decided to bust out yet another new technique... that is very similar to another Knight's technique. Galacta Knight began spinning in a circle which rapidly picked up until in his spot was a giant pink tornado of harsh winds and continued growing bigger before the Cosmic Tornado got flung at the enemy and attempted to pulverize it in it's powerful spin cycle and throw it back in it's force before dissipating. To finish his attack phase, he put his lance forward and quickly dragged up to form a hole in space that fired another beam of pure energy right into the god.


p_1d20+5(Nothern Star's Shine, 22% damage)
p_1d20+6(Cosmic Tornado, 32% damage but incurs a 4 turn cooldown and lowers Galacta Knight's DEX and Wisdom by 4 for 2 turns)
p_1d20+3(Galactic Star Cutter, 30% damage, 4 turn cooldown)

HP: 71%/230%

Shield HP: 100%/100%

Status: Celestial Shield Stance (1), Sacred Shield (2)
Cooldowns: Cosmic Tornado (3), Galactic Star Cutter (3)

1d20+6·1d20+6·1d20+5·1d20+6·1d20+3

[Rina]

Cooldowns:
Parfait - 1

Oh hell no... Even with that open assault, it still didn't fell the god. It still had power to retaliate, met with a flare that is unlike any normal power. Gods are beings to be feared, and this is no exception, as he has to face it head on...

bhX9fdndp_1d20-2
(Burn Duration Check: p_1d20-2)

"...No...not like this. It can't end like this..."

...to complete, utter failure. Once the flames have passed, Lemres was at an inch of his life left. He could barely stand, his breaths were desperately trying to sustain himself, he was an absolute mess. He didn't want to believe it, but he could be killed right on the spot from the laser shower.

p_1d20-1

...but none managed to hit. Lemres was insanely lucky to have avoided such an attack, as that would have finished him had it struck. To think he's close to being the first one to go is terrifying. This isn't like him. He has to keep fighting. He's in this for Arle's sake. He's also doing this for Schezo. What would become his reputation if he fell first? He has to keep a brave face for those that are counting on him. He's supposed to be a role model for them, and he'll keep that up to keep giving hope.

Even if it means pushing himself beyond his capacity.

He'll end up being trapped in this state for the rest of the battle, but it's the only choice he has to draw out every inch of stamina he has. With a weary wave of his wand, he shrouded himself with a transformation spell. He's covered in a blinding light, but once it clears, his outfit has changed entirely. While maintains its iconic pointed appearance, the entire ensemble is more suited for fencing, with his wand changing into that of a sword. He could stand now, but it's still a sizable task to do because of how much damage he took.

(Lemres has transformed into a Swordfighter!)

"I...I'll keep fighting. It's not over until it truly is..."

With the stage set by Shiya, Lemres jumped in and lunged right at the god with his blade to close off the distance...
(Palmier, 13%) p_1d20

Then when he's at the right position, he thrusts his blade at one of the eyes!
(Noisette, 6%, Crits on 18+) p_1d20

Unbeknownst to the weary comet warlock-turned-fencer, Shiya is free to borrow Lemres' sword arts...

Damage: 134% (!!!)
Shields: 35%
Status: Burned (4)
Form: Swordfighter1d20-2·1d20-2·1d20-1·1d20·1d20

[Mari]

"Lemres!" Arle blurted out. Her allies were starting to drop like flies. ...The question of whether Choppun qualified as an ally aside, Arle was starting to get some flashbacks. They were all rather unpleasant. ...At least she'd managed to get here without attracting Schezo or Rulue. It was enough to face this monster once. To her surprise though, Lemres managed to get back up and continue fighting! He and Galacta Knight were doing good work, but she remembered distinctly the brutally long battle she'd had with The Phantom of God. This was a monster that could take her strongest attacks

over...

and over...

and over...

and over again without staying down.

How was she supposed to speed this up? What was she doing wrong? She had allies! This should be easy!

She just had to fight harder! Arle once again lunged out to meet The Phantom God, attempting to drive her lance deep into one of its many eyes!

j|xMwCj6p_1d20+2 (Arle's Impale; Does 55% Damage)

Arle shuddered as her blade sunk deep into the deity's head, nearly taking her with it. She grimaced in mild disgust. Arle was used to doing this from outside the uh... 'splash' radius. Pushing herself off, she drew her blade to the sky and brought it down in an arc and launched a skyward slash into the monster!

p_1d20+2 (Arle's Skyward Strike; Does 34% Damage)

Somehow, the deity was simultaneously watching her and yet unfazed her presence. Her attacks just shot through it without really ...doing anything worth mentioning. They definitely hit, but the damage just seemed to be ignored. Rising higher into the air, she dropped back down to hit the deity square oen its skull with a wide arcing slash!

p_1d20+2 (Arle's ACrobatics Tactics; Does 46% Damage)

...And then she fell, her oversized goddess sword nearly falling from her grasp as she landed nearby. The poor thing was a bit exhausted.

---

Meanwhile, Shin!Arle observed their new arena. This wasn't the chamber The Phantom of God had been created to protect. She didn't think it'd appreciate being removed like that... "Shiya... where are we?" she softly asked in a mildly anxious, tossing pink fireballs and storms of purple ice at The Phantom of God in an effort to wear it down. Now that she was here, fighting it again, she could tell that she was a lot weaker than she'd been the first time around. Her attacks probably weren't even putting a dent in it!

"Abyss!"
p_1d20+4(Shin!Arle's Abyss; Does 10% Damage)

"Chaos!"
p_1d20+4(Shin!Arle's Chaos; Does 18% Damage)

"Eclipse!"
p_1d20+4(Shin!Arle's Eclipse; Does 12% Damage)

...Not a chance, and it felt awful. She wasn't doing much better than Shiya! 

---

Say, remember how I unsubtly foreshadowed that removing The Phantom of God from the dungeon they were intended to protect might have consequences? Shiya...

Are you sure you want that thing in the same place you keep your weapons?

"Megido" The Phantom of God's voice called out.

And just like that, in a brilliant burst of light, Shiya's World went up in flames. It was as if a nuclear bomb had been set off reducing everything within to a smoldering mass.

((Shiya! ...All that cool stuff you copied ...might be gone.))

((Also, you all might die--again. Everyone! There's no escaping from this unscathed. Roll Constitution. If you roll 16+, you only take 20% damage. If you only roll 12+, you take 30% damage. If you fail to roll 12+, you take 60% damage))

p_1d20+4 (Arle's Resistance)
p_1d20+0 (Shin!Arle's Resistance)

Shin!Arle collapsed to her knees in a crouching position. Crap--Crap. ...She was on fire. PLEASE STAND UP AND PUT YOUR CLOTHES OUT. Y-Y'know she might need a moment to recover before she could ... put herself out. Priorities, and all. Ow. Meanwhile, Arle managed to remain standing but didn't come out looking too great. And then,  the phantom of god began to draw in the flames from this dying ... 'world' and condensed them into its hands, hodling them stern. A moment later, three massive crimson shockwaves shot out across the world, rhythmically timed to force you to dodge them with perfect precision just to escape. The echoes of Tabuu are strong in this one.

((Everyone! ...Roll 16+ three times to dodge. Else, take 50% damage for each failure.))

p_1d20+6(Arle's Dodge) p_1d20+6(Arle's Dodge) p_1d20+6(Arle's Dodge)

p_1d20+1(Shin!Arle's Dodge) p_1d20+1(Shin!Arle's Dodge) p_1d20+1(Shin!Arle's Dodge)

Arle managed to dodge two of the waves, but by the time she was done she couldn't stand. There was blood trailing down her arms and legs and she promptly fell over onto her bottom after a moment of trying to convince her body to move. Shin!Arle was looking somewhat better, but how long would that last? "...H-Hey. Scarlet." Arle stammered out, reaching for Shin!Arle's attention. Seeing that Arle was struggling with her wounds, Shin!Arle bounced over to address her. "I've got a heart container. You can--" Shin!Arle began to offer somewhat half-heartedly. "I think we should fuse." Arle blurted out, interrupting her.

"What..?" Shin!Arle asked, recoiling slightly at the idea.

"I feel weaker... than the first time I was here. I kept thinking about what could've changed. I have a device. It can fuse us--" Arle remarked, ignoring her failing body for the moment being.

"No." Shin!Arle firmly replied.

"...But, why?" Arle replied in confusion, a look of betrayal on her face.

"...Think about what you're suggesting. What makes you and I different? If you and I became one, you would know what I know. Remember what I remember. Have experienced what I experienced. You would become me. ...What makes you think you'd be the same once we seperated? What makes you think we could seperate??" Shin!Arle scolded. "...It might destroy you." she went on to softly utter. To think, she was protecting Arle when she could've just taken her then and there. How far had she come? How far was she gone? sometimes she wondered.

((Everyone! ...Arle and Shin!Arle are having a disagreement. It may be worth your time to weigh in and offer your feelings on the matter. On one hand, fusion is one of the most powerful techniques in the entirety of Li. There is no doubt that whatever came of it, it would help defeat The Phantom of God, and perhaps save Arle's life. On the other, it might irreversably change Arle, or even cause one of them to outright cease to exist.

This one choice could directly result in either mission success or mission failure, but which is correct?))

The Phantom Of God Status: Electric Immunity

Arle 1 / 180 HP 55 / 55 Shield Status: Healing CD: 1 Turns Holy Laser CD: 2 Turns	The Two Arles Keep at least one in fighting condition at all times for mission success.	Arle 105/ 160 HP 50 / 50 Shield Status: Normal Well Fed (+1 Cha/Int Mod) Spectre Cooldown: 1 Turns Remaining Rejuvinate CD: 1 Turns Half Damage Taken: 1 Turns Damage Offset: 27%

1d20+2·1d20+2·1d20+2·1d20+4·1d20+4·1d20+4·1d20+4·1d20+0·1d20+6·1d20+6·1d20+6·1d20+1·1d20+1·1d20+1

[Rina]

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, SHIYA?!

The balance broken by Shiya's meddling, a brilliant flash of light made everything combust into flames. Lemres braced for impact, pulling the cape over him to try and ward off the retaliation...

YWm7Yagip_1d20+2

But it wasn't enough. His increased endurance wasn't enough. The worst has happened to him: He was the first to go. His bodily functions began to fail on him. His body was laid on the floor, rendered dead weight. Everything went black to him. Whatever transpired during his blackout went on without him. He felt like he was going to die here. Not coming home. Disappear.

But through his sheer will to hang on, he can hear the Arles' clamoring over something. Fusion...? Inability to separate...?

No...

What about Schezo? He came here in the dark wizard's name... The two of them mean a lot to Schezo. If they became a different person after all this...

Would the plan truly be a victory...?

"Hey...before...I go...Can I ask...you something...?"

...
...
...

"Are you ready...to break Schezo's heart...to play your trump card?"

But alas. Lemres will not get his answer. The light has already overtaken him as the last of his conscience peters out.

What was left behind, is a trophy of what the comet warlock once was as he laid here.

1d20+2

[Blade Unlimited]

...well this was starting to be a terrible trend for Shiya. Just when he thought things were going great, suddenly it all comes crashing back down around him! "Wha-Why-How?!" Shiya could only sputter out partial words as suddenly a sharp jolt flashed through his brain. "AAAAARGH-!!!" It was as if his entire mind had turned into sheets of icy spires repeatedly splintering out of his skull in every direction. All of his weapons abruptly vanishing around him, Shiya's eyes widened as sudden clarity invaded his mind. One of the perks of the dimension essentially being your mind is the fact that he knows pretty much everything that happens in it the moment it happens.... which meant he was made painfully aware in the most literal of senses when everything was about to turn to pure oblivion!

Still recoiling in pain as he fell back towards the ground below, Shiya ripped a small, green object from his pocket before crushing it in his palm hastily. There was no way he could even consider dodging in this state so he had to weather the damage! His rate of descent drastically increasing, Shiya crashed back down into the petrified soil below in a rather large plume of dust... before stepping out almost completely covered in metal?!

((Shiya used a Metal Box and is inflicted with "Metal"))

Standing up just as his entire world erupted in annihilation by the Phantom God's Megido, Shiya's glinting form stood back up clutching his head while the disruptive flames licked at his now sleek form.

vL5mxqhXp_1d20+5 (Megido resist - 15% DMG Recieved; Metal duration -1 turn)

Silently, yet emotively, screaming in agony while his metal frame was engulfed in flames, Shiya could only do his best and bear with the pain while trying to withstand the damage. Well at least it couldn't get much worse than thi-

p_1d20-1 (Crimson Nova Evasion - Failure - 37.5% DMG; Metal duration -1 turn)

Oh no.

p_1d20-1 (Dodged somehow)

p_1d20-1 (Failed - 37.5% DMG; Metal duration -1 turn)

"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

His metal form writhed in agony while he was bombarded with attack after attack. It wasn't enough that he could still feel the unbearable pain behind a coating of literal metal; but in addition, with every single world-shattering blow, the intense damage on the world itself seemed to transfer into Shiya's mind as well, inflicting an unbearable agony on him.

The clinks of metal striking the ground repeatedly, Shiya was finally sent flying by the last wave of burning plasma before landing in a damaged heap next to the Arles just as the compiled damage managed to shatter his short-lived metal coating.

Gasping for air as the metal shards fell apart around him, Shiya shuddered trying his best to drive down all the pain. He couldn't afford to be feeling pain right now! He had to protect Arle, he had to do something... even though somehow that beast had managed to remove and destroy everything in a world literally created from his mind!

...that was when Shiya overheard a conversation he probably shouldn't have heard. A conversation he had no business overhearing or thinking about... and yet just going over it in his head send shivers down his spine worse than he'd ever felt before. ".....fuse... become her... forever?" he murmured under his breathe, as if still trying to wrap his head around the subject. On one hand, they were literally moments away from all being killed at the hands of the Phantom God; Shiya himself could barely even stand, his entire arsenal had possible been disposed of... Was his punishment for failing either everyone losing their lives... or potentially losing Arle forever? His Arle?

It felt like hours for Shiya, going over the question a thousand times in his mind while he shakily stood back up. Taking a deep breathe, the fatigued mage stumbled towards Warle before placing a hand on her shoulder. His eyes were full of sorrow, tears openly streaming down his face too tired to be held back; but the conviction in his gaze was clear and irregardless of his own feelings, he knew what had to be done. "D-Do it... Please..."

Shutting his eyes tight, Shiya did the one thing he never thought he'd do before. He closed his eyes tightly and wished with all his might... if miracles did exist, please give them one now. Up until this point, Shiya profusely denied the concept of magic... but if there was even a chance of some greater, illogical, and unexplained force existing, he prayed with all of his heart for it to happen now; not for him, because he knew if something like that ever existed he couldn't deserve it, but for Arle and Warle. As if responding to the desperately repentant mage's wish, a bright and mystical light suddenly shown throughout the world of Shiya's Infinite Sword Birth. Across the recently converted Hellscape's sky, a kaleidoscope of colors flashed over a purple-black night sky. Illuminating the ground below, a powerful Falling Star began streaking towards the ground, restoring any damage it touched before finally engulfing the other Arle in its' light; the wish-granting symbol somehow responding to the pleading hope as Shiya lifted up their strife.

((Shiya used his wish on his Fallen Star item for Arle(Blue)! Heals Arle for 50% of her maximum health!))

All he could do now was hope...

Shiya Damage: 176%/180% Shield Durability: 65%/65% Status: Begging Infinite Sword Birth (2 turns?)

1d20+5·1d20-1·1d20-1·1d20-1

[Coolshaymin]

dRlmvDklp_1d20+6
p_1d20+6
p_1d20+6
p_1d20+6

Galacta Knight soon noticed that the attack that Shiya unleashed was about to turn against them quick for liberating the god from his home. From Warle and his gut, he realized now was a good time to put his shield out and absorb the firey blast that unfolded and wiped the area clean of any blades. He still felt the heat from his shield but he was able to brace himself well enough to fight off most of the burn with the aide of Arle's spell it was reduced significantly. However, that was not the end of concern as it fired off a few waves of attacks. As swift as the knight may be, he got blasted by the first wave pretty harshly. However, he was able to recover in time to do a aerial spin around the next, only to get thrown back by the last one. Despite the shielding he was given, blood began to drip from the knight as he took a rather bad blow. He was still far from over but he felt his limits approaching. Worst yet, they were unable to damage the beast it seems. No matter how hard they strike he takes it.

Galacta Knight took a breather, deciding to focus his strength next for evading or taking. Whatever he does, he must not push past the limit. However, that is when he heard a talk between Arle and Warle... Fusion, hm? He heard of a rare tool that could cause such a thing but from the sounds of it. those two inpaticular could have some rather harsh reprecussions. The cosmic warlock was first to fall but brought up an interesting point. If that Arle is lost, then there would be tears shed... On the other hand, not doing so could mean failure... "... I do not know what you are talking about, but I shall provide my words as well. I am merely here to see this mission through to it's conclusion, not make your decisions. I gave you a choice a long time ago but you chose to ran away. You can't always run or else you shall forever be consumed by your doubts. While the truth may hurt, sometimes it is better known than only half," the warrior told Arle... seeming to be talking about something completely different for a moment. "That is neither here or there. You have a choice as the two mention. You can risk your existence at the cost of all those close to you both by an attempt at heroics that may not even work, or you can risk failing here, never even fully knowing that there was a chance to begin with. Even if you turn both the same, will it be the same to either that care about you? I can not tell how the outcome might occur in either scenario, I just can assume the risks and possibilities. I can not say I feel confident in our victory in either scenario, but I believe one of those risks have a very high probability of not coming back. Tell me, Arle, are you willing to run for all eternity, risk failure for others, or do your best to accomplish the impossible? Hehehe, I am quite interested in the conclusion you come to," Galacta Knight stated... not really giving either Arle a clear answer. Simply telling them what he thinks and letting them decide whether it's worth it or not. Still, he leaves a wish in Arle's hands to accomplish whatever she thinks is right.


p_1d20+2(Galacta Knight's wish on Blue Arle, 21% healed to him and Blue Arle. The Star Rod is disabled once more for twice the duration due to the same wish being cast twice in a row.)

HP: 134/230%
Shield HP: 100%
Status: Tiring

1d20+6·1d20+6·1d20+6·1d20+6·1d20+2

[Mari]

Shin!Arle looked up at Shiya, a tad shocked by his reaction. Hold on, what was happening here? Why was he--? Did he--? Shin!Arle forced a fake smile onto her face rather awkwardly. "...It's not me I'm worried about." she softly replied. After all, she was set in her ways. She already remembered everything Arle remembered.

Meanwhile, Arle had a much harder decision to make. Lemres had hurt her with his words, but it wasn't as if she didn't see what he was getting at. As much as she didn't want to believe her life mattered that much to Schezo, a part of her was willing to consider the possibility. But even if he moved on, what would become of Rulue? How could she just... leave her behind, after everything they'd gone through to get where they were? Just the thought was... unconscionable. She couldn't do that to her! But what did any of that mean if the planet itself was put in danger by her lack of action? Was it proper to make a sacrifice like that in the name of a greater good? The hideous face of the Phantom of God hovered over them, unyielding in its presence. Arle shuddered. ...No, there wasn't another way. She couldn't possibly keep fighting like this for much longer in her current state! They'd all die!

...But her heart could not resolve such an ultimatum. There had to be another way. She could not accept not being there for Rulue. She just wanted to be a good friend! Why did the fate of the world have to depend on people like her?? Arle shook her head rather hard.

"...Of course, all of that's just speculation. It might not be as bad as I'm making it sound." Shin!Arle half-heartedly added. Y'know, people had fused before! It was just their special relationship that raised some uncertainties.

Thinking about it, Arle quietly came to a realization. Something that eased her fears. She wouldn't be breaking anyone's heart. Not today.

"...Let's do it." Arle relented, standing back up. Shin!Arle gave her a knowing look. She'd always known Arle would put the greater good above all else if it came down to that.

Producing a DNA splicer Arle stepped forward and --Hold on what were they supposed to do with these again? She stopped and looked at the cables for a moment. They were just kinda pointy. "Umm..." the mage-knight began, only to jump in alarm as The Phantom of God leaned over to get a better look at what they were doing. Weirdly enough, it seemed to be taking its sweet time finishing them off, not that Arle and Shin!Arle didn't didn't understand why. Although The Phantom of God did not have much control over its awesome power, it wasn't actually an an aggressive creature. Rather, it was a guardian--and it was giving them a chance to flee. "Just--" Shin!Arle began, grabbing one end of the cable and promptly stabbing Arle's arm with it, eliciting a yelp from the mage. She'd never gotten a shot before, but the needle didn't leave much to the imagination. Shin!Arle then reached out to grab Arle's hand before she could mess with it, holding hands with the other as she reached up to do the same to herself. The two shared a brief moment of acknowledgement before the cables and subsequently their bodies enveloped with a bright light, pulling them together and mashing their forms into --

Well actually, they just kinda slid into eachother rather cleanly. The seams between their bodies vanished in an instance, two halves of the same soul met together inside their conjoined bodies and collided with each other, where they fit together like two pieces of a puzzle and became indistinct. It came so easily, and when the light faded... Arle was alone. There was no second voice in her head, no fusion anomalies, no thoughts that were not her own. There was only herself.

...And it felt incredible.

Fusions were often ... messy in terms of how they came together. A mishmash of various features. Sometimes they were taller. Sometimes they had extra limbs. A lot could go wrong with a fusion between any given two people. But this? It was almost perfect! She looked a lot healthier in her current state. Most of her wounds had simply vanished, which was convenient. An incredible surge of energy raced from the pit of her heart to the ends of her digits, manifesting as a purple aura when her body became saturated and could no longer contain all of the energy her renewed soul was outputting. A little giggle escaped her. The energy tickled, funilly enough, like little gaseous waves washing over her and creating a mild pins and needle feeling in their wake. "...Actually, yeah! This feels 'right'." Arle calmly remarked as she observed her her outstretched. It was a bit of an understatement, really. It was an experience greater than any drug could hope to provide, not that Arle would know a thing about that. She was overflowing with magic power! She felt firmer and tougher. Faster. Even her focus felt sharper! Now she just had to--Oh yeah. Right.

Turning on The Phantom of God, Arle raised her staff to the sky.

"Fire Storm!" Arle called out, conjuring a storm of fire peppered by meteors that brutalized the phantom where it stood, reminiscent of it's hellish aura. The Phantom of God promptly changed the color of its shield to a brilliant red.

lwRAXS1Rp_1d20+8 (Arle's Fire Storm; Does 50% Damage)

"Ice Storm!" Arle called out. A rumbling could be heard as an enormous shard of ice burst out from the ground, slamming into The Phantom God and shattering into a million pieces around it. This time, the shield turned blue.

p_1d20+8 (Arle's Ice Storm; Does 44% Damage)

"Thunder Storm!" Arle called out, drawing down dozens of bolts of lightning from the .....ceiling? To strike at the phantom god rivaling the very same attack it had used to strike her down at the start of the battle. Finally, the shield turned yellow again.

p_1d20+8 (Arle's Thunder Storm; Does 52% Damage)

And then, taking a deep breath, Arle channeled as much mana as she could into a single blast. It was time to see what her body could handle.

"Heaven's Ray!" Arle called out, followed quickly by "Ragnarok!" ...A blast of holy energy and dark energy erupted from above and below respectively, meeting at The Phantom God and colliding. The two opposites reacted violently, disintegrating in an explosive wave that wiped out everything in their path.

((Arle's final Smash; Does 160% Damage))

Everyone in the room would likely be blinded by the cataclysmic attack for a good few moments. ...And when the dust cleared and the wind stopped assaulting their eyes, ...The Phantom of God remained. Yet, it now looked calmer. It certainly didn't look defeated! But it made no move to retaliate. "...Welcome back, Arle." the Phantom of God relented. Suddenly, it seemed to recognize her! Arle seemed as surprised as anyone else, but one look down at herself and she understood why. 

She recognized herself too.

The Phantom Of God Status: Pacified

1d20+8·1d20+8·1d20+8

[Rina]

Something was wrong... Schezo tried to contact Lemres, but he coudn't get a response. Was he out of reach? Is there a force blocking his senses? Or worse...

No, that can't be right. But if it is...

Gods...

If Lemres, a famed comet warlock, was bested by something or someone, then there was bad stuff happening. He knew the risks, and wanted to protect Arle on Schezo's behalf. Even if it meant getting killed in the process. Schezo himself felt reluctant to enter in the first place...but now he has to step foot. He's physically been here before, but his memories--lack thereof rather--deny him any possible recollection. These specific memories were forcefully wiped by Phantom God's demands, in attempt to keep the Seraphim Orb away from his reach.

That, in turn, wiped out his sacrifice. Proof of his ability to give his life up for someone. He doesn't remember it. Can't remember it, even.

As he delved deeper, a dull, numbing feeling nipped his mind. It wasn't anything he could describe, but he had to endure. The enemies here appear to have been routed, so there was nothing holding him back other than the quiet pain.

Deeper...
And deeper...
And deeper still.

He eventually caught up. And as he took a step within the azure chambers, the god came into view.

And the dull pain turned into sharp agony. He's seen Phantom God before, but his memories seem to be blocked by something, and it hurts. It really hurts. He tried to keep quiet so as to not draw attention, but his body language spoke for him in his stead. He was on his knees, visibly writhing in pain, having no idea that all that he sees is supposed to be familiar.

I don't get it...why am I having these pains? I don't know what this place is! Am I not supposed to be here?

[Coolshaymin]

It... wasn't attacking? The knight kept his guard up regardless but the whole situation was strange until he thought about it. It wasn't trying to kill them, it was giving them a chance to leave if they wanted. However, it seems like this god had some ulterior motive? But what? What was the point of this relentless attack? "Hm, it would appear she is going through with it. Sword, are you sure you should let them fuse? This could prove bad," a voice entered Galacta Knight's head. So, Giegue was watching this from his mind afterall. The psychic alien seemed a bit concerned about the knight's choice. "Yes. There is no other way. The world might need this. Still, I do not blame your uncertainty. Their fusion is flawless as if they were merely becoming one again rather than two bodies combining their power. This is interesting," the knight observed as Arle took in her power before unleashing it upon the god in several super powerful spells that managed to shatter through the god's defenses.

The round Star Warrior shielded his sight with one arm as a powerful combination of holy and dark magic combined and blinded the room, though he was not sure how effected the one other survivor was. Then the god seemed to finally recogonize Arle for who she was and did not strike back. "..."  Sword looked to Arle for a moment as if searching for something. There was not anything that different he could tell, but there was definitely something off... "It would appear the god recogonizes her now. However, is this really the end? I would stay on my guard, never know around humans..." the psychic voice went off in Sword's head again. He knew his alien comrade did not trust humans to begin with after past experience, Sword did not blame him, it was a bit of a kinship they shared.

Still, there was still a matter to resolve. "... How is the fusion? Feeling like your old self, Arle?" Galacta knight asked as he lowered his weapons. However, despite his lance and shield down, he was still on his guard just in case. It would appear another has arrived as well who seemed bothered. Still, the knight kept his focus on Arle. 

[Blade Unlimited]

Well... the deed was done. Feeling a bright light burning through his closed lids, Shiya opened his eyes; blinking them profusely to return his sight before being met with not the sight of two Arle's but one. Not red or blue but... purple? Shiya would be lying if he didn't admit to being at least a "little" bit intimidated by this new Arle. Maybe it was the sprawling indigo waves of power cascading off of her form, or possibly the malevolent-seeming, confident aura the girl had about her that contrasted so extreme to the one he was used to. "...Kick its butt." the exhausted mage uttered. At this point, the fusion had already happened... and he just wanted to be done with this crazy monster!

While Arle proceeded to hand the Phantom God's butt to it with extreme prejudice; Shiya shakily tried his best to recuperate. While every hair on his head stood even more on end from the power cascading off the female mage's magical assaults, he did his best to concentrate, trying to come up with some way not to die any second. Holding out an unsteady hand,  magical cyan pathways flickered into visibility along the youth's arm... before vanishing entirely. "..." Completely speechless, Shiya could do nothing more but sit back and watch his friends do battle... well all except Lemres, who was completely dead. He was completely frozen, almost like some sort of statue.

...

...No... Wait. Did he actually turn into a statue?! "Wha-What?!" Did "wizards" turn into giant figurines when they died or something?! How did that even work?! Straining his mind to comprehend what he'd just witnessed, Shiya's thought process was rudely interrupted though as another pang shot through his mind. "A-AGH-rrghhhh..." What did that thing do to him!?

And just like that, where roars of pain and magical energy flaring about filled his ears, there was nothing but silence as the ringing died down. Lifting his gaze to stare at the two combatants, Shiya was surprised, to say the least, upon witnessing not an intensive battle but...  Civil conversation? "Did... Did that thing just talk?"

There was only one possible explanation for this to occur:

"I-It's a trap! ..huergh."

Shiya Damage: 176%/180% Shield Durability: 65%/65% Status: Begging Infinite Sword Birth (1 turns?)

[Mari]

Arle glanced back at Galacta Knight, then back at herself, then at Shiya. She hadn't noticed Schezo yet, mostly because he was so quiet. "...Yeah~! I can't believe I was just walking around with half of myself missing like that without even realizing it." Arle replied somewhat light-heartedly. A certain relief crossed her face. "...It's okay. This is who we're here for." Arle went on to reassure Shiya. She then turned to address The Phantom of God. "...I've changed my mind! I need to know how to use the Seraphim Orb." Arle half-heartedly explained. "What is it you would do with the orb? It seems you've brought the Dark Wizard back with you." The Phantom Of God asked rather simply in response. It had a perpetual calmness to its voice, though a certain disappointment leaked into it at that last part. Arle hesitated for a moment in confusion, turning fully around and finally noticing Schezo there.

...He came? She was immediately alarmed by the pain Schezo was in, flinching and rushing past the others to Schezo's side. "Schezo!" Arle blurted out, crouching down next to him and easing him into a sitting position next to her. Luckily, she'd already had plenty of experience with this and was quick to identify what was wrong. "...I want to remove the block on his memories." Arle quickly blurted out, shooting a look back to The Phantom of God. "...His desire for power could destroy us all. He cannot be allowed to remember this place." The Phantom Of God replied in that same calm tone. "That's not true! He's trying, and he's changed! I want to make this stop!" Arle snapped rather angrily back, refusing to accept the answer she was given. There was a long moment of silence. "...Please. He's already here." Arle protested more softly. "...Very well. Take the orb, and focus your willpower while holding it. Wipe away the veil that hangs over his mind." The Phantom Of God instructed, and so Arle followed, producing a delicate artifact and holding it in her hands.

...Moments later, Schezo could feel his pain easing away. Just like that, reality bent to Arle's whim and he found that he could now think clearly again. Arle watched him carefully as she went about peeling the layers away from his mind. "...I'm sorry, Schezo." she softly apologized, feeling a bit bad about what she'd done. She would then offer to help pull him back to his feet with her, offering him a nervous smile. Would he even recognize her in this new form? Oddly enough, Arle looked distinct. She wasn't quite either of them. She was significantly more up-beat than Shin!Arle had been, but had a certain intensity and maturity to her that the Arle he'd come to know did not. She then hesitantly turned back to The Phantom Of God. "Alright--" Arle began, pondering what to ask for next. "I need to use this to change the world--for the better." she went on to explain. The Phantom Of God was silent for a long moment again. "...This one would like to copy the orb's celestial power for his own gain. He must not be allowed to do so." The Phantom Of God went on to remark. "What..?" Arle replied, only to follow The Phantom of God's gaze to Shiya in bewilderment. He was a threat too??

Arle moved back up to Shiya's side and gave him a skeptical look. Her face had 'Yeah this guy is almost dead he is not a threat to anyone' written all over it. ...Oh right. He's almost dead. She should probably do something about that before he got smote. Leaning in, she gently took one of Shiya's arms and whispered in his ear. "...I've got a plan to get him off our backs. Try not to freak out, alright?" Arle whispered. And with that, she tapped into the power of her Hungry Cookpot and pulled Shiya in for what could've been mistaken for a kiss--until it wasn't and he got gobbled up, anyway. The next thing Shiya would know, he was being held in a rather warm, damp embrace against Arle. It was a bit cramped, but at least he wasn't sharing it with anyone, right? Arle's heart was beating rapidly above him.

...Hey wait a minute, wasn't someone missing? Best not to dwell on that for too long.

"There!! Now he's safe and removed. Can you teach me how to use the orb now??" Arle impatiently demanded, not oblivious to the idea that her time might be limited. For the third time, a moment of silence was had. This time, however, before The Phantom Of God could figure out whether to be satisfied with her request, another voice chimed in.

"I think the guardian raised an important question that could have been answered a lot better."
the voice called. A woman seemed to appear behind the group, almost fading into existence. She looked... distinctly familiar.



"What is it you want to do with that orb?

The woman before them looked just like Arle did just now! And yet, her entrance was distinctly odd. She turned her head to address the rest of the group, namely Schezo and Galacta Knight. Her eyes lacked recognition for them. "You hold in your hands an artifact of unimaginable power. It could do anything with the right amount of effort. ...As the heir to the orb, it is yours to wield. Yet, there's something I must ask of your friends. Would you entrust your futures, the fate of your world, and your safety to Arle? Because that is exactly what is being bargained for."

The Phantom Of God Status: Pacified

[Rina]

He could barely register Arle's presence by his side. The throbbing pain makes everything sound washed out to him, and seeing her more violet colors made him wonder if he's just imagining it. A trick of the mind. And before he knew it, a force was allowing the throbbing to go away, but a new one has come in its place. Pages of memories came back to him, stabbing into his mind like daggers. From fighting her here, to chasing down her power, the orb's power, to the time of his death...it came back to him. It hurt, he staggered, but it wouldn't last forever. The pain has come and passed, his mind has cleared, and the first thing he heard...

"I'm sorry, Schezo."

...
...
...

He took her hand, allowing to stand up on his feet once more. Arle... She felt familiar yet foreign. This is the same Arle that he's known for ages, and the one he's forgotten for reasons that go beyond this sanctuary. This was a form he was unfamiliar with, but yet he feels a familiarity he can't quite describe. He then turned his attention to the orb, now familiar to him. And then he turned back to Arle. He's been after the orb, but was forced to remember nothing of it for so long. He could attain its power now, but...

"...I understand, Arle."

...that desire did not spark at all. He refrained from trying to touch it, listening to her pleas, wanting to use it for bigger plans, possibly world-shaking. A third voice then echoed, turning his eyes to the third...Arle? No, it's not another Arle. While she has the likeness, this one doesn't seem familiar. He still listened to what she has to say...and it's a rather big request.

Entrust his fate to Arle...?

He fell silent to this question for a moment...This is considering Arle manipulated his memories for so long. She could do the same thing again and leave him with this torment of being locked out out of the loop. Yet, if it weren't for her, he probably wouldn't be standing at all. He would have been out of her life entirely.

"...You bring forth a heavy burden to ask for. But alas, I came here for the orb. At least...that what the self of past would say. From the time I ventured ascending a tower, to being spirited away to many worlds, it gave me much reconsidering of who I am. I seek power, but...what does that mean anymore? I still lack an answer to that, but I can surely admit to this: The desire for the orb's power has long since disappeared when my life was snuffed out by the god's judgment. Usurping the orb's powers would clash against my ideals."

Yet, because she did, he became what he is now.

"Had I had those memories restored any sooner, I could have done something foolish. I could have tried chasing after the orb once more and thrown my life away, continue to antagonize her because of the orb, or succeed in defiling a god and turn into a dark wizard overcome with megalomania. When I think back to my time being trapped with Arle and Scarlet in another dimension...I had a lingering resentment. A distance I couldn't close in spite of trying to make amends. I attained the reason why now, but it was reasons that defied my concerns. The time I spent without memories of this artifact was for the best, and learning why she did it...I feel peace of mind, content with how I've changed."

He felt the need to take Arle's hand and place it to his chestplate. If this was out of line, then she's free to take it back. His grip isn't especially tight.

"Who am I to distrust her with my life after having given me a second chance?"

[Coolshaymin]

The Stoic Warrior looked down at the infamous Shiya for a moment.... This was the man wanted by the police for such minscule misdeeds like breaking windows? He can't see it's unfitting.... Even more fitting for his fate to keep him out of trouble is by consuming him.... The knight did not seem to find that weird and really there was no reason to. Kirby did the same thing, so it was not exactly surprising with how common it was in his world alone. The focus was shifted on a man in pain before that point. He seemed hurt by this place for reasons the knight was not even sure on himself.

This is fixed by a block being removed on the mysterious man's memories... Ah, so he is an ally to Arle now, old foe from the sounds of it. Made sense to eliminate the man renown for his ability to steal other people's weapons anyway. Though, the real surprise came when their plan was interrupted once more. The knight turned around to bare witness to a girl that looked similar to Arle but there was... something different. Though the knight did not know or paticularly desire what.

"You are a fool if you do not think I do not know of the risks," Sword replied, looking to the orb. He couldn't very well take it, but he did not like the answer Arle gave anymore than this girl. "And I am not so quick to entrust any of those things to her given my current knowledge of her. That is why I have come to see this through. Arle, I have stated before I gave you knowledge to stand up to something that was unknown. Your choice was to run away. How do we not know your instinct will not be to run when the situation becomes too much? I have my own power I can rely on and I have trained for. Power means nothing in the wrong hands however. How do we know you are the right hands?" Sword questioned, seeming to be not as on Arle's side as before. Still he did not draw his lance, he seemed to merely be testing her resolve for the time being.

[Blade Unlimited]

"...Whatchu talkin' bout Arle?" Shiya spoke up in confusion, squinting suspiciously. He thought they only came here to fight their way in and turn on her orb thing or something... "If this thing was your friend the whole time..."

"WHY DID IT ATTACK US!?"

"Attack" being a humongous understatement there; seeing as how the Phantom Deity had pretty much spent the past several minutes handing their butts to them. That Lemres guy was for all intents and purposes probably dead too, and that Choppun guy too (but nobody really cared about him), and Shiya wasn't far behind! As Shiya mentally raged at Arle in frustration at his inability to understand was going on, the last remnants of his already shattered-beyond-repair mental projection completely dissolved; leaving no longer any traces of the mage's Infinite Sword Birth present in the room they were inhabiting once more.

Speaking of allies though, Shiya managed to look beyond his daze and realize that a newcomer had joined their group. "Oh... hey Schezo." Shiya wobbled unsteadily as he sat up, his voice still shaky when he greeted the dark swordsman. Unfortunately, the mage could do nothing more than stare as their new ally was also overcome with some sort of mental pains; rendered near immobile by it. Then Arle started talking again to the The Phantom of God... something, something, memories, or whatever. Honestly, he didn't really start paying attention to what they were saying until the fused Arle brought forth the Seraphim Orb, attempting to use it on Schezo or something. ...With a guilty expression, Shiya couldn't help but scan his eyes over the strange object in abject fascination and curiosity. Due to how messed up his powers and head was at the present moment, there was no chance he could even hope to try copying it... but there was no harm in looking.

 Apparently the Phantom of God didn't think so.

"Aww. That's nice~" He couldn't help but smile at the situation as Schezo and Arle made amends with each-other. Friendship was a such a beautiful thing... which was immediately spoiled as the ghostly deity snitched on one of Shiya's ulterior motives for being here. Shaking his head wildly, he sputtered trying to defend himself. "Wha-Tha-Objection! I came here to help Arle, too!" Great defense, buddy. "Not like I could do it now anyway since you NUKED MY MIND! Seriously, what did you do to me?!" At this point screaming in outrage, the red mage was belligerent with indignant anger towards the Phantom of God; he hardly even took notice of the fused Arle approaching him... until he suddenly felt her taking a hold of one of his arms, leaning in to whisper in his ear.

"...Why would I freak ou-" Before he could even finish his sentence, Shiya's voice was caught like a lump in his throat as he turned his head to look into the face of his friend. The youth's eyes widened in disbelief, his face flushing red as Arle's face and especially lips pulled closer and closer. "Wha-Bu-You-I-...Meeep." Frozen in emotional duress, Shiya was left unable to do nothing but wait with bated breathe; closing his eyes in expectation for something....

 ...something completely different to what actually happened.

After a few moments of feeling an especially long absence of kissing, Shiya managed to gain enough sense of his surroundings to realize he was in a very warm, very cramped, and very squishy enclosure... An enclosure that smelled suspiciously of curry. "..."

It was almost as if his mind froze, trying to comprehend just what had happened. Where he could possibly be... until he began hearing Arle's voice in a deafening echo around him. There was no mistake about it. He was IN Arle!

And he wasn't happy about it.

"AAAAAAAAAAAARLE! THAT WAS UNCALLED FOR AND CRUEL! THIS IS CROSSING THE LINE!"

Give him a few minutes. He'll be fiiiiine; though the mage's reaction is a bit understandable giving the already physical and mental damage he'd been dealt over the past few minutes. Tacking on emotional to the list was just salt in he wound. Nevertheless, Shiya was at the very least safe at the moment; although, how safe he'd stay was a matter of grave concern given his current injuries and surroundings...

Such as the ominous disappearance of someone who had undergone a similar fate not even an hour earlier.

Shiya Damage: 176%/180% Shield Durability: 65%/65% Status: Mentally, physically, and emotionally tolled