Who: Nier Which: Closed Log Adventures Where: moving to different places during the event portions What: catchall log for October Warnings: potentially containing blood, death, murder or strong themes of violence
[It starts with a strange sound. Nier turns around and sees an odd figure, wielding a bloody butcher knife turning its head in an unnatural way. He almost forgets to breathe before the odd figure says ...Do you know the mutton man?]
What the hell. What's with the bloody knife? Eustace?? A little help???
[He calls out to the other person nearby dragging Eustace into this mess.]
[Eustace had also turned upon hearing the scene, and he also can't fathom what it is—but it could be related to this Baba Yaga witch, perhaps even one of her minions. Either way, it's clearly hostile, especially when it suddenly screams and lunges at him. The voice is so loud, he actually flinches before he can steady himself and fire a shot, a bolt of lightning zipping through the air and just missing the strange figure before hitting a tree just behind it.]
[ Nier winces a little when he hears the lighting strike and he ducks down just incase something unexpected happens. When he looks up he sees that Eustace just missed it.]
You were so close! We have to get them.
[ This knife wielding monster seems strong. Nier draws out his sword while standing up in a battle formation. ]
Did you hear what he said before? Said something about a Mutton Man.
[With his eyes focused on the strange figure, he only quickly glances at Nier.]
I have no idea what it's referring to—
[And now it's starting to hum to a certain tune before it starts to sing in a low, raspy voice.]
"Do you know the mutton man The mutton man The mutton man...
Do you know the mutton man Who lives on MURDER LANE?"
[At the last two words it screams again and lunges at the both of them at breakneck speed, so fast that all Eustace could do is jump to the side to roll of its way.]
[That song honestly makes Nier feel uneasy. He can't even hide his discomfort and there's a baffled expression on his face. When the strange figure screams and lunges itself towards them Nier strikes at it with his blade. He has no idea what's happening, but there's no time to think. They need to fight. ]
[As if to prove that point, there's the sound of his gun as he fires a shot at the "Mutton Man," but again it moves quickly and lunges at Nier to engage in a fast fight, its giant butcher knife with incredible speed.]
[ Nier sees the butcher knife coming to strike him so he clashes at it with his blade. The sword he's using now looks heavier than he is. It's far too large to be anything ordinary. ]
Take this you freak!!!
[ Nier manages to summon a bolt of dark spectral energy to attack. Maybe that will give Eustace an opening to move and counter. A battle is a battle and he's not going to run away.]
[It's quick, but it's enough for someone of Eustace's skill. However, instead of aiming at the Mutton Man directly, he aims at the ground right by their feet. In this dreamscape his gun's functions were once again altered, but at least he's learned how to harness it. So instead of lightning, what's fired is that sticky candy goop similar to bubblegum.
...
...
He can't say he's proud of it, but you know whatever, he's trying to help slow the madman.]
Though Eustace agrees they should deal with this quickly as there's no need to prolong something that's more hostile and dangerous than anything he's encountered in this place so far. After ensuring no gun residue is on his weapon, he eyes their opponent, ready to fire another shot.]
It's not impossible. I can fire another lightning flash to momentarily blind him and you can immediately follow up. Otherwise I can also do close combat, but it may be better if I distract from a distance.
[He checks his weapon and watches as the Mutton Man is still slowed by the bubble gum goop—but not for much longer.]
Wait three seconds after the flash.
[That's the only command Eustace gives before he drops down to one knee and lines his shot. He then fires three rounds: the first is another shot of bubble gun, the second a distracting shot that clips the Mutton Man's shoulder, and then the third is a bright flash of lightning that illuminates the area right in front of it, blinding the Mutton Man.
[ He sees the flash of light and takes it as a sign to act. Nier is no slouch in combat so he's quick on his feet and moves the moment he's able to. He's been fighting seriously for five long years and hopefully his experience shows. He slashes at the Mutton Man with all his might and maybe that did the trick?
Who can say for certain?]
Made it! Hey, you know we make a pretty good team. Do you think that was enough??
[The Mutton Man staggers from the blade, black ink-like fluid and papery ash spewing out from what would normally be perceived to be a fatal blow. However, seeing as it hasn't fallen completely—]
Don't relax yet!
[That's all Eustace will manage to say before he fires another shot at the Mutton Man's legs to stagger it again and allow Nier to inflict more damage. Clearly its hp bar vitality is greater than expected, though maybe it's fitting if it's some kind of nightmareish monster.]
[The Mutton man's HP bar still standing tall with vigor and energy. It seems like they could be at this for a while. Thankfully, Nier is used to fighting and he doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. He takes another battle stance and prepares for another attack. There must be some way to make it through this. He doesn't want to give up and stop fighting just because it's not easy. He's been through different battles in his life so maybe this one won't be too different.]
Eustace! I'm going to change my attacks and mix them so they won't know what to expect. Try to break through its defense!
[Nier takes out a much heavier sword and slashes at the mutton man as he staggers. The are sparks and light clashing out of the blade.]
[If he had access to Flamek's true power this would have been much easier. As it is, he's limited to what he's been able to produce with his own abilities with dreamotion energy, and it's been too short of a time to get far yet. But Eustace is good at thinking on his feet and working with what he has.]
Understood. Charging up!
[It won't be the full might of Flamek Thunder, but it'll be something that should be a strong enough electric shock that will stun it and weaken it so that Nier can finish it off.]
[ Nier's pretty serious in battle when he needs to be. He strikes at the Mutton man with a heavy blade with the intention of breaking his armor. Then he changes his weapon into a spear to follow up on a quicker attack.]
[FOCUS, NIER, FOCUS!! Well, he's used to battle quips as well, but now is not the time for that kind of question??
And he's going to punctuate that order by aiming his weapon upward before there's a loud, electrifying shot, several bolts of lightning suddenly falling towards and around the Mutton Man.]
the mutton man. The song from before might have been a little strange but it certainly struck a chord with Nier. He's thinking if there's any meaning behind this battle. Nier doesn't really stop to reply back to Eustace. He's in full gear pouring every last ounce of energy he has into the battle. At the back of his mind, he might be afraid that someone will get hurt if they don't take care of this soon. What about the people who can't fight? What will happen if they encounter the so-called mutton man? Will they stand a chance against him?
[Their combined attacks finally brings the Mutton Man down, Eustace's lightning managing to stun it and weaken its defenses by searing through some of its exterior while Nier's onslaught cuts through its body. Black, ink-like substance pours out of it instead of blood, and instead of flesh shreds of ashen paper fly out with every deep slash until at least it falls back.
As if unable to maintain its form, the body begins to come apart, more of that black ink spilling and paper flying into the air despite there being no wind around the. But before it completely blows away, the mouth of the Mutton Man jerks upward into a wild laugh and once again sings its rhyme for the last time:]
"Do you know the mutton man The mutton man The mutton man...
Do you know the mutton man Who lives on Murder Lane...
Hahahahaha.... This isn't over!! EVERYTHING HAS AN ENDING!"
[It lets out a wild scream before it explodes into ink and paper. Eustace shields himself his cape, managing to deflect most of it before slowly lowering it. Along with the messy "remains" of the Mutton Man are...mutton filled candy cakes with an image of the mad grinning moon, the icing made of red and black ink.]
[The sound of the piercing scream is enough to make Nier close his eyes and step back. He's going to do his best to stay out of trouble and harms way by whatever means necessary because the mutton man isn't making it easy for them!
Nier knows a dangerous enemy when he sees one. The mutton man was far stronger than what he expected and he'd be glad for a break or a moment's rest. They can't keep fighting nonstop. When the ink explodes he's taken aback by it. Nier's careful not to get too close to those things or be in range of the mutton man's attack. All of a sudden it's quiet and the only thing that remains is the moon.]
Did you get injured Eustace?
[It seems like they made it out alright but Nier finds himself exhausted from the battle.]
Edited (One does not simply beat the Mutton man-- ) 2021-11-06 16:42 (UTC)
[Just a slight of the arch of the brow before he finally locks Flamek and holsters his weapon. He stares at the strange cakes before taking a scrap of fabric from the "remains" of the Mutton Man and scoops some up. No plans to eat it, but might as well take it back as it could hold some of clue. Or be thrown away later.
And back to the witch's house they go, their mission accomplished.]
[Nier almost can't believe what he's seeing. The moon looks so broken and to make matters worse he's still not used to seeing the night. It overwhelms him with dread and an feeling of uncertainty. His eyes have trouble adjusting to the surroundings and he can barely see right in front of him. There was some kind of dark and inky puddle lingering nearby.
A shadowy monster appears before Nier. It looks just like him in every way. Surely, this must be the Shadowlord. The Shadowlord embodies everything that Nier hates. He hates the way it stands there and he hates the way it took Yonah away from him. For five long years Nier only thought of murdering the Shadowlord with his own hands. Anger and thoughts of revenge were keeping him going. Nier lets out a piercing scream.]
It's the Shadowlord! I have to kill you! Goddamn good for nothing monster.
Die!!! die! DIE!
[He can't let the darkness of night slow him down or allow himself to lose focus. All Nier wants to do is murder the Shadowlord until it ceases to exist. He's so caught up in his own moment that he hasn't noticed Kainé.]
[So much of this feels wrong, and Kainé almost finds herself regretting her wish that things would turn out more exciting— even for her, that sinister moon hanging above them has been unsettling, wearing on her nerves as they fumble their way through this dreamscape, and now—
Ice-cold dread grips at her as that pool shifts and takes shape, granting itself familiar form.
"Shit, you know who that is, don't you, Sunshine?"
Tyrann's voice claws at her even before Nier's exclamation confirms; he launches himself forward, and Kainé reaches for her own blades without hesitation— it's reflexive, an automatic response, and yet there's no denying that this doesn't feel right. This 'Shadowlord' isn't real, he can't be, but it's clear that it's real enough for Nier.]
Hey!
[Her voice cuts sharply through the night air, her grip on her blades tightening as she turns a hard gaze on her friend, still oddly youthful and optimistic from her perspective even now, and she clenches her jaw.]
You run at him without a plan, you're gonna get your ass kicked!
[ Look at Nier all too eager to rush ahead without paying heed to anything. He sees Kainé and he stops to consider her words but the raging anger inside of him overpowers his reasoning. Nier knows that Kainé's right and he should be careful. The mere sight of the Shadowlord is enough to make his blood go cold. Five long years of intense hatred won't disappear overnight. ]
This bastard needs to hurry up and die! I'm not going to let him get away again.
[ The Shadowlord is fighting back with some familiar Sealed Verse magic. Nier just barely manages to dodge an attack and it looks like he's bleeding on his forehead. Is this what Kainé meant by getting his ass kicked?]
[Because doing nothing clearly isn't an option, either— and while Kainé is pretty damn sure this isn't the real thing? It's still a threat.
They know how to deal with those.]
If we're taking it on, we're doing it together— like hell I'm letting you fight that thing alone!
[Whether it's real or not, Nier's hatred for what it represents is too strong, too much for him to handle on his own— hate can drive a person forward, but it can also make them blind.
She knows that better than anyone.
Both of her blades are drawn now, but she doesn't act quickly enough to intercept the attack that manages to draw blood. Gritting her teeth, she darts into the fray and puts herself between Nier and his foe, swinging wide and finding her first blow blocked by a familiar fist that materializes in thin air, magic energy pulsing as it keeps her sword at bay.]
[ He blinks for a few times feeling surprised by her words. In his moment of pure rage he failed to realize that Kainé's trying to look after him too. Nier looks a little worn down from taking a blow, but he stands up again on his own two feet. This time Nier knows that he's not alone and the nightmare won't be the end of him. He feels some warmth from her words and maybe he won't be consumed by his own hatred as long as they stick together. ]
So what's the plan? Are we going to catch him off guard by using interesting vocabulary?
[ He absolutely heard her say 'Fuck!!!' And her language never ceases to amaze him. Does he need to start changing his choice of words too? Nier takes a moment to pull himself together but he's more than ready to strike back with just as much force.]
[Her vocabulary may be colorful, but she doubts it will be enough to sway the Shadowlord. It never did much for lesser Shades, either, but it sure as hell made her feel better.
Really, it's more for her own satisfaction than intimidation.
She pushes forward, throwing her weight behind her blade and causing that blood-red fist to dissipate, then launches forth with both blades extended behind her, running to close the distance the nightmare had been quick to put between them after that first block.]
Circle around him, pincer attack! Asshole can't keep up with both of us!
[He's only got two arms. If they both keep up a relentless assault, he can't parry everything.]
Good call. We'll hit him with everything we've got. The Shadowlord must be put down once and for all!!!!
[Calling him an asshole is accurate so Nier isn't going to argue against it. Instead he finds himself agreeing with her words. Surely enough Nier follows up on Kainé's motion and makes sure that he's using sufficient force with his blades. With the help of dream energy his strikes are more effective.]
Kainé!!! Do you think that worked?
[The Shadowlord is still standing there but something about it doesn't seem right. He's a manifested version of nightmares so it's not going to be like the real thing. ]
[Somehow, the manifestation feels more resilient then it should— though it's not like she has much for comparison. She and Nier had never made it to the Shadowlord's Castle in her memory, but she remembers when he'd first appeared. It had been clear right from the start that he was never going to be a pushover.
As it stands, she'd had the right idea about a pincer attack— while he meets each of their blows to start, he can't keep up with an assault from both sides, and one of Kainé's attacks breaks through just as one of Nier's empowered swings does so from the other side.
Between them, the image of the Shadowlord flickers and fades, only to reappear a few feet off and raise his hand to summon forth that blood-red energy that's become so familiar to both of them. A Sealed Verse.]
[ The only thing Nier can really do is dodge. The Sealed Verse attacks are far too strong and getting damaged by them might be really bad. He sprints and rolls until he's able to make it out of harms way. Nier might not be packing tons of muscles, but he's quick on his feet when he needs to be.]
[Kainé is also quick to dodge, but she doesn't miss getting a good look at that series of blood-red spears being launched towards the both of them, and her escape is narrow even as she grits her teeth.]
Sure as hell looks like it! If he can use that one, bet he can use the others, too— let's not give this motherfucker the chance to try again!
[She doubts they'll be as strong as the real thing, but she'd rather not chance it. thanks.]
[She's not sure she would go that far, but they do make a good team— better to be glad that she showed up than to think too hard about what might have happened if she hadn't.]
Guess it has, hasn't it? But I'm not sure this is the time to be standing around and thanking me—
[It definitely isn't, because another Sealed Verse is heading their way, this time in the form of whirling blades, two of which Kainé slices through with her own swords to keep them from connecting.]
[ Why can this version of the Shadowlord fight with seemingly infinite stamina? There has to be a way to slow it down. When Nier thinks about how they might get hurt in battle it terrifies him. He doesn't want to see Kainé get injured and he's ready taken enough of a beating as it is. His emotions manifest some kind of temporary barrier so that they can escape immediate harm. It doesn't last too long, but it does give them time to recover and regroup.]
Damn, that was too close! This son of a bitch better not be toying with us.
[The barrier might only give them a brief reprieve, but it's enough. Kainé takes the opportunity to fall back a few steps and catch her breath— with Tyrann's powers being downgraded in this place, she definitely feels winded sooner than she's used to. Pain in the ass.]
Wouldn't put it past him. Don't think we have a lot of time to talk strategy, Nier.
[They need to strike, fast and hard.]
We have to find a way to keep that fucker from casting! It's not like he has that stupid book of his, he shouldn't even be able to do this shit!
How is any of this fair? It seems like everything's stacked against us!
[Nier doesn't have any magic or inclined supernatural abilities. He would need Weiss for something like that usually. Honestly, Nier's starting to miss Weiss and his nonsense bantering along. He can't help but feeling something is missing and that's probably it. He promised that he would always fight along side his friends. The fact that Weiss or Emil aren't here seems strange to him. Maybe they haven't shown up yet because of what happened back home. His eyes gaze down cast as he remembers the sacrifices they've made up until this point. ]
I'll try and keep him busy! Look for an opening Kainé! [When he says he's going to keep the Shadowlord busy what Nier really means is that he's going to go all the way and charge with every once of anger within him. It's not really the best strategy or one that was well thought out.]
[The Shadowlord looks distracted enough but that won't stop him from using even more of the Sealed Verse as an offensive attack. Nier takes on a battle stance and charges right through any obstacles. The sound of his blade clashing can be heard. Sparks fly out of his weapon and then disappear into nothingness. He takes in a deep breath and readies himself for the next attack not even sparing a moment to speak.
He needs all his energy to keep the Shadowlord occupied. Nier knows that Kainé will come through and hopefully this battle will be a swift one. He's so tense from the ongoing battle that he can't stop to check on how Kainé is doing. She's a strong fighter in her own right so he's not worried about her.]
[True to her word, she doesn't keep him waiting long. While he keeps this nightmare of his occupied, Kainé reappears behind their foe, choosing the moment when the manifestation seems to be zeroing in on trying to make a precision strike against Nier to swoop in with both blades. She strikes fast and hard, disarming the nightmare in the process with a bit of luck.
Great going, Kainé! I know that I can count on you!
[It looks like Kainé's attack is enough to push the Shadowlord back. Nier uses that moment to catch his breath because he was fighting with such intensity. He's exhausted. At any rate, it seems like their battle will come to a close soon. The Shadowlord is moving slower and he isn't even attacking with the Sealed Verse anymore.]
[Which means they have no reason to think they can't beat him into the ground and be done with it. Kainé lets out a battle cry bordering on feral and inhuman as she launches herself into another relentless attack; between the two of them, the assault is pressed so that the manifestation can't even begin to sling spells, and it begins to break apart, fragmenting into black, viscous fluid much like the pool on the ground it had come from.]
Right! It's not real. Nothing about this is real....!
[Nier takes one step forward and proceeds to walk slowly. He sure is taking his time for someone who only thought about murdering Shades and killing the Shadowlord, but that's besides the point. He's thinking back on all the things he lost and the people he may never see again. Putting an end to the nightmare might not bring those people back. He knows that. Still, he can't just leave things like this or else it's going to get worse. Nier raises his blade onto the Shadowlord with every intention of ending everything. With one final swing the nightmare just vanishes like it was never there in the first place. Kainé was right. Nothing about it was real. ]
[It's strange, to see something vanish so cleanly. It really isn't so different with Shades, they way they dissipate and wither away into nothing, but they always leave something behind— there's blood, the smell of smoke if there had been sunlight involved.
This time, it's just like the nightmare had never been there at all, and she finds something about that incredibly unsettling.
... whatever.]
Looks like it.
[She frowns, looking at the spot where the Shadowlord's image had been, lowering her sword.]
Might be other people around here fighting their own nightmares. Might be a good idea to lend our swords where we can.
[Ugh, his do-gooder attitude is really rubbing off on her.]
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Eustace
What the hell. What's with the bloody knife? Eustace?? A little help???
[He calls out to the other person nearby dragging Eustace into this mess.]
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You were so close! We have to get them.
[ This knife wielding monster seems strong. Nier draws out his sword while standing up in a battle formation. ]
Did you hear what he said before? Said something about a Mutton Man.
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I have no idea what it's referring to—
[And now it's starting to hum to a certain tune before it starts to sing in a low, raspy voice.]
"Do you know the mutton man
The mutton man
The mutton man...
Do you know the mutton man
Who lives on
MURDER LANE?"
[At the last two words it screams again and lunges at the both of them at breakneck speed, so fast that all Eustace could do is jump to the side to roll of its way.]
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[That song honestly makes Nier feel uneasy. He can't even hide his discomfort and there's a baffled expression on his face. When the strange figure screams and lunges itself towards them Nier strikes at it with his blade. He has no idea what's happening, but there's no time to think. They need to fight. ]
Eustace! Are you okay?
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[As if to prove that point, there's the sound of his gun as he fires a shot at the "Mutton Man," but again it moves quickly and lunges at Nier to engage in a fast fight, its giant butcher knife with incredible speed.]
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[ Nier sees the butcher knife coming to strike him so he clashes at it with his blade. The sword he's using now looks heavier than he is. It's far too large to be anything ordinary. ]
Take this you freak!!!
[ Nier manages to summon a bolt of dark spectral energy to attack. Maybe that will give Eustace an opening to move and counter. A battle is a battle and he's not going to run away.]
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...
...
He can't say he's proud of it, but you know whatever, he's trying to help slow the madman.]
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It's something different and it catches him off guard. The Mutton Man's movements have slowed down considerably making it easier for them to fight. ]
This is getting awfully sticky. We should finish this quick before it gets worse!
[ He dodges the Mutton Man's attack and falls back after he's done. Nier's still trying to be careful. He doesn't know what to expect. ]
Is there any way we can attack together?
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Though Eustace agrees they should deal with this quickly as there's no need to prolong something that's more hostile and dangerous than anything he's encountered in this place so far. After ensuring no gun residue is on his weapon, he eyes their opponent, ready to fire another shot.]
It's not impossible. I can fire another lightning flash to momentarily blind him and you can immediately follow up. Otherwise I can also do close combat, but it may be better if I distract from a distance.
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Staying at a distance sounds better for you. I can only use swords and spears so I'll cut them when it's down!
[ He nods in agreement to that plan and thinks Eustace might have an easier time by being in the back.]
Just say the word and I'm ready!
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Wait three seconds after the flash.
[That's the only command Eustace gives before he drops down to one knee and lines his shot. He then fires three rounds: the first is another shot of bubble gun, the second a distracting shot that clips the Mutton Man's shoulder, and then the third is a bright flash of lightning that illuminates the area right in front of it, blinding the Mutton Man.
Go Nier!]
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Who can say for certain?]
Made it! Hey, you know we make a pretty good team. Do you think that was enough??
[ have they been freed from the Mutton man?]
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Don't relax yet!
[That's all Eustace will manage to say before he fires another shot at the Mutton Man's legs to stagger it again and allow Nier to inflict more damage. Clearly its
hp barvitality is greater than expected, though maybe it's fitting if it's some kind of nightmareish monster.]no subject
[The Mutton man's
HP barstill standing tall with vigor and energy. It seems like they could be at this for a while. Thankfully, Nier is used to fighting and he doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. He takes another battle stance and prepares for another attack. There must be some way to make it through this. He doesn't want to give up and stop fighting just because it's not easy. He's been through different battles in his life so maybe this one won't be too different.]Eustace! I'm going to change my attacks and mix them so they won't know what to expect. Try to break through its defense!
[Nier takes out a much heavier sword and slashes at the mutton man as he staggers. The are sparks and light clashing out of the blade.]
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Understood. Charging up!
[It won't be the full might of Flamek Thunder, but it'll be something that should be a strong enough electric shock that will stun it and weaken it so that Nier can finish it off.]
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Where did you even learn how to fight??
[ was it a skill that eustace always had? ]
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[FOCUS, NIER, FOCUS!! Well, he's used to battle quips as well, but now is not the time for that kind of question??
And he's going to punctuate that order by aiming his weapon upward before there's a loud, electrifying shot, several bolts of lightning suddenly falling towards and around the Mutton Man.]
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the mutton man.
the mutton man. The song from before might have been a little strange but it certainly struck a chord with Nier. He's thinking if there's any meaning behind this battle. Nier doesn't really stop to reply back to Eustace. He's in full gear pouring every last ounce of energy he has into the battle. At the back of his mind, he might be afraid that someone will get hurt if they don't take care of this soon. What about the people who can't fight? What will happen if they encounter the so-called mutton man? Will they stand a chance against him?
His strength is far too great. ]
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As if unable to maintain its form, the body begins to come apart, more of that black ink spilling and paper flying into the air despite there being no wind around the. But before it completely blows away, the mouth of the Mutton Man jerks upward into a wild laugh and once again sings its rhyme for the last time:]
"Do you know the mutton man
The mutton man
The mutton man...
Do you know the mutton man
Who lives on
Murder Lane...
Hahahahaha....
This isn't over!!
EVERYTHING HAS AN ENDING!"
[It lets out a wild scream before it explodes into ink and paper. Eustace shields himself his cape, managing to deflect most of it before slowly lowering it. Along with the messy "remains" of the Mutton Man are...mutton filled candy cakes with an image of the mad grinning moon, the icing made of red and black ink.]
...
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Nier knows a dangerous enemy when he sees one. The mutton man was far stronger than what he expected and he'd be glad for a break or a moment's rest. They can't keep fighting nonstop. When the ink explodes he's taken aback by it. Nier's careful not to get too close to those things or be in range of the mutton man's attack. All of a sudden it's quiet and the only thing that remains is the moon.]
Did you get injured Eustace?
[It seems like they made it out alright but Nier finds himself exhausted from the battle.]
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[He's stepped over to look over the spot the Mutton Man had just been, frowning as he looks over it all.]
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[He takes a moment to catch his breath and tries to relax.]
I never thought the mutton man would be so tough! He's more dangerous than he looks.
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For now let's head back to the house and report our findings. We should also compare the marks to see if they match the ones around the house.
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[He shrugs and makes a dismissive gesture indicating he's fine.]
Let's go back. Don't forget to rest and eat later. Fighting like that takes up a lot of energy.
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[Just a slight of the arch of the brow before he finally locks Flamek and holsters his weapon. He stares at the strange cakes before taking a scrap of fabric from the "remains" of the Mutton Man and scoops some up. No plans to eat it, but might as well take it back as it could hold some of clue. Or be thrown away later.
And back to the witch's house they go, their mission accomplished.]
Kainé
A shadowy monster appears before Nier. It looks just like him in every way. Surely, this must be the Shadowlord. The Shadowlord embodies everything that Nier hates. He hates the way it stands there and he hates the way it took Yonah away from him. For five long years Nier only thought of murdering the Shadowlord with his own hands. Anger and thoughts of revenge were keeping him going. Nier lets out a piercing scream.]
It's the Shadowlord! I have to kill you! Goddamn good for nothing monster.
Die!!! die! DIE!
[He can't let the darkness of night slow him down or allow himself to lose focus. All Nier wants to do is murder the Shadowlord until it ceases to exist. He's so caught up in his own moment that he hasn't noticed Kainé.]
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Ice-cold dread grips at her as that pool shifts and takes shape, granting itself familiar form.
"Shit, you know who that is, don't you, Sunshine?"
Tyrann's voice claws at her even before Nier's exclamation confirms; he launches himself forward, and Kainé reaches for her own blades without hesitation— it's reflexive, an automatic response, and yet there's no denying that this doesn't feel right. This 'Shadowlord' isn't real, he can't be, but it's clear that it's real enough for Nier.]
Hey!
[Her voice cuts sharply through the night air, her grip on her blades tightening as she turns a hard gaze on her friend, still oddly youthful and optimistic from her perspective even now, and she clenches her jaw.]
You run at him without a plan, you're gonna get your ass kicked!
[Like she's one to talk.]
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[ Look at Nier all too eager to rush ahead without paying heed to anything. He sees Kainé and he stops to consider her words but the raging anger inside of him overpowers his reasoning. Nier knows that Kainé's right and he should be careful. The mere sight of the Shadowlord is enough to make his blood go cold. Five long years of intense hatred won't disappear overnight. ]
This bastard needs to hurry up and die! I'm not going to let him get away again.
[ The Shadowlord is fighting back with some familiar Sealed Verse magic. Nier just barely manages to dodge an attack and it looks like he's bleeding on his forehead. Is this what Kainé meant by getting his ass kicked?]
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[Because doing nothing clearly isn't an option, either— and while Kainé is pretty damn sure this isn't the real thing? It's still a threat.
They know how to deal with those.]
If we're taking it on, we're doing it together— like hell I'm letting you fight that thing alone!
[Whether it's real or not, Nier's hatred for what it represents is too strong, too much for him to handle on his own— hate can drive a person forward, but it can also make them blind.
She knows that better than anyone.
Both of her blades are drawn now, but she doesn't act quickly enough to intercept the attack that manages to draw blood. Gritting her teeth, she darts into the fray and puts herself between Nier and his foe, swinging wide and finding her first blow blocked by a familiar fist that materializes in thin air, magic energy pulsing as it keeps her sword at bay.]
For fuck's sake!
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[ He blinks for a few times feeling surprised by her words. In his moment of pure rage he failed to realize that Kainé's trying to look after him too. Nier looks a little worn down from taking a blow, but he stands up again on his own two feet. This time Nier knows that he's not alone and the nightmare won't be the end of him. He feels some warmth from her words and maybe he won't be consumed by his own hatred as long as they stick together. ]
So what's the plan? Are we going to catch him off guard by using interesting vocabulary?
[ He absolutely heard her say 'Fuck!!!' And her language never ceases to amaze him. Does he need to start changing his choice of words too? Nier takes a moment to pull himself together but he's more than ready to strike back with just as much force.]
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[Her vocabulary may be colorful, but she doubts it will be enough to sway the Shadowlord. It never did much for lesser Shades, either, but it sure as hell made her feel better.
Really, it's more for her own satisfaction than intimidation.
She pushes forward, throwing her weight behind her blade and causing that blood-red fist to dissipate, then launches forth with both blades extended behind her, running to close the distance the nightmare had been quick to put between them after that first block.]
Circle around him, pincer attack! Asshole can't keep up with both of us!
[He's only got two arms. If they both keep up a relentless assault, he can't parry everything.]
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[Calling him an asshole is accurate so Nier isn't going to argue against it. Instead he finds himself agreeing with her words. Surely enough Nier follows up on Kainé's motion and makes sure that he's using sufficient force with his blades. With the help of dream energy his strikes are more effective.]
Kainé!!! Do you think that worked?
[The Shadowlord is still standing there but something about it doesn't seem right. He's a manifested version of nightmares so it's not going to be like the real thing. ]
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[Somehow, the manifestation feels more resilient then it should— though it's not like she has much for comparison. She and Nier had never made it to the Shadowlord's Castle in her memory, but she remembers when he'd first appeared. It had been clear right from the start that he was never going to be a pushover.
As it stands, she'd had the right idea about a pincer attack— while he meets each of their blows to start, he can't keep up with an assault from both sides, and one of Kainé's attacks breaks through just as one of Nier's empowered swings does so from the other side.
Between them, the image of the Shadowlord flickers and fades, only to reappear a few feet off and raise his hand to summon forth that blood-red energy that's become so familiar to both of them. A Sealed Verse.]
Shit, incoming!
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[ The only thing Nier can really do is dodge. The Sealed Verse attacks are far too strong and getting damaged by them might be really bad. He sprints and rolls until he's able to make it out of harms way. Nier might not be packing tons of muscles, but he's quick on his feet when he needs to be.]
Was that a Sealed Verse?
[ are his eyes deceiving him?]
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Sure as hell looks like it! If he can use that one, bet he can use the others, too— let's not give this motherfucker the chance to try again!
[She doubts they'll be as strong as the real thing, but she'd rather not chance it. thanks.]
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[ Nier isn't going to let the Shadowlord overrun his life the same way it happened before. This is a nightmare that they can overcome together. ]
You know what, Kainé? It feels like it's been a while since we've fought like this. Thanks....for everything.
[ He probably would have died in a ditch somewhere if she didn't show up. That thought is a little horrifying. ]
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Guess it has, hasn't it? But I'm not sure this is the time to be standing around and thanking me—
[It definitely isn't, because another Sealed Verse is heading their way, this time in the form of whirling blades, two of which Kainé slices through with her own swords to keep them from connecting.]
Son of a bitch!
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[ Why can this version of the Shadowlord fight with seemingly infinite stamina? There has to be a way to slow it down. When Nier thinks about how they might get hurt in battle it terrifies him. He doesn't want to see Kainé get injured and he's ready taken enough of a beating as it is. His emotions manifest some kind of temporary barrier so that they can escape immediate harm. It doesn't last too long, but it does give them time to recover and regroup.]
Damn, that was too close! This son of a bitch better not be toying with us.
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Wouldn't put it past him. Don't think we have a lot of time to talk strategy, Nier.
[They need to strike, fast and hard.]
We have to find a way to keep that fucker from casting! It's not like he has that stupid book of his, he shouldn't even be able to do this shit!
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[Nier doesn't have any magic or inclined supernatural abilities. He would need Weiss for something like that usually. Honestly, Nier's starting to miss Weiss and his nonsense bantering along. He can't help but feeling something is missing and that's probably it. He promised that he would always fight along side his friends. The fact that Weiss or Emil aren't here seems strange to him. Maybe they haven't shown up yet because of what happened back home. His eyes gaze down cast as he remembers the sacrifices they've made up until this point. ]
I'll try and keep him busy! Look for an opening Kainé! [When he says he's going to keep the Shadowlord busy what Nier really means is that he's going to go all the way and charge with every once of anger within him. It's not really the best strategy or one that was well thought out.]
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She presses her lips into a thin line, nodding firmly in his direction before breaking away.]
Alright. Keep him busy! I won't keep you waiting!
[And she's off, heading away from him at top speed so that she can come at their foe from another angle unseen, once Nier has his full attention.]
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He needs all his energy to keep the Shadowlord occupied. Nier knows that Kainé will come through and hopefully this battle will be a swift one. He's so tense from the ongoing battle that he can't stop to check on how Kainé is doing. She's a strong fighter in her own right so he's not worried about her.]
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She'll take it.]
Finish this asshole!
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[It looks like Kainé's attack is enough to push the Shadowlord back. Nier uses that moment to catch his breath because he was fighting with such intensity. He's exhausted. At any rate, it seems like their battle will come to a close soon. The Shadowlord is moving slower and he isn't even attacking with the Sealed Verse anymore.]
We just need to fight a little more.
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[Which means they have no reason to think they can't beat him into the ground and be done with it. Kainé lets out a battle cry bordering on feral and inhuman as she launches herself into another relentless attack; between the two of them, the assault is pressed so that the manifestation can't even begin to sling spells, and it begins to break apart, fragmenting into black, viscous fluid much like the pool on the ground it had come from.]
Take the last hit!
[Nier deserves it.]
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[Nier takes one step forward and proceeds to walk slowly. He sure is taking his time for someone who only thought about murdering Shades and killing the Shadowlord, but that's besides the point. He's thinking back on all the things he lost and the people he may never see again. Putting an end to the nightmare might not bring those people back. He knows that. Still, he can't just leave things like this or else it's going to get worse. Nier raises his blade onto the Shadowlord with every intention of ending everything. With one final swing the nightmare just vanishes like it was never there in the first place. Kainé was right. Nothing about it was real. ]
...I think we did it.
let us send them off into the night!
This time, it's just like the nightmare had never been there at all, and she finds something about that incredibly unsettling.
... whatever.]
Looks like it.
[She frowns, looking at the spot where the Shadowlord's image had been, lowering her sword.]
Might be other people around here fighting their own nightmares. Might be a good idea to lend our swords where we can.
[Ugh, his do-gooder attitude is really rubbing off on her.]