>>296631
The first one you should go to would be Sarah, just because she's the best informed. That's including about you, with you asking about matters of demons and tigerfolk so you are already trusting her. Plus she was the one with who you decided on taking the twins so if you are going to apologize to anyone else it would be her.

And as always if she doesn't have the time or expertise she can send us to who does.

>>296631
Art, who did you ask the last few times you needed to know where to find information on strange and obscure subjects?

Oh, also, we were contemplating telling the king that the wind dragon radically altered Saisai's body. Since time magic changes things completely instead of temporarily altering them he wouldn't detect any magical effects on her at all, which would prove her natural form was changed.
However, since her form was changed there's no way to tell what what it used to be. Since her family is appears to be completely human, it would lend credence to the claim that the ears and tail aren't supposed to be there.

That way the king would know about her ears, tail, and loss of years, and would think all of them to be injuries suffered in his service. Because of that they couldn't get her expelled or executed as a traitor if they were to be discovered.
Further, the king would have cause to use his own resources to help her recover. If you can't find a way to get her back to her real age then the King would stand a much better chance of success.

>>296638

And of course that crazy general that has an agenda against tigerfolk totally wouldn't know about her ;P And totally wouldn't do anything.

>>296631
You might have to hit the books again. No telling if light elf time magic is some deep secret, but surely someone's taken notes somewhere.

Saisai might not like it, but this could be an opportunity for her to be free. To start over, and grow up how she wants to, with the full benefit of her prior experiences. If she used her current knowledge of physical conditioning, by the time she's an adult again she'd be a grandmaster.

She could even pursue other interests, try things she never got the opportunity to as the child of a noble. You could be there for her as support when she actually needs an adult, of course, but that won't be long.

Then again it might be ideas like this that have Saisai irritated, besides Mimi's teasing and the actual predicament she's in.

>>296658
Nice idea. But it would probably only work if we show her that we can make her an adutl again.

You know, give her a choice when she is calmed down.

Artemis 2011/04/15(Fri)02:24 No. 296881 ID: bd0a01
File 130285948875.png - (182.14KB , 800x800 , 517.png )

>>296658
Maybe. But yeah first we gotta find a way to cure her just in case.

He goes to the Academy and finds Sarah. He explains a bit about the situation and asks her if she knows anyone who's familiar with Time Magic.

"Uhm... Felix. She'd know the most about it. I can call her if ya want."

"Please."

She nods and walks off. She returns with another bespectacled girl tailing behind her.

>"This the guy?"

"Yep."

>"All right. I was studying so listen up, I don't have a lot of free time. Time Magic doesn't use up Mana like other spells. It uses up something humans call Time Points. Depending on how long you live you accumulate more of these points. All time magic consumes these points. For this exact reason there can be no human time mage. Their weak bodies simply die off far too quickly to gain enough points to cast a decent spell. So to help out this friend of a friend of yours you'd need to find either a Light Elf, and I highly doubt they'll listen to you, or the Wind Dragon himself, again another being I doubt will listen to you. In other words you're screwed."

>>296881
Welp. Time to talk to Shareas.

>>296881
Copy down those notes, send them to Saisai via Mimi, then thank Felix for the help.

Lets go talk to Sharaes. Might as well get this over with...

ask if any other dragons could do it or if only the wind dragon is capable of using time magic. if not then we need to find that elf guy who sorta owes you a little for the shares debacle.

Ask if other dragons might know this magic.

No matter what the answer is go visit Shareas.

We also have to find that elf that kinda owes us something for our help if other dragons can't help us :D

I don't suppose Guardian power can't be converted into a meaningful amount of it, by any chance? Ask about that, and ask her for a quick list of what other spells light elves are known to use, and any advice for when talking with one.

I don't know about talking to Sharaes, if Felix thinks it's a feasible idea then fine. But remember it's going to be damn awkward seeing her, you need to be ready to ask and answer some hard questions.

Now then... go buy a nice and well-covering hat for a little girl.

>>296881

Artemis 2011/04/16(Sat)15:29 No. 297209 ID: e1c764
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"So would any other dragons know how to use time magic?"

"Were you listening? I said Wind Dragon. Maybe the Earth Dragon but good luck finding it."

"So are there any spells I should know? Time magic wise."

"Nope. I doubt you could cast em."

"Well I may go against someone who knows it."

"Then you're screwed. Honestly how can you beat someone who can rewind time? Fool."

She leaves.

Why girls so mean to me?

>>296894
Agreed, we gotta go talk to her.

Artemis thanks Sarah and leaves the Academy and the kingdom. He goes over to the Water Dragon Shrine.

What the...?

The Shrine is destroyed, pieces of it lying around it.
Artemis can sense that the magic powering it is gone.

>Why girls so mean to me?
They're not all mean to you. Some of them are just bitches.

>>297209
Well, fuck. This probably isn't good. Try to ascertain what did this; look around for evidence of who, how many, and when.

well crap. that will make getting there a bit of a problem. yeah look for clues.

>>297209
Check on the other shrines, then report this to the king.

Shadow, are the shrines tied to the lives of dragons? Aeryr's, for example?
Also, do you have any abilities that would help with travel? Shadow-stepping? Flight? Anything along those lines?

Artemis 2011/04/16(Sat)16:10 No. 297217 ID: e1c764
File 130299544156.png - (147.43KB , 800x800 , 519.png )

Artemis examines the other shrines. All of them seem to be intact.
The water dragon's shrine looks like it was smashed into pieces.

The Lakes would take forever to walk to...

>>297217
Well, this is worrying. I really hope relations with the water dragon haven't soured, but I more think this was done to keep you from seeing her. And I would be surprised if Regulus isn't the one who did it.

...I wonder just how broken it is. I mean if just the power source is missing maybe we ca get around that. Try applying some mana to it, or applying us to it. Failing that I really don't know... probably a good time to see the king.

Only way I see to help Saisai now is we wait until we find a light elf in a non hostile situation, and then get our charm on. Good luck with that. She would be her old age again before that was likely to happen. Of course there's that one we already met, and I think he doesn't want to be found.

hmmm... so no one has any teleport spells? that would help. and i think you should see saisai and explain the new info you got on her condition.

>>297217
Head back and tell the king about this.
This is bad; I don't know if I should hope Sharaes was the one who smashed it or not.

Hrm... Maybe you could hire somebody to get a message to that Light Elf? Since the academy has people going there for the stones we might be able to piggyback our request on them.
Assuming, of course, that you can't find a pretext to go there anyway.

We're going to have to tell Saisai the bad news.

No. Artemis 2011/04/17(Sun)01:08 No. 297323 ID: bd0a01
File 130302773607.png - (75.82KB , 800x800 , 520.png )

Yeah, the kind needs to know about this...

Artemis runs back to the castle to the king's chamber. He knocks on the door.

"Come in."

Artemis enters.

"Sire! The Water Dragon Shrine has been destroyed!"

"I am aware. I was in the middle of assembling a group to investigate... Artemis, if you would like you can join them."

sure, ask where they you should go. then instead of going there we need to go to your room and talk to saisai about her shrinkage and mimi to get a real contract cause this will be a long trip.

>>297323
Of course! But first inform him of Fleur's status and how that happened, and ask about Regulus. I rather suspect he was involved with this myself but depending on what the king says you may not want to float that theory. I'll leave that to your own judgment. By the way, if this group happens to include Regulus, that's probably a good reason to not mention it.

>>297323
Yes! Say yes!
You'll need to go through the Hurrikane mountain range, so ask who is assembling the team. If he's the one doing it then ask if there are any Alchemists on the roster.

Before you leave we're going to need to contract with Mimi properly. Something along the lines of 'providing storage and shelter for Art's household'.
We also need you to buy a helmet covered in sharp spikes. With a chinstrap.

OH! Also! Ask the king if he knows any capable time magic users, or where you could find one.

We're going to visit Sharaes. I promise you that no harm will come to her from us, and we'll strive to ensure no harm comes to her at all.
This should all be very obvious to you since we absolutely adore her.

This is a question you should be able to answer without telling us anything that is at all useful: With yourself and Sharaes being the first and second female dragons, which one is the third female dragon?
Is it the Earth dragon?

Artemis 2011/04/17(Sun)01:55 No. 297336 ID: bd0a01
File 130303051482.png - (119.25KB , 800x800 , 521.png )

A helmet? Huh?

"Sire I would be honored to join them. Who's going and what path will we take?"

"With you will be two senior captains. Former captain Priest Ion will be your healer and Regulus, who I am now keeping a close eye on, will be the main fighter. We still need a forth man though..."

"Regulus sire?"

"Yes. He was the one who told me about the Shrine's damage in the first place and insisted that he lead the mission. While he may be suspicious he is still the Captain General. Anyway you will be going through the Hurrikane Mountain Range. However Ion is a gifted teleporter so the trip will be a bit easier."

"Hurrikane Mountain Range!? Sire Thought Eaters live there!"

Thought Eaters... A creature that latches onto your head and eats your intelligence... Dreadful things.

"I am aware of the danger. That is why I am assembling such a powerful team. Anyway you have G400 for supplies. Please meet here in 40 minutes."

400G?! that is a lot. don't tell the king this but reg probably broke it specifically to get sent on this mission and get near shares. you will run interference when you get there to prevent him from doing anything to her. really fast go to your room.

>>297336
Spiked helmets: Fuck thought eaters.

Get a bunch of healing and mana potions, plus some general antidotes.

Go to the Shop and ask what the specials are today. See if they have any teleportation items, or things that can store magical spells for later use, or things that let you breathe underwater, or etc...
Oh, also, pick up a spellbook from which you can learn how to cast Ice.

>>297336
"I can fill the role of the mage, others might be better at magic than I but few of them can take a hit as well at least among those of the Academy. Of course since the incident with Fleur I'm already hesitant to send them in harms way... by the way I brought Fleur back to life with a new limit break, but only just. I never want to have to do that again."

"If we are to have more magical utility it should be a Knight. In terms of thought eaters I'm not sure if someone with psychic powers would be the best or worst thing, but Maggie has that in spades and a full helm to protect herself from their bites."

Say this more quietly. "And sire I find any matter concerning dragons and Regulus to be suspect. If he tries to turn my blade against Sharaes... I will resist."

Artemis 2011/04/18(Mon)02:02 No. 297541 ID: aca5e6
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"I can fill the role of the mage, others might be better at magic than I but few of them can take a hit as well at least among those of the Academy. Of course since the incident with Fleur I'm already hesitant to send them in harms way... by the way I brought Fleur back to life with a new limit break, but only just. I never want to have to do that again. If we are to have more magical utility it should be a Knight. In terms of thought eaters I'm not sure if someone with psychic powers would be the best or worst thing, but Maggie has that in spades and a full helm to protect herself from their bites."

"I'm not certain how they work so I really can't answer that. But Maggie is a seasoned captain so she will accompany you."

Artemis lowers his voice.

"Sire I find any matter concerning dragons and Regulus to be suspect. If he tries to turn my blade against Sharaes... I will resist."

"Artemis, if Sharaes attacks I expect you to listen to your captain and do whatever it takes to eliminate a threat. Do not disregard a captain's order. However a non-lethal route is always preferred. Now go get ready, you're dismissed."

Artemis nods and heads back to his room.
He hears Saisai talking.

>"You dumb mimic! If you don't give it to me right now I swear I'll kill you!"

Oy, this is going to be a problem. How long are we going to keep this little girl in our room? I mean even the wait for you to get back is going to be too much at this rate. Nevermind if she is staying a kid for the next few years...

Get in there, stop the fight, have Mimi give back whatever, tell Saisai to be quiet, inform her the bad news that only a light elf spending a century worth of power can fix her.

I think we're going to have to hide her somewhere else, because this isn't working. At least until you get back again. Every option is difficult, just ask her where she wants to hang until you get back. You can recommend Morgan or Kacey, and if you give her some cash she could even rent a room. Or the two of them here can stay if they make peace.

sigh, break up the fight and break the bad news to saisai. once she is settled we need to finalize that contract with mimi cause who knows how long we will be gone.

>>297541
Heh, glad to see the king understands subtlety.

The overt meaning of what he says is "Do what you're told, try to not kill anybody."
However, his word choice also says "Keep a close eye on Regulus, and don't let him harm Sharaes. Try to take him alive if you can."

Walk in and say "She can't give things to anybody without my say-so; it's in her contract. Mimi, would you please give Saisai back whatever you took from her?
Saisai, only the Wind Dragon or a Light Elf can reverse the magic on you. The Wind Dragon is dead, so I've got to track down a Light Elf that's willing to help."

Ok, contract for Mimi:
Task: Be a safe-haven mimic*
Role: 'Mimic' Mimi
Rules:
-Changed terms
--Termination:
---By mutual agreement
---Agree to a new contract with current contract holder.
--No more "then die" terms; these are replaced with "then feel really guilty about it until forgiven".
--Art's orders must be followed, and have highest priority. The orders of other members of Art's household are to be followed as long as they don't conflict with other orders.
--Mimi's bag may be used by other members of Art's household.

*Explanation: Her task is to provide a safe place for Art and members of his household to store items, and as a residence when her domain becomes large enough for the task. All members of Art's household are considered contract holders, although Art's orders come before all others. She is contractually forbidden from eating the souls of any members of Art's household.

>>297544
Oh, Art? Ask Mimi to write up a list of the supplies you need to have in order to write and sign a contract with her.

Artemis 2011/04/18(Mon)03:19 No. 297546 ID: 251a14
File 130312196874.png - (161.54KB , 800x800 , 523.png )

Artemis goes inside

"She can't give things to anybody without my say-so; it's..."

A fully mature Saisai looks at Artemis, eyes wide.

>"Master! She tried to take your robes!"

look right at her face, don't look down. without changing face direction tell mimi to let her have a robe. the point of looking at her face instead of turning around is you are confident, but not a pervert.

>>297546
RUSH OVER AND HUG HER!
"You're back to normal! How? When?
Oh, I was afraid you'd never get back to your beautiful self!
Mimi, she can have the robes!"

>>297546
Uhm what. Just uh... cover your eyes, and say to let her have them.

What the hell happened, because that should be impossible. ...No, wait. Dammit. Saisai has the wind dragon. That has to be what happened here. Well I guess that's good news.

Inform Saisai that she has the Wind Dragon Aeryr hitching a ride in her head. Tell her she can probably switch back and forth too.

Don't look down. Or you may but be prepared for getting your ass kicked.

Tell Mimi to give her the robes. Also: Ask Mimi what supplies are needed for writing a contract. If you, by chance, have all of them with you use the form from before:>>297544

Also: Yet another troll dragon... This is getting old. Srsly dragons, Y u no normal?

Artemis 2011/04/18(Mon)03:54 No. 297553 ID: bd0a01
File 130312409044.png - (87.60KB , 556x799 , 524.png )

Artemis avoids looking at Saisai and tells Mimi to give her some robes.
Saisai grabs the robes and puts them on.

"If you would have looked I would have killed you."

"I know.. So... how long have you been normal?"

"I don't know, an hour maybe? It just suddenly happened."

"I think the Wind Dragon may be possessing you."

"What? That's stupid. I would notice if that were the case."

"Well it's just my theory.."

"Idiot.. I'm going back to my room. Thanks for letting me stay here."

She leaves.

>"She's so mean Master."

"She has her nice side. Oh Mimi, what do I need to make a contract with you?"

"Uhm.... I don't know. I've never made one, I just signed it."

did she READ it first? anyway, guess we need to ask the only person we know that knows this stuff. to the library! well, actually. first to the blacksmith to get a nice sturdy helmet. make your yummy brains hard to get at.

>>297553
I was gonna invite her on the mission. Go to the door and call out an invitation to her. She'll almost certainly say no, but it's polite to offer.
Anyway, there's nothing much we can do here now. Head into town and get the supplies you need.

We're pretty sure Aeryr is possessing her; permanent magic wearing off reeks of dragons.
I wonder if she'll get a male form now...

>>297553
Eh she'll be fine, we'll talk to her later.

We'll need to do research for the contract, and that will take time we don't have right now. Nothing to do about that... there is one thing though. Tell Mimi that if Saisai or any of our friends who know about her has a need of something of yours again to just pass you a note and ask for permission. Tell her you're going on a mission that may take a whole day or possibly longer. Then give her a hug, because you haven't for a while and you've been away a lot lately.

TO THE LIBRARY! Time to learn about demon contracts ( yet another of our interests that TOTALLY doesn't sound suspicious ;D)

Also: TIME TO GEAR UP! But that spiky helmet.

>>297555
This is... somewhat disturbing. Interesing in a weird way, but mostly disturbing. But if we saw her after she changed (if Saisai does gain an ability like that) that would give as an insight as to how other people react when they see Art change. Because I doubt he'd be able to keep totally calm during that moment ;P

Artemis 2011/04/20(Wed)00:19 No. 297900 ID: bd0a01
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Artemis gives Mimi a quick hug and tells her he has to go on a mission. He promises he'll be back soon.
By the time he chases after Saisai she's already long gone.

He goes off and adds some spikes to one of his hats.

That should keep the thought eaters at bay..
Demonic contracts will have to wait til later, mission comes first.

He returns to the castle with an extra G350.
Artemis steps into the king's room and sees Maggie, Regulus, and Ion.

Ion
>"This is my whole group right? Well here's the deal. We'll be going to hurrikane mountain range. With my spell we should hit the mountains in only a few minutes. However teleporting this many people will leave me drained so we'll need to rest for the night, then we will walk to merfolk lake and examine the situation and see what we can do about a replacement Shrine. then we will hike back into the mountains and teleport here. Is that understood? Any questions?"

Well we certainly want to chat with him, but nothing to be said here and now.

By the way the hat isn't... well I guess that's all we have time to do. You'd have been better off with a normal helmet to replace it but whatever. Give silent indication to being ready and off we go!

sounds good, make sure you keep your sword in your bag, so reg doesn't get the bright idea to steal it and run away.

>>297900
Sounds pretty good.

Your sword is to remain in your bag at all times; we need Mimi protecting it.

End of Chapter 7 Artemis 2011/04/20(Wed)03:26 No. 297914 ID: 04b3ea
File 130329521349.png - (88.95KB , 800x800 , 526.png )

My blade is well hidden already.

"I have no questions sir."

>"Okay then. Everyone ready? ABEO!"

With a flash of light the group is teleported off.
The moment before Artemis whites out he notices Regulus smiling at him.

>>297914
This is one of his plots.
He believes that he can limit our choices to only those that would advance his agenda.

If at some point we tell you to do something absurd, inane, contrived, or horrifically stupid, then please remember that his agenda must be far worse than whatever he has planned for you due to the fact that what he has planned for you is a stepping stone on the way to his ultimate goal.

>>297915
Seconding this.