Scene #5764: The First Princess

Owner	Pose
Asellus	Marisa's inquiry about why White Rose was awoken instead of Lion is answered simply by Ildon. "Because our Lord ordered such, and because it is Princess White Rose's duty to teach this half-Mystic some courtly manners. A warrior like Princess Lion wouldn't be suited to that kind of thing." Asellus smiles appreciatevly at Rarity. "Thanks but I don't want to be a burden on you. You were roped into this just like I was. You shouldn't have to pay for my things just to make Orlouge happy." Ildon grunts as he leads the way out of Princess Rei's room. "If you don't make use of the tools available to you, you'll just be making it harder on yourself. But whatever." The party then heads to the tower where Asellus first awoke. At the entrance, the party seems about to part ways. "I think that's enough tutoring from outsiders for now. Carriages will take you home at the front gate." Then he turns to the green-haired woman and says, "After you're done shopping with them, I'll be waiting for you at the training ground." Then he fades out of existence. More gosh darn teleporting. "Let's break for the day." White Rose says, then curtsies Rarity, Josuke, and Marisa. "It was good to meet you." Unlike Ildon, she departs on foot. Shortly after they leave, Asellus is there alone with these three, apparently not considered a flight risk. Or escape is not considered possible. She clenches her fists a bit, thinking on what White Rose said about how Rei was the only one to ever escape. What does that mean? She needs to know more. "Sorry to drag you around with me. I want to go talk to White Rose again before we look at this magic shop. Is that okay?"
Josuke Higashikata	"Well..." Josuke starts to hedge, when Asellus mentions not wanting to be a burden. But he's going to wait 'till they're left alone. He bows politely to White Rose as she leaves. "Good to meet you, Miss White Rose." Ildon doesn't get that because he freaking DISAPPEARED before Josuke could bid him goodbye. But once all the hoity-toity people are gone (Rarity gets a pass because she's cool), Josuke speaks up to Asellus. "I can't speak for anyone else. But I do kind of feel bad that you're stuck in this position and I can't really help you much. So... if I '''can''' do anything to help, I'm willing to." He offers an honest smile.
Rarity	Rarity laughs light in response. "It may seem that way now, but it would hardly be the first time circumstances of some manner resulted in my being where I need to be." This may not be in the standard manner it's usually pointed out to them, but it seems to be shaping up to be a Friendship Problem all the same. "We will ensure you are appropriately equipped and I won't hear otherwise." Then lowers her voice to a playfully conspiratorial whisper as she leans closer to Asellus. "Besides, who said anything about making Orlouge happy, hmm?" If they are to have any hope of saving the poor girl, she needs to get some confidence back. Confidence comes from capability, for which she will need to be geared and learned. That is that. She bows back to White Rose before she walks away. Ildon teleporting doesn't phase her save it's bit of creepiness the way he just does it. When you get use to Pinkie Pie appearing out of seemingly nowhere, seeing people disappear into it is hardly worth batting an eyelash at. "She has been the most, relatively speaking, charitable with actual answers so far."
Marisa Kirisame	"What, you mean warriors can't have decent etiquette? Huuuuuuuh," Marisa muses as Ildon goes about being... Ildon-y. "I guess that must mean you're a pretty strong guy yourself, huh?" It's... probably a good thing that Ildon's making himself scarce. Chances are good that the situation might have... escalated somewhat if he didn't. At least they're going to be headed to the magic store next! Hooray, magic! Well. Not quite. Asellus has... other priorities first. "Hmhmhmhm," Marisa snickers, "That so? Well, I'm not going to get between you two. That'd just be rude. So! Where to? Back to her room, then?"
Asellus	All the reassurances, the offers of aid, the friendly sentiments, earn less of a smile than Asellus has shown thus far, but still a smile. She has been through a lot, and the more she sees of this place, the more unhappy she becomes. "I don't want to be here. I want to go home. I hope I won't need magic or weapons for that. But if it becomes necessary, then thanks for the help, everyone. And if you decide to pull out, don't worry. This isn't your problem and you shouldn't feel any obligation to me. Everyone has their own life, and I don't consider being bound to someone else's desires an acceptable way to live." She shrugs uncomfortably at Marisa's question. "I guess so. I don't know this castle well enough to say where else she'd be. If I don't find her there, I'll go look for that Rastaban guy. He seemed to be friendly. He might give more info too." Thankfully, they don't have to do a lot of backtracking and searching. Going to see White Rose in her room gets them a hit right away, as she stands by the window looking out at the purple and pink sky. Asellus approaches her, and White Rose turns to face her with a smile and an inquisitive eyebrow raise. "Back so soon?" she asks playfully of the guests of Orlouge. Because clearly they never left. "I could use more of a chance to stretch my legs. I'll accompany you." She doesn't ask what it is she'll be accompanying them in doing. She's just willing to go with them regardless.
Asellus	"Lets go." White Rose says. "Wait. Exactly what is your relation to Orlouge? What's an arch-princess?" "I believe humans call them 'mistresses'." "A mistress!?" Asellus exclaims, appalled. "Of course it is different from human relations." White Rose explains. "Lord Orlouge took my blood, making me a mystic. By ending my human life he granted me eternal life. His charm is irresistable." How is that any better!? Heck, that sounds WORSE! She was turned into some kind of magic vampire and now is a consort as a result of what amounts to mind control (or at least emotion control)! "I don't feel any attraction to him." Asellus protests, trying to conceal her turbulent emotions about discovering what has been done to this woman. "I suppose you're immune to his charm because his blood is in your veins." White Rose suggests. Yes, that is definitely the reason, and probably not because he's 'not her type'. "Not only that, you've also inherited his mystic power." Asellus starts off with, "I don't want..." But clenches her fist as she corrects herself. "Don't NEED any power..." "Whethere or not you will develop the mystic power within you is up to you." White Rose says neutrally. "That's enough talking for now."
Rarity	' Mistress? ' Don't panic, don't panic. "Now now, I'm sure it's just a differention in termonology. Happens all the time between worlds." Rarity nods as White Rose says much the same, ready to just wave it off. "See? Just a--" Until White Rose continues, and it sounds like something worse. "--misunderstanding." Rarity's expression flattens. Still no reason to panic. Just... uh... keep calm. At least the part about being immune to his charms because she got an infusion of his blood instead of him sucking Asellus' makes sense. Not that it improves the matter. Still, must not panic. This girl is depending on them for stability, and by the sounds of it, they may be her only hope of getting out of this fiasco somehow. Yes, sure, only one person escaped... but that was only one person native of this world. They can do better!... Hopefully. But first... Rarity's horn shimmers as she uses one of her personal spells to conjure her fainting couch into being. But rather than flop on it herself she directs Asellus towards it. "Go ahead dahling. Sometimes it helps to just drop and sulk for a bit. Works for me... And knowing how to appropriately faint in distress in public is definatelly good mannerism!" Ah heh heh.... ... Can we panic yet?
Josuke Higashikata	Josuke nods at Asellus's words of being trapped here, of wanting to go home. "That's what I mean," he replies. "I can't just bust you out of here. I wish I could, but I'm not strong enough to do it alone. So... I want to try to help any other way I can." Going back to the White Rose's room -- he remembers where it was! Ugh, so many STAIRS though! -- he bows to White Rose again as she greets them. But his listening to the explanation gets a blink. Yeah, he's definitely going to be putting bugs in ears at the Speedwagn Foundation about these magical vampires. "...Jotaro said something about someone who had charm like that. He was a vampire. And he tried to wipe out my family." Yeah guess what? Josuke REALLY doesn't like this guy! But he nods to Whit Rose's words to Asellus. "It's okay. You've been given the opportunity. You might as well, since it's available." He winks. "Besides. You might need it." Unsaid, of course, is 'you might need it to ram Orlouge's own charm down his throat and choke him with it'.
Marisa Kirisame	What, so a the guy has some kind of... supernatural hotness skill? What if you're just... Not interested? Is that even a thing you can be when you're talking to a charm lord? Marisa rubs thoughtfully at her chin. "This whole thing," she says, agreeing with muscle mccoolhair, "Stinks of vampires." Though, /admittedly/ it could be worse. Of all the things in the world to be up against, 'nigh-unstoppable charisma' is still less troubling than 'fate manipulation' or 'stopping time.' Though maybe this guy's got a bit more up his sleeve than just being really handsome. No way he'd have enough power to hold all these people and other vampires in thrall with just good looks. Right? There's a beat as Rarity... crashes on a conjured couch. Huh. Gonna have to pick up that spell sometime. "You're going to need power," Marisa says after a moment. "If you want to be free. You'll need at least enough power to kee him from dragging you back here, right?"
Rarity	"More importantly, you'll have something that Iron lady did not." Rarity motions at the rest of them. "Help."
Asellus	Great. So there's more beings like Orlouge out there. A 'vampire'. Which sounds about the same as a Mystic. An immortal being with superhuman powers who can dedicate themselves to the destruction of an entire family line. Not the type of person she wants to make an enemy, but that doesn't mean she can just stay here either! "Whatever I have to do. I just don't want to drag anyone else down with me. Fighting our way out really doesn't seem like a good idea anyway." "I would not personally advise that course of action, no." White Rose says. Oh, right, they're hre discussing breaking her out with someone loyal to Orlouge right there. Maybe save the conspiring for later. They're supposed to be leaving, but Asellus takes a moment to sit on the couch as she says, "Thanks, Rarity. One more thing, White Rose." Well, since Marise brought it up... "Can you tell me more about Rei?" "Princess Rei was Orlouge's first princess. She was also the only one to ever escape the castle." White Rose repeats, as though from a script. "How did she get away?" Asellus presses. White Rose shifts uncomfortably and leans to the side as though to check if anyone is lurking in the doorway listening in on them. Given teleportation, it might not even require them to be at the door. "She committed suicide, and by using the cycle of birth, she was reborn into human flesh. Now even Lord Orlouge has trouble finding her." So she severed fate by taking it into her own hands, and now someone tied to Orlouge by blood is practically invisible to him. However, the way to do that is... "Cycle of birth... I can't possibly be reborn..." Asellus says morosely. This seems like a really sketchy way of obtaining freedom. One with no guarantee of success. She pushes herself up off the couch, and says, "Well, let's get going."
Asellus	When White Rose and Asellus descend the stairs, back to the large round room with all the coffins, Asellus waits for everyone else to join them while looking around, then asks hesitantly, "These coffins, are they all..." White Rose answers somberly, "These coffins are our refuge as well as our prison. Lord Orlouge never lets go of things he has acquired." Asellus's expression sours. No doubt she had wondered what kind of man it was who had saved her from death. The more she learns about him, the more she grows to dislike him. "How childish." It is another trip all the way down stairs from here, back to Rootville. At least if Asellus sticks around here she won't have to worry about getting out of shape. First stop is the Magic Store. Where, a green-haired woman who is... Actually not a Mystic, it seems, is selling magic from behind a counter in a little shop with variou sglowing crystals and baubles scattered around on pedestals and counter tops.
Josuke Higashikata	Josuke nods to Marisa's words. "It does." He pouts, because that is the thing that he ALWAYS does. It's his secondary language, you see, those pouts. That particular pout is a displeased pout, for those who speak Josuke-ese. Holy crap, a magic couch? That's a new one. Pretty handy, though. But he does nod. "Sometimes it does help to just sulk. I tend to punch things when I'm mad." He's not even gonna lie there. He doesn't mention that he also tries to fix them and ends up warping them beyond repair... He goes quiet when White Rose and Asellus start talking about Rei. Who... had to DIE to escape Orlouge?! This time it's not a pout, but a brief baring of teeth. "That's an absolute LAST resort, if it's even an option," he decides. Nobody's dying (again) on his watch, if he can help it! Josuke had been expecting their second time in a magic shop to be like the last time they'd peeked into a magic-type shop, with the green guy who was really bad-tempered. So he's a little surprised when he finds not the scary rude green guy. Of course, not being a Mystic either, he has no idea what most of this stuff is for. He'll still poke around the shop a bit, but he's not going to touch much of the stuff here. God only knows what kind of trouble he'd cause.
Rarity	"At the very least we will make sure you can defend yourself." Rarity patted Asellus on the shoulder after dismissing the couch when the girl gets up. "Orlouge ... well, there will be those who will not take kindly to his ways. Just his proximity may become dangerous." That's a better way of phrasing it while White Rose is still present, yes? Let's find a way of doing this without suicide pacts, yes, please, thank you very much. At least after YET MORE STAIRS and then venturing back into town she has something to take her mind off of things a bit. Shopping. Granted it's not shopping for herself. Rarity at least knows her fair share about magic, even if she's not studious mage like her friend. She trots right up to the counter and stands on her back hooves to lean up against it and speak to the woman tending it. "Excuse me miss. We would like to see about purchasing some magic."
Marisa Kirisame	"Throwing yourself off a cliff really isn't my idea of freedom," Marisa says with a huff. "Honestly. Who's this guy think he is? If someone wants to get away from you so hard that they're literally killing themselves, /maybe/ it's time to reevaluate yourself." But, at the very least, they're finally somewhere that Marisa can actually be of use aside from occasionally allowing everyone else to live vicariously through her INCESSANT SASSING. This... is a magic shop. And Marisa is already right u there at the counter, staring at the magical bits and geegaws with wide, sparkling eyes. "Is it true you can really just buy over-the-counter magical power here? That's crazy! I had to work my butt off for all my magic, and people can just pay money for it here. Just bizarre!" There's a beat. Marisa coughs into a fist and rapidly collects herself... Somewhat. "Hi there, miss shopkeep! Our green-haired mystic buddy here needs to pick up a few spells for self-defense. You got anything lying around we might be able to trade for? Elsewise I'm about got half a mind to teach her myself, and I'm not sure this place can take /that/ many explosions."
Asellus	The sea-green haired lady in the very low-cut sleek purple evening gown behind the counter takes in Rarity's appearance with a quick look up and down, a glance to the others, and then shrugs as she asks, "What's your pleasure?" She slides a list of spells to the unicorn, though it can be perused by anyone. Josuke's poking and prodding at things earns him a look that says, 'if you break it you buy it', but she doesn't stop him from fiddling with clusters of little green balls, or weird ornate... What even is that? A machine? A statue? A telescope? A sundial? Asellus has no funds so she leaves it to Rarity to handle. The list is as followers: Fascination -- 300 Credits Glass Shield -- 500 credits Phantasm Shot -- 300 Credits A blurb at the bottom says, 'Free Demonstrations. Try before you buy!' "Well, if you have the Gift for Mystic Magic, like our Lady Mystics, then it is also possible to learn new spells by casting currently known ones. But everyone has to start off somewhere, and purchasing a spell is only the first step. Dabblers content themselves with that, while those seeking mastery of magic push themselves in battle after battle until comprehension comes to them."
Josuke Higashikata	Honestly, magic is not Josuke's forte. He knows not a single thing about it, really. So he'll leave that to those more knowledgeable than he is. He can't really 'teach' what he does, so that's not going to be much use to her. About the only use he'll be for training is being used as a training dummy! Oh hey, what are these green things? He's being careful, but when he sees the reproachful look from the shopkeeper, he steps back from the merchandise, with a sheepish look. "Sorry," he offers. "But if I break it, I can fix it!" But as for magic? "I don't think I have the gift," he replies. "It's only Mystics here that have the ability to do it, right? I'm human." Yes, he is a lowly, non-magical human being in the company of a Mystic. And not acting like her footstool, either!
Rarity	Rarity picks up the list and looks over it. Not a lot to choose from, is it? And those prices. Well they're not exceptionally high, but it's a matter of practicality. Though the note about being able to learn more from use is a helpful tidbit. After a consideration Rarity sets the list down and retrieves her credits. Though there's still potentially getting Asellus armor and weapons as well. She turns to look to Asellus. "What would you like, dear?" She may be willing to pay but she's not going to just blindly pick, she's not the one that's going to be using them.
Marisa Kirisame	Credits? What's a credit, even. Is multiversal currency applicable? Because Marisa certainly does not have any of the local-- Wait. A FEW DAYS AGO In the backstreets of Koorong, a bloody scene has clearly unfolded. Dozens of monsters, untold numbers of mecs, and even one or two goons in weird, rubber suits, all scorched black and bruised blue by ~some kind of magic power.~ A man in a suit breathes blue-grey smoke into the cool, evening air. "But why would someone knock them all out and just... take all their stuff...? That guy's even naked over there. That's just excessive." The IRPO agent sighs, running his fingers through a head of long, blonde hair. "Ah, well. I guess I should thank them for doing my job for me. More Black X agents for the bin, I guess." NOW Marisa sets a great big bag of cash on the counter. "Two copies of everything, please. One for me, one for the lady with the green hair."
Asellus	The shop keeper bats her eyes at Josuke and says, "That's fine. I'm a human too. We can learn Mystic Magic, we just can't have the Gift for it that lets us access its higher levels." Asellus steps forward when Rarity suggests that she pick. "I don't know what any of these do. Can I see a demonstration first?" But then Marisa just buys all of them for she and Asellus first. The shopkeeper then just instructs them in how to use them. Mystic magic is commonly used by mystics for deception. Fascination Charms an enemy. Phantasm Shot attacks an enemy by summoning a phantom beast. And Glass Shield defends with a shield that deflects and counters enemy attacks. Pretty sparse descriptions. It seems to gain any further information about them, they'll have to try them out in battle. But the gist should be relatively direct. Asellus turns to Rarity and says, "Maybe it's better to save your money for now. Unless you want some magic yourself, that is. Who knows what else there is around here? Thank you, though." She then turns to Marisa and says, "And thanks to you too. I guess the next stop is..." And so they find their way to Gozarus's workshop once more, who had been perfectly professional, if a bit tense and stilted, when they were with Ildon.
Asellus	The greeting they receive is a bit different this time when Asellus approaches him. "You inherited the blood of Lord Orlouge? Why? He never once recognized my talent or my loyalty." Gozarus complains when he is able to talk to Asellus without Ildon keeping an eye on him. "He won't even let me live in the castle. I can't stand that he chose some human girl to be his princess." Sounds like the orc guy wants to be Orlouge's princess. Or at least a mystic. ...Wait, are we sure this is a guy? "No, Gozarus." White Rose interjects. "Princess White Rose. It has been a long time." That's what we keep hearing, yeah. White Rose explains to Gozarus very quickly. "An accident? That makes more sense. I couldn't believe this stupid looking girl would be chosen to be princess on her merits." Asellus, offended, retorts, "Sorry for looking stupid!" "You'll never make a good princess with that kind of attitude. Take this, you look like you could use some jewels." Then he just... Hands over a jeweled necklace to Asellus. It looks expensive. Grudgingly, she puts it around her neck. Her charm aura seems a little bit stronger. "Gozarus is the best artisan in town. All his work has great mystic power." White Rose explains.
Marisa Kirisame	Illusion? Misdirection!? Bah! Marisa Kirisame needs none of these things! Though that mirror shield thing /might/ come in handy when she goes back and revises some of her own light redirection magic. Maybe she can, like, use the stuff to make extra big light shows? Hmm. There might be an application there. Not in battle though, necessarily. After all... Danmaku is power. Well, it's worth an entry into the Grimoire later, at least! "And everything he sells costs someone a portion of their life force," Marisa nods along. "Yeah, we've heard the shpiel before. Hey, Gozarus!" She thumbs over at the green-haired princess, "You know. She has a little too much extra Mystic energy for her liking. If she trades you a bit, how about you hand over some of the /really/ cool stuff. Like maybe something to defend herself with?"
Rarity	"Mm. If you are certain," Rarity replies, but abides. To try and force the girl to take something, why, that would make them no better than the man they're hoping to eventually get her away from. So the next stop is the armory store. And a surly greeting from the orc. Which White Rose is quick to handle. All the same Rarity walks over to give Gozarus a reassuring pat. "There there dahling. I know how hard it can be to get the proper appreciation for ones craft." From one artist to another. "Being scorned is certainly not pleasant, but if that is the way one acts, is that the one who's praise you really want? Compared to how many others you have likely helped with the gear and accessories you've crafted for them?"
Josuke Higashikata	Josuke's eyes go wide when he sees the amount of cash Marisa's got on her person. "Whoa...! Where did all that come from?!" he asks, shocked. The shopkeeper's explanation gets a blink. "...Huh. That's weird. Usually you can either do stuff or you can't." He'll watch this demonstration, listen to the explanation, and file it away for later. Might be worth checking out, if it can exist alongside his own abilities. Gozarus does seem different this time, and Josuke does suspect it's because of the lack of Ildon. He speaks up, "Well, if it makes you feel any better... I don't really care for his policies." Tact; it's not a thing that's native to the Joestar bloodline. Josuke is trying to be polite though, Gozarus at least seems to partially revere Orlouge. And even Josuke himself has to admit that the whole charm angle is... really hard to combat! He frowns a bit as Gozarus mentions a 'stupid looking girl'. "Hard to be 'stupid' when you really don't know," he points out. "Ignorance and stupidity are two different things. The first can be fixed." And then a POINTED LOOK as Gozarus. He MIGHT be insinuating something. That necklace though... Josuke doesn't quite understand what it is, but something about the necklace seems to... fit somehow. His expression softens, and he notes, "...It really does suit you." Don't get too dreamy, Josuke!
Asellus	Asellus turns back to Gozarus as Rarity tries to console him, the Orc looking very conflicted about what's happening to him but for her own safety making sure that the contact is on his apron, not his skin. She decides to make the best of things. She remembers what Ildon said before about not using all the tools available to her. This guy is a resource. Might as well make use of him. "Immortality, power, and renown can make up for an employer's attitude. Not that I would ever speak poorly over Lord Orlouge, and especially not in a place he could have spies listening in." He looks meaningfully right on back at Josuke. Asellus does allow the fierce expression she's been walking around with for awhile now to soften a bit herself as she says, "Thanks." to Josuke. But the compliment's value is somewhat undercut by the necklace being a gift to make her look 'less stupid'. Gozarus squints at Marisa. "What, you wanna buy something? I don't take human money, and I don't take 'mystic energy'. Only Life Points." What Points? Maybe that's like life force? Asellus looks over some items Gozarus lays out on display. A sword that seems to pulse with power... Some kind of woven pattern... An hourglass... A robe... She decides a better weapon might be just what she needs, and who doesn't love magic swords? She picks up the the blade in its scabbard and says, "This one." "Asura, eh? One of my best works." Gozarus remarks. "Once you get this, there are no returns. Are you sure you want to do this?" Wh-what kind of businessorc is he? Apparently a principled one, attitude aside! Warning a customer before they buy! Asellus only hesitates a moment, then says, "Yes--AAAAAAH!" Her reply turns into a scream as something vital is torn out of her soul. She falls to one knee, looking somehow weaker. Frailer. Diminished. That seems... A bit more extreme than just life force drain. White Rose looks at Asellus with a bit of wonder in her eyes. Despite the half-Mystic seeming diminished in spirit, she still seems just as beautiful to her. Perhaps even more so, the paleness and haggardness accenting the good parts. She shakes her head though and approaches quickly. In Asellus's hands now is a weapon of great power. Supposedly. She takes a few moment to get her breath back and then stands shakily Received 'Asura'!! White Rose, not being human, has probably never experienced what it is to lose her 'Life Points' in this way, but rubs Asellus's back in an attempt to soothe her. Then Asellus, amazingly, looks to Gozarus and asks calmly if tiredly, "What else do you have?"
Rarity	Did he just move so she only touched her clothing? Rarity isn't entirely sure, but she seems to get the point and steps back again. Life Points? That sounds like... And then Asellus takes the sword. And screams bloody hell. THUD That would be Rarity fainting, shocked hard enough she doesn't even summon her couch first.
Josuke Higashikata	Truth be told, Josuke's about to the point that he doesn't care if 'Earl Douche' (as Josuke has taken to mentally referring to him as) can hear him. But he does nod. "Yeah. I understand," he offers calmly. The talk of what Gozarus takes in payment gets a raised eyebrow. He's not sure what it all means. Though when he sees Asellus fall, his eyes go wide and he makes to move to her side to help her. "Are you okay?!" No, he has no idea what just happened. He doesn't instantly try to fix it -- even if it worked, if Gozarus took something from her, it would just take it back from Gozarus to give it back to Asellus. And he doesn't want to chance accidentally hurting Gozarus. The mention of other things gets a wide-eyed look from Josuke. "Are you sure that's a good idea?" he asks. Suddenly ''thud''! Rarity falls down, and Josuke looks in her direction. "Oh man..." He's tending Asellus, he can't just... And then an idea. "<Crazy Diamond!>" The Stand appears, moves as close to Rarity as it can, and begins to fan her with a piece of paper that as on Josuke's person. Due to the Stand's short-range distance requirement, he may not be able to get too close. But he's trying!
Marisa Kirisame	Well. That was... Probably... /not/ the grossest thing she's ever seen? Marisa has been through a lot. That was till pretty high up there. "You know," Marisa says, "You should probably invest in a curtain. Maybe a sound-proofed room. Just a thought, for everyone else's sake." ... "So uh," she looks to Asellus as a pony faints not so far away. "You feel more or less mystic now? Or exactly the same amount of mystic as you did before?"
Asellus	In the end, Asellus waves off all concern and decides she'll just have to do without magic armor too. She thought about getting the hourglass thing because it seems like it might have useful powers, but for now she decides to pass. That took a lot out of her. She seems physically fine, but... Yeah. This was very bizarre and unpleasant and painful. She turns to look at Rarity and says, "Thanks, Josuke, but I think she needs help more than I do. I can still stand after all." She looks at the sheathed word in her hands and slips it into a loop at her outfit's waist when Marisa asks about it. "I don't know. I think it might be a really strong sword... Somehow. I don't know. At least now I have a fighting chance if I get into a battle." White Rose tsks a bit and says, "I know healing magic, so I can also support you. But for now why don't we go back to your room and get you some rest?" Asellus shakes her head as she looks at the frantically fanning Stand. "Not yet. One last trip. I want to check on that tailor, and his apprentice, Gina. She seems like someone you'd like." The last leg of their journey, and then it's time to part ways...