Basically a filler, but it serves purpose. :3

Chapter 3: Understood

"The enemies are strong for this server..." Kite said as Elk healed his wounds with Pha Repth.

"Yeah Yeah. Maybe CC Corp decided to do something right and stop making everything noob-friendly. C'mon, let's go to the dungeon~" Sora whined and circled them like a vulture would a carcass.

"M.. Maybe we should bring Balmung with us or something…" Elk adored traveling with Balmung. The winged man was able to make him feel safe just by standing beside him. For some reason, standing next to Sora did the same… and also made him feel like his space was being violated because the twin-blade enjoyed invading personal space each chance he got.

"Psh, we don't need him. Everyone knows that Twin Blades are the best character choice. We're fast, strong, and can do pretty much any skill we want. Now, Wavemasters are pretty much useless." He shrugged and moseyed off towards the dungeon, knowing the other two would follow.

Elk furrowed his eyebrows and trudged behind. His humiliation was further increased when Sora cast an Ap-du on him so he could keep up. His pale face, again, flushed to nearly match the colour of his eyes.

Once they reached the dungeon, Kite used a Fairy's Orb so they could reach the Gott Statue faster.

"You know, that kinda takes the fun out of adventuring if you've always gotta map to show you the layout of the area."

Kite chuckled, "No, its called preparing. Just because I can see the area I'm in doesn't mean that-"

"Yeah but it takes all the surprises out of it-"

"No it doesn't." Kite huffed, "For all we know the monster portal in the next room could have a treasure chest or a big hulking monster waiting for us."

"Guys?"

"So? With your cruddy map you know exactly which rooms contain portals and which don't. It totally ruins the surprise!"

"Ugh. No, it keeps us from getting gameovers and not wasting precious potions and scrolls!"

"Guys…"

"Oh please, with the level we are do you really think we'll be needing to expend a million and on health drinks?"

"With you being so reckless, maybe! Who knows! It's always good to plan ahead-"

"But it takes all the fun out of itttt!" Sora whined.

Kite groaned in frustration and rubbed his forehead, "If you don't like it then turn off the map on your screen."

"But then I dunno where I'm going." He smiled.

"…"

"Guys."

"What, Elk?" Kite finally turned to him.

"Revive me?" Elk smiled sheepishly.

"Aw, how'd you go and off yerself with no monsters around?" Sora pushed his hand through Elk's ghostly head experimentally.

"There were monsters you two were just too busy talking." He flailed Sora's hand away, "stop that that looks really weird on my monitor."

"Stop what. This?" He wiggled his fingers inside his head and chuckled before withdrawing them when Kite revived Elk, "Hey I wonder if someone could glitch themselves into their teammate that way." He shot his blade out and grazed Elk's neck teasingly, "Care to let me find out?"

Blush creeped into the wave master's cheeks and he was forced to turn his gaze to the floor. He wanted to change the subject immediately, "…a-are you sure there's aromatic grass here?"

Sora withdrew his blade into its hilt on his wrist and lowered his arms. His stature became more serious, "It's in the Gott Statue."

Kite paused then signed, "Dammit."

"What is it Kite? Is something wrong?" Elk asked, concerned.

"Hrm…" Sora chuckled to himself and wandered away from the two.

"No… well, yes. I'm sorry Elk I have to go. There's been a reported outbreak in the Sigma sever and I-"

"It's ok Kite." He smiled emptily, "I'm sorry the quest wasn't very fun. How about next time we do an actual event so we've got something to aim for?"

"It was fun. Entertaining to say the least." He motioned to Sora, "But sure, an event quest would be great. I'll mail you tonight to set up a date. Later."

Elk watched as Kite gated out from the area. He felt something sink inside him as it always did when one of his friends left. He often felt he would never see them again. A hand rested on his shoulder and pulled him along to follow.

"Eh we'll have more fun without em anyway."

"I guess…"

"Tell me about Mia. I've seen her and talked to her, but I dunno her too good."

"You.. You've talk to Mia?"

"Yeah. Well… " He paused, "a form of her."

"What do you… Oh, you mean Macha…"

"Yeah. Love that little thing, she's adorable. Haven't seen her for a couple years though I guess CC Corp deleted her finally… sucks…"

Elk paused and made a face at the ground, but rather than get into a huge argument about the existence of Macha and Mia he simply nodded.

"So go on."

"I dunno she's just.. Everything I want to be."

"Well, I must say, you're doing a super job at the girl part." Sora smiled widely.

Elk giggled nervously, "Uh… yeah.. Anyway, she's strong and outgoing and I wish I could be more like that. And she's funny and pretty…"

"You ever seen a pic of her?"

"Well… no…"

"Then for all you know she's some forty year old guy who lives in his basement and collects figures of scantly clad lolicon girls."

"Mia IS Mia!" Elk said angrily, "Mia's REAL, unlike half the other people I've met here. Mia cares about me she's the ONLY ONE who's EVER cared about me." The wavemaster turned from Sora to walk on the opposite side of the hallway.

Sora sighed loudly. They walked this way down the long corridor for less than five seconds before Elk saw a message pop up in front of him that said

UR 93771n9 7h3 h4n9 0f 17~

Elk made a face, "What?"

"My god you really are a noob." Sora rolled his eyes, "come back over here and I'll tell you."

"No. Tell me now."

"Nah, I think I'll save it for when you stop pouting."

"You hurt my feelings…"

"How could I possibly hurt your feelings giving you advice."

"You insulted Mia…"

"No, I didn't. If I did you'd know it. I don't enjoy being discreet when it comes to insults. Now come back over here and I'll tell you something important."

The wavemaster hesitated and stayed on his side.

"Do I have to drag you over here?" Sora broke from his side and began to stride over to Elk's, "Hm. Nah I like it better over here. It's cozier." He squished Elk into the side of the wall gradually.

Elk sighed. It was going to be a long way to the bottom, considering they hadn't even gotten to leave the first room yet.