Ah! I'm sorry! I know this next chapter is waaaaay over due! I may have umm… received a pen tablet from my hubby for graduation…and been drawing rather than writing…
Ahem. Anyways. I've been super active on a certain art site, rather than here on but I promise I am going to spread my time out better, because we are about to get to the good part of this story! ;) If anyone is interested, I've mapped out the raid site we are about to get to and I may even illustrate some of my raid bosses…so check out my profile if it interests you…I won't say anymore here on my story…
Well on with it! Please enjoy!
By that night, everyone's excitement about "Isuzu the celebrity" had somewhat subsided. This was a tremendous relief to the bard girl. It had been overwhelming having to answer so many questions about herself. And so many about Rudy. The girls practically demanded her entire life story, which she was only willing to divulge in chunks. She wasn't that interesting of a person. At least, that was her take on things. Isuzu thought back to how strangely that conversation had gone, where she learned that the petite little sorceress named Nami was crushing on Rudy.
"So what are you and Rudy exactly?" Kyoko had asked.
"Huh?" Had been her lame reply.
"Yes, we really need to know! I mean, are you guys dating or what?" Bianca jumped, gripping her by the arm.
"Oh no...we're just friends."
"Are you sure? Didn't you say you joined Log Horizon with Rudy?" Asami asked, walking just ahead of them all.
"I did. When he decided that was the guild he would join, I did too. It made sense. Two other new players in our party were also Log Horizon members. And honestly, that guy is such a handful. Someone had to look out for him!"
The four girls exchanged glances and Isuzu had noticed them all linger on Nami the longest.
"Is something going on?" She finally asked.
"Guys don't tell her!" Nami whined.
"Why not? Everyone else knows. Except for him, of course." Asami shrugged, shaking her head.
"Don't tell me what?" Isuzu said cautiously, hiding it with a laugh.
"Nami has a huge crush on him, actually." Kyoko said with a smirk.
"What? A crush on who? Not Rudy, he's too lame!" She teased, seeing how Nami's face turned bright red.
"Y-yes. I know he's odd but...he's so cute and nice and..."
The other girls all giggled and Isuzu managed a smile, realizing how red Nami's face had become.
"We were all hoping you could help her out a little." Kyoko asked in a hushed voice.
"Help?" She whispered back in shock, feeling the blood rush from her face.
"Yeah. I mean, you two are close, right? So just casually ask him about her."
"Umm...I could try? I don't think me talking to him will help. Nami should really just tell him and see what happens." She replied with a nod, internally telling herself to "just keep smiling."
Nami flushed and the girls giggled some more.
"See that's what I said but they all told me I was nuts!" Asami exclaimed.
"That's what I suggest." Isuzu said her smile plastered to her face.
"Well if you could at least...gauge Rudy's reaction." Kyoko pressed, unswayed.
Isuzu sighed and politely repeated that she would try.
She was beginning to regret that decision. Remembering the way Nami's eyes lit up in happiness made Isuzu feel like a terrible person. She didn't want to ask her best friend, her dog Prince, the man she may or not be falling for herself, if he was in love with another woman.
At least the day was winding down. The group had stopped to camp for the night, and Isuzu had learned that all of the girls stayed together in a large tent while they were still traveling. Once they reached the raid dungeon, they each set up their own. It would be interesting. It had been quite a long time since she last camped out. A lot of girl talk was in her future, Isuzu could already see it. They seemed like close knit, gossiping type of women.
Isuzu smiled to herself as she emerged from the tent, seeing that dinner was already cooked. A few of her companions waved her over and she was given a large bowl of soup, which she accepted and ate gratefully. She chatted lightly with those around her, no longer feeling overwhelmed by their questions. Eventually, she found herself searching for Rudy's familiar face, missing his witty banter. Everyone seemed to be vying for her attention and they had hardly been able to talk. She didn't even get to walk with him today.
'Things will die down' She figured resolutely.
Her gaze ended up falling upon Ken, who was sitting away from the group. She realized he was waving, beckoning her over. She set down her empty bowl and lightly walked over to sit down beside him.
"How are you doing so far?" Ken asked with a smile once she was settled.
"I'm great! Everyone is so wonderful. This is a really awesome group of people."
"Yeah, they are. Everyone is really unique. Especially Rudy." He replied with laugh.
"You have no idea."
This was true. No matter how much Ken thought he knew about Rudy, it wouldn't even scratch the surface.
"So you and him go way back it seems?"
"Yeah we do. We were beginners together. We met at that training camp the Round Table held on the Zantleaf Peninsula."
"I think I heard about that, yeah."
"Well, we were placed in the same party and went through our first dungeon together. It was so exciting! That was when Rudy and I got close. And then our party participated in the battle at Zantleaf. When the demon king was crowned."
Ken nodded knowingly. Everyone obviously knew about that.
"After that battle, Rudy decided to join Log Horizon. I actually was a member of the Crescent Moon Alliance at the time. But I got permission to leave and join Log Horizon too."
"So you two really joined the same guild together?" He asked, giving her a meaningful look.
"Not...not like that, but yes. He's so...active. He doesn't think things through all the way before he does them. I would have worried about him too much. So I stayed by his side."
"I see. You two make a good couple."
"Really it's not like that. He's my friend, that's all."
"If you say so. Though I must ask." He paused and turned to her.
"Are you really all that interested in raiding or is it all for Rudy? I can see that you are combat ready. But it really is completely different thing from singing."
"Yes well, I know that the two things are different, but that doesn't mean both don't interest me. I want to get out and see things I've never seen. I want to use my own strength. Don't get me wrong, I love music. On the one hand, my career is wonderful! I get to touch the hearts of everyone who hears me! I love performing and my fans are great. But on the other, if it weren't for all that I would have been traveling with you all from the beginning."
Ken gave her a questioning look and she shot him a sheepish grin.
"I already know I would have followed him. And I wouldn't have had anything keeping me from doing so." She paused and took a breath, then continued.
"It's been so overwhelming lately. I'm just a normal, regular person. So I'm really grateful to you for deciding everything so quickly. I'm so happy to be here. You really have no idea."
"It's no problem." Ken said with a smile.
"You know, it's funny..." He continued, scratching his chin.
When I first invited Rudy to join up with us, I could see the spark he had. How much he loved to travel. I invited him and for a moment I thought he would say yes on the spot. But then he got all quiet and said he would have to think about it. Said, there was something important in Akiba he would have to leave behind. I had assumed he meant a guild or a shop. But he was talking about you, wasn't he?"
"...He's such a brat. Yeah, he was. And when I found out he was hesitating, I told him I would punch him so hard his head would fall off if he didn't accept. I know he enjoys my concerts, but that isn't going to get him through life. He needs to do what makes him happy too.
"I see now. So I have you to thank for him being here."
Ken turned and peered down at the small girl, who smiled up at him unguardedly.
"I guess so. Enough about me though, what's your story?"
"My story?" He asked, taken aback.
"Yes. Who exactly am I blindly following into the Pit of Anguish? All I know is that you own a weapons shop in Akiba..."
"That's right. I go on raids and pick up rare weapons and items to sell at my shop. I have a bunch of good employees I can leave it to while I'm gone. And I'm really lucky."
Ken began to tell her about himself, details spilling out before he could stop them. What was it about that sweet little face of hers that made him suddenly feel compelled to tell her everything? She looked up at him earnestly and listened intently as he told her about leaving Issaac's guild Black Sword Knights and going solo after the Catastrophe. He had travelled to Minami and then Suskino, and eventually returned to Akiba, most pleased with the state of Akiba in comparison. He had a few friends who left Black Sword and DDD just as he did and eventually they had formed a raiding party. He stopped and pointed to Yuuta and Haru.
"The three of us are originals from the first raid. Everyone else has come and gone. When I saw how successful we were and how much loot I got, it seemed a shame to sell to someone else. Why not sell it myself? So I opened up a shop. A couple others who used to party with us got married and settled down so they run the shop now. It's in good hands and I'm really grateful."
"That sounds really great."
"Yeah, it's not a bad deal. I'm in a good position, you know. One day, when I find myself a wife, the two of us will be set."
She giggle at that, still smiling.
"Yes it sounds like you will both be happy. Anyone in mind?"
She raised her eyebrows at him and watched as the much larger man turned as red as a tomato.
"Ah, not at the moment...but, we'll see."
He looked at her shyly, gauging her reaction. She really was quite lovely in a down-to-earth sort of way, just like everyone said.
"I see. I'm sure you will find her."
"Me too."
They fell into a brief silence, which Isuzu finally broke, announcing she was going to start getting ready for the night. She stood up and flashed him another smile, her braid falling down over her shoulder.
"Have a good night. I'm glad we got to talk."
She waved briefly before walking off.
"Yes, me too." He replied absently, distracted as his eyes fell upon her hair.
That ribbon..
It was the same one he had seen Rudy purchase at a shop in Aldona. He remembered how the blonde sorcerer had practically skipped out of the store in excitement.
"A hair ribbon? I don't think that one is quite your color, Rudy." He had teased.
"It is not meant for me!" Rudy cried, flushing slightly.
"Ah...then it must be for your woman."
A devilish smile spread across Ken's face.
"N-not at all!"
Ken had chuckled and left it at that, thinking that it must be meant for the person Rudy spent most of his evenings talking to for so long. The one everyone joked about being his "Mystery Woman."
"Hey Ken, you out of it? Dinner's ready."
Ken was startled from his thoughts by an approaching Yuuta who handed him a steaming bowl of soup and sat next to him.
"What's up? I saw you talking with our new little bard. What do you think?"
Ken took a bite of food and smiled.
"Yeah. She's really something. I can see why everyone is so enamored with her."
"Haven't talked to her much, but she seems pleasant. Really was a surprise though."
"Yes, it was. By the way, did you notice that ribbon she was wearing?"
"Ribbon? Come on, Ken. Of all things to look at on a girl, it's not going to be her hair ribbon. Why? What are you thinking?"
"Heh. I'm just thinking... Rudy isn't going to be spending very much time on the phone during this trip."
"What?"
"Don't worry about it. We will see how everything plays out."
"Whatever you say."
They both sat and ate in general silence, observing their companions as they went about their nights.
It took five days of traveling to reach their destination. All the while, Isuzu could feel herself being constantly observed in some fashion or another. Most of her companions stares were curious, as if they were amazed she functioned like a normal human being. She had bed hair in the morning and sleep in her eyes. Sometimes she was clumsy and dripped soup on her shirt. She laughed loudly and felt awkward at times. There was absolutely nothing special about her.
She could feel Ken watching her too, especially when she fought straggling Demi-humans along the road. He had to be sizing up her potential, observing how she fought.
Their last day of traveling, he finally approached her again for more than small talk.
"We should be reaching the Pit of Anguish within an hour." He began.
"Indeed." She nodded.
"I would like to have a quick strategy meeting before we do, if you don't mind." He finished, motioning for Yuuta to join.
Once he was present, Ken spoke again, slowing his pace to match Isuzu's shorter stride.
"It seems you work as a melee attacker." He commented.
"Yes I do."
"As our only bard, we will be relying heavily on your support songs."
"I know."
"Ken and I were talking earlier." Yuuta spoke up, "It would be perfectly fine if you took up rear guard, as long as you are providing support."
She raised her eyebrows at this.
"With all due respect, I would prefer to be in mid-range. It will keep me within a better radius for my songs as well as my attack support."
Yuuta looked a little shocked at that, while Ken's expression was intrigued.
"So you are comfortable being a whistle blower then?"
She giggled lightly and nodded.
"Yes, of course. What good am I if I don't give this my all? And I actually don't use a whistle."
She smiled and pulled out a small, shining silver rectangular object.
"Is that a harmonica?" Yuuta asked, observing as she placed it between her lips and played a simple scale.
"Well, I'll be damned. You really are prepared for this, aren't you?" Ken asked, shaking his head.
She smiled some more and nodded, pocketing the small instrument.
"Yes I am. You can count on me to substantially increase our damage potential and decrease MP consumption. I know I can't provide as much range as two or even three bards would, but I will do everything that I can. I also don't mind strategy meetings." She trailed, shooting a pointed look at Rudy who was busy laughing heartily with Richard.
Ken and Yuuta nodded, all too aware that Rudy's idea of strategy was to shoot as many balls of fire as his MP would allow.
"Sounds good." Ken chuckled.
"The bosses in the Pit of Anguish cover a wide range of tactics. That, coupled with the overall level of the monsters there means we must be on our toes at all times. We will need to switch our strategy for every boss fight, relying heavily on you."
She nodded.
"Okay. You can count on me."
They continued for another 45 minutes, the trees becoming increasingly more sparse. Isuzu could make out a rather large and misty mountain in the distance.
The group began to slow as they reached the base of the mountain. It was inside this jagged mass of rock, deep in its underground pit, that the raid group would go to work. Isuzu inhaled a breath, willing her nerves away. She felt a hand on her back and looked up to find Rudy beside her, looking up into the wide expanse of the mountain's peak.
"It is a beautiful scene." He said, causing her to follow his gaze.
"It is. It's misty and serene."
He looked down at her, his face full of determination.
"I will protect Miss Isuzu so that we may return home successful."
She laughed and shook her head.
"You're a Sorcerer, Rudy. It's my job to protect you, remember?"
He opened his mouth to retort that comment, but the sound of Ken's voice drowned him out.
"Everyone, we have arrived."
Around them there were cheers of excitement.
"Does everyone know their formations?"
Multiple nods and murmurs of "yes" could be heard throughout the crowd.
"Okay, good. Everyone get ready. We're going to enter the gate."
Isuzu felt like her heart was going to leap from her chest. She reached down and squeezed Rudy's hand, feeling him squeeze back and give her a nod of encouragement. This greatly reassured her. She took a deep breath and gripped her spear, walking forward to take her position. The group of twenty four broke off into four standard six party member teams.
Isuzu was in team three, which consisted of Guardian Zeeke, Cleric Asami, Swashbuckler Haru, Sorceress Nami, and Sorcerer Rudy. Zeeke and Haru took up the front of the group, with Isuzu trailing just behind them. Behind her, Rudy, Nami and Asami followed, looking alert and focused.
They reached the tall, double gated entrance. Everyone observed in excitement as a notification screen popped up before Ken, asking if they sought to enter and challenge the raid. He pressed the green button and the screen vanished, the gates beginning to slowly creak open.
Here we go...
They entered into a circular cave-like room, the only means of light coming from the open gates behind them. Once everyone was inside they slowly began to shut, and Isuzu was momentarily distracted by the many light spirits that were summoned. She paused to wave at a bouncy green one she knew was Rudy's and it smiled and glowed brighter in response, swirling around her head happily.
The group began to move forward on Ken's command, trudging along cautiously. Musical notes swirled around Isuzu, dark blue and orange in color. She had chosen two simple, go-to support songs to start out with. Cowards' Fugue, which she strategically placed on those who were supplying offensive rearguard support, such as Rudy and Nami, and Prelude Onslaught, which shortened the whole group's cool down times.
"Orc horde, just ahead." Yuuta shouted.
There was a pause as members signaled to one another and fanned out. Then the room exploded into a frenzy of battle.
The raid had officially begun.
Thank you for reading the latest chapter and everyone's continued support! Please shoot me a review and let me know what ya think!
