Chapter 11:- Helpful Helpers
Kaine and her group of seven followers fell into their seats in the Carline canopy before something, more accurately someone, caught her eye. "Oi!.. You!" Shouted Kaine as she rose out of her seat causing the chair to fall back, and her companions to all raise looking in the direction that her words were aimed. Before the group stood a male Hyur Midlander turning around to look at them, the boy's eyes widening as Kaine storms up towards him. "You!.. It's you isn't it!?" Questioned Kaine aggressively as she planted her grip on the scruff of his neck. The action caused everyone in the adventurer's guild to stop and look over, the Elezen that the boy was previously speaking to rose from her seat, one of her hands reaching for the staff on her back. "What's your problem?" Asks the black haired boy as he pulls himself free from Kaine's grip with ease, pushing away her hand from his neck in one swift movement. "You!.. You're my god damned problem!.. Do you realise how much of a pain in my ass you were in ALO!?" The Hyur looked at Kaine with a blank expression as he tilted his head, studying her face. "I don't know what you're talking about" Spoke the boy as he waved Kaine off and began walking towards the stairs. "Don't turn your back on me.. Spriggan!.. Or should I say.. [Black Swordsman]?" The last two words coupled with 'spriggan' made the boy turn around and stare back at Kaine, somehow the act sent a shiver down her spine. "Only you could give that stare.. It really is you isn't it.. Kirito?" Kaine's voice was hardly more than a mumble as he slowly walked closer. "Yes.. It's me, so.. What are you going to do now.. Gang up on me, like your guild always did to the weak in ALO?.. Well?.. Make your move Archangel" Retorted Kirito, anger pouring from his words. "No, I, we.. Are not with The Archangels anymore" Replied Kaine as her head fell, her eyes looking at the ground. The truth of how her guild oppressed other races in ALO always sickened her, this was made worse by the fact that the one person who resisted, was the one speaking of it. "Kirito! Enough!" Shouted the Elezen as she placed herself in-between the two bickering players. "Just shut up! Both of you!.. Have you forgotten! This isn't a game! You can't let the past get the better of you!" Leafa's voice was loud and clear as she put both her brother, and Kaine, in their places. Now both let their heads hang, looking at the floor, Leafa's words making them realise how childish they had been. "She's right you know.. Instead of whining about things as pathetic as the past.. Is well.. Pathetic really.. And it gives me a headache.. So if you'd kindly shut the hell up, if you want to get it out of your system, take it outside and have a duel!" Spoke a voice from within the amassed onlookers. "Kirito.. Just know that, one day I will beat you" Spoke Kaine to herself. "I don't like fighting girls" Exclaimed Kirito as he turned to walk away. "Kaine.. What the hell was that all about?" Asks Nowe as he looks up from his drink, being the only one not to rise from his seat. "That is.. Was, Kirito.. [The Black Swordsman].. I'm sure you've heard of him Nowe" "Well Urick was telling me about some hot-shot solo player, he's pretty big news in Limsa Lominsa.. But I'm not interested in celebrities" Replies Nowe with a wave of his hand. "That's rich.. Coming from one of ALO's greatest celebs" States Salvadore as he pulls his seat in. Two members burst into laughter, quickly silenced by the daggers sent by Nowe's eyes. "Can I get you any more drinks?" Asks an NPC barmaid. "Same again" Replies Kaine as she hands over some gil to the waitress, and a tip, making the girl perk up and skip over to the bar. "Why do you do that?" Asks one of the group. "Do what?" "Tip her" "Tip who?" "The NPC" Finishes another just as curious as the player who started the question. "Oh.. Well I found it gets you your drinks faster.. And sometimes you can get quest information from them, not bad for a few extra gil really" Explains Kaine as the barmaid returns with their drinks.
"S'inon? Is that you?" Asks a familiar voice as long strawberry blonde hair moves closer, stopping after spotting her bow aimed at her. "S'inon.. It's me, Asuna" Coos the girl as she slowly moves closer to the blue haired Miqo'te. "A-As-una?" Mumbles S'inon before passing out. "S'inon!" Asuna darts to her friend's side catching her limp body before it hits the ground. "These three have passed out as well.. Asuna, this is the closest we've been to catching him" Stated a male Lalafell as he tended to the others. "What do you suggest we do?.. Just leave them?.. So we can have a second murderer running around?" Hissed the girl as she brushed S'inon's blue hair out of her eyes. "You go on if you must.. But I'm staying" "No, it's fine.. I'll send a message to the others, they'd kill me if I left you on your own anyway" Mumbled the little man as he opened his menu.
"I.. Still can't.. Believe we're.. A-Alive" Pants Axcel as he catches his breath. "I don't understand how that happened" Mumbles Florence lost in thought. "Well I'm glad that we bumped into you two, especially you little archanist.. You really saved our bacon there" Praised Viktor as he sent both girls a massive smile. "Indeed indeed, now I must know.. S'ilica, was it?" Inquired the smallest member of the group. Liz moved slightly so that she was stood just in front of the Miqo'te in question. "Yes" Replied S'ilica, unaffected by Liz's movements. "I must know.. How does it feel being the first of a class?" Asked Kaizer with a small chuckle. "The first?" Responded both girls as they looked at each other confused. "Indeed, I've never heard of any class capable of what you just did.. So you must be quite unique" Again intrigue seeped out of his words, like a scientist before they began a dissection. "Well.. I don't really feel any different.. Apart from being relieved that I was able to help, and that we are all still alive" Replied S'ilica in an innocent tone. Liz softly rubbed the Miqo'te's head as she leaned closer to her ear. "You did great" The whispered words made the smaller girl's cheeks flush red slightly, as she proudly smiled. "You did too" Replied the Miqo'te before purring as Liz's hand softly rubbed the back of her cat-like ears. "So what were you two doing on the bridge anyway?" Asks Axcel, completely changing the subject. "Well.." Started Liz as S'ilica interrupted her. "We were going for a walk.. It's our.." S'ilica's voice trailed off, becoming more of a whimper. ".. Our.. First time.. Out.. Of the city.. Since.. Since.." The girl's voice broke as tears began to well up in her eyes. "Since the announcement?" Finished Kaizer, in a sympathetic tone. "Yes" Replied Liz as she pulled S'ilica into an embrace. "Well aren't we glad that you're brave enough to step foot out of the city, let alone fight by our side.. We could use more brave people like you two" Stated Kaizer with a genuine smile. "What about you four?.. What are you doing out here?" Questions Liz as she comforts S'ilica in her arms. "We were finishing up Viktor and Axcel's quests before we moved on to Ul'Dah" Explained Kaizer as he turned to the Elezen archer. "Flor, has there been any response?" "No.. But she's still online so she must be safe, I just don't know why she isn't responding to my mail.. What the hell is she playing at?" Replied Florence obvious concern filling his words. "Keep trying.. We'll find out soon enough seeing as that about wraps it up for their quests, we can head out within the hour, let's get our stuff repaired and have something to eat before we board" Grumbled Kaizer as he returned his attention to the two girls. "If you'd like to come have a drink and some food to celebrate our victory and the unearthing of S'ilica's unique skill, you are more than welcome" Kaizer spoke as he manipulated his menu. A notification popping up in front of both girls. [Kaizer, wishes to become friends. O/X] Both girls quickly accepted the request, and each of the others that followed. "Sorry we ruined your walk" Spoke Florence as his long white hair glided past them. Kaizer stopped after most of the others walked through the gate leaving only himself, S'ilica and Liz. "Wait" He spoke with a serious tone. Both girls turned to look at the smaller man, confusion covering their faces. "I wanted to thank you both for helping me and my companions out back there" He spoke as he manipulated his menu again. A trade window popping up, as items slowly filled Kaizer's boxes. "What are these for?" Questioned Liz as she examined one of the items, noting the item's level. "But we can't equip items that are this level" Mumbles Liz. "I know.. But if you sell them you can get yourselves some new weapons and armour.. But the real reason I wanted to speak to you two.. S'ilica" Kaizer's voice fell serious again. "You have a unique class, which can mean one of two things can happen.. People can be overjoyed for you and want to help you.." "Or?" Asks S'ilica sheepishly, not really wanting to hear anymore. "People can get jealous.. And want your skills for themselves.. So keep your abilities secret until you are strong enough to burn both ends of that candle.. It's only advice, you can do anything that you want.. But after you two helped us, I couldn't not tell you" Kaizer spoke as he hit accept on the trade windows, his virtual inventory becoming lighter. As he began to walk towards the gate S'ilica stopped him. "Thank you" Spoke the girl with an innocent smile. "Don't mention it.. Now lets go get something to eat hmm?.. That cat might not be hungry anymore.. But I sure as heck am" Replied Kaizer as he rubbed his belly.
"It's been five days.. Five god awful days.." Sighed Raz'a as he punched the wall. "What the hell are you thinking Kayaba?.. Is this because of what happened to SAO?.. Is this my fault?.. Did I cause thi-" "Pain. Guilt. Hurt. You're hurting so much.. All of you blame yourselves for everything.. You're carrying the weight of all of them on your shoulders.. You're suffering.. Because you are a good person.. You are good.. I wish I could help you.. But it won't let m-" The ghostly voice fell silent as Raz'a darted from his seat, his eyes scanning his surroundings for any sign of, anything. "Who's there?.. How did you get in here?" His questions fell upon nothingness as no replies came. Sleep tugged at the back of his mind as he made his way over to the bed, closing his eyes, only to see the pain on everyone's faces during the announcement. Sleep quickly took a hold of him, and another terror filled story played out in his dream, the faces gaining voice as their screams echoed in the darkness.
"How long can I keep this up?.. This act.. I.. Why is this happening now?.. Why is this happening to us?.. How can that mad man get away with this?.. I thought that the Japanese government had found him when they raided his company HQ.. So how the hell is he doing this!?.." Loke racked his brain as he turned looking at the smashed up room.. It was like this since the first, every time they stopped at an inn to rest.. How could he sleep?.. Knowing that he played a part in driving that bastard into a revenge fuelled stupor.. "Fuck!" Screamed the man as he threw the table over, burning the last of his energy. "Shit, shit, shit!" He shouted as he pounded his fists against the floorboards, tears forming in his eyes. "I'm sorry.. I'm so so sorry!.. I'm.. Sorry!.. Please.. Let them all go!.. Just take me!.. Kill me!.. I don't care!.. Just let these people go!" Begged the man as he broke down. Fatigue forced his body to stop and his eyes to become heavy as he curled into the fetal position, mumbling inaudible apologies until finally falling to sleep.
Tears stung at her eyes as she pulled the covers over her head in an attempt to muffle her whimperish sobbing. Another night of crying herself to sleep, if there was one thing Yeul was glad for, that would be that the rooms were pretty much sound proof. The only way to be able to listen in on a room would be to either knock, alerting the occupants of your presence, or there was the [Eavesdropping] skill, if said skill was high enough you can listen in on private conversations. During Alpha and Beta testing, information gatherers would couple the [Eavesdropping] skill with the [Stealth] skill and gather information from one [Free Company] to sell to their competitors. Yeul let out a small gasp as the sound of tapping reached her ears, slowly followed by a soft voice. "Y-Yeul?.. Are you alright?" Asked the voice from the other side of the door. Yeul instantly knew it was Klein, that voice of his always did manage to make her smile. Brushing the tears from her eyes and slapping her cheeks, she got out of the bed heading to the door. Klein smiled with his eyes closed as the door opened. "I.. I'm fi-.. Klein?.. Are you okay.. Your face looks red, are you n-n-n.." Realisation hit her like a tonne of bricks. The door slammed shut in Klein's burning face as he tried to cool himself, fanning his face with his hands. Slowly the door re-opened, to reveal a bright red faced Yeul, now wearing more than just her avatar's small-clothes. "I.. Um.. Just.. Checking.. out.." Klein coughed pushing his heart back down from his throat. "Ahem.. I was just checking in on you" Spoke the redhead, in his normal, casual tone, a small trace of blush still visible on his lightly bearded face. "I'm fine, yep I'm absolutely fine" Replied the girl rather quickly. "Good.. Well good night Yeul" Klein smiled again as he turned to leave. "Um.. Klein?" Mumbled the girl in her quiet voice. "Yes" Answered the redhead as he looked over his shoulder, catching her eyes with his own for a moment. "I.. Would.. Um.. You.. C-can.. St-stay.. I.. Um, if you'd like.." The words tripped and stumbled out of Yeul's mouth as she tried to make the sentence understandable, while her heart jumped in her throat, her face must have been redder than Klein's hair at this point. Klein turned to face her fully before replying. "If you'd like me to stay, all you have to do is say" His voice was soft, softer than normal. "Y-" The word caught in her throat, blocked by the throbbing of her heart pounding in her chest, opting for a small nod instead, keeping her head down as the man walked towards her. "Yeul?" Whispered Klein as he knelt down, putting one arm around her back, and the other around her legs, rising and lifting the small framed girl with him. Yeul felt her face burn brighter than the sun as Klein lifted her in his arms, her body moved on it's own, her arms wrapping around his neck as she buried her face into his shoulder, the tears from before stinging her eyes. 'Why am I allowed such happiness?.. Why am I allowed to interact with someone who makes me so happy?.. Why am I allowed to feel this way?.. After causing this.. Why are they out there suffering?.. When we caused this..' Her thoughts tore at her as sadness washed over her, tears were freely pouring from her eyes, wetting Klein's cloth covered shoulder as he held her. While Yeul cried Klein's grip didn't falter, he held the girl until no more tears fell from her emerald orbs. Even after her sobs calmed, he still held her, silently, holding the girl in his arms until sleep took her into it's grasp. When the only sound heard was the sound of the pair breathing, Klein slowly put Yeul into her bed, pulling the covers up over her body. Pulling a chair next to the sleeping beauty, he gave her a small kiss on her forehead before whispering "I will always be there" into the sleeping girl's ear. Sleep quickly made a foothold over him as his eyes slowly closed, while he rocked on the chair.
With a deep breath the Miqo'te steps off of the airship, the air here in the forests was much more fresher than that of the dry and arid air of Ul'Dah. "Hey, where did you come from?" Mumbles a player on the other end of the gate. The girl simply replied with a huff as she walked through the gate towards the guard. "An envoy from Ul'Dah huh?.. Well Ul'Dahn.. Cause any trouble around here like you to back home and I'll hunt you down.. Go up the stairs to speak to Mother Miounne, she'll tell you where to go" Spoke the NPC with a bad attitude. "Hey, you didn't say where you were from. Miss?.." J'enova turned to look at the green haired boy before her. "Leave. Me. Alone." Her words were harsh but she had to get this done quickly, knowing the others they would already have been to Gridania.. But she knew that after the 'Envoy' quest they would have to return for the ceremony, reforging the [Eorzean Alliance] and honouring the fallen soldiers that died in the Battle of Carteneau. As J'enova turned to apologise to the boy, she stopped herself, without a sound the player had vanished. With a sigh she started up the stairs leading to the Carline Canopy and mother Miounne.
A/N: Hello.. I know right?.. Super fast update!.. Yeah I had today off so I got to spend some time on this chapter.. What a bunch on nice people.. Guess we'll have to throw another nasty person in.. Like Shi?.. Maybe.. But anywhoo..
I do hope that everyone is enjoying the story still.. If you are, why not tell me what you like most? All you have to do is pop a comment in the lil' box just below here then I'll give you a shout out in the next chapter with a response to whatever it is that you've said! Sound good?.. What are you waiting for then!
Well I'm going to stop these long drawn out Author Notes mumbling about the chapter you've just read.. And instead map out an idea or two for the next chapter without giving too much away.
So chapter 12 will see Kirito and Leafa apart once more, if feels like I've been writing them together a lot, this should calm down after another four or five chapters if everything follows in the footsteps of FFXIV. Which means the first dungeon should be coming up shortly, now I plan to have the dungeons play out like they did in SAO, so more like a raid of 32 players instead of a party of 4 (like it actually is in-game). As you've probably guessed our heroes are going to all meet each other soon.. Which means a chapter with no/very few sections (also known as horizontal lines), and a lot of dialogue, interaction, arguing and stepping on each others toes. But before all that we still have the missing member of Kaizer's group.. Alicia..
Okay I think that went well-ish maybe.
Well, as per usual. I wish you all the happiness as you go about your life.
Much Love
01L