A/N: Thanks again to my reviewers! Agent 94, Gashadokura, theawesomeness, you guys are the best!
I slowed down as I reached the town gate. I needed time to consider my method of approach with these gifts. Do I just deliver, thanking her before I go? I reflected, Do I wait to hear her response? Should I ask if she'd like to join me? The prospect of her joining excited me. The idea of us seeing the beauty of Aincrad together, making friends, fighting our way out of this.
As the evening air cooled, the town filled with crowds and scores of returning adventurers. The bronze bell rang, indicating the passing of the next hour. I shivered, reminded of its sound playing on the first day. Walking past the church building, I spotted Haru's street side carpet. Keeping my hood on, I melded with the crowd on my way there.
Approaching, I felt conflicted on my next move. I have to deliver these as straight forward and soft as possible, I warned myself. Knowing me, it'll take just one wrong move, one mistake. Clearing my throat, I felt my heart race as I strolled closer. As I wandered, I unequipped my greatsword, worried for being noticed.
If Yuri is responsible for this bounty, I must address him on it. I passed Haru's corner, making my way down to the market district of Starting Town. I refused to put on my cowl, fearing the attention it would bring. Crossing under the stone castle arches, I felt guilt.
Where do I begin with this, I wondered, I don't want this to result in further bloodshed. The marketplace was surprisingly empty, with only a few scattered parties lingering around the NPCs. Just as I moved to Yuri's usual spot, someone approached me.
"Please," he bellied, "can you tell me where my brother is? He's been missing all day."
I stopped, looking back at him. Light brown hair rain down to his shoulders, with small, icy blue eyes. "Not sure," I replied, "maybe I can help. What's his name?"
The boy smiled. Roughly my height, he clasped his hands before bowing slightly to me. "Thank you, sir! Yes, his name's Rus."
I froze the moment that name came through. Oh my God, I feared, what the hell do I say, or do!? My face went cold, my heart slowing. "Um," I tried answering, "did he...tell you anything the night before?"
"No," the boy said. With a raised eyebrow, his suspicion brought me further despair.
Hell, I cursed, if I tell him the truth, he'll hunt me down too! If I don't, he's bound to find out. Ugh, if I can just escape to the mountains, I'll evacuate before the situation escalates...but it feels so dirty, lying to him.
I frowned softly. "He was blonde, right?" I asked slowly, the words barely escaping my lips.
His pale blue eyes shot up. Looking at me, I felt myself break down into tears. "I'm so sorry," I cried, "your brother...he..."
"W-What happened?" the boy asked sharply, panic in his voice.
No going back now, I condemned, curse myself for this. "Your brother...he came after me. He had a sword drawn on me."
The boy froze, looking at me with a bewildered gaze. He stared silently, his eyes now like spears.
Just looking at his despair, I wanted to die. "Yuri," I grumbled, "sent him after me...saying I stole something...have you seen him anywhere?"
The boy remained silent. His hands balled into fists, prompting me to back away slightly. "I didn't want any trouble," I pleaded, "there was a big misunder-"
"No!" he yelled tersely, "no excuse!"
His shouts brought the attention of others, who glanced over to the two of us. I stood back, completely clueless. What the hell do I even say? I told him he drew a weapon on me!
I lowered my head, my arms shaking. A few tears fell, feeling every shot of pain he must feel. What if I woke up and realized a man killed my brother, I asked myself, could I expect mercy from myself? Let alone a stranger?
The answer was obvious. I turned away, wandering off into the street. I have to get out of here, I concluded, I can't stay with a reputation like this...I must go. My boots felt heavy as I parted from the mourning son.
"You," I heard him growl, "you...will pay when I get back...first, I'm finding Yuri."
The words stabbed through me like a knife. I wanted to disappear, to go back in time and just erase what I did. One lie, I noted, that's all it took...one lie, and it tears us all down. "I'm sorry," I pleaded softly, walking away from the scene. Eyes glared at me as I passed. Hateful glances, whispers in the street.
The yellow glow of the sunset covered the stone buildings, radiating the sky with shades of purple and gold. Murderer, I concluded, does this make me such in his eyes? It wouldn't surprise me. Approaching the eastern gate, I traveled towards Haru's street corner.
At least, I rationalized, at least I was honest with him. Whether I escape or not...he must know. People crossed by in droves, wandering to and from place to place. Even with their indifference towards me, it felt as if all eyes were on me.
I stopped nearby, waiting as Haru conducted business with another customer. I just hope he'll accept my apology. I don't want to die...that's all I understand right now. The marble pillars of town cast long, deep shadows over the tile paved roads, looming over our heads like sentinels. Moments later the customer left, I approached.
Stepping in front her, I smiled weakly. "Evening Haru," I greeted, my voice soft and insecure.
Busy inspecting one of her potions, Haru turned her gaze back to me. "Hey Garr," she put the potion down on the rug, "what's up?"
"I-I know we didn't exactly end on good terms," I stammered lightly, "so I..." I stopped, immediately opened my menu. Digging through my inventory, I scrambled for the plants I gathered.
Haru shrugged, "I'd rather not talk about it." She saw me scanning my item storage, glancing up at me as she asked, "what're you doing?"
"Brought you some things," I answered, cycling through the items. "thought you might like these." Speaking softly, I lowered my gaze as I laid out the three herbs I found. "
"Um," Haru questioned, inspecting these plants. "Thank you?" She grimaced as she looked at the soapy 'Celerock' root. "Surprised you didn't start a brush fire." She felt the roots, "guess you had some trouble with these. Oh well."
She put the slick plant root down, inspecting the yellow flowered plant. Just looking at it, I could taste the repulsive flavor again. Her eyes darted to the roots, brushing off some of the smaller dirt clumps. Feeling the stem, she shrugged. She seemed content with the offering.
"This is Sun Cup," Haru explained, "fairly poisonous. I could use this for something. Good find." She stopped, staring at one of the petals. Partly torn from my taste inspection, she looked up to me.
"Let me guess," she gambled, "thought you found your next meal?" Her eyebrows were raised, but the wry smile on her face was impossible to hide.
My face heated with embarrassment. how the hell did she know? I wondered, Why the hell did I think of eating that?!
"...yes," I mumbled sheepishly, "maybe I was a bit…curious." Just explaining it, I felt like an idiot.
Haru stared at me for what felt like an hour, her expression still so irritatingly smug. Suddenly, she bursted out laughing! Banging her left hand on the grass, she shrieked hysterically. Her laughter echoed throughout the local block. I glanced around nervously, dear God, that's the second time I've made a scene today!
Tears rolled down her face as she calmed down. I stood there, unsure how to react to the situation. Trying to catch her breath, Haru looked back at me. Her green eyes glowed as she smiled.
"That," Haru pointed out, "is funny." Shaking her head, "I'm seeing it now! The look on your face! Biting down on this. That stupid grin on your face! Oh man, I can't stop!" her voice cut off, laughing hard after explaining. I cracked a smile, happy to see Haru enjoying herself. If only I wasn't the butt of this joke.
She steadily regained her composure. Calming herself, she inspected the soapy root again. Pulling up a magnifying glass, her eyes darted across the fibrous body. After a few minutes of checking, she looked up to me.
"Celerock," she commented, "or at least, part of one." She put the herb piece down. "This is a bit uncommon, well it would have been. Seems you triggered its dissolve function." She threw the root out, "sadly, the root is useless to me without the plant intact."
Throwing this away, the item quickly vanished in a puff of blue glass. Looking back at me, she advised, "next time you find something like this, leave it alone please? Others might need it." Moving on to the next plant, her smile was gone with the inspection.
When she laid eyes on the glowing blue plant, Haru stopped. Her eyes almost popped out of her head as she stared at the pulsing light. Lifting and inspecting the small herb, she seemed lost in her passion. It shined in her hands, her bright smile returning. Her hands shook slightly with excitement. She steadily put the plant down, returning her gaze to me.
"How," she stammered, her green eyes lighting like fire, "where...where did you find this?" Her voice lifted with amazement.
"I don't recall where exactly," I answered, "was just growing in the meadow, I'd say far west of the river? A bunch of Frenzy Boar tried eating it." Her excitement rubbed off on me, smiling from the reaction.
"You have no idea what you've found, do you?" Haru asked, pointing to the plant. "This is King's Herb, an S-Class Herb...It's supposed to grant special abilities to those who distill it in tea and drink." Her eyes darted to the blue plant. "I can't believe I'm holding one..."
I beamed with pride. "Consider it a gift," I stated humbly, "both as an apology and a thank you for…" My anxiety returned, reminding me to leave. "You know… Anyway," I turned away nervously, "I really should be going."
"Wait!" Haru called out, "I'm not finished. Turn around." Her command stopped me dead in my tracks. I slowly turned back around, looking at her. "You're just gonna walk out?" she asked, "after all the good you've done for me? That's not very gentleman-like, stay for a minute."
I nodded, letting her continue. "Good," she stated, "now listen, Garr." Her expression grew much softer, one of mild concern. "I've been thinking about last night." She put the plant away. "What happened last night? It doesn't make much sense, certainly not for anyone with a brain. In the end? You kept your word, even fought to keep me safe." I remained silent as she spoke.
She smiled, "Thank you," crossing her arms, "I may not know what you did, but to me? You're cool." She then tilted her head, "you said you were going to leave town, where were you going?"
I shrugged with embarrassment, unused to praise. "The mountains up north," I answered, "plan on staying until I can handle myself...I can't stay here, not without stirring more trouble."
"Wait," Haru stopped, "why didn't you come back to town last night?"
"I figured I was safer hiding outside," I stated, confused by her sudden question.
She quickly placed her face in her left palm. "Ugh," she groaned, "you idiot...this town's a safe zone, remember?"
"Huh?" I responded.
"Safe Zone," Haru repeated, "means you can't be hurt if you're in here. Did you spend all night up there?"
"Maybe?" I replied sheepishly, "I honestly felt scared, Haru. After having a guy take the time out of his day just to stalk me? I didn't wanna know what awaited me in town."
"Hm," she eased her tone, "I guess I can see why...still illogical, guess you are as lucky as you claim...so you said the mountains, right?"
"Yep," I nodded, "should be a decent place, least to wait things out. I've got hopes of a rescue soon."
She frowned slightly. "You're aware of what's out there, right?" she asked, "stronger creatures live there, even more so than the wolves we met."
"I know," I explained, "that's exactly why I'm heading there. The more dangerous a place, the less likely anyone's going to travel there. By the time I'm gone, you're probably going to be hearing things."
She continued looking concerned. Eventually, she sighed. "Very well." Haru answered, " Maybe we-" she stopped herself. She looked away, "never mind. I won't keep you any longer."
Maybe what? I wondered, intrigued by the statement. Her body language, however, became defensive. Realizing it'd be unwise to ask, I turned away.
"Don't get yourself killed out there, idiot." she warned.
"Believe me," I assured as I turned away, "I'm too stubborn to die."
I turned towards the gate, contemplating when to leave. I may be possibly hunted, but I feel exhausted. Suddenly Haru shouted, "Wait!"
I stopped, turning to find Haru holding up a familiar red bottle. "Here, made one for you after I came back. Figured it's a fair trade." Placing the bottle on the carpet, she scooted it to my side.
I smiled, walking back and picking up the bottle. 'Tiger Soul Spice', the item's description read, "A liquid spice. Used to add flavor to assorted food." Up in the mountains I'll need to cook food for myself, I thought, judging by the 'great quality' of my last meal, this'll be a godsend.
Putting the item away, I grinned. "Thank you," I praised, "if it's anything like Sriracha sauce, then I'm a happy man."
"Don't mention it," she said, "good luck out there, Garr." Her smile turned crooked, "try not to start anymore fights! In this culture, impulsiveness and open emotion are taboo."
"I'll try." I answered, turning away. "Stay safe, Haru." With that, I turned away and left the corner. I listened as Haru sighed, fiddling with glass bottles as I left. I felt a bit of a dissonance, hearing her warning. Emotion is taboo, huh? I pondered, sure is different from home...I'll have to get used to that, since I'm sure the majority here are Japanese.
I wandered around town one last time. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the dark blue of the night sky converged. I gazed around the main plaza. Not a soul to be seen, despite the crowded streets. They avoid this place like it's haunted. I noted, wandering out. Soon, the moon rose over the sleepy town. Lanterns flickered on, the orange glow lighting the streets.
As crowds wandering the streets shrunk in number, it left the vast open spaces vacant. Park benches, tables, all devoid of activity. With the absence of chatter, brought the orchestra of crickets, chirping the silence away. To the right of me stood a fountain, pouring its endless contents into its stone basin.
One player sat alone on a nearby park bench. Donning a black cloak, I couldn't discern any feature from them, past a pair of thigh high white stockings. Seeing them alone and solemn, I felt some pity for them. Maybe they need some comfort, I thought, can only imagine how hard it must be.
I looked around, my cowl still removed. Approaching, I looked back to the stranger as I stepped on the dew covered park grass. Stopping beside the fountain, I looked to see if the person noticed me.
A lone eye looked up to me from under the cowl. A bright hazel, resembling fire as it sized me up. "Hey," I greeted gently, "you alright?" Placing my hands in my pockets, I stayed back.
"What do you want," the voice groaned. The voice sounding feminine, though already irritated.
"Sorry to bother you," I replied softly, "you seem bothered. Is it alright if I stick around? Chat a little? It's been a long day for me."
She said nothing, simply shrugging as a reply. I nodded, sitting on the lip of the fountain. "I'm Garr by the way," I said, looking back at her, "you?"
"No names please," she asked sternly, "I'm just enjoying the fresh air." Her eyes looked away, dismissive of my existence.
"Alright then," I compromised, "gotta say, the clean air is a blessing." Looking up to the night sky, I smiled a little at the legions of stars above. "Beautiful night, isn't it?"
"It's just window dressing," she dismissed, "something to distract us...distract us from the fact we're trapped in a prison." Her voice ran low, depressing the air with her pessimism.
"I know," I replied, "but there's always a silver lining in things. I can tell you one positive already." I smiled, the nearby lantern lighting my face.
"Really," the woman spoke, "what could that possibly be?" She sighed, clearly disinterested.
"Well, I can say I got the chance to be more social," I admitted, "I may have made a few missteps, but it's already a lot more than what I'm used." I smiled, looking around the lantern lit town, "college may have a surplus of people, but it's supply of friendly people is...lacking."
I looked back at her. "Anything positive you can think of? Anything really."
"Yea," she replied. She suddenly rose to her feet. "I'm sorry, I really should be going." She turned away after uttering those words. She's not going suicidal, is she? I worried, she looks like she's ready to crack any time.
I got up, following after her. "Hey, wait!" I called out, trying to get her to stop. Right as I closed in, I heard a sword being drawn. I stopped, a rapier now aimed at my face. The cloaked stranger stood there, looking at me blankly with her fiery hazel eyes. I felt my jaw clench, the sting of the last wound still fresh on my mind.
"Stop following me," she growled, "I want to be alone, got that?" The tip of the rapier forced me back, humbling me.
I nodded, raising my hands passively. She drew the sword back, sheathing it before turning away again. I watched as she stormed off, her black cloaked figure vanishing in the confines of a nearby inn. Jeez, I thought, hope black isn't the popular color of the day. I turned to another inn, not wanting to be mistook for a stalker.
Despite how proud I was for helping Haru, that sword swept me back to reality. As I entered another tavern, I heard music play. The sounds of glasses tipping, laughter, and mirth filled the air with a hearty delight. The candles along all sides lit whatever places the grand fireplace failed to reach.
Approaching the local bartender, the NPC waved me over. I noticed a new icon appearing over the head of the character. In the form of a golden exclamation point, I asked, "Something wrong?"
"Yes," the NPC replied. Suddenly, a menu appeared before me, listing a bunch of quests available to me. Bewildered by the length, I searched for anything involving the mountainous regions. Fortunately, the innkeeper did have three such quests. All three involved simply killing monsters found within the upper reaches, typical MMO material.
After accepting these, I ordered a place to stay. Paying the usual fifty Cor price, I was given a key to the one of the many closets they called rooms. Sadly, no boogie man included, for that apparently costed extra. I soon entered my humble spaces, quick to draw out another piece of Boar Meat.
Throwing the meat again in the oven, I activated the system to cook the meal. I opened my menu, checking what my 'Cooking' skill level was. Being a meager level one, I waited in anticipation for the divine delicacy of heavily charred pork for the third time. Moments later, the meat was ready, as burnt and shriveled as the last one.
As I picked up the hardened piece, my taste buds screamed in protest. Thankfully, I had something to negotiate with! Drawing the large red 'Tiger Soul Spice' bottle, I sprinkled it on. Mmm, spice. I thought, nothing like spice to make eating rocks smoother. I ate quietly, tearing at what was once called meat.
As the spice hit me, I felt a rush. Like sriracha, the feisty liquid gave a light burn, along with a hint of sweetness. I smiled, a shiver running down my body from the pleasure. Oh hell yes, I thought in bliss, anything nice to brighten the day.
With the meal soon finished, I laid in bed. Thinking about the mountains ahead, I felt a sense of relief. Once I get up there, I'll need to stay for just a couple of days. I'm certain rescue will arrive, father's got a plan, it'll all be okay.
As I considered this, a stray thought came to mind. What about the others? There's almost 10,000 people trapped in here. Could I really leave them like this? I shifted my head on the pillow. If rescue doesn't arrive, then I'll have to make plans to help. As my mind drifted into the land of slumber, I let the warmth of blankets carry me away.
This is a Nightcorps PSA: Spice does not improve the taste of rocks, even if the object was formerly considered meat! Hey guys, thanks for reading the chapter. Reviews, follows, favorites, plots of vengeance, and poisonous plants are all accepted forms of support!