A/N: Shots have been fired! Hope you enjoy the new chapter! Thanks again to RiptideZ, awesomess1, and Azure for your reviews.
November 23rd 2022 1:35 AM
Opening her eyes, Lisbeth could hear heartbeats, his. She smiled softly, listening to the soft rhythm. Her smile, however, quickly faded, realizing where she was. The watchtower, lit with the fires of its furnace, was silent, save for the snoring.
Lisbeth sighed as she rose her head off Garr's chest. Gazing back at the resting warrior beside her, she felt her chest grow heavy. Lis knew what she had to do. She frowned, sliding herself away. The truth is, she realized, I've been wasting time. I shouldn't have made any promises...I've lied to him.
The thought of lying to him alone, sickens me. I just...lost myself, I don't even know why or how. Everything just slipped away, it's like nothing else mattered.
Despite the warmth of the room, Lis felt cold. She found her eyes trailing over the figure. I don't know why I feel this way. Am I going insane? Sound asleep, she knew he was unaware. What's gotten into me? As her eyes moved down, she caught sight of the Zweihander.
She huffed, seeing the decrepit state of the weapon. Bending over, Lis carefully lifted the massive sword. The iron had been dented, scuffed, and chipped throughout the blade. What the hell's he been doing to this poor thing? Slamming it on boulders? I'd kill him for this!
Shouldering the sword, she sneaked up the stairs. Standing in the second floor of the tower, Lis knew it would muffle the sound of her work. Closing the door, Lis unfurled her Vendor's Carpet, unraveling her tools of the trade. Resting the sword on the anvil, she gazed with frustration.
Bang, her hammer crashed against the damaged blade. The weapon turned a sunny yellow, shining brightly in the dark tower. The minigame began, the three bars shining in her HUD. To her surprise, the hit markers raced with great speed!
Lis struggled with each strike, the icons blazing by the screen! She struck faster, harder, scrambling to hit every single one. She couldn't stop, not even to check for any sign of him waking. Just as she hit the first bar, an icon dashed through the third, causing her to stumble!
Tripping, the blade fell to the ground, sizzling. She failed the minigame, resulting with no durability points regained. Cursing softly, Lis sighed before trying again. Lifting the Zweihander back on the anvil, she persisted.
She failed, over and over. Time was running out, but she couldn't stand seeing it in such a state. To leave such a thing flawed, makes me sick. She hammered it again, trying the minigame for the fifth time. After several minutes of striking, the nearly broken weapon was fully restored.
The iron gleamed in the moonlight, bringing a soft smile to her face. At least it won't break on him...that fool. Wiping her brow, she took a minute to regain herself. Jeez, that's already the toughest repair job I've had yet! The damn thing was at like...25/250 durability!
But...at least he's safer. Looking back on the sword, Lis stopped. What if there's more I could do? I don't settle for 'good', I settle for best. She opened the [Enhancement] section.
Displayed before her stood different sections. One was labeled [Standard], the other [Infusion]. Lis looked to the second option, gleaming at what she saw. Fire, Lightning, Poison, Frost, Dark, Holy...Chaos. All can be permanently attached to a weapon.
Checking the requirements, however, slowed her down. In order to even conceive of creating such, Lisbeth would need to forge or acquire special blacksmith tools. For basic elements, she needed an [Ulympic Furnace]. For light and dark, a [Hammer of The All-Seer]. For Chaos, a [Primordial Plate] to serve as the anvil.
Even with these, special gemstones were needed to infuse, as well as substantial base material. If I could get any of these, Lis noted, the possibilities would be limitless! I can see it now, swords enshrouded with flames! Hammers, spears, daggers, all with enchanted properties!
She stopped, realizing time's slipping by. Switching to [Standard], Lis checked the basic enhancements available. Sharpness, Quickness, Heavy, Durability, and Accuracy, all applicable for the task. Thinking about it, she decided to pick [Durability], beginning the process.
Lisbeth hammered the weapon, staying attentive to the sleeping Garr downstairs. Despite all the noise, his snoring's remained uninterrupted. Could probably demolish the building, then the mountain, and the forest below without him waking. She smirked, lightening the mood.
Resources were limited, she could only afford a single upgrade. Successful, the weapon now had +1 Durability. Nonetheless, Lisbeth was content. Quietly, she packed her things. Returning to the bottom floor, she found Garr undisturbed.
Placing the sword beside him, she felt cold again. This should do. The last thing he needs is a broken weapon. Lisbeth then turned away, walking for the exit. Moonlight leaked through small slits in the wooden frame;.
As she stepped to the door, she looked back to the warrior. She stopped, looking down at herself. Still wearing his green cloak, Lisbeth sighed. She unbuttoned the top, opening it wide. She smiled, remembering why he gave it.
Walking back, she draped the cloak over him. Covering him like a soft blanket, Lis gazed at his face. She shook her head, stepping back. Re-equipping her brown cloak, she parted stray bangs from her face.
Garr, what I had to tell you...was that I want to be a blacksmith. The best in Aincrad. That hammer we found, it gave the direction I needed. During the days I was gone, I discovered that passion I always wanted.
Lisbeth slipped open the thick wooden door, a blast of cold air enveloping her. She shivered, her body acquainted with the comforting flames within the keep. Her hands gripped the handle, feeling the urge to stop. Why, why does it have to be this difficult?
As more of the cold leaked through, she stopped thinking. Leaving the tower, she quickly shut the door, preserving the warmth. The light from the tower closed behind her, leaving the pale blue of the moon. A tear fell from her face, crystallizing in the open air.
Should've never gotten so close, she concluded, the guilt gnawing away at her like termites. I just couldn't say no, couldn't just come clean. The wind blew behind her, easing her forward, as if guiding her away.
Walking across the snow, her mind trailed back to the snowball fight. That moron, she smiled, couldn't tell that I was hiding behind a rock. The look on his face was just priceless. The joy she had was nonetheless, real. The bright crescent moon shined down, rivaled only by the light of Starting Town miles away.
Her pale face shined in the light, moist with her shame. From that frailty, however, came a sense of strength. Her eyes hardened, determined to continue. I'm going to make a name for myself out there. One day, I will be the best blacksmith in Aincrad. With powerful weapons and armor, we will leave this place for good.
A new worry trailed by, putting that strength to the test. What if he dies out here...because I left? I almost lost him...all to a stupid fish.
She stopped these thoughts. No, Garr's tough...like he said, we have to be able to hold our own. But...what if he hates me for this? Will he understand? She cried, the tears turning to ice as they fell.
Lisbeth sobbed, blaming herself. It'd be so easy to just give it up, to just throw it all away. I could see myself being with him, even if he's the Cursed One they speak of. They don't know a thing about him, or what he looks like. I won't tell a soul either.
She held her chin high for a moment. If Garr really is for me, he will support my decision in the end. Lisbeth marched on, soon reaching the decline leading down the mountain. Taking steady steps, Lis began her descent. The lake to the south of her shined like a gem, dark trees encircled its gleaming surface.
While she had a Teleport Crystal, the last thing she wanted was for anyone to see her emotional frailty. Cheerful and friendly was her bread and butter, she would need it to succeed in business.
The gravel beneath her feet rustled, mixed with snow and ice. The wind blew, freezing the tears glued to her face. The sound of creaking wood startled her, causing her to stumble!
Just before she tumbled, Lisbeth jammed her foot! Her boot scraped across the ground, the sound of its sole dragging seemed so loud to her ears. She kept glancing back, hoping Garr wasn't there. Finding him absent, she felt relief.
Stepping on the snow, she looked back on the events of yesterday. I really don't know what happened. I promised myself it wouldn't take all day. Just thought I'd be here till noon. Her mind trailed off to what she heard from Starting Town.
Savage, cursed wild man. Rumor has it he beat people for their decisions to take their own life. What would anyone think, knowing. Knowing I was close? She soon passed the south facing cave entrance. Covered now in thick boulder, the entrance was sealed. Wonder what happened here, never seen a cave vanish like that.
She dismissed it, moving on. Traveling further down, she felt her heart weigh her down. Before her stood the forests, lit only by the lonely moon above. Her face heated, reddening as she thought back to the one dwelling. Ugh, just get him out of your head, it shouldn't be this hard!
He's going to be alright, she assured herself, he'll be out there fighting. If he's anything like me, he won't stop for this. She suddenly heard snarls, barking in the distance. Drawing the mace from her hip, Lis reached for the Teleport Crystal in her pocket. Just as she grasped the blue crystal, she heard the ringing of thin steel. Glancing back, she found someone.
Fighting a pack of wolves, a figure cloaked in black sped across the grass! Four wolves howled, encircling her. The figure looking tired, swatting the air as two crept around the flank.
Lis wasted no time, charging in to fight them off. The cold wind brushed against her face, she hollered at the beasts, trying to shrug off her wandering mind.
Raising the club, Lis cracked down on the first wolf she reached! The wolf turned, only to suffer a strike to the jaw. Scoring a critical, the wolf's skull cracked like an egg! Slumping over, the beast shattered to blue.
The others turned, angered by the mace wielder's insolence. One leaped, ready to avenge his fallen mate! Lis jumped, rolling to the side. Her heart raced, the wolf missing her by mere inches.
She heard more shattering. Looking up, the cloaked figure had already slain half the pack! The flash of her rapier broke through the dark, forcing back the last of the wolves. Left with only her assailant, Lis jumped to finish the fight!
The straggling predator scratched, scoring a solid hit! Lis grunted, stepping back. She swept the club low, crashing it against the beast's legs. Snap, a leg was shattered! The creature howled, limping off one side.
Lis approached, ending its misery with a downward slam! The wolf growled softly, falling over. As the sounds of battle died down, Lis and the stranger looked at each other, unsure what to say.
"Um, hi?" Lisbeth squeaked, unsure what to make of the black cloak and thigh high white stockings.
"Hello," Asuna muttered, "I wasn't too loud, was I?"
"Not at all," assured Lisbeth, "was just on my way back to town. Saw maybe you needed some help. I'm Lisbeth by the way."
"Asuna," the stranger replied, "I appreciate the help, though I wasn't looking for it."
"Why not?" Lis questioned, glancing back around the forest surrounding them, "if anything, I don't see why you'd wander around the forest this late at night."
"It's...personal," Asuna said, lowering her cowl. Flowing locks of orange-brown hair flowed down her back, her bangs hanging just short of her eyes. "I'm just...looking to stay who I am."
Lisbeth's eyes widened slightly. Just like me. "How so?"
"I've been cooped up in a room for days," Asuna explained briefly, "anyway. I should be going."
The minute she said this, Asuna started to trail off. Sheathing her rapier, the lone wanderer turned north.
"Hey," Lis consulted, "I see you use a rapier."
"Yea, why?" Asuna turned, her blazing hazel eyes looking at Lis' softer brown.
The wind blew back Asuna's cloak, revealing a lean frame. Beside her red skirt, clung the scabbard for her weapon. Her stance was strong, like that of a lioness.
"Well," Lis smiled, "you see...I'm going to be a master blacksmith someday, I was wondering if you'd be alright if I repaired it?"
"How much?" Asuna asked tersely, looking interested in the offer.
"Well," Lis stammered, "I'm just getting started."
"Forget it then," Asuna scolded, turning away.
"Wait! I'll do it for free!" Lis bartered, looking for any distraction.
Asuna stopped, looking back at her. Her expression softened, seeing Lis' distress.
"Please, I...I have to do this."
"Really?" Asuna said, turning back to the blacksmith.
"Yes...and if you'd like," Lis rose her head, "I'll offer my services, for a fraction of the cost."
"Let's see what you can do," Asuna turned her full attention, stepping back towards the training smith.
Lis drew a Vendor's Carpet from her storage. Laying it out across the grass, an anvil, furnace, and wooden tub were revealed. Considered a separate storage unit, the carpet served as a backpack for traveling merchants and craftsmen. Pulling the hammer from her storage, Lis extended a hand, requesting Asuna's sword.
Asuna hesitated. With the rapier as her only real weapon, she was helpless without it. Helpless, an idea that scared her more than death itself. Lisbeth smiled softly, her brown eyes gleaming with the chance. Charmed by the smith's friendliness, Asuna complied.
Laying out the rapier across the anvil, Lisbeth's mind focused. She raised her hammer, delicately tapping the weapon at first. Within a few strikes, the sword started to glow a hearty yellow. The glow excited Lis further, knowing the game's about to begin.
With her previous experience repairing the last blade, the speed of this repair was mere child's play. Lisbeth caught herself waiting for the icons to appear, already cycling through them with either 'Amazing' or 'Perfect' multipliers.
The sound of hammer on steel rang, filling Lisbeth's heart with passion. The rapier was heavily damaged. With only half its durability points remaining, the job of repairing it took several minutes to complete. Only 100 durability? Lis questioned, this surely wouldn't last long.
Lis smiled softly, watching as the rapier faded to its original silver color. Fully repaired, the weapon gleamed in the moonlight. Free of dents, its edge was once again as sharp as a razor. Examining it closer, she nodded, satisfied with the results.
"Wow," Asuna complimented. Lisbeth passed her sword back, confident in her craft.
"So wait, you're just a beginning smith?" Asuna looked back, her fiery gaze softening. "I don't think I've ever seen someone do this well."
"You better believe it," Lisbeth smiled, using her moxie, "may have had a few customers before this. Like I said, I've got goals."
Lis gazed back to the mountain, feeling her heart race again.
"Anyway," Lis snapped back, "I noticed your weapon durability's a bit lacking."
"Yea," Asuna nodded, taking a gander at her rapier before sheathing it, "what about it?"
"Was wondering if maybe you'd come back to town with me? I'd be happy to make you some backups."
"Backups?" Asuna tilted her head.
"You know, in case your weapon breaks in the middle of a fight?"
"Actually, yea I'd like that. How much?"
"I'm thinking...350 Cor for each rapier?" Lis tilted her head, a finger under her lip, "since you're getting it as a pack, the cost reduces further."
"How about four?" Asuna smiled softly, "I'll pay you for each you deliver."
"Sounds great!" Lis cheered, rolling up her Vendor's Carpet, "let's head back to town then. It'll be easier to work in a safe zone. Thanks for that, Asuna."
The two trailed back to Starting Town. The sky lit with thousands of stars, each shining like a candle in the dark blue. Lis kept glancing back as they roamed, cupping her hands behind her back. With her head low to the ground, her bangs hung. Plans bounced in her mind, looking for a solution to her predicament.
"Asuna?" she asked gently, "would it be okay if I just...vented a little?"
"Doesn't bother me any," Asuna replied, "if anything, I should be thanking you for fixing my sword. My life depends on it now more than anything else."
"It's nothing," Lis grinned, "I love to help whenever I can."
Asuna nodded, awaiting her new friend's concerns.
"It's...I've met this guy," Lis commented, "we met like a week ago, been around each other ever since."
"Yea?" Asuna noted, hiding her hair beneath her black cowl.
Tears formed, the wounding thoughts still fresh. "I...I have no idea what to think. I promised myself I'd leave at noon, but that didn't happen. Time slipped by, being with him was just so easy. Am I losing my mind?"
"I don't understand," Asuna pointed out, "I mean, it's not like he's mistreating you, right?"
"No," Lisbeth assured, "far from it. It's just..."
Asuna walked beside the blacksmith, silent as she considered her next choice of words.
"I lied to him...I told him I wanted to stay. Things just slipped by. We went from enjoying the day, to hand holding...cuddling."
"Isn't it obvious?" Asuna shrugged, "it sounds to me like you like the guy. What's this dream you have?"
"...I want to become the best blacksmith in Aincrad," Lis confessed, wiping the tears, "it excites me. I want to build a future out of what I've got here. There's so much I could do to help everyone. I love everything about it. The sounds, the sparks, I love it all!"
"Then follow your heart," Asuna replied sharply, "don't let anyone get between you and that dream."
"What do I tell him though?" Lis sniffled, looking up to her ginger haired friend. "I don't know how I feel."
"Be honest with him and step back. You need to give yourself some space."
"I'm just scared he'll hate me," Lis worried, "...I never wanted to hurt him."
"That's out of your control," Asuna replied, her hazel eyes flickering, "if he really cares? He'll support your dream. Don't hold your hopes up though."
"Why?" Lis questioned, snapping her gaze to Asuna.
"Most guys? They'd want to control you...and that's back in the real world. In a situation like this? I could only imagine. This guy will probably do the same."
Lisbeth turned her face back to the road. Silent, Asuna's words repeated in her head. He's going to hate me, isn't he?
As they stepped closer to Starting Town, a new figure strolled towards them. Cloaked in green, a wide brimmed black hat rested over his head. Lifting his gaze, the man's pale blue eyes locked to the returning pair.
"Excuse me," he asked, "my name's Anthem...I was wondering if either you know the name, Garr? Looking for him."
Hearing the aggressive tone in his voice, Lisbeth's eyes sparked. No...a bounty hunter, not on my watch. "Yes," Lis notified, "I saw him heading east. Hurry though, he might be preparing to camp."
Without another word, Anthem snapped his fingers. With a single motion, a great hazelnut colored horse formed beside him, saddle and packs included. Climbing aboard, he looked back to his "informant".
"Thank you!" Anthem exclaimed, "I might catch him sleeping. Justice will be served!"
He swatted his steed, the mighty animal neighing as it raced down the dew covered grass. Within minutes, the horse riding hero vanished, entering the moon lit valleys to the east.
Yea, you do that. Lis looked back down the road, I lied again...ugh. It was for his sake though.
"Wonder what's the big deal," Asuna pondered, "must be another argument gone wrong."
Asuna looked back to Lisbeth, hand rested on her side.
"Can you believe how many times I've seen parties split over dividing up Cor?"
"I know," Lis bemoaned, "I mean sure, money's nice, but it's not worth hurting friends over."
"It's another reason why I'm a solo player," Asuna explained, "don't have to deal with that drama. Don't have to argue over money...my life's already had enough of that."
"I see." Lis listened intently. Wonder what she means by that, maybe something about home?
"So yea, send him a message tonight." Asuna recommended, "his response will tell you everything you need to know."
"Mind if I do that now?" Lis looked back at her cloaked customer.
"Sure," Asuna turned away for a moment.
Lis nodded, bowing her head to Asuna. Turning back, she prepared a message for Garr. She hesitated, choosing each word carefully. Asuna glanced back, frowning slightly at the sight. After minutes of planning, Lis completed the message. Hitting 'Send', she looked back.
"Alright," Lis sighed, "thanks."
Asuna nodded, motioning Lis to walk with her.
Reaching the lantern lit streets of Starting Town, Lis stopped next to a fountain. Sitting on the rim, she unraveled her carpet on the tiled floor. Taking out some chunks of iron, she dropped them in the furnace. The red colored rock melted, forming a new shape. The forming of iron was met with the sound of trickling water behind her.
Glowing yellow ingots formed in the hearth, their rectangular shapes forged in fire. Taking a pair of tongs, Lis freed them from the coal lit flames. Her face glowed, guiding the hot material. Dropping them over the anvil, she held the metal down using clamps. Beginning the game, she put full concentration.
Her hammer crashed. Sparks flew, soaring through the air like fireworks. Looking at these man made fireflies taking off, Lis felt the warmth of passion. By her hand, she felt the strike of the hammer. Through strength, she felt the molding of metal. Through the flash, the power of creation. Her eyes glued to the task, unwavering in focus.
Asuna watched with astonishment. With every strike, the metal formed to the wielder's touch. The tongs rattled, holding the piece together between brass lips. Seconds later, the material transformed into a new rapier. Shining new, the player made weapon had better stats than Asuna's previous.
Lisbeth smiled, wiping the sweat from her brow. She gazed upon the rapier, its edge clean of deformities. My first rapier, she mused, I can feel myself come alive with just the strike of the hammer.
In the space of seconds, Lis saw a bag of four hundred Cor drop on her lap. "These are even better than mine," Asuna complimented, "may I have three more? Just like this?"
Lisbeth nodded proudly. Pocketing the money, she extracted another ingot of iron. She smiled slightly, the metal ringing as she hammered away. Reminded of her love of robotics, the spark of creation grew within her. Her brown eyes glistened, putting her heart into every blow.
With every sword, came another payment. For Lis, this felt like a dream come true. With experience, the game got easier and easier, scoring more and more points. Her goal became acquiring all 'Perfect' hits, a true mark of craftsmanship. As the fourth and final rapier was forged, Lis handed off the weapon to Asuna.
"And that," Lisbeth nodded, "should do the trick!"
Asuna smiled broadly, happily taking the weapon. "You're quite talented for this, you said this is gonna be your job, right?"
"More than that," Lis proudly announced, "this is a career! Only quality weapons will leave my hands."
Asuna smiled, hearing confidence from the blacksmith. Lis found herself beaming with pride, happy to create. "Not gonna lie," Asuna nodded, "you're good at this."
"thanks for the Cor," Lis bowed, "it'll help me a lot with future projects."
Asuna bowed back, presenting Lis with a new request. Presented in a plain white menu notice, [Asuna would like you to be her friend. Y/N]. Lisbeth smiled, selecting [Yes].
"You're now officially my first friend," Asuna acknowledged, "hope you have a goodnight, Lis."
"You too, Asuna!" Lis watched as her newfound friend left for the night. The crickets and fountain filled the air with their sounds, breaking the silence of a sleeping town.
As the moon fell over the horizon, Lisbeth sat. The air felt cool, the sky darkening as the celestial body dove. Feeling the guilt return, she quickly packed her belongings, rolling up the carpet.
Traveling to a local inn, Lis returned to the land of brightly lit candles and mirth. All around, she heard the all too familiar sounds. Whistling, cat calls, lines she's heard a thousand times. She avoided the drunkards who guzzle away their sorrows, ignoring the longing gazes of others.
"Where are you going, gorgeous?"
She brushed off the question, smelling the alcohol in the stranger's breath. Ordering her room, Lis raced up the stairs, hiding her face beneath her own cowl. The hallway was empty, rows of wooden doors on both sides.
Slamming the door behind herself, Lis was quick to lock the door. As the latch locked in place, she slid down. Sitting with her back to the door, she stared at the moon lit room before her. Basic wooden furniture stood on all corners, a bed covered in blankets of fur awaited.
She sighed, rising from her spot and heading for the mattress. Sitting on the bed, Lis collapsed, laying her head back on the pillow. Staring at the wooden plank ceiling, her fears grew in the darkness. As consciousness slipped away, one concern remained. Will he hate me for this?
A/N: Alright, so while I hide in a bunker from the rioting readers, I'll ask you all something! :D Lend me your voices, not your pitchforks! Reviews, follows, favorites, rotten tomatoes, and torches are all acceptable forms of appreciation!