A/N: Welcome to Souls of Fire, if I had a dollar for every bone Garr broke...it'd be at least five, right?
As usual big shoutout to my reviewers, always being vigilant!
ItsJustCrow: Thanks for letting me know the error, last chapter's limb mistake was fixed.
Thunderwolf: Loving a pervert?! How dare you. Praise Cel, may the machine rule all!
NetherOrbit: Also thanks for letting me know when your favorite girl loses limbs...hope you don't keep track of that XD Lisbeth is best wingman!
Hey guys, I've been getting a lot of praise for this story on theawesomess1's story 'Ignis Regem-Ignition'. If you like powerful mages, this is definitely the fic for you! I read his stuff, you should too :D
Enjoy!
February 1st, 2023
Morning arrived, I could barely sleep. The criticism I had for myself wouldn't leave, constantly finding new mistakes that I may or may not have made. The nightmares returned, the dead...why were they following me? Why couldn't they just stay dead?
As usual, Rika was the first to wake up. Groaning softly in her morning tones, she scooted herself off the bed. Shuffling herself out, I had to get up too.
"Morning." I mumbled.
"Morning, hun." she lazily stated.
Trying to workout that morning was a complete chore. Sighing, I lowered my head in frustration.
"What's wrong, babe?" she asked gently, "You look upset."
I looked up to her, the words slowly coming out.
"I...wanted to talk about last night." I blurted, "I just feel so worried about the way I've treated you."
"Treated me?" Rika blinked, "Was it what we did?"
"Not exactly..." I grimaced, "Can we talk about this in the kitchen?"
"Sure."
Mom and Dad always told me to never invite conflict in the bedroom, it'd create discomfort. Facing her, I choked. This was gonna be the first time I ever said I loved her. Rika looked a little worried, focusing all of her attention on me.
"I made a mistake." I lowered my head, "I'm sorry for saying the stuff I did."
"What do you mean?" Rika blinked, "You didn't say anything wrong."
Every cell in my body told me to stop, that I was making a fool of myself.
"My timing was terrible, I should've waited."
"Timing for what? I'm confused."
Rika kept looking at me with a perplexed expression. Why was I so nervous? She's never given me a reason to not express myself, yet I was afraid.
"I told you I loved you while we were...having sex."
"And?" Rika tilted her head, "I'm not sure why you're acting all weird about that."
I grabbed an open hand, gingerly holding it up to my face as I kissed it.
"It's not okay, not for me. I wanted to tell you that at a better time."
"But I said it too, didn't I?"
"...yes." I admitted.
"Then what's the problem?"
"I just wanted to make it special for you." I frowned, "I've never said that before...well to anyone past family."
"Well I'd hope so." Rika smiled, "I mean I knew you're a bit rough, but not that rough!"
I giggled a little, feeling her easing the mood a little.
"What bothers you then, dear?" she looked worried, "I don't want you feeling bad."
"...it also had to do with my virginity."
"That's a first for me." Rika looked with genuine curiosity.
"I know, it's not really a guy thing." I nodded, "But for me, I guess I look at it with a bit of a traditionally...female perspective?"
"Ooooh." she nodded, "Okay, that helps me understand a bit."
"Still, it feels like there's something you're holding back." Rika tilted her head, "What's going on?"
"It's..." I struggled to hold down the tears.
Holding both her hands, I looked her right in the eyes. The fire in my gut grew, demanding I let her have. I couldn't hold it back, it all came spilling out.
"I don't wanna see you leave!" I exclaimed, "Not ever!"
Rika shook a little, surprised by the sudden detonation.
"If you did? I..."
I slowed myself again, taking the time to form my thoughts.
"No, I wouldn't die...not in a million years. I'd survive, I'd still go out there and do my job."
Rika stood there, listening as I spoke aloud. The fire of passion welled up again, heating my very breath.
"I wouldn't stop, I'd keep fighting! Why?"
I nodded strongly.
"Because no matter what I think of most people, they deserve a chance! A chance at living a life on their own terms!"
I softened my gaze to her.
"They all do...because that's what's right. I know I'm not the most compassionate guy around, I know that sometimes I'm the reason for things getting worse."
"But of all the things I've done, loving you was the best choice I've made."
"I want to wake up one day and see your empire in its endless golden age. To watch you flourish in the light of your accomplished dreams."
"Your success is mine too, Rika. I wanna introduce you to my friends back home, my family, they'd love you!"
"...Just like I do. If you were to go..."
The tears eased, my head lowering as the words finally left.
"I would survive, do what's right. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that survival is overrated."
"Surviving is just finding the will to keep going, not knowing where the next warm fire will be. I remember days when I was nobody, just some string of code trying to keep the wolves away...hoping the next night wouldn't be my last."
"Living though, that's...that's where one finds joy. With you, I'm living."
"Without you, I am surviving."
My body slowed, the emotions expelled like a flood. Rika smiled warmly, her eyes softening and wet.
"I love you, Rika."
Sighing, I wiped my face before looking back to her. My eyes burned, my heart cooling. Rika smiled, looking ready to cry herself. Why though? I was just speaking the truth!
"Wow..." Rika squeaked, "That was...romantic. Think I was hearing something straight out of a storybook."
I grimaced, uncomfortable with the notion of cheesiness.
"Hear me out." she took my hand, "I...haven't met many guys, so I can't speak from experience."
"But what I can say, is I meant what I said that night. Every word of it."
Her fingers wrapped around my hand tighter, her eyes hard set on mine.
"You don't have to be afraid anymore. I wanna see your dreams come true too."
"My mom always told me that when you love someone, it means you're willing to take their baggage. Take it and help them let go."
"Let me help you. You helped me let go of mine."
I hugged Rika, feeling her hands on my back as we embraced.
"Thank you..." I sighed.
"Anything for you." she peeped, "We'll make it...just gotta keep fighting. We'll wake up one day to the warmth of a real sun."
Rika snuggled.
"To a real world, where I can meet your parents. Where you can meet mine...AFTER a good shower!"
I laughed, sighing as her jest broke the mood.
"You gonna join me for it?" I asked.
"Course I would. With the job you did on me last night? In fact..."
She let go, kissing me again on the lips, going a bit frisky. Just as our exchange heated, I received a reminder.
[From Asuna: Garr? We need you here, time is of the essence.]
I frowned, nodding as I closed the message.
[To: Inbound]
"I...have to go for a bit." I mumbled as I closed the notice.
"Where?" Rika smiled, "I didn't get to cook you breakfast yet."
"Floor twenty five. Asuna asked late last night if I could assist her in clearing a Floor Boss."
"Wait, when was this?!"
"Just after you fell asleep." I nodded, "Got a call for help."
"Then let me come with you." she quickly opened her menu, "We can handle this."
"I already tried discussing that." I held her shoulder, "Heck, they had to boot Leopon from the team too."
Rika looked at me with disbelief, annoyance at the circumstances.
"That's...that's bullshit." she called it, "You and I fight better when we're together!"
"I know, I told Asuna that too...but it wasn't my call. Believe me, I'd rather have you with me than a platoon of those ALF robots."
"You don't have to say yes." Rika suggested.
"I would have said no." I assured, "But they promised intel if I go through with this. With that, we could find Nobel quicker."
"I thought we were looking for PoH." she questioned, staying within arms reach.
"That was the original plan...but you were right before. We should've had our focus on him. Guy's going around killing people left and right, he's gonna get powerful real fast if we don't do something."
Rika looked pretty saddened by the situation, looking at the ground for a moment.
"I'm gonna go, keep it cool then come back. Alright?"
"You're not exactly one to keep calm." she inquired, "Why would you be that way now?"
"Having my head nearly torn off by a fire breathing grizzly bear changed my attitude on some things."
"True." Rika nodded.
"How's dinner sound after this though?" I smiled, "Gonna ask Asuna if there're any good spots."
"Is that a date I'm hearing?" my blacksmith grinned sly, "After giving me all that trouble?"
"Yep." I challenged back with a smile, "Expect me to keep asking too."
"Ballsy...love that about you." she tossed her hair. "To be honest though, I was hoping you could come with me to Floor Six."
"Dammit!" I cursed, "Can we reschedule that?"
"Oh don't worry!" she waved, "I'll ask Leopon if she can give me a hand. Got that book quest waiting to be completed and I just have to find out what it does!"
"Ah, well let me know if you find anything." I pulled her close, "Be back soon, dear."
"Wait." she stopped me.
"If you're gonna be out there...I wanna make sure you make it."
Readying her anvil and tools, she drew a piece of [Abyssteel].
"This is my second to last piece...least right now. Once my hold on Floor Six's settled, then we can expect more...or less."
Her hammer clashed with the dense metal, causing even Rika to recoil a bit! The ingot glowed, transforming into a shining yellow gauntlet. Taking the metal hand glove, she quickly painted it a brass color, hammering it some more before passing it to me.
"Think you'll appreciate this." she turned to me.
"Made by my engineer? Of course I can!" I praised, grabbing the gauntlet.
Oh man, it was heavier than I thought! Thick, rigid lames ran all the way from the back of the hand, encasing the hand in really dense metal.
"It should allow you to [Parry] stuff, least without great injury." The blacksmith rose her chin, "Though we haven't really practiced that yet."
"[Parry]? Now that sounds awesome!" I cheered, "I can see it. Me parrying an attack, and you striking a riposte!"
"And vice versa." Rika smiled, "Means we can build tag team combos...course unlike the buckler I have, that won't save you from arrows."
"That's okay, you've got a shield to help protect me from that." I test fitted the new gauntlet.
She nodded, watching me carefully as I inspected the new gear.
"Ahhh I love it! I should have a pretty strong punch with this too!" I laughed.
"How would you grade it? Out of ten?" Rika tilted her head.
"I figure an eight? I mean the weight offsets my balance a little bit...but that might help anchor the weapon I'm using."
"I see..."
Rika's smile lowered a little.
"Something?"
"No, just thinking of a better way to manage that." Rika nodded, "Problem with being an engineer is you're always stuck looking for a better way to do things."
"True, you remind me of my father that way." I smiled, "Anyway dear, gotta go."
"Stay safe."
"I will."
I smiled, kissing her on the lips before heading out the door.
"Hey." she interrupted.
I turned to Rika, my armor and tools ready to deploy.
"I love you." she smiled.
"I know." I smirked, looking at her sly.
"Ohhh now who's being a bad boy?!" she laughed, "Jerk."
"I love you too." I corrected.
"Yea, yea. Get outta here before I get my mace, dumby."
Rika giggled, getting me just a bit excited. Okay maybe a lot.
It felt so relieving, to not actually be called weak for speaking my mind. As the door closed behind me, it was time to do what I did best. Closing the door behind me, I readied for battle.
Souls of Fire
Floor twenty five, another dustbowl. Just breathing the air felt like sucking in grit. While sand wasn't a thing, dry lake beds and light colored canyon stone gave off a similar kind of tone. Thankfully it wasn't as hot as the fifth.
Was escorted to a building far north of town. The ALF troops leading me there seemed to know who I was, calling me the Brass Knight. I liked the name, better not screw it up...again.
Walls made of steep canyon awaited me, an ancient looking stone building lying right in the middle of it all.
"Thanks guys." I nodded to my escorts, walking in fully armored.
Man, I've never seen so many troops in one place! Had to be like a hundred of them, crowding different spots as their leaders stood around the sunlit center of the structure.
"Commander, your last member's here!"
Asuna peeked past the massive shoulders of her comrades, nodding for me to come over.
"Hey, that's the Brass Knight!"
"Heard he tore a bear's head off with his bare hands..."
"Technically I had a hatchet." I corrected before moving on.
"Still!" they shouted, "Damn, great to see you!"
I smiled, appreciating the little spot of positive attention. Reaching Asuna, I bowed my head lightly to her, taking my helmet off in respect to everyone there. Kibaou quickly nudged my shoulder.
"Good seein you, man." he smiled, "Keep Asuna safe now, you hear?"
"Will do." I nodded, turning back to Asuna.
The commander waved me closer, leaning on the tactic table slightly.
"How's Lis?" she smiled.
"Happiest I can make her." I boasted, "I hope."
"Well least you try-" she stopped, "Wait...what's that on your neck?"
Feeling my tender throat, I felt it. Rika's marks from last night, my lover's brand. Kibaou glanced, smirking the second he saw them.
"Ohhhh man! Someone's been gettin some!" the ALF commander chuckled.
I smiled brightly, sheepish with my pride. The men whistled like wolves at the mere mention of it.
"So who was it with?" he pressed, "Was it that cute cotton candy top I saw with ya?"
I blushed, nodding excitedly.
"Good job, man!" he punched my shoulder, "You better keep her!"
"Keeping her?" I laughed, "I'm never letting go!"
"Never gonna give you up!" Kibaou sang out loud, "Never gonna letchu dooooown!"
"Never gonna turn arrrooooound!" The troops joined, "Desert youuuu."
Asuna looked absolutely shocked, her expression pale as she stared at me. Whether it was the prospect of coitus or the epic rick rolling, I couldn't tell. Either way, I was definitely liking this!
"Excuse us, Brass Knight?" a few soldiers approached, "Can we ask you something?"
"Sure thing." I smiled, bowing my head to them lightly.
"How do you feel about magic?" one chimed, "It's a pretty big deal out here."
"It's another tool." I replied calmly.
"Right!" one cheered, "So which element should I pick?"
"Neither." I said with a shrug.
They looked at me strangely.
"Honestly, I'm fine with magic. But having to bow to some so called god...no thanks."
"But what if they are gods?"
"Then they're bitches." I smirked, "If they need mortals like us to do their bidding, then they're too weak to be mine."
"But sir, you shouldn't disrespect them so openly! Surely they'll curse you."
"You don't need them to be strong." I assured, "To be strong, there's no better source than within yourself."
They again looked at me strangely.
"Um...but what about strength in your friends?" one asked.
"Friends should be seen as a magnifier, but not a source."
I had forgotten the collectivist culture of Japan, was just spewing my differing mindset. Looking to each other, they moved on.
"Didn't think he'd be this rude..." one mumbled.
"I didn't know the zoo loans." I suddenly heard.
I turned to the source, spotting a familiar face in the crowd. Kirito.
"Speaking of bitches." I smiled.
The prick was dressed in all black, matching perfectly with the monotone of his eyes and hair. Walking right up to him, I could feel the tension in my chest, I had to fight! Rematch the son of a bitch.
"Yea, yea...I know you missed me." Kirito brushed his hair.
"Too many times." I drew Ironback.
The [Ultra Greatsword] garnered quite a few glances, Kirito looking at the weapon with an unimpressed sigh.
"Seriously, an even bigger sword?" he mocked, "Someone's just compensating now."
"You'd know that from experience." I grinned.
"Oooo!" someone called.
Kirito sighed, tossing his hair back a bit. Hope he brought ice for that burn.
"You really should get a smaller weapon. Ultras are too demanding with stats. Too slow, and can't combo."
I laughed, pointing the massive weapon towards him with one hand.
"Dost thou even hoist?!"
"Do thine ears deceive me?" I heard someone shout, "Thou speaketh the truth, my friend!"
That had to be Godfree, that thick northern European accent gave it all away. Started wondering if he's Swedish...better ask.
"I think I'm ready to win." I huffed, challenging Kirito to a duel.
"That's enough, Garr." another voice called.
Glancing over, Heathcliff was there, the red knight looking at me with that same piercing gaze.
"We've got a raid, focus your energy on the real enemy."
"I'll tell you who's the real enemy." Another voice growled.
Goddammit who else was coming to visit? First I had the king of edge here, then friggin Anthem showed up like an angry ex-girlfriend. Seeing him draw his weapon though, I felt genuine regret. This was an enemy I created through my mistakes, one...I frankly didn't want to fight.
Looking at his cold grey eyes, I frowned. I lowered Ironback, opening to a passive stance.
"Anthem. I...never got the chance to say I'm sorry."
"It's a little late." he snapped, "Saying that now means nothing to me."
I sighed, nodding. I watched the nimble warrior draw that greatsword, pointing it my direction. Raising Ironback though was a bad idea in this equation.
"Stand down, Anthem!" Kibaou shouted.
Anthem said nothing, still looking at me with such...malice? No, it couldn't be malice...what he felt was righteous anger. Splaying an open stance, I could only stand there and hope that my intention was clear. He kept staring, glaring...but eventually turned away.
"And manners? You're changing." Kirito snidely commended.
I grunted, shoving him to the ground as I moved back to Asuna. The commander suddenly looked pretty frustrated with me, God I wasn't fitting in this culture very well.
"Sorry for the interruption." I nodded to Asuna.
"Alright...so what I want you to do?" Asuna growled, "You're my heavy hitter, just stick with me and I'll guide you through this."
"What's our enemy like?" I asked softly, hoping to defuse further.
"No idea...sadly we're going in blind. The HDA service our scouts, and with them cut from the team, they're no longer willing to risk their men."
"For God's sake." I groaned, "Are we really forgetting the fact we're...never mind."
"Anyway." Asuna sighed, "Just follow my lead, understood?"
"Yes Ma'am." I stated strongly.
"And you're working with Kirito."
I stared at her for a second. The way she spoke of that, it felt like she saw Kirito as higher than me. It wasn't the valuing of him that angered me, it was the idea that I'd have to take orders from him...
Souls of Fire
"And to think!" I ranted, "The damn rabbit was invincible, for fucks sake!"
"Thou speaketh the truth..." Godfree grumbled, "Hath torn several trees to the very roots...but still failed to kill that bunny."
"Seriously, who the hell designed that?!" I raged, "Did Mommy and Daddy not love him enough?"
"He's probably one of those kids who'd get thrown in a sack and beaten." the axeman chuckled, "Would beat him right now if I found him..."
The great stone doors opened, their bases grinding against the hard floor. Light from the outside world leaked through, blinding us for a moment from the challenger of our freedom.
"Better not be another damn hundred flowers to collect from a stupid patch." I mumbled, "Got better things to do with my time."
"Like what?" Godfree glanced.
"Teaching those 'gods' what it means to bleed!" I boasted, "After that, get my girl all the ore she wants."
The man chuckled, amused by my comments.
Columns of ALF troops stood around us, all on foot. Godfree, another one of their members, stood beside me. The man turned out to be from Denmark, cheering me up as best he could.
"Thou art a simple man, Garr." the bearded axe wielder smiled, "I like that, no secrets."
"I don't believe in complexities, don't need 'em." I looked, "Say...what class of axe is that?"
"What thine eyes see is a [Greataxe]!" the man cheered, "Completely impractical, just like yours!"
"Damn straight!" I laughed, "I admit though, think that's the first time I've ever seen one."
"It's pretty rare." he nodded, "Kinda like thou's sword class...hate the fact it's my favorite."
"Why?" I frowned.
"Guys mock the fact I use 'em. How it'd take forever for me to hit anything with it."
"Well man, I'd rather not laugh. A [Greataxe] will split me in two."
The expanse ahead of us was shrouded by dust, cold air brushing into the space.
"Platoon A, forward!" Kibaou shouted.
The unit to our left advanced, the floor another dry lake bed.
"Move." Asuna stated.
Commander's unit led the way. I held back to the left, behind Kirito. I wasn't sure what I despised more, the fact I couldn't see the enemy I didn't know, or that I had to stare past the one I knew. Just had to shrug it off, I'd duel him later.
What unsettled me more was the fact the space just kept opening wider. Where the hell were we? This dusty spot of Earth was cloaked by dust, the canyons behind us vanishing behind it.
"Anything?" Asuna called back.
"Not on my end." Heathcliff noted.
"Nope." Kirito grumbled.
"Negative." I replied.
Godfree chose to stay with me, thank God. Moving further, I had to have been losing my mind again...I was hearing voices. Cries of pain, wounded.
"Godfree?" I whispered.
He looked.
"You hearing anything?"
"You too?" he frowned, "Thought I was crazy."
Not good.
"Asuna, voice signatures, source direction unknown." I alerted.
"Thank you." she glanced back, "Keep tabs."
The Asuna I knew changed her playstyle. Not only did she wield a rapier, but a longsword in her offhand. The tails of her leather armor fluttered in the wind, colored red for victory.
Just as we progressed, we stumbled upon our first landmark. An axe was planted in the dried ground, standing over two stories tall! Damn, the blade of the weapon had to be at least as thick as Ironback's whole body. The weapon stuck there, long rusted from disuse.
"This must've been an old battle site." Godfree muttered, "Think I know what wielded that."
"How so?" I glanced to him.
"I used to love digging up lore." he pointed to the building tall weapon, "From all that I've red, Ogres use these."
"Um...how...big were those back then?" I grimaced.
"Big enough to use those with one hand?" he answered, "Lore had it that we outfitted them a long time ago...but we eventually went to war with each other."
"The reason's not been made clear, but it tore the old Elf Empire apart..."
"With axes like that? Not terribly surprised." I nodded.
More axes, a forest of rusted iron standing tall. Something killed the owners of these, still no solid on who or what.
"Alright men, hold up!" Kibaou ordered.
"Halt!" Asuna barked.
We all stopped, standing there in the middle of the plateau. The cries of anguish kept distance, the shadow of the titanic weapons looming around us.
"We need a scouting team." Kibaou glanced.
"That's what I said!" Asuna groaned, "But we can't do that now, since we've filled up the roster."
"Then I'll send a squad back." Kibaou sighed, "Corporal Wes, get the HDA and send us their best scout squad."
A light crack reached my ears.
"Anyone else hear-" I started.
Just as I spoke, a loud crash sent us reeling! People in all directions screamed, something shaking the ground behind me. Dust billowed, scattering along the ground!
I shivered harshly, flinching before looking back. A mist of blue, a man down...and a six foot spear jutting out of the ground. I heard another crack, time to go!
"MOVE!" Asuna screamed, "GO!"
Something screamed by me, slamming the ground as I turned to charge the direction it came from! Someone else screamed, sounds of glass breaking. Two men down, we haven't even found the boss yet!
"Go, go, go!" Kibaou shouted, "Stay in your formations!"
I didn't dare look back, I kept running, trying my best to keep up with Asuna. Kirito kept his position, Heathcliff to the right, his shield raised as he charged with the rest of us. Still so much dust, where was our enemy?!
More snapping, more spears careened past us! Shouts and the clatter of armor engaged in a rhythm of panic, guiding us along a trail of fears.
The path descended, the fog clearing further down. My eyes scoured for every detail the land provided, breathing faster as another round whizzed by! God, that was so close! More and more, they kept coming! Hollering out of shock, I curled low to the ground as I scampered further!
Asuna slid down the decline, followed by Kirito as she led from the front. Huffing, my heavier armor only slowed me down. There couldn't have been a single man not praying then, hoping that the next spear wasn't theirs.
"Do not fear!" Godfree pushed, "thine enemy will pay! Go!"
The descent plateaued again, the volley of spears stopping. My God, the silence of the moment was beautiful. The pants of the living, weary of their trials skirted along the dried Earth, little flames shaken by the wind. There were fewer men, how many, I didn't know.
The wind blew harder for a moment, the path ahead revealed. I looked hard at what awaited us, what enemy to kill in vengeance of the fallen brave. As it turned out, I wasn't ready for that truth.
My heart raced, an honest report I doubt any of us were ready for. The boss of this floor wasn't a monster. It wasn't some creature of unspeakable might. There was no flesh to chop at, no unholy beast of grand stature.
It was a castle. A leviathan of stone lurching against a canyon. With walls and towers as tall as high rises, I felt just so small. The wind blew by, the place quiet as a library. Like the first building, it was built between two opposing cliffs.
The commanders said nothing, no one said a word.
Souls of Fire
The pause didn't last. It was completely unfair.
The enemy had guns. Cannons fired on our position, bellowing like thunder as their barrels flashed, blasting us as we charged, screaming as they flew in. The men were quickly flying into panic, my ears ringing from the explosive barrage.
Every shot scarred the ground,
Felt something bounce off my side. Feeling the spot, a small dent was revealed...the armor stopping shrapnel. God bless Rika, I had to see her again!
"Keep going!" Asuna screamed.
A cannonball slammed the ground beneath me, sending me soaring forward like a bird knocked from the sky. Hitting the dry ground, the screams of men filled my ears, I shivered as another cannon shot a round right over me. Plates of steel stood great against most...but not against that.
"Come on!" Godfree helped me up, "Valhalla awaits, brother!"
I accepted his answer, the call inspiring me to keep charging! I don't know how many of us fell, it was all just such a mess. A mob of ALF charged ahead of me, their banner carrier waving that flag high as he raced on. Asuna and Kirito were way ahead, racing past the incoming volleys with ease.
"Anthem!" I heard someone scream.
Someone was struck with a ball. Sent flying, the warrior was torn to pieces, left broken on the lake bed. Worse matter was, that was the flag carrier! Anthem ran by, waving his men to keep moving.
No, they needed their flag. Grabbing the dropped banner, I raised the icon, waving it wildly as I yelled at them to keep going!
The men rallied behind me, following the flag as I charged headlong into the rain of steel. Another round struck the ground, sending us all flying! Crying angrily, I roared with irritation as I reached again for the downed banner.
"Don't you run away!" I hollered at a few fear stricken troops, "Your brothers need you!"
"Get down!" Godfree lunged in front of me!
I shouted, looking where he went. Drawing that [Greataxe], I watched with wonder as he threw out an attack, splitting an incoming spear in half with a single swing!
"Bless you, Godfree!" I hollered.
He nodded, gasping for breath as I shot back to my feet.
"Carry the flag!" he shouted, "I've got your back!"
"Where's Asuna?!" I yelled, racing forward as fast as my armor lugging limbs could move.
"Hey!" Asuna screamed from a few feet ahead, "I found our way up there!"
She pointed to one of the western towers.
"Garr!" she waved, "lead your men to the wall, they can't fire on us from there!"
I nodded, following her orders. Swinging the ALF's banner about, I kept yelling, directing the remaining forces to follow my lead. With luck, we managed to reach the stone wall perimeter. The last of the guns died down, but something felt wrong.
There was nothing else to be heard. Nothing. No orders from some guard on the walls to prepare for boarding, no weapons being loaded...not even footsteps. It was all so quiet. Glancing back, I couldn't hide my discomfort.
"How many?" I asked Godfree, breathing softly.
"At...least a dozen." the bearded strongman sighed.
Fuck, just fuck! Already lost more than ten percent of our men and we haven't even gotten inside! Guiding herself along, Asuna returned to the rest of us.
"There's an opening in the west tower, some old siege ladders were left here."
Kirito stood behind her, breathing and sweating like the rest of us. Kibaou stood behind us, looking rather intimidated by everything.
"It's just...bugging me." Asuna turned as we walked behind her, "It's way too quiet."
Couldn't agree more. The ladders mentioned were in surprisingly good condition, able to support my armored ass all the way up to the open window. Kirito ran in first, his twin swords unsheathed the second he hit the floor. Landing next to him, my heavy metal armor clacked against stone.
"You suck at stealth." Kirito groaned.
I said nothing, was too distracted by the silence of the place. Asuna arrived next, her rapier and longsword ready. Heathcliff joined behind us, her entire retinue in the area.
"Report." she barked.
"Still too quiet." I glanced to her, "I say we disarm the castle defenses then call for backup."
"Reinforcements would be nice." Heathcliff nodded.
"Would take too long." Kirito dismissed, "We could have this place cleared by the time the rest of the ALF arrive."
"I wouldn't be too sure about that." I argued, "whoever's operating that stuff's still probably nearby!"
I paused, glancing out one of the castle wall walkways, seeing not a soul in sight.
"Even if they left no real sign."
"Kirito's right." Asuna chose, "We'll keep moving. You three, follow me."
"Kibaou!" she looked over the window, "Take your men and check the east wall!"
Heard an affirmative, nodded as I followed by my commander. North pass led us down some stairs, the interior of the walls. God it was so dark, no light anywhere past the opening. unlit torches clung to the walls, clouds of pale green dust floating. The air felt colder than outside, expected I guess.
Heathcliff and I were easily the loudest members of the squad, price of wearing something denser than a damn T-shirt.
"Could you like take that armor off?" Kirito glanced, "It's breaking my concentration."
"No." I retorted.
Another set of doors, double.
"Heath." I looked, "Breach?"
The red knight nodded, mounting one door with his shield ready. Drawing Ironback, I stepped behind the other door, the weapon lowered. The older man shoved his barrier open, I followed less than a second later, weapons ready!
Leading further in the complex, we managed to find what looked like a local barracks. Racks of straw and some mats were laid out in an orderly manner, only revealed by the light of Asuna's torch. It all looked ragged, left unattended for some time.
Beware the sin of want.
That statement was carved in one of the walls. I said nothing, moving on with the group as we advanced further. The next room in our path was...a storage room?
It was a storage facility, least that's what all the vacant chests would indicate. Seeing all of those unopened wooden boxes though, it got me feeling a new kind of lust. A desire...for loot.
Opened the first box, nothing. Second, also nothing. Dammit Kayaba, if you're gonna put these here, at least humor us with SOMETHING!
"Hang on a sec guys, I've got a good hunch where the real loot's at." Kirito directed.
I glanced, hoping he didn't find loot. The swordsman approached one of several chests to the right, eyeing the others as he sheathed his twin blades. Grabbing the lips of the wood and iron container, he hoisted it open.
The next thing I saw were teeth. lots of them.
In a flash, long grey arms burst from the side, grabbing Kirito and pulling him into the chest! The boy panicked, everything below his belly sticking out awkwardly as the ambush predator started...noming?
Oh jeez, it was!
The sharp toothed treasure chest chewed and chewed, and I couldn't help but bust a gut! That arrogant bastard screamed like a girl, his dinky little legs flailing as he was treated like a damn chew toy by the equally obnoxious...but somehow more tolerable creature.
"Oh my god!" Asuna shrieked, "Let him go!"
The commander swung away, eventually freeing the 'greatest warrior of all time' from getting his first hickey. The freak spat the swordsman out, abiding Asuna's command. The second the trap released Kirito, it settled back down, resembling the other chests surrounding it.
I had to give Kayaba credit, punishing players for seeking loot's probably one of the most dickish things you could do in an RPG! Then again, Dad always told me greed consumes you...just never thought it'd be that literal!
I kept laughing the whole time, falling on my knees with my hands on my face...er helmet. That scream, those legs, and the animation! God, I was crying with how much this broke my mood!
"Ahem!"
I glanced up, Asuna staring me down with a dark expression.
"Why weren't you helping?"
I slowed my hysteria, raising a finger in defense.
"What can I say?" I guffawed, "The guy really stuck it!"
I heard a brief huff somewhere to the corner, even Heathcliff was enjoying this. The warrior commander met my mirth with her fist, colliding the knuckles with the base of my helmet.
The thick steel clacked a little, but had little effect. All the violence brought was further laughter on my part!
"You're such a jerk!" Asuna yelled, "Laughing when others are suffering? What kind of monster are you?!"
"One of a kind!" I clapped.
"You see, that chest is really Colonel Sanders." I pointed to the box, "Its style is outdated and it sits all day eating chicken!"
It had to be the stress of the situation causing this blast of euphoric giggles, I just couldn't stop! Slapping the ground, I was suddenly kicked hard in the face, this time by the recipient of such love bites.
"You think it's funny, huh?" Kirito growled, "Why don't you deal with it then?"
Grunting, I stumbled back to my feet. Chuckling, I nodded.
"Fine."
Approaching that same chest, I raised Ironback. Its length served me well in this affair. Sadly for the chest here, only Rika's allowed to give me hickeys.
Using the end of the sword like a lever, I hinged the chest open. The creature stretched out arms, ready to take what it thought was its next meal. Unfortunately, the only thing it got was an [Ultra Greatsword] to the mouth!
It's called a [Greed], charming. Choking on Ironback, I ripped the weapon out from its mouth and forced it back down with a [Down Chop]!
The [Greed] fell forward, gasping from the level of force delivered! Legs emerged from the bottom, mimicking its arms in hue. As it rose though, I had already prepared a [Brush], aiming straight then for its dangling methods of transport.
"Come on..." I growled.
Charging, the stupid beast was met with a harsh reality. The legs came off with a clean slash, the weapon sending me twisting to the side from the sheer force! The [Greed] squealed, collapsing at my feet before turning to frags of glass.
"Really?!" Kirito decried.
"What, you said my sword's too big." I looked at Kirito.
He simply glared, walking as he looked down at my feet. Glancing back, I saw it, loot! I snatched it, inspecting it before he could steal what I rightfully earned.
[Thunderstone Frag]
This yellow gem was real pretty, the translucent piece sparkling in the light of Asuna's torch. Apparently with nine pieces and a [Ulympic Furnace] I could enchant my weapon with lightning...sick. Definitely belonged to my blacksmith.
Asuna then stepped forward, an open hand held towards me.
"Give that to him." Asuna demanded.
"No." I stated, looking back at her.
"That's an order."
"This is Lisbeth's, not mine." I turned, "Rocks and ore are her business, I don't negotiate her business with anyone."
Turning red in the face, her fiery eyes looked ready to burst!
"Goddammit Garr, Kirito almost died because of that thing!"
"Hilariously might I add." I chuckled.
"How can you laugh at such an awful thing?" she glared harshly.
"How can I not?" I smirked.
"Be-Because." Asuna stammered, "He's a human being."
"And he treats me like shit, so why should I care?" I shrugged, "Ever since I first met him, I was just an insect to his royal highness."
"I spoke with him on it, you started that!" she pointed, "You couldn't stand him belittling your masculinity, even if he was just trying to warn you!"
"He treated me like a child." I dismissed, "I was wilder back then, stupider."
"That doesn't change anything, this is Lisbeth's now."
"You haven't changed a bit." she snarled, "Still acting like some brute from the woods...I thought Lis taught you compassion!"
"Lisbeth doesn't tell me to change, she accepted me. I want to do nice things for people, but she comes first."
"Take off your helmet!" she shouted, "And don't you dare say no this time!"
I did as she asked, prying off the brass cover. This woman really thought she could break me? The second the lid came off, she punched me hard in the teeth, over and over!
"You rude, obnoxious, horrible beast!" she shrieked, "How can you do this to people?!"
I said nothing, letting her keep going. I had no remorse, this was just operational security.
"People are dying all around you, yet all you care about is how she fits into this?!"
"Yes." I stated, "I protect the ones I care for...not like you're not different."
She kept wailing on me, my only real protection being the fact we were in the same party. This statement angered her further, using both hands as she continued exerting punishment.
"I'm nothing like you!" Asuna shouted, "I've done nothing but care about others!"
"I work everyday, night and day, just to ensure everything works!"
"And when that's over, where's that leave you?" I winced.
She paused, holding her fist over me.
"Where do you fit in with these people...the second you're no longer useful?"
Asuna seemed very bothered by this, her eyes softening slightly.
"I love Lisbeth, Asuna." I softened my voice, "You're her friend, therefore you matter to me."
"Whether you're the commander of these brave souls or not, you still hold value. You give too much to strangers."
Asuna huffed, raising back to full stature.
"And you give too little." she stated sternly.
"Do not challenge my authority like that again, you hear me?!" she screamed, "I will remove you from this party and tell you to leave!"
She knocked me on my back with that barrage of fists, the commander stepping away to comfort Kirito. Groaning, I snatched my helmet back off the ground.
"He's such a douchebag." Kirito growled.
"I know." Asuna heeded him, "He's always been a complete-"
"Can we talk about this later?" Heathcliff suddenly interjected, "We've gotta clear this floor."
Asuna sighed, glaring angrily at me before turning us back the way we came. Heathcliff stepped beside me, watching as I put my helmet back on. Joining the others, I kept quiet.
It wasn't like she was wrong, I wasn't cut out for this kind of posh society. This woman though, she was Lisbeth's best friend. Asuna was important to the woman I loved, therefore important to me. Guessing she saw something in Kirito she wanted.
Same time though, there was no way I'm surrendering what could give my girl benefit for what some arrogant asshat felt. I suddenly felt a nudge, Heathcliff holding a crystal in his hand.
"I'm not leaving." I rushed, "We still have to kill the boss."
"If you say so." he said out loud.
Asuna glanced back for a second, but paid no further heed.
"It's not a teleport crystal." he whispered, "It's a stream."
I snapped my gaze directly on him.
"No...did you?" I whispered back.
He nodded, holding back a small grin.
"I'll pay you for that." I offered, "How much?"
"fifty?" he replied, "I mean...it's the first time I ever saw that..."
"Done."
I paid the fifty grand so flipping fast, didn't care about the rest. I had a recording of the jackass getting violated by curved wood, THAT was pure unadulterated karma.
We returned to the ALF...only to find them packed in an even smaller group.
"The hell happened?" Asuna bleated, "Kibaou? Where are the rest of your-"
"Dead..." the once proud leader wept, "We...had no choice."
Grimacing, I looked to the survivors. Kibaou, Godfree, Anthem, two guys I never knew. At that point, Asuna's retinue was all that remained. It was then I was forced to wipe the tears from my eyes.
These guys weren't cowards, they were volunteers. To think that in our time, in our era, that such brave souls existed, that was worth celebrating on its own. I approached the crouching Godfree, the once cheery knight somber with experience.
"Valhalla awaits them now." the man sighed.
Sitting beside the taller man, I hugged him, saying nothing as the two commanders discussed.
"These things just came bursting through the walls!" Kibaou pointed back, "These ghost type things, leaking out of the stone to feed on my men!"
"By the time we even recognized the threat, they were all over us! I had to sound the retreat."
"Did you find the way through?" I asked softly.
"Yes...but it leads to a throne room, definitely the boss room." Kibaou coughed, "And I doubt you'll get there without them showing up."
We'll have to rush it." Asuna nodded, "Kirito, think you can do that?"
"Yea." he replied calmly.
Looking at Anthem, the swordsman was shaking, gibbering to himself. His grey eyes saw right through mine, like I wasn't even there. I reached for a pat on the shoulder, only for him to swat the hand aside. Saying nothing more, the man kept to himself.
Asuna then turned to me, huffing as she stood close as a challenge.
"You're going back." she stated, "We need speed types and you don't cut it."
"I'd beg to differ." Heathcliff argued, "Yes, we need to break through the defenses...but speed isn't everything."
"Garr's one of our two heavy hitters, along with Godfree. If the boss in there's got armor, we need that extra punch."
I looked up to her and nodded, not wanting to confront her further. We had to keep moving. Banding with what was left of our once ninety man team, we numbered up to...
Nine. Ten percent of what we brought. Out of ninety brave people, only nine.
A/N: Hey guys, before we go I wanna give a big shout out! Tf2scout, thanks for the idea of feeding Kirito to a Mimic, that had me laughing for days on end...unfortunately I can't really kill him without violating the unspoken fanfic rules.
If anyone else would like to see ways to humiliate him (that doesn't involve my OCs, since that's unethical) let me know with a PM :D Reviews, feed me the delicious reviews (Both good and bad please, I wanna be a better writer.)
Follows and favorites too please...especially if you hate dis fic.
Thanks guys and hope to post again soon!
