A/N: Souls of Fire, where OCs come to die. :D
NetherOrbit: Thanks again for offering this story a fresh sacrifi- I mean character!
ItsJustCrow: Gonna have to tell Garr to git gud :( Course he's gonna start looking for a sword like that.
Theawesomess: Meatheads on parade!
Thunderwolf: The Wyvern will come soon enough :D
Special shout out to blazingpheonix123 and DJHattomi for favoriting! Its support like this that lets me know how well I'm doing as a writer!
Enjoy!
February 2nd 2023
Oran the Legion Slayer hacked apart another pack of four wolves with just a staff, others watching and cheering at his elegant display. Twirling both himself and his weapon, it was so obvious why Kymer chose him. While his attacks lacked power, he more than made up for them in sheer numbers. Seriously, think he struck one of these hounds seventeen times in the space of two seconds.
"So Kymer, you like salty, spicy?" I looked to him as he leaned on the back wall.
"Eh, more of a sour type." he shrugged, "I'd have sour grass right now if I could find it."
"It's been bugging me for a bit, but what was Graye talking about when he said you walk-"
"I told you all, it's just your imagination." he snapped.
Much as he hated me asking, his answer gave more truth than he probably intended. What was he before all this, did he have issues down there? If so...I could help him once I earned my degree. Course, that's if I left this place. Wish I could get him to open up a little.
"I only want to help." I looked to him.
"I know, but there's nothing wrong." he retorted.
I sighed, looking back to the fight. Oran freed his left hand, shocking a wolf to death with lightning bolts of blue! Magic, I would be cool with people using it if it weren't for the Old Ones.
"Gonna keep moving." Kymer grunted, "Garr?"
I glanced back to him, the stoic hunter ready to disappear.
"Come by to Graye's location sometime? He saw the last fight and...reacted a bit poorly."
"What do you mean?"
"Op sec, just look when you can."
"Understood." I nodded.
With that, Kymer leaped up, grabbing the outstretched hands of a nearby statue. Lifting himself up and over, the Russian vanished into the unused upper layers of the arena, beyond the sight of most. The hell was Graye doing, Kymer told him to stay low.
Getting off the stage seat, I went straight back to the hall, opening the menu. Graye was at an arena provided inn room, Haru too. Much as I appreciated her sticking around him, she wasn't exactly motivating. Had to get to them.
Walking down the outer halls, the clatter of an empty monument filled my ears. So few people, pretty sure most were NPCs too. Looking down, I inspected the damage.
Jeez my armor was thrashed, like I took a wrecking ball center of mass. Thinking about it, the weapon Lox used was like a flail, though much heavier than the last I've dealt with. Walking to the west wing of the arena, I felt my legs buckle. The last flail user I met...no way was I forgetting that.
Was way back, before I went on this journey. Guy took that chained iron ball and broke my legs, leaving me to die. Had to freaking save myself from the hungry insects, thank God I had that Teleport Crystal.
"Excuse me!" I heard in request.
I was surprised, an actual breathing soul was out here? Turning around, a girl in deep blue approached at high speed. With dark purple hair bobbing, she slowed to a stop, red eyes burning bright.
"Yes?" I tilted.
"Are you the Cursed Man?"
I felt my insides tense. Oh yay, another sword coming for my anus.
"The name Garr works too." I blinked.
"Kinda figured." she cheered, "Don't worry, Rika sent me!"
I felt the tension drop the instant she said that.
"Is Asuna okay?" I asked, "Lis told me she's going through...a lot."
"She's...troubled." Yuuki shrugged, "Left her with your girlfriend though, so it should be fine."
"Good...she needs the help." I smiled.
"It's nice to meet you!"
"Likewise."
"Definitely stockier than I thought." she winked, "Got a six pack under that steel?"
She definitely came off as flirtatious, least she wasn't trying to be subtle.
"Not for you, that's for sure." I kept serious, "What's your name?"
"Oh sorry, I'm Yuuki." she laughed, doing a little hop.
"So what is it you wanted?" I cut to the chase.
"Was wondering if you wanted a duel? Had a bit of a bucket list for here."
"I don't know." I sighed, "I've gotten my ass whooped just a few minutes ago by a man of borderline fifty IQ."
"Please?" she turned soft, "I came all the way out here to see you."
"Wait." I paused, "You...went through that jungle? That jungle?"
She crossed her arms, nodding with a smug expression.
"By yourself?"
Yuuki simply looked me in the eye, keeping that smug face.
"Okay then, you definitely know what you're doing." I admitted sheepishly.
"Oh forgot, I meant [Training Mode] only." she splayed a hand, "Wouldn't wanna hurt you."
Was that arrogance I was hearing?
"Hurt me, really?" I snapped, "Don't soft ball me like that, lets Half Loss this!"
Her expression changed in a flash, waving her hands in defense.
"Wow hang on, must've said something wrong." she stopped, "I mean it when I say I don't wanna injure, I wanna be friends."
"I didn't mean it that way, you feel pain when no else does. I just like to compete, I don't wanna cause harm."
"Oh." I eased, "...alright then, no going easy on me please."
"Now we're talkin'." she smiled, guiding her hand back.
[Hot Waving], Yuuki summoned a fairly small...[Greatsword]? Was a bit confused, like it was something else.
"What class of sword is that?" I readied to summon Ironback.
"Hand & a Half, wanted something with a little more versatility. Not too big for you, is it?"
She kept her left hand down to her side, shouldering the sword. Boy was she mistaken.
"Huh, first one of those I've ever seen." I shrugged.
Flicking my arm, Ironback was formed. Yuuki blinked twice, but smiled confidently.
"You definitely have a smith watching your back. A sword that big isn't something you just find."
"And I watch hers." I grinned.
"Good." she nodded, "Points for uniqueness though...never seen someone carry a traffic pole."
A duel request arrived, to which I pressed [Training Mode]. The battle started right away, our weapons flashing a light blue. I rushed, only to see her charge too! Arcing the weapon down with a [Down Chop] her challenge was so clear!
Blades clashed, sparks scattering like prey, a ring piercing the drums of my ears! Physics was against Yuuki, the trade of hits sending her flying down the arena halls like a rocket. Dust flew, the warrior scraping back to her feet, launching like a bullet to avenge.
Couldn't blink, she was too quick, swiping that Hand & a Half like a bird with its wings.
"Strong as a bull, aren't ya?" she laughed.
"Not strong enough!" I retorted, "Bring it! Come on!"
I tried swinging her back with a [Cleave], but Yuuki ducked, squirreling right into arm's reach, forcing me to shoulder tackle her back.
"Ooo, sexual harassment!" she toyed, "Lis wouldn't like you touching other girls, would she?"
"Not on your life!" I roared.
Instead of fighting the push, Yuuki went with the flow, partially deflecting the rough approach. Ironback's weight countered me, causing me to stumble as I tried shoving her away.
Yuuki exploited my distress, kicking me straight in the knee as I pitched. With my body still arcing from the end of Ironback's swing, I fell on my downed leg with a loud clack, my armor meeting stone.
Just as I fell, her [Hand & a Half] crashed on my collar. Looking up my challenger's expression was so smug, tossing her hair back.
"I dub thee..." she giggled, "Sir Scrub."
"You wish!" I yelled.
Shooting back to my feet, I rocked my weight forward, knocking her to the floor with a firm punch! Yuuki squealed with surprise, laying there as I leaned over, raising fists!
"This is how we fight in war, sister!"
Slugging her, there was no need to surrender, there wasn't pain in [Training Mode] to be felt. My armored knuckles made her head spin, a bobblehead on a bumpy road.
"Bit rough are we?" Yuuki laughed, "I don't usually let guys hit me this much!"
She's so damn cocky, it fueled me to keep beating! Just as I readied a third swing, however, she lunged, jamming something sharp against my throat!
The weapon hooked, driving me to the ground as my throat was tugged aside! Thrown against the stone floor, I felt her kick me down on my back, a sword once again raised, aimed at my face.
"I was gonna ask for a round two...guess I didn't have to ask." she tossed her hair back, "I'm willing to go for a third round...you've got spice."
"What did you hit me with?" I coughed.
She revealed a [Karambit] in her left hand, the hooked little knife sticking out from the bottom of her fist. Unlike the traditional, this lacked a blade, composed mostly of a stinger like tip.
"Wow...that's actually pretty cool." I admitted.
"Custom-made." Yuuki's red eyes glowed a bit, "Designed to pierce armor like yours...get in those nice crits."
She kept pointing that damn [Hand & a Half] at me.
"So how about round three?" she leaned on one side, "Won't lie, you got me all worked up!"
"I've got your round three right here!" I yelled back in jovial challenge.
I lunged my head forward, biting Yuuki's sword tip with my teeth, wrestling at it with my neck! Her eyes widened, her face twisted in confusion, her body pitching from the muscle of that limb alone! Yuuki pulled the weapon back, giving me a boost up as she threw her weight back in retreat.
Leaping to my feet, I spat the taste of steel out before raising another fist! She wanted another round, too bad I was gonna win! My left fist flew for her gut, to wind her for a barrage.
Yuuki stepped back once, but swatted her [Karambit] wielding fist aside, parrying my punch! My hand flew aside, my armored body flashing yellow as I stumbled...stunned with no escape. Damn, if only I had the agility stats!
Instead of just doing a [Riposte], Yuuki did a little twirl. I couldn't believe this, she was doing a three sixty on me, no a seven twenty spin! The second it ended, my challenger stabbed me, completing the [Riposte]. As she dropped me for the third time, I couldn't help but stare. Could've sworn I heard an air horn somewhere.
"I like you!" she giggled, "No quits, your tactics are keeping me guessing too!"
I groaned, feeling more mentally beat than physically. Could only imagine how much grief she could put me through if it wasn't for [Training Mode].
"So what're you out here for?" she quipped, "You're pretty far from the front lines, your girlfriend, what's up?"
"I have business, can we go with that?" I kept friendly, "Not sure if Lis told you much."
"Nope, just told me you were out here." she winked, "Need a hand there, grandpa?"
"Pffft, can you pass my dentures with that?" I chuckled, hauling myself back to my feet.
"Not even if you paid me." she shirked.
Yuuki was shorter than me, kicked my ass like a redheaded step child though.
"So what business? Training?"
Nosy, just like Rika.
"I wanna climb the ranks." I struggled to form an answer, "Place's got rewards my team could use.
"Ah, makes sense." she sheathed her tools, "Say, would you be up for training with me?"
"Why?" I paused.
"You're the Cursed Man." she shrugged, "I love helping people with trying circumstances."
Huh, well she was definitely a better fighter than I was. If I could learn something from Yuuki, I could be a better teammate.
"I'd be honored, what's your name again?" I bowed my head a little.
"Yuuki."
"Awesome, mine's Garr."
I stopped as the thoughts of a new mentor arrived. Renee was my first instructor, that wild, happy Australian. Frowning, I felt a subtle cold creep in. I had completely forgotten about her, Korrin too. Was his unit even operating anymore?
"Something wrong?"
"Had a teacher before." I shrugged, "Don't take it wrong, I want to learn."
She smiled.
"Well I can stick around for a few days, though I'm gonna be tough on you."
"Please do." I nodded, "Steel doesn't temper without heat."
I yawned.
"Can we start tomorrow though? I'm pretty tired from...yea everything."
"Sure!" she cheered, "Oh but first, friends?"
"Ah, sure." I opened my list, inviting her.
She received the request, bouncing a little before accepting. Ugh, I had to get back to Graye. After brief goodbyes, I went to the Arena provided living spaces. Walking in through the pub, that nameless titan of meat was there. His footsteps were loud, impossible to hide.
The second I passed him, or should I say it, stopped. Again I felt cold air around him, was starting to creep me out. I couldn't say for sure, but it felt...frightening. Was it the eight foot height of muscle, or the chill?
"I saw your last fight...well done." he spoke, "Few have displayed such fervor...such passion for battle."
Wouldn't dare look at it, even its presence was bothering me.
"I...like a good fight...and leaving an impression." I said cautiously.
"Hm." it chuckled, "I won't keep you long...but know this, a fight with you would be...interesting."
"Too many of these wanderers fight out of desperation, for some other goal. I don't understand them, not when the mere act is a celebration."
Why'd this guy sound...like me?
"If I said I was different, I'd be lying." I grimaced behind its back.
"So you say..."
I left as he said so, was feeling unsettled by his fascination. Was it because it reminded me of myself, or what I always told myself how I saw me?
Taking a deep breath, I felt the warmth of evening return, as if I had left a crypt...commonly known as the DMV. Reaching the inn room Graye was residing, I shook the bad thoughts off.
Opening the door, I heard the laugh of pleasant conversation. I smiled, scooting myself inside. Haru glanced over at me, saying nothing as she turned to the others.
"Garr!"
Graye emerged from his seat, hugging me on the spot. I smiled, hugging him back in kind.
"I'm really sorry about earlier, Grate." I started, "Should've told you all that there's a safety measure to prevent dying...was rushing in a bit."
"Damn right you should be!" the medic sassed, "I had a frying pan ready for that big bully!"
"Told you it was a bad idea." Haru groaned behind her mask, "He tried taking on that half brained ape after seeing he team killed you."
"I don't care, nobody hurts my friends like that!" Graye dismissed, "So mean..."
"Thanks for looking out for me." I patted his back, "Really, this place's nuts."
"Well join us then, silly!" Graye tugged me to the table, "We were just talking about dogs, we're clearly not bored."
"Bored? I wanted to look for herbs today." Haru debated, "Stead I had to babysit you."
"One wasp later and the place would light up like Vietnam." Kymer chuckled, "I think that was a good thing."
"Not true, simpleton." Haru dismissed, "I'm very practical with my resources."
"Right, like you with your man voice drugs? I'll say it now, it doesn't make you very appealing."
"Guys." Graye groaned, "Let's get back to puppies."
Haru grunted, pulling out her alchemy set on the table.
"This is important though." Kymer explained blankly.
"Oh please, Kymer!" Graye laughed, "You brought up the topic, tell us your favorite breed."
Kymer smirked, shaking his head.
"That's the thing. Putting me to choose one or the other is borderline sadistic."
"Being trapped with this group's borderline sadistic." Haru sighed.
I snorted, nodding to that. Graye laughed hard at her statement, enjoying the conversation.
"How about you, Haru?" Graye asked, "You haven't told us your favorite."
"I prefer cats." she shrugged, "Hate it when dogs lick me!"
"Ugh, I love that!" I leaned back, "Get yourself this big dog, snuggle up on a cold night with all that fur."
"Yessss." Graye smiled.
"He or she gets all lovey and licks your face...sadly I've only ever owned small ones."
"First thing I'm doing when I get my own place is get a Shepherd..."
"Eh, I'd rather not." Kymer blinked, "You can imagine the kind of Shepherds I've met."
"Point taken." I huffed
"So what happened back there, Garr?" Graye asked, "You didn't come back for…what? An hour?"
"Well after the fight, I realized I'm gonna need additional time." I explained.
The explanation I gave Kymer was repeated, Graye was as usual left twitching at the mention of Oran.
"There's item requests I can make if I beat the top five, figured I could get you all something."
"But Lis is a smith, isn't she?" Haru looked.
"Yes, but supply's dry so far." I answered softly, "That being said, is there anything you need, Haru?"
The plague doctor rubbed her chin.
"Could I...request a [Multi-Flask]?"
"I'll make the effort." I smiled, "I owe you for what you did earlier."
"No you don't." she suddenly tensed.
"Fine, then I'm going to get it." I dismissed, "You're in the team, so I gotta help you all out."
I looked to the others.
"Graye...halberd right?"
He nodded.
"Kymer, better bow?"
"If possible." the Russian shrugged.
"Awesome." I smiled, "Just so you know, I'm gonna be training for the next...week I'd say?"
"With who?" Graye's green eyes lit.
"Technically two teachers?" I hesitated, "Their names are Yuuki and Leafa...gonna let Lis know what's going on before tomorrow."
"Two women?" Kymer laughed, "What kind of harem horse shit is this? I want pussy too ya know."
"Well one just kinda flew out of left field, I already asked Leafa and she was unsure. Luck of the draw I guess?"
"I don't think asking Oran for instruction would help with the whole 'looking competent' image." Graye defended me, "Ithe's so full of poo too."
"Poo?!" I shrieked, "God, I feel eight years old right now."
Graye grimaced.
"That's a good thing, Graye." I nudged him.
"Ah." he smiled vacantly.
"Anyway, gonna go check on Lis then call it a night." I got off the chair.
"Not until you eat dinner!" Graye decried.
"Good point, could you make a dish for Lis too?" I asked, "Wouldn't wanna bug you and Haru...later tonight."
"Huh?" Graye blinked, "Wait...you think we're like that?"
"Well yea!" I laughed, "She's been tethered to you since...I dunno."
"Um...you know I'm not into girls, right?"
"Oh...didn't know." I stopped, "Huh, well there's Kymer."
"But he's too old...he's like thirty..." Graye thought.
"Thirty two." Kymer answered, "No daughter of miiiine is going Graye."
"Really?" I chuckled.
"Yea!" Graye snapped fingers, "Anyway Garr, I'll get one ready."
"Thanks man."
Jeez, it only occurred to me then just how diverse the group was getting. A prankster Japanese blacksmith, a meme loving Russian, a gay Irish medic, a snarky plague doc...A lecherous English monk if I do my job right.
What they all had in common was the fact they're borderline insane. They had to know what was in the job description, yet they stuck around. Bless them, crazy bastards. Graye made a quick pair of meals, letting me warp out in a timely manner.
The [Admin Teleport Crystal] really was a luxury to have, saved me money for warping around. Arriving at Floor One, I quickly tracked Rika down to a local home within the Town of Beginnings.
Sadly with a [Property Barrier] active, all I could do was [Request Entrance]. Waiting for an answer, I glanced around the moon lit city.
Guys of different uniforms seemed pretty comfortable. While I recognized the dark shaded ALF, the ones in black were new to me. Approaching them, I kept a slight smile.
"Excuse me, but...what guild are you from?" I looked to one of these dark colored figures.
"Holy Dragon Alliance." the man turned, keeping friendly in tone. "Interested in joining?"
"Nah, was just curious."
The conversation was very brief, but that was fine. Heard the house's front door open, turning I saw a coat covered Rika step out to greet me. Reunited, I hugged my blacksmith. Feeling her hands on my back, I rocked her a bit.
"Gotchu dinner." I said, "Got a place to rest?"
"Doesn't feel like it." Rika lamented.
"Then I'm kidnapping." I whispered.
"Huh?"
Grabbing my little angel, I threw her in my arms for a carry!
"Hey!" she squealed, "Put me down!"
"Nope!"
She quieted down, letting me haul her over to the nearest inn. Paying the fee for the night, I went up the stairs, easing her down to open the door. Holding the barrier open for her, she filed inside...still looking a bit down. Following inside, I closed it behind me.
The moment that door's latch closed, I removed my armor out of respect. With the layer removed, Rika almost tackled into me, the moisture of held tears migrating to the fabric of my shirt.
"I-I can't stand it." she hiccuped, "It's too much!"
"Shhh." I guided her to the bed with me, "Let's try and relax a minute."
"How can I relax?" Rika snapped, looking up at me. "Asuna won't stop, she's...done."
"What do you mean?" I kept attentive.
"Twice...she's tried taking her own life." she cried, "It's like she doesn't care if we're there or not!"
"I keep trying to be funny, to get her to laugh...I even tried getting her hooked up!"
I snuggled up, letting her cry on my shoulder.
"I've never felt so useless, it's driving me insane!" she panicked, "It's like I'm watching my best friend die on me, she just doesn't see a point."
"I know how it feels." I tried coaxing, "Feeling so weak that you can't change a thing, to just watch events unfold, thinking just maybe you could've done something."
"That judge in your head, saying how you could've done better. I still ask myself if Renee's forgiven me."
She quieted down a bit, sniffling a bit as her head rested.
"...Do you still see him, that hunter?"
Rika nodded, putting her arms around one of mine.
"It must be hard, I mean we had only been here for a few months."
"Has it? It feels like its been years." she shivered, "Is that bad? To be that...weak?"
"How does that make you weak?" I cuddled, "Baby, you've been helping everyone...especially me."
"It just does, Aiden."
"No it doesn't, you're letting your emotions do the thinking."
Rika sighed, keeping close.
"I'm sorry, you're right. I wanna be strong, enough to save my friends."
"It's funny, seeing you act like this." I put an arm around her.
She glanced up, confused.
"You search the ground, looking for the pair of glasses you dropped. You'll keep searching, not realizing you've had them clung to your shirt."
"It must be really tough...I know. Regardless of this, taking them off your shirt's still rude."
She giggled a little, nodding.
"I wouldn't mind that." Rika smiled at me, "Could you imagine that, us getting so old we need to share glasses?"
"Wow, slow down Morese!" I joked, "I like the sound of marryin' ya, but sharing glasses?!"
I feigned annoyance with a sigh, leaning back on the wall against the bed.
"Gotta club at least five baby seals before I consider that."
"What!?" she squeaked.
"Nothin'." I smirked, "Just making sure you're awake."
She shook her head, laughing as she punched me on the shoulder.
"Thank you, I feel a bit better now." Rika's smile returned, "Though I could use some-"
"Food?" I concluded.
"Reading my mind again, are we?" her smile turned devilish.
"I'd call it a lucky guess. I ain't that smart."
"Yes you are!" she poked.
I twitched, tickled by that touch.
"Okay I am!" I laughed.
"Nope, not good enough!" Rika climbed over me, fingers ready to tase!
"No, no tickling!" I shrieked.
The demon I knew descended upon me, vicious in her pokes and rubs! Rolling around the bed with me, she just wouldn't stop, finding new angles of approach just about anywhere she went!
"Rika!" I kept flailing.
"Say it!" the blacksmith kept it up, "Don't you dare tickle me!"
"Too bad!" I assailed, fingers going for her sides.
"No!" she squealed.
We poked and gripped, our fingers breaking the tension inside us. The battle left the bedside, resulting with us rolling on the wooden floors, a total war against the world's dark prospect. As we tired ourselves out, we laid on the ground in peace...gasping as giggles escaped our lips.
Looking back at her, I suddenly realized something I wanted to do. I wanted to write a poem for Rika. Glancing at me, her dark brown eyes almost glowed with joy.
"I'm alright." I taunted.
"Close enough." she quipped, "So what about food?"
Getting up, I helped her back. Deploying Graye's dishes, Lis beamed as she sat back in the chair. As expected, the brat tried stealing the meat on my dish too!
"Not on your life!" I shouted.
"Really?" she challenged with a smirk.
"Yea, giveee."
"Fine, no sex for you."
Nice try, but that's a stick of bacon on the line.
"Your loss." I grinned.
"Excuse me?!"
"Give." I leaned forward, teasing her.
"Fine."
She took the piece of bacon, waving it near her mouth...then stuffed it between her breasts!
"Come get it."
I shot a hand forward, there was no way she's playing that with me! Just as I felt the meat, however, I realized my mistake.
[Sexual Misconduct Detected!]
I was frozen in place, my hand lodged between her melons. Feeling the blood rush to my face, I knew that a serious trolling had taken place.
"Oh no, is something wrong dear?" Rika smiled smug, "You seem a bit embarrassed!"
"You..." I growled, blushing brightly.
"Oh that's right, I turned that on...didn't want customers coping feels of the merchandise."
Stepping back, Rika started feeling the space between her breasts.
"Darn, some of it might've gotten under them."
Slowly but surely, she began unbuttoning in front of me, fingers feeling and easing between! What made it worse was the fact I was frozen, forced to watch the whole thing...no participation.
"What's wrong, hun?" Rika stopped half unbuttoned, "You haven't said a word..."
My face had to be boiling at this point, mostly out of frustration. Half of me wanted to tear her apart, pin her to the bed. The other wanted my bacon back, both were right! Eventually she pulled the piece out, acting surprised as she stood there.
"There it is...darn, got some of its fat on me." she said softly, "Gotta wash that off."
She had to be the cruelest thing on Earth, taunting me so freaking bad! Setting her sights back on me, Rika held out the bacon slice.
"Said you wanted this, right?"
"Erm..." I stumbled.
Giggling, she tilted her head to the side, showing off some of her neck.
"Hm?"
I was trapped. Either I picked the bacon and didn't get laid, or I said screw the bacon...and didn't get laid. God those things looked ready to pop out, how was that comfortable for her?
"Well?"
"B-Bacon?"
"What's that?" she scooted closer, leaning into me, "Couldn't hear you."
My arm still hung there, my blacksmith's nose almost nuzzling mine.
"Why's it so hard to say yes to bacon?" she teased harder.
"Grrrr." I expressed.
"My thoughts exactly!" her fingers snapped, "Gosh Aid, you're making this so difficult!"
"I mean what could possibly be more important than bacon, am I right?"
"You freaking." I growled.
"Freaking what?" she laughed, "Were you about to call me something, balloon arms?"
"Crafty...smith." I quieted.
"Psh, like fooling you's that hard. Oh well...you said bacon, so."
Rika quickly put the bacon in my frozen hand, stroking my fingers as she drew back. I thought Satan was a master of trolling, was having second guesses at that point. Feeling the warm meat in my hands, I couldn't get my eyes off her.
That's when she refastened her casual!
"Wait." I squeaked.
"Nope, sorry Aidy." she smiled, "You put bacon over me, your choice."
Was I stupid, or what?!
Souls of Fire
February 3rd, 2023
"Focus!"
The katana dashed by my face, slashing air like a whipping tail. Without armor, that turned from laughable to deadly. My first teacher stepped forward, putting that weapon closer with every swing!
"Block!" Leafa shouted, "No dodging!"
I raised Ironback, my arms burning from the amount of lifts. The eastern blade struck the Ultra, screeching against hardened steel. Instead of working to overpower me, the wielder searched for gaps, trying to stab where I wasn't guarding.
"Every block should prepare for an attack, learn how to counter any approach!"
I heard Yuuki race in behind me, forcing me shove Leafa back. Turning, my second instructor went for an aerial overhead swing. Lifting Ironback like a barbell over my head, her attack only met steel. Sparks flew, the master bouncing off my shoulder.
"Your weapon is an extension of yourself! Treat it as such!"
Swerving back, I caught Leafa rushing for a stab! Sidestepping right I held the [Ultra Greatsword] upright like a shield. I focused on her, warding my teacher away with short bashes. She crept back with every push, exciting me further to the prospect of capitulation!
She tried arcing a few stabs, only to be slapped aside by the five foot tall pole of a sword. Just as I readied a swing, however, I felt something sharp hit the back of my knee.
"Hit!" Wick declared.
Glancing back, the student clipped me, a yellow line running where the painted blade touched. I sighed, lost again. My shirtless body was covered from the shoulders down in spots and stripes of yellow paint, hits. Left with only a pair of shorts, I was expected to perform bare bones.
Yuuki, Leafa, and Wick returned to their spots, Recon sitting in one corner...and Kymer another.
"You focus too hard on one target." Leafa stated, "You've gotta be flexible, aware of your surroundings."
"Not used to facing more than two at a time." I breathed, lowering Ironback to the hay covered training ground.
"You have to find the flow of your body and weapon." Leafa insisted, "You're treating the weapon as a separate thing, quit seeing your weapon as a tool."
I nodded, repeating her message to myself. Recon muttered something, couldn't hear it. Boy, had to be making up for the twisting of his panties. Should maim him again, just for laughs.
"Alright, one on one." Yuuki tossed her hair back, "En garde!"
I tensed, raising the [Ultra Greatsword] as she charged from the crowd!
Swatting at me with that [Hand & a Half], Yuuki intentionally kept the swings fast, hard to predict. Was told to focus on blocking, the position of my feet, even deflecting. Add that list with a sword that still weighed a few pounds and it summed to a workout of its own.
Yuuki kept flanking, diving at me from different directions, frequently catching me by a slight cut. While no damage registered, I still groaned out of instinct, forcing myself to remember every flaw in my defense.
I blocked another slash, the steel ringing as our blades met. My muscles flexed, striations deepening as I moved. Yuuki went for an aerial strike, smacking me across the face as she soared over.
I gasped, the paint sticking to my cheek. Man, this woman had such grace with her fighting style, made it hard to predict her next move.
"You're distracted, focus!" Yuuki cheered.
Wiping my face, I nodded. She kept swinging, the room loud with the clashing of blades. She'd practically dance into every strike, none of it looking forced or crude. There was no mercy, Yuuki turning me into a yellow striped fool with the number of missed blocks I've made.
"You sure you wanna keep using such a heavy thing?" she asked, "It seems to really slow you down."
"It's what I'm used to, just gotta keep practicing with it."
"That's the spirit!" she thumbed me up, "Course, I'd think a [Halberd] would do you just fine."
Was still frustrated about last night, that tease was just brutal! Wish Rika was here, would've been really fun to duel her, learn each other's style better. Only encouraged me to get the day over with.
"Drop the sword!" Kymer shouted.
I did as ordered, the Ultra clattering as I turned back to him! The Russian moved like lightning, slashing at me with his hunting knife, vying for my guts as he swung with blinding speed.
Using my hands, I had to keep the dagger away, slapping or gripping the wrist he used, avoiding contact with the knife along the palm side. More hits were scored, the operative would've carved my shoulders and sides like a turkey.
"Stop hesitating, you pussy!" Kymer roared.
He swung more, my mind forced to adjust to this unrelenting siege of shank. I slapped, waved, even attempting [Parry], hoping to catch the sailing blade. Kymer scored hits just about every time.
"Kids like you would've been given a dress in my boot camp." he snarled, "Block me!"
He swung low and across, easy for me to track and grab! Just as I blocked, however, Kymer kicked the in side of my knee, knocking me to the floor.
"Bad footwork, if this were a real fight you would've just died. Go again."
Grunting, I got back to my feet.
"Wick, spar him." Leafa commanded.
"What?" he looked coy.
"Spar him, this is great practice for your shield use."
Hesitant, Wick raised his Kite Shield, his falx held in his right. Wiping the sweat from my brow, I breathed while picking Ironback off the floor. I had been training for hours today, nonstop.
"Begin!" Leafa called.
Wick flinched, buying me time to assault. Charging with a [Mass Driver], Ironback slammed against that metal shield with a thunderous clap! Sadly for Wick, this wasn't such a good plan, resulting in him careening into the nearby wall.
"Oh..." Leafa frowned, "Forgot about the whole...ultra weapon thing."
"Focus on dodging, Wick!" Yuuki encouraged, "Don't let its size scare you!"
Wick looked up, partially dazed before regaining his stance. While he raised that shield again, he readied the Falx at a high guard.
"Begin!"
Wick lunged with the sword, arcing the weapon diagonally in quick swipes. The falx was a Dacian era tool, possibly the ancestor to the kukri, sharing the hacking prowess of its newer counterparts. The blade whirred by, coaxing me to step back.
I swung back, a [Slam] flung towards Wick as I pitched! The shield user rolled left, veering from the attack. Remembering the last loss from Yuuki, I finished the swing, knocking him back with a [Straight Kick]!
"Hit!" Yuuki declared.
Sweating, Wick sighed. Poor guy was clearly frustrated, not sure why though.
"Good job, Wick." Leafa smiled, "Just a little bit quicker next time, okay?"
"Thank you, Leafa." he looked back to her, suddenly turning shy as he stepped back behind her.
Took the moments of their brief platitudes to rest, the tip of Ironback resting against straw. Heard Leafa approach, so I looked back up.
"We're gonna be taking you with us to a PvE match." she directed, "Horde mode, survive as long as possible."
"Sweet." I chuckled, "Think Lisbeth would like it here, she'd be able to vent some steam."
"Reminds me, I should visit Asuna later today." Yuuki noted, "I'll let your girlfriend know you're still mad."
"Pfffft, yes please do." I laughed, following the troupe on their way to the arena bloodworks.
"Could go for a bit o' practice myself." Kymer paced us, "Mind if I join?"
"Go ahead!" Leafa assured.
Our second arena fight of the day awaited us, an endurance test. Walking alongside Wick and Kymer, I could only hope for making it past round five.
Souls of Fire
Ducking under a low hanging branch, Haru glancing along the ground. Strands of sun leaked through the dense jungle ceiling, shade the ruling body. Behind her mask, the alchemist smiled warmly. The echo of a distant waterfall invited her, drawing her closer as birds sung the day away.
"Found anything?" Graye chimed, looking at a couple of tree trunks as he followed.
"Not yet." she kept quiet, "Sorry, this place...it's like a really big garden."
"I can tell you like it." the medic smiled, "Ever considered gardening?"
"It's a hobby I've had, well past chemistry. Can you hear that waterfall?"
"Yes, it's pretty loud." he looked northeast, the direction of the source.
"I'm going." Haru dictated, "Should be a great place to just relax...okay minus the wildlife."
"Just remember Kymer's advice, no bodies of water." Graye warned, "Said wildlife go there in droves."
"Sucks to be him." Haru shrugged, "Cause I hear a waterfall and I wanna see it."
"Besides, I've got a flamethrower."
The masked chemist ventured further, using her [Shortsword] to hack through vines blocking her way.
"Wait!" Graye shouted.
Haru looked back.
"Don't ditch me, this sounds fun."
Haru nodded, leading him down the direction to the falls. While the croak of [Cordoads] was audible, their location differed from their path. Spotlights of sun revealed brilliantly hued flowers, stark against the dark spongy wood of trees.
"Haru, are you mad at me?"
"No, why?" she glanced back.
"It's just...I didn't want you feeling you know...led on?"
"What makes you think I want a romantic relationship at all?" she pointed out.
"It's generally something people want." Graye shrugged.
"Well the exception doesn't make the rule." Haru rubbed her head, "I'm not Garr, I've got better things to do than look for acceptance through other people."
"Okay." Graye kept it easy.
As the sound grew louder, Haru picked up the pace. Graye's messy brown hair bounced as he stepped faster, keeping close to his friend. The ground squished beneath them, more of a mess of root than soil.
Suddenly the alchemist paused, her eyes catching sight of something along the jungle floor.
"Hold." she piped, "I think we've got something."
Kneeling, she drew a trowel and bucket. A light orange, flower-less fern grew beside a tree, it's appendages splayed like flower petals. Digging underneath it, she noticed a fine powder sprinkle off its leaves.
"Could you hold this in place for me? Around the base?" Haru glanced to Graye.
"Sure!" the medic did as requested.
"Thanks. Trying to keep it from shaking."
Graye held the plant in place, Haru clipping the roots, finding them fairly loose yet reactive. A little digging revealed the plant to be latched on the tree, leeching off a root for food. Pried from its host, Haru dunked the flora into some glassware.
"Mm now to see what it does."
The alchemist selected [Uncover], the plant melted down halfway before revealing itself.
[Powder found!]
Colored a similar orange tinge, the fine dust like debris filled a part of the container. Haru groaned, irritated by the lack of info given by the discovery. Taking out the coarse item, she tried reading descriptions.
"What's that?" Graye looked, "Kind of reminds of cinnamon."
"No clue...just tells me to sprinkle this stuff on weapons or gear. Where's that [Glaive]?"
Graye summoned the weapon in his hand. Also known as a sword-spear, the weapon demanded a happy balance of strength and dexterity. Lowering the steel end, Haru sprinkled some of the powder over it.
While the stuff stuck to the blade, no dramatic effect occurred.
"Hm..." Haru rubbed her chin, "Maybe attack?"
Graye swung down with a [Crane Step], the [Glaive] making a dull thud as it struck a nearby tree.
"Nothing...maybe it repairs?"
Graye pried out the tool, looking over its stats before shaking his head.
"The heck...maybe it's-"
A new sound reached their ears, chanting. Graye ushered Haru to lay low, the voices drawing closer. Huddling behind two different trees, all conversation stopped as footsteps closed in.
"The sky is not free, but He will break us free!" voices called, "He whose breath warms the Earth, whose heartbeat shakes the world!"
"Warmth...fire cultists?" Haru whispered.
"No idea..." Graye stuck his head out, men dressed in lizard hides walking by.
He ducked away, these strangely dressed NPCs wandering closer. Vestigial tails flopped on their back beltline, its scaly features indicating an exchange in ownership.
"To all warriors, hear us now...our savior from the Old Ones has arrived! Ready to save us from the clutches of our demonic tyrants!"
Haru kept her gaze down, but flinched with her eyelids slammed open. A snake was slithering down the tree. A shiny black [Hemabitor], its pink forked tongue slipped, scanning its environment.
"Nope!" Haru shrieked, running from her point of cover and straight into the wandering cult group!
The lizard skins stopped, glancing to her. Graye sat back, terrified by what was coming.
"Have you come to bathe in the gifts of Bascogne?"
Souls of Fire
Another bandit groaned, crushed under Ironback's mass. Surrounded by pine trees, the arena was designated to have us fight over a shallow stream.
"Wick, help!" Leafa called.
I watched the shield user run past me, swatting an axe wielder's attack back with his shield. I turned as another bandit lunged, hollering at me with twin shortswords ready!
The bandit spun into every attack, his Roman Gladi flashing. An arrow flew by me, forcing me to keep focus, another much larger skirmisher charging with a poleaxe. Spotted the archer a few meters away, had to get him first!
The clatter of swords erupted around me, everyone fighting their own specific sector. Rushing around trees, I was sadly chased down by the dual wielder, forced to engage him first due to my lack of speed.
Swinging wildly, the berserking warrior slashed straight into Ironback, his attacks blocked by the ferric hunk. He roared angrily, trying to wrestle against me for refusing his advance.
A strength test, just what I wanted. Bending my knees I let him lean right on top of me, launching my arms and legs the second he fell, throwing him to the ground beside me. Just as he gasped, I finished him with a [Down Chop] to the chest.
The brute raced over, swinging that halberd for my neck! I ducked, the weapon ramming into a nearby tree, the wood splitting where it struck. I dropped the sword, hooking the back of his knees with my left!
The bandit lost footing, prepping him for the countering right! The fist struck stomach, stunning him as he fell on his back! Skirting back across the lodged polearm, I heaved the floored [Ultra Greatsword], breaking my foe with a charged [Disecting Blow]!
[Level Up!]
[43-44]
Had to train for hours to get there, this had to be my hundredth bandit. Rising back, another arrow flew, this time scoring a hit on my chest! The armor thankfully repelled the attack, only scoring a loud ding.
"Garr, regroup!"
Not till that archer paid the price. Running the ranged unit down, he managed to score a hit to my thigh! The iron arrowhead dug in the meat of my leg, slowing me to the pace of a cripple.
Slamming my back behind a tree I groaned, was gonna hurt like a bitch. Grabbing the bolt with my left, I breathed before tearing it out. I sighed, it...not hurting as much as it used to. Heard glass breaking, someone died.
Surprisingly enough, Yuuki got whacked. There's only one way that one got owned, she just got bored and left...had to probably get back to Asuna. Leafa, Kymer, Wick, and Recon remained.
Eighty five percent, had to keep pushing. Ducking between trees, I ended the archer's life with a severing of legs, restoring my own life. Were the tactics I'm using honorable? Not what I was treating these worthless NPCs to, but how I acted to real people.
The image of severing Recon's arm kept coming back as I hacked through more bots, their cries of false grief reaching my ears. Would a knightly person do these kinds of things, tearing a person from their means of defense? I knew how I felt, I was jovial from the act.
Another figure lunged with a shield, broke through his shield and his spine with another charged [Disecting Blow]. I took that arm I severed from my foe, beating on him while he was helpless. What did that say about my code?
I blocked an incoming axe, forcing the wielder back with a shove. Until getting trapped here, I always told myself I was a man of honor. An act like that though, what'd that show? Hypocrisy, pure and simple. I preached chivalry, yet grabbed Rika in such a lewd manner.
What was happening to me? Was I forgetting the code I had wanted to keep? Felt an arrow lodge in my chest, this time scoring. Wasn't a knight...no a man supposed to have mercy? What mercy did I have for others?
A mace wielder charged, only to be impaled and flung with a [Lunar Stab]! Watching that bludgeon fall from his hands, it occurred to me. What if...what if Rika was someone else? What if the roles were switched, someone else being my partner...and Rika came into conflict?
Cutting down another foe, the question lingered. Would I still have treated her with respect, or with the same disregard as I have shown others? No, course I would have! She's Rika!
Another arrow flew, snapping my attention back to the fight. I kept hacking them down, one by one...they looked like people too. What if she was just another soul, say we never met. Would I have treated her...like Recon back there?
I felt nauseous just thinking about it. How'd that make me different from PoH? He slaughtered an entire camp to defend what he valued. I sat there, telling her how emotions were taking control...when I acted like this.
Part of me reveled in this, to display such power against others. It enjoyed the total unconditional defeat of others, the harsher, the better. Part of me was sickened, demanding I adhere to chivalry, honor. With every swing of Ironback, another one or two would lie shattered with a deafening crack.
I've been killing since the beginning, I was a Player Killer...and I made it so clear that their lives didn't matter. What if Rika was kidnapped...and I had the chance to end the war? Shivering as I dodged behind a tree, I knew my answer. End the war.
But why was killing PoH so important?! I barely knew Renee for more than a month, yet here I was waging war against beings I could only barely stand to. Was it even for Rika, or myself?
Was proving my own strength that important to me? Fighting, ending these people, it meant little to nothing to me. I could do that, when Lisbeth cried over the suffering of others. Asuna leads these people, hoping to break us free. Godfree would act for the sake of inspiring others.
Lisbeth built things for people, insuring they survived the night. Everyone I knew was fulfilling some long term role for the rest...everyone but me. More glass broke, more of my teammates falling.
Glassware, that was it. Only Wick remained, he looked a bit nervous.
"On me." I called to him, "Now!"
He rushed, regrouping. Sighing, I put my back to his.
"I'm sorry, I'm...not as into this as you." Wick stated.
"Good."
"Good?" he repeated.
Bandits surrounded us on all sides, closing in by the dozens.
A/N: Alright, stuff is going down left and right! Teasing has been done, Garr has been trolled. Training is commencing, brutal and ceaseless!
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See you all again in a week.