A/N: Demon Slayer, now with shameless self inserts!
NetherOrbit: If you find Fail, be sure to call the assault team. The whelp must go!
Den3424: Engaging, multi-arc stories are the way to go! XD
Doctor: You're right, Doc...Christmas is coming :3 what're you gifting your employees? Besides hangovers?
Enjoy!
The Church of Cel is honest in some ways, but deceptive in others. Yes, they do worship Deus Cel, who they call by names such as Time Weaver, Perfector, pretty much anything referring to steam, the machine, and calculation.
Do they have a fetish for steampunk? Sort of, it's more of a mix between steam and clocks. Officials of their order are all hairless, like Egyptian Pharaohs. To be "un-geared" is to not embrace Cel. To not embrace Cel is to accept the beast, whatever that means.
-Argo, The Beta Tester's Survival Guide. December 12th, 2022
December 8th, 2022
Pumps of bronze rose and fell, a set of shining digits exchanging steam with a newly born creation. Crab-like in physiology, its wide and slanted central shell held within its underbelly a hardened bit. It drove up and down like a jackhammer, breaking up the test ore Lisbeth placed beneath it. With tweezers attached to frontal limbs, a mouth received broken minerals, storing it away to process. Feeding this [Burrow-Leg], Lisbeth smiled softly.
It's so cute, hopping about while digging up minerals. Can make a bunch of these.
Barely reaching past Lisbeth's ankle in height, her creation's glass beads fluctuated to many colors, changing again when fed [Tin], or Cor. While nothing was reconstituted, storage was made for what little it could carry on its diminutive frame. Picking it up like a puppy, Lisbeth's starry eyes fixated on its internal pumps.
[Burrow-Leg] [Population: 1/25]
[Modifications: None]
[Tasks: Idle]
Ooh, I could make a loot collector with this! People'd love that, or maybe a trap finder. Yea, trap finder sounds much better.
A door behind Lis creaked open, her arms letting down her six legged [Krigsinn]. Asuna held it open, hazel eyes gently focused on the blacksmith. A soft smile was present, of one recently awakened.
"Morning," Lisbeth smiled gently.
Asuna crossed arms, greeting with a bow. Closing the door behind herself, a soft sigh left.
"Did you get good sleep?" Asuna said.
"Aye, those new sheets we got work much better."
Asuna nodded, sliding over and sitting beside Lis. Putting a shoulder to hers, ginger hair laid out. Lisbeth stiffened slightly, but wouldn't dare move.
"I know it's hard," Asuna nodded, "Recon leaving us was kinda sudden, but he was thinking about us."
Lisbeth blanked out for a moment, listening carefully to her friend's words.
"I see you're trying out the new skill," Asuna watched it wander, "you think it'll scratch anything?"
"Nah," Lisbeth raised her left hand, "control's not an issue."
Lisbeth's mechanical digits commanded the [Burrow-Leg], recalling it to her side. Yawning, she patted its metal frame like a pet.
"It was really nice of you," Asuna nodded, "going out and looking for him last night. Leafa's tried it, but no luck so far."
"Um," Lisbeth's smile weakened, "you noticed I was gone?"
"I mean," Asuna fidgeted, "you're not exactly quiet."
"Oh," Lisbeth shivered, "well..."
"What?"
"Asuna, let me finish."
"No, what were you doing out there? If you weren't looking for Recon, then it doesn't make sense."
Lisbeth looked away, hands in her pockets.
"You were gone for hours, what were-" Asuna stopped.
Her friend's pause only furthered Lisbeth's tension.
"Please don't tell the others," Lis said, "news of that could get really bad."
"I'm not," Asuna shook her head, "but why?"
Lisbeth said nothing, biting her tongue as Asuna grabbed her shoulders.
"Stay away from him. You saw what he did to those people, he doesn't listen to anyone, he's bloodthirsty. You remember the cave?"
"You weren't with him," Lis said, "I was."
"And I'm sorry you were," Asuna eased her grip, "besides, he'd probably want a maid."
"Please," Lis laughed, "have you ever heard him talk about submissive people?"
"No?"
"Here I'll paraphrase," Lis paused, "to be submissive is to be like a dead guy. Sure they do what you want, but they smell after an hour."
"Um...wow," Asuna narrowed her eyes, "so adding graphic to his list of problems..."
"Garr was right though."
"About?"
"If he stayed neutral, other groups would do the same."
"Oh, that's silly."
Another door swung, their weapon testing room bursting open. With a [Katana] tucked beside a [Wakizashi], Leafa stepped out with tired, baggy eyes.
"Oh morning Leafy," Lis jumped up.
"Eek!" Leafa covered her chest, "H-Hi. What're you up to?"
Yuuki slipped out from behind, a loud clap sending Leafa leaping forward.
"Firm!" Yuuki grinned, "just like Wick imagined!"
"Yuuki!" Wick groaned from inside.
"Kidding, Wicky!" she slipped forward, leaning on Lisbeth's anvil, "so what're you two discussing?"
"Oh just business," Asuna rose, "why's Leafa going Samurai all of a sudden?"
"I'm signing up to teach," Leafa said bluntly, "not gonna enjoy this, but it'll help us."
"To teach who?" Asuna turned, Lisbeth following suite.
"To teach how to get laid, son!" Yuuki laughed.
"No!" Leafa scowled, "teaching that tyrant how to swing a sword!"
Leafa left not a second later, their store's front door handle clicking firmly. Rubbing his eyes sleepily, Wick followed Yuuki out.
"What was that about?" Lis blinked.
"She's been trying to find something to direct her stress on," Wick shrugged, "hasn't gotten sleep since Recon left. King's offering ten thousand Cor an hour to each teacher that helps him master swordsmanship."
From behind Wick's teeth, a hesitant tongue withdrew.
I can already hear Recon right now, claiming Altai's abusing his wealth as authority. How he's gonna learn from our best to dominate us harder. Might not be my business to talk politics, but I miss him.
"Ooh," Asuna relaxed, "well long as he does as he says. Be sure to check on her, okay?"
Lisbeth's chest eased, Asuna's wrath averted. Checking her supplies, thoughts of a [Thaumatic Scope] returned to entertain.
Aid said he won't mention the [Anneal Blade] till January. Something about keeping authority with the Church. Ugh, why couldn't it be sooner?
After brief chatter between everyone ceased, positions were manned, leaving Asuna and Lis alone in the forge. A silence fell between them, their backs to each other.
"I'm just worried about you," Asuna said, "Garr's...well, I don't know."
"Aye," Lis nodded, "when I get a [Record Crystal], I'll prove to you who Garr really is. Thanks for caring like you do."
"I don't think pictures will prove any of that, but okay. Better go."
Already clad in a [Maid's Outfit], Asuna retreated to the front desk. Examining a mechanical hand alone, Lis contemplated, pacing her forge room.
"How do I get more customers, mean we're nearly all girls here."
"Doesn't quite cut it."
Leopon stretched arms, last to awaken of their staff.
"What?"
"You gotta offer more for less," she swept a broom, "convenience is huge, maybe you should consider traveling around town?"
"I don't know Leopie," Lisbeth leaned on her anvil, "yesterday's streets were kinda rough."
"Hey guys?" Wick raced in, "have any of you seen my book?"
"What book?" Leopon peered.
"My sketchbook," he checked cabinets, "I pen all of my ideas on that."
"Did you check with the others?" Lis said, "maybe they know where it is."
Wick nodded, rushing to their storefront.
"Have you considered a bakery?" Leopon's blue-grey eyes turned, "Asuna may make a great show girl, but she's got that going."
"Aye she's perfect too," Lis rolled her eyes, "no dissing Asuna, Leopie...mean you've got a good idea."
Lis quickly looked back out her front door, insuring nobody was listening.
"I understand," Leopon smiled gently, "if it were Recon talking, he'd probably turn this place into a hotel."
"Aye!" Lis smiled, "and rent closets, calling them rooms!"
The two giggled, their room easing with tension's abatement.
"Leopie? How do you feel about our uh, ruler?"
"Garr?"
"Yea, don't think I've ever heard your take."
"I don't like to stir pots," Leopon shrugged, "but between us? He's got the right idea."
With that, however, Leopon said little more, her mind reminded of a recent chat.
December 5th, 2022 - two days ago
Heathcliff's red armor sagged from wear, Leopon seated on her bed as her father's helmet came off. Torn and gouged in several locations, his pauldrons resembled little more than cloth snags.
"We need to keep on top of this," Heathcliff said, "others are probably making their move already, so it goes without saying. We're late to this party. We may have to leave Urbus too, I've already arranged a plan."
"That can wait though, right?" Leopon rocked back, "mean you're still pretty messed up."
"Not when they're already talking about looting me," he shook his head, "we need to secure ourselves. I've got an idea, though it may seem somewhat unconventional. Are you ready for that?"
"What can I do?"
"What I have in mind requires your exclusive participation. I need your eyes on Garr."
"Why? Is he doing something wrong?"
"No, but he requires some fine-tuning. Especially if things are to remain stable. He needs a counterpart."
Leopon's eyebrows raised, lips straight.
"If we wanna insure our survival, sacrifice may be necessary. I wouldn't do this if he wasn't in his current station, but I trust your sensibility."
Her eyes dimmed, gray overlapping blue as she curled up.
"I understand, he's not ideal."
"It's not that," Leopon leaned back, "it's just...Lis' has her eyes on him."
"So? Lyra, there's plenty of others who'll do the same, for reasons identical to our own."
"She's my friend," her blonde hair tossed, "it just doesn't seem right."
"It is a bit underhanded, but Garr's also the best chance we've got currently. With how much things have changed, I have to research outer societies. That takes time, but I won't have to if we get that foundation."
Leopon nodded, her eyes dimming slightly.
"Father, I see where you're coming from. I'll...see what I can do."
Lisbeth smiled softly.
"Glad I'm not the only one. Thanks Leopie."
Leopon nodded, moving on to clean the storefront.
Lisbeth's my friend, a sweet one too. Dad's got a point though, we gotta protect our own. So whose side do I take? I can't even imagine how she'd see me, stealing him. Family first, that was always how it worked.
A customer was found chatting with Asuna, her white hair crowning a frame draped in heavily pocketed attire. With a broom in Leopon's hand, she swept while they spoke.
"A [Slingshot]," Asuna rubbed her chin, "first time anyone's asked for one of those."
"Don't see why," Haru said, "they're small, provide ranged attack, and the rocks it uses are free."
Requests were made, a hammer's ring indicative of construction. Rushing inside, Yuuki clutched a leatherbound set of pages, laughing as a red faced Wick charged behind her. Haru turned to face them as her weapons were forged.
"Oh hi," Yuuki stopped, "you're that uh...cake customer!"
Wick froze, the alchemist's green gaze set upon him too.
"I have a name," Haru grumbled.
"Did you like it?" Yuuki bounced, Wick sneaking in an effort to snatch back his sketchbook.
"I didn't eat it."
"What?" Yuuki frowned while evading, "why?"
"It wasn't for me."
"Aw," Asuna leaned on her desk, "I was hoping to hear what someone thought of it. Those aren't easy to make."
"Wait," Haru tilted her head, "you're the baker?"
"I mean," Asuna bowed slightly, "Wick's gonna be too, soon. He helped."
"What're you doing here? Bale said it was amazing."
"I got to be with my friends," Asuna beamed, "but...if it tasted so good, why didn't he let you try it?"
"He said I wouldn't like it much, his taste being a bit odd."
Asuna's eyebrows lowered slightly.
"That's weird."
"Why?"
"I mean, chocolate's been the number one flavor since...forever?"
"That's crazy," Haru waved a hand, "surely you added something else."
Asuna's face remained quizzical, Haru's eyes turning back to Wick and Yuuki.
"So wait, you're all working here?"
"Yep!" Yuuki kept Wick's book out of reach, "it's a really fun place!"
"Hm," Haru nodded, "well...maybe I can interest you in some potions?"
"Oh? What kind?"
"Little things here and there. Got dyes, bombs, even bottle lanterns. Oh, wanna see my newest thing? It let's you make marshmallows."
"Asuna!" Yuuki cheered, "marshmallows!"
Asuna and Haru exchanged glances, Leopon snickering as she cleaned.
"You feel like a Mom?" Haru uttered.
"Sometimes," Asuna nodded, "I got used to it though. May I?"
Asuna spent away, purchasing objects right and left, some without hesitation. Watching her browse, Leopon's gut dropped.
Should recommend slowing down, money's not gonna stay easy to get.
Names were exchanged, a friend request arriving with Haru's weapons readily presented. While customers filed to and from their place, Yuuki continued cycling pages, pushing Wick away.
"Wick, no!" Yuuki laughed, "I haven't shown Lizzy yet!"
"I'd prefer if you didn't!"
Lisbeth emerged from her lair, a [Vendor's Carpet] laid out atop a wide cart. Stacked over green fabric, an anvil and furnace sat.
"Yuuki," Asuna groaned, "give Wick his book."
"Lizzy!" Yuuki jumped, "look at what Wick drew!"
"No!" Wick scrambled forward.
With its binds opened, the blacksmith's eyes scanned what was thrust in front of her. Wick froze in place, his face turning an alabaster white.
"Not a bad idea," Lis smiled, "nice one, Wick."
Yuuki whipped around, revealing a twin-headed [Half-Spear]. Each end of its shaft gripped a metal edge, providing more than one approach. Witness to his safer creation, Wick's face filled with reunited color.
"Anyway uh," Lis looked to Asuna, "gonna see if traveling between districts scores more business."
Wick's eyes bulged, staring blankly as Yuuki walked back, placing his sketchbook like a hat over him.
"See? I know a good idea..."
Purple eyes tracked Yuuki as she returned to her station.
This woman's gonna kill me one day!
"If you're gonna do that," Asuna cycled her interface, "I've got an idea...Yuuki!"
Wick's prankster returned, her [Maid Outfit] matching Asuna's.
"Change outfits, Lisbeth's gonna need the skirt."
Both Yuuki and Lis mildly objected.
"My current clothes boost my [Blacksmith] stats," Lis said, "wearing that's gonna make things harder."
"I like this skirt!" Yuuki whined, "it's very roomy."
"Do it," Asuna narrowed her eyes fiercely.
Arguments ended, an exchange of outfits made without pause. Looking down at herself, Lisbeth's lips curved up.
"Oo," Asuna squeaked, "Lis, you look adorable!"
"Thank you," Lisbeth spun to twirl her skirt, "aye, just wish I could merge this with those stats..."
"It'll be fine, mean if anything you'll get points for attention."
Lisbeth kept smiling, but held her tongue.
Nice try, but I've decided.
"So can I go now?"
"Not until I make one last touch," Asuna readied a glass vial, "try this."
[Hair Dye - Pink]
[Apply/Cancel]
Sun Dancer
December 11th, 2022
Rows of bronze clad Tauran marched, Urbus' streets clearing as eight foot soldiers strode. Their hooves clacked in unison, a box formation tight around a lone person. High up along a mountainside, a platform for one stood, overlooking most of town. People gathered along rows of seats, their heads raised to who may speak, whose voice had yet projected. Towards Urbus' west corner, however, two men spoke. Excitement sparked between them, shadowy wishes exchanging as they left the House of the Everlasting Sun.
"I'm glad you could make it," Nobel spoke, "my people have felt tense since our last exchange."
"The honor's mine," PoH smiled in his deeper blue attire, "believe or not, the Chinese meaning behind color is nothing short of spectacular."
Heading east, PoH's eyes set upon dozens, who gathered seated along roads. No roofs awaited them, no walls to seal them away from whatever nature leveled against them. Despite this, copious amounts of green and white decorated their ranks, a unity resonating between all. Chuckling deeply, a chubby chin rose and fell, forming more with its folds.
"Please," Nobel said, "I do not harbor sycophants."
"Ah," PoH looked him in the eyes, "but you do harbor opportunity."
"Hm," Nobel grinned, "charmer, if only you were a girl."
People of Urbus' west districts bowed to Nobel, uttering his name as he passed. Many men guarded him, clad almost entirely in white. Their faces were hard, exact, and unyielding.
"It is good that a westerner was sent to speak," Nobel laughed, "while you may not be Han-Chinese, you're still preferable to islander trash."
PoH nodded, coming within range of Garr's speech.
"There's an islander I need gone," PoH whispered, "one I'm sure you've heard of. Aigen?"
"Ah...the monkey," Nobel grinned, "yes, he would make a good sheep...but what do we get? I risk precious blood...and that means family."
Crowds spoke excitedly, Garr emerging on his platform. Decked in armor made of bones, he awaited for silence, Nobel glancing up at him from below as they walked.
Were I less wise, I would try to end you here. But then who could I rally my people against?
Taking these precious moments to plan, PoH cleared his throat.
"How about first choice in the next [Town Hall]?"
"Depends," Nobel shrugged, "where?"
"Wherever you want," PoH smiled, "I've read Garr's playbook. He intends to use player money to buy us [Town Halls] up the ass, get us expanding out there. You get walls with the package too."
"Hm," Nobel smiled, "good...but I need more."
"More?"
"Purity is a virtue, minister. However, it is hardly practical, especially when my brethren consist only of men. The islanders and westerners would surely fight if we were to move on their women, but the elves south? They're much easier, thanks to their...predicament."
"Ah, well I'm sure we can arrange something. Course I'd have to make that sound...nicer."
PoH stopped, a silence spreading before Garr's crowd, his mind hatching concepts.
This Nobel guy's as racist as one could reasonably be. Tradition, what good is that in the face of advancement? Once I'm done using them, I'll let their endeavors be known, so that Garr and his idiotic Tauran can clean up for me.
Small talk died down, a few turning away to continue their daily tasks. Garr's shadow lengthened, his posture tense, bulging muscles contracting around a dwarf frame.
"The first week of habitation has come to an end," Garr spoke, his voice resonating against mountain walls, "for the tens of thousands arriving homeless, to the hundreds of fighters, tired...their shoulders burdened with what was called upon them, it means a moment of rest. It would be easy for me to say that I made this possible, but it would be wrong."
"Ultimately," Garr splayed an open hand, "it is bravery and sacrifice that led you through. In a time of grave discomfort, and impertinent disapproval, you persevered. You and every man, woman, and child have been met with rejection, cruelty, and belittlement. In a time, when being human was as grievous a crime as robbery, you have endured. You ended this time, you in your strength have made room, a time to prosper."
A brief pause from Garr left room for light chatter, a fleeting moment of recuperation. Masked by this and by distance, Nobel laughed hoarsely.
"This is our leader?" he grinned dimly, "people don't want to fix their problems, they'd rather have someone else do it for them."
"I know," PoH smirked.
"That being said," Garr nodded from on high, "we require a vision, so that neither we, nor our neighbors have to face the shackles."
Garr cleared his throat, glancing down briefly at a note.
"A society shows strength in its arsenal. The greatest societies possess the greatest weapons. To accept anything below the best, is to accept defeat. Creative thinking leads to creative engineering. Creative engineering leads to superior defense. Creativity is strength, engineering is immortal."
While Nobel and PoH mocked, others looked with lightened faces, one wry in her grin. Lisbeth's eyes narrowed, hands heating.
I think Aid just challenged me. We'll see about that.
"Pathetic," Nobel chuckled.
"Second," Garr spoke deeply, "we must consider our numbers. At roughly four hundred and forty thousand, we can't afford to keep fighting without foundation. Reproduction is a feature, one we must utilize to its fullest."
This resulted in some awkward laughs from younger members, faces heating, cringing, or avoiding eye contact. Wick was left burning, purple eyes distant.
Oh god, I'm surrounded by girls too!
While Lisbeth laughed this off, a neighboring Asuna had her eyes rolling.
How about no? How am I supposed to be fighting if I'm gonna be doing that?
"To breed one, however, is not enough," Garr continued, "three is the minimal! If half, no ten percent of you fulfill this? We will not only recover losses, but bolstered past original population. If half of you commit to this, we'll breach a million strong. In my vision, we'll create armies to fight when we need them, reducing risk of harm for us."
The air filled with awkward glances, Asuna and Lisbeth only a couple of the dozens of female recipients.
"Nobody will be able to match us, our numbers will overwhelm. Our capacity to create will bury. Our drive will run down. But only through you and I will that be possible."
Meanwhile, Nobel leaned back.
"Good, so he's already on board for the whole 'wives' matter, good. These islanders and westerners don't have it in them. That's okay, more room for us."
"Which means more useful offspring," PoH nodded, "good."
"If you can't find a partner," Garr called out, "do not worry yourself. With our union extending to floor one, elves will soon join our ranks."
Voices hushed, eyes setting back on him with incredulous gazes.
"Man, Tauran, Kobold, and Elf will stand as one. We will take Aincrad, we will find our way back."
Conversation grew, with some onlookers booing at the mentioning of Kobolds and Elves.
"You're working with 'em?!"
"Traitor!"
Others decried in favor.
"Yea!"
Still others stayed silent, scooting away as both opposing opinions turned to each other. Garr's Tauran grew antsy, clutching weapons tighter as tensions imploded.
"First you put Kobolds over us, now our punishers!?"
Nobel waved PoH back west, his retinue guiding them away. Harsher responses flew from below, a stray voice in the crowd calling for Garr's execution. Booing battled with cheers, the neutral breaking themselves off from both sides. Others filed in, eager opportunists with fire in their breath.
"See," Nobel waved, "this whole thing is a joke. Nobody respects him. Why, he doesn't even try to speak over them."
"But you see what I mean by flexibility," PoH cheered, "you keep in touch with me, supply me with hands, and you're gonna prosper."
"We shall see."
Sun Dancer
December 13th, 2022
[From Garr: hey man, your friend's ready to go. Thanatos is waitin']
Groaning after waiting so long, I swiped off my interface, stepping out from beneath Urbus' tunnel entrance. Asuna rushed beside me, her bright orange hair landing as she slowed to my speed.
"Surprised Lis let you off," I said, "her shop was packed."
"She knew how important this was for you," Asuna smiled, "besides, Leafa's back from teaching. She'll run front desk."
"Problem," I smirked, "nobody's gonna see her face."
"What do you-" Asuna paused briefly, "mm, I'm so jealous!"
"Why?"
"I mean, Leafa's got...never mind."
"Why so hesitant?" I watched her eyes wander, "you nervous about boobs?"
"Tai!" she cried out, smacking my shoulder, "you know how I get!"
"Still funny," I grinned.
A groan from her ended the discussion. Aincrad's sun reached noon, Asuna swaying as wind lightly blew her little red skirt. Such a beautiful figure, took me back to when I used to chaperone her for gym time. Asuna'd have on these form fitting shorts, a bright colored shirt, with her physical trainer waiting every time. She was hot too, but nothing like Asuna. How I never noticed, was weird.
"Gonna be a happy family reunion, isn't it?" she smiled.
"For me it will," I nodded, "not sure how he's gonna react, but who gives a shit, right?"
"True," Asuna shrugged, "it's good to see you smiling again."
I blushed a little, okay maybe more than a little. A giggle from her wasn't helping, that's what I knew.
"You're acting funny," she grabbed my arm, "what's gotten into you?"
"I'm excited," I said.
"I know that, why?"
"You're awfully nosy."
"How does that surprise you?" she laughed.
"It doesn't," my chest tightened, "I'm excited to get my friend back, quit it."
"Okay fine," she deepened her voice, letting go.
Dammit, why did she let go? Oh well, I'd have time to set myself as the boss soon enough.
"So what'd you think of that speech?"
"Eh," I bobbed my head side to side briefly, "kinda liked it, kinda didn't. I don't know, it got pretty awkward around his second point."
"I know right?" Asuna raised hands as if to catch something, "mean he got really weird with that. My god, I'm not some animal to be bred with."
"Think he needs a speech writer, cause that was awkward as fuck."
Dirt walled compounds stood above tall grass, Tauran ushering players through its low opening. Hearing beetles shrieking behind it, seeing those little orange flags, it was one of Garr's stupid little mob farming spots.
"I don't know how to feel," Asuna lightened her tone, "ever since Yuuki did that, it's been a bit tense."
"She tell you how?" I briefly spun my [Spear].
"Yes," Asuna shook her head, "but it's always the same answer. She's getting annoyed by it too."
"I get that," Tai nodded, "hell I'd get pissed if everybody thought I was lying."
My face twisted the more it lingered.
"Still...there's something wrong there."
"But what good does it do?" Asuna nudged, "it's over with, Yuuki couldn't be lying."
"When you're the one telling me there's rumors about demons possessing the shop?"
"It'll pass in a couple weeks," Asuna shivered, "Recon though, that's what I'm worried about. Him disappearing, Lisbeth's new power."
"New power?"
"Making robots, got it since that dungeon crawl."
A log walled fortress coming into view. Holy shit, I had to talk to Lisbeth after picking Aigen up. Then Yole, cause he'd surely get steamy. Approaching its entrance, we both noticed this new helmet covering Tauran heads. Looking like an alligator's upper jaw, a set of bronze teeth hung low and forward, sharp bits protruding below the chin.
"Huh," I grinned, "can't imagine who designed that."
"I wanna kill her," Asuna groaned.
"Why? This's awesome."
"I'll tell you later."
Both guards huffed, pushing aside bark skinned gates.
"I asked Garr if he lived in a barn," I chuckled, "he was like 'shut up man'."
"Pf," Asuna laughed.
"He said he'll make that a new rule if I keep it up!" I lurched, "no calling his home a barn, under pain of chess."
Asuna's face reddened.
"Chess?" she face-palmed.
"His words, not mine!"
Palace doors opened, a small crowd of doe-eyed morons gathered inside. Garr waved us over, a book held between himself and PoH in light discussion. Illfang, having shrunk to nine feet in height, scowled at Asuna, rubbing his eye instinctively.
"Splinter," he cursed.
Seeing me, however, his expression softened. Turning back to Asterius, he said no more.
"Sup Garr," I raised my chin and shoulders.
He greeted all formal n' shit, acting all kingly.
"Are you okay?" Asuna kept soft.
The hell, what was she asking him that for?
"Yep," he said with a nod, "Alban, bring him up."
His guard moved hurriedly behind a backdoor, PoH smiling as his sight set on me.
"Like the armor," PoH nodded.
"Thanks man," Tai smiled, "you been to Lisbeth's shop? Solid stuff."
"I was thinking of requesting some light armor, wanna stand up to Illfang's sneezes better."
Asuna moved up to Garr, immediately grabbing my sight.
"What's bothering you?"
"I'm fine," he looked to her warmly, "really."
"You sure?"
"Yea," his tone shifted, eyes drifting away.
Asuna's hand met Garr's shoulder, those little fingers firm against him. Heat swelled in me, he had to be manipulating her.
"Thank you for protecting us. You think we could meet some time?"
Garr looked absolutely stunned by Asuna's request, but man was I about to slug him! He was getting a date with her? Without even trying? Oh my god, I had to be bursting a blood vessel! Illfang chuckled, clearly mocking me.
"Excuse me," Renee slipped to Asuna's side, "but are you Asuna?"
"Yes?" Asuna blinked.
"Korrie!" she ran back and dragged her boyfriend over, "look who it is!"
Big nosed red-head was energetic as fuck, but Korrin couldn't be more opposed. His glazed, neutral expression paying only a brief glance to Asuna.
"Don't mind him, he really is a sweetheart. We're with Graye Sight, so call us if you wanna negotiate! We really do like people!"
"Yep," Korrin rolled his eyes, "we're fond of everybody."
Good old fashion Australian sarcasm, ex-cons.
"Korrie," Renee giggled, "we're supposed to be ambassadors."
"And you're supposed to be sane," Korrin looked down at her, "whose dreams are crushed now?"
Garr laughed loudly at Korrin's comment, slapping his thigh as Renee stuck her tongue out at him. Was too mad about Asuna's invitation to pay attention to them, but not mad enough to notice one guy. Wudramor was back already, hanging around with Asterius. When'd he come back?
"How'd you enjoy the speech?" Garr said.
"It was okay," I played it off, "second half though dude, that was weird."
"True, I'm trying to be gentler with things."
"Oh believe me," Renee laughed, "we're trying."
Our eyes made direct contact, Garr's and mine. What kind of bullshit was he pulling on me, rubbing that confidence in my face. Thanatos emerged from a distant corner, black and white attire sharp among various colors.
"Good seein' ya," Thanatos raised a fist bump, "pickin' Aig up?"
Averting my gaze from Garr, I requited Than's offer. Whatever kept the hick from staring.
"Yea, you?"
"I figured it'd be good to have the three amigos back together," Thanatos said, "also old man Yole wants us preppin'. Some festival back in Town of Beginnin's, happens uh, tomorrow."
"Short notice much?" I rolled my eyes, "god...so Wudramor came back?"
"I suppose he did," Thanatos watched him briefly, "real tired lookin', must've been recent."
Garr's backdoor swung open, a tired but happy looking Aigen stumbling out.
"Yo!" I waved, "there you are!"
Aigen smiled sheepishly, moving to hug me after a firm handshake.
"Get me out of here," Aigen whispered.
"I will. Keep it chill."
"Quickly, this place is crazy."
Aigen's never been this determined to leave a place, not even from detention. I nodded, had to make it quick.
"Altai," Korrin turned, "got some rumors of people wandering the farms. Not sure if human or elf."
"Find out if that's true," Garr stated sternly, "that's a bit sketchy for my liking."
So he was impeding where people could go? Pf, tyrannical little shit.
"Altai," Illfang rose, "I don't think this is wise, letting this maniac free."
"If a person cannot be recovered by rehabilitation," Garr said blankly, "I'd hang 'em. I'm giving Aigen a chance at redeeming himself. Your people will be safe."
Illfang bowed his head, though even he must've felt ignored. Turning his head to Aigen, Garr nodded.
"No messing with Kobolds. Am I clear?"
"Long as they don't start something, sure."
Illfang nodded, satisfied with Garr's assertiveness, Aigen agreeing to what was demanded of him.
"We can talk tomorrow," Garr said to Asuna, "noon."
"Oh uh," Asuna softened, "sure, Garr."
With how mad I was, I waited till we were at least half a mile from Garr's palace before talking. I couldn't believe Asuna would stoop so low, Argo was right.
"Hi," Asuna said hesitantly to Aigen.
Looking down on Asuna, a chuckle left my bro's lips.
"Not gonna lie," Aigen nodded, "didn't think I'd miss seeing you...or sunlight for that matter. You treating Tai right?"
"Um," Asuna blushed, "mean...he's happier."
"Bout time," Aigen chuckled, "you never put out much."
"We're just friends," I said.
"The more you say that, the less true that becomes. Do everyone a favor, and make it happen."
Aigen had me blistering again, just like old times.
"Yep," Asuna nodded shyly, "Aigen's back."
We all got quiet sometime after Asuna's comment. I wanted to ask her why she did that stuff back there. It was such a betrayal, she had to know how I'd feel.
"I say we stop by and eat," Thanatos walked backwards, "just found this Malaysian place last night, ooh man!"
Aigen drew a old wooden bow, a Japanese [Yumi]. Yuse's bow.
"Could we make a trip to Floor one first?" Aigen said, "I...want to end this."
"You kept that with you this whole time?" I glanced.
"Yup. Garr let me keep it during my stay, saying it'd be wrong to rob me of Yuse's memory."
"Why not use it then?" Asuna said.
Both of us stopped, looking to her.
"I mean, Yuse would wanna help you guys. Why leave him behind?"
"Was intending to give a warrior's grave," Aigen said solemnly, "but I see your point too."
"Wait, you're actually listening to Asuna this time?" I blinked.
"What? She had a good point. If anything, I've learned to be more attentive to others, to listen and hear what they have to-"
A loud crack broke out, an arrow slamming Aigen straight in his stomach, knocking him off balance. Asuna and I jumped frantically, drawing weapons as fast as we could, our eyes surveying our landscape. From behind hills, dozens rose, arrow spam forcing us off the road.
"You done fucked up now!" Aigen drew his [Ninjato].
Two thrones stand apart, seating two kings,
A king of Bones, whose word is fire,
A king of Song, whose word is honey,
Whose voice you choose to hear,
Is whose word you shall take.
A/N: And everyone died, the end. Hey guys, be sure to leave a review! Help me make the best story possible! Thank you for reading, Christmas season is coming.