A/N: Heyyy everybody! :D new chapter coming right at ya! Once again, Azure, theawesomess, Thunderwolf, and RiptideZ for their support. Please guys, don't be afraid to send me reviews and critique, I love to hear opinions :D
To Azure: Hopefully I can do Kayaba some real justice. He's fairly neglected in the series and in fanworks, so I'll do my best.
To awesomess1: the bacon will be mine someday! Just you wait!
Enjoy!
October 21st 1996
"Happy birthday, Akihiko!"
The cheer from Kayaba's father filled the room with warmth. Aided with the presentation of several colorfully wrapped boxes, the day couldn't have been brighter for the seven year old.
Young Kayaba waddled over, still in his pajamas. He hugged his father, resting his head against his elder in glee. The father hugged back, leaving shortly after to get on his suit and tie. It was another day at work...in a collapsing Japanese economy.
While his son turned to his gifts, he wandered back to groom himself. The mother awaited him in their bedroom, looking with a scowl down the hallway.
"What's the point," she mumbled.
"What?"
"Why are you doing that?" she looked at him, "None of that's going to prepare our son for the real world."
"He's just a kid, dear. Akihiko's already showing great promise...he even skipped three whole grades."
"Yes," the mother growled, "he's getting so far, yet here you are. Slowing him down with all of those things. What did you buy him?"
"Toys?" the father splayed hands. "He's been great, why is that wrong?"
"Because it's useless!" she shouted, "think about it. Is he even going to have time for them? No, they're just going to sit in a corner, taking up space."
The father sighed, unsure how to handle it. Kayaba's mother was groomed from birth to be strictly business oriented. Not even their marriage felt real, it was a mere matter of convenience.
The abysmally low birthrate of Japan had encouraged governmental aid to making families...meaning money for those who chose to marry. Such actions, however, were seen by the people as an affront to their future careers.
The father frowned, heading straight for the bathroom.
It feels so wrong, he kept a stoic expression, to have him be seen as only a tool. I never wanted that for our son. But...is it really our son? Or mine? She never does anything with him besides ask questions and do chores.
Young Kayaba had pillaged the presents, revealing many heartwarming gifts. From books to action figures, the boy squealed with joy, looking for the final fortress of paper. There stood the largest of boxes, taller than himself even.
Bright red in wrapping, it stood tall in the room. His brown eyes glistened, reaching with tiny hands. Tearing the paper asunder, his heart raced, seeing something he always wanted. A toy castle, a play set for fantasy lovers of his age.
The father left the bathroom, spruced up and ready for work. He adjusted his tie, the same tie his father before him wore. Was she even marrying me for me...or for her future's sake?
He suddenly heard screaming, crying in the main room. He raced in, only to find the mother, chastising at his son.
"How's this going to help you, huh?!"
She yelled at him, pushing the boxed toy away from him. The boy sat and cried, but quickly simmered down, seeing the combined authority of both parents. The father glared at his wife, his hands shaking.
Turning to him, the wife crossed her arms.
"This is your fault," she snapped, "now we have a situation here."
"You made it a situation," he growled, "I wanted to help my son know reward comes with good behavior!"
"Get rid of it," she snarled, "I don't want to see my son's life wasted on such worthless trinkets."
Despite his best intentions, the father yielded. She held the major source of income, the influence of corporations on her shoulders. Because of her, many companies stayed afloat, keeping many families employed.
The young Kayaba kept a straight expression, holding back his feelings. The castle was taken away, thrown into a garbage bin just outside their apartment.
"Come now," his mother called, "time to study."
Sun Dancer
December 14th 2022 1:46 AM
Heathcliff grinned, observing the muscle bound warrior as he raised his weapon. The timer had begun, knowing the end like the coming of the next sunrise. Fool, he calculated, he lost to my daughter...yet he thinks he can take me. His emotions cloud his judgement.
Laying the sword on the upper arm of his shield, Heathcliff bent his knees, readying for the fight. Garr drew his Zweihander back, bending his legs. Thirty seconds, the younger opponent shaking with excitement. I could end this with one skill...but that wouldn't be fun.
The gong rang! Heathcliff watching as his adversary lunged! Garr yelled as he readied a [Cleave], aiming for the low end of his shield. The veteran knight stepped back, the air of the cave shifting from the swing!
Garr swung with the blade, tilting as the weapon trailed off, the [Ultra Greatsword] let out a loud bang as its mass met stone. Heathcliff raced forward, letting out a vertical slash! The sword swung, the tip slicing through air and shoulder. His opponent stumbled, groaning from the light wound.
Just a pin prick, Heathcliff smirked, if I were to even try...I'd cut off his arm in one blow.
The knight pulled the sword back, going for the stab as his opponent gripped his torn shoulder.
Just as Heathcliff drew back, Garr charged, tackling straight into him! The mass crashed against his armor, letting off a loud bang! Knocked on his back, the knight was caught off guard by his aggression. Oh good, not quitting on me just yet.
Garr crawled on top him, driving his fist across Heathcliff's jaw! Unskilled and wild, the blow stunned the knight, but for only a moment. Garr punched again and again, using the one tool he had, raw strength!
The warrior stopped, turning as he dragged his greatsword to bear. Raising the tall Zweihander high, Heathcliff knew a [Down Chop] was coming!
Okay, Heathcliff smiled, you've had your fun.
In a flash, Heathcliff swung! Using his Unique Skill, [Holy Blade], he readied a defense rapidly. The white and red cross shield stopped the mortal weapon, the cave filling with a loud clang!
The force of the impact sent Garr reeling back, Heathcliff rising calmly to his feet. His undisciplined foe swung wide, fire blazing in his eyes! The wiser knight used [Parry], slapping tha attack aside. I could've ended this any time...think it's time he that out.
Heathcliff executed a [Riposte], countering his parried foe! He dropped his sword, punching Garr with a [Spear Hand]...straight in the throat!
With strength much higher than his, Heathcliff snapped Garr's esophagus like a cardboard tube. The warrior gasped, looking like he was choking on his broken neck! The Pain Absorber's a truly fascinating device. Years of research in physics and human anatomy.
His opponent's health dropped drastically, draining as fast as a full powered faucet! Garr kept hacking up, his breathing heavily strained as he gurgled. Oh come on...hit me, fix your damn neck.
Garr suddenly drew his hatchet, chopping the knight straight in the thigh! Heathcliff grinned, letting the warrior recover. The axe's head cut deep, [Ares] reforming the broken pieces of his pipe.
The meathead got greedy, reaching for the Zweihander as he yanked the axe back! Readying his longsword, Heathcliff knocked him back with a bunt of his sword's pommel!
Garr stumbled on his knees, overexerted, gasping for breath as he regained his posture.
Undisciplined wretch, you should've died out there. Instead here you are, boring me with your insolence.
Heathcliff launched forward with a [Dark Sun]! The cut was horizontal, combining both elements of fire and darkness to his physical damage. The dark flame engulfed the silver sword, striking the unprepared warrior straight across the chest.
Garr was slammed! Flying across the cave, he crashed harshly against a wall, the force causing stone to crack! The brute's sword flew out of his hands, clattering to the ground. The room echoed with Garr's cries, dust flying in clouds.
Despite this, Garr stumbled back to his knees, then his feet. His HP was just over 50%, barely clinging on. The warrior clutched his chest, coughing and moaning.
Think I'll finish this here, Heathcliff shrugged, Interesting...wonder how his Pain Absorber registered that.
"You ready to yield?" Heathcliff offered, "we can make this easier for both of us. I'd rather not hurt you."
"Piss off," Garr growled and coughed, "warriors don't quit!"
Hence why they die. Heathcliff stepped forward, opening his defense, baiting Garr. The barbarian took the trap, drawing his hatchet as he charged the knight! Heathcliff smiled, waiting for him to reach.
Now.
With a single swipe, Heathcliff drove the sword's edge down as fast as lightning...straight across Garr's hand!
Garr's knuckles split, the sword digging and carving its way to the middle of his hand! He gritted his teeth, dropping the weapon as he shrieked! The damage was done, the duel ending with Heathcliff's inevitable victory.
Prying his sword from Garr's right hand, he sheathed, calmly sighing to himself. A sad defeat, childish thing.
"Well Garr," Heathcliff addressed, "you know the deal."
Garr groaned, gripping his torn right hand, trying to stop the burn. After a few minutes, he looked up at Heathcliff.
"Fine," he yielded, "what was your wish?"
He smiled, beaming with victory. Good, now on to the quest. I do adore submission.
"There's an NPC," Heathcliff directed, "located to the southern edge of this floor. He can grant the [Martial Arts] skill to those who complete his quest."
Garr raised an eyebrow, looking perplexed by the objective.
"Why would you need me?" he asked, wincing as his wound met the dusty, dry air.
"It's a party quest," Heathcliff explained, "can't exactly do a party quest solo, you know?"
"Fair enough," Garr rushed, "so lemmie guess. If I help you complete this quest, you promise to give me that ore?"
"Precisely," Heathcliff smiled, "every last piece."
"What makes me believe you won't just walk off with it?"
Fair point. He tossed Garr half of the ore, the dull silver rock landing at his feet.
"I'm a man of honor. You will get what you're promised."
Garr snatched the ore chunk greedily. The gleaming silver glittered in his hands.
[Diluted Mithril, B-Class item. Considered very effective for armor.]
"Very well," Garr nodded, "promise is a promise."
Heathcliff offered his hand, which Garr shook firmly with his uninjured hand.
"Good," Heathcliff directed, "now come with me, we have work to do."
Sun Dancer
3:11 AM
He smiled, watching Garr soldier on through the grass. Since leaving the cavern, the man followed Heathcliff's every order to the letter. From retrieving honey from a [Wind Wasp] hive, to killing off dozens of Taurus just out of boredom.
"So is that honey any good?" Garr glanced, "looked kinda nasty to me."
"Oh you'd be surprised," Heathcliff lied, "you can't judge a book by its cover."
"Eh," the meathead shrugged, "you can actually. Presentation's a valid deal."
Maybe I should summon a [Taurus Berserker] on him...yeah why not! He opened his admin console, designed to be invisible to other players. Typing away a command, he summoned the mini boss just out of eye shot.
They approached, the roar of an angry beast alerting Garr. The moonlit grass swayed, revealing a twin axe wielding Berserker, charging the beefcake with little restraint!
"Holy shit!" Garr jumped to the side, "Friggin horseman's raining down on my ass!"
The axes spun, the beast twirling in a vortex of gleaming steel! Heathcliff watched as it converged on the greatswordsman, kicking up grass and dirt with every spin! Garr kept retreating, racing to avoid the twister of death.
The beast slowed, lowering its axes as it fatigued. Garr scrambled for the Taurus' side, sending a [Cleave] straight for the shoulder!
The berserker snorted, swatting the attack aside, kicking the warrior straight back to the dirt! Garr rolled in the grass, clawing the ground and back to his feet, injured by the strike.
He limped slightly, gripping his ribs. Hmm, possible bone fracture...still moves. The [Taurus Berserker] smelled weakness, lunging to starting mauling the mortal man!
Just as the eight foot creature charged, Garr drew his hatchet, throwing it towards his assailant! The axe slammed, crashing into the monster's stomach. The Taurus stopped, groaning from the piercing strike.
Still limping, Garr rushed forward, raising the Zweihander for a high strike! [Down Chop] met the heads of axes, the air rung with the clash of steel. The strength of the warrior, however, sent the beast staggering back!
Despite the massive size difference, Garr overcame the berserker's poise, forcing him back with harder swings! The Taurus jumped back, readying another spin!
Instead of dodging, the warrior bashed! Slamming the Zweihander down, he dug the heavy blade...on the Taurus' foot. The beast shrieked, the limb glued to the floor by the sword!
Pinned in place, Garr ripped the hatchet out, grabbing the berserker's ear! The monster howled, shaking to free itself. The two wrestled, the creature failing to tear itself away. The brute grabbed its snout...and bent.
The Berserker fought back, pushing its head against the twist. Heathcliff smiled, fascinated by the gratuitous violence on display.
The Taurus pushed, steadily winning the wrestle. Just as he finished tugging, Garr spun hands, forcing the creature's neck the opposite direction! Swinging the head from right to left, he used the beast's own strength...erupting in a loud snap!
Garr chuckled, for he had snapped the beast's neck like a stem. The creature exploded into blue, its shards scattering in the wind. Garr leveled up as a result, straight from 14 to 16.
"Friggin right!" he yelled, "who's a boss now?!"
Garr slapped his own chest, the thumping sound fairly audible. Utterly brutal...he's like a child. No self control.
"I must say," Heathcliff noted, "you are determined."
The sleep deprived mass of meat turned to him. Garr's face and clothes were caked with mud. Drying off, pieces flaked off him with the brushing of the wind. As ragged as he seemed, his amber eyes still burned bright.
"I like to see myself that way," Garr grumbled, scratching his head, "someone's goals are on the line here. Holding back's not wasting my time, it's wasting theirs."
"Still not as strong as you," he nodded to Heathcliff, "You took me out in like...what, two strikes? It's humbling."
"Thank you," Heathcliff glanced at his peon. Oh and now he's complimenting me? Too rich.
"I mean really," Garr rambled, "you took on just as many slimes as I did...without barely a scratch. All that, while still so calm. What's your secret?"
"When you've lived as long as I," Heathcliff advised, "you too will learn. It's a matter of patience." God, I have such a hard time keeping a straight face. This buffoon's acting like I'm his grandpa.
A couple of [Taurus Iron Guards] roamed the land. Eight feet in height, their bulging musculature was coupled with thick slabs of iron armor. The horse headed humanoids spotted the traveling warriors and grinned. Heathcliff smiled, nudging his sleepy-eyed comrade.
While the herculean figure drew his Zweihander, Heathcliff dashed forward! Whipping out the shield, he bashed the edge against the jaw of the first Iron Guard. The lumbering beast fell back, grunting as its back slammed to the grass. Its partner snarled, raising its war hammer.
Bending his knees, the knight curved! slashing the exposed thigh of his adversary, the creature was stunned. Just as the mighty Taurus paused, another strike came from the flank. Garr's greatsword carved through its left leg, severing the hoofed limb with a loud crack!
The armored beast shrieked, rolling on the ground, gripping its stubby limb. Heathcliff's expression remained casual, unfazed by the battle at hand. He finished the creature, driving the longsword through the Taurus' neck. Might consider turning my immortality off every once in a while...this is getting boring.
Garr quickly moved to the first Tauran. Slamming the heavier blade, he tore the hammer wielding hand with a single swipe! The Iron Guard writhed, gripping its lost appendage, only to be gored with a stab to the face. Defeated, both [Tauran Iron Guards] shattered, their blue fragments scattering in the wind.
"Good kill," Garr smiled, his body recovered from previous fights.
"You too," Heathcliff bowed softly, sheathing his weapon.
"So how far till we reach the mountain," Garr asked, sighing from exhaustion.
"Should be a few miles south," Heathcliff assured, "we can call it off for tonight if you like, we'll schedule again for tomorrow morning."
"No," Garr rejected, "I'd rather not delay finishing a job. Lead the way."
"Suit yourself," Heathcliff turned. Continuing down the road, the sounds of crickets filled the air.
Would be fascinating to test his psyche further, Heathcliff inspected, the fact he's still alive...even with the conflict Ares poses and the disabling of his Pain Absorber? Makes me think I set the difficulty too low.
For god's sake though, he rambled mentally, I've had to lower it just to allow players to reach here. I was getting so bored of us spending an entire month in the same place. Couldn't anyone have figured out the freaking dungeon was the big ass tower at the end of the map!?
Garr rolled his shoulders, lugging the greatsword over his shoulder. His green cloak exuding chips of mud. Eventually, they reached a mountain. On top of the tall but flat peak, rested a temple of bones. Exceeding a thousand meters in height, the tectonic wonder looked capable of touching the moon.
At the base of the mountain, resided a monk. Wearing orange robes, the clean shaven male rose. He raised a hand, demanding Garr and Heathcliff to stop. The adventuring pair halted, looking upon the greeter eagerly.
"Why are you here," he asked, his voice deep and powerful.
"Oh I've heard you guys sell this kickass pizza," Garr mused, "got samples? Starvin."
The NPC stared at the beefcake, clueless to his ramblings.
"What's a pizza?"
Garr simply chuckled, clearly enjoying his little gag.
"We're here to learn the ways of your master," Heathcliff bowed his head, "we wish to be tested."
The monk turned to Heathcliff.
"You may both enter, if you pass the two trials."
"So there IS a sample," Garr joked, "was wondering what the catch phrase was."
Ugh, Heathcliff groaned, gonna be a long night isn't it?
"What must we do sir?"
"First," the monk spawned a single wooden barrel beside himself, "you must be in a party of at least two. Speak to me again when you are ready."
Garr nodded, sending Heathcliff a party request. The HP meters of both members were shared, Garr at level 12, Heathcliff a daunting level 24.
"Very well," the monk nodded.
With the snap of his fingers, the barrel filled with water. The clear liquid bobbed in the container, reflecting the moon's glow.
"One of you must carry this," the monk instructed, "he or she will be defenseless, requiring the rest of his party to protect him. If the barrel is broken, you must return for a new one."
"Sounds simple enough," Garr yawned, rubbing his eyes as he looked back up the mountain. "Oh...yea."
"Also," the monk informed, "you have fifteen minutes to complete this. Move too slowly and you will be deemed too weak to join."
"Hey now," Garr argued, "the last place promised their stuff within thirty minutes!"
Really, still on with the pizza references? Heathcliff rolled his eyes, maybe I should just turn on admin functions and gib him.
"Consider it done, sensei," Heathcliff bowed, slapping Garr on the back.
Reaching out, Garr picked the wooden barrel from the dry soil. The water sloshed, bobbing as he lifted. With both hands nestled under the frame, he was rendered combat ineffective.
"Needed a workout anyway," he grinned, shaking his head to snap out of fatigue.
"Good luck," the monk dismissed, returning to seated meditation.
A timer started, clocking down from fifteen minutes. Garr wasted no time, marching forward. Loose rocks and soil rustled under his boots as he climbed. Drawing his sword and shield, Heathcliff walked alongside him.
Truth is, I could've done this quest myself. But considering the player base, doing so would raise unwanted attention on my part. While I could simply give myself the skill, what's the fun in that? The wind blew harder as they climbed, the ground steepened.
Garr slipped, stumbling back! The barrel of water swung, sending him teetering down the slope. The wooden vessel broke, the fibers snapping loudly as its contents spilled down the mountainside.
A red [X] covered the timer, the quest attempt failed. The water fell, turning the dry Earth beneath it a healthier brown.
Uninjured, Garr kicked the ground in annoyance.
"I friggin screwed up," he growled, "seriously..."
The pair was forced to walk back down, retrieving a new barrel. The monk eagerly dispensed another, the logic of quests being recyclable.
The timer reset, Garr stomping back along the foot of the mountain. Lugging the water, the warrior kept a steady pace. Heathcliff kept his eyes along the path, waiting for [Noct Hawks] to appear.
Garr yawned again, tiredly hauling the vessel further up the steps. Rocks and dust scattered with his march, slogging up the dried Earth.
The travelers rose fifty meters, the wind picking up as they ascended. Garr bent his knees, slowing to adjust. The pale moon lit the way with a faint blue light, allowing sight in an otherwise dim world. Owls hooted in the distance, scattered along the few trees present.
Howling, the wind tugged Garr again. Dropping a knee, he stopped.
"Are you alright," Heathcliff asked, gazing around.
"Yea, just...just can't afford failure."
The wind eased, Garr stumbling back up, his legs buckling under the weight.
"Come on, we're five minutes in."
Just as he spoke, a loud shriek was heard from above! Glancing up, the dark blue [Noct Hawk] swooped in, its talons extending towards Garr.
Surprised by the sudden attack, Garr flailed, burying his face to avoid the claws! Sorry, but that delay's unnecessary.
Heathcliff slashed the bird clean, sending a small cloud of feathers falling all around the predator's spot. Unfortunately, the resulting shock knocked Garr over, spilling the contents once again down the mountain.
Laying on his back, Garr sighed. While his muscles bulged from the exertion, his lack of balance betrayed him.
"Tell you what," Garr breathed, "how about I go down and get the barrel and you wait here?"
Hmm, could play to suggesting weakness.
"Could you really manage that," Heathcliff questioned, "you're not exactly balanced. You're tired, let's just call it a night."
"No," the warrior growled, "I'm not letting her down. I said I will grant her wish. There's no surrender, I'm getting this done."
Garr's legs wobbled slightly, tossing the barrel aside.
"I'll be back in a minute."
As the muscle bound mule trailed back down, Heathcliff contemplated the past month.
It's unfortunate that two thousand died in such little time...and to suicide of all things. He shook his head, staring out into the stars. It honestly disappoints me, it might destroy the validity of any data collected. Will this devalue all those ten years of work? I can only keep this kingdom afloat by holding them hostage here.
In the end, I was shocked by the lack of progress. I mean seriously, taking an entire month to figure out where the boss is? Did they even bother simply moving to the farthest point from Starting Town? He groaned, his blue eyes wandering.
Unique Skills are indeed transferable. I remember hunting down a player by the name of Demeter. Possessing the Dual Blades skill, he was arrogant, foolish. Cutting him down was a simple matter, convincing him to send me a duel request. Best part, it was in the middle of the forest, not a soul to hear him.
The timer reset, indicating Garr's return. It'd be so easy, to just kick this gorilla off the edge. Just one nudge, it's all it would take. He contemplated, watching as the barrel wielding beefcake hurried up to his spot.
Garr groaned, returning to Heathcliff's side.
"I'm sorry for the pause, shall we?"
Heathcliff nodded, continuing up the mountain. The foliage dwindled, the grass replaced further and further with dust and grit. The temperature dropped, the wind blew harder. Half way up the mountain, the shriek of [Noct Hawks] echoed across the slope.
Heathcliff was ready. As the dark feathered bodies swooped, he raised his sword. Garr dropped on one knee, bracing for whatever may come. Just as one flew by, Heathcliff swung!
The bird of prey was caught. Taking the sharpened steel to the throat, the bird was no more. The second charged, only to be blocked by the knight's shield! The light weighted predator was grounded, flapping its wings, frantic to retake flight. Garr rushed forward, Raising a boot over the fallen beast. Crunch.
The third [Noct Hawk] stayed above, observing the struggling adventurers. its shriek filled the air with uncertainty. Garr grew impatient, nodding to Heathcliff as he lifted the barrel and charged further. The wind gusted by, his green cloak flapping.
"Slow down," demanded Heathcliff.
Garr obeyed, easing his approach. The air thinned, growing colder as they climbed. With a little less than five minutes remaining, a sense of urgency fell upon them. His legs buckled, weary from the long haul.
"I'm sick...and tired...of the goddamn birds," Garr growled, "everything...on this stupid continent thinks im delicious...even the friggin pigeons!"
"Stay calm," ordered Heathcliff, "don't need you losing your balance again."
Garr grunted, marching further up. The smaller rocks dispersed, leaving much larger, heavier rocks in their place. Smoothed by wind, the surfaces were slick, but dry. Garr slid again!
Just before he fell, Garr dropped to his knees, canceling the fall! Gripping the barrel, his eyes were wide with worry. He stopped, taking a few seconds to breath before continuing.
At these altitudes, Heathcliff thought, I'm one nudge away from killing him for sure...but should I? I find this one fascinating. He eyed his comrade, watching as they stepped near the face of a cliff. Just. One. Nudge.
A hard hitting wind struck, forcing Garr to slow! More hawks arrived, eager to halt their progress. Hearing them, Garr dropped, shielding himself! Heathcliff, impatient to reach the summit, drew a new skill.
[Lightning Fall] was unleashed! Leaping into the air, Kayaba slammed the ground with the tip of his blade, lightning flaring in all directions!
The birds of prey screeched, their bodies boiled alive by the explosion of light! Beams of blue burst from the ground, shocking all avian threats. Collapsing, the cooked remains quickly scattered, the timer running out. Reaching two minutes, Garr charged for the temple!
Stomping over stone, the tank paid no heed to the wind. Racing along, His over sized physique looked ready to crash through. After four tries, the pair finally reached the temple, where yet another monk awaited them.
"Congratulations," the wise man bowed, "you've completed the first trial."
Garr dropped the barrel beside the orange robed greeter.
"Damn right," he nodded tiredly, "sensei."
The walls surrounding the temple were not of stone, nor brick or wood. Instead, great spires of bone stood. Assembled like the rib cage of a great beast, their individual units were each two feet thick.
Between each rib, piles of stones rested. Cobbled together with mortar, the gray and white colors mixed. The gate was carved out of a massive skull. Standing well over fifteen feet, the jaw was held open by stone pillars. Teeth, each as tall as a person filled the mandible.
The building behind the walls stood several stories in height, every ten feet layered in a skirt of roof material, the spire almost touching the moon. A black iron gate stood between them and the site.
"Thank you," Heathcliff bowed, "may I ask what else we must do to gain entry?"
Garr nodded, cupping his mouth to hide his yawn. His eyes growing weary as the hour struck four.
"It is a simple test," the monk assured, "you've demonstrated the will to learn...now do you have the basic strength?"
The monk then presented a set of wooden blocks, each layered with a different color along the center. "If you can chop through one of each, then you may enter for the final trial."
"Just one?" Garr mused, "can do!"
Rolling his shoulders, he nodded to the monk. Presenting the first board, the panel was held by two tree stumps. Straightening his hand, the warrior swung. The board split, their permeable halves landing on the clean gravel. Another board was laid out, yellow in color.
"You look like you've done this before," Heathcliff noted.
"Used to," Garr explained, "back when I was like...seven? Was brought to a dojo every Wednesday for training in American Kempo."
Garr proceeded to chop through the second board with ease.
"What rank?" Heathcliff asked, waiting his turn.
"Brown," Garr sighed, "never made it to black."
"Why though? You were so close," Heathcliff questioned, merely passing the time. I couldn't care less what this ape's accomplishments are.
"I blame myself," Garr said as he readied for a blue board, "I was in my early teens. Wanted to focus on girls, video games. It became a chore, got lazy. With bodybuilding arriving shortly after, Kempo lost relevance."
"Makes sense."
Garr chopped through the blue board, completing the second trial. The monk nodded to him.
"You have proven worthy. You may either enter or wait for your friend."
Stepping back, the beefcake looked up to Heathcliff.
"This'll be easy for you, you're even stronger than I am."
Sheathing his sword, Heathcliff stepped forward. Standing between the two stumps, a white board was placed. He raised his hand, forming a straight edge. Due to being the strongest player in the game, Heathcliff carved through the challenge as if it were child's play.
Minutes passed, Garr observing the mighty knight carve through the other boards with great ease.
"You know Heathcliff? I've come to admire you."
Heathcliff kept his eyes on the stumps, trying to hold back the urge to laugh. And now he's a fan of me?! Oh this is just too good, gonna need a few minutes to myself after this.
"Why's that?"
"You're not like the others," Garr emphasized, "you don't beg...or whine. You get stuff done and keep such a cool head. Some day...I wanna learn how to be a calmer person...my own temper comes at a price."
"I feel it hurts the people closest to me," he continued, "and I have trouble accepting that."
You don't say. The man who cursed Garr mused, if you could've kept your mouth shut, then you'd be just like everyone else!
"Why thank you," Heathcliff smiled, "I'm sure it'll work out. They say the first step is to acknowledge your failings."
As the black iron gates opened, a tiled stone walkway was presented. Surrounding the path, zen gardens were revealed. The sand of the base was rippled, resembling the motion of water. Various patches of moss, rock, and water filled the spaces. Patterned after nature, a soothing quiet filled the space.
The red temple had no monks, but stone statues. Resembling Vikings, their appearance starkly contrasted from the stone garden. Great hammers of stone rested before them, double-headed in pattern. Garr stepped closer, intrigued by their form. Icons flashed green, indicating their status as guards.
Garr grinned weakly, looking back at Heathcliff.
"Okay, I already like this place. Awesome looking gardens, friggin dragon bone monastery...now stone viking guards?"
Heathcliff smiled, loving the compliments. Good to see someone enjoys the world I helped design.
The moon sank below the hills, the night darkening further with its absence. The stone guardian beat its chest with one hand, looking at Garr. Seeing this, Garr repeated, bowing his head to the warrior. The viking took a liking to this, bowing in return.
Yep, not surprising. Both come from cultures so primitive I could find them on the front pages of a history book. Extinct like the dinosaurs.
The great doors of the temple opened, revealing a wide open space. The majority of the temple was filled with water, crystal clear. Lily pads dotted the crystal surface, a thin walkway of white ceramic tiles lined the pathway to the front and back door of the temple.
To the center, sat an ancient looking figure. In the form of stone, sat another stone viking. Unlike the others guarding the door, this one wore the helmet of a knight, a closed helmet. its eyes glowed a passive yellow, frozen in a meditative state. The creature of rock motioned for them to approach.
"Welcome," the stone being croaked, a female voice, "I'm guessing you're here to learn the sacred art?"
"Yes, Sensei," Garr bowed his head, "if you may find us worthy."
"Very well," the statue sighed.
Rising, dust fell from pockets between its limbs. The statue marched towards the back door of the temple, its massive figure reflecting off the water like a mirror. Leading both to the back of the temple, the fence ended, leaving a wide open space.
While the view of the land below consisted of grass and the occasional tree, the natural balcony held many trees. Each tree was no higher than a foot in height, its leaf clusters trimmed and organized like bansais.
"Excuse me," Garr questioned, "could you explain a bit about this place? More specifically the dragon?"
"I'm that dragon," the possessed warrior answered.
Garr stopped, surprised by the response.
"Wyvern to be exact. Those bones, were once mine. Was an adviser for the great Elven kingdoms in lands beyond this. The rest of my kind are scattered throughout the Aincrad."
A six foot tall boulder formed beside them. Almost five feet thick on its own, the round behemoth stood taller than Heathcliff.
"Your final test," The spirit instructed, "is to break this boulder...but only with your bare hands. If either of you completes the test, the other will be tested next."
"Very well, Sensei," Garr acknowledged. "May I ask why you're in a statue?"
"It's a curse," the Wyvern spirit answered, "one that I inflicted upon those who slew me."
"Do all Wyverns do that?"
"Few have the ability," the statue replied, "but it was more than just killing me."
"They stole my child...my only child."
"Awww," Garr moped, "where is it?"
"I don't know," the fallen mother lamented, "it's been a hundred years since I've last seen him...hasn't even hatched yet. I don't even know if it's a he or she."
"Maybe I could find him? I don't know exactly how, but I'm willing."
An exclamation mark appeared over the statue, indicating a new quest.
"If you could bring him back here," the mother appealed, "you will be rewarded greatly."
"Won't need it," Garr shook his head, "you're missing your child. That shouldn't be a matter of bribery, I'll do it for free."
An opal colored scale materialized. "This is my last scale, use this to help him identify me. Please, bring him home."
Garr bowed his head, taking the [Old Wyvern Scale].
"It will be done, by the way...are Wyverns normally this big?"
"Yes," the spirit nodded, "we're larger than our cousins, the Dragons. But we're friendlier, hence why the Elves could trust us with such positions. We live very long, gain a lot of knowledge, and prefer negotiating."
"Huh," Garr shrugged, "can only imagine what Dragons are like..."
He returned his gaze back to the boulder, "...but really. This looks friggin painful."
All I need is a couple of punches, Heathcliff calculated, once that's done, I can pass Garr his ore and be on my way. Was honestly expecting more players out here...
"Garr," Heathcliff nudged, "if I take care of this first, I'll give you the ore early, you can go back."
"Think that'll be fine," Garr resolved, "I'll flip a Cor on it. Heads I go, tails you go."
"Sounds fair," Heathcliff granted, watching as his comrade drew a bronze coin. "Three flips right?"
"Course," Garr assured. He flicked the coin, watching as it landed. Due to Garr's poor vision, he looked up at Heathcliff.
"Tails."
Garr flipped the coin again. The monetary emblem danced, spinning upon the pavement for a second before rattling on the ground. "Heads," Heathcliff informed.
"I'm a lucky guy," Garr boasted, "bet I'm getting heads again!"
The coin flew, spinning as it hit the ground. Heathcliff watched carefully, the brown metal bouncing off light. Both watched intently, eager to see the final draw. The coin settled, laying out for all to see.
"Heads," Heathcliff groaned. That'd explain why he's not taken a good dose of microwaves to his gray matter.
Garr whooped, throwing a fist in the air as he waved his arms.
"Yea, suck it Heathcliff!"
Garr stopped, remembering what victory meant. Turning to face the massive boulder, he grimaced.
Wonder how this'll work with the Pain Absorber disabled, Heathcliff mused, will be fascinating to see. Garr readied a fist, placing one hand to feel the boulder first. Hesitant, he waited.
"Scared?" Heathcliff asked, smirking slightly.
The question frustrated Garr, scowling at the rock the minute he asked.
"Maybe."
"Well dawn's almost here," Heathcliff warned, "I don't intend to stay much longer, so if you'd be so kind as to hurry up."
Clenching a tight fist, Garr punched! Throwing his massive arms and body weight behind the strike, he slammed the boulder square center. A loud bang was heard, the boulder shattering! Broken to pieces, chunks flew in all directions, leaving only rubble.
"Ha," Garr mused, "always enjoyed working with my hands. Damn right this boulder breaks to me!"
Barbarian, gagged Heathcliff.
"Alright then, my turn."
A new boulder formed, replacing the remains of the first. Garr stepped back, receiving his reward for completion. Heathcliff proceeded to destroy the boulder, causing the rock to detonate much like the last. With his completion, their business was concluded.
"So what made you take the test," Heathcliff asked, "all you had to do was stand back."
"Figured such a skill would be useful," Garr replied, "now for your end of the bargain."
"Ah yes," Heathcliff opened his menu. Dragging through the list of items, he spawned the remaining pieces of Mithril.
"Good work back there, here's your pay as promised."
Garr took the fragments, his amber eyes once again flaring brightly.
"Heathcliff," he addressed, putting the items away.
Heathcliff looked at Garr, nodding to him.
"Thanks for the help," Garr smiled, "sure...you forced my hand...literally and figuratively."
"But you helped lead me to where I could become a better warrior. You fulfilled your word, like a real man of honor."
"Your welcome," Heathcliff bowed his head slightly, "farewell Garr."
Raising a Teleport Crystal, Heathcliff vanished in a wave of blue light. Now on to the next form of business, front line examination.
A/N: Groomed at birth, robbed of fun and joy at youth. Hopefully I've done a good job at giving Kayaba that fluff he desperately needed. Remember! Reviews, favs, follows, and freshly spawned mini-bosses are perfectly valid forms of support!