A/N: Souls of Fire, cause ending a book totally doesn't make me sad...honest.
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Look at all these people, they stuck with me this whole time, even when my story was (is) a massive shietpost. While I normally put a little note for you all, this is the last chapter. I wanted to jump straight to it. Know that every single one of you has helped me build something I might call acceptable someday!
Enjoy guys, last round make it count!
February 14th 2023
Leafa and I sat on the bench, the waiting room of the [Monster Arena] empty for our team. The air felt so tense, the quiet almost suffocating. Holding my repaired brass [Enclosed Helmet], I rubbed the crest.
This was it, the plan I orchestrated was finally falling into place, if only the price wasn't so high. Kymer and Haru were in position, Wick for damn sure. Ithe wasn't going anywhere.
Looking right, I checked my comrade. Seeing her lowered head, I could only feel pity.
The short haired blonde sat at the corner, eyes glued to her newest tool. Standing as tall as her, an [Odachi] gleamed in the torchlight. While far thinner than Punch Line, even Ironback for that matter, its reach almost matched. Rika really outdid herself with the design, could see the engraving along the flat of the blade.
"Lis tried her best, I'm sorry it had to come to this."
"Yea." she said blankly.
I looked back to the stone floor, patches of it smeared with dirt. Valentines Day felt more like a funeral, everyone in this place being so distraught. The gift still lingered in storage, her birthday just days away.
"We're close now." I smiled a little, forcing optimism out.
Leafa nodded, not even remotely excited. Twiddling her fingers around the handle, her green eyes stayed dim, distant.
"You can finally go after this. Leave this hermit kingdom."
"I suppose." she glanced to me, "You think...you think Recon's happy?"
"Probably not, why?"
"It's just..." she struggled, "Do you know why I asked Ithe?"
"I don't know, why did you?" I glanced.
After quick rub of her eyes, she sniffled before looking back.
"I was excited, hopeful...didn't think it'd end up like this." Leafa sighed, "The second I ended up in this deal, I told myself I'd see it through. Even if Ithe's a jerk."
"Recon had me ask, not like he was wrong either. Ithe's the head guy at a PvP arena...if there's anywhere Kazuto would be, it'd be where the PvP's at."
The mention of Recon's name further dragged the mood. Him and Lox, I should've just stayed in and practiced...or got Kymer's help with the boss. Then again, if I got his help, Graye would've been killed. God, everything's gotta be so complicated.
"I see what you mean." I filled the awkward silence.
Trumpets blared outside, the gate keeping us trapped sliding up. Getting up from her spot, Leafa wasted no time marching down the hall. Slapping my helmet back on, I joined. Following close by, her pain felt so obvious. I already missed Recon's jovial spirit.
"So, what'll you do after this?" I remarked.
Leafa glanced back, but quickly faced the hall ahead.
"Look for him...I guess."
"Then what?" I stopped.
Leafa said nothing, her gaze cemented ahead.
"Come on, you've gotta have some kind of plan. Anything to keep you moving."
"Plans?" she laughed, "What plans?"
"You're a funny one, Garr." Leafa walked ahead.
"Wait?" I led, "Please, don't make the mistake Haru nearly made."
Leafa shook her head.
"Recon was the planner, I was just the muscle."
She laughed weakly.
"I wouldn't have known where to start...the only reason I even have this chance is cause of him."
She sniffled a bit.
"Kazuto's always been a loner. We knew he was getting bullied in school. Makes me feel bad now for not addressing it with him."
"Why didn't he fight his way out?" I looked.
"Cause he's not a terminator?"
"Hey, physical strength isn't what matters." I said sternly, "That's one thing I think I never defined, strength."
"It's not the muscle in a person's body that determines it, it's what's inside. Morality, wisdom, confidence, these are all signs of strength...especially the first."
"With internal strength, your cousin wouldn't be bullied...because the bullies would see it."
"But you're...not exactly 55 kilograms." Leafa looked.
"I wasn't this big in high school, far from it. I wasn't bullied cause my dad always told me about posture, body language."
"I used to wear a uniform that many outside the class found dorky. While other cadets got bullied for it, I never did...I was the shorter of my class."
"Oh." she shrugged.
"It pissed me off back then. I wasn't given a chance to fight, to prove myself." I chuckled, "Saw myself as weak because of that."
I sighed, shaking my head.
"Sorry, got off on a tangent. You were saying?"
Leafa looked back.
"We were rooms apart, yet it felt like blocks. Wish that didn't run in the family, but we've always been kind of solitary."
"Heh, that's one way of putting it." I shrugged, "Could live the rest of my days without my cousins...well except one, and he's old enough to be my Dad."
"Don't you have family?" Leafa blinked.
"Yep, being Hispanic just about guarantees that." I smiled, "Kids are loud as hell, but they all have good values."
"But this isn't about me, what're you gonna do?" I repeated.
"I...don't know." she shrugged, "Probably just stick around family till this ends."
Her gaze met mine for less than a moment.
"And what about Wick?" I softened.
Leafa breathed a little, fingers quivering.
"I don't know. I mean, he's been sweet and all..."
"How so?" I kept cordial.
"He's been trying to cheer me up...even when I push him away."
Slowing to a stop, the Samurai turned to me.
"Could you keep a secret, between us?"
"Depends." I looked sharply, "Does it end with forty two?"
"Eh?" she raised a brow.
"Nothing." I chuckled, "What?"
"I...don't know how I feel about Wick. He did everything he could to protect me that day, even saved us."
"But it feels like he's becoming someone else. The guy I met the first day isn't the same one I ended up around."
"Isn't that what everyone's done, change?" I confronted, "I'm not the same guy either, hell I came to this game looking to dick around."
Leafa sighed, felt like she just plain ignored it.
"It's just...ever since that night, I'm so scared of losing him."
"So I'm gonna ditch him." I intercepted.
Leafa frowned, looking ready to cry.
"That's your answer, no?"
"I mean, I don't want him to get hurt."
"That's always the excuse." I growled, "That was nearly mine, Leafa. I really think you should give it a chance."
She said nothing.
"I had a scenario much like yours. Course I was being stupider."
"Oh?" she crossed her arms.
"A friend of mine, who's...also dead now." I laughed weakly, "Get a lot of those now, don't I?"
Smiling brighter, I forced the emotion out more.
"I'll spare you the details, but it...it destroyed me. My friend told me to give it a chance, kicked me in the balls till I grew them back. Who was he? He was the zombie...the one with the shield."
"Oh my god." she covered her mouth.
"Renee was my best friend, she was the one with the axes."
Leafa said nothing, frowning heavily at the note.
"Recon proved just one thing though...I wasn't living in the present.
I pointed down the hall.
"I was living in December, reliving that day over and over. Everything I've done, every way I acted, it was all cause I was trapped in the past."
"I kept fighting for a friend...even when she wasn't alive." I lowered my head for a moment, "I...learned my lesson."
"Don't let that be you, not when something truly good could be waiting for you. Leaving Lis behind would've been the worst mistake of my life."
The final statement seemed to trigger something, causing her to turn away.
"Leafa?"
"I'm fine." she retorted, "Let's just finish this."
Ended up hoping I didn't say too much.
"Making adult decisions isn't easy." I eased my tone, "I'll leave you at that."
Following beside her, the light at the end of the tunnel reached us. As the gravel met our boots, we drew weapons. The people chose their map, a fairly urbanized landscape. Little one story buildings dotted the space, resembling the Town of Beginnings.
"People of the Congregate, this match could very well be the battle of the month!" the announcer called.
We both silenced ourselves, weapons ready. Punch Line's substantial weight jerked me a bit to the side, had to get balance down.
"Today's an all-champion brawl! First, second, third, all four are here to win, only one color will survive!"
"By the guidance of Cel, may victory be found. Lower, the gates!"
The gates slid, the crowd cheering as the sun glowed overhead. Leafa rolled her shoulders, taking a deep breath. Me, I yelled before charging in. The glint of red steel was my cue, Ithe quick to raise that shield.
Oran dashed right of me, going for a [Jump Kick]. Shuffling to the side, I dodged the monk as he swept by. The air rushed behind him, the sound muffled by the clack of Ithe's boots. I saw him back up, as if knowing his precious shield wasn't enough.
The background filled with the sound of steel and wood, Leafa and Oran having their duel. Ithe sent the shield forward for a second, pulling it back in a brief retreat. Punk was trying to zone me out, too bad that wasn't his decision to make.
"Run while you can, Roman!" I joked.
"I'm Korean!" he shouted.
I rushed forward, a [Mass Driver] forcing Ithe stumbling to dodge. The air whirred, my body nearly launched by Punch Line's own mass. Sidestepping, Ithe went for a quick elbow slash.
Seeing the move, I let myself ride forward, using the momentum of my own weapon to jump. Hearing him follow closer, I knew the sword wouldn't be fast enough, it'd be by my hands that peace returned.
Dropping the tool, I rushed the shield user with armored body and hand. The shield stopped fist, boot, shoulder and soul. The [Gladius] launched like a wasp's stinger, the Korean supremacist thinking himself safe with such tiny tools. A true warrior turns their body into a weapon.
A stab was revoked with a sidestep, a [Hammer Blow] to the wrist. Grabbing that same arm, I yanked Ithe closer before elbowing open his guard.
"What the f-!" he shouted.
Hearing his disbelief only fueled the passion. With him so close, I knelt before throwing the fully armored figure over my shoulder. The Centurion yelled in dismay, flailing and kicking for me to let go.
Rushing a nearby building, I threw the shield user at the wall, the man [Stunned] by the brutal act. Leaping at his face, I crashed against the jaw with a [Flying Knee], my armored cap clacking. The crowd roared at the primitive display, watching me kick his [Gladius] away.
"Brutal as always, champion!" the announcer cheered, "Show no mercy!"
Running back, I went straight for Punch Line. For Leafa to win this, I just needed to break his arm...an ideal task for a sword whose edge composed of stone. Hauling the mass, I failed to notice my opponent. Ithe yelled before charging me again, bashing my helmet with a solid bash of his shield.
Grunting I fell back, Punch Line raised over my shoulder. Seconds spent, Ithe and I exchanging attempts to hit. One through nimble feats, another through sheer power. With every swing, the stone of Punch Line would crack the walls of buildings, sometimes outright shattering them. It'd be an understatement to say the audience liked that.
Debris flew all around, chalk colored dust engulfing us like a mist. I kept shattering the makeshift town around us, trying to win with sheer aggression. Problem was, his own fear made hitting him difficult. The fallacy of safety was needed, so I turned intentionally too far. [Down Chop] rattled the pavement, some blocks splitting from the hit.
At first, Ithe dodged them as if they were legitimate attacks. Watching him dive away, I kept the ruse with a left flying [Cleave], and an opposite soaring [Slam]. Holding up that rectangular shield, the grand champion of the arena waited. I groaned, faking fatigue.
He hesitated, dodging left as I swung another [Down Chop]. Twisting my left leg back, I spun off the momentum, hurling Punch Line for another [Cleave]. All pattern, couldn't have him so skittish.
After the third misaligned [Down Chop], Ithe got bolder, feeling better about an approach. I had to be careful. If I defeated him, then that'd rob Leafa of her chance. Fourth, fifth time he actually got a hit on my arm.
Upon the sixth event, I swerved to look away from Ithe, fully aware of his next move. Launching the blade by [Catapult], I heaved Punch Line over my shoulder and directly behind me. A loud ring and crack reached my ears, prompting me to turn.
The dent on his shield said everything, he seriously tried blocking that. Knocked to the ground, it looked like the metal had tried forming around the stone, bending horribly out of shape.
Ithe cursed, [Stun] his price for trying to block such a heavy hit. Pulling back in step and sword, I made my final touch. A [Cleave] was all it took, aiming right for the outer edge of his protective guard. The bone snapped like a stem, the arm hanging like a dead branch.
"Really?!" he roared, "Bro, you serious?"
I said nothing, turning away to leave him be. Left with only his [Shortsword], I knew he wouldn't stand much of a chance in range alone. Leafa locked weapons with Oran, giving me a chance to break into a run, tackling the monk on the spot!
Leafa took the cue, leaving Oran for the prize. I stepped back, letting the guy get back up. Winded, he nodded before raising his weapon again. Playing like we were fighting, Punch Line was pressed down on the staff, acting like a grapple commenced.
"Just letting you know." I whispered, "We're being deployed tonight."
"Shit, isn't that past your bed time?" Oran winced.
"Pretty much." I joked.
"Well then could you hurry up, mate? You're breaking my back AND my staff!""
"Sure, man."
Slamming him off, Oran was swiftly crushed under Punch Line's weight. The heavy weapon's vertical strike left the monk divided along the stone, vanishing seconds later. Had a feeling he'd make a solid squad mate since we met, Kymer made a good choice.
Looking back to the real fight, I planted Punch Line in front of me. The result of my strike was so evident, dramatic in its alteration. With a broken left arm, Ithe was forced to drop his shield. Left with only the [Shortsword] in his right, his confidence dropped.
Leafa was as merciless as expected, chasing the crippled guy like a hound through alleys, her [Odachi's] longer range keeping control of the offensive. Gladius and katana met, Ithe trying to repel the aggressor, his layered metal armor denting heavily with every successful strike.
Had it been just Ithe and I, I would've just crushed him there and be done with it, but there were compromises. Allies to make, personal conquests to be had, I'm a busy man. My planning came full circle, Ithe's gasp the first phase.
Ithe had been neutralized, stabbed through a weak link in his cuirass. The crowd cheered as he vanished in a puff of blue, confetti falling from the stands as the trumpets blew loud and clear.
"Our grand champion, people...has fallen!" The announcer proclaimed, "Ithe has lost his place, Oran too succeeded by another!"
Putting the blonde on a lofty pedestal, she was given the title of Grand Champion. In a way, I thought I saw the real Leafa there. Tall, proud as she looked down. Started to think that in the end, it was about herself. God, I hoped I was wrong.
Promised one item, she made her selection before me. When it was my choice, I went to the [Bows] category, readying a gift for a special vet.
A weapon of strange qualities formed in my hands, my reward for dethroning third. Layered in the skin of a reptile, its design was kept basic, its string looking like spider web. At first I thought it was changing colors based on lighting, but it turned out to be mimicking the environment.
Noting this, I nodded in approval. I knew who'd like this, hopefully he'd find use for it. With the swift detainment, our match had arrived. Leafa against I. Better not puss out.
Souls of Fire
Ithe warped out, fully healed after a stop at the Restoration Spa. While his arms regained function, his armor was still bent by the previous encounter. Turning around, his quick run to the exit was stopped by a tall blonde monk. With his staff up and eyes honed, Ithe grimaced.
"Oran?" he blinked.
"Sorry mate, can't let cha pass here."
"Wait...you let them win?!" Ithe shouted.
Just as he shouted, Haru stepped out from the corner, tossing a [Minor Paralysis] potion at the Centurion. The red armored warrior plummeted to the ground, his ability to resist run aground. Seeing this, Oran smiled to the white haired alchemist.
"Oi, now I wish I had my easy button." Oran chuckled, "Seriously, where'd ya get potions like that?"
"I made them." Haru shrugged, "Greg?"
Kymer emerged, examining the catch.
"I am...not entirely surprised. What did you make 'em for, boyfriend vengeance?"
"Would you like to find out?" Haru's yellow green eyes focused on him.
Oran's deep blue eyes widened a bit, the plainly dressed figure looking back.
"A-nother time, maybe." he smiled sheepishly.
"Oran you bitch, you were with them!" Ithe shouted, "When'd it start, huh? Was I really that ba-!"
"From the day Garr stepped in here, I kinda got tired of your racist arse." Oran crossed his arms, "Plus, his mates promised some good adventure, for a moral cause to boot!"
"Fuck you!" he roared.
"Hey Ithe."
Looking left, Ithe caught a glimpse of Wick. Holding an arm load of fruit, he kept as calm a face as he could.
"Seriously, bro?" he grunted, "After I gave you a chance?"
"No, you see I've been saving these." Wick smiled a little.
"Wait on that." Kymer raised a hand, "He's on the clock."
Wick eagerly grabbing Ithe by the opposing arm as he and Kymer hauled the former champion away.
"Was I so bad?" Ithe yelled.
"Well I mean you kinda did keep me here against my will." Oran flicked his blonde hair back, "Oh well, later ya wank."
Ithe was swiftly dragged off, the Russian directing the artist down the path. Haru looked over to the taller monk.
"So tell me, how much DO you pull out of your ass?" she crossed arms.
"...I'd say half the time." Oran smirked, "How'd you know?"
"Well look at you, clearly a slave would have such nice clothes."
"Yup."
"And you expect anyone to believe that?"
"Worked so far, hasn't it?" he splayed hands.
Haru squinted, but ended up shrugging.
"True."
The two followed behind, the alchemist readying more potions just in case. Arriving in a secluded space, Kymer quickly tied the former grand champion to a chair, Wick standing by to watch the affair.
"So how long till Leafa shows up?" Haru looked.
"A few minutes, she promised Garr's end of the bargain." Wick stated.
"Yea right." Oran snickered, "Probably screwing eachother's brains out."
Wick held back a groan. Emerging from the hall, Lisbeth joined the rest.
"Yea, no." Lisbeth tossed her hair back as she examined Ithe's armor, "Ooh, it worked..."
"I mean, did you check?" Oran looked to the pink haired smith.
"Don't need to." she smiled, "Wow, should tell Leafa she made a pretty precise hit."
Aware of her remarks, Ithe scowled.
"Pft, you really that trusting of an online relationship?" Oran debated.
"This isn't like that." Lis drew her bangs aside, "Besides, why's it your business?"
"Eh, I just think it's stupid. You're never gonna see him in real life..."
"Oran." Haru stepped in.
"It's more legit than your little games." Graye rolled his eyes.
"Hey, just givin' advice." the monk shrugged, "Just think having anything like that here's stupid."
"That's not all that's stupid." Ithe growled.
"Says the racist." Oran dismissed, "Honestly mate, you're just sour that Korea's everyone else's doormat."
"What'd you say?!" Ithe writhed.
"Yea, you know." Oran smiled, swaying a bit.
A few seconds passed, Leafa returning from the battlegrounds. Entering the room, she looked with a sense of triumph towards Ithe, stepping forward. Her [Odachi's] scabbard nearly touched the floor.
"Hello, Ithe."
The roman armored competitor simply glared.
"I believe you owe me an answer."
"You cheated, I had my arm broken!" Ithe shouted, "Forget it."
"You never specified how to win." Leafa said, emotionally drained.
"I had to actually tell you? It was supposed to be an honorable match!"
"Wasn't it? I mean Oran was helping you."
"No he wasn't, he was in it with you and your dog this whole time."
"Oh just tell her already." Haru snapped, "It's just a name."
Ithe turned his gaze on the white haired herbalist.
"You've got a big mouth, you know. I bet if these guys weren't around, you'd be crawling on the ground...taking my cock like a bitch."
Haru sighed, crossing her arms.
"Oh you would!" Ithe smirked, "Tell you what, babe. Friend me after this, I'll show you what a real man can-"
His discussion ended, with Leafa's boot in his face. Garr stepped inside, his muscle mass making the rest look like sticks in comparison.
"What'd I miss?" the berserker glanced around.
"Oh him wanting to have his way, the usual." Lis looked to him, "Got whatcha wanted?"
"Yup. We're good."
Lis nodded, joining alongside him as the Samurai approached.
"This is exactly why I chose to fight." Leafa snapped, "At least Oran would stop if I said no. You, you don't care what anyone else thinks."
"Yes, fight." Ithe chuckled, "Says the one that got another to do the work for them." he mocked, "Forget it, I'm not telling."
"You sure about that?" Haru grimaced, "I mean...you're forgetting someone."
Kymer simply drew a box.
"Oh, the mystery box." Oran laughed, "You're boned, mate."
"Understand." Kymer's steely grey eyes met Ithe's, "You could be in town, enjoying yourself right now."
"You're gonna torture me?" Ithe glared at Kymer.
"Depends on your cooperation. I could just have Garr drag you out to the garden outside and let you sit for a few hours."
The box was completely empty, but the captive was completely unaware. Ithe bit his lip, looking back up at Leafa.
"Oh...Paralysis's wearing off." the alchemist noted, "I'll just correct tha-"
"Fine, I'll tell!"
Kymer waved Haru, keeping her poison ready to pour. Garr moved directly behind the captive, ensuring he stayed seated.
"Your cousin, brother, whatever? His name's Kirito. K, i, r, i, t, o...good luck finding him."
"Is he still alive?" Leafa questioned.
"Hey, we've heard that name before." Garr blinked, dumbfounded, "Wait, you two are related?"
"Yea well...technically?" she glanced to him briefly, "Anyway, is he?"
Ithe nodded.
"Last I checked, he was leaving floor twenty seven."
"Hm." she opened her menu, recording the name.
"The second I'm free, I'm ratting you out." he growled, "The rest will know you cheated."
"Go ahead, I don't care what they think." Leafa crossed arms.
Ithe glared hatefully at her. Wick felt awash with relief, their mission finally over. While his smile remained slight, he proceeded to adorn the fallen champion in rotten fruit.
"How do you know his name?" Leafa asked Garr.
"Well, when a guy's that big of a tool it's easy to remember." he blinked.
Leafa's look towards him darkened. What she didn't notice though, was Lis sneaking around the back. With twin hands, Leafa's massive cups were squeezed, the woman screaming at the sensation. Wick turned to the sound, only to be aroused by the sight, the blacksmith gripping.
[Sexual Harassment Detected!]
"Been waitin' for this!" Lis cackled, "I'll never get another chance to-"
Before Lis could even finish her statement, she vanished in a blue aura, Leafa groaned in irritation.
"Dammit, hun." Garr chuckled.
"Ha, ain't karma a bitch." Ithe smirked, "Can I go now?"
"Let him go." Garr directed Kymer.
"Why, he's no longer useful." the Russian grunted.
Ithe turned pale.
"We got what we came for. Let him go."
The Russian complied, releasing him from the rope that held Ithe. Unbound, the former champion of the arena raced off, covered in fruit skin as he vanished in a matter of seconds. Soon as Leafa calmed, she stepped back.
"Guess that ends our business." Garr looked to Leafa.
"Yea." she looked back briefly.
His copper eyes were softened, worried of her next move.
Come on, take him. Wick really cares about you.
Sighing, Leafa looked back to her friend with a vulnerable stance.
"Wick...I'm going."
"Then let's go." Wick cheered, stepping up to join her.
"No." she stepped back, "I'm...going."
Wick's smile died slowly, his eyes wider. His exit had closed, leaving him uncomfortable.
"Stop looking at me like that?" she sniffled, "It's hard enough on me."
"Why?" he argued, "I thought..."
"There're some things you should handle yourself." Leafa turned away, "Go with Garr, he'll keep you safe."
The team looked to each other, every one of them aware of the task ahead. In their minds, the notions of safety had become luxuries, dread the most affordable thought. Garr watched intently, frowning as he watched Wick get torn apart by the taut bindings of feelings, pulling his limbs in all directions.
"I'm sorry, I just can't watch you die." Leafa cried, "Not after Recon..."
Wick simply blinked.
"You're my hero, Wick." she cried, "I-"
"Go." he suddenly stated.
"What?" she stammered.
Wick remained frozen, unresponsive. His purple eyes faded, his legs stiff. While pity was felt, none espoused. Slowly but surely, the plague mage turned away, starting his walk back to his room.
"Wick?" Leafa fretted.
"Go..."
Wick's voice kept calm, but his tone was dry, the artist walking forward like a wind up toy. The Russian looked towards Garr, Leafa running away in tears.
"We have our goals met, let's move." Kymer directed, "This place's pretty much abandoned."
"No."
Garr ran after Wick, hoping to catch up. Seeing familiar signs, another started to pace him. Alone in that arena path with him, Garr felt the warmth leave, as if Wick's despair drained it from the very area. The brass armored warrior slowed as he neared him.
"Wick, wait." he pleaded.
The orange hatted mage didn't stop, walking back to the inn in a slow but purposeful pace.
"Don't do this. Please, listen to me. You don't wanna see that."
Wick kept ignoring him. The thought of him self terminating terrified the berserker, forcing Garr to grab his arm.
"Stop."
"Why?" he sighed, "Garr, it's all-"
"No." the short one argued, "You've gotta stop for a minute."
"You're scaring me right now, I know you've been through a lot. I'm telling you as a friend, do not go back in that room."
Wick lost control of a tear, refusing to look at Garr. He wanted to see Recon again, planning on going to the place they hung out. He tried walking again, but Garr's grip proved too strong.
"Please Wick, don't go back there..." Garr frowned, crying a little himself. "You...won't like what you find."
Finally, Wick looked back to the shorter man, dwarfing him by at least five inches.
"Everyone I knew...they're gone." he rebuked, "I'm it now...not even Leafa cares."
"That's not true." another voice arrived, "It isn't just you."
Both looked back in surprise. Out of the corner came the white haired alchemist. Following them from the room, she stepped beside Wick and hugged. Releasing him after a second, her green eyes lowered to the railing.
"You're...probably going through a lot right now." she counseled, "I...know what it feels like."
Wick watched Haru.
"It feels like everything's turned against you...it cuts you down. Leaves you thinking things you shouldn't."
Garr stepped back a bit, letting her have her moment.
"Leafa...I think she just needs time." she frowned, "It's been a hard few days for both of you."
"But really, you don't wanna go back there."
Wick grimaced a little, Haru nodding to Garr.
"I think that's what he's trying to say."
Her genuine take and care on the matter stunned Garr, having never heard such kindness bestowed from the alchemist.
"Why don't you come with us?" she offered.
Wick listened carefully, not saying a word.
"I mean, it's up to Garr...but, I wouldn't mind." she glanced away.
The brass knight looked to her with a further puzzled expression, releasing Wick from his grasp.
Okay, what the hell happened to her, this isn't the Haru I recalled. She hated having me as a leader.
Steadily though, Wick and Garr turned to each other. The mage exceeded him in height by almost half a foot, though his mass was far scrawnier.
"Wick, I won't lie...I'm not happy that Leafa threw you away." Garr softened his tone, "I don't know if you should join us."
His gaze turned confused, the berserker easing himself.
"We weren't here to destroy a system, there's more involved. I guess you've seen it with your own eyes now."
"Wait." Wick growled, "Those things, are related to you?"
"Not in a good way." Garr kept calm, "But Wick, you saved my team...you saved Lis."
"For just that, I owe you. I'm gonna be briefing the team on our next task, would you like to join us?"
Haru grimaced, the fear evident in her eyes. Wick looked to the ground. While Garr normally looked at such with scorn, he simply kept a straight expression. Wick's thoughts pitched him back and forth.
Why's he asking this of me, to fight? I'm nothing like this guy, he scared demons with his very presence. All I can do is draw.
"I'm not as good a fighter as you." Wick mumbled.
"You don't have to." Garr smiled, "I honestly think you'd make a big difference for our survival."
Wick looked around, the world of the arena strangely empty, its champions either dead, or deserting. Haru looked to him with hope, wanting to feel less alone in a world she felt was out to eat her. Steadily, Wick's purple eyes met Garr's orange-copper eyes.
"What would you have me do?"
Souls of Fire
Floor One - Black Iron Palace - 2330 hours
We all took a seat, the room small and separate from the rest. On Kibaou's orders, the entire wing of the palace was ordered to be clear of all personnel besides us...and we were strictly brought in by [Corridor Crystal].
Corvia as I've learned, was absolutely monolithic. Thousands of players, all readily at their disposal. If anything, it had sort of an official feel to it, I liked that. Their choice of colors sucked though. Seriously, all gold and silver? Tacky.
"Wonder what they've got for drinks out here?" Oran leaned back.
"Nothing you'd like." Graye huffed.
"Oh I don't know, bet the high ranks got good stuff." the monk grinned.
Rika reached out, squeezing my hand a little. She's been acting a little different since I rescued her from the...whatever the hell those were.
The crunch of his boots drew our gaze, drawing close. Kibaou emerged from the metal door, closing it behind him. Rubbing his hands together, he looked sternly to all of us.
"This everybody? Counting seven."
"Standing by as ordered." I stated.
"Excellent, I'll make this quick." he lowered his hands, stepping in front of us, "Okay, so you're all aware of the Great Old Ones?"
"Yeah, mate." Oran joked, "Been enjoyin' a metal jellyfish for a butt buddy all month."
Kibaou stared at the monk briefly, probably wondering who he's hiring.
"I second that, been sharing time with hentai Frogger myself." I snickered.
Rika giggled a little at that.
"TMI, man." Kibaou waved, "Okay, so you're all aware of the threat these pose?"
"Yeah." Graye nodded, "We've met some."
"Okay good, you're experienced then. So first thing's first, you're not being deployed right away."
"Why not?" Kymer crossed his arms, "This is just a weekday for me."
"Cause you're all kinda low in terms of level." he shrugged, "Listen, it shouldn't be too long, but we're gonna have to train you up to spec before we send you off anywhere."
Wick fondled a gold coin in his right, inheriting [Lord of Change] for himself.
"We've got people who can train each of you according to your skills, just gotta let us know and I'll arrange it."
"Does that include dri-"
Graye elbowed him.
"Drinks? Sorry man, we generally keep sober on duty...in fact you better be sober at all times."
"Ya serious, I just like collecting." Oran groaned.
"Oh...never mind then." Kibaou shrugged, looking to the rest.
"What I'm about to say here doesn't leave this room, not even to the guys who're training you."
"If they ask, tell them you're gonna be in the reserve. We clear?"
"Yes sir." I raised my chin.
"What if she's hot?" Oran leaned back.
"No." Kibaou dismissed.
"Oh come on!"
"You're really gonna risk your entire team's security over a boner?"
"Sounds appropriate." Haru noted.
Wick was busy drawing on his book, the tears plain to see.
"Anyone who's questioning whether to join or not, this's the time."
I looked back to Haru and Wick, Graye was pretty much getting his own little subgroup to his own. The medic glanced between them.
"Y-Yes." Wick nodded, bowing his head slightly before focusing back on his work.
"Sure." Haru shrugged, "Not like we're gonna-"
Graye patted her shoulder.
"You won't be alone, there're other teams preparing too. Yuuki and her guild are now Hydra Five, Klein and his guild are Occam's Razor as well as Captain Derek and his men in the Lead Left Eye."
"We're all in." Rika stated, "Garr and I both know, they're ready."
"Alright, last call." Kibaou glanced around.
Reaching left, I patted Wick's shoulder.
"Hey." I whispered, "Thank you."
He looked, nodding weakly. I couldn't believe Leafa abandoned him like that, but it was still her choice. Then again, I had no stance to judge. I was gonna leave Rika when I had similar happen. Positives, I'm grateful to have Wick around.
"Alright, welcome to Pandora's Lock." Kibaou nodded, "Your job is exclusively recon, investigation, and if necessary, elimination."
"Holy shit, guys!" Oran cheered, "We're like the MIB or some shit."
"You're awfully positive." Haru looked back.
"It's adventure, been lacking it since Graye left."
"Alright, settle." Kibaou ordered, "So we need you to keep absolutely silent about your mission."
"Why? First off, these groups relieve pressure off the Assault Team. Keeping them focused on the front line makes their job easier."
"Secondly, the last thing we need thousands of people doing, panicking. Most are unaware of this threat, and would freak out if such was presented."
"So gotta keep it under wraps?" I shifted in my seat.
"Yea, classic containment stuff. Sadly this limits who you can speak to, as we have reports of hostile player factions throughout Aincrad."
"But I thought most stuck to Floor one." Graye tilted.
"They do, but others have wandered off. They take differing ideas on how to live on out here. You can just about guarantee they won't like being messed with."
"Guess that means no more parties for Oran." Graye smirked.
"Wha?" Oran moped.
"Yes, you can party." Kibaou groaned, "Just use a fake name, alright? Leopon's already told me plenty about you."
"Aw, she missed me." Oran chuckled.
"You gave her a booty call." Graye mumbled, "She walked off seconds after meeting you."
"Politely." the monk corrected, "Besides, girl's a bit too serious for my likin."
"Lech." Graye rolled his eyes.
The introduction was pretty clear. Limit killing players to only what's absolutely necessary, arrest otherwise. We're ordered to have full head coverage, no one's supposed to know our names or recognize our appearance.
"Wait, what about the guilds I'm running?" Rika quipped.
"Those two mining businesses? Oh yea, unfortunately we can't expect you to run two jobs."
She looked a bit depressed by this.
"How about this." Rika stood up, "I'll...request a new position in Corvia. I want a resource department."
"We already have one." Kibaou noted.
"Okay, then I'd like to be in charge of it. I can make it more efficient than it already is."
"I'd have to petition that to leadership." he crossed arms.
"You sure about this?" I looked to her, "Lis, this's a lot of pressure."
"I can handle it." she smiled, "Trust me."
During the rest of the meeting, I got a surprise.
[From PoH: I'd like to apologize for the events of the 11th. Nobel went way too far, I gave him very strict orders to not hurt your group further. I have men dispatched to fix the issue.]
The hell, PoH was talking to me?
[To: You have a lot of nerve, talking to me.]
[From: I realize that, but this's important for the sake of understanding. What's going is strictly between us...and I wish to call it off.]
[From: I've got plans for a better Japan, they have nothing to do with you. The whole Renee thing was poorly considered, I acted emotionally.]
[From: Can we just call this off, I don't want any further conflict. I only dealt with Korrin because there was no negotiating.]
This was kinda hard to respond to. I hated this man, the thought that he'd dare speak to me was boiling my blood. The same time though, he acknowledged boundaries, even dedicating resources to kill an ally of his just to keep some peace with me. What was I supposed to do?
I remembered Renee, how she died to him. I went on a quest for the [Malishard], but not even the one who sent me on it cared any further, having effectively gone amnesiac. If he was going to kill Nobel for us too, then there...could there be peace between us? In the end, I wanted to keep Rika safe.
The answer felt absolutely jarring, but I really wanted to settle things. If I let go of Renee, I could move on with my life. In the end, PoH's evil was lesser than the inhuman things lurking over us. A sickening, nauseating reality was presented, where my promise of revenge...falls short.
It didn't matter what Rika thought of this decision, it's for us. Kibaou had bestowed us an ungodly enemy, the last thing we needed were more. A communist PoH was, but better a communist...than a demon.
[To PoH: Can we talk about this face to face? I'm considering this, honestly.]
Souls of Fire
February 19th 2023 Floor 29
Silica fell forward, her hands gripping the grass. She said nothing, the roar of distant beasts scaring the thirteen year old out of her wits. Her ex boyfriend's words kept coming back, the statement etched into her mind.
I'm sorry Silica, I...can't stay. I can't stand here, not knowing he killed her, especially so barbarically. I want you to go back to town, stay safe, maybe find Haru, someone better, I don't know. Don't look for me, not when you've got a chance.
"Why'd he go?" she muttered to herself, "Aoki wasn't his fault."
"Come on, get up."
Looking up, her Reaper recruiter offered a hand.
"We're almost there. We can initiate you once we're back."
Silica sighed, taking the hand softly. Lifted back to her feet, the beast tamer dusted off her sunflower yellow duster. Four others marched past them, their equipment wildly assorted, only brought together by the skull masks they wore.
"Why'd Nobel put us to this? This's got to be the third looting run this week." a Reaper groaned.
"The Emperor needs the best loot." the leader called, "He got us homes, be grateful for that."
The crowd consisted of people Silica's age, none exceeding the age of fifteen. Black was the most popular color, their heads either adorn with hoods or helmets of such color. With such a choice, Silica's yellow left her feeling very out of place.
"I still have no idea who Nobel is." Silica mumbled.
"You will soon." one replied, "He's a really cool guy. He doesn't turn us down like the others do, just because we're younger."
Climbing the hill, the ground turned rocky, the wind harsher with a gnawing cold. Her twin tails fluttered in the gust, red eyes narrowed. Ascending further, the team kept eyes to the brush surrounding them, the distant creatures silencing their calls.
"So what're we playing when we get back?" one blinked.
"Mafia?"
The rest chattered on about their recreation, eventually reaching the summit. To Silica's surprise, this wasn't a volcano they had climbed, but a hot spring. Pockets of bubbling hot water lined the mountain peak, mounds of limestone developing around them.
Most curiously even, was what rested. In these little heated pools, floated fairly large, colorful eggs.
"Alright, who's got good [Sneak]?" the leader noted, "I'm not pissing off an angry momma today."
The rest debated, but Silica was intrigued. Tip toeing forward, she kept her gaze circling for the sight of whoever laid them. Each egg consisted of red sheen, some bearing specks of lighter or darker shades.
"Yo, Silica!" one called, "What's your sneak?"
"Um...four hundred?"
"Eh, should be fine." another mumbled.
The young girl grabbed the egg, gently lifting it out of the hot bath.
[Extra Large Egg]
[Species: Unknown]
Ooh, I wonder what kind of pet this could be? I've found one like this, ended up getting an Anteater...as weird as that may be.
"I think it's safe guys." Silica called back.
The wind picked up, the rest of the Reapers scaling down to inspect the rest. Watching the others loot, Silica suddenly felt a dreadful cold. Her heartbeat slowed, her mind unraveling whose nest this was. Or why the wind changed speed so quickly. Gusts changed speed, rising and falling.
Walking over to the edge of the summit, she put the egg away to storage before looking to the direction of the gusts. Nothing could be seen, nothing that'd indicate a storm. The sky was cloudless, the day as bright as could be. A pebble skipped, the tamer glancing back, her boots scraping the ground in an instant.
A shadow grew from the western lip of the mountain, Silica's mouth agape as she witnessed the truth unveiled. She had taken to this group in a pursuit of finding personal strength. With Teika's departure, she vied for relevance, for a sense of control. Looking up, however, that desire for control, brought reality.
What revealed itself kept absolutely silent, despite its size. Scales as sturdy as hardened steel, folding and flattening as its body curved. A rusty, matte color showed across its hide. There was no mistaking what legends told, what drove men to hide in their homes at night. The stories, the rambling of the old, the insane, the unfortunate.
They all spoke the same tale. The repeating cycle of a ceaseless reality. The truth that mankind indeed was not master of the universe, not in the slightest. That first fact for her arrived, with wings.
Random reapers turned, only to stop at the sight. Silica in fright ran from the silent mother, her comrades shrieking in fright at the sight. Vaulting over the lip of the mountain, Silica miscalculated her approach, launching herself over a steep cliff.
The beast tamer's body rattled, hitting the stone repeatedly as she fell. In her ears, a detonation could be heard, the screams of her acquaintances as they too tried fleeing the light of reality. Glass breaking was heard, multiple. The entire peak seemed to light off in a single blast, the land illuminated in a crown of yellow.
Silica's back hit a boulder, snapping in two like the goodbye of her beloved. While she felt no pain, her lack of mobility was quickly received. Had she not stored the egg in her inventory, it would've surely broken long before. The being she feared flew above, clearly in search.
[Champion Approaching!]
The crackle of gravel alerted the [Red Dragon], the forty five foot long monarch quickly spotting the yellow clothed figure on the cliff. Swooping around for a dive, Silica could barely cry out, helpless in impairment.
Just as the truth came around, however, something grabbed the beast tamer, pulling her away roughly. Feeling claws and fur, Silica screamed in fright, unable to resist the encroaching predator taking its meal.
"Stop."
Silica kept screaming, the roaring of an aerial being silencing all other thoughts. Seconds later she was tossed up, caught in two arms midair.
Looking to her captor, Silica saw a wolf's snout, teeth...easily capable of tearing flesh. Silica's crying persisted, hopeless in the exchange.
"Shut up." it growled.
The beast tamer stopped.
"I'll drop you if you don't."
The [Red Dragon] followed behind, its velocity far exceeding the beast. A belch of white flame barreled out of its throat, immolating the trees in a matter of seconds. Some torched so fast they simply detonated. Forced to flank and veer, the creature carrying Silica changed directions on second notices.
A cave was spotted, drawing the wolf's attention. Leaping right at the mouth, it immediately backed out and turned right.
"But wouldn't the cave-" Silica panicked.
"It'd make a great oven, that's what!" the beast snapped, "I've got this."
The [Red Dragon] took the bait, assuming they ventured in the cavern as it turned. Shoving its head inside, the fiery gout sent cords of smoke leaking out the sides. In the brief time of breathing, however, it bought both of the intercepted beings time.
Burrowing in the ground, the hairy beast stuffed Silica below, hiding itself elsewhere in the forest.
"Wait!" Silica cried out.
"Warp to town!" it hissed.
She silenced herself, hearing her new captor scamper off. The flap of wings had her drawing a [Teleport Crystal], hands shaking as she uttered her command, vanishing in a bubble of blue. The sounds stopped, the bustle of town easing Silica. Footsteps arrived, alerting Silica to a new presence. Helpless from a broken spine, all the prone tamer could do was glance up.
"You're lucky, I'll give you that."
The voice sounded suddenly lighter, human. The beast tamer looked harder, the light of the sun blocking her immediate sight. As eyes adjusted, Silica met her captor in the flesh, rather than fur.
"While I didn't know [Dragons] existed here, I do now. Wonder if info like that'd make good money..."
Silica paused. Her captor was a she. Standing a good foot taller than herself, a woman in tight black clothing remained. With hair and eyes matching the attire, two little ties of hair parted the bangs. There was a calmness in her voice, a bow slung to her back.
"So tell me." Sinon looked blankly, "What were you doing out here?"
To be Continued...
Next Book: Shepherd of Sin
A/N: Alright guys, I guess this is goodbye for now. Least till I git gud. Just as a notice, Sun Dancer and this book will be getting a revamp...as I realized ideas that could've been used earlier.
Remember, I'd love to hear your rating for this book. From one to ten, what would you give this book? If you've already given the rating last chapter, ignore this message.
Expect a notable hiatus, as I have to work and plan out how the third book's gonna go. Once the foundation's set, I'll hopefully make something even better than these two books.
I wanted to express my deepest gratitude for those who've followed, favorited, and reviewed with me till this point. Guys, it's 2018. I've gotten started late 2016, and it's been a love of mine ever since. I love you guys, we've really built a nice little community, hopefully one that'll grow as time goes by.
See you next book. I'll leave an author's note once the new Sun Dancer is ready!
