Author's Note: Thank you to those who contributed OC to the story. This specific OC belong to ShadowWolf223. Enjoy their stories.
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"A coward gets scared and quits, but a hero gets scared and still goes on."
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2 Weeks Prior, moments after the Death Game began…
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Looking down at her leather brown boots while sitting down in an abandoned alley. A young girl with ginger-red hair, who looked to be 12 or 13, was completely shaking where she sat. The words that Kayaba spoke continued to echo in her ear so much that she began to cover her ears.
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"Shut up. Shut up…Shut…up." She began to say to herself like a curse as she began to cry once more.
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As the Sun began to set and the town streets began to light up, the girl continued to sit there in the alley. Then after a few more seconds, she weakly got up and began to take slow steps towards the nearest inn there was.
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Inside the Inn…
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"Thank you very much for your purchase. I'll just need your name and then I'll hand you your room key." Typing her name on the keyboard slowly, after a minute the young girl pressed the Enter Button, allowing her transaction to finish. "Thank you, Xena. Here is your key. Please enjoy your stay."
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As Xena took her key, she weakly walked up the stairs to the upper floors. Upon opening her room door, she entered without showing much life to her face, and as roughly as she could…slammed her door before covering herself in the cover on the bed.
Once more she began to cry. She cried without restraint, she didn't even bother to care if someone heard her, she just cried.
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"Mom, dad." Xena cried for her parents whom she knew full well won't be there to comfort her. "I want to go home." She pleaded for a wish she knew would never be granted.
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As she laid her head down on the pillow of the bed, Xena continued to cry until she cried herself to sleep.
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The Next Day…
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Despite her stomach grumbling so much, Xena didn't move from where she was. It was more like she couldn't, due to her being in a crouched position for so long. But upon hearing her stomach growl again, Xena spoke for the first time for that day.
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"Shut up. You're not hungry." The grumbling continued. As it continued for a few more minutes, Xena rose to her feet and walked out of her room.
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Walking down the stairs, she quickly purchased a couple pieces of bread, as that is what she could afford at the moment and rushed back towards her room only to run into a certain blue-black haired boy. As Xena fell on her butt, she began to rub what hurt before seeing a hand extend out to help her.
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"OH, sorry about that. I didn't mean to run into you." The kind voice spoke. As Xena looked up, she noticed his face. He looked to be in his early 20s, and aside from his blue-blackish hair, what stood out the most were his silvery eyes. Despite being in the same situation as her, his eyes held no fear. "Be strong, okay."
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Then as he began to walk away, Xena just watched as he exited the inn, never to be seen again. As her stomach growled, Xena was brought back to reality and pulled out a piece of bread and began to munch on it as she returned to her room.
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Upon entering her room…
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She continued to quietly eat her bread as she began to remember the man's kind, hopeful eyes.
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"It's strange." Xena thought to herself. "I thought he would've been more scared about the situation he's in, but instead it's like it doesn't faze him at all." Pulling her cover over her to comfort her, Xena fell back onto her bed and began to drift off to sleep. "Well, not that it matters, someone like him is going to die anyways. Once…he…leaves…the…Tow…n."
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But even as she slept, the man's words continued to echo in her mind, and for the first time in this death game, Xena managed to sleep peacefully.
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The 3rd Day of the Death Game…
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Without even waiting for the virtual Sun to rise over the desolate town, Xena began to purchase armor made of steel, as well as dark brown hooded cape. Then grabbing onto her sword, she looked forward with conviction.
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"Do what you want, Kayaba. But just know this…" As Xena looked up towards the early morning sky, the fear that once plastered itself on her face had been replaced by a face of hope. "I won't be giving up so easily! I'll be strong instead!" She yelled into the sky before rushing out into the Plains before the Town of Beginnings.
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2 Hours Later…
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Swinging with dexterity and precision, using what knowledge she had from her time in the Beta Test, she began to attack without missing a beat. Screaming to the top of her lungs, she began to get kill after kill from different mobs, and despite getting serious to life threating injuries, she continued to level up.
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"Thanks to me leveling up before the incident started, it's actually a lot easier to fight these guys." Xena thought to herself as she looked behind her and began to attack once more after her short break. "That's right." Xena spoke to herself as she pierced the blade into a dire wolf after pushing it towards the ground as she smiled. "Keep it coming. I'll show you who's weak."
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Then rushing forward, while loudly screaming out towards the dewy morning, Xena continued to grind.
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A few days later…
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"Hey did you hear?" A player spoke.
"Heard what?" Asked another.
"There's a player who practically fights on Death's door. They fight without even bothering to dodge and just attack." The first player replied to the second, which caused another to take interest in the conversation.
"Are you talking about the Red Hunter?" The third player asked
"So, you've heard of them?" The first player asked.
"Only the rumors, and to think it's only been a week since this Death Game began." The player began to shudder just remembering the rumors. "I've heard that their dexterity was maxed out, which allows them to dodge any and all attack from mobs. Also there's a rumor going around that this person is actually a beta tester."
"A beta tester? Great." Sighing at hearing this new info, the men just sat at the table they were at and continued chatting.
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Smiling at hearing these outlandish rumors, in some form or another, Xena, who sat just a table away from the chatting men, began for finish her meal before pulling her hood a bit over her face and smiled as she walked away.
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"To think I'd become that popular. This might be a bit more difficult than I though."
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Later…
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Going through a blacksmiths list of weapon, Xena began to think what she should buy.
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"Hmm? A dagger might do, but a sword will have more reach." Scratching her head in frustration, Xena sighed and left the blacksmith. "I'm not going to find anything here. Might as well check the Quest Board. Gain some quick cash while I'm at it."
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Upon arriving at the Quest Board in hopes of finding something that will allow her to grab a good sum of cash, Xena found the quest for her.
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"Help an AI clear the forest. More details when quest is accepted. And the pay is… 3000 Col!" Shocked at seeing that amount of col being offered, caused Xena to scream at the top of her lungs. Covering her mouth, she looked around quickly before clicking on the quest and accepting it.
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Approaching the AI of the quest she accepted…
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Xena sat down and called towards the AI.
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"Hey, I'm here to talk about the mob clearing." Xena stated as she took the AI lady's attention.
"Oh, you accepted my quest. Thank you, young traveler." The AI thanked Xena and began to explain what she needed assistance in. "So, that is the predicament I'm in, do you think you clear the monsters in the forest. I'll be sure to pay you handsomely."
"Alright. I'll take on your quest." Then a notification of acceptance rang out, and Xena went on her way.
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In the forest near Medai Village…
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Looking at the mob of dire wolves, Xena smiled wickedly as the pack began to approach her. Then ever so casually, she placed her hand on her blade, and rotating herself around them, Xena sliced and diced the wolves with ease. Then placing her blade back in its sheath, a Congratulatory board popped up to show Xena's level rise from 19 to 21. Smiling at the sight, she swiped away at the board to allow it to disappear before looking back.
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"I've come a pretty long way. I wonder where I'm at?" Pulling up her map, Xena look at it to show herself some several meters away from the village. "Oh, wow. I didn't think I'd have to travel that far…But still…" Looking at her quest again, she realized she had already taken care of all the mobs in the known area 'Alpha Dire Wolf'. "Well, I finished the quest, but the place seems to extend a bit farther out. I guess it wouldn't hurt to go farther in."
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Not even a minute later, Xena ran into a mob she never expected. Titled the "Alpha Dire Wolf," Xena froze from shock at how she stumbled on such a mob. But the creature itself didn't even give her enough time to react as it ran into her and slapped her with its giant paw.
Grunting in pain, Xena was sent flying back. Shaking from the sudden impact, Xena looked at her health and noticed it close to the middle mark.
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"Damn it. I wish I had stockpiled on healing potions. Well, can't think about it now." Flipping backwards with ease due to her high dexterity level, and dodging the wolf's attack, she placed a considerable distance between the two of them and looked at the dire wolf straight into its eyes. Looking back at Xena, the wolf noticed the young girl's silvery-blue eyes not wavering even for a second. "Alright, big guy. Please die." She spoke as she pulled her blade from its sheath and spoke with a sweet smile before rushing forward.
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Several minutes later…
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"Thank you so much. With you clearing the monsters, it will make it easier to collect what I need. I hope you come back to help me again when their numbers grow." The AI began to thank Xena for her help. "I do wish I can pay you back better, but this is all I have at the moment. I do hope you accept."
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Then as a pop-up window appeared before her, it showed her the Exp she gained as well as the money for the quest. Accepting what she saw, Xena left the AI to its own devices.
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"Alright. I got a good sum of cash, and…" Swiping her right hand to open her menu, she began to go through it and switched out her sword. "I got a new sword." Looking at her new sword that hung from her right shoulder, and pulling it out of its sheath, despite being lightweight, it still able to pack a punch. "Azure Blue Sky." Xena whispered the blades name before swinging it with conviction. "This will make it easier to fight, while also dodging enemy attacks." Not being able to contain her excitement, Xena placed the sword back into its sheath and rushed off, but not before bumping into yet another player. "Oh, I'm sorry."
"Oh, its fine. But still you have some great equipment there." The sky blue haired player spoke. "Have you ever considered joining the front lines. We could use a person such as yourself." Hearing a person say they need her help caught Xena off guard that she couldn't speak. "Well if you ever change your mind, meet in the Amphitheater in Tolbana in 1 weeks' time. Until we meet again!" The player proclaimed loudly as he began to walk away in stride.
"Huh?" Was all she could do to respond as the man left her sight. "What was that?" Still shocked by what just occurred, she began to remember the man's words. "Tolbana, huh? I wonder if he's going around the entire 1st Floor and asking people to meet him there. I might as well go. Could be interesting."
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1 Week later…
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Waking up in an inn in the town of Tolbana, Xena rushed out and began to walk towards the Amphitheater when she heard a scream, then a name.
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"Shirou!" A young woman with dark brown hair being held in a ponytail yelled grabbing the attention of anyone who was around, including Xena's. Looking towards who yelled, Xena noticed the young woman beginning to apologize, but Xena's attention was easily taken away by the blue-black haired man standing behind her.
"It's him." Xena spoke to herself as she noticed the man that had given her a slight bit of hope playing around with the dark haired brunette. Then shaking her head, Xena rushed off towards the Amphitheater.
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Upon entering she noticed not a lot of people seated within the Theater. Taking a seat two rows before the front, Xena began to look around as she only saw several other people seated and talking to one another.
Then without warning, a certain sky blue haired man spoke up.
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"Glad you could make it." He spoke, spooking Xena for a quick second.
"Oh, yes. It's my pleasure." Xena answered. Then looking around, Xena spoke up once more. "Is this everyone?"
"I don't know. But I'll be starting in a few minutes, so whoever shows up then will probably be part of it." The man answered. "I never got your name by the way, even though I met you in Medai Village."
"So, you do remember me?!" Xena exclaimed a bit, before covering her mouth. "Sorry. I just didn't think you'd remember someone like me."
"It's fine. Afterall, as a soon to be leader, I have to remember my comrades in arm. I'm Diavel." Diavel introduced himself.
"Xena." Xena replied as she shook Diavel's hand.
"Xena, huh? Well, I hope to work with you." Diavel answered as he walked away.
"Well, in a few minutes, huh?" Then swiping her hand to open her menu, she began to look at all the items she had just to pass the time. Then without warning, Diavel clapped his hands to grab everyone's attention.
"Thank you all for coming. So, let's get this meeting started." Diavel spoke as he began to introduce himself.
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Several minutes later…
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Sighing as she left the Amphitheater, Xena looked down towards the ground before setting herself against a wall near the Amphitheater and sinking towards the ground.
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"Don't go blaming us." Xena said under her breath, angry at the false accusations that she heard in the theater. "We beta testers didn't know the game will become this." Angry at how the world viewed someone like her, Xena began to grit her teeth. At least, until she heard a familiar voice.
"So, Kibaou's words are affecting you too, huh?" Diavel spoke as he noticed Xena sitting by her lonesome. As he realized he got the young girl's attention, Diavel spoke up once more. "Wanna join me for a drink?"
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In a local dinery in Tolbana…
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After ordering two drinks for the two of them, Diavel and Xena sat facing each other in silence. As Xena sat in silence looking at the drink before her, she noticed Diavel slowly taking sips and gulps.
Grabbing the cup before her, the young girl took a sip and her eyes widened in shock.
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"It's sweet." Xena said after tasting the juice.
"I was told that this drink was actually popular in this town. I guess they weren't kidding." Diavel answered as he took another sip. "So, how are you holding up?"
"Hmm?" Xena looked up towards her elder as she placed down her cup. Then realizing what he meant, the young girl looked down again. "Not so good. I mean…part of what Kibaou said was true. But…"
"Don't think about it so much. I had a similar thought to what you're thinking, but another Beta Tester like you and myself told me that people like Kibaou are just power hungry." Diavel cut Xena off to ensure she didn't feel anymore guilt than what she was already feeling.
"Oh, and who is this wise and noble person?" Xena said sarcastically as she took another sip of her drink.
"Shirou." Chocking at Diavel's words, Diavel got up to try and help the girl before him. "What happened? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Xena responded hoarsely as she tried to clear her throat of the unnecessary liquid. "I just wasn't expecting to hear that name again."
"Again? This is the first time I said it, though." Diavel replied as he was confused by the words spoken to him.
"No. Before the Strategy Meeting, I heard another player yell Shirou's name. Also I met him a day after this game began." Xena responded as she looked down at the clear golden brown drink that rested between her hands.
"Really?" Diavel was interested in hearing the girl's story but decided not to ask. "So, I'll just repeat what he told me: Don't stress about it. And don't let it eat you up." Hearing his words, Xena looked up towards her elder and smiled.
"For someone who's young they sure have a way with words, huh?" Xena smiled genuinely as she giggled.
"He sure does." Then looking forward at Xena, Diavel spoke up once more. "Why don't we party up for this mission." Stunned by the sudden offer, Xena just sat there. "And let's make it a challenge to see who can get the Last Attack Bonus."
"Oh, your own!" Xena answered with conviction as she grinned proudly at the swordsman before her. "I'll show you I can grab it before you."
"Then I'll hold you to it." As the two began to laugh the night off, they both form a party for this one mission.