Floor 6 - Chapter 3 - Smoke and Mirrors
A brief time later...
The group made their way back to the Fourth Floor, and the Border Lake where the couple had had their first date. Jet and Koharu had begun to explain the whole Elf War Quest to Lisbeth, and were currently on the situation on the Third Floor...
''You got dragged - unintentionally, of course - into a bath, where your partner, and a gorgeous elf were bathing.'' - Lisbeth's tone made it clear that she certainly didn't sound convinced of Jet's innocence in that case...
''Yes! And what's with the eyebrows! I didn't intend to do that, and Koharu will tell you, there was nothing romantic or sexy about that situation!''
''He's right... it was kind of hilarious though. Funny thing was, you looked like a really unhappy poodle when you got out. Would've thought it was Fluffy that looked like that, if I wasn't there.''
''I really wish I'd seen that.''
''I really wish it hadn't happened...''
''Guys, found it again!'' - Yuuki came back, having ran on ahead to look for the fortress, and the guards who defended it. The others broke into a quick sprint to the Dark Elf Guard who was there...
''Hello! We'd like to speak to the Commander, may we go on?''
''You are our allies, and we'd gladly allow you inside, but our commander isn't present currently.''
''Oh, uhh, where did he go?'' - Koharu asked.
''He should have a camp near the Tower on the Sixth Floor. He is on a mission, but I believe he would gladly meet with our allies. Apologies for the wasted journey, though.'' - The Guard bowed towards them, and the group thanked the guard as they headed off, back to the Sixth Floor...
''Well, the closest field to the Labyrinth is the Silent Wetlands, right? I think we should start there...''
''Agreed. We've got legs for a reason, I suppose. Let's make use of them, and head back up...'' - Lisbeth didn't sound too happy, but then switched to a more teasing tone - ''Besides, we can hear more about the two deviant's love story... I believe we'd got to the underwater-''
''THAT'S NOT IT AT ALL!'' - Both Jet and Koharu shouted over whatever Lisbeth was saying, as she and Yuuki fought back laughter...
''Sorry to eavesdrop, but shall we take you to the Sixth Floor? It would be our pleasure, especially after your otherwise wasted journey!''
''That'd be much appreciated, thanks.'' - The group were teleported back to the Teleport Gate on the Sixth Floor, and thanked their impromptu taxi service guard for his service, before heading back into the map itself...
Why did all of this floor have to be damp, dark and disgusting, Jet thought to himself, as they continued to squelch through the mud and slime, approaching the Labyrinth itself. An imposing stone structure, and almost certainly an unthinkable mass of stone and monsters, sure... but no elves.
''He said that the camp was at the Tower, near the Labyrinth.'' - Koharu sounded a little disheartened, whilst everyone else was just mildly annoyed.
''Maybe it's like the Fourth Floor, and the camp is hidden from our eyes? What does the Quest Log say?''
'' 'Search for signs of the Dark Elf Camp in the wetlands on the Sixth Floor.' Guess we've got no choice, but to use our own eyes for once.''
''Huh, signs... doubt they'd be so kind as to leave a giant monument saying such... Anyway, maybe we should look a little closer to the Labyrinth?''
After half an hour of slogging their way through a swamp, it was Jet that noticed the first clue, a small path cut through the branches and weeds, that looked recently made, given the still relatively fresh footprints. ''Bingo, a path...''
''Certainly worth checking out... though it could be a big monster nest, so get ready to run at any moment!'' - Jet rolled his eyes, but agreed with the sentiment. Always better to prepare, rather than wing it... ironic words coming from him, admittedly, but the point stood.
As the group headed down the path, the scenery began to change, and the floor became more solid, and less sludgy, much to everyone's relief...
Jet looked around, and recognised the subtle differences in the fauna around him - ''Well, we aren't in Kansas anymore...'' - Jet quipped quietly, no one catching it.
''Maybe it's a new map?''
''I see quite a few tents, and Dark Elf Warriors. I'd say we've found the camp!'' - Koharu spoke more loudly, and unintentionally caught the ire of one of the Dark Elf Warriors, who came over to see what the commotion was. ''Halt! Why do you humans come here!'' - Jet raised his hands above his head, before introducing them all - ''Easy there, I'm Jet, this is Koharu, that is Yuuki, and that's Lisbeth. We're on your side, we've just come to see Lady Kizmel and the Commander. We have news about the current situation...''
''Oh, my apologies! We're glad to welcome our allies here then! Please follow me...'' - The group followed the Warrior down through the camp, talking amongst themselves about what had just happened.
''That still worries me, every single time...''
''It's always like that? My heart was pounding...''
Yuuki took off ahead, as she searched the camp for the Commander, whilst Jet noticed something... just how much Lisbeth's eyes were wandering around the camp, and in particular at some of the Dark Elves...
''I didn't really get chance to look in the dungeon, but the elves here are stunning! I mean, I've seen the Elven Warriors stood in the fields before, but this is the first time I've seen one up close... It's why I thought Yuuki was an elf when I first met her, but it looks like the real elves have much longer ears. Though, has she ever told you where she got that avatar from? Every time I ask, she constantly evades the question. Same with this other purple haired girl, umm, Strea, I think... she's a weird one. Nice enough, but really weird. Kind of like you actually, Jet.''
''I can't think why...'' - Jet answered sarcastically, providing no real answer to that statement - ''But nah, she's never told us either.''
''Weird, maybe it was some kind of drop. I mean, I've seen people run themselves into the ground grinding for rare drops, and just neglecting everything else around them...''
Jet nudged Koharu, and muttered something - ''Remind you of anybody?''
''Jet... play nice.'' - Koharu knew exactly who he was talking about, and she was fairly certain that Asuna would stop him from grinding himself into the ground.
''Just saying...'' - Jet replied defensively.
''Guys! I've found the commander!'' - And with the return of the purple blur that was Yuuki, the group took off towards the commander.
A short explanation of the encounter in the dungeon, and the circumstances surrounding the Bronze Dwarf Coins, along with the exchange of them, later, and the Commander had been bought up to speed on the current situation. ''I see. So the Kales'Oh have joined forces with the Fallen. At a guess, I'd say the Floor Director probably forced them into it. It seems far too rash of a decision for the King to permit.'' - Jet resisted the urge to make a quip about politicians, and their dirty dealings, simply to avoid demoralising himself, if for no better reason.
''Both of you, uhh, Kales'Oh and Lyusula even, both treasure the Sacred Tree, right?''
''Sacred Trees, yes. When Aincrad was still part of the land below, the two trees were holy structures, that towered above anything else. It was a rule with zero tolerance that neither side were permitted to harm them, even in times of war.''
''But the Fallen Elves were different?''
''Exactly. The Fallen were once an element of both clans that believed they should possess the two trees. When it turned out they couldn't... they harmed the trees, and lost their grace.''
''So, they were once Dark Elves and Forest Elves?''
''Yes, they had joined forces to achieve their evil goal.''
''Huh, so Fallen comes from falling from grace, which explains why they're Fallen. They fell into darkness... It would've been great if they could've worked together to help people''
''Different groups working together for a common goal... it's kind of like the Forest Elves and the Fallen Elves now.''
''Only the elders, who lived during the Great Separation, might know what the Fallen would seek to do with the sacred tree's power...unfortunately, none have been seen in a very long time. It's entirely possible they may have passed away now. The last knight who was granted their attendance has also long since left the court.''
Lisbeth looked visibly confused at the seemingly off topic conversation, and interjected - ''Umm, what does this have to do with the current situation though?''
''You humans and your short lives... always jumping to conclusions far too soon.''
''Yup, but sometimes a shorter life is a blessing, not a curse. Imagine living centuries, and watching the world around you burn down, only to be rebuilt multiple times. Not hard to understand why you'd become disillusioned after so long, really.''
''An interesting view point to have, certainly. But I shall tell you why it is relevant, anyway. The Agate Key that was sealed on this floor is not currently in our possession.''
''Ah.''
''Did somebody steal it, or...''
''I'm afraid I cannot say at the moment. You should talk to Kizmel about it though, as she is in charge of the search party.''
''She is here then!'' - A familiar Dark Elf came into view, as Yuuki began fidgeting in place.
Lisbeth's face dropped at the Dark Elf in front of them. Koharu hadn't been incorrect in describing her as beautiful, at all... - ''I have just returned, Yuuki.''
''Long time no see, Kizmel! You doing well?''
''Of course. I'm elated to see you all, and hope you were safe on your travels.''
''Well, other than dealing with an oversized plant pot, and it's minions, we were.'' - Jet chronically understated just how much of a battle the fifth floor boss had been... a less charitable interpretation would've been that Jet was trying to show off in front of Kizmel, or make a joke. - ''Just one question though... who is the other girl, and why does she appear to be staring at me?'' - Kizmel asked, trying to get a response out of Lisbeth, who had basically locked up at this point.
''They're... the real deal.'' - Lisbeth mumbled to herself, much to the confusion of her compatriots.
''That's Lisbeth. She's a blacksmith, and umm, she'll explain why she's here when she's not gawping.''
''Huh, did you- oh! I'm the blacksmith Lisbeth, and I'm here with them, to forge a sword for Yuuki!''
''Whilst I won't vouch for her personality-'' - Jet ignored the indignant huffing - ''she's very good at being a blacksmith.''
''I'll almost let you off for that last insult. Almost...'' - Jet gulped, dreading exactly what she meant by that.
''Regardless... please call me Kizmel. A pleasure to meet you.''
''Nice to meet you too! Uhh, sorry for staring earlier... according to these three, you're an amazing warrior!''
''Very nice of you all to say, but the only reason I have improved at all is thanks to you all. I do admit though, it is an unexpected pleasure to see you again, what with all that is going on...''
''I assume you mean the Agate Key, right? The commander mentioned it, but that's really the sum of what we know, as it stands.''
''Yes. Once upon a time, Lyusala had a fortress on this floor. It's master, the Count, was the most trusted knight of her highness. When the Forest Elves stole the Jade Key, he sent a garrison to the Third Floor to help fight the potential invaders. However, that was were fate played it's part. The Forest Elves were attacked at night, when they were at their weakest... Unfortunately, the Count died in vain, during that battle, but before he left, he hid the Agate Key somewhere in this swamp. The surviving messenger made it back to the castle, but could not tell of the exact location. The only person who knew of the exact location was the count's son, who was sent to the castle... but never made it. We later discovered that the Forest Elves had ambushed him at the Spirit Tree Gate, and he lost his life in the ambush.''
''The Spirit Tree Gate? That's the one that the Elves use, right? He might've made it to the castle, if only he'd reached it... How tragic...''
''I saw him once during an audience. He was a young and very sharp boy. I've seen this happen too much since the fighting for the keys began. It's terrible... but yes, that is what has transpired. We have yet to find the Agate Key, and after the loss of the fortress, searching has become much harder, given the increased presence of the Forest Elves. Luckily for us though, the Count put a Concealment Charm on it, so that not even the Forest Elves can discover it's location... although I do suspect Jet will be walking into it again.'' - Jet winced at the joke, and slumped down into his shoulders, whilst Koharu burst out laughing at just how unexpected it was. Lisbeth and Yuuki just looked very confused, and wrote it off as an event they hadn't been told yet - ''However...''
''Kales'Oh and the Fallen have joined forces to steal the keys. It is safe to say that they have discovered a method of finding the keys that the Fallen have lost.''
''Even if we use our Detection spells, our magic is not strong enough to even get a reaction. So how...''
''Bronze Dwarf Coins! In the past, dwarves used Soul Copper in their metals.''
''Err, Soul Copper?''
''Ah, Soul Copper is a mineral brimming with earth magic. It can be found in veins deep under the surface, but it's a very fragile material. Even skilled elven blacksmiths struggled to refine it... But...''
''If we use metals imbued with earth magic, we could boost the magic found in elven blood?''
''The problem is that the Detection spell only works in a limited area. If you went in blindly, using Soul Copper, you'd soon run out.'' - Whilst the others were discussing, Koharu was thinking to herself - ''Mater mentioned something about a treasure in that dungeon we were all in... I wonder if the coins weren't the treasure, and maybe that's were the Agate Key could be?'' - It was worth a shot, she reckoned, and so, she spoke up...
''Erm, I've been thinking. Mater said she'd heard there was 'treasure' in that dungeon earlier, right? We found the Bronze Dwarf Coins in there, but those coins had only been there a few minutes, maybe even less, so that couldn't have been it... maybe that's where we need to be looking?''
''You mean the dungeon is the Agate Key's hiding place?'' - Suddenly, Lisbeth felt her blood run cold - ''Then... couldn't it already have been taken by that wicked Fallen Elf?''
''No, or at least, I doubt it had, anyway. I had just scouted the Forest Elf base before you arrived, and saw nothing out of the expected.''
''It takes time to smelt Soul Copper, and even more if you are getting it from old bronze coins. This is a gamble, but perhaps the Count's spell will react to Lyusula blood, even without Soul Copper. Kizmel, could you head into the Dark Wetlands, and search for the Agate Key? We'll head near the Kales'Oh base, and try to draw their attention from you.''
''As you wish, however I would like to ask those I trust most to accompany me. Jet, Koharu, would you come with me?''
''Was waiting for you to ask...''
''Yes, we'll help you Kizmel.''
''Me too! No leaving me behind!'' - Yuuki seemed just as happy to getting back to battle, as Jet was expecting by now...
''A hearting request Yuuki, but I'd like to ask you to stay with the Lord Commander.''
Yuuki visibly deflated, and wore a look that resembled a kicked puppy... ''Wha- Why?''
''I trust you, Yuuki. I want you to act as our messenger when the Forest Elves send their troops our way.''
''Yuuki, you're nimble and agile. You can deal with a little danger, and I'll follow your lead.''
''Then how can I say no? I'll come save you if you're in a bind!''
''Then it's settled. The search for the Agate Key in the Dark Wetlands is up to you, Kizmel.'' - The commander saluted the group, before he headed off.
''I feel we should get going. Jet, Koharu, shall we?''
''Off we go... oh, by the way, you two... be safe, will you?'' - Jet saluted towards them, as Yuuki saluted him back. Lisbeth just rolled her eyes, but was appreciative of the concern.
''Same to you.''
As the group wandered through the Wetlands - again - Jet could see that Koharu didn't look too happy, and probably not for the mud this time. ''Something on your mind?''
''No, just... do you think we're actually making a difference?''
''Err, I guess so, yeah. We're, what, six floors up now. I admit, that's not the fastest progress, but we're getting faster at it, I think. What's bought that up to you, anyway?''
''I didn't mean in terms of progress, not really anyway. I more meant in this quest. It doesn't feel like it, every battle just leads to a stalemate, and...''
''I can see why you'd think that. We're not even really supposed to be here, and yet... we've practically become legends in our rights to both sides, for better or worse. I think we've just got to roll with it - not every battle can be won by the same side, right?''
''I guess?''
''Just the way I see it, right - this quest, we aren't supposed to win every battle. We're not the protagonist in some Ace Combat game, and we can't turn the tide of battle, simply by being there. If I had to take a guess, Kayaba wanted to make a simulation of war - a realistic one, sadly, and in reality, two people don't change the tide of war, not right there anyway. It's disheartening, I know Ko, but we'll pull through it, eventually.''
''You sure you aren't a writer IRL?''
''Heh, nope. Just a teenager with a hero complex...'' - Jet smiled sadly.
''I don't think you are- the hero complex bit, I mean. You're my hero, anyway.'' - Had it not been for Kizmel being there - and that they were both supposed to be watching out for enemies - they'd almost certainly have started kissing there and then.
''One of these days, I'm gonna have a massive ego from all the compliments you give me...''
''Or you'll live up to it. I think it'll be the latter.''
''Sorry to interrupt the moment, you two, but have you noticed something about this place?''
''Other than the dank, depressing conditions, and the awful state under foot?''
''It's quiet, Jet. Far quieter than it was earlier... I mean, it'd be nice if it stayed that way until we found the Agate Key, but...'' - And with the tempting of fate complete, fate had decided it wanted to teach the group a lesson...
''Wait, there's someone there.'' - Jet, being the tallest member of the group by a head, poked his around the tree they'd taken shelter behind. Their mystery person wasn't an attacker, a player or a Forest Elf... but a townsperson, holding a small sack, and now running their way... the group held their breath, and the NPC passed them by, still watching his surroundings, albeit not very well, evidently.
Once they'd passed, and the group had regained their breath, Koharu was the first to notice something - ''That's the store owner, right? The one who was collecting the coins?''
''He was holding the money from the sale. So I'd reckon his business partner is further inside.''
''The only question is whether they're a Forest Elf or a Fallen Elf...''
''Either way, I doubt we will be able to avoid battle. Not that we should welcome it though. Let's brace ourselves, and continue.''
After quite a while, the trio had pushed even further into the dungeon than before, and reached a point that Jet reckoned was the deepest it went. The temperature around them had dropped off, and a foul smell was now permeating the air.
''There's more signs of enemy presence. Keep your weapons at the ready.''
''We should probably aim to get the drop on them.''
''Certainly a promising idea. But even better would be getting the Agate Key without running into any trouble...''
''I agree with Kizmel. We want to avoid battle. The Forest Elves are only being used by the Fallen Elves, after all.''
''Yes, but we should prioritise protecting the Sanctuary. We can't misjudge the situation. Although, it would be a great joy to reach a conclusion where those that died said deaths were repaid in some form...''
''Kizmel...'' - Koharu placed her hand on Kizmel's shoulder.
''In any case, completing our mission is work for the living. Let us try the Detection Spell here.'' - A bright light flashed in front of all of them, temporarily blinding Jet and Koharu. When their eyesight had returned moments later, they could see a small light illuminating the path ahead of them. It even seemed like Kizmel was somewhat surprised by the reaction, as she had gone wide eyed too.
''It seems the Agate Key is nearby, likely just ahead, but...'' - Kizmel looked ahead, and noticed a small figure in the distance - ''There are traces of another. Brace yourselves, both of you.''
The trio walked out from the trees to see a Forest Elf Officer stood in front of them, the same one they'd encountered earlier. ''Just when I've at last found the Agate Key... along comes some uninvited guests.''
''Nah, we're the bouncers. Here to kick you out.'' - Jet gave the most fake grin possible.
''Based off that attitude, I assume you were the ones who killed our soldiers. You have some nerve to continue this mindless resistance. The life force of the Kales'Oh Tree sleeps beyond the Sanctuary door. You are not free to abuse it!''
''The Sacred Tree's life force? What do you mean? I thought the Sanctuary seals off a great misfortune...''
''You don't know? Hm, you know nothing, I see. All the more reason I cannot forgive you. I've borrowed some power from some... unsavoury individuals to dispatch you. Your lives end here! FOR KALES'OH!''
The Officer lunged at them, sabre readied. Jet took the first hit, the sabre slamming against his shield *CLANG*, before he pushed the shield and sabre downwards, his Hope slashing the Officer in the chest armour, before he kicked the elf back. Kizmel and Koharu had readied themselves for the counterattack - the pair rushed in, Koharu taking chance of the stagger caused by Jet's defence, releasing a four hit combo on the Officer, which forced him back yet again. Kizmel took the chance, and thrust her sabre into the stomach of her adversary, ending the fight there and then.
''Your majesty... I'm sorry that I failed you.'' - The Forest Elf spluttered, as he fell face first to the floor, and disintegrated into pixels.
''We've recovered the Agate Key. We must tell the Commander at once.'' - Jet picked up the Agate Key, and the trio began to head back to the fields - ''One thing I don't understand though... the Sacred Tree's life force? What was that officer on about?''
''Maybe it was something the Fallen Elves told them?''
''Ah, yes. I hear the Fallen Elves are very good at deception. I'll be careful. Let us leave before any more soldiers arrive...'' - Jet glanced around the trees, and looked down at the floor, and leant over a shining object... - ''What is it, Jet? Oh, it looks like a left over piece of Soul Copper that was used for tracking the Agate Key. I suppose we should take it back with us, else it could be used for evil again.''
The trio headed back into the Wetlands, and thankfully, out of the stench of the dungeon...
''I've sent a messenger to inform the Commander of our success, however that could take a while. You two, can you stand by here. I expect the Commander will have a formal reward for you, but here, I prepared this. I'm giving it to you.''
''Thank you very much. Umm, Kizmel, are you alright?''
''Hm? Thanks to your aid, I wasn't so much as scratched. As I'd expect.''
''Er, that wasn't what I meant. Are you worried about something?''
''I wouldn't go that far. I'm just... (sighs) I'm sorry. I haven't yet put my thoughts in order. You must be tired too, and I know it's not the best place, but I think you should rest too.''
''Eh, it's fine, it's not that-'' - Jet glanced at his clock, which now read 02:19am -''oh.'' - As if to punctuate just how late it was, Koharu started yawning. Kizmel began to walk off, and Jet could hear her mumbling about something, but he couldn't tell what...
Half an hour later...
Koharu awoke from her nap, just as Jet had finished his drink of whatever he'd managed to make that passed for coffee - or an energy drink. ''Morning...'' - she joked. ''Never again will I complain about just having a bed...''
''Yeah, I forgot how much I took that for granted.''
Jet stood up, and looked around them. It was still dark, and it wasn't like the couple were in a safe zone, so being vigilant was a necessity for them. Luckily, the incoming figure was Kizmel, who'd returned from wherever she'd gone.
''I think Yuuki and the others are fine, but since the messenger hasn't returned, we cannot be sure of the situation. I will go and check on them...'' - Jet did another scan of his surroundings quickly, after hearing a small rustling sound.
''We've got compan-ah.'' - Jet felt a metal blade on the back of his neck, and almost immediately decided that standing stock still was the best course of action.
''There's no need to rush... the heroic Forest Elves have them confined, after all.''
''I'd recognise that voice anywhere, Kysala.''
''I don't believe we've been introduced...''
''I'm your conscience, it's been a while, hasn't it?'' - Jet retorted, still feeling the point on his skin... any move could soon be fatal, and yet, he was still feeling confident enough to crack insults at the Fallen Elf.
''Bold talk for someone with a sabre at their spine... how confident would you feel if you were shorter, hmm? Let's say, by perhaps... a head?''
''You'd have to reach it first...'' - Jet dove to the floor, rolling himself over, and retrieving Hope, before getting into a battle stance - ''That was a dirty trick. Next time, at least face your adversary head on...''
''Honour!? Coming from thieves like you! Still, as insufferable as you may be, your interference has proven more useful than I expected. As they say, knowing your enemy is half of the battle...''
''I would be honoured that you're looking for us... but honestly, I'd rather the Daily Mail than you. Might be less lying involved.''
''My whole plan worked. I used a human merchant to drag you out, and put on that little show with the Forest Elves... then I followed you, and waited till you were at your most vulnerable, so as to regain the key.''
''You really do like the sound of your own voice, don't you?''
''So, what will you do?''
''I really cannot have such a weak and foolish race trouble someone so important. I should nip this trouble in the bud now.''
''Worse people than you have tried...''
''I won't let you!'' - Kizmel lunged at Kysala, their blades clashing, before Kysala prevailed, Kizmel being swiftly thrown to the floor. - ''Quite a swordswoman, for a Dark Elf. It's a shame you weren't born as a Fallen Elf instead... or maybe, you'll surrender to us now? I'm sure we could then restore the great power sealed in the Sanctuary, and the magic of the Sacred Lyusala Tree...''
''Enough of your nonsense!''
''Yes, what a shame.'' - The tone that Kysala had was pretty obvious that wasn't the case - ''I can only kill you as an enemy.'' - A thrust from her sabre hit Kizmel, and forced her to the floor, a prime position for a killing blow...
''Koharu. Get Kizmel out of here, and leave this one to me.'' - Jet stepped forward, malice and anger becoming evident in his eyes. ''You. I don't like being played like a fiddle, and I certainly can't stand people who do that, much less those that then hurt my friends... so, let the Knight of the Wind show you what he's made of...''
''Only a fool would stand against me alone.'' - They taunted, as a sabre strike flew towards him.
''First correct thing you've said all day.'' - Jet opened his menu as he dodged a slash, and retrieved his impromptu dagger on a rope, a weapon he'd taken to naming as a chain scythe, and began spinning it around, the blade becoming wildly unstable and unpredictable in it's flight...
For every strike that Kysala successfully blocked, they failed to block another five, and the constant thousand cuts approach began to wear them down, whilst Jet kept himself in positions that they simply couldn't hit - ''Now who's the coward!'' - They screamed in anger, as yet another strike hit them in the shoulder.
''Still you, bitch.'' - Another slash hit Kysala, this time in the eyes, and rendering them blind. ''AAARRRGGHHH! My spell! It should've... YOU SHOULD BE DEAD!'' - They screamed, as they frantically tried to attack, only for a single thrust from Jet's Hope to impale the Fallen Elf through the throat, and take out their HP entirely. ''Knight to Checkmate.'' - Jet pulled Hope back, and the Fallen lived up to their name, as they hit the ground and disappeared with a purple glow...
In the heat of battle, Jet hadn't bothered to check his HP, relying purely on guesswork and adrenaline to keep him going, but right now... he checked, and a nasty surprise awaited him. His HP bar had gone red, and the adrenaline was beginning to wear off, the knight's legs feeling weak, as he fell to his knees panting. ''Is she...''
''Kizmel's fine, so am I.'' - Koharu gave Jet a health potion, and his health went back up into the yellow. Not ideal, but certainly better than where it had been. ''You idiot! You could've died, Jet!'' - Despite her anger, or possibly because of it, Koharu was holding him as tightly as she physically could. Jet daren't say anything else, knowing that a pissed off Koharu was a very dangerous Koharu. Even in a sleep deprived, adrenaline and rage fuelled state, he wasn't that stupid. - ''I know, I'm sorry.''
''That was certainly something. I can't say I've ever seen a weapon like that before...''
''Yeah, nor will you ever again. I think I understand why no one ever made one before... does as much damage to it's user as the person it hits.''
''Please leave the weapon crafting to people who know what they're doing...'' - And as if on cue, Lisbeth and Yuuki arrived, wondering what the hell had just happened - and more importantly, why Jet was covered in red gashes, and completely exhausted.
''Jet... are you okay?''
''Exhausted... could do with a sit down.'' - He coughed, as he fell face first onto the floor in exhaustion.
''Jet, Koharu. I'm sorry for all of this. You were both in danger, because I couldn't hold my own in a fight. I evidently still have a ways to go...''
''Kizmel, losing a fight doesn't make you weak... and if she was using a spell on us, then that put us at a handicap right from the start. I still don't understand how he actually won if that was the case though...''
''Sheer tenacity?'' - Yuuki chirped, almost in adoration...
''Lack of self preservation?'' - Lisbeth chastised, in annoyance at the knight's recklessness.
''Yes, well... I shall go on ahead to the campsite, and report to the commander. Can I ask, which of you has the Agate Key?''
''Jet does.'' - The knight opened his menu, albeit with massive effort, and for the second time today, froze in shock...
''It's... not there.''
{Author's Comments}
The dagger on a stick and chain makes it's second... and final appearance here, as Jet realises just how bad of a weapon it is. Regardless, writing fight scenes is still my weakest part, I think.
Again, very little to be said (now I've gotten the hang of scheduling myself with this, anyway), so as usual - Any reviews, follows, favourites etc are always appreciated
Anyway, signing off
Midland 2541