A/N: Welcome to Okay Writing Simulator, where any perceived writing skill is merely an illusion!
NetherOrbit: #FreeDiafree2k22
Thunderwolf: Thanks man, hope your work's doing well!
Den3424: Please stop stealing my pet hermit crabs. Doc's already done that, doesn't mean you can too! I will hack your Club Penguin account.
Doctor: But...I'm a failtastic belt :( I can't strap anything.
Special thanks to soumilplays03 for their recent favorite! (Sorry for forgetting to thank you! Was a bit quick to post this chapter!)
A dark elf doesn't come with pairs of pointed ears, perverts. If anything, they look pretty alien, having more similarities to octopus than us. Their skin acts as not only a visual, but a sort of textural camouflage, lending to their sneakier, subtlety based societies.
They're equal to average guys in strength, not wimpy like Kobolds. Like the wood elves, The House of Cel doesn't look fondly on them, seeing them as mutations of elf physiology. Pitying them for a condition, it's unsurprising the dark elves see them as condescending, sneering elitists.
EDIT: Please, they're octopus ninjas. Automatic badass points! -Godfree
-Argo, The Beta Tester's Survival Guide. December 13th, 2022
November 15th, 2022
Branches blackened, burning atop an armload of others as stars took over. Crickets sounded off, Yuuki huddled up close to friends from a world whose distance was a mere button from reunion. Siune, a woman of considerable height, slumped her shoulders in an effort to equal Yuuki's, whose bare scalp showed brightly. Jun, a boy with barely a hint of pubescence, performed opposing, trying to extend his own height.
Tecchi sat half covered behind a rectangular shield, barely mobile as his immediate neighbors laughed and talked away what darkness an otherwise quiet forest edge provided. Behind a set of bronze rimmed glasses, Talken shuffled between ingredients, sitting furthest away from every one of his group's females. Nori, a woman of especially thin physique, danced around all of them, her feet never touching ground for more than a few seconds.
"Pretty." Tecchi spoke, his words slow to leave.
"Isn't it?" Siune smiled, fiddling with imaginary hair. "Reminds me of our last trip."
"And now I know what I missed!" Nori said, prancing and dancing. "How're you all tired already? We should be running!"
"How're you not?" Jun said, his voice cracking halfway. "We've been gathering stuff all day."
"It's the wind, I can feel it behind my feet. I've never felt that before. This place, it's so amazing."
"It's true." Talken said, examining a bottle. "I mean look at us, we could never do this back home."
Yuuki smiled weakly, staring at a strong, bright fire.
With so much to see, why would anyone want to close their eyes? There's so much color in the world, I want to see it all.
"Still think you should get your sword back."
"Huh?" Yuuki glanced up, finding Nori with hands on her hips. "Nah, he can keep it."
"C'mon, you're really just gonna let it go? You loved that one."
"I mean, it's not like I need it." Yuuki shrugged, staring at flame. "I should've kept quiet."
"You lie." Tecchi clumsily spoke, his crooked pinkie finger springing a bit. "You're brave, Yuuki."
Siune gently grabbed his shoulder, easing him with a little shake.
"He's not wrong." Jun said. " Why not try and get a new one then? I'd be fine doing the quest for you."
"Ya, we can all go!" Nori hopped. "I can aggro, they'll never catch me!"
Yuuki raised hands weakly.
"Hey, remember-"
"I protect my friends." Tecchi got up, his shield clacking against dead twigs.
"Easy, Tecchi." Siune said. "We have to make sure Yuuki's okay with it first."
"Mm."
Yuuki rubbed the back of her neck, chin lowered. Using her dark blue hair to block sight of them, she crossed arms.
"Guys, I wanna spend more time like this. All of us out here, enjoying what time we have. I don't wanna waste your time."
"Judging by everyone's zeal, Yuuki? I'd say it's worth our time." Siune smiled. "Course now I'm wondering if they have wigs here."
"But last time I did this, there wasn't a risk of dying."
"Since when have you feared that?" Nori smiled. "It's nothing new, let's go for something new."
"I'm not afraid!" Yuuki shot up. "I just...I don't wanna rush it. Why end it quicker than necessary?"
Undissuaded, fixated gazes left Yuuki's arms stiff, her red eyes catching on to a collective goal, bowing her head and laughing weakly.
"Okay, we'll go tomorrow. But watch out, the [Nepenthes] are a little grope happy."
"What's grope happy?" Tecchi stared.
"It means they like touching inappropriately." Siune spoke with hesitation. "Which shouldn't be too big a problem, these clothes cover a lot."
"Ya, I remember how flustered you got last time we tried a fantasy game." Nori laughed. "You weren't okay with showing anything!"
Siune's lips pressed.
"Nope."
"So where does it start?" Talken said. "Best we know."
"Harunka Village." Yuuki smiled. "Should be a few hours walking there."
"Still mad there're no horses." Jun brushed his light brown, bowl shaped hair. "Love horses."
Evergreen trees swayed as coastal air brushed by, a lingering caution meager in everyone's heart. As silence and slumber took course, peace turned unscrupulous, capricious. Resting in a bag nestled beside a tree, a chill ran through Yuuki's uncovered arms.
Just how long is this gonna go for? Am I ever gonna be able to hug my friends again?
November 16th, 2022
Morning arrived without any interruption, Yuuki's group waking to a fog ridden wood, moisture returning to sea. Rushing out of his sleeping bag, Jun put his back to a tree, his hand checking where he marked.
"Almost."
"Still gonna call you teddy." Nori said, leaning against an adjacent plant. "Even if you're seven feet tall."
Jun's brief chuckle brought Yuuki to examine.
"Wow, half an inch already." she said. "You're doing great! How's coordination?"
"Well, I feel less tired." Jun smiled to Yuuki. "Not Nori level active, but it's a good start."
"And how's your tummy?" Yuuki leaned on one side, hand on her hip.
"No pain, but not hungry either."
"Awesome!" she nodded, looking back. "Siune! He's not hungry!"
"Good, cause Tecchi is."
Yuuki turned away, returning to where food was prepared, hands warm.
Jun's leukemia isn't acting up, just hope it lasts. It was three months, least his doctor said. Jun said he'll make it six, he promised.
Siune smiled as Yuuki sat beside her, Yuuki bowing her head softly.
Chemotherapy should've given her more time, she's such an amazing person. She's been like a mother for Tecchi, ever since his parents left him at our hospital. I'd take her place, but I'd have no idea where or how to start.
"Mm, that smells good." Nori said, hopping to a squatted position beside Yuuki. "Ready to get it back?"
"Yea." Yuuki grinned. "It's got this blue-ish touch to it, very pretty in sunlight."
Nori, been jumping around ever since she got here. She'd always be asking for a trip to a store, any store, anywhere she could take her wheelchair. Parkinson's, robbing her of spirit and body since she was diagnosed. Ten, not even a year later. All she wants to do is run, jump, like a stallion.
Breakfast was finished, with Tecchi being it's heaviest consumer, gobbling down portions as others watched, smiling as he cheerfully wolfed down what others couldn't finish. Talken sat back, reading as usual with heavily bagged eyes.
"Hey Talken, what page are you on?" Yuuki said softly.
"Um." he checked. "Thirty three."
"Cool, what's happened in this story?"
Talken stopped, looking up towards clouds. Soft exhales left Yuuki, who nodded and redirected her attention.
He always ends up back on page thirty five, no matter how fast he reads. FFI, also known as Fatal Familia Insomnia. He can barely remember anything. Talken, I wish I could have one look in your mind, so I could have a chance at understanding what goes on in there.
"Okay, ready." Tecchi rose. "Come on, guys."
"See, Tecchi's with it!" Nori leaped up.
"Alright, to Harunka!" Yuuki raised a fist.
Items were hastily packed, Talken's yawns growing in frequency as efforts were made to head east. Fog remained as they stumbled over leaf ridden soil. While Aincrad's sun rose, it could only peep between trees, whose branches intertwined, living and dead. Silence rested deep in clouds of borrowed condensation. Eyes of Yuuki's and others couldn't stay still, rotations made to seek deception. While no members visited Tolbana in recent days, news of crazed hordes left all trembling.
Their minds digressed, bringing to life sights of dozens, hundreds of mangled beings. With sight limited, profound imagination led with quickening steps. Wolves sprung from pockets of sightless wood, giving twitching members a tangible thing. Six members slaughtered every wolf they found, clawing for an assurance of sovereignty. None was received, their minds leaving lips licked, shoulders tightened, and bodies shrunk. Yuuki shivered, her hand latched around a hip sheathed sword.
Keep it together Konno, they're counting on you.
"It's alright guys, we're close to a road."
"Yea!" Nori sped up. "We've got this!"
A low groan washed over them, a concussive wave rolling through their bodies slowly. Deeper than a teetering great tree, a throaty creak in its resonance left every member stunned, dissipating after dozens of seconds passed. Distant packs of wolves howled away, though they failed to hold tune as long as their competition. As both died down, it left a space of foreboding peace. Yuuki's party broke into rapid breathing, heads turning at what shook their hearts. Grabbing onto Siune, Tecchi with all of his height was no better.
"Siune, what's that?"
Siune bounced from his touch, her face pale.
"Don't worry about it, Tecchi."
Yuuki's red eyes turned bright as torches, damp as she recoiled from a resonating frequency wholly unknown.
Was that a monster? It's gotta be, they wouldn't make something sound that loud and not be. There's something out there I never want to see, lest I meet things far stronger than any of us.
With hastened steps, trees grew sparse, a familiar cobbled road displaying as fog drew further seaward. Nori wasted no time, returning to where she could see. Her exceptional dedication to [Agility] led her zipping to clearer space, revealing sweat despite a lack of exertion.
"Okay, we're camping in the grass tonight." she said, waving her hands. "I'm not dealing with that again."
"Yea." Tecchi shivered. "That was scary."
"Felt more intriguing to me, but I'm fine with that too." Talken shrugged.
Jun said nothing, his face remaining pallid.
"Well, at least we're okay. Right, guys?" Siune said. "We're on the road again, it's a bright, beautiful day, and I'm totally begging you to please move, oh god why're we still standing here?"
Turning northeast, they followed up Starting Town's main road. Pastures of bright green swayed, isolated trees standing firm. Mountains of great height loomed north, some of their many faces untouched by a still rising sun. While another forest lurked further east, gulps from members left a stagnant ambiance. While efforts were made to reach Starting Town's eastern forest, none were found without dragging feet.
Yuuki's eyes turned south, her mouth dry as eroded stone. Stone walls beckoned, offering safety in a world devoted to ending their lives. Before them, a naturally formed chasm of cellulose-composed darkness. Branches of trees outstretched, wrestling with foregone brethren, whose tightly packed neighbors kept them standing too long. Out of dead trunks hatched new life, vines breaking out of crackling, dry husks.
Moving beneath a ceiling of leaves, Yuuki glanced around. Jun had little color restored, his breathing shallow as he stared back at her with wavering brown eyes. Nori kept a jog, forcing out a weak smile as she waved others on to follow. Siune helped guide Tecchi, whose gait remained awkward, his mouth partly agape as his wider than natural face gazed emptily.
Talken remained fluid and slight in his motions, pausing only to pluck plants he deemed familiar or if not, friendly looking. A smell wafted in, a lithe stack of smoke. While Yuuki grinned with sweaty palms, a lack of ordinary audio cues left her smile controlled, lowering as nothing changed.
"Hang on a second, guys." Yuuki waved them to stop, continuing forward. "Something isn't right."
"Uh, what makes you think that?" Jun paused.
"I've been here before, it'd be around here I'd hear chickens."
Yuuki departed, her walk turning to a brisk jog, following a new scent ahead. Harunka Village was found, its log walled homes and streets empty. Domestic creatures were nowhere to be found. Chicken pens were empty, no eggs present. Entering a home, Yuuki's breath hitched. A desecration of order had taken place, wooden planks torn to shreds. Interior walls were ripped out, inviting clouds of dust to a house who only days ago was recognizable to Yuuki. This was where she received the quest, to earn her [Anneal Blade]. No candle burned, broken glass peppering kitchen floors.
Above all else, not a soul called out.
"Hello?" Yuuki said, whipping her gaze around.
No reply was made. Mother and daughter, both gone, not a drop to indicate foul play. Her friends arrived minutes later, their eyes widened as each home was inspected. Nothing.
"The hell happened here? Were they attacked?"
Yuuki opened a message for a friend.
[To Oran: Hey Oran. If a battle's occurred, does anything stick around? Or does it all get cleaned?]
Moments passed with no sign of an immediate response. Closing her menu, Yuuki looked Harunka's water well.
"I'm asking Oran, see if there's anything in that?"
Jun rushed over, though yawned upon reaching it. Weakness had already returned, his condition callous to his wishes. Looking down, two entities were apparent. While ubiquitous water of a decently clean nature resided, a moss had grown along patches of its stone walls. Poking barely out from liquid surface, Jun merely shrugged, turning away.
"It's clean."
"Why're we here again?" Talken said, arms crossed. "This's just a bit creepy for me."
Minutes later, a caravan of players arrived, crates hitched shoddily to their backs. With news reaching their ears, their cargo was dropped, pried open without hesitation.
"Aren't you at all curious what happened here?" Siune said.
"Why? We just got free items."
Their security detail, however, investigated further. With [Halberds] lowered, every building was checked before they returned, glaring at Yuuki.
"Ma'am, we're going to ask that you come with us."
Yuuki's hands raised, eyes bulging.
"W-Wait, I just got here!"
"Relax. We just need you to answer some questions, Wudramor will need to know everything."
All members of Yuuki's group complied, obfuscating any need for restraints. Brought back to Starting Town's Black Iron Palace, Yuuki's throat constantly gulped. Placed in a small room in a remote corner of a fortress, footsteps were her only real cue for her questioner. a thick door latch opened, heavy metal boots clunking behind and around, a familiar figure sitting.
"Have we met?"
Yuuki gazed briefly at Wudramor, his skin forming several rocky patches around in his face, color fluctuating to ashen grays. His eyes remained a candlelight yellow, eyebrows level and voice flat.
"Yes, sir." Yuuki said. "Two days ago, I was saved by your guards."
"Hm, okay then." his hands crossed, rested on their shared table. "Did you see where they went?"
"No, it was too late when we arrived."
Wudramor nodded, his armor clacking.
"Why were you heading there?"
Yuuki rubbed her chin, brushing away dark blue hairs.
"We were looking to do a quest, get a new sword. See I lost one two days ago."
Wudramor's eyes sparked.
"Would it happen to be an [Anneal Blade]?"
Yuuki paused, hands warming.
"Do you have it?"
Wudramor looked over her shoulder, his eyes lowering.
"Where did you get it?"
"Oh it's uh, the first house west of their central well. I got for helping deliver medicine. The owner's daughter, she was sick."
Wudramor wrote further, Yuuki witness to a gradual chill.
"Have you ever encountered Kobolds prior to this?"
"No, sir."
"Have you committed any violent crimes?"
"Nope."
He nodded, fiddling with his utensil before leaning forward.
"You're going to listen to me very carefully." he looked past her momentarily. "Are you aware of current legal status regarding that weapon?"
Yuuki shook her head, heart slowing, stomach dipping.
"It has been deemed by this town's governance to be an item of illegitimate origin. Possession, exchange, and or use of such a tool is punishable with up to ten years in prison."
Yuuki's back stiffened, his words hitting her like bullets to the stomach.
"I didn't know." she frowned. "Please, I was given it as a-
He held up a hand, leaning closer.
"What is your name?"
"Y-Yuuki."
He nodded, leaving her alone without another word, locking the door with a firm click. Shivering alone in a fancy cell, Yuuki's fingers bit into wood.
Please spare me, my friends need me. I didn't mean anything wrong, I can't afford twenty years in a jail cell!
Bringing knees to her chest, Yuuki hid her mouth as she stared at hard, cold floors. Her heart raced with every footstep, eyes watching, ears perked for any minute click. Windowless, only a candle presented effulgence, its flame dancing softly in a draftless box. Imagery of iron bars brought her to tears, helpless to change a rule set without any knowledge. Seconds stretched thin, Yuuki's mind drawing pictures of chains around her wrists, subject to another's will. Color drained, a cold sweat taking over. Only after minutes, did another click steal her focus, Wudramor stepping inside again.
"Sorry for the wait, had to clear up a few matters."
Yuuki's legs dropped, adjusting herself.
"I know, it's a bit cold in here." he sat. "I do my best to keep matters such as these speedy."
Yuuki simply stared at him, red eyes damp. Exhaling, his hands rested.
"Your record looks clean, even helped a few of us around town. I'm going to forget you ever 'found' this weapon, only that an informant spoke of its origin."
"But where're the villagers?" Yuuki lifted her head. "Are they gonna be okay?"
Wudramor sighed, his skin turned a light blue, smooth in texture.
"I can't promise anything, only that I'll do my best to learn more. Mean time, I'd like to ask something of you. In exchange for this pardon."
Coldness left Yuuki's core, coiled body resting against her chair.
"What can I do?"
"My son, Aeson has been missing for weeks. I know it might be too much to ask, but I'd have nothing else to balance this."
"No, I'll do it." Yuuki leaned forward. "Me and my friends, we can do this."
Wudramor restored to a dark pigmentation, smiling slightly.
"If you could do that, I'd be forever grateful. Sadly with everything going on, my hands have been tied."
"Don't worry, Captain. I promise you, I'll give it everything I've got."
Let back outside of Black Iron Palace, Yuuki paused to gaze at Starting Town's sunlit streets.
Maybe I should train first, those creeps tore through a town by themselves. Ugh, but I wanna have a break!
[From Oran: I don't know, but you can message Kibaou or Lind. They were present during that.]
"Yuuki!"
Friends rushed from all sides, hugging Yuuki tightly before releasing all together.
"What took you so long? You were in more than us!" Jun said.
"Sh!" Yuuki raised a finger to her lips. "It's a bit sensitive right now. Who's up for shopping?"
"You're not gonna train?" Talken said. "I mean, that's what Siune said you wanted to do."
"Yea, that can wait."
"That's okay." Siune nodded. "Tecchi wanted to see the beach some more, so I guess we'll catch up later."
"Aw, no one wants to come with me?" Yuuki frowned.
"Not to be rude, Yuuk' but you shop really slowly."
"Yea, I could never keep up." Jun shifted, brushing his light brown hair.
"Ah, I'm teasing you guys." Yuuki winked. "I'll be around the plaza, gonna duel when I'm done."
Goodbyes were exchanged, Yuuki briskly turning west for Starting Town's major market. Green [Vendor Carpets] lined patches of open space, players taking up a [Tailor] trade hanging up various clothes and accessories in open sun. Spotting blouses, skirts, and tops of many hues, she was quickly engulfed, examining herself in several patterns using [Preview] options.
"I'm telling you, Lis. You look great in that!"
"Aye, but it's as showy as a cheap date."
An eyebrow raised on Yuuki's face, an unfamiliar accent resonating.
What kind of guttural speech is that?
Standing across from Yuuki, a pair of women tried on apparel. A pair of brunettes, one of a ginger color tone, and other of rich Earth. Wearing a thigh high hoop skirt, the freckled one constantly readjusted, lowering it with swift tugs. A strong odor, however, kept Yuuki from making an initial approach.
"Oh don't say that, Lizzy. You gotta be a bit showy to get guys to buy."
"Buy what, a night in the hay?"
Asuna laughed, covering her mouth with a fist.
"No, to buy weapons, silly."
"fine, but why this skirt? Half a Glasgow can see up this."
"Where?"
"Capital o' Scotland."
"Oh, you've been to Akihabara, haven't you?" Asuna tilted her head.
"Aye, a few times."
A smile grew on Yuuki's face, feet turning to creep up on Lisbeth.
"Well if the maids' style lends any ideas on what sells."
Lisbeth groaned.
"Aye, yer right."
"Hello, Miss Exotic." she leaned, eyeing her bust momentarily.
Lisbeth turned rapidly, arms back and eyes bright.
"Oi, I'm only surplus!"
"Oh sorry, didn't mean to startle you." Yuuki laughed. "I'm Yuuki. Was just noticing the dress, lower the back."
A soft squeal from Lisbeth was followed with rapid yanks, cursing up a storm harsher than a hurricane. Asuna exhaled softly, turning to Yuuki with a soft wave.
"It's alright, I guess Lis' just a bit unsure of herself." Asuna bowed. "I'm Asuna, it's nice to meet you."
"Speaking of beautiful!" Yuuki bowed in kind. "Where do you come from?"
Asuna frowned.
"Don't start. Lis, it's okay."
"Oi, but they'll see me legs!" Lis whimpered.
"Like they'd be that lucky." Yuuki snorted.
A pause in Lisbeth's speech brought silence between them.
"So, what're a pair of models like you doing out here?" Yuuki winked.
"Shaggin' yer wife." Lisbeth's face reddened. "Let's return the dress, Asuna."
"Actually, how about a challenge?" Asuna grinned.
"Eh?" Lisbeth's back straightened, arms crossing.
Yuuki watched them both with unwavering focus, beaming at what energy lingered.
"First? Sell stuff for a week without the dress. Next week, sell with it. If the first week sells more, you win. If not, I win. Oh, and schedules can't differ."
"Um." Lisbeth stood still. "What happens if you win?"
"Oh, you have to keep wearing it for business."
Yuuki witnessed a fist clench.
"You be a bleedin' devil to lay down a bet like this."
Asuna kept her stare.
"Fine, but I'm only wearing this for business. I like skirts closer to me legs, Feels like I'm wearin' a parachute!"
"Please, you look great." Asuna nodded. "How about the red one? I saw you looking."
"Oh for the love of-" Lis shook her head.
"What, you clearly love it!"
"Cause I can't...afford it right now."
A spontaneous frown on Lis' face left a ripple through Yuuki's subconscious.
Why's she so tense?
"Aw, it's okay." Asuna drew money. "Consider it a gift."
"Mm..." Lisbeth watched.
"You'd look gorgeous in that!" Yuuki elbowed. "Why so defensive?"
"It's not earned." Lisbeth glanced. "Asuna, if you do that, you can't say no when I do it back. Okay?"
"Relax, you're so anxious." Asuna giggled.
"Course I'm anxious." Lisbeth muttered. "Got no money to do anything..."
An exchange of Cor concluded Asuna's decision, who passed a medium length red skirt to Lisbeth.
"Oi, thank you." Lisbeth bowed her head. "I...frankly didn't deserve this. I appreciate it, really."
"Now for some yuri!' Yuuki put an arm around both.
"What?" Asuna blushed.
"Nah, not into that." Lisbeth looked to Yuuki with alertness. "But you can take her, if ya like."
"Lisbeth!"
"What, she's clearly horny as a bunny."
"Okay fine, Lis has me there." Yuuki shrugged.
"Nope, perfume time!" Asuna tugged free. "Lis, what you've got's a little strong."
"I know." Lisbeth lowered her head. "It's all I could afford."
"But Leopon said you were farming wolves with her a couple days ago."
"Spent it all to get me blacksmithin' stuff." Lisbeth looked away. "Starting's not cheap."
"Ooh. Ya, that makes sense."
Yuuki stuck with them as they walked west.
"I like you two, trying to have fun and all."
"It's what keeps us sane." Asuna smiled. "Lis' been enjoying this, up until the skirt thing."
Walking over to another store, Lisbeth glanced to Asuna.
"So Asuna, are you and Tai...a thing?"
"Oh we're just friends, why?"
Yuuki stepped closely, listening in.
"He keeps lookin' at me, like shaggin' me's high on his list."
"Ugh, sorry about that." Asuna facepalmed. "Tai's kinda got a thing for love, any girl he meets is like 'hi!'"
"Ooh, what's he like?" Yuuki elbowed Lis.
"Tall, really tall." Lisbeth looked up, rubbing her chin. "Thin, like an athlete sort of thin."
"He's a boxer back home." Asuna smiled. "Was doing it since highschool."
"Ooh, tall tough guy and short cutie?" Yuuki grinned. "Ship it!"
"Nah." Lisbeth laughed weakly. "Ain't me type."
"True, guys like Kuradeel make it a bit unfair." Asuna eyed away.
Lisbeth shrugged, looking to Yuuki.
"Got a weapon that needs fixin'? Kinda need to get started."
"Sure do, babe." Yuuki winked.
Lisbeth raised an eyebrow, laughing a second later.
"God, yer like me Dad. Always such a flirt."
"Found one, Lizzy!" Asuna grabbed Lis' hand.
"Okay!"
Dragged off into an indoor store, Lisbeth was forced to put away her mallet. About to follow them inside, Yuuki stopped when a erratic noise reached her ear, something toppling over. A few meters away, a boy in purple and orange was pressed against a wall, a group of three guys prying him away from a wooden palette.
"You monkey, we asked for a discount. This isn't your country!"
"B-But I need to eat too!"
"When our people are struggling to find a bed to stay in? Not surprising, you Chinese are selfish."
Yuuki's eyes lit, quickly approaching upon recognition. Wick was caught, his captors whaling on him with uncoordinated fists.
"Hey, cut it out!" Yuuki said, scrambling behind them.
Wick's abusers turned to her, blinking.
"Why are you going against your own kind?"
"Why're you bullying people for being different?" she stood upright.
Their bodies quivered, putting Wick down before stepping away.
"What've our women become?"
Falling on his knees, Wick gasped, dusting his colorful clothes before asserting a stance, looking down to her from his lanky height.
"Are you okay, Wick?" Yuuki stroked her eyebrow.
"Think so, thanks foh that."
Wick's stereotypical Brooklyn accent brought Yuuki back, two days having passed since their last meeting.
"Gotta say, it's easy to see you with those clothes on." she looked to his jacket. "Why do you wear them anyway?"
"Uh, style? I dunno, I always liked the mix of purple n' ohange." he blushed.
"Ha, cause it sure doesn't go with the whole stealth style you like. So what're you doing out here?"
"Painting pictuhes for people, hoping someone will buy them. How about you?"
"Oh I was gonna duel people for some experience with swordplay."
"Why? Lookin' foh a fight ain't wise."
"Mm." Yuuki gulped. "Ya, see the sword on my hip?"
"Mhm."
"This's my backup. A bandit leader named Allston took my weapon in exchange for my life."
"Oh, any idea where the player hangs out?"
Yuuki again paused, pacing back and forth between hip sides.
"See...it wasn't a player. He was an elf." Yuuki straightened her back. "Anyway! Gonna be going back to dueling, in fact I'll pick someone from out here!"
"Um, you suhre that's a good idea?" Wick frowned.
"Course it is, I'll keep it at First Strike."
A jolt of warmth sprung in her chest, red eyes swerving to find a competitor. While many stood, her sights set on one of average height. Hunched over, his thin shoulders and small brown eyes fixated back on her.
"Hey, wanna duel?" Yuuki called over.
Hands in his pockets, he stepped casually over to her before stopping, eyeing her weapon.
"Melee? I mean, I could...but that's more of Lox's thing. I'm an archer, you see."
"Bring him out then, I'll handle whatever he throws at me."
A brief wheezing laugh left him.
"Okay then." He looked further away. "Lox!? Someone wants to duel!"
Yuuki's knees bent for a second, swearing stone rumbled below her. From dozens of heads, a monster stepped forth. Over seven feet in height, not a single man or woman stood remotely similar in mass, Wick's eyes bulging as he stepped back.
"Damn."
Yuuki's legs froze as Lox bloated out Aincrad's sun, a night-like shadow enshrouding her. His icy blue eyes and sweeping blonde hair and beard paired with gargantuan muscle and fat, his hands gloved.
"This one." Lox's friend nodded.
Lox raised an eyebrow, his breathing as audible as a small bear's.
"You?"
Yuuki smiled sheepishly, her shoulders dropped.
"Ya..."
Wick glanced to her.
"Yuuki-"
"I know."
"Very well, we settle this quick." Lox stepped back, sending Yuuki a duel request as others cleared out of his way.
Beads of sweat ran as his request arrived, Yuuki's red eyes glossy.
Oh Konno, you really outdid yourself this time. Can't back down, I already lost too many times to play chicken.
Exhaling, she bit her tongue, hitting [Accept].
"Yuuki!" Asuna said, walking in with Lisbeth beside her. "Wha-wait, what're you doing?"
Yuuki drew her bronze [Arming Sword], its profile comical in size compared to her opponent, who simply raised fists.
"Taking on the best defense in town." Lox's friend said, smiling slight. "Amazing too, apparently this beast comes from Iceland. No idea what they've fed him."
"Iceland?" Lis quivered. "Oh cripe."
"I'm clueless." Asuna looked to Lis.
"Imagine Thor, only real."
A gong rung, Lox crashing forward with a leap of alarming speed, onlookers stumbling from tremors rippling through pavement as Yuuki ran back.
"You've got this, Yuuki." Yuuki said to herself, her feet gluing to Earth. "It's just you and a small, angry bear."
Lox rushed her with long reaching kicks, swift punches with arms as long as her whole body, Yuuki on full retreat as stone cracked around her. Dust and chunks flew with every failed strike, her heart racing as he stepped in, unfazed by her quick swings.
"Sword looks like a toy!"
Lox let Yuuki sweep, only to grab her arm, yanking her up without use of his off-hand.
"You're pretty, no face for you."
Lox slugged Yuuki in the thigh, ending their duel with her whole body pitching like a trebuchet. Frowning and breathing, she stared helplessly at what held her with leather covered hands. Lox lowered her gently, his hand patting before turning away with his friend.
"Merser, they're crazy."
"I know, big guy. Don't worry, I've got your back."
"Yuuki!" Wick scrambled forward, checking her along with Asuna and Lis.
Sitting down and curling up, Yuuki stared off towards buildings.
I keep losing, but I don't even know where to begin.
"Don't worry, I've got pots." Lis drew, mending Yuuki's sole wound.
"That could've gone better." Asuna grimaced. "Try again, Yuuki. Preferably someone your size."
Yuuki glanced to Asuna, but sighed upon returning her gaze.
"How about I build ya somethin'?" Lis said. "There're plenty of weapons you can wield besides an [Armin' Sword]."
Yuuki said nothing, remaining curled up.
"He should've known he was bigger." Wick said, eyes unfocused.
Someone else stepped forward, armor clacking at his approach.
"Saw your fight, short as it was."
Yuuki glanced up, a tanned figure of average stature and chiseled features looking down.
"Aye, he saw whatcha did there." Lis giggled.
"Lis." Asuna swerved.
"How about I teach you how to win?"
Red eyes lit, Yuuki's attention stolen. Wick's focus honed, cheeks flushing at her newest acquaintance.
"What's your name?" Yuuki said.
"Ithe, yours?" he raised his chin.
"Yuuki, do you mean it though?"
"Yea, your style's plain embarrassing."
"Oh ya?" Yuuki's gaze sharpened.
Wick got up, glancing to Asuna and Lisbeth with a flare in his eyes, walking away as Yuuki conversed.
Knight Captain Berec, his name keeps popping up in current folklore, old medals too. All we know so far is he was a fantastic knight during the Congregate's time in Aincrad. Whatever became of him, nobody knows, though rumor has it he's still alive to this day.
If he has, we'd definitely have a powerful ally on our side. Wondering still more, does he like cats?
-Argo, The Beta Tester's Survival Guide. January 13th, 2023
A/N: Wick keeps getting skimmed, Yuuki keeps getting thrashed, and Lisbeth keeps anxious, another day in Demon Slayer!
Hey guys, sorry for the slightly late entry. Had to make sure quality was maintained. Reviews are highly sought after, so every single one counts!
See you next week, guys!