A/N: Demon Slayer, paying respects to the lives lost in 9/11 and the brave emergency operators. Last but not least, praise to Robert J. O'Neill for avenging the thousands by slaying Bin Laden!
Theawesomess: Can't wait to hear music from you!
NetherOrbit: Hope Yuuki pulls it together :D
Den3424: I assure you, Tai and Aigen are quite occupied
Thunderwolf: That's what they all say :3
Doctor: Yuuki is not a banana!
Bitchbot: Want Garr and Lis romance? What? XD
Enjoy!
November 21st, 2022
Time dragged around Yuuki, her bronze [Arming Sword] flying forward like a [Spear] towards Allston's face.
Die...die...die so my friends can rest.
With widened brown eyes, he leaned away, base instincts seeking preservation. Her blade met flesh, but its reward ended in moments, gliding past a sliced cheek.
"Cel!" Allston threw backwards, crawling away on his back with hand on mouth.
With her opponent's axes laying on leaves, Yuuki stepped forward, raising her sword like a Preying Mantid's arms.
"Wait, stop!" Allston splayed a hand, "I don't have your sword!"
Yuuki's feet slowed in their approach, but her eyes and smile remained steadfast.
"I g-gave it away," he scrambled back, "I can tell you who though!"
Fingers tightened, sword shaking as Yuuki's ears tuned.
"C-Cogitant Yole, that old cog-blocker! Said it was a forbidden blade, so I gave it, didn't want trouble with my boss!"
Her feet scraped to a stop, absorbing what was given.
Wait, Allston worked for the Church of Cel? The same church that gave these drinks? Why? Should I go after this Yole?
With a whipping fly right, Allston's legs swept wide, knocking Yuuki off her feet. Her clattering weapon made way, his return in stature guaranteed. His rant ended, his retreat sounded off with scampering boots. While Yuuki scrambled behind him, men of his personal retinue repelled her with shield and iron-headed mace.
Yuuki's area quieted as a desperate skirmish concluded. Trees of a previously brown exterior were darkened, Earth's canvas to an image drawn by strife. Shaking uncontrollably, she fell on her knees, but remained blank in expression as her sword touched soil. While Ithe and Leafa regrouped, both were left scratched and bruised.
"Oh man," Leafa frowned, examining her [Katana], "gonna need a blacksmith."
"Right," Recon clasped his hands loudly, "folks, it's been nice meeting you all, but Leafa and I are done."
"Really, already?" Ithe turned tiredly, "With my helmet?"
"Hey," Recon splayed limp hands, "gotta keep you honest somehow."
From her kneeling position, Yuuki swayed softly.
Why didn't I kill him?
"You saying I'm dishonest?" Ithe turned, eyes directed on Recon as he stepped closer.
"No," Recon stepped aside, keeping close to Leafa, "I'm merely saying people don't keep their word."
Ithe slowed, nodding.
"Ya, thought so."
"Great," Recon smiled weakly, "Come on, Leafa."
Leafa hesitated, looking to Ithe with soft eyes.
"Wanna friend? It's not often I get to meet another uh, not swordsman...it's."
"Swordsman's fine," Ithe smiled, exchanging invites.
Wick watched with bright purple eyes, fingers twitching as she concluded her trade. Glancing back at him, however, Recon stopped.
"Actually, Wick? Wanna come with?"
"Huh?" Wick stiffened for a moment.
"Reasonable people aren't common. Once we find Leafa's cousin, we plan to take things easy. Explore, sightseeing, have an adventure."
"Yea!" Leafa hopped, "Recon promised we'd find cute pets too."
While seeing her smile warmed Wick, his gaze reverted to a kneeling Yuuki, glancing momentarily to Leafa again.
If I go with them, I might find that inspiration, a hero for my comic, a story. Yuuki needs help though, she lost all of her friends, alone...
Asuna strode by, seating herself gently beside Yuuki. Staring out towards fog filled woods together, she exhaled softly.
"You wanna talk?"
Yuuki turned her face, looking halfway at Asuna with pressed lips.
"I get it, I'm a stranger and all...but you look hurt."
Asuna watched as Yuuki's red eyes returned to facing grey clouded trees.
"You said you lost a friend," Asuna scooted closer, "I..."
Without further warning, Yuuki broke down. Wailing softly, she curled up into a ball, knees bending as she shut out the world. Easing herself closer, Asuna put an arm around Yuuki's shoulders, rocking her gently.
"Can I stay with you?"
"Why?" Yuuki cried, "I'm going crazy!"
Wick watched with a frozen gaze, Ithe looking away with a heavy expression. Recon glanced at his wrist for a second, keeping hands cupped around wrists as Leafa silently viewed.
"No," Asuna stroked her hair, "you're just mourning. What I think you need right now is a friend."
Yuuki simmered, an eye peeking open.
"Why not we go together?" Asuna grabbed Yuuki's hand, "Being alone will only make things worse."
Yuuki's fingers quickly engulfed Asuna's, otherwise saying nothing. Glancing back to the others, Asuna smiled.
"Where will the rest of you go?"
"Well, I..." Ithe paused, glancing around, "I was hoping I could train Yuuki some more, she's got some talent."
"Alright," Asuna nodded before glancing to Wick.
With pressure came a crushing of Wick's guts, his back compressing against an imaginary tree.
I don't wanna abandon Yuuki, but I feel completely out of place. What am I supposed to say to someone who lost so much? While Leafa might seem more stable, she seems to associate with Ithe easier.
With eyes on him from both sides, Wick's feet planted.
"Um," he twisted a shoe, "I'll have to stay. Sorry, but Yuuki needs help and I'd be a terrible friend if I just stepped away."
"That's cool," Recon shrugged, "Leafa?"
"Ready!" she turned.
With two members of their group vanishing west, Yuuki watched as Wick sat nearby.
Fool.
Asuna helped Yuuki to her feet, coaxing by hand away from trees and fog, out of dreary woods. Marching behind them, Ithe glanced to Wick before whispering.
"Dude's not gonna sell my helmet, right? I have a Roman theme going here and now I'm stuck with this ugly ass cap."
A quick glance skyward left Wick a moment to ponder.
"How much would it cost to get back?"
"It's a quest item."
"Ugh," Wick facepalmed, "He probably is."
"Not happening!" Ithe raced out.
Sun Dancer
November 22nd, 2022
Oran sat firmly on a fallen log, head hung, faced towards a crackling fire. Resting beside Graye, his eyes shook, a few stray wooden darts sticking out of moonlit snow. Their meager height grew as he looked, their tips forming spearheads. Hearing weapons draw, they closed tight, waiting to hear another cry, another shattering.
"Graye?"
Graye glanced over softly, his green eyes lighting from their shared campfire, huddled in a big purple blanket.
"Hm?"
Oran gulped, eyes setting to shadowy trees, tall and imposing under a half moon.
"Am I...a pansy?"
"No," Graye softened his voice, "Not at all. Why?"
Oran checked his surroundings, their nearest comrades several feet away.
"I wanna go," he bit his lip, voice hushed, "This's getting hairy and...I don't know if we're gonna make it."
Graye bit his tongue, easing his stifled breath as he stared at hundreds of tents surrounding Castle Diebry's entrance.
If he's scared...then how does he think I feel?
"For two days we've been constantly under attack. Ilioc's Bobbies, Illfang's muppets. All that and we get nobody competent. Bloody Japs mean well, but they can't fight for shiet."
"Sh," Graye glanced around, "Oran, you can't be saying stuff like that."
"Why? It's not like I'm gonna live long enough to pay."
"Stop talking like that," Graye turned, "Oran, do you really take your life so cheaply?"
His English friend stopped, brushing back his blonde hair.
"Mate, don't you have family? Friends?"
"Family," Oran repeated, "You mean me, right?"
"What do you mean?" Graye leaned off, "You said you were rich, had an estate from having family in the booze industry."
"Yea, doesn't mean I know 'em."
Graye stopped, watching Oran.
"I won't bog you down, Graye. I'm it, unless you count my two brothers. You know what? Let's count 'em, poor bastards have it worse."
"I'm...sorry," Graye looked away, "I...I didn't know."
"Like I said, it's fine. Least I didn't have a Catholic house forcing shit down my neck, rough lot you had there."
Graye shrugged, snow sprinkling over patches of their shared log seat.
"I mean," Graye spoke carefully, "you're important to me, mate. You're a sweet guy, always cracking a joke."
Oran's lips remained sealed, a cold breeze stirring Graye.
"I'd miss you," Graye nodded, "You know that, right mate?"
Oran shook his head, saying nothing more. As silence fell, however, something touched Graye's hand, warm too. Looking down, a pair of plain, shiny, hole-less donuts nudged, their surfaces darkly coated.
"Oran," Graye's voice softened, touching it.
[Custard Filled Donut - C Class Treat]
"You got my favorite," Graye's face shined, wheezing a bit as he took them.
"Figured you'd like these," Oran rocked in his spot slightly, "Don't you dare say you owe me."
"But," Graye glanced, "I thought you spent that money on a date."
Oran shook his head gently.
"Graye, you and your moral code can piss off three days a week," he chuckled, "But really, I appreciate you, mate."
A warmth sparked between them, Graye punching Oran's shoulder as pain dissipated.
"That's okay," Graye blushed, "Every new girl I see you with leaves me closer to strangling ya!"
"Elf women are bangin' though," Oran laughed, "You can't deny-oh wait."
Graye's chuckles echoed throughout their camp, unique in its levity.
"You know, that has me thinking," Graye rubbed his chin, "What if we started a group, something to make peace?"
"Oh no," Oran shook his head, "Please no cops, I promised the last one I only drank this much!"
"No, no, I mean between us and bots?"
"Hm," Oran brushed his hair.
While both men pondered future plans, PoH stood in a dark, distant corner of camp. Brushing snow off his long cloak, only the shivering quips of demoralized people resonated, Oran and Graye's laughter one of few alternatives. While fires lit their camp, everyone sat fearfully, huddled together with weapons gripped. Darts stuck out like spikes, their sharpened tips rooted and watered with their comrades and friends. Wooden crates containing food laid about in rows, cracked and looted. Lind's plan of embargoing food resulted in Ilioc's shipping crates serving as barricades, a redoubt of wood.
Disgusting, sitting here in tents when we could be in houses.
PoH's eyes barely scanned their moonlit horizon, listening to the addled whimper of dozens, many of whom arrived only recently. His hot breath condensed in open air, a soft white sinking. With some continuing to lament over the dead, it left him itching to walk, to proceed with what solution his mind had conjured.
"When're we gonna go home? I'm freezing!"
"Why did we sign up for this? We're dying out here everyday, Ilioc's men keep coming."
"Those Taurans killed a dozen of us on their own...why're we trying to visit their home? Illfang's not the worst!"
His fists clenched, PoH marching south towards a cliff. Bronze polearms stood shakily in human hands, their old elven masters slain not half a day ago. Many fell before Ilioc's men, enough to break the will of sedentary people, unprepared for grievous conflict. With eyes set on a brightly lit, white stoned Tolbana, PoH's glare grew.
They must be enjoying themselves. Sitting there in warm houses, in spaces they should've shared. While we suffer and toil under both Kobold and elf, they rest easy, untouched by their wealthy overlord's wrath. Suckling to the tit of nobles, so typical.
"Mighty Cel, grant us safety in these trying times," a lone priest patrolled, a book in his hands, "Bind us to your logical, immeasurably precise formula. Grant in us the gift of all-sight."
PoH stared blankly as this elf of white and gold walked by, tuning him out halfway.
These religious tools are no better. I see them 'sell' us their sacred piss as this [Holy Water], when really it's just a glorified health potion. Honestly though, it does taste good.
"Bale, help me," a woman cried in the night, "My hands!"
"What happened?"
While PoH couldn't see, Haru was shivering with mouth agape as her friend entered her tent, blue eyes widening. Haru's hands glowed a pale blue, lighting their cloth walls like a pair of lanterns, a mist wafting off them.
"What'd you do?" Bale knelt, examining them, "What is this?"
"It must've been that potion," Haru pressed her lips together, "it promised magic if I drank it."
"Magic? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Cause unless I knew what it does, I shouldn't give it away. Dammit," Haru bit her lip, "please tell me this is temporary."
"But what does it do?" Bale drew a pair of leather gloves.
"Only cast a ball of light, least that's what it said."
"Huh," Bale nodded, "put these on, I'll take care of this."
Leaving earshot of their tent, PoH's head shook, walking for Diavel's.
Bale's been talking about taking Starting Town, not a bad idea. Course talking and doing are two different things, people rarely do as they say anyway.
He found Diavel and his three fellow leaders crouched together, speaking of plans with uncertain whispers, lobbing ideas left and right like spare confetti, prepping a foundation for what is to come within five days.
"Diavel," PoH spoke softly, "so good to see you."
Diavel's purple eyes narrowed, blue hair brushed aside as he leaned away at first glance of PoH, gasping softly.
"Uh," he glanced quickly side to side, "We're in the middle of planning."
"Who's this?" Kibaou leaned over, hunching shoulders.
"Only a problem solver," PoH bowed his head, "I've come to relieve you of Tolbana."
All three looked to each other, slow in their visual return.
"How?"
"Resource allocation, a little brainpower. Just wanted to make sure you send people."
"Um, how many guys will you need?" Lind exhaled, "We've got plenty."
PoH's throat gulped at his mention.
Not like I wouldn't want a few meat shields, but that wouldn't bring what I want.
"for the raid? None," PoH smiled.
"You do realize the entire town's become Ilioc's forward base," Kibaou crossed arms, "There're a few thousand stationed since their takeover. And that's based on what news we got earlier today."
"Irrelevant," PoH raised his chin, "After morning has arrived, send fifty. Experience isn't required."
"That's crazy," Lind barked, "morning's when they're up and active!"
PoH ignored him, brushing a hand through his own long hair.
"If you don't believe me, then ask Diavel. He knows I solve problems."
Their blue haired commander turned pale.
"What, have you been keeping secrets?" PoH grinned sharper, "My, my."
Lind and Kibaou stared with raised brows and great focus.
"He...burned...their farms," Diavel shuddered, "starting the famine."
"Now, now," PoH put a hand on his shivering shoulder, "I didn't do anything at all."
"What?!" Kibaou shot up, hand on his weapon, "do you have any idea what you did?"
PoH swerved away with a smooth gait, much like a dancer.
"I didn't do anything."
Leaving their tent, PoH shivered with a slight grin, his boots digging in snow.
Nothing at all.
"Kazuto, stop!"
A boy named Kirito stormed by, roughly half PoH's stature, his choice of all black clothing standing sharply in a dark blue night. A woman of similar height followed behind him with pleading eyes.
"Why're you ignoring me?" Leafa said, getting Kirito to stop.
"I'm not," he kept walking, only to be anchored by her strong grip.
PoH kept walking, their argument as insignificant to him as knowledge of local lottery numbers.
"Yes, you are!" Leafa whined, "you left me, all like I'm some stranger!"
"Sugu," the boy blinked, his eyes blank.
"Please," she rose, "talk to me? I would've been fine if you just let me know where you-"
Kirito again marched past her. Recon watched from a distance, his smug expression gone as they continued a cycle of avoidance.
Is he seriously abandoning her?
"Kazuto!"
He swiftly turned again, nearly knocking Leafa down with his speedy retort.
"Stop following me."
"But," Leafa frowned, "We're family. You can't just walk away."
"That doesn't mean I want you to just follow me around like a mindless puppy."
"What?"
"Sugu, you're always looking for someone else to tell you what to do. You wonder why my uncle likes you so much?"
Kirito's cousin froze, her shoes planted inches deep in snow. Seeing her shiver with a pouting lip, he softened his brow, sighing as he brushed his trench coat.
"I'm fine if we trade friend requests," Kirito tossed his hair back, "But I want you to find directive for yourself, I've got enough problems already and I can't let them slide."
While Leafa agreed to his condition, acquired his in-game name, and succeeded in gaining a means of communication, a hollowness lingered as he walked away. Her shoulders remained stiff, eyes fixated where he went, breathing shallow.
What do I do now? I found Kazuto, but I thought we'd take this on together.
"Seriously?" Recon shrugged, stepping beside Leafa with hands in pockets, "Did he just..."
He stopped, glancing down to a broken Leafa. Describing the capricious affair, Leafa grew colder inside.
What does he mean make my own decisions?
Something hopped in snow, catching Recon's small eyes. After a second hop, a small grin developed.
"Hey," he nodded, "is that a bunny?"
"Bunny?" Leafa perked, looking behind herself.
A small spotted [Rabbit] bounced, folding its ears as it munched on plants.
"Wanna catch?" Recon rose halfway.
"Yes," she smiled.
PoH continued his walk out of camp, slowed heavily as he considered strategy. Towards the southern edge of camp, however, another pair argued around a fire, their shadows wider than most.
"I'm fucking telling you," Aigen paced around, waving around his [Ninjato], "she doesn't need you."
Tai stared into fire, an elbow supporting his chin as he blinked. Laughter broke out from Aigen, brandishing his weapon fiercely.
"I should be patrolling the north side right now, toss up some food, cut up any rats going for it. That'll teach 'em. All day."
"If it weakens their ranks," Tai tilted his head.
Sensing discontentment in his comrade's voice, Aigen turned again, finding a message tab opened on Taiyama's HUD.
"Stop talking to her!" he pointed.
Tai paused, looking up at Aigen.
"Aig," he slowed his words, "the only thing that's been stopping me from looking for her is the fact this place's getting hammered to shit."
"Oh ya?" Aig threw arms up, "glad to see Yuse meant so much to ya."
Taiyama got up slowly, erecting his posture as he stepped towards Aigen.
"I care about my friends, and you're not stopping me."
"Aw ya," Aigen nodded, "gonna walk right back to Asuna, beg on your fucking knees, and let her lead again. All while I'm trying to avenge a frie-"
Lurching forward in a flash, Taiyama threw a left hook, crashing bare, numb knuckles against gum, tooth, and jaw. Velocity registered his move as an attack, sending Aigen crashing down into snow, stunned and wide eyed.
"I'm going to look for her," Tai raised his chin, "Tomorrow morning at the start."
Right as he spoke, his hand brand glowed an emerald green, its curvilinear weaved cog shining in darkness. Tai's eyes shot around, peering for anything of substantial malevolent disposition hidden in night's cloak. [Crazed Kobolds] appeared only in his mind as strangers passed by.
"Where?" Aigen grunted, staring at his own brand.
Not a glance was given towards PoH, who passed without so much as an audible breath. His body shivered, Aigen and Taiyama's silhouette's glowing a nefarious red, drawing him away without second thought. Only after considerable distance did he look back, well away from inspecting eyes as he made his way down a slope.
The hell was that? Who were those two?
Dawn had yet to arrive, time passing midnight hours before. PoH's boots rolled briefly on loose stones, red silhouettes convincing him to check his flank. Time passed without evidence of pursuit, his heightened sense of hearing aiding in self assurance. His chest relaxed, news returning from old closets.
Taiyama killed Miakane already, wish I knew how to feel about it. This Taiyama took my one chance to make up for those guys who died for my sake. It should've been mine, I should've used my new powers on him, kill him slowly with a [Drowning Gaze], or [Coat of Incineration]!
Passing pine trees and darkened grass, his steady gait closed in on Tolbana, whose streets lit a bright orange. Elven soldiers clad in bronze lined its walls, watching, some unclean from their previous engagement. With laughter and banter heard clearly from within, no mistake could be made of their pleasurable stay. With a cloak and trained [Sneak] skill, however, PoH slipped his way towards a sewer grate, whose entrance had its bars already bent open.
Grimacing slightly, PoH twisted his hand, forming a chasm of burrowing, spiraling mirrors and lights, colors spewing within and beyond his own eyes' perceivable spectrum. With a flick of fingers, this arm tunnel reformed, his face darkening.
[Abyssipitus Activated]
PoH's eyes swelled, their whites swallowed by a colorless, black iris as his skull vertically expanded, vision stretching as anatomy morphed, evolved. Taking on an ovular shape, darkness no longer blinded him, his sight unhindered by light's absence. Treading sewage, nausea crept without tact, squeezing his stomach as he passed beneath the heavy pavement and boots of Ilioc's men, whose footsteps lost sync. Without a soul to hear, PoH's Malishard was opened, his plan of action unraveling before him.
The [Song of Cidathath] is definitely not my style, but its effectiveness is unmistakable. Eleven sacrifices, each must be flayed, then dismembered each a unique way. As depraved and animalistic as it looks, if doing this means victory, then so be it. They're just NPCs, we need to secure ourselves.
Vertical passages led PoH to Tolbana's alleys, barely lit as before. Peeking out, no security lurked. Like a boogeyman, PoH emerged from reeking depths, quiet as a forest night. His fingers barely let such a venue's lid slide, muffling his signature to a soft grumble before lengthening in shadow. An alley, nestled between stone walls, their symmetry broken only by potted plants, whose green leaves gave its bleak spaces mild color.
Wandering out of urban depths, his heightened hearing caught conversation, eyes quick to review their sources, quicker to glare. Players walked freely in open streets, talking and flirting with soldiers. Not a male lingered among them of human descent, its exclusive nature not lost on PoH, who watched as they laughed at gestures of lustful invitation. Listening to them all, PoH's stomach twisted.
Traitors, staying nice and cozy by sleeping with pigs. I would be sure to get all of their names, so that everyone knows how selfish they are, throwing away everyone else's safety for their own.
Turning away, he pressed his hand against a building's corner, his completely blackened eyes blinking, skull throbbing as [Echolocation] pulsed. Deactivating [Abyccipitus], his skull shrunk vertically, eyes returning to their natural shape. Color rippled inward from his hand, skull throbbing as bio-signatures within the building were detected.
Three inside, I will need many before this night is over.
Sun Dancer
[+5 Insight]
[+5 Corruption]
With shaking hands and a babbling lip, PoH trembled, his eleven victims turning to dust, chalk blowing away. Without hesitation, a roar swept over Tolbana, incoherent yells, swords and weapons drawn without pause. Glass broke unannounced, his eyes watching from behind curtained windows as soldiers turned on each other, rabid in their motions, tearing into comrade and brother with whatever they had on hand. No age was spared, all frothing and howling. Averting his gaze shakily, PoH curled behind his knees, staring blankly.
"Cidathath, Cidathath, reveal the truth of higher thinking, the universe's song. Tonight, may our reality bow before your throne."
All of Tolbana screamed, partaking in a miasma of unrestrained violence. Players caught in its radius were afflicted with [Berserk], their NPCs spontaneously violent disposition compelling them too to violence. Self consuming in its entirety, bronze rung for hours, wounded cries interrupting briefly as nature unfurled its unpolished wings, ongoing, unrelenting. Civilization whimpered before nature, shambling away like a wounded, frightened dog.
It...it's all worth it, if it means saving us.
Sitting in a corner, PoH's breath turned shallow, eyes wide open and wavering as Tolbana fell silent, Aincrad's sun barely peaking overhead.
Never again...
Sun Dancer
November 23rd, 2022
A late awakening slowed Taiyama's rise, his long, lean limbs lightly numbed. With a cold face did his eyes open, their encampment vastly reduced in population.
"Aig?" his shoulders swept with every turn, voice raised in panic.
While no response was given, Taiyama found his friend patrolling their northern perimeter, [Ninjato] shouldered with an almost eager sway, a hunk of food meager feet away. Shuddering, Tai's spine tingled.
I don't think it's vengeance, he just wants to hurt something.
"Slayer, good to see you're awake."
A quick glance displayed an elf of Cel, its brass, cog patterned gown bright under a late morning sun.
"Really," Tai nodded, "cause my morning's absolutely fantastic."
"A good attitude," the priest bowed, oblivious to sarcasm, "our Cogitant asks that you make a visit to Tolbana."
"Oh yeah?" Tai rolled his eyes, "didn't know they opened Golden Corrals here."
"I've tried convincing your Arm-Brother Aigen to investigate," the priest kept bowing, "an ungeared has claimed the town, though we've yet to ascertain how."
Taiyama paused, an eyebrow raised.
"Someone took it? Just took it? One guy?"
"Slayer, we suspect something's amiss. That town was full of soldiers, some of Ilioc's best."
"Great, get your choir boy to do it," Tai stretched, "I need to find someone."
"This isn't a request, Slayer."
He stopped again with a groan, shoes scraping.
"Your pay is higher than a mercenary's, we expect greater. Thanatos has been ordered to come with you to-"
"What about Aigen then?" Tai splayed a hand.
"His determination serves Cel well as it stands, he shall remain."
A hooded Thanatos stepped out from behind tents, keeping eyes apart from Tai's.
"Arm-father expects your report soon."
[To Asuna: I'm heading to Tolbana for a business trip. Could you meet me at the north gate?]
Bright green pastures failed to distract Tai, whose [Tower Shield] remained bobbing with every step. Treading under a floating island's shadow, floor one's gentle breeze brushed his jet black hair. Only upon a moment's glance did his partner's presence return to relevance. Thanatos said little, refusing to look at his taller comrade.
"Got anyone back home?" Tai said briefly.
Thanatos ignored him, juggling a [Throwing Knife] in his left.
"Look man, our first meeting didn't start well...we lost someone that day."
"Relax," Thanatos tucked it away, "Was just daydreamin' for a sec. Parents, couple o' siblin's, not sure if you'd know what that means."
"I mean," Tai grimaced, "I had an older brother."
"Had?"
"Family honor."
"Ah, well not to be cliche or nothin', but he's in a better place."
Tai nodded, letting Thanatos ramble piously about heaven and salvation.
You know, maybe this guy isn't so bad. Getting used to his accent might take time, but he seems polite.
Tolbana's white walls stood tall, unchanged, without wear or tear. Approaching her north gate, Tai's eyes lit, his feet lifting at a familiar sight of orange hair. Flight was desired, but not granted, composure a necessity. A new band of individuals surrounded Asuna, none of whom recognizable. Three males, their statures as varied as a mountain's rocks, equally numbered with females. Within moments, she too spotted Tai, breaking away from her crowd with small steps.
Stopping several feet apart, their faces wrinkled softly, Asuna's shoulders swaying awkwardly as Tai glanced away briefly.
"Why hello there!" Thanatos stepped up with an extended hand, "Guessin' you know my partner, I'm Thanatos."
Asuna leaned back, surprised by the Texan's forward gesture before shaking his hand.
"Um yea," Asuna smiled weakly, "I'm Asuna. Sorry, barely got any sleep this morning."
She quickly looked back to Taiyama, Thanatos looking over her shoulder after brief acceptance.
"Damn, beauty does exist."
"H-Hi," Tai cleared his throat, "Are...you okay?"
Asuna nodded, eyes lowered briefly.
"Better than some. How about you?"
"Eh," Tai shook his head, "Been feeling shitty, missing your..."
Teeth clamped around Tai's tongue, his wording coming off suggestive. Asuna, however, smiled, bowing her head to him.
"I missed you too," she said, "you don't need to apologize."
"But I do," Tai said, "Asuna, that whole argument was out of control."
From meters away, Recon elbowed Wick, a smirk plastered on his face as he watched outside of earshot.
"Check out the tension," Recon said, "guy looks ready to explode."
Wick smiled a little.
"Looks like they're happy," he said, "which reminds me, is there a bakery around here?"
Leafa twirled around, her arms snuggling around a little spotted [Rabbit] as she rubbed her face against its cheek.
"My little bun-bun," she giggled.
Recon looked warily at Wick, both eyebrows raised.
"Please tell me this is just for you."
"Um," Wick glanced to Yuuki, who dueled with Ithe, "no?"
"Wow," Recon rolled shoulders, "really?"
"What?" Wick turned, "What'd I do?"
Recon threw a hand around Wick's shoulder.
"My man," Recon whispered, "big rule. Don't stick your dick in crazy. Okay?"
"It's not like that though!" Wick blushed.
Recon released him in defeat, Wick staring at him briefly.
I'm frankly surprised he came back so soon. Wonder what happened.
Asuna and Taiyama return, smiling to their group.
"So everyone," Asuna cupped hands together, "this is Taiyama."
A quick view resulted in Yuuki's tilted head, her red eyes scanning Taiyama.
"Hey tall n' handsome," she smiled softly, "I'm...Yuuki!" she twitched, "I'm Yuuki!"
Right as she spoke, Taiyama made eye contact, pupils dilating as they wandered down.
Damn, she's cute. Did she just call me handsome?
"I'm Leafa," a hand was extended, "pleased to meet you!"
His gaze vented right, almost detonating at a mere sight of Leafa's well endowed bosom.
"I-" Taiyama cleared his throat, "I'm...pleased to meet you too."
Recon chuckled loudly, slapping his hands as Tai struggled vocally. Ithe tapped his foot, Wick's eyes not leaving the tall, well built figure earning their observations. Asuna, however, was quick to turn Tai her way.
"So where to?"
"Why're you asking me?" Tai looked down.
"Cause I...I don't know," Asuna rubbed behind her arm.
"Asuna, the only business I have here is to black light Tolbana, check for anything that might make the old guys twitch. What would you like to do?"
Asuna tucked her lips, looking away.
If I lead again, I might get someone hurt again.
Out from behind, Yuuki tucked an arm around Asuna's, tugging her softly.
"Asunana don't worry," Yuuki rocked her, "if he does anything weird I'll kill him."
A cackle from her got Asuna and Wick shivering.
She is joking, right?
"Alright," Ithe eased himself past them both, "Name's Ithe, I keep things smooth."
"Excuse me?" Tai blinked.
"Deaf I see," Ithe straightened.
Tai brought out his chest, turned fully.
"I go by daft, thank you very much."
Both stared off, Ithe's nostrils flaring subtly while Tai simply blinked.
I didn't think Asuna would need help. Who's this guy to act so high and mighty?
"Why can't we be friends," Yuuki grabbed both of their shoulders, "why can't we be friends?"
"Gah," Ithe slapped her arm off, "No!"
Yuuki giggled loudly, pacing around both of them.
"Uh...yea," Tai watched her briefly, "Alright, we better check the place."
While entering offered nothing of substance to most, both slayers' brands lit upon treading Tolbana's worn pavement. Glowing dimly, it left their heads turning with growing frequency, finding nothing of ominous sorts. Hot spots were found in empty patches, not a soul inhabiting its vicinity.
"Where're the merchants?" Recon said, "okay I'll try again, where's the NPCs? It's like everyone got up and left."
Wick entered a store labeled for baked goods, but found only a tomb. Its candlelit crevices had turned gray, bleak and dry. Without nary a gift for his recovering friend, Yuuki, the man of orange and purple cloth left, fleeing a cold wholly unsuitable for a bakery.
Everywhere they looked, only players were found, some leaving homes formerly owned. With fingers wrought with metal bands and coin, nobody spoke up, looking to their nearest member for deception. North, east, and west, the slayers' brands continued to glow, their enemy's presence unseen, yet far-reaching. Only when stumbling upon a familiar face, did they relent in their search. With a stocky frame, Kibaou looked to each empty house with a grin, nodding to himself.
"Kibaou?" Tai's head craned back.
Arms crossed, a bronze [Khopesh] bobbing at their leader's hip.
"Who're you?"
"Taiyama, first company, third platoon?"
"Oh cool," his arms eased down, "Asuna? Good to see you're doing fine."
"Thank you," Asuna smiled weakly, "could you tell us what's going on here?"
"Glad you asked," Kibaou pointed all around, "See I dunno how he did it, but a guy named PoH managed to plan and remove the elven garrison from this location."
Thanatos and Tai's eyes both lit, their gazed fixated.
"One guy?"
"Yup," Kibaou nodded, "Not that I care for details, cause now we get to take homes for ourselves."
"Could you guide us to where this PoH might be?" Thanatos said softly.
"I'll have to agree with Th-anus," Tai crossed arms, "It seems pretty sketchy."
"Sure, he'll be around the capitol of Tolbana. Placed him in charge until further notice, hell might even request his help for 'other' projects."
"Hm," Yuuki stared off.
Sounds like this PoH is a powerful man. What if he can help me avenge my friends?
To Tolbana's eastern wall rested its main government structures, whose curvature failed to rival Black Iron Palace. Nonetheless, its tall pillars and soft slanted roofs left an ancient Greek expression.
"So what if you find something wrong?" Asuna glanced up at Tai, "your job's title does suggest certain things."
Taiyama opened his mouth, raising a finger.
"I'm gonna go buy him flowers and tell him," he paused, hand dropping.
Maybe I should cut the sarcasm, Eshiro always told me it made me look like a giant douche.
"I don't know," he finished, "can only assume the old guys would want it gone. We'll see."
Walking under great chiseled pillars, Taiyama and his friends found a single resident, pacing spaces filled with fountains, rows of flowers, as well as carved scriptures of law. Slender in frame, his long black hair reached past his neck, a jawline as smooth and strong as the place's stonework easily visible.
"Hello?" Leafa said, stepping forward sooner than any, "Are you PoH?"
A pair of soft black eyes perked towards them, a hand stroking his chin. Towards Taiyama and Thanatos, however, his focus heightened.
Those two, they've got that red aura. Why do they have that?
A/N: Ho boy, Taiyama and PoH finally meet. Hopefully nothing serious goes down, wait and find out! Hey guys, I need reviews! What you like/don't like can help me polish edges, making a better story.
See you all next week, a moment of silence for 9/11.