A/N: Demon Slayer, capable of doing a whopping one pull-up!

NetherOrbit: Garr & Lis, conquering each other's fears together :D
Den3424: hopefully you'll like what's up next!
bitchbot: good luck in your class projects!
Doctor: I'm seriously laughing at that, the image of a drunk orangutan trying to ascend stairs, flailing as it falls XD
Thunderwolf: Didn't you know? Godfree's related to bears :3

[Cloak of Immolation], grants a special protection to its user. A curtain of flame enshrouds the caster, not only damaging most melee attackers, but disintegrating projectiles of both physical and magic origin. To cast, one must take a string of four (4) [Flaming Essences] and arrange them like a tube.

They shall merge, connect both ends. Downside to using this spell is a lack of elbow room, preventing you from using a great many spells, or even charging up more [Essence]. With a beginning mage only allowed five essence slots, this shield nerfs your attacks greatly.

-PoH, How to Magic Intelligently

November 23rd

Under a shallow marble roof, PoH's onyx eyes stared hard at Taiyama, Thanatos barely spared his jerking gaze. PoH's face was pale, their red auras only visible to him. While his [Malishard] had grown in power, the ritual's lingering effect had rendered both Slayers blind to what stood before them.

"Are you PoH?" Leafa stepped up, holding out a hand towards the hunched man.

Taiyama eyed Thanatos for a moment, a vibe of fear radiating off the tall Spaniard. Yuuki and Ithe looked with glint in their eyes, smiles withheld only by PoH's apprehension. Wick and Recon remained aloof, refusing to brandish opinions, watching. Asuna, however, watched with soft eyes. Worry was found on PoH's face, whose eyes snapped towards Leafa's hand.

"Ah yes," PoH said before shaking hands, "Forgive me, I've had little sleep and lots to do. Are you seeking shelter?"

"Well I," Leafa glanced back to Recon.

"Shelter?" Recon slid up, arms crossed.

"There's a map nailed out the doorway," PoH looked briefly towards it, "If you want a house on it, put your name on it. Please don't take more than one, we've got to consider the collective."

Recon grinned widely, racing out and grabbing Wick, Leafa following behind shortly after. PoH's grin faltered slightly, watching them run.

There runs the greedy on quick feet, hungry to take slices he could easily share. Something tells me we will meet again. But what about these two?

Taiyama stepped up, Thanatos beside him as they too offered hands to shake. While PoH shook both, their rose-colored silhouettes left contact brief, PoH resting his back against a chiseled pillar.

"Promise we won't take up your time sir," Thanatos spoke bubbly, "We're just a bit curious as to uh, how you did this."

"A few good hands in the right places," PoH leaned on one side, "Why do you ask?"

"Oh see we've been sent by the Church of Cel, we're Slayers."

"Ass!" Taiyama snapped his gaze towards his partner, "Did you have to say that?"

PoH said nothing, some of his face's color restored as Thanatos was grilled.

Slayers of the Church, interesting. I guess the Cel worshipers have their means of enforcing control.

"Sorry," Thanatos almost jumped, "just used to bein' honest, that's all."

Taiyama groaned, looking back to PoH.

"Look man, the old guys want us investigating shit. But in my book, people come first, you know?"

"Ah," PoH nodded, "Could I have a name though? Terrible manners to not address you properly."

"Oh yea, it's Taiyama."

PoH held back a hitch in his throat with grace, nodding with a smile.

"I've heard about you actually, with those uh, kobolds right? Anyway, I had my own group of guys. Didn't wanna divide forces up."

"And took everyone?" Ithe crossed arms, watching from the side.

"We exploited a weakness in their AI," PoH raised his chin slightly, "See we found out we could aggro them all into a kill-zone, they'd be no wiser."

"Wow," Yuuki grinned, "so you're really smart then. Are you gonna attack Starting Town?"

"I'd rather not boast," PoH bowed his head, "also not now, my men and I have to sleep too."

"Hm," Yuuki rubbed her arm, "how about I help then?"

"Yuuki," Asuna turned, "don't get involved in this."

"Those guards killed my friends though," Yuuki stood her ground, "sometimes you gotta get messy to get things done right."

"If your results are this good," Ithe shrugged, "count me in too."

"Now hang on," PoH held out a palm, "I don't want to risk anyone over something I never planned on. I'm...admittedly exhausted and would like time to myself."

Outside the main government building, Wick watched as Recon eyed what property remained open for occupation.

"Dammit," Recon moped, "all the big houses are already taken."

"Could we have one to the north side?" Leafa pointed to a spot, "I really like the look of those mountains."

Wick blinked, something tugging his stomach away from it all.

I remember the last time I was offered something like this for free.

"Quick Leafa," Recon tapped a spot, "put your name there."

"But I thought we'd share a house," Leafa tilted her head confusedly.

"Course we are," Recon whispered, "we could sell it though. Now get Wick to nail one."

"Mm," Leafa blinked, "okay," she looked back, "Wick?"

Watching her turn, Wick got an appreciable view of her bust, enough to grab his attention, especially with a summons.

"Pick a place," Leafa smiled sheepishly, "there's plenty to go around."

Wick shuffled over, his concerns gone. With a pale finger, he listed over his options.

That bakery's still available...making a cake for Yuuki might cheer her up.

"That one?" Recon watched Wick's finger pause.

"Yea," Wick spoke, his Brooklyn accent strong.

Upon writing his name upon paper with a nearby quill, Wick's purple eyes caught sight of everyone else, leaving with relative haste. Spotting Yuuki, instinct compelled him to wave over, but his mind demanded stoicism.

"What took you guys?" Recon motioned with circuiting hands, "got it made here!"

While many of them gathered to mark their claim, Taiyama and Thanatos stood apart, arms crossed tight over thin chests.

"I like him," Thanatos smiled, "PoH's got good intentions."

"I couldn't care less what he thinks," Tai shrugged, "my big concern is what the old geezer's gonna think if there isn't a cog spinning somewhere up the dude's ass."

Thanatos' grin faded, looking up at his taller comrade.

"Do you always put people down?"

"Nah," Tai chuckled, "in fact."

Taiyama glanced to Asuna, who herself seemed to be scolding Yuuki, telling her to not risk herself. His tongue floated freely in his mouth, stiff as his phrase crumbled in his throat.

Do I?

"Listen partner," Thanatos shifted where he stood, "this whole place's got my scanner ringin', but I dunno if I wanna know why."

"What?" Tai blinked.

"I agree with you on that whole people first thing, so what if PoH's done somethin' weird?"

He glanced to Thanatos.

"I stuck with those church guys cause it reminded me of home, doesn't mean I wish ill of anyone. PoH got us a safe place to live, that's a good deed in my book."

"Yea," Tai blinked with a perplexed face, "you're actu-, you're right."

"I'd tell Arm-Father Yole that it's all good, besides I've got another job."

"What's that?" Tai glanced to Asuna briefly, "cause I can't stay here."

"Player Killers," Thanatos glared, "cowards ganging up on people, killin' em. There's two groups from what I've seen too. One that thinks it'll set them free back in the real world, and the really sick...the ones who just like it."

Speaking of it, Thanatos' hands clenched.

"They're both wrong, abiding an excuse to commit evil."

"Did Yole decree this?" Tai raised a brow.

"Nope, just doin' what's right. Gonna deal with 'em, frontier style."

"I see."

Thanatos glanced to Asuna, smiling softly.

"Anyway partner, I best be off."

After quick exchanges, Thanatos dashed off, tossing himself up, catching onto rooftops of squat buildings. Viewing his acrobatic feats, Taiyama nodded slowly.

This guy has to be a parkour enthusiast, look at him go.

"Tai?"

Asuna stood close behind, overshadowed by his great height as he turned.

"I just wanted to let you know, I'm worried about Yuuki. She's, she's lost so much, but I'm worried you'll feel abandoned."

"Hey," Tai interrupted, "since when have you ever been this submissive?"

"Huh?"

"The Asuna I know sets her own course, how you refuse to marry what's his face."

"I-I mean," Asuna looked away, "saying no to Sugou wasn't hard..."

Tai glanced to Yuuki, who eyed him past everyone else, her smile bright.

She's hurt? Kinda hard to tell.

"I can't stop thinking about everything," Asuna sighed, "if I didn't drag you all to fight Miakane, none of this would've happened."

"Yes," Taiyama nodded, "it wouldn't have. Instead, the cultists would've continued, because the original group planning on doing it had only three people."

Asuna stopped, arms glued to her sides.

"I know, it's hard to deal with. If you hadn't made the call, Miakane would still be running around, fucking shit up as he wishes. I'd say you're very responsible for the raid's success, not failure. So please, cut the mediocre crap?"

A raising of her head brought their sights level, Asuna brushing her long orange hair aside.

"Me, I've gotta go back up there. Would be better if you joined, since half the team up there couldn't spell their names backwards, let alone plan a fight. Take your time though, you need it."

With that, Taiyama bowed his head, walking past her.

"Thank you," Asuna smiled, staring away as he wandered off.

Both separated, a tap on her shoulder, however, had her spin back.

"Excuse me," Wick said softly, "I um, kinda wanna get into uh baking and um...Yuuki said you know how to cook. Would..."

His shyness rendered him mute, Asuna's gaze bright and powerful.

"Sure, what's your name again?"

Sun Dancer

November 24th, 2022

Staring into a tall mirror of bronze rim, PoH examined his newest outfit, fingers fidgeting. His cloak had been discarded, its cleaned surface heavy with blood weighing his mind. Replacing it, a buttoned tunic of blue covered his chest, deep yet plain. Alone in an office of dark wooden floorboards and white walls, PoH's eyes checked twice, shadows creeping in his imagination.

The slayers are on to me, they want what my people sacrificed for.

His fingers gripped polished wooden knobs on a high chair, eyes glued to a great window.

No survivors, for the collective. I can still hear them, it hurts, why does doing the greater good have to be painful? Those people deserved it though, they left us for comfort!

Nails dug, scratching his seat, PoH's chest tightening as his face dropped, staring at carpet.

It's all for the greater good, I will find myself on the right side of history.

A dull knock resonated off thick double doors, PoH exiting his extravagant space of seclusion with a smile, behind him standing body tall windows, set towards snow decked mountains and rolling plains. Opening, two men awaited with sly grins, one of fancy attire, the other of rags and bandage.

"Ah just in time," PoH waved inside, "let's make this quick, my first meeting's coming up."

Sitting together, a blue eyed Bale locked fingers together, leaning over a shared wooden desk. Sitting beside him, Johnny tossed off his cowl, drawing and toying with a [Falchion].

"Convincing Diavel and the others to attack Ilioc's? Pointless," Bale said, "everyone else though? They want a home and I think you and I can really give it, cause I've got something. Two things, really."

PoH leaned back, hands flat behind his head, watching as Johnny played, giggling to himself.

I already don't like his partner, he likes that sword a bit too much.

"Did you know magic exists? Well I know someone of special gifts. See, the Kobolds don't like sunlight, or any light really. My friend can cast it where she pleases,capable of blinding them."

"Really?" PoH raised a brow, "and number two?"

Johnny stood up, raising his left arm, whose wrist ended as a stump.

"A gimpy?" PoH smirked, "okay points to you, I could use humor any-"

Johnny slashed Bale across his chest, his [Falchion] cutting deep. While Bale drank a ready potion, PoH's eyes swelled as the offending member grew back that missing hand.

"What?"

"Ares," Johnny chuckled darkly, "handy little [Unique Skill], especially during the first day of this...party."

"You should've seen him," Bale nodded proudly, "took ten down on his own within minutes of this nightmare starting."

"Why," PoH glared, "are you selling me a murderer?"

"Murderer?" Bale smiled, "but Kayaba said it himself, there's no way the Nervegear can kill you."

PoH blinked, Bale's and Johnny's gazes remaining bright and alert.

"Sure it looks like you're killing, but it's only cause people are treating this world as if it's real."

"Then how do you explain the fact nobody's removed our headsets?" PoH furrowed his brow, "a terrorist put us in here."

"Cause Cardinal keeps them busy," Johnny laughed, "I never liked AI, you see. At least with people there's something you can relate to. These? You might as well be speaking to an alien."

"Alright fine, what's your offer?"

"I have an asset that could change the battle entirely," Bale rapped fingers, "I want them to know it, but only when I have a secure position for herself and I here. I want to convince them to raid Starting Town."

"That's great and all," PoH splayed hands briefly before tucking them under his desk, "but again and again, I'm not making moves towards a siege myself."

"You won't be without help," Bale motioned to Johnny, "I can assure you, he'll clean up any mess you please."

PoH nodded, lips rising slowly.

"What does he want in return though?"

"Skin," Johnny giggled, "I want to possess them, to wear them like clothes."

PoH's stomach twisted, his appointed assistant's eyes glowing.

This man is a psychopath. I wouldn't want him in a country next to me. Maybe if I keep him busy...

"Which house do you want?" PoH glanced to Bale, "people are dying."

Bale pointed to a central structure, an already occupied manor. Nodding, PoH overwrote, glancing up to Johnny.

"When will you be ready?"

"Preferably after nine, made a morning hobby of chess. Haru's pretty good."

Sun Dancer

November 26th, 2022 - Garr

Our hours long journey halted, a sight of orange shinned [Taurans] distant enough to assess our next move. Their legs rose and fell, their burly, muscled bodies slow in a rhythmic sway, collectively dancing together. With arms out like helicopter blades during a few steps, their palms faced Aincrad's sun, like flowers.

"Ow," Lisbeth grimaced, her bronze armor shining.

"What?" I glanced.

"They're hurt, can't you see the red?"

"No," I sought with my eyes, their brown hair masking it fairly well.

"Aye, looks like they had a fight."

Their dance went on for several minutes, a majestic display for a group I was informed to being barbaric. With four days of training under our belts, a problem lingered. My sword skills lacked finesse, a matter undoubtedly significant considering our possible opponents. They wielded [Slaughter Mauls], harder hitting than my [Siege Blade]. It would be dubious for me to assume weakness, despite their wood and stone design.

Slowing, the Red Hooves broke away, returning to what I'd warrant as familiar tasks. Nudging Lis, we stepped in, my face chilling quickly. I was nervous, my mind sprinting to whatever limited options I could comprehend with fear.

"So I had this idea," Lis smiled, "you know, for that business I mentioned?"

"Hm?" I kept walking, fingers rapping.

"My friends are gonna be tired once that castle's cleared, why not share the business?"

"Could you hold that thought?" I said quickly, "might get a bone broken if I screw up."

"Oh, sorry."

Closing in, weaving past golden savannah grass, they spotted us, their snouts flaring. Hammers taller than men were readied, hairy fingers clung to their wooden shaft, trusting in stone heads.

"Um," Lis said, "maybe we should rethink this? They're even swoller than you."

Bigger than me, taller than me, I should be thankful they weren't human. Not one of them approached, allowing us to step closer. I had to find a way to win fast and brutally, turn my fear into something useful. Fighting them head on with weapons was a bad idea though, their reach was insane.

"No surrender," I said, "no retreat."

"Bit extreme if you ask me," Lis shivered, "what if you can't win?"

"Then I go."

"Really, that's it?"

A loud snort halted us, one stepped forward, muscles rippling below a layer of brown hair.

"I'll translate," Lis nodded, stepping back a little.

It spoke in a guttural tongue, r's nowhere to be heard as it towered over us.

"What are you doing here?" Lis said.

"Tell them we're here in respect to their warrior culture," my fists clenched, "we give them our first offer for a better life."

She spoke too in this rough language, without much struggle either. Game must've registered her attempt and translated it for her.

"We want to unify the tribes," I continued as they spoke, "if they're willing to be peaceful, that'd be...nice."

Almost slapped myself for my stumble, I had to be strong towards them. Our Tauran speaker glanced to its fellow tribesmen, whispering in their pointed, horse ears. Laughter erupted, their legs rippling like a snake's body in movement. Course a sentient being taller than me would mock, why would it surprise me? Cold turned to heat, my breath deepening.

"Um," Lisbeth grimaced.

"What are they saying."

"Uh, that you're barely two beetles high," Lis sighed, "that you should piss off..."

"Which one," I said slowly, "made that joke?"

"Mm...first to your left."

Rushing where directed, a fist was raised, aimed where their ribs opened greatest. I've watched their breathing patterns, they shared a horse's rib cage, but stood upright like a man. An opening lurked below their upper chest, perfect for a precise strike.

Knuckle met hair, its fibers retreating to its foundation of skin, clinging to its host as it too fell away, crashing against softer bodies lurking behind sheets. Laughter was choked from my target, wheezing and collapsing like a broken tower. A gasp from other [Taurans] left me standing, fist fixed and projected. I shivered abruptly, I had to be quick.

"I wanna speak to their chief," I nodded, watching as my target laid before my feet, his mind focused on solely breathing.

"Ye-" Lisbeth stuttered, "okay!"

She spoke excitedly to the remaining tribesmen, who stared with burning eyes, stepping away. Words were exchanged with great haste, trembling tongues rippling what had happened, a new figure stepping through. A whole head above its ilk, a [Tauran] rivaling a single story house in height stomped, staring with nostrils flared, shoulders hunched. Its voice projected deeply, hitting me like ocean waves.

"You better speak quickly," Lis translated, "I should crush your spine for this."

"Try me," I spoke, "if I beat you in a fight, I call the shots."

A grumble echoed throughout the tribe as she recited, my fire growing.

"And if I win, you become my pet, elf."

Raising my fists, fingers cracked with how tightly I squeezed, their near simultaneous pop invigorating.

"What's your name, chief?"

"Cigius."

My feet split to a two o clock stance, left forward. Hands guarded my head, right poised at jaw level, left nearing temple in height. Huffing, Cigius dropped his [Slaughter Maul], whose staff looked hardly smaller than a mature tree's branch.

"You gonna start?" my heart raced.

"I'll count," Lis raised her left leg completely, "one," bends her foot, "two," her knee dropping.

I couldn't hear her say three, my opponent's mere footsteps drowned it out. Cigius with his ten foot height threw an arm wide, burly and muscled. Air whirled by, heated by mass accelerated past its moment of inertia as I leaned back. Watching him curve in with his strike, I followed closely.

Cigius lifted a bowed leg high, a hoof thrusting backwards out as he spun from a previous punch, his body held aloft by a single limb as he committed to a rear kick. So tempting, his planted leg asking to be struck, but he was too swift, forcing me to retreat, hopping aside, my appetite wetting as new facts crept, mind craving.

With my feet landing close to Cigius' planted thigh, the chief threw his left fist back, body leaning away as it recovered from both attempted strikes. Wide open in his stance, I leaped between thighs, raising a leg of my own, a foundation of sinew crashing against sole and heel as I kicked quads.

Cigius' whole leg rippled like water, his body destabilized, relying on it for prepping his move. Wobbling away, his towering height beckoned to crumple, my hot blood answering it with a broad shoulder to his stomach, a wild tackle knocking him to Earth. My breathing had turned rapid, sweat pooling over a molten face, whose passion had melted my thin facade. I was gonna be in charge of them, me.

Leaping on top of his ribs, I lurched with a punch to Cigius' extended, equestrian face. My knuckles struck stone, or at least what density made up a horse's skull. I gasped in grief, breaking my flow, freezing me as a wide flying slap struck. Air gusted past me as I flew, every neuron attached to my chest bones detonating, direly warning of collapse.

[HP: 70%]

Grass rose its many arms in fear, my back pressing them all down as I skidded, dust clouds climbing over my downed body. Coughing, arms shook wildly, hand pulsating from my attempt, its nerve center was different than a human's. Laughing dryly, Cigius ran an arm past his lips, saying something while rolling arms.

"You surprise me," Lis said, "none of my people have ever once took me down."

I said nothing, forcing myself to breathe, recuperate. It was like a dream, my shoes sliding atop river rocks, a pack of seven converging. Was lucky they were only nerds, or I wouldn't be here, sucking wind from a giant horse-man's bitch slap. Goals, had to have goals. Rushing forward from bent knees, I swept around, kiting my cackling foe, whose arms rose like cannons.

Turning, however, Cigius' flinch glared, a purple welt grown out of his thigh. A sizable limp, whose grief he tried to avoid, leaning away for a frontal kick. Watching him lead, I ground to a halt, letting his hoof pass my face, his hairs scratching hatefully at my nose. Thirteen years of martial arts, time well spent.

Cigius compromised his center again, letting me grab his extended joint, holding it as he squirmed, protesting against my clawing hands, whose nails had already dug. Toppling over in anxious retreat, I leaped over, this time with a dropping knee, crashing it down like a sledge on his gut. A choked wheeze left Cigius' lips, almost puffing as I stomped over and over, his sacred air forced out of him at invisible gunpoint, his life stolen by my heel.

[HP: 80%]

After a fifth or sixth slam, I stared down with hot eyes and haggard breath.

"You done?"

Cigius softened his breath, chuckling lightly as large eyes of brown hue stared back, his rough language returning with a grabbed knee, followed by an arcing head-butt. My whole world spun, its gold and light blue mixing like soup, grass licking my fingers as I met Earth.

[HP: 50%]
[You are Dazed!]

Gasping and moaning, I knew what was coming, he was gonna pile drive me till I was nothing more than fertilizer, cause how dare I show him up in front of his men. Sure enough, Earth rumbled quickly, his approach imminent. My heart raced, body curling up, alone in blinding depths with a viciously toothed shark, eyes useless. If I jumped any one direction, Cigius would follow me, his hands and hooves primed to devastate. With cold air arrived a slowing of time. Adrenaline, no, noreprinephrine flowed, I needed a plan. What was the last thing he'd expect?

As he thundered towards me, an answer clicked in place, a round chambered, hammer throwing in my mind. A closing of hooves was met with a wild throw, flinging my body, but not away from him. No, I launched my blind self at him. A sharp huff, a puff of air blew past me, my milky sight aware only of Cigius' passing shadow. My shoulder met grass a moment later, I had passed without harm, vision clearing, my head throbbing painfully.

[You are no longer Dazed]

"Aid, stop!" Lis shouted, "your head!"

Cigius wheeled around, struggling with his internally bleeding thigh, his swollen stomach leaving a minor twitch. He wasn't going to quit, not without greater yield, I knew where to go. Raising fists and aligning feet, my knees bent expectantly, his charge assured, hurling forward on hardened hooves.

His right fist dived low, sweeping for a grass skimming uppercut, bloated muscle exploding as he sailed. My feet swept opposing sides, spinning myself aside from Cigius' swing, exposing his other, not so bruised leg. Eyeing his bobbing kneecap, I raised my heel hard and slammed, propelling every pound of weight I possessed across its side.

Air slammed in my throat as price of devotion, a brief but terrible shake rippling through. Yelling with my strike, a crack muted every cry, Cigius' leg bending inward, kneecap popping out of place. Without a cap, his whole limb gave way, limp as he crashed, howling in grief, motionless no matter his efforts. A string of words gushed out from him, his eyes lit and wet, frantic in their motions as I stepped towards his crippled form.

"Okay," I barely mouthed, wiping sweat from my drenched brow, "you, are cheeky little bitch. Jeez, can't even look at what I did to you. You quitting?" I lurched forward to catch my breath, "mean, I could always break the other."

Lisbeth translated with great haste, stumbling on a few sounds. Cigius laid there groaning, his motions slowed as he reached for his dislocated knee, wincing. Shaking his head, however, I sighed, reaching for his leg.

"Wait!" Lis waved hands frantically, "that's a yes!"

"They shake their heads when saying yes?" I leaned back.

"Yes!"

Cigius spoke, my translator focused wholly like a moth to a sun-ray. My heart slowed, my mind hazy from it all, as invigorating as it was. Next thing I knew though, Lisbeth had wrapped arms around me. Everything turned dark, obsidian pillars flashing before my eyes, a crazed rodent priest reaching.

"How did you-"

I twitched, Lis releasing.

"Oh god, you're sweaty!"

Her quip ironically whisked me away, returning me to golden plains and broken horse-men. I raised a hand, fingers up and palm flat as I panted.

"Need...a minute," I exhaled.

"Well mate," Lisbeth smiled brightly, "you're in charge now, Cigius surrendered. Though the others are a bit...um."

"What?" I yawned, head swaying.

"Let's just say they're not happy with being led by a non-Tauran."

Glancing to my fallen opponent, I caught myself wincing. What I did was awful, bending his leg inward, left hanging like a broken branch. I wanted to lead, but was this worth it?

"Do we have any healing pots?"

"No."

I nodded with pressed lips, watching as other clansmen surrounded Cigius, neighing almost mournfully. No, I had to be better than that. With lightened feet I walked past Lis, easing my way through to reach him, assessing with eyes what could be done.

"Lis."

"Aye?"

"Tell a pair of them to hold Cigius' arms down, have another pull his dislocated leg. Tell them this will be painful, but it'll fix his leg."

They followed as ordered, though with great hesitation. To be fair though, Cigius did look like he was going to be crucified with how they held his long arms. Pinning him down, I watched with slow breaths as a third stepped towards Cigius' leg.

"Tell him to...ah forget it."

I reached for the hoof myself, figuring their anatomy too brutish for such precision. A meaty ankle rested between my hands, whose hair gave solid grip as I counted my breaths. At three I dug my heels, yanking it with every pound of force my latissimus dorsi could afford. His leg stretched, Cigius crying out. Nonetheless, his kneecap settled back in place, nestling between his bowed, multi segmented ankle and what I assumed was his femur. I released slowly, stepping away with lowered hands.

"I think that'll do," I nodded, "Lis?"

She spoke with their guttural tongue, hardly suitable for a human's depth. With shivering ankle, Cigius rose his once crippled leg, though with some groans. His knee remained in place, a smile growing on me.

"Bless you, father."

"You fixed it!" Lis cheered.

Rising to full stature, Cigius hobbled over to me, his body bloating out Aincrad's sun effortlessly behind muscly girth.

"I cannot bow," Lis translated his speech, "but I am grateful for your kindness."

"Don't bow to me," I said, "You lead your people, but you're going to help me set things right."

His fellow tribesmen stared, their furrowed brows rose as our talk continued. I explained how we needed to unite the tribes, that we can start agricultural pursuits, giving us much greater potential as a budding group. They asked for my name, though found Garr to be pointless to pronounce. R's were an Achilles Heel, due to their equestrian skull and jaw structure.

They spoke of four tribes, Silver Snouts, Spotters, Wind Manes, and with low voices, the Sun Dancers. The last tribe was described as our biggest adversary, residing north of Urbus, below the forests of Zumfut. I had to find a way to integrate all tribes, without of course getting in further trouble.

Apparently, however, I had to go through an initiation ritual to start as chief, my day was far from over.

-Lisbeth

Staring down at my grass enveloped shoes, a dry tongue coaxed me to familiar tastes. Teeth bit sternly, I loved me, I loved me. Heavy stomps rumbled around me, dozens of hooves leaping between spots. Yellow convex discs were slapped, a deep sound bursting out, drums. These bots, who minutes ago wanted to kill Aiden and I, were dancing. They sang away, sang in thanks to Aincrad, the invigorating energy of the sun as they leaped and whirled. It was fast, smooth, beautiful in their synergy. It was a party, a party without drinks. I love me, I love me, I don't need any.

"Hey!" Aiden waved me over, "don't sit this out!"

I shivered briefly, looking over to him. He flexed and extended his legs, doing his best to follow along with what fluid motion the Tauran around us displayed without either force or effort. Despite it all, Aiden showed some...actually decent motion. He waved me over, to which I hurried.

"You know how to dance?" I blinked.

"Of course I do," he chuckled, "I'm Latino. Well, half. You get it."

He led me through some of the motions, whipping out my legs, like I was kicking. Must've looked like such a dork though, never having practiced this, flailing around like a drunk puppy. Bit my cheek, how dare I bring it up.

While we made no physical contact, Aiden swayed around, teasing me with narrow passes of shoulders, the drums beating louder. He tore the chief down with his bare hands, showing a sort of elegance I hadn't seen in him before. The pace quickened, his wide shouldered frame spinning off another direction, my eyes tracking shyly. I wanted to talk to him about my idea, but hadn't had the chance. It was eating me inside too, cause I absolutely loved it!

Towards him, a flower bloomed a few meters away, shaking softly with every proximal hoof step. Aiden honed in, yanking it out, exhibiting his usual lack of grace, urgent in his return. He arced towards me, returning with an energized sway. I smiled, trying harder to keep up with him.

"Enjoying this?" he smiled, spinning once with arms wide.

"Aye," I nodded, "it's a bit different, but a nice break."

"You're still too tense," he laughed, "relax," he pushed softly, "now."

"I don't know what you're talking about, hey!" I followed him with my eyes, dancing as best I could.

"Chief," Cigius called in his language, "Step forth, one last dance is at hand!"

"Aid," I repeated, "Cigius' calling, last dance."

"Tell him to give me five seconds," Aid blushed brightly.

"Why?" I tilted.

On his last twirl, Aiden drew a green stem. Sweeping in, he leaned, mere inches away as his hands went for my hair. I squeaked a little, his motions fast. Angling away a moment later, he smiled before answering Cigius' call. Something nestled in my curly hair, soft and flexible. A flower had been left behind, a fiery orange darkening to a ruby red down its petals' foundation.

My heart jumped, adjusting it as heat stormed my cheeks, watching as Aiden vanished behind Red Hoof bodies, who danced in celebration of their new chief. A pebble bounced in my gut, arms slumped, his romantic gesture repeating like a broken record. A smile grew without thought, shoulders swaying a bit.

Get sober, follow that idea I had, don't jump on this.

"Halt, Red Hooves!"

A new pack of Tauran rushed forward, leaving tents planted southeast of Red Hoof territory. Necklaces comprising of many gems bobbed, their snouts colored a bright grey, contrasting sharply with lean bodies and dark fur. Brandishing wooden branched weapons, their flicker caught my eye. They had gems in their [Slaughter Mauls], but why?

"We will not tolerate this encroachment in our territory," a Silver Snout glared down at Aiden, "turn back, or we will defend our [Trembling Cow]."

"We're not interested in fighting," I rushed up beside Aiden, "we actually wanted to party up. You know, work together?"

It looked to me with its big eyes, stern and direct.

"Garr would," I paused, clearing my throat, "our chief, would like to invite you to our nation. He finds your family completely-"

A familiar chuckle erupted, Aiden again looking at me.

"Listen elf," one laughed, "the moon goddess wouldn't like that, not with such shabbiness being shown here."

"What do you mean?" hands rested at my hips, "you calling him shabby?"

"Where're your gems? Your bright metals? You wield rocks whose allegiance is not Hers."

I translated everything I could to Aiden, who looked dumbfounded. That was okay, I had a plan, no weapons needed at all. Nobody calls my friends names.

"So you like your shiny rocks, aye?" I opened my menu.

"They're important to O-pia," their leader grumbled, "therefore yes. Why do you ask, Elf?"

Summoning a ball of [Gallium], I dropped it in Aiden's hands, its shiny blue metal exterior shimmering.

"Cause our chief was sent here by your goddess," I smiled, holding back a giggle, "see, she knew you were of great loyalty, needing convincing. Well, this is what will happen to your metals if you do not obey."

I wasn't even done with my demand before it oozed. What was once metal had melted to liquid in minutes, having been exposed to a temperature above eighty six degrees Fahrenheit. Jaws dropped, earthy retinas practically burning at the sight of this.

"Will you obey O-pia's will?" I placed hands behind my back.

"Y-Yes! W-We shall heed her wish!"

- Castle Diebry, Floor 1 - 8:23 PM

His hairy, half curled fingers bit into his throne, ears perked back. Isolated with [Palace Guards] on each side of him, Illfang's eyes twitched as howls from starving servants rang through his halls. His breathing was shallow, his heart heavy as one of his people stepped forth, his ribs exposed.

"My king," the Kobold bowed, "our teams have returned, but their goods...they're..."

"Not enough?" Illfang frowned.

"I-I mean, they'd be enough for us. But what about the-"

Illfang raised a hand, silencing his servant.

"Take the food, feed yourselves, but tell them this."

He cleared his throat, looking to his equally tall, girth engulfed security, who themselves glanced to one another nervously.

How many of my people have to die for this? If we leave, the consequences will be immense.

"We have elected a messenger to approach the humans tomorrow," Illfang said in a low voice, "it would be better for all of us if we simply let them pass."

"And what if they refuse?" Illfang's serf shuddered, "they're savages, bloodthirsty. They lure us with food for sport!"

"Hence why we let them through," Illfang nodded calmly, "do not fear, I will keep us safe."

"T-Thank you, my lord."

A swift exit left both king and guards lurking, their tall pillared halls lonely as others scampered to eat. Eyeing his protectors, Illfang's red eyes shined, wetting.

"Shall I?" one guard turned behind Illfang's throne, bending over.

"How about a round of Ol-Faction?" Illfang said, "I'd rather not think about it right now."

His guards smiled weakly, assembling for their people's game. Their citizens' cries died down, leaving Illfang cold inside.

Ilioc, what have you done?

A/N: There you have it guys, sorry for the long wait! Got college to focus on, so you can expect schedules for chapters to be pretty inconsistent, but I will deliver!

Reviews always help, please don't be shy with them!