A/N: Demon Slayer, pouring an extra gallon of angst every one thousand words!

TheManWOFear: Eiji and Lux make sweet additions, least in my opinion!
NetherOrbit: Where would you wanna build your house in Aincrad?
Doctor: I released a chapter, Half Life 3 confirmed!

Enjoy!

The Rite of Grass is pretty much a celebration dedicated to requesting rainfall. Not much comes to the savanna, so Tauran for the most part want to get as much sympathy from their god as possible. Garr's definitely added more to it, but it can be easily speculated as an attempt to welcome people.

Just try to remember that, guys. It's not all about the dances, pageants, drinking contests, Karaoke duels, or even the food. It's about making friends, please.

-Argo, The Beta Tester's Survival Guide. December 19th, 2022

December 18th, 2022

A pair of fifty thousand Cor loaded bags dropped, their collective discs jingling as they met a wooden table.

"Bang up job you two," Oran checked his calendar, "got the suspects, got info on missing individuals. Hell, I'd say this's worth a bonus."

While neither detective wasted time grabbing their near seventy grand earnings, Lux was more hesitant in her next move. Rising from his seat, Nautilus dusted his shirt.

"Was quite the adventure, but it begs the question. What do we do about Recon's warning?"

"The druggie?" Oran looked over his shoulder, "I wouldn't give it anything. Go home, we'll have more to do later."

"Sir if I may," Lux rose, "Taiyama mentioned these people in blue. Shouldn't we check on that?"

Oran turned wholly, his eyes dim but focused.

"Only if we possess evidence, love. I trust you have something?"

"The Ceph that appeared were not Wudramor's," Nautilus said, "Taiyama's ally Thanatos was also very...verbose about them."

"Go on?"

"He said they were using some weird powers," Lux leaned away softly, "reflected his attacks with these portal things."

Oran's brow furrowed.

"This with Recon's words, and rumors of a party going postal?" Nautilus crossed arms over his ribs, "we think there's much more involved here, sir."

"Hm," Oran paced around his desk, "what'll it cost to send you both?"

"We talked it over," Lux glanced briefly to Nautilus, "we'll be fine with thirty. Since Taiyama saw what happened, we'll take him along as additional security."

"Uh," Oran paused, "having a victim of the incident involved this deeply in an investigation? That's a bit dicey, don't you think?"

"We'll be out of uniform," Nautilus said, "so if it goes wrong, it'll be on his head."

"Only as long as he keeps his mouth shut," Oran sighed, "I don't like this, mates. We have to set standards, looking professional isn't gonna be easy when none of us have credible licenses. All we've got is people's trust, hardly viable."

"We just have to try our best, right sir?"

Lux's question lifted Oran's expression.

"Aye, that we will. Remember lads, we have to be the bigger soul in this equation. Keep it clean, keep me informed and I'll help as best I can."

"Yes sir," Nautilus bowed his head slightly.

"And for god's sake, keep an eye on Tai. Man's got the impulse of a wet cat."

Standing along a central street corner, a tall, angry Taiyama paced between two idly standing detectives.

"That Nobel's full of shit," Taiyama grumbled, "I know it, I can feel it. Think we should start with him."

Nautilus rolled his eyes as the boxer passed.

"We could put him in a room," Taiyama erected, "get him to tell us what he knows."

"Based on what evidence?" Nautilus said.

"Being too smug," Tai turned, "I know that look, he's not our friend."

"When he helped us find those bandits?"

"That's lip service," Tai raised a finger, "haven't you guys ever watched mob films? Bosses lie and cheat to get it their way."

"So you're advocating for torture?" Nautilus shook his head, "There's lines we can't cross and that's mine."

"Who set the line?" Tai growled, "last I saw it, it's our call."

"Our guild did," Lux said, "we joined them to make life easier, not hurt people."

Lux's statement left Taiyama shaking his head, swatting a hand in disapproval as he turned.

"It's a set-up, take it or leave it."

Heading for eastern Urbus, Taiyama's direction set his party in a similar path. Looking to each other, Lux's groan was masked behind closed lips.

"This is only temporary," Nautilus whispered, "if he gets out of line-"

"Then what?" Taiyama turned, outright grabbing him.

"Hey!" Lux squealed, "what's your problem?"

"Then we'll let you do things your way," Nautilus made eye contact, "on your own."

"Dude," Lux turned, "we can't just let him do that."

Nautilus gently cupped Lux's shoulder, nodding to Taiyama. Snarling, their giant of a body guard kept marching.

"They better hope you win," Tai growled, "I won't be nearly as soft."

Lux's eyes burned at him, whose shoulders clacked with rectangular plates of bronze.

He doesn't deserve to wear the armor of Samurai. He's a bully, nothing more.

Nautilus said nothing more on Taiyama's outburst, keeping focus on alleyways and local conversation.

"Seriously, sparing those elves?" one said, "Altai's got way stronger warriors, yet he does nothing. Hell, he probably works for Ilioc!"

"When're we getting our [Holy Water] back? I miss its taste. Ugh, nothing tastes the same."

"The people have no power! Open your eyes, Altai is the enemy! Anyone who supports that tyrant is an enabler! Democracy must return!"

"Anyone wanna see something hot? From that one blacksmith shop? Got exclusive peeks, the best in town!"

Taiyama's feet cemented, gaze turning to who provided these offers with a hardened glare. Catching this, the salesman inched away, grabbing a weapon at Tai's fast approach.

"You wanna try me, huh?" the salesman snapped, "you better pay for it, bitch."

"What're you selling?" Tai looked down on him, "those're my friends you're talking about."

Lux and Nautilus cleared away, a crowd gathering around Taiyama as he confronted a single lanky merchant.

"Just a window to greater imaginations sir," the merchant grinned smugly, "is that so wrong? Or did they cuckold you out?"

A fist flew, knocking the salesman on his knees from a hard right hook.

"You think!" Tai grabbed his shirt collar, "how about you tell 'em straight up?"

[You have committed Assault!]
[-5 Reputation (Urbus)]

Instead of swinging back, all the merchant did was groan, spitting a minor drop of red on otherwise bleached pavement.

"Pictures...idiot," he coughed, "they're just pictures."

Before Tai could enact further, a hairy palm clamped around his wrist, sized twice his. Tauran security had arrived, looking down to everyone from their eight foot height, their stomach armor bright. With the merchant's call confirmed by multiple witnesses, Taiyama was dragged away, a flash of blue sending him to Altai's dungeon within moments. Having gained good distance, Nautilus looked over to Lux.

"We're gonna have to get him, you know that right?"

"Seriously?" Lux narrowed her eyes.

"Not saying I'm for it, but we need the muscle. Downside to Graye Sight's memo, we don't get a lot of meatheads."

Southwest of their position, in a torch lit stone box, Taiyama sat with legs crossed. A timer passed over its 3 minute mark, ticking slower as he watched it. From upstairs, metal clacked and clanged, Garr counting with sharp breaths. Brushing his short brown hair, Taiyama's glare remained.

Asuna's getting showed off so impurely, but that's okay. Garr will come down on them, he respects women. Sounds like he's working out, this should be easy.

[To Garr: Hey man, mind letting me out? I'm in your fucking sex dungeon]

Garr's count ended, metal gently lowered onto wooden floors above. Saying something brief, his footsteps closed in, a door opening to Tai's left. Reaching Taiyama's cell, a blank stare was given, Garr's golden eyes dim.

"The hell are you doing in there?" Garr opened his menu, "Assault? What happened?"

"You'll thank me later," Tai rose and approached the bars, "I caught a guy trying to sell pics of Lis to people."

Garr's eyes lit for a moment, soft before drying.

"Asuna too!" Tai continued, "just selling it like it's a priced commodity, can you believe that? It's terrible!"

"Is it?" Garr stretched and flexed arms.

"Well duh, he's selling raunchy shit! Aren't you supposed to go defend them?"

"Defend a civilian from what? Have they been physically attacked? Robbed? What?"

Tai's gaze perplexed.

"Civilian? How can you call Lis that?"

"It's a basic moniker. You asked me to go violate another civilian's personal freedoms without valid cause."

"Valid cause? How about the fact they didn't have permission?!"

"How am I supposed to know that?"

"Cause Asuna wouldn't want this," Tai clenched fingers, "she's not like that."

"In that case, what's the price?"

Tai's face flared red.

"Dude, are you serious?!"

Garr's gaze remained steady, but his eyes grew wetter.

"What's the price?"

Taiyama stared down at his king, fire building as he gripped bronze bars. Head and shoulders above Garr, he flexed to impose.

"I punched the guy, okay?" Tai growled, "I don't know."

"Well that explains this," Garr motioned towards the cell, "shame too, I would've bought it myself."

"And what would Lis think of you?"

"Who's that?" Garr splayed palms up, "you keep bringing up this civilian like it's some personal weakness."

"So you wouldn't mind if I dated her?"

"Nope."

Taiyama shook his head.

"Wow dude, I didn't think you were such a pig."

"I prefer to see myself as honest," Garr leaned in close, "never trust a dude who says he's not into it. Those guys," he shook his head, "where's your timer at?"

"Two minutes."

"You can wait that out," Garr nodded before leaning on a nearby wall, "so got any-"

A message arrived, halting the king's sentence.

[From Lux: Could you keep Tai with you? Guy's gotten us nearly in trouble]

Sighing softly, Garr drew a ring of keys.

"On second thought, wanna lift? Might be a bit of a walk getting back to town, but your sentence hardly gives me time to get you a meal."

To this, Tai paused, his expression softened to neutral.

Who the hell is this guy? Maybe I was wrong, he has changed since I met him. Garr's seriously talking about getting a pic of girls without their permission, of Asuna too. For the sake of her honor, I will get him back for this.

"Fuck it, fine."

Taiyama's cell door was unlatched, with Garr motioning him over.

"An honest man sleeps a peaceful night," Garr's bright eyes narrowed, "remember that, man."

With a return to surface came a brush of fresh air, the grand foyer vast, its many seats vacant. Turning to Garr's throne, Tai's eyes stopped at a tightly clothed Leafa, whose hands clutched dumbbells. Her muscular frame flexed and bent, weights rising and falling.

"Don't mind her," Garr waved dismissively, "she likes working out between matches."

Leafa rushed to Taiyama, whispering to him very carefully.

"Don't tell Asuna, I just...miss workouts. He offered first."

"It's fine," Tai said back, "but be careful, guy's a pig."

Her scowl was hard to miss, nodding before splitting from him. PoH, who had been seated casually off beside the throne smiled, leaning on one side.

"Oh look, Garr found another jock."

"I know right?" Garr grinned before turning to Tai, "go ahead, you won't get warped."

"What about my stuff?" Tai readied a push up.

"It'll return with the timer. Trust me, I've been there. You'll have to stay for a while sadly, so I'll be sure to get you some good food."

Taiyama summoned a cable machine, setting its weight light before taking grips. Slow, rhythmic punches were exercised, toning commenced as he glanced over to a leg thrusting Leafa. Taiyama's eyes blanked out, ropes tugging back his hands.

Don't stay...oh my.

"Garr?"

"Yea?" Garr pressed a barbell over his chest.

"I hate to bring up what happened, but I just recalled something. You mentioned pain absorbers, right? How they went off?"

"Unfortunately."

"Does that mess with how rag dolls work?"

"No?" Garr stopped, racking his weight.

Leafa stopped lifting, turning her head to what conversation evolved. Catching this, Garr got up, motioning Taiyama to a distant corner. While the boxer obliged, a disintegrating bench press froze Garr in his tracks. A harsh shiver broke out, his eyes swelling for a moment before looking away.

"You okay, bro?" Tai looked down.

"Y-Yes," Garr wiped his face, "God, uh...deja vu, right?"

"Seems a bit strong for one of those."

"Anyway," Garr whispered, "why do you ask?"

PoH's ears perked up, appreciating Leafa as she bent and flexed.

Acherres, were you playing your hand too hard?

"Yea man," Tai said, "it was weird, they just laid there after hitting zero. This a glitch?"

Garr felt his own face, eyes wandering for a moment.

"Tell you what," he raised a finger, "I've got specialists. I'll get you your answer."

[To Heathcliff: getting reports of ragdolls remaining after death, anything on that?]

Taiyama informed Graye Sight's detectives as Garr awaited response

[From Lux: Creepy, this game isn't m rated]

[From Nautilus: Someone switched a setting?]

[From Heathcliff: They're only programmed to scatter, saved me an M rating on this]

"Lowyse!" Garr called.

"Anything?" Taiyama looked.

"Nope."

The heavily scarred flame witch emerged, a look of irritation missed by no one.

"I was studying," she grumbled.

Garr walked over, discussion quick between them.

"All the more reason to study," Lowyse's left ear folded, "I may not have knowledge in this, but I will look into it personally, Altai."

Sun Dancer

December 19th, 2022

"Yes I tell you," Godfree pointed to his door, "those blasted curs broke into my house!"

Nautilus and Lux entered quietly, a home of three rooms opening around them. Godfree motioned them to his bedroom, where entire rows of bookcases stood empty. A sizable number of books, reaching near waist height, were piled up. Some were left open, their backs against wooden floors, laid out like starfish. Nautilus and Lux gave each other quick glances, Taiyama skirting around this island of ink and paper, opening a nearby chest.

"Don't bother there," Godfree said, "nothing was taken from there. Loathsome things."

Taiyama's eyes found not only ore trickled with precious metals, but many other visually pleasing oddities.

"Must've been the stupidest burglars ever," Taiyama closed the chest, "leaving all this untouched? Did they even take anything, Godfree?"

"The recidivists have absconded what I cherish most," Godfree sighed, "my books, dost thou understand what it means?"

"It's okay Godfree," Nautilus patted him, "which ones are you missing? We can help you find them."

Taiyama chuckled to himself as Lux casually inspected the book pile.

Books have almost zero monetary value out here, this has to be a joke.

Lux flipped through pages, mentions of a lost continent popping up occasionally as her eyes jumped from spot to corner, Auslithe. Putting it down, her attention turned back to Godfree.

"Prithee, find them. My copy of 'Deeper Matters', 'The Inquiries of George Kalberg Vol. One', as well as 'Early Vaznia' were taken. Haven't gotten a chance to read them yet either, gives me conniptions."

After a brief discussion of physical appearance, thickness, all three agents left. Streets bustled, Urbus' urban sprawl shaded as a floating island passed overhead. Merging with society at large, Taiyama glanced down at his allies, his eyes blank.

"So why books?"

"Not sure," Nautilus leaned on a lantern post, "but one thing's for sure, none of them are fictional works."

"That's true," Lux tucked herself in her black cloak, "they're certainly not the kind of books I'd read. Romance for life."

"So I guess it means a library trip?" Tai stretched and yawned, "sorry, just feeling such excitement."

"You can head elsewhere if you want," Nautilus glanced up, "This's gonna be pretty research heavy."

"And that's why I'd fall asleep," Tai groaned, "call me when you're done."

Quiet goodbyes were exchanged, the boxer's eyes quickly setting down another road as he parted. Passing crowds left and right, conversation was loud, their topics varied.

"Have you tried a [Costume] yet? Tailors can make you something unique to wear."

"Anyone who supports him is a traitor, I mean who believes this shit?"

Of all vague things heard by Tai's ears, this translated within moments.

Is it wrong that I'm trying to be Garr's friend? He cares so little about my feelings towards Asuna, or anyone. Part of me wants to prove he's not becoming some shady godfather, but it's getting harder to disprove. Every time I meet him, he gets colder and colder. At least Wick is chill, hopefully he can join me for a little bro time.

A bell jingled as he pushed, Lisbeth's storefront door easing aside. Racks of weapons and stands dressed in armor surrounded him, covering every patch of wall available. Glancing momentarily over a rigid Asuna's head, a serrated [Wakizashi] caught his eye.

I still hate the fact I wasn't able to get Aigen's weapon back. I had to get out though, and now I have to find something to honor him with.

"Welcome to Lisbeth's," Asuna saluted, trying to hide her inward folding knees.

Taiyama looked down on her, a chill running through him as an awkward quiet sprouted.

Shit, what do I say? Sorry? Confess? Why's this have to be so hard?

"Hi Asuna," he looked away, "is Wick around?"

"Yup," Asuna trembled slightly, hiding a cheek as she said, "want me to bring him over?"

"Yes please."

Asuna left for the shop's back door, vanishing as it shut behind her.

Whoever took that picture needs to pay. I promise you, Asuna...I won't let this destroy you.

Moments later brought back not only Asuna, but a slightly bruised Wick, who smiled at Tai as he put away his weapon.

"Yo," Tai bowed his head lightly, "you up for hanging, bro?"

"I don't know," Wick glanced back, "I was training with Leafa."

"She said it was okay," Asuna stood behind her desk, "go ahead, take your time, just uh..."

Her eyes were back on Tai, softening until she looked away.

"Be back by evening."

"Sweet," Wick grinned, "alright Tai, where to?"

"Was thinking the beach," Tai shrugged, "but it'd be too far, least for today. We'll see as we go."

"Cool!"

Heading out, Taiyama gave a parting glance to Asuna, who watched him quietly as he left.

"So what're you training with?" Tai said.

"A [Scimitar], for now at least. It gives nice boosts to [Bleed] status effects, so it suits me."

"Ever tried [Spears]? Gets some of the best range out here, cheapest to upgrade, make, and repair."

"It's a bit too predictable for me," Wick stretched his face a bit, "like the monsters here, do any of them not wanna eat us?"

A single story building's double doors swung open, both detectives quiet in their entry.

"Good day sir and madam!" Godfree called out from behind a desk, "I hope the weather fares thee well!"

Lux stopped, letting Nautilus walk further, her face wrinkled slightly.

"You're the librarian, Godfree?"

"Forsooth, what better way to get my lore than to buy up people's books?" Godfree's lips pressed for a moment, "with exception to a certain author's works. So malignant is their nature that I dare not invite such deleterious substance."

Lux took a moment of silence to what was spoken.

"What?" she said."

Godfree filed fingers through his large beard.

"It would be unbecoming of thee to bring works explicitly for personal fornication into this institute?"

"Right," she smiled sheepishly, "whatever you said."

Nautilus' quick venture to nonfiction left Lux momentarily clueless to his position. His eyes skimmed through titles, taking a hold of books at random. Lux looked tiredly back to Godfree, catching sight of a 'Return Books Here' box beside him.

"Do you have a record of nonfiction book renters?" she leaned on his desk.

"Your question sparks of intuition, I will find out."

During his search, Nautilus crossed multiple shelves, their labeled sections empty of any historical matters, as well as a few medical documentaries.

"It is astounding," Godfree said bubbly, "I would've never figured the NPCs to be a scholarly bunch. Perhaps it is only a handful I'm perceiving, the names Pyravv and Imra are certainly frequent among non-fiction readers. It is a far superior society that expels ignorance through education."

"Could you give us a description of them?" Nautilus returned, "they might have burglar problems too."

Godfree nodded, raising his gaze, gathering memory.

"I'm telling you, they're huge."

"That big?" Tai's neck craned back, "how does she run? Does she even run?"

"Beats me, but Haru's amazing looking beneath all that baggy clothes. Wonder why she hides it."

"Ever talked to her?"

"If only," Wick shook his head, "there's three girls I like, four if Lis wasn't looking elsewhere."

"Why not Asuna?" Tai's tone lowered slightly.

"Oh no," Wick shook his head, "she's a bit too protective, have you seen h-oh wait. Sorry."

Tai fell silent, looking away.

"Sorry about that, Tai. I was gonna tell you how she barely lets Lis out of her sight, or Yuuki...or Leafa."

"Why?" Tai's eyebrow raised, "they're grown women."

"Don't know. Happened ever since...five days ago?"

Passing a nearby house, a white haired alchemist rushed over, potions grasped in her hands as she homed on their position.

"Wick!" Haru stopped, "there you are. Do you have a minute?"

"Oh uh," Wick blushed, "sure!"

"You hang around Yuuki, yes? I've been trying to replicate what she found, that [Unknown Rune]. I've had no luck and I need answers."

Taiyama's eyes read of little, besides of course expletives regarding his acknowledged lack of information.

"Yes?" Wick said hesitantly, "I'd be careful taking what Yuuki says too seriously, she said your hands glow blue."

Haru looked Wick in the eyes, raising a sleeved arm slowly. Tugging the fingertips of her gloves, a bright light from within brought him to widen his gaze.

"She...wasn't making things up."

"Can you bring me to her?"

"Hold up," Tai raised hands, "the fuck's up with your hands?"

"Sh," Haru raised a finger, "you're reminding me why I don't like people really quick."

Wick motioned Haru to follow him, Taiyama receiving an abridged explanation from her as they walked back to Lisbeth's shop. More conversations could be heard, with pairs of players wandering Urbus' streets, exclaiming a similar question.

"Has anyone seen a player with metal hands? Ten k reward for who knows!"

While Haru and Taiyama paid barely a glance, Wick's lips pressed together.

Why're they after Lisbeth? Better not ask, their question's way too specific to be an accident.

Towards Urbus' southeastern block resided a significant mixture of backgrounds. From enclaves of Russian players, to pockets of transferring Elves from Starting Town. A quiet district, Lux herself found few if any eyes so much as taking a second glance her direction. Reaching a quaint dwelling of single story stone, coastal flowers bobbed as their caretaker managed leaves.

"Excuse me," Nautilus waved, "are you Pyravv?"

"I am," his head rose, skin turning smooth at their presence, "what can I do for you?"

"We're sorry for bugging you," Lux bowed her head, "have you been keeping with local news?"

"I try not to," Pyravv anchored a new flower, "humans are complicated."

A set of pale blue eyes met Nautilus before returning to task, Pyravv rising as he pressed his feet on its root base.

"Ah," Lux laughed weakly, "see there's been some break-ins lately, people stealing books. Has anything like that happened here?"

"As if, my neighbors have all been good-hearted. I may not know what a Russian is, but I learned one thing, you can always tell how they feel about you."

"So you haven't," Nautilus said, "do you know anyone who has?"

Pyravv answered no, his calm replies leading both investigators towards their second Ceph in question. Imra's home was messier by far, her grass overgrown, along with an interior covered with odds and ends.

"So sorry!" she clawed out extra stuff off the rug, "would've made this place more presentable if I knew I was having guests!"

"It's fine ma'am," Nautilus smiled, "we're with Graye Sight, wondering if you've experienced any suspicious activity these last couple of days?"

Her yellow eyes lit up.

"Yes! Yes, I have."

"When?" Lux lightened her tone.

"It had to be four days ago, four hatch-kin were wandering outside near my house. miserable false-skins!"

"False skin?" Nautilus blanked.

"Means liar," Imra slowed, "snobs were clearly looking to judge how I live. Like they know a thing, mud hatchers."

"Do they come by frequently?" Lux said.

"I wanna say yes, but no. They only ever stopped to look once."

"Then how do you know they meant anything?" Nautilus said.

"It's the way they spoke," Imra flustered, "it sounded...arrogant, like they knew better."

Lux twiddled her thumbs slightly.

This lady might be a bit crazy, but I can't tell for sure. She might be just lonely.

"I don't think that's something we can prosecute," Nautilus eased his words, "however, we'd like to keep in touch with you. That way if this problem happens again, we can check it out, okay?"

"Oh," Imra lowered her head, "I...I suppose that works too."

"Knot," Lux looked to him, "maybe I can stick with her for now?"

Imra's head perked at the consideration, Nautilus simply shrugging.

"I'm not your boss, you let me know if something happens, right?"

"I will," Lux smiled, "besides, maybe I can help her around the house."

1425 Hours

"There's too many odd things happening with her to be a coincidence," Haru walked, "I didn't know where to go, Bale would've thought I'm crazy. He's so preoccupied with contacting Kibaou these days."

"What for?" Tai eyed any observers.

"I don't know, he doesn't like me being around when they're talking."

Wick's mind sponged off their conversation, adjusting his wide brimmed mage hat.

Seems a bit off, why not have Haru with him?

Arriving at Lisbeth's shop, Yuuki was spotted with little effort, though two men had taken to throwing stuff at her feet. From flowers to Cor, a ring of offerings formed around her.

"You guys are so sweet," Yuuki giggled, "you don't need to gift me this much."

"Grant us links," one went on his knees, "your connection touches beings beyond us, so we can see what's ahead."

"Uh," Wick said, "Yuuki?"

Yuuki's gaze snapped to him, bouncing a little in her step.

"Wicky! Have you met my newest friends? They're uh...what's his name again?"

Haru watched these two men carefully, their eyes burning at Wick as Yuuki approached him.

"Uh no," Wick slipped a hand to his sheath slowly, "wanna take a break?"

A gasp left Yuuki.

"You're asking me on a date?"

"No!" Wick waved hands, "Haru's looking to hang out, wanna come?"

"She hasn't granted us links," her prostrating acquaintance hissed, "please don't take this chance from us."

"Relax guys," Yuuki smiled to them, "I'll come back soon."

"You know what?" Tai furrowed his brows, "I have a better idea. Asuna!"

The shop's ginger haired clerk poked her head out, eyebrows furrowing and releasing.

"These guys are getting weird with Yuuki," Tai pointed, "giftin' her stuff, and wanting links n' shit."

"They what?!"

Both celebrators in question drew back, Asuna's eyes flaring as she reached down to her hip. Seeing a [Rapier] drawn, neither stayed to see what outcomes awaited, Asuna chasing them off like a hungry lion. Laughter broke off as Wick and Tai watched them disappear, Yuuki lowering her chin for a moment.

"Thank you," she muttered to herself.

Sun Dancer

December 19th, 2022 - 2230 hours

Lux stirred in her chair, a shoulder wrapping blanket warm with fur. Imra's living room brought near absolute darkness to reality, its lack of candlelight preventing Lux from seeing her own hand, if not for the doorway. Only moonlight would bring her eyes relief. No sound was safe from bouncing, repeating off stone walls. Curled up deep in a blanket, she stared out from a lonely corner.

"They pretend to be like us in shape...but they're not. They're just outlines, nothing more."

How did he see people from so far away? It happened several miles away, there's no way Recon saw anything. But Thanatos said magic was being used that day, so what could it mean? Hollow people, way to creep me out.

Her walk on the beach emerged from mental depths, great beasts of unknown size, shape, and ghastly splendor stirring her.

Are we gonna survive this place? I feel so powerless, like I'm some tiny dust bunny in a room. I can float a little, glide along the ground, but I know nothing. Do I even want to see what's out there? This is why I hate the ocean, I can't stand being near it. I can't see, yet I don't want to see.

A light tap on wood froze Lux in place, the front door nudging against its stopper. Her shoulders lowered slightly, air easing out.

Ah, air pressure differential, just like my apartment.

Her ears perked, however, as new information trickled. It wasn't a distinct sound, but an aberration of it. A low hum crept in, almost undetectable. Washing over ambient noise, a subtle dip in pitch brought Imra's clattering door to a near indiscernible croak. Shaking, a blanket shrouded hand reached for a [Shortsword's] handle.

That's not wind, I'm getting help.

Lux lifted her one sheet, her head concealed before opening an interface.

[To Nautilus: Marco]

[From: Polo]

Closing her menu, its light disrupted what night vision Lux possessed, forcing readjustment. Right before she pulled her head back out, however, a simple detail reached. Imra's door stopped bumping. A soft breeze brushed, passing through her shroud. Her body stiffed, blood chilling as imagination flew. Trapped beneath a blanket like a child, fingers coiled tightly around, a hand married to leather. Soundless, Lux dared not breath with any force. A creak broke rhythm.

"Marco."

Lux sighed, warmth returned as she emerged from her spot.

"What took you so long?" she whispered, "there is some freaky shit here."

Nautilus held up a hand, pointing another towards the door behind her. Looking back, it was opened. Lux rose steadily, stepping behind Nautilus as he drew a metal headed [Club]. Borrowed moonlight being their only source, both were quick to toss out a [Glow Rock], but both froze at what stood meager feet from them.

Clearly bipedal, a humanoid in rich blue cloak had been watching them, its skin rippling with a profound hardness. Staring, their light source brought out what icy glare it possessed, a frigid malice barely contained.

"Hold it pal!" Nautilus raised his [Club], "no one needs to get hu-"

It made no effort to slip past Nautilus, choosing to tackle him down instead, crashing past him without a second thought. The detective's bludgeon whaled on him, the suspect pitching slightly with every hit. Lux instinctively chopped at it in a flight of fright, cloth tearing from its leg. While all attacks landed, their suspect persisted, almost unabated past Imra's door.

"Go!" Nautilus called, "don't let up!"

Lux glanced down, her [Shortsword] stained, her back against their [Glow Rock]. She followed Nautilus in his pursuit, racing through empty streets, turning west gradually as they closed in. Looking behind himself, their blue clad suspect flew into a sprint, veering sharply into an alleyway, his shoulder crashing dully against a building in desperation.

"Go left!" Nautilus motioned.

Lux confirmed his call, taking a flanking route as Nautilus swung right. Following in their prey's panicked breaths, they cornered him within minutes, closing distance as he froze in confusion.

"On your knees," Nautilus sighed, "we can go peacefully, but it'll require your cooperation."

Looking at Nautilus, its eyes hardened, a [Kukri] whirling in its hand not a moment later. Shivering in fear, Nautilus bit his tongue, raising his [Club] in front of himself, his left hand guarding his center, palm to chest. Lux's skin chilled, making quick approaches, hoping to distract their resistant opponent.

"You don't have to fight, dude!" Lux brandished her sword, "just drop it!"

Instead of relenting, he lunged straight for Lux, the [Kukri's] thickly curved blade whipping diagonally, zoning her harshly. Nautilus charged him, forcing redirection of cuts, its bronze mass biting the wood of a [Club] with an axe's power. Lodged in his bludgeon, Nautilus tackled his opponent, punching his gut furiously. Gasps burst out of their opponent, only for him to grab the wrestling detective, throwing him against a wall of bricks seconds later.

"Stop resisting!" Lux shouted, slashing as the figure tried yanking its [Kukri] out.

Terror pulled her punches, a desire to cower flowing through Lux as her [Shortsword] careened. Hearing her approach and prying his weapon loose, the suspect slammed upward, sending her weapon flying out of hand. Lux screamed, dashing back in retrieval, the suspect chasing her down without pity.

"From many origins," he croaked, "one truth."

Lux dove for her sword, her pursuer tackled face first into pavement, Nautilus refusing to let off. Grabbing wrists, he pinned the suspect mercilessly.

"You're done!" Nautilus commanded, "drop it!"

Wriggling like a corner animal, Nautilus' catch thrashed, kicking and groaning with harsh breaths. Lux returned, doubling down with her weight to help Nautilus pacify. After moments of wild struggle, it relaxed against stone, its [Kukri] dropped.

"You...are coming with us," Nautilus tiredly said, "and if you cooperate...we'll pardon you for this."

Lux breathed loudly, recovering whatever energy remained as her knee pressed down. Looking up, however, her whole face turned an icy cold.

"N-Nautilus?"

The detective's eyes rose, bulging as the walls around them burst with life. Masses grew, their color and texture fluctuating, complex shapes emerging. Humanoid in form, their cloaks all matched, as did their eyes.

"What...the actual fuck?"

Hands extended, shoulders close behind, humanoids exiting a space unthinkable to sane eyes. Growing out of walls of solid stone, more than a dozen figures in blue surrounded them, lunging as a collective, their screams muffled as glass broke. Screaming without a voice, Lux stared as hands grabbed her face. Darkness swallowed their sight, sound cushioned with cloth.

"Slip out, they never existed."

Explorers from the highlands of Atlen were quick to send vessels to the then untouched west Vaznian Rockies. With mountains on all sides, control was simple, a comforting fact considering their imports.

-Early Vaznia

A/N: And the night darkens further.

Hey guys, thank you all so much for reading and following this humble story. I admit it's far from perfect, but a good dose of constructive criticism goes a long to helping me progress! (reviews please!)

See you next week!