A/N: Demon Slayer, when you absolutely need gratuitous violence!
NetherOrbit: Beware what lurks beyond your comprehension...
Den3424: One thing I would tell Tai: "Actions have consequences"
Doctor: Do you have a prehistoric zoo?
As a notice, I will be adjusting my posting schedule to one chapter every three (3) days! This will remain effective until the conclusion of Sun Dancer, as I realize my audience completes the chapters within 1-2 days of posting.
Special shout out to Caps2019 for leaving a favorite and follow for this humble story. I put my heart and soul into this, every day.
A [Cygothan Mechanist] is a saint turning their back on Deus Cel, denying Him after he extended his blessing. To forfeit metal for flesh, knowing full well its weakness and corruptibility, it enrages Cel. Their creations small and large only tempt others with their blasphemous presence. Their destruction cannot be delayed, lest we all be subject to the same corruption.
-Saint-Knight Gigan, Faith & Steam. Second Era, Third Quarter
December 20th, 2022
"Hm," Haru wrote further, "how about no."
Haru aborted her incantation, the [Fledgling Ward] dissolving around Yuuki, who rushed to Wick's arms. Burying in his chest, her eyes closed tight, Wick stiff as stone from her abrupt contact.
My Mom always told me to beware of ghosts, I never believed her either! I wouldn't be scared either if it wasn't so unpredictable!
"At least we got something," Haru put aside her clipboard, "but frankly, I'm gonna put a pause on these tests. Something's getting attracted to these wards, Bale would kill me if I invited something he can't see."
"You were scaring her," Wick grimaced.
"I'm sorry, I just wanted to find something."
"Wick?" Yuuki slowly freed herself, "I wanna see Teika. I'm...I'm gonna need a break from this."
"That's fine," Haru put supplies away, "just try to relax, okay?"
"Nothing's gonna hurt you," Wick coaxed Yuuki, "let's go see your friend."
Opening the lock, Wick was almost dragged out of Haru's lab, Yuuki refusing to look back. Returned to a narrow hallway, a voice carried from another room. Its signature was faint, but distinct enough to allow Wick a glimpse.
"I'm telling you he's gone, died in a duel or something. No, he didn't go rogue, he was killed. No, I don't have a plan currently."
While incapable of picking out its exact source, Wick could distinctly attach its depth to a male's profile.
Someone back there though, he's talking about Alston.
Slowing her walk, Yuuki's eyes returned to him.
"Can I see your drawings again?"
"You want to see them?" Wick turned his head.
"Please, they're always happy. I need something happy right now."
Wick blanked for a moment, glancing back to where he heard the distant conversation.
She better not think about telling Leafa...or Lis. Come on, why can't I just choose one and try? They's so cute though, all of them.
Yuuki watched Wick's hesitant motions, a cold remaining seated in her gut.
Does he see? Does he know how guilty I feel everyday? I can't run from it, but I can't stop pretending. I gotta keep everyone happy.
"Sure," he nodded awkwardly, slowly passing over his art book.
Yuuki quickly grabbed it, but gently eased aside its cover. Her red eyes filled with images of soft green, of mushroom patched meadows, teeming with colorful, peaceful wildlife. In another, a ladybug traversed a minefield of water droplets, crawling across a pink leaf's canopy. In another, a man in blue tights soared, delivering an overhead punch, his fist crashing against a dark clad opponent. For each Yuuki saw, a little ember grew back.
His artwork is always beautiful, making me wish I was there. I'd take my friends with me, away from this place, away from the real world, and just...see. It takes me back, to the first day I met them.
"Excuse me," Bale passed between Yuuki and Wick before turning, "but may I ask who you two are?"
"I'm Wick," the artist motioned, "this is Yuuki, sir. We're from Lisbeth's."
"Ah, the best blacksmith in town. I'm sure you know who I am, at least if you are a part of her circle."
"Um," Wick rubbed his chin.
Bale's expression wrinkled softly, glancing between both members.
Nobody knows me, I'm losing relevance. Maybe if I host a bigger party, then they'll remember me. The Committee's stopped talking to me, Kibaou too.
"Bale?" Yuuki tilted her head.
"Very good," he smiled, "do tell, does Lisbeth take special requests?"
"Yep," Yuuki grinned, "cost's a bit extra, but she's got the talent!"
"Fantastic," Bale drew a note, "do make sure this reaches her soon, there are many more who would take an offer from me."
"We will," Wick bowed his head slightly, "thank you for the business."
"You're very welcome, oh and don't let Haru slow you down. She's quite the talker, once you give the hint you'll listen."
While Wick and Yuuki both superficially accepted Bale's claim, neither let his words stick. Watching him walk downstairs with his head high, Wick let off a soft groan.
"First time I heard you make that sound," Yuuki tilted her head.
"Let's just say I don't care for big egos."
"Hm, good to know."
Her eyes returned to Wick's art, delicately moving between pages. Breathing softly, Yuuki passed it back, a warm smile restored.
"Thanks, Wicky."
"Sure thing," Wick retrieved, "feeling better, I hope?"
"Yep!" she winked before tugging, "now come on! Got a king to meet!"
Yanked nearly off his feet, Wick was again left spacing out.
She's really gotta call him Teika, she keeps getting me thinking about Garr.
Downstairs, Teika was found huddled around a map with his friends.
"But I'll be fine," Silica whined, "I can already beat piggies, why can't I go with you two?"
"You only win cause you send your wolves to do it," Aoki said, "Teika's gotta teach you how to defend yourself. Especially if we plan on going to Floor four."
"I'm trying my best," Teika said, "all she wants to do though is cuddle!"
"I thought you liked that," Silica frowned.
"I do, but we gotta think about this carefully. What if your wolves get hurt and can't fight, what could you do?"
"Grab them and run, find somewhere safe."
"They're bigger than you," Aoki leaned on the table, "unless you start boosting [Strength] stats, that's gonna be difficult."
Nodding to Wick, Yuuki approached slowly, her arms slack as she neared Silica's group.
"Hi Silica," she said.
Silica whipped around, crossing arms around Teika's stomach.
"What do you want?" Silica snapped.
"to make amends?" Yuuki raised a hand slightly, "I kinda got over the top with things."
Silica stared, glancing up to Teika briefly.
"I was hoping maybe I could offer some help with training," Yuuki bent her knees, reaching Silica's level, "you guys are headed to Floor One, right?"
"Yep," Aoki said, "for at least two weeks. Gotta collect supplies, train Silica, figure out where we're going, cause it sure isn't fun here."
"I hate being told where I can go," Teika grunted, "this king isn't my boss, I go where I want."
As Yuuki spoke, Wick spotted a man in white and black, his back against a fireplace's column. Looking back at Wick, Thanatos smiled.
"Has anyone told you how sharp that hat looks on ya?"
"No actually," Wick smiled, "purple isn't very popular it seems."
He nodded, slipping over to Wick's side.
"You oughta meet the leaders over at Graye Sight, one of them wears purple all the time. What's your name again?"
"Wick," glanced to Thanatos' clothes, "gotta say, white n' black looks sharp."
"Ya think so?" Thanatos smiled, "you look like you've got a good heart, pardner. Where ya from?"
"Brooklyn."
"I was gonna say!" he laughed, "every time I look at cha, I imagine one of those Asian accents. Not a rough Brooklyn!"
"Please," Wick rolled his eyes as he chuckled, "gimmie a burger and I'm a happy man."
"Ha, another American!" Thanatos put an arm around Wick, "I tell you, these folks are some of the quietest I've ever met. They never shout, always polite, they're good people."
"Who?"
"The Japanese, I think? Course then there's Tai, he's definitely a bolder one. Wish he'd answer my texts, our boss's been in low spirits for a week."
"I think he's over at Lisbeth's," Wick adjusted his shirt buttons, "him and Asuna."
"So that's keepin' him up? Can't say I blame him, can't think of one lady I wouldn't wanna see in a dress."
As both parties spoke, a soft voice broke out, leaking from spaces above. Singing a tune, its sweetness brought a glance from many.
"Who's that?" Wick looked up, a shiver running through him.
"Haru," Thanatos filed hands through his hair, "pretty, isn't it?"
"It's amazing," Yuuki turned, "hey, why don't we get her to sign up for that Karaoke contest?"
"Girl's as flighty as a rabbit," Thanatos shrugged, "shame too, it'd really help raise spirits out here."
Yuuki glanced back to Teika and Silica.
"Can I repay you with this? Being friends with everyone is important."
Silica bit her lip, looking up to Teika again.
"I...think I'd be okay with that," she said weakly, "can she, Tiki?"
"Don't see why not," he kept a straight face, "we leave tomorrow, before sunrise."
"Great!" Yuuki jumped, "I'll let Asuna know."
"Oh boy," Wick sighed, "she's not gonna like this."
A green flash brought Yuuki's eyes low, opening her interface quickly.
[From Lisbeth: You two wanna go shopping? It's a slow day, let's have some fun]
"Wicky, get Haru! We're goin' shoppin'!"
"What?" Wick flustered, "who arranged that?"
"Lizzy, of course."
Thanatos snickered, earning a pleading glance from Wick, his lips mouthing 'help me'.
"Sorry pardner, that's on you now."
"Great," Yuuki swept back to Teika's group, "I'll come by here tomorrow with my stuff."
Wick moved quietly upstairs, to the last door on his left.
"How soon can it be made, sweetie?"
"It will depend," Haru said, "I'll need potent ingredients if you want it strong."
"Excuse me, Mister Bale?" Wick bowed, "may I ask Haru something?"
Bale turned slowly, but smiled, keeping Wick under his chin.
"Of course."
"My friends invited Yuuki and I shopping, wanna come with?"
"I don't know," Haru splayed hands, "I'm pretty busy right now."
"Go," Bale waved.
She looked to Bale, her head flinched back.
"I need to find what you need first," he stroked Haru's hair, "no use worrying, enjoy some time out."
"Um, okay."
Following them outside his estate, Haru's green eyes narrowed.
He suddenly got all sweet, why?
Sun Dancer
-Leafa
[From Recon: Hey Suguha, miss you and our friends back at the shop. I might try and stop by for Christmas, but I'm not sure if I can. Beware the hollow people, there's more of them now]
I was so happy. Really, I was afraid I'd never hear from Shinichi again. The only reason I never looked for him more was cause of my job. I was afraid of not doing what I promised. But it was okay, cause he's safe. Helping Asuna wash dishes, I got to talk about training.
"He shoved you?" Asuna glared.
"More like threw me," I said, "I hate training him. He grabs, he punches, kicks, breaking every rule I was taught."
"Why tolerate it then?" Asuna narrowed her eyes, "you don't have to do it, Leafa. We're getting by fine right now."
"I can't just sit here, I gotta do something. I can tolerate this, he at least pays well."
How could Garr act like that, my Dad would've never allowed it. No bunnies for him, that's right. Putting away another plate, I gasped as a breath stroked my neck.
"Opposites attract, you sound frustrated."
I turned around, blocking my chest. It was Lisbeth, laughing at me, groping hands ready before lowering.
"I am!" I squealed, "he's such a jerk!"
"Ooh you're too funny," she chuckled, "so jumpy, like playing with a bunny."
"Lis," Asuna sighed, "you're distracting her."
"You wanna see distracting?" Lis smiled evil-like, "get Leafa to run front desk."
"How would I be distracting?" my arms fell, "I don't talk too much, do I?"
A look from those narrowed eyes left me turning away, squealing a little.
"I'll letcha think that one through," Lisbeth giggled, "but not too hard, okay?"
"Okay," I sighed with relief.
Lisbeth left me alone without squeezing, it must've been my lucky day. With Asuna's last dish cleaned, I stood up straight.
"Job's done."
"Good," Asuna said sweetly, "how about you get ready for a little shopping? Lis's offering."
"Shopping?" I looked, "oh, can we get flowers?"
"Flowers would be nice, but how about new clothes for the New Years party?"
"Ooo," I smiled, "that's good too. Okay, I'll get ready."
I missed Silica's doggies, they reminded me of those stuffed animals I'd keep by my bed. I missed them more than anything, snuggling with my five favorite bunny and cat plushies. Maybe someone was making those, I'd get at least six. But wait, what if Wick saw this?
Yuuki's sneaky, she talks to him behind my back. He'd think I'm childish, I gotta be more mature. He's always calm, not even his footsteps change. It's weird too, cause I'm sitting there, waiting for him to shout something. But he never would. Speaking of Wick, he returned from his friend's house, passing some paper to Lis. Yuuki rushed over, petting me softly before sweeping by.
"Hi Leafy!"
I couldn't trust Yuuki, she was working with Lisbeth. Just yesterday, they dyed my hair blonde, the nerve! Leopon told me I looked pretty with it, so I kept it regardless, was still mad. If it weren't for her and Asuna, I would've lost my mind. Wick looked at me after talking to Lis, but away the second I noticed. What's in his head? Oh hey, another girl was with them.
"Hello," I approached with a hand out, "I'm Leafa, pleased to meet you."
Her name was Haru, I liked her. She was a quiet type, I could see it in her eyes. For the first time too I had someone who felt my pain, of constantly bumping into things when I turned. Lis asked how I felt about running, told her I didn't like it. She then asked how high I'd fly if I jumped, funny. Lis doesn't deserve bunnies either, she's too tricky.
"Alright, are we all ready?" Asuna cheered, "Wick, don't go anywhere!"
"Huh?"
"That's right," Lis put a hand on his shoulder before poking his stomach, "you're our pack mule today!"
"Did I miss something?" Wick blushed, "hey, not so rough, Lis."
"Psh," Lisbeth let go, "you love it rough, don't lie."
"Aw, be nice!" I called.
A simple look from the pink haired troublemaker was enough to set me back.
"Sorry."
"Don't be," Lis winked, "don't be so down, Wicky. There is a silver lining, you'll see."
While Wick muttered something, I couldn't hear it. Poor Wick, they always teased him. People deserved respect, no matter what. Leopon emerged last, closing what looked like her message screen. Someone was putting makeup on, her skin was like a doll's.
"Leopie!" Lis hugged, "you look really spruced up!"
"Was experimenting," Leopon said, "seems the stuff Asuna got works pretty well for me."
Asuna was sure happy to hear that, should ask Leopon for some of what she got. Walking out into those sunny streets, we joined up with some other groups of shoppers. Some really pretty flowers were starting to grow here, guess people were collecting from outside of town.
"Mm," Lisbeth sighed, "anyone else smell that?"
"Yep," Asuna smiled, "someone's making pastries."
"It's a good business," Haru peeped, "marshmallows sell easy out here."
"but how do they get the sugar?" Leopon looked at Haru.
"Most of us got seeds from Starting Town, grows really easy here."
Yuuki hounded Asuna for some sweets, pretty impolite if you asked me. A small crowd gathered as one of those really big cows arrived, pulling along this cart. It was huge, like big enough to carry a car. Its back hatch dropped, Tauran lifting and dropping arm loads of food. People, however, were looking a bit disappointed as we passed.
"That's it? It's way less than yesterday."
"Altai's got whole fields of crops and this is all he brought us?"
Didn't know anything about that, so I kept quiet. While most paid no attention, both Leopon and Lisbeth looked behind us, their eyes curious.
"Looks like Oran followed through," Leopon said quietly.
"Eh?" Lis turned her head.
"Remember Yuuki's little adventure? Fighting Alston?"
Haru's gaze was swiftly on them, seemed pretty surprised by it.
"Aye?"
"Oran from Graye Sight? He found some interesting drops, said he'd take them to Garr right away. It was weird stuff, that's all I know."
"Oh god," Lisbeth's eyes shrank back, "they were dumping that in our crops?"
Leopon nodded, but hushed as we passed another group. Looked really scary, their faces covered by masks, holding weapons in their hands as they shouted in a united manner.
"He takes our space, he takes our rights, Altai's got to go!"
They seemed really focused on what looked like a construction site. Was a bit tricky, seeing around all of them.
"No rights, no help, not democracy at all!"
Got a bit scared when a few looked my way, wearing all those heavy dark clothes. They all looked so angry, even when I did nothing to them. They were all Westerners, eyes said everything. Stepping away, all I could make out was the building's outline, looked like a temple. A high brick fence, guarding a circular structure. Getting distance, I sighed a little.
"How could people be like that?" I said, "it's a beautiful day."
"People are still mad from Starting Town's mistreatment," Leopon told me, "since Ilioc's too far away, they compensate."
"New topic!" Yuuki cheered, "Wicky, who are you gonna gift on Christmas Eve?"
Wick was silent, looking at everyone with his eyes nearly swollen.
"Aye Wick," Lis poked his ribs, "how many times have you been checkin' Haru's ass?"
"N-Never!" Wick panicked.
Haru's look turned icy, got Lisbeth laughing at it all.
"That's okay, I've checked it thrice myself."
"Lis!" Wick hid his face.
"I hope you're kidding," Haru crossed.
"Kidding, Haru. Don't kill him, least until Yuuki's done."
"I'm still not getting an answer!" Yuuki grabbed Wick's shoulders.
"Um!" Wick shrank.
"Leave him alone," I tugged him, "he doesn't have to get me a gift."
Why were they staring at me all of a sudden? Wick was too, oh no. Why was he blushing?
"Sorry," I lowered my head, "let's...move on, shall we?"
"Okay then," Haru looked all confused, "I've got a boyfriend, Wick."
"Bale," Asuna coughed.
"What's wrong with that?" she looked, "he's very handsome."
"Honey, he's the same guy who wouldn't share cake with you."
"I never asked for it though."
"You have to ask?" Lis said, "shiet, that'd be something I'd expect, without asking."
"I bet he doesn't even let Haru sing," Yuuki frowned, "she's actually really good-"
"Stop," Haru narrowed her eyes.
"She sings?" Asuna smiled.
"I just hum a little," Haru raised hands in defeat, "I can't actually sing."
"That's not what I heard," Yuuki paced around Haru, "Wick heard it too, your voice is sexy!"
Saw some of those NPC guards pass by, think they're called Dark Elves? Their eyes are so pretty, all light blue. All the exact same shade too, must've been quadruplets.
"You were listening in on me?" Haru said, "I thought Lisbeth was bad enough!"
"Hey," Lis grimaced.
"Okay, okay, that was a knee jerk reaction, but guys. I hate being listened in on."
"To be fair," Yuuki eased, "you were kinda loud."
"I was?"
"Guys," Leopon said, "drop it, we're almost there."
Thank goodness, was worried another argument was gonna start. Haru seemed really shy, so any pushing wasn't gonna help. Along Urbus' central eastern corner, we found clothes lines stretched across many buildings. Carpets of wild colors, clothes of utterly beautiful designs hanging, a little paper tag indicating price on each. Our nearest salesman was a man of darker complexion, had all the traits to be expected of one from India.
"Like what you see?" he said, "Kidreg's my name, got plenty of choices and few excuses."
"Ha," Lisbeth smiled, "like the sales pitch."
"Thanks, I'll let my boss know it doesn't suck!" he laughed, "so what style?"
"We're looking for party-going attire," Asuna bowed slightly.
"So it better be risque!" Lisbeth elbowed me.
"Ow," I flinched, "what's risque?"
Wick choked a laugh, made me feel stupid.
"Um, in that case you may wanna visit Kaylor. Brazilian's got you covered."
"Where is she?" Lis smirked while lassoing my arm, "Leafa's gonna love what she's got."
Kidreg pointed up the street from his corner, said she'll be hard to miss. On our way there though, some Tauran walked up to us, for once without armor.
"We'd like to buy pictures please," they said, "it has to involve girls and marshmallows."
"Wow!" Asuna craned her head back, "you want those?"
They shook their snouts, neighing softly.
"Altai requests them, sharper the better."
Their words froze me inside, my privacy invaded without any warning. Everyone looked to each other, eyes wide and scared. Except Yuuki, no idea why.
"We...don't have any," Asuna laughed weakly, "sorry."
They thanked us, walking over to other groups with similar questions.
"That's great," Haru cringed, "ugh, I'm never gonna party with marshmallows again."
"Why so embarrassed?" Yuuki squeaked, "I think it's pretty flattering, the fake king looking at us."
"I'm not," I said, "it's sick. Where're his morals?"
Asuna nodded, but her eyes were on Lisbeth for some reason. Pink hair whipped as she shook her head, eyebrows furrowing.
"My question still remains," Leopon said, "where'd the original come from? I played the beta, [Record Crystal] images deteriorate every time they're copied to a new one."
"I don't care," Lisbeth said, "it's wrong, but what can we do?"
Some people approached Yuuki while we continued towards this Kaylor person's shop. Weird looking ones too, had a lot of paling makeup on.
"Does He possess you?" they said to Yuuki, "does He speak to you?"
"I dunno what you're talking about," Yuuki blinked.
All three of them giggled, Yuuki tightening her fingers, looking more serious than I've ever seen.
"Surely you know," they smiled, "His word's on about you, why don't you demonstrate?"
Creepy, they wouldn't leave Yuuki alone.
"I wouldn't do that," Lis stepped in, "what afflicts her has peculiar tastes."
I had to look away, they were not only unafraid, but excited by it!
"Oh what does He want? I'm sure we could provide. Our bodies are ready."
"He wants certain kinds of metal," Lis said, "he doesn't compromise either, as I've found out."
"What kind?" they almost shouted.
"It's a special blend of [Tin] and [Copper]. Pretty specific, but he sure likes it when it's done right."
"Give us this metal!"
What was Lis doing? These people needed help, there's no such things as demons here. Sure, demon type monsters, but none of the real stuff.
"My skills aren't great," Lisbeth lowered her stature, "but I can make armor and weapons for you with that. Course it'll cost extra."
"We'll buy whatever we can!"
Lisbeth gave them her business address, looking so smug after they left.
"I'm not possessed," Yuuki looked to Lis.
"I know," Lisbeth chuckled.
"You lied to them," I crossed arms over my tummy, "that's not respectful."
"I know."
Lis could barely speak further without laughing harder, Haru looking away as it all calmed.
"Life's gonna bite you back," she muttered, "playing with people like that."
"Sometimes you gotta get by," Asuna sighed, "shall we?"
I was thinking of asking Wick what risque meant, but reaching Kaylor's corner answered it for me. All of her dresses were really slim, some of them barely hiding certain features. Making matters worse, a bunch of guys looked at us the moment we started chatting to Kaylor.
"I don't know about this," I moaned.
"Relax Leafy," Lis winked, "Wick's the only judge here."
"Oh," Wick said, looking less and less hesitant.
"Alright Leafy," Lis searched dresses, "get ready, the more boob-age, the better chance you'll win."
"Win?"
"The beauty contest! You and Asuna will be tough to beat."
"Who said I was going there?" Asuna blushed.
"You did, two days ago."
"Oh ya. Well, why not you?"
"Aye right," she laughed, "me, beauty contest? Ah, funny."
This had me look twice, Lisbeth didn't think she was pretty?
"Here Leafa," Lisbeth waved, "I'll pick an example. You'll see the style I'm thinking!"
Okay, at least I got a fair warning. I let her choose, though everyone except Wick started already. His eyes met mine, his lofty height shading me as he moved.
"You sure you wanna do this?"
"It's not exactly my strong suit," I lifted, "but if I need to compete for beauty, then I'll do my best."
"You don't need to, but okay."
"Alright Leafa!" Lis called, "something like this!"
Wick was blushing bright from just looking at her, wow. A form fitting red dress, its skirt cut along the side, showing off thighs. Spotted with bright yellow flowers, her entire upper back was exposed, a collar the only thing keeping it together.
"That revealing?" I flustered.
"Why so shy about it?" Lisbeth grinned evilly, "we show our best products at the front of the store."
"But..."
This struck me, especially with her comment earlier. Lisbeth joked a lot about swapping Asuna's desk spot, but never with herself. My eyes caught on to something though, something shiny like brass.
"Has anyone seen a person with a metal hand?" I heard nearby, "twenty k for info leading to their finding!"
Those longer white dress gloves Lis got, they weren't long enough.
"Lis," I whispered, "glove."
"Huh?"
I motioned my hand to an elbow, pretending to pull an invisible glow.
"Oh," she tucked it away, "thanks."
"Mhm!"
"Here, try this."
It actually wasn't as showy as hers, she even got my favorite shade of green right.
"I was thinking of giving you this one," Lis smirked.
Lisbeth held up what I could only name a half-broken two-piece. The only things that would've been covering my upper chest would've been two diagonal square flaps of clothing.
"but you behaved well," she returned it to Kaylor, "so I'll spare you...for now."
Was I supposed to be happy about that, or terrified? Anyway, we ended up shopping there for maybe an hour, with a bill of nearly forty thousand Cor. Lisbeth's little [Maid Outfit] being converted only cost five k, so I was shocked.
"Why so expensive?" I gasped.
"It's a [Disguise] item," the seller said, "you can wear this on top of your regular equipment, it's for looks without sacrificing function."
"Cause nobody would be dumb enough to wear that in battle?" Wick said.
"Exactimundo."
Paying off our expenses and leaving, Lisbeth sighed.
"Think I just lost five days of high traffic pay. Bad Lisbeth."
"We'll make it back," Asuna said, "besides, maybe I can win something this coming New Years."
"Hey," I said, "who said you're winning?"
"Oh, did I sound conceited?" Asuna turned in fret.
"And so she learns," Lisbeth chuckled.
"Learn what?"
"Nothing. Say Haru, wanna practice singing?"
"Why?"
"Cause it sounds fun. We're friends, right?"
"Let's see," Haru rubbed her chin before counting with fingers, "you abandoned me quickly with wild boar, you set off a marshmallow bomb in my kitchen, and I recently found out a picture of me dealing with said explosion is now being sold as soft porn. Of course we're friends."
"Technically I was getting back at Asuna with the second thing..."
"Why me?" Asuna whined.
"Won't discuss here," Lisbeth glanced to her for a moment, "also...the third thing wasn't intended, frankly I still don't know who took it."
"And the first thing?" Haru leered.
"I..."
"She promised someone she'd be there," Leopon stepped in, "someone who saved her from abuse."
Haru stopped, looking to Leopie and Lis with a neutral posture.
"Okay, but was the kitchen problem really worth getting at your friend?"
"It seemed funny at the time," Lis shrugged, "but I cleaned up afterwards, big reason why I couldn't help Yuuki. I wanna make it up to you though, cause Yuuki seems to be right more times than not."
Haru stared at Lisbeth, but her sigh spoke defeat more than words could.
"How do we practice?"
"With a [Karaoke Duel]!"
Haru was unsure at first, asking that we do this somewhere private. Lisbeth obliged, bringing us over to Bale's place again. Caught this guy with blue hair leaving, Asuna said his name's Diavel. Looked happy about something, that's all I knew. Sitting together in Haru's living room, the air was tense.
"I shouldn't have agreed to this," Haru winced, "this's gonna suck."
"Just remember, it's only friends watching."
"Ya...right."
"Go Haru!" Yuuki cheered.
"Start off soft!" I said.
We all encouraged Haru as best we could, she looked pretty scared. She actually reminded me of myself during my first year in Kendo. I had no idea what I was doing, not wanting to see disappointment on my father's face again, it was familiar. Course I dared not tell her, I had no idea what Haru was going through. The [Karaoke Duel] timer hit zero, both her and Lis gripped their microphones.
Lisbeth started it off, singing softly while motioning Haru to try. Haru resisted for a while, keeping her mouth shut. But when she started, it washed over us like an ocean wave, cooling but soft. Haru was able to carry notes far longer than Lis, smoother too. I wasn't saying Lis was a bad singer, but Haru had us sweeping off our seats!
"You need to sign up!" Asuna cheered, "actually, come with us. We'll help you."
"Now hang on," Haru froze, "I'm training to be a chemist, it's much more stable."
"Versus being an idol?" Yuuki stood, "okay fair enough, but you've got a talent. Why waste it?"
"Cause what I may like or want isn't important."
Both Yuuki and Asuna paused for a moment, but it struck me like an old memory.
"Sacrifices have to be made, I made mine."
"You could make a lot of people very happy," I stood slowly, "you know that?"
Haru looked to me, her green eyes lit with pain. It grabbed at my soul, her feelings reaching out like a sibling, recognizing their brother.
"I know exactly what you're saying," I lowered my head, "but at the same time, your will could be used to really help people. Outside this house is a pretty sad world, a lot of lives were lost, a lot of people are lost. If they heard you sing, I'm sure they'd feel better."
"I doubt it," Haru curled slightly, "I'm not exactly...charming."
"Neither am I," Lis smiled.
"I've noticed."
"Oi!" her smile turned sour, "was trying to help!"
Yuuki and Leopon laughed a little, but they nudged Lis afterwards.
"Maybe it's just a little," I lifted hands slightly, "I can be shy about things too, but I think you've got a really good shot at this."
Haru's arms slacked slowly, returning to her sides.
"It's your decision, I...hope you listen to your gut. Someone told me that earlier."
Looking around herself, Haru's eyes still looked full of fear. Nodding though, they set on me again.
"Where do I sign up?"
Lisbeth,
With a promised payment of over 12,000 Cor, I request a top quality [Heavy Crossbow]. It must possess armor piercing capabilities, as I'm having trouble piercing [Red Spotted Beetle] shells. You may send this with Wick when it is complete, he knows the address.
From,
Bale
A/N: As mentioned, chapters will be going up earlier as exacted by my new schedule! Reviews are highly desired, helps me figure out what I get right and wrong.
See you on Monday!