A/N: When life gives you bacon, say thank you and share!

NetherOrbit: Leafa is a bit direct compared to others...XD
Doctor: your pug messaged me back, he loves the beef bones!
Den3424: Taiyama's had more screen time than the main character for three chapters straight, something more constructive please?

Heads up, new poll! Vote in this one guys, cause it can affect the plot. Vote your winner, cause I'm loving either option!

Enjoy!

Amazingly enough, Aincrad's been transformed entirely from a vertical tower of floors, to its own planet. Upon writing this entry, Godfree and I have discovered our continent to be named Vaznia.

It's fantasy Australia, go figure.

-Argo, The Beta Tester's Survival Guide. December 26th, 2022

December 20th, 2022

My weathered boots crushed dust against stone, Diebry's darkness suffocating me with stagnant air. From proximal pillars, two guards approached.

"Hold," one raised a hand before freezing, "we have to...know."

"Lind?" I said quickly.

"He's in his office, sir." One stepped back, "shall I inform him?"

"Don't worry."

"Um, okay?"

Walking past them both, eyes from many corners stopped to look, my Tauran retinue coughing.

"Kobolds made every assault on this place miserable," one grumbled, "hiding in their holes, stabbing at us till we couldn't move."

"I know the feeling," Renee looked up, "hated their bloody darts."

"Cowards," they huffed, "we Red Hooves despise them."

"No," Korrin chuckled, "I always thought Kobolds were the bravest fighters in Aincrad."

"And I thought we were short on time," Renee said, "Garr, couldn't we handle this later?"

"A little spontaneity prevents forward planning," I kept eyes forward.

"Bet everyone loves you at work," Korrin sighed.

Making a turn into Diebry's higher altitude quarters, I raised one finger.

"Did I ever tell you what irks me almost as much as hypocrisy? Maybe more?"

"Being made a wide receiver by a man named Shirley?" Korrin snickered.

"Experienced?" I smiled.

"Almost did," Renee groaned, "what's that?"

"I'll let you know in a minute, if you'll excuse me. Alban?"

My personal Tauran guard followed me upstairs, though I had to remind him of its cramped height. Poor Wind Mane kept hitting his head on the ceiling on our way up, but boy was he determined.

"How can your kind live like this, Altai?" Alban groaned, "you can't run, jump, dance. Ground's uncomfortable without shoes, nothing grows, and no wind."

"This's what happens when people care a little more about each other than they should," I wiped my lips, "imminent demise sure has a way of sparking creative thinking."

"It's barbaric," Alban glanced at torches, "when we had wars, it always ended after some warriors died, not all."

"War's different for us," I splayed palms up, "while your chief and I don't get along well, I still see your tribe as better in some ways."

"I don't understand."

"Care is shown differently by everyone," I knocked Lind's door, "I fully believe in caring, because compassion is strength. Pardon me though," I reached for a door knob, "I might be a bit...hypocritical."

Standing alone with Garr's Tauran detachment, the red garbed Korrin looked down at Renee briefly. Down Diebry's great halls, construction continued, with stairways and a second floor walkway forming.

"He sure loves to be dramatic," he rolled his eyes, "reminds me of someone."

"Am I really that bad?" Renee looked up.

"Eh, only when you're brother's brought up. Garr? Almost everything's a scene. Gonna take hours till we reach the western border."

"But he makes our jobs interesting," Renee tossed hair, "course if he were crafty at all, we'd be in real trouble. That's what's got me wondering about the minister."

"Is it the bad boy looks?" Korrin chuckled, "Cause I dig."

"No, it's how he talks to Garr. Always personal, always by his side, unless he's on one of his walks."

"Well yea, prolly gets tired of dealing with him all day. He's so extreme with his philosophies, doesn't leave much room for talking."

"I know," she brushed, "I go with the flow though, you're doing great despite it."

"Thank you," he smiled.

A loud set of clacks and thumps left them both looking upstairs, backing away as Lind stepped out with his head hung, Garr's breath on his back. Only when Garr passed, did both ambassadors see a kitchen fork jammed between Lind's shoulder blade.

"Dude," Korrin almost gasped.

Players watched from their various stations, chatter dying down as their commander wept and bent. Stopping in the middle of their hallway, Garr gripped tighter.

"So now you get to answer me a second time," Garr held Lind, "how many people were you willing to poison just to make a moral foible, hm?"

"I..." he choked.

"I gave a chance to some of your little bandit friends, told them that they'd be given citizenship to Urbus if they'd tell me one thing," he raised a finger at everyone briefly, "how they got in."

"I..." Lind cried.

"And do you know what every one of them told me? Not only did they come through here, no. They came through here without any checks, how your guards didn't just ignore them, they gave them clearance."

"Garr please," Renee whispered, "this is a really bad idea."

"There are," Garr continued, "fourteen hundred children living under my watch every day. I've had to sit back for five, listening to stories, hoping what I heard wasn't true."

Garr yanked Lind's fork out, a sharp cry escaping Diebry's commander, Garr's shadow extending over him as he rested on a knee. Dropping the utensil beside him, Garr looked down with his chin low.

"God," he grunted, "I've had to sleep with that, knowing in the end...in the end that'd be my fault. I may have saved as many as I could from your pissing, but there is no saving from this."

Renee's eyes swelled as the muscled dwarf stepped over, grabbing Lind by his shirt.

Sun Dancer

-Garr 3:42 PM

[You are now entering...The Badlands of Nohr]

"Ya have coordinates for these boys, right?" Korrin put away his [Great-Shield], "gonna be a bitch to find."

My hands kept shaking, even after I washed them.

"Yep, at least ten klicks northwest of our position."

"Ten...?"

"Kilometers," I nodded, "s-sorry."

Goddammit, I couldn't stop stuttering. Was so shaken up from my little visit. I kept crying the whole time, that's how mad Lind got me. I was orchestrating to make toys for these kids, not knowing he was willing to toss their lives aside, just to take my place. I fought for everything I had, stepped on no human for it.

My boots cracked loudly stepping in this sand, too loudly. Renee swept her hand on its smooth surface, digging a little before drawing this jagged chunk.

"Glass," Renee said, "sure seems strange."

"Maybe cause it is?" Korrin smirked.

"I have to remind myself what fantasy is, you get used to it."

Continuing to crack under our shoes, I was definitely leaning on Korrin's answer. A moisture devouring wind ravenously clawed, dunes forcing us to kite around their steep faces. Made seeing anything at great distances challenging without eye protection, as some sand was airborne.

"We should probably remove our armor," Renee said, "this sand's tearing it up."

I nodded, releasing the leather straps, the bones guarding my form vanishing into storage. Afternoon hit us with temperatures far above a hundred Fahrenheit, good thing we brought hats. Great rocks resided south of our position, closer towards Nohr's coastline, a tree barren of leaves residing further west. Ground would turn rigid occasionally, made for quicker paces. It bore a tangible resemblance to a canyon's flooring, the result of a body of water leaving its host long ago.

"Oh hey," Korrin laughed, "got some camels over here...sort of."

Sure enough, there were some quadrupeds resting half a mile south. Looked pretty puffy for hot weather inhabitants, could mistake them for an overgrown poodle if it weren't for their necks. Sitting low to the ground, they watched us carefully.

"Good eye," I said, "might get us good mounts. That'll help our efforts."

"Nah mate, you don't wanna deal with camels if you can afford better. Wankers spit on ya if they're pissed."

"We'll find a solution to that."

"Pf," Renee shook her head, "mate, there's one problem with your plan."

I glanced to both of them.

"They're always pissed," Korrin said, "that's what the owner of one told me. They're real ass-hats."

[You are getting thirsty...]
[-10% Strength]
[-10% Endurance]

Had to hold off on water until we made progress, returning home was a concern. Our Tauran retinue wheezed, guzzling down quantities far greater than either Renee or Korrin would consume. Grizzly weeds stood stiff, their thorny shoots almost unresponsive to wind.

"So how did you two end up here?" I said, "just the unluckiest Aussie couple?"

"I wouldn't say that," Renee laughed dryly, "we're alive, we've got each other, unless it barks..."

"Ya really gonna tell him?" Korrin looked.

"What? It's okay to be afraid of dogs." Renee looked to me, "he got attacked by a dog when he was really young."

"Oh," I frowned, "sorry to hear that."

"He's crazy," Renee laughed, "I had to force him not to join a crocodile wrestling club. But if I were to bring a Chihuahua home, he'd lose it."

"It's true," Korrin smiled, "though I was more curious than anything. Crocodile wrestling, god's sake."

"Sounds fun," I grinned, "well...until someone messes up."

"That's the fun of it, mate. Like Renee, you worry about things a bit much. It's only an arm or leg."

"Korrie."

"That's exactly why I worry!" I laughed, "though to be fair, telling my grandson I lost fingers from gator wrestling sounds manly as hell."

"You want kids?" Renee smirked, "bloody hell, you are crazy."

"Knew it's his fetish," Korrin cupped his mouth.

"Come on," I cheered, "it's a good kink to have!"

"Not if you wanna enjoy your life," Korrin said.

"But what could be better than raising a child? Bringing life, making him or her happy to be alive?"

"Put him in a daycare, we'll see how long that lasts." Renee snickered.

Glancing down, I stopped so fast I almost tripped. Everyone beside me braked, staring where I was looking.

"Nice," I shivered before crouching, "just when I thought it couldn't get better."

Stilt like footprints splotched the sand ahead of us, their number high and their distance wide. Fracking [Drifters], of course. While both of my comrades attributed it to the bones I wore, this wasn't nearly so quaint. There were no caves to be seen, the trees were barely tall enough to hide anything, all we had were dunes and canyon cracks. With how fast they moved, I was screwed if any spotted us.

"We can take 'em," Renee patted her [Tomahawks], "cause I've got range."

"Yea," I sighed nervously, "tell that to a thirty foot tall Daddy-Long-Legs with pike tipped feet and a tiny torso."

I'd at least have a chance with Rika's help, she had experience here. Missed having a roof over my head, or nearby in fact. Only Rika knew what it meant to take Urbus back, to look down and see five, maybe six of them thriving within. It only left me wondering though, how'd they overrun the old population?

"Anything we should know?" Korrin said.

"Don't trust in your hearing," I turned, "unless you are on rocky surfaces. It's a stalker, so keep eyes on all flanks."

"Lovely," Renee laughed weakly.

"Hitting its legs mean nothing, it'll grow them back sooner or later. If you see one, make it your life's goal to hit its center o' mass."

"Gonna be a real piece of piss," Renee said.

Man, her bravado hit way too close to me. Rika was right that night, about me being stupid for walking out there. Bravado would've gotten me killed, looking at what a [Drifter] could've done to me. Maybe it was a bit quick of me to say, but she matured me after our fight. I had to think about things with a bit less meat and a little more head. She's a strong woman, a lady a better deserving title. If anyone hurt her, hm.

Marching through crackling glass bedded sand, our ascent over a dune brought new sights. Along these parched valleys resided groves, patches of sunburst yellow. Some form of cactus grew in bunches, their thick and squat masses close together. Thorns flooded my mind, snagging and ripping, tearing and digging. Fingernails tug into fingertips, clawing to find barbs never present.

[Your thirst worsens...]
[-20% Strength]
[-20% Endurance]
[-10% Agility]

Forced to draw water, I eyed other landmarks. Honningstein, or what would've been called floor six stood like a titan north of us. Its height reached beyond my sight, its continent dividing mass grown past clouds. At its foot, a superstructure stood. With its walls tall and slanted outward, mistaking it for anything but a fortress would've demanded an eye exam.

"You think the Floor Boss's in there?" Renee said.

"Maybe," I nodded, "course I'd rather not tell Kibaou. Him and Diavel are a bit too eager to rush out there."

"Did you get proof of them breaking the rule?" Korrin wiped his brow.

"Yep, been telling them to get their men back home from Zumfut. It seems nobody understands why I banned troop movement to the region."

Further southwest stood many more rock formations, their shapes too exact in geometry to call natural. Descent brought us under the shadow of dunes, Aincrad's sun approaching its evening dip.

"Altai," the Tauran called, "we should be nearing their last known position."

"Go ahead and scout the position," I motioned, "retreat if you get harassed by anything, we'll be there later than you."

My retinue raced forward, their hooves kicking up grains as they reached their preferred speeds. Double timing for a second, I slowed to a brisk walk, keeping eyes all around.

"Wasting other people's time," I grunted, "that's what hypocrisy competes with for me."

"You're just full of quirks, ain't ya?"

"Pretty much," I [Hot Waved] my Zweihander out.

"Next thing I know, you're gonna tell me ya lost your car keys again."

A growl from the Aussie's girlfriend served a better response than I could yield. Arriving, we found our retinue unharmed, thank God. Circled around a dried river bed, a few scraps of cloth and equipment brought heavy news.

"Oh hey, found 'em."

Renee smacked Korrin faster than I'd catch a fly, earning a brief laugh from him. Had to bite my tongue too, freaking comedian. Renee went grabbing torn clothes while I checked equipment. Tauran scout teams ran in groups of five, there were five weapons of personal defense scattered.

"Hey Garr?"

I glanced over to Renee, who stared at her index finger and thumb.

"Got this nasty stuff covering that cloth, real oily."

"Let me see," Korrin stepped in to examine, "yea, it's like car oil."

Sundown was approaching, had maybe an hour or two left. As far as I knew, every one of these scouts were dead. No one in their right mind would leave their slings here, it couldn't be a lighter, more portable missile weapon. Rising after gathering their remaining gear, I waved my ambassadors over.

"We're falling back. Alban, we're going!"

Nobody lingered any further, not with all they knew. There were no immediate clues as to what killed my men, but they clearly weren't slow. Had to inform Asterius of this, establishing a stronger perimeter would be necessary until more information's gained.

Sun Dancer

December 21st, 2022 - 11:01 PM

[To Nobel: Debt is 96% repaid. Garr said he'll pay off the last of it, taxes will return to 3 Cor a week as scheduled, with your name up for governor]

[From: When?]

[To: Garr's thinking Xmas Day]

[From: make it happen]

PoH stretched his arms, his two hundred and fifty square foot quarters flickering with a fire's lick. On his desk laid a map of Urbus, its many districts and streets displayed in close detail. Its southwest corner was highlighted, with three dotted lines extending out from its premises. Circled in red and central south, Aincrad's Liberation Force headquarters resided.

Acherres has no idea what my [Malishard] is capable of, I'd rather keep it this way. All I have to do is bread crumb trail his little team. Getting them comfortable with an influx of information should ease them. If he gets too comfortable, I'll lose control, which means more losses than necessary. Creep loved his little gifts too.

Pressing a hand on a log layered wall, PoH rolled his lips inward.

I gotta find a way to distract Garr too, least while I groom Taiyama. All I need are results, but then what happens after I eliminate this mole? My latest batch of idiots are doing great with protesting his injustices, but they need more punch. Speaking of which, where is he?

Heading out his door, PoH stumbled into an empty amphitheater, the throne vacant. Garr was absent, both from seat and bed. Looking to a nearby guard, PoH cleared his throat.

"Where's our king?" he said with false fret.

"Left on his walk, minister. He should be back soon."

PoH furrowed his brows, frowning and nodding as he turned. Leaving quietly, his friends list brought out his king's location. A slight smile grew on him.

That far away? Hm, well this could be convenient. Let's see what he's there for.

With [Abyccipitus] active, night turned bright, the absence of Aincrad's sun insignificant. [Red Spotted Beetles] slept in foxholes, their depth only capable of burying their tenderest parts. Walking in midnight blue robes, making out PoH's frame was made purposefully difficult. As savanna cooled, his mind heated.

He couldn't be alone, it'd be too easy. I could call Johnny right there, feast upon Garr without a soul to see or hear.

A large glow from floor two's northeast corner drew PoH's focus, a pair of yellow dots hovering within. Staring with an eyebrow raised, its brief flicker left his neck craning forward.

Whatever the hell that was, it certainly won't matter.

An hour of walking slowed PoH's pace, but not out of exhaustion. His acclimated sights honed on no more than a pair of individuals. Huddled close together, one's bulky physique gave every identifying marker he needed. Sweeping over beside him, however, he drew knowledge on who snuggled beside him.

And who was she, I had to know. Pink hair, curled and short. Had to hold back, hope she turned my way sooner or later.

"The demon really likes a specific mix of [Tin]," she choked on laughter, "and [Copper]."

"You serious?" Garr laughed, "they bought that? That's [Bronze]!"

"Not only did they buy it, I even sold them all [Daggers] for one percent extra!"

"Only one?"

"Didn't have the heart to rip them off, it'd stop being funny."

"Stupidity should be painful though!" he said, "it's the only way to defeat it."

PoH watched as the girl in question playfully shoved Garr, only to caress his chest.

"You know I'm getting you a bra, right?" she said, "with pecs that thick?"

"Hope so, it's been on my wish list for sometime."

Laughter broke out, PoH grinning a bit himself.

Dorks.

"I was offered something earlier this week," she said, "wanted to know what you think."

"Hm?" Garr stroked her arm.

"Kibaou came by a few days ago, said his guild's gonna be deploying out to far places. Offered me a senior smith job with a expedi-whatever thing."

"An expeditionary force? Garr paused for a moment, his head tilting slightly.

"Aye, that! It sounded all military-like, so what do you think?"

"You know me, if you find something enjoyable, go for it. I don't expect drill instructors, so there's an iffy start."

"Iffy?"

"A DI's supposed to teach discipline, teamwork above individuality. Doesn't help that I'm already disappointed."

"Oh?" her voice dropped.

"Not in your decision, no. It's the ALF's leadership, the idea that a coward like Kibaou will lead you in battle? It makes me sick."

"How so?" she said softly, "what you're saying is news to me."

"Oran told me about what happened at Diebry, the bitch stood back while everyone else fought."

"Maybe he needed to keep distance to think straight, though I see where you're coming from."

"Hm," Garr lowered his head, "there's a quote from a man, a lord of war if you will."

"That's one thing I've noticed about you," she said, "any time there's conflict, well anything you see worthy of it, you charge straight in it. Physical, verbal, why is that?"

"Because conflict is in some ways our greatest truth," Garr said, "every invention ever made, every tool, machine, it all came to be as an answer to conflict. Conflicts don't have to necessarily be a war, or epidemic, but war is where our greatest steps are made."

She said nothing, listening as he continued.

"Battle may be horrible, but the lord of war was right. Battle is the greatest competition a person can participate in. It strips us of lies, distilling us in who or what we really are. If you want to find yourself, join a battle. But only one you're willing to die on. A warrior chooses what battle's worth their sacrifice."

"I love listening to philosophy from you," she laughed, "it's like I'm talking to an old priest...well okay minus old priest. So that's why you don't like Kibaou, okay."

"What I'd like to do," Garr rubbed her arm, "is recruit Asuna, to command any future volunteers I get. I can absolutely trust in her to lead you from the front, more than these shlubs."

PoH's smile was hidden by brush, his black eyes bright.

If I could bring her into this conflict, I would have Garr in my pocket. But how do I put her to heel without raising alarms? Kidnapping would simply result in casualties, waste my time with logistics, and would be as cliche as riding off into the sunset. Poisoning a king's meal, however, could be very distracting.

"She should go for it," Lisbeth shook her head, "but would leaving for this make me selfish? Asuna made it out like I'm ditching my friends."

"Let me ask you though, where're they going?"

"No idea. Everybody's been pretty comfortable so far."

"Then here's my take, go where you want. Invite your friends, maybe they can make strives within the ALF. Cause they sure as hell ain't joining my side. You seen one of my instructors, think her name's Leafa?"

"I wouldn't take her too seriously," she said, "she's kinda going off what Recon told her."

"Wow, so it's not even her own opinion?" Garr splayed hands, "this's why I can't stand weak people."

"Some people are like that," she grabbed Garr's hand, "does it make me weak if I listened to what others said?"

"No, as long as you remember that it's your friends opinions. Don't let them drag you, Rika. You're better than them."

"I don't see how," she lowered her head, "but thank you."

"Let me know your decision, cause this could make meeting a little more challenging."

"I know."

Minutes burned away, repression releasing before the minister's eyes. While its details were ignored, a minutia had formed regarding his plan. An hour past midnight, both parties elected to retire, Garr the first to rise. Offering her an arm up, PoH's breath hitched with Lisbeth's face.

Her pupils were gone, leaving eyes without color, a spotless white. An outline of her remained after she was escorted away, the pupils returned to Lisbeth's face as she passed through, leaving a spectral sentience standing, staring at PoH.

The hell?!

Its image warped with time, starting with its arms and legs. Extending past human limitation, root-like branches grew out, eight patterned leaves blossoming before PoH in a tapestry of inanimate work. Its colorless sheen grew further, until only a ball of stem remained, a woman's silhouette consumed by a web of roots. PoH inched back, the rustle of grass warping around him.

The sapling's roots take hold, the ripest seed from the ripest tree
They gather beneath its roof, the jackal and the sheep, the fruit grown plump and bright
The jackal seeks strength, his neighbor and friend prey to his tastes
The sheep fears the jackal, the peach a promise of salvation
While many grow on branches of red, only one would fall
In its fall, neither king of fire or tongue shall hold the throne

A root matrix of air and white swayed before PoH, its framed windows blocking light . With neither Lisbeth or Garr nearby to witness, PoH fled. On legs long and lean he sprinted, words without origin echoing in his ears. With king busy courting, the minister arrived first, a skin deep frost decaying. Neither bed sheets or fire, would rest his eyes, wavering in calculation to what his mind couldn't possibly understand.

Sun Dancer

December 22nd, 2022

Renee stepped back, drawing [Tomahawks] with both hands. Kicking her red hair back, she looked over to an observing Korrin as I drew a Zweihander.

"Who wins this?" Renee smiled, "Korrie, make a bet!"

"Out of both o' ya? My Volvo."

"Bloody truth there," Renee sighed, "nothing breaks a Volvo."

Laughing and shaking my head, I shouldered my Zweihander. Whipping her hair, Renee pointed an axe at Korrin.

"Ya see what I have to deal with? Married him yesterday and he's already such a tosser."

"Get used to it," I chuckled, "or I can take him. How about that?"

"You offerin', mate?"

"With your charm?" I laughed.

"Damn charmer, who taught ya to tease like that?"

Shit, was getting a bit of Rika rubbing off on me. [Training Mode] brought little pleasure, due to a simple fact. Renee wouldn't fight me. No, instead she chose to simply outrun me, pelting me to death with her [Tomahawks]. While some missed, it wouldn't take four axes, only one was needed to put me down.

"Ren, you done kitin' the bastard?" Korrin laughed.

"And what, let him hit me?" she dashed away, "I'll pass, thanks!"

"This is getting old," I huffed, trying to catch up.

"Raise [Agility], goddammit. My old man outruns your fat ass, and he wears kevlar."

"He a soldier?" I blinked.

"PI," Korrin said, "believe me, I've been arrested at least twice trying to kiss her."

"Ooh," I snickered, "he knew you meant well, right? You don't come off as that type."

"Oh you'd be surprised," Korrin towered over us, "see everything's all fun until you like the wrong sports team."

Another [Tomahawk] smacked across my chest, scoring another fresh bruise.

"So how come ya never talk about the gum top, Garr?" Renee readied another axe.

"God," I tried running faster, "pelt me or question me, not both."

"Oh no, is our king bailing?" Korrin chuckled, "there's a reason she's my kite-r, mate."

"Ya," I nodded, "keeping distance with her's very important."

A head ringing slap from an airborne axe carried unspoken impressions, Renee definitely pleased by my comments. Groaning from a welt on my head, I slowed to a stop.

"Yea, definitely gonna need time to beat that."

[Training Mode Aborted]

"Get good, scrub!" Renee laughed.

I smiled as I caught my breath. Endurance and humor, what's not to love about Aussies? Kissing Korrin real quick, Renee paced around me.

"So how about pinkie, hm?"

"Who?"

"Relax, Korrie already knows."

My shoulders slighted, chest loosening.

"Am I that obvious?"

"Mate," Korrin sat, "I've seen subtle, that ain't you. Why're you hiding it?"

"Yea!" Renee kicked back, "she's not playing ya, right?"

"That's the weird thing," I said, "this wasn't originally intended to be secret. Was planning for us to rule this place together," a smile grew, "I'd provide the manpower and materials needed to let her pursue her dream. As for me, I get to rule a possibly expanding realm, using her specially made equipment."

"Until one day," Korrin smirked, "ya got some beer."

"Korrie!" Renee laughed.

"And ya let in a Kibaou!"

"Stop!"

Was too busy laughing at his commentary to care about interruptions.

"Merry Christmas!"

"You know why that's bollocks?" I chuckled, "first, I don't drink."

"Well when could ya?" he looked, "freaking Americans restrict everything from kids, except bloody guns."

"Ah man," I shook my head, "if only that were the case. Nah, the only things our kids are allowed to have by eighteen are castrations and prescriptions."

"Ha!" Renee rocked.

"Also," I sighed, "Lis is...recovering."

Both of them quieted, especially Renee.

"Ya mean she..."

I nodded.

"I'm very proud of her, she's beating it. Got herself surrounded by friends, keeping busy with work."

"That's sweet," she grinned, "Korrie, quick are you proud of me?"

"Hell no," he smirked.

"Yup, as usual."

"I'm glad I could help provide her a safe place," I sighed, "letting her be her, even if it confuses me sometimes."

"But is she worth it?" Korrin slapped Renee's ass.

"Hey!"

"I believe so," I quieted.

"Bollocks," Renee shook her head, "you know she is, tell her."

"With time, course it reminds me of a conversation I had with my mother once."

"Oh?" Renee followed, "keep goin', mate. I'm totally not thinking of writing romance later."

"Didn't bring my notepad, Ren."

"It's okay, Korrie."

"She asked me to make a list," I motioned my hands, "of all the things I want a partner of mine to have. Then she told me to rank them, my father later giving me this bit of advice. All things come with positives and negatives, what was I willing to sacrifice for something?"

I smiled warmly.

"God, I don't know what I'd do without them. That question is probably something I'd ask every person I meet here. What are you willing to give for whatever? My Mom looked at my list after about a week, telling me how high my standards were."

"Gotta have tits like this!" Korrin cupped hands, "gotta have hips like that! Gotta have ass for days, to bust out!"

A quick snatching of his helmet sent both members wrestling on the grass, leaving me sitting cross-legged and head shaking. Only until they concluded their skirmish did I speak further.

"It's unlikely you'll ever find someone like this," I nodded, "you know what I told her?"

"What, mate?" Renee giggled, snuggled up to Korrin.

"It doesn't have to be likely, it has to be her."

"Oh piss off," Korrin chuckled.

Renee sniffled a little.

"Ren?"

"Sorry, that was surprisingly romantic."

"Now ya did it, Garr. Ya got Ren to cry from your sappy drama."

"It was beautiful, okay?!" Renee rocked him a little, "leave it be, Garr. Cause I'm gonna steal that line! Mm, it has to be her."

"That's Lis for me," my face heated, "well, for now anyway."

"Worrying about it will rob ya," Korrin laid back, "hell, why not step down? Go be with her?"

"If only it was that simple. If I ever left this place, if they ever knew how I felt, she and I would be dead."

"I've seen the hate mail ya get," Renee simmered, "ya ever think it might be the vocal minority weighing you down? Sorry, I just wanna see this work out."

"And jinxed it in the process," Korrin blinked, "course she's right, mate. Remember, there's almost half a million people living in that rock. Don't let the trolls change you, cause that's what they want."

While I nodded in reply, I wasn't smiling. A single vocal voice spoke for a hundred silent, there were at least thirteen hundred on my blocked list. A hundred and thirty thousand vultures, no thanks.

"Ooh we gotta plan gifts!" Renee jumped.

"Already taken care of," I said, "my bigger concern right now are two things. The hell happened to my men back in Nohr, and where're Graye Sight's detectives. Nautilus' girlfriend has been very vocal about missing him."

"PoH's a smart one," Korrin said, "they aren't dead either, we'll get them back. Hopefully before Christmas."

"Hopefully. Now, could I train with you a bit? PoH tells me Taiyama's practicing for the King's Match this Rite of Spring."

The Slayers of Cel are a worshiped sect of the Church, whether it be as defenders of virtue or stalwart avengers. As much sense it'd make to give these handsome knights (looking at you, Taiyama!) a damage buff against non-Cel mob types, they get the reverse.

If you want high magic defense, a Slayer is your man...or woman if it's your fancy. Wanna eat a [Flamme kanon] without good armor? You can! Just be careful, there's a lot of factions apparently that'd love killing a Slayer, or worse.

-Argo, The Beta Tester's Survival Guide. December 27th, 2022

A/N: And it won't stop coming, and it won't stop coming!

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