A/N: Demon Slayer, report your doctor if you experience testosterone boosts lasting longer than twenty four hours.
NetherOrbit: Wick would stick it in crazy, best of luck to him!
Den3424: Tai's got plenty more to do, stand by :P
Special shout out to DragneelX17 for your recent favorite, every act of support lets me know how I'm doing!
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There're actually three types of Iron that exist in Aincrad, believe it or not. Regular or "red" iron, "white" iron, and "black" iron.
Red is bog-standard, a solid option no matter the circumstance. You can find this in any mine past Floor One.
White, however, appears to take some of the flexibility of Aluminum, while also inheriting corrosion resistance similar to Nickel. While less dense, it's also non-magnetic. This stuff can be found in Isomor, from White Iron Trees.
Black iron's name is a bit of a misnomer, its outer coloration highly reflective rather than dark. Easy to polish to a mirror-like state, its weight goes hand in hand with a variable damage resistance. Its molecules pack tighter together as material is lost, leading to hyper dense bonds when attacked enough.
Black iron is formed in areas of previous exchanges between magma and water, though it begs the question of what's in Aincrad's water.
-Haru, Aincradian Elements
December 26th, 2022
Below bustling, holiday refreshed streets, a world without light lingered. Thick pillars held up great slabs of Earth, their [Glow-Rock] torches long dimmed. Roads of similar pale color lined pathways, their faces left eroded by moisture and debris. Homes untouched by Garr's assault sat, mortar flickering between bricks, their function abandoned. Neglected of sun and moon for decades, Urbus' greater ruins hosted only a few beings.
Lurking inside an abandoned subterranean dwelling, ten figures in blue robes stood, clutching books over elbows. Their pale eyes read hundreds of words a second, their page turning almost synchronized. Others stared at walls, utterly motionless, breathless.
Hyllby stands between me and Atlea. With Honningstein's gatehouses still closed, I must cross Nohr and Rovia at the same time.
Pages flipped every second, unblinking eyes devouring written word, brightening or dimming as information soaked through. With a pile of books stacking in the corner, local area details filled cracks of ignorance.
Ah, the Kobolds lurk in this valley, ample supply of meat. Illfang lives, Ilioc and Yole south, it's all so familiar. The only new features to this world rebirth are these humans, need information on their origins. Mechanist must be found, human research proves equally consumable to Elves.
Four members of their ten man group rose in sync, replacing robes with average attire, one with armor. Holstering a [Mace] to one's side, this unit returned to its designated task.
Knowledge is power, weakness in Urbus' defenses must be found. Find information.
Each prepared [Aethereal Nodes], three for one [Worm-Hole], its vacuous abyss lighting with purple streaks as it connected to its opposing end. Stepping through, each member was absorbed, their bodies consumed. One warped to a lonesome alley, another to a Ceph Barracks, a third to southeastern dwelling, the fourth southwest.
Sun Dancer
"Twenty five k for their location!" Mutsumi announced, "anyone seen a person with a metal hand?"
Standing in an intersecting market street corner were two callers, watching as dozens passed through. Not a second glance was given, many of their recipients conversing among themselves. Sighing before resting his raised arms, a blonde haired Eugeo looked to his partner.
"Would they mind if we boosted it to thirty? Nobody's biting."
"I don't think so? They did say they're prosthetic artisans, probably rich."
"Kind of morbid if you ask me, artists fixated on replacing limbs?"
"Don't remind me," she brushed her long black hair, "it isn't the only thing I'm trying to toss. Shit, how long have we been standing here?"
"Three hours and," Eugeo checked his HUD, "twenty minutes effectively."
"Ugh, I'm so bored. Wanna get something?"
"I was thinking we report in before we go, been casting our lines out all morning."
"Oh right, gotta tell our bosses. They didn't move to another inn, did they?"
A quick look at his map led Eugeo to nodding.
"They like getting new views," he closed his interface, "makes sense for artists."
"But did they have to pick west side?" Mutsumi paled, "how about you go there? I don't wanna get raped."
"Where're we meeting afterwards?"
"Around Lost Fish? Mm, miss seafood."
Eugeo waved before leaving, traveling at a brisk pace towards Urbus' west neighborhoods. While clothes lines dwindled in quantity on his way straight north, masked faces grew. While few of these black clothed individuals gave Eugeo so much as a single viewing, a chill on his fingertips remained.
I don't know who's worse, the Chinese police or these thugs.
"Why aren't you at the temple?" a girl snarled at a guy.
"I'm sorry, Sinon. Tauran have gotten pretty persistent in keeping us away."
"And so you ran," Sinon placed hands on her hips, "that temple is taking space the homeless could've used. Are you telling me they have to suck it up? That we won't stand for them?"
"N-No, Ma'am!"
"These injustices will only get worse the more we let it slide," Sinon crossed arms, "get your boys back there, stay until its team four's turn. Don't make me come looking for you."
Passing both, Eugeo paid no attention to either their conversation or their faces. He turned west, swerving to avoid any hard gazes from suspecting bystanders.
Wish this place wasn't as dry as a desert, rain would feel so nice right now.
Reaching his post as directed, Eugeo almost stepped inside a local inn, but a voice from around its corner called him out.
"Do you have it?"
A pair of studious and hard gazed Ceph brushed their hoods back, their glasses layered in multiple lenses.
"Not yet," Eugeo slumped, "are you sure the person's here?"
"We wouldn't have come here otherwise," one said in a whisper, "Rahtz Eugeo, how much longer do you think it will take?"
Their slang did little besides confuse, Eugeo staring at them, his mind processing their comments.
"We're putting a lotta skimmer for you and your little flapper, but we're gonna have to blouse if this prosthetic isn't found."
"We're doing our best," Eugeo frowned, "there's half a million people here."
"We understand, but we have a schedule to keep too. We ain't takin' wooden Cor, there's a limit to a thing's value."
Eugeo bowed his head, to which they looked at with wrinkled brows.
"You zozzled?"
"Pardon?"
"You drunk?"
"No, I was just bowing."
"The hell are you doing that for? We ain't kings. You're one funny egg, Eugeo."
What on Earth are they saying to me? I don't wanna look stupid, but gosh they make it hard.
"Ah chase yourself," one groaned, "if you don't have the contact within three cycles, we're blousing."
While Eugeo wandered off as suggested, both hooded figures turned away, alleyways their destination. Beneath the humble shadow of single story buildings, one drew a [Bedet Fly-Blade]. Pushing a pin along the knife's central spine, springs loosened from its rigid form, flattening and widening in various directions. Converted to a metal avian the size of a hummingbird, a button on its mid-back popped up.
"Labyrstein's gonna be sticking his beezer if we don't get this done. We're on the eighth lap here."
"Better him than the buttons above the belt coming loose," his comrade grumbled, "they may be closer to Cel, them priests might call 'em angels, but only so many times can they call cats to do the dance before somebody pulls strings."
"Better Lab than Sam, that's for sure."
While no human ear either heard or deciphered their statements, their quips were simply addressing higher figures, some of them less natural than others. Glancing around corners, one of them scratched their [Slayer Brand].
"No finger slips, especially not with these chills. Inf, I'd rather the Myrdo's bag 'em. If it gets cold, the buttons get loose and we all lose."
It was simple, Cygothans weren't allowed to win.
"Labyrstein at least brought back up, right? Or is the tape short again?"
"Not for at least another week, got the dippers bargaining with the big pug."
"Bullshit, Labyr's got the choppers. Throw them in."
"No tether, no jump. Labyrstein queued us to wait till then."
"Course, s'always a waiting game with him. Chills are moving and we-"
A soft burn from brands froze them, alerting them to an unnatural presence.
"Scram, drills won't help."
They ran from their location, three figures in plain clothes stretching forth from floors and walls. Blades were drawn, but none chased after either clandestine operative. Sheathing in sync, all of them stared their direction.
RAGE operatives, as expected. Always evasive, very annoying.
Running between gaps, both evading operatives slowed as they reached open streets, hoods raised before human eyes set upon them.
"We'll have to take powder," one said, "try to see if big pug's a bad sport. If so, we'll have to tighten screws."
"I follow, you think he's really a bad number?"
"No, but Vaznia's not called the noxious south for nothing. Keep sharp."
A metal bird was let loose, its brass wings flapping as it reached a meager ascension.
Sun Dancer
-1306 hours
"Really?" a person scowled.
"It's not like they're hiding their nature," a Ceph nodded, "are you okay with them violating privacy? There have been kidnappings, as we both know."
"No, we gotta stop that!"
"They're located towards the east, they won't be hard to spot. Only you can stop these criminals."
A crowd of angered players set out with hurried steps, hands clenched around weapons and brows furrowed. Following them, their Ceph adviser kept towards the back, a red cog headed clicker in his hands pressed. Several blocks away, another group of Ceph massed up around a corner towards the southeastern blocks of Urbus, their clicker popping in response.
"Ready, no bolts." Sergeant Fjalar pointed, "mission confirmed."
Sliding into a blue cloak, Warrant Corporal Areksson gripped a [Steel Dagger], huddled behind three other Ceph in similar borrowed drab. A click was heard, Sergeant Fjalar flatting his hand to a knife shape. Areksson's heart beat faster, focusing sharper than his older squad members.
Don't screw this up, one must survive to spread the message.
They sped without so much as a creak to a home's front door, kicking it down without pause, rushing inside with an empty street to their backs. From within, four detectives in navy blue attire turned, freezing as masked and hooded operatives lunged.
"The fuck are-"
Words and curses were spilled, but only by local detectives, knives and similarly sized blades punching through cloth as their attackers swept through. Areksson's [Dagger] was quick on entry and exit, his target reduced to a weeping mound, slipping a hand to silence his cries. Staring this detective in the eyes, Areksson's gaze hardened.
No hard feelings, got ends to meet.
Glass shattered under and around him, collecting his fallen target's weapon with hasty fingers. Opening a bedroom door, a squad mate stopped.
"Anti-biotic confirmed," one of his comrades growled, "requesting backup."
Warrant Corporal Areksson shot up to the bedroom doorway, stepping away as his addressing comrade backpedaled, the gardener known by a few as Pyravv lumbering forward. With a [Dagger] jammed through its cardiac cavity, all units converged on his position. Areksson swept wide, kicking the target's inner shin for a take-down.
The gardener slid back, ripping what stuck to his chest with an indifferent tug before whipping its owner. Another agent swept with a [Parry], easing aside as another operative behind him slashed a thigh. Mortal wounds were repeatedly delivered, critical locations ignored almost entirely by their target, dropping only upon hitting zero health.
Retrieving his stolen weapon, Sergeant Fjalar waved others to draw saws, groaning as seconds marched by, the gardener's body remaining.
"He's getting up," one leaned away.
[You have been caught committing Murder!]
"I think not."
Areksson grabbed the gardener's nearly sawn-off head, tearing it off with a foot on his cold shoulder.
"Neutralized, disperse. Fly, fly, fly," his commanding officer waved, rushing out the backdoor with a hard kick.
Hooves clacked against pavement, converging on Areksson's position. Nonetheless, he remained, staring in shock at his action. While headless, his target's eyes remained on him, his comrades fleeing.
It's still not dead...
"Corporal," one hissed, "move!"
Areksson glanced, shivering harshly with widened eyes. Two of his seven squad mates exchanged looks, waving him over to them, only to receive a blank stare. Areksson returned sights on the gardener, his headless torso rising. His mouth went agape, slamming his [Dagger] into his undying opponent, ripping and punching until it fell, turning to glass.
"Oh Cel," he moaned, "ooh I-I-"
His speech snapped, turning to garble as a string cracked behind him.
"Atlea is ashamed of your weakness," one of his comrades holstered a [Tarantulan Micro Bolt].
Leaving him, all operatives retreated down alleyways, exuding their blue attire as their leader readied purple [Aethereal Nodes].
"Three," the Sergeant mouthed.
A colorless adhesive splashed against stone, shrinking away from any nearby patch of sunlight. In its concentration, it bubbled before forming a light-less disc, agents jumping through not a second after it formed. Through there, their bodies nearly collided with Urbus' natural walls.
"Set up comms," Sergeant Fjalar grunted, "first target's down," he surveyed his team, "Corporal Areksson?"
"Fell," one said.
"Alright, then our task got easier and harder. Gotts? You're my new corporal."
"More complicated, sir?"
"King's gonna find our man, but he looks like a Cygothan. Since we took a spy, that saves us from losing cover. This will spur outrage, outrage we can use in our favor."
"Not to be a cynic, sir. But just a spy was able to take hits from all seven of us. We're a man short now."
"No my friend," the sergeant raised a finger, "we just received a forty thousand man reinforcement. I never said we would fight the Cygothans ourselves. Besides, we're gonna need greater sway before we strike our next target."
"Who, sir?"
"Guard Captain, least he used to be. Problem is, he holds intel spanning across the city. Guard patrols, addresses, stuff you wouldn't want strangers knowing."
A static noise brought their sergeant to drop an [Aether Dam-mer] at their feet. Shaped like a reverse pyramid, its activation allowed verbal communication via contact with its surface.
"Yes?"
"Proxies got hit, RAGE is present."
"Did any die?"
"No, they fled."
He slipped it down, holstering it in within a glass vial.
"We may have unwanted guests."
"RAGE, sir?"
He looked his subordinate in the eyes.
"Understood."
Sun Dancer
-Lisbeth
"I promised you all I would appear two days ago, a promise I wish I upheld."
Aiden spoke from above, his big hands clutching a waist high barrier between him and falling.
"I failed to appear yesterday too, its reason...I've decided wasn't appropriate for you to know until today."
People listened carefully, staying remarkably silent as he spoke.
"On the morning of December twenty fourth, our province came under attack."
A gasp swept through, especially Asuna.
"A new enemy encroached west, surprised us while we celebrated. They pushed us miles, forcing us to act in self defense. It was only due to the faithful Tauran, that they were driven back."
I remembered that night, when those gates reopened. God, I wasn't sure how to feel.
December 25th, 2022 - 2:28 AM
[From Garr: It's safe to come out, I've got something for you]
My friends had all gone to sleep by then, so there was no trouble on my way out. It was all so heavy, smoke literally everywhere, a fire I couldn't see either living or dying. Covering streets like a mist, I covered my mouth and nose before charging through. I hoped for sunlight, a beautiful moonlit sky, but instead was gifted a suffocating dusk. It was only when passing through Urbus' tunnel, was I aware of what happened outside.
Entire blocks of crops were burned. Valleys, hills of wheat, blackened and hissing. It was all west directed, spanning further north than I could make out.
"Try not to look, it's not exactly great on the whole Christmas vibe."
I turned, cupping my mouth before I choked. Aiden, he was utterly mangled. His face was all patchy, puncture wounds covering from chin to forehead in red spots, tears, and lacerating cuts. It looked so ugly, his left hand torn. Rushing over, I grabbed his left wrist.
"Careful," he said weakly, "there's still a thorn or two I haven't found."
"Where were you?" I looked him sharply, "You...could look better."
"I'd say I look great for taking a cactus to the face."
My eyes trained on his hand, searching as carefully as I could. Finding one such needle, I dug with fingers.
"Ow," Aid twitched.
"Stop moving," I persisted.
Drawing it out after a minute, I tried holding it up for him to see.
"Thank you," he smiled gently, "you don't have to worry about my face, skin's a bit sensitive so it's easier."
"Mhm," I nodded.
He must've sat for a good thirty minutes, describing to me what happened while we partied.
"But why not call for our help?"
"It's Christmas, Rika."
"That doesn't matter," I said, "you needed help."
"When nobody's had a break from bad news?" he looked sleepily, "no, they needed it."
I sighed at his rebuttal. I loved what he did, but I got the feeling he's trying too hard to look like a hero. He didn't need to prove any of it, he was my hero since day one.
"What?"
"Just mixed, not sure how to feel. You've got a great heart, I love that about you. But I think you could've honestly asked for help, it isn't just you versus the world."
"Feels like it sometimes," he sighed, "but I agree. The idea was better in my head than in practice. I've got a little something for you."
"Oh?" my eyes widened, "good, I do too!"
Aid handed me these red rocks, heavy ones too. Inspecting them couldn't be quicker, and oh god, he got me [Iron Ore]!
"Hai-den!" I cheered, "this's great! I can put this to a new anvil, sword, something!"
"Thought you'd like that," he smiled, "consider it an apology for showing up looking like a zombie. Was too tired to swing at anything."
"Oh shush," I squeezed him, "this is wonderful."
I passed him that suit I promised, boy was he utterly shocked. I had it patterned like a uniform he always wanted, least with my own touch. Think they're called dress blues, what his military group called them. I couldn't lie, he would've looked better in it uninjured. Handsome too.
He kept complimenting me on my eye for detail, how closely it resembled the uniform he loved so much, but moreso for its difference. I remembered his exact words, he swore to never wear the actual attire, as he never earned that honor. Black, white, brass buttons, and a little yellow cord to his shoulder. It fit Aid's personality, and he could finally show up looking better. He dressed like a barbarian.
While only one other gift was held by him, it had me frozen without effort. It wasn't an item of value to use at work, it fit on a simple scroll of paper. Unrolling it, I could see his lips folding with how nervous he was.
"I...wrote this for you," he glanced, "forgive me if I make it sound awful."
"Say it!" I smiled, "it's hard for you to sound dumber."
"Okay...wait, what?"
"Nothing, handsome."
I couldn't believe he was actually choking on saying it, it was adorable. Looking at me with those tired eyes, he yawned hard before looking down.
Don't ever tell yourself you can't,
Outside our minds rest enough obstacles,
New problems to be solves arise every day,
To say you can't creates more
Life's infinitesimally short,
In moments of levity we forget this,
Embrace yourself
To all who curse you,
Obfuscate them
You can do it,
Only you can do it,
Ultimately it is your fight,
Remember this though,
Surrender isn't an option,
Expecting victory isn't good enough,
Look to your challenge,
Full victory is already yours
Rekindle yourself to the word of can
Its a big world out there
Keep kittenish
Accentuate
"You told me you weren't gonna make me cry!" I grabbed him, "you almost made me once today, now you're doing it!"
"It's cause I'm a monster," he growled playfully, "here."
He passed his poem, I couldn't have grabbed it sooner.
"You gonna give my fingers back?"
"Don't ruin it!" I hugged his poem, "I wanna read it again!"
Must've read it three times more, my stomach's butterflies crazed.
"Nobody's ever given me one of these before," I sniffled, "why didn't you tell me you write poetry?"
"It's an on and off thing," Aid said, "you notice anything with its structure?"
"No?"
"Take the first letter of every line."
Took me a second to read it, leaving me to a single conclusion. This poem was made for me entirely, from his heart to me.
"I wanna kill you," I blushed.
"And that's news how?"
I laughed, wiping my eyes before nodding. My thank yous were genuine, but they didn't feel right. It wasn't enough, not when I was gonna explode. It's like something straight out of a book. Last but not least, I brought out...her. She whimpered softly, her paws meeting ground as Aid's eyes practically glowed.
"Puppy!" he said.
Was an incredibly childish moment, too cute to watch as he scooped her up. Poor thing looked confused, but it only made it funnier. Holding that furball in his arms, it was like I opened him up a page more. Thank yous were profuse from him, excited over what to name her, had to let things simmer down for a few minutes.
"I've got a question for you though, Aid."
His golden eyes brightened, those beautiful flames.
"Do you think we can hit the road again?"
December 26th, 2022
My heart twisted, a memory reminding me. Why did I ask him that, it was selfish of me. I had to take care of my friends, they were counting on me.
"When I'm done turning this into a republic, I'd love to. Just not west, [Vill-Dorn] suck."
"The [Vill-Dorn] possess unknown numbers," Aid spoke from high up, "I promised the Tauran they would not deploy before the Rite of Grass, but now I fear for our borders. To any individuals looking for monsters to farm, here's your chance."
People chuckled, speaking in brief quips of bravado and machismo. While Garr instructed effective strategies, my friends turned to each other.
"Guess leveling got easier," Kirito looked at me with crossed arms, "should keep the guilds happy."
"Aye," I nodded, "means good business too, more weapons and armor to fix. More monsters means more money."
"What about food though?" Wick said, "we lost the entire western side's crops. I doubt we have enough [Ostrich Leg] for everyone."
"Something tells me it'll be okay," I smiled.
"And your reason is?" Kirito said.
"Feel it."
"I wouldn't trust a dictator with caring for us, power's his love at this point."
"Also," Aiden announced, "today marks the prep of a new [Town Hall], and an end to the daily tax. Your debt is repaid, you all pulled through. Directly north of Urbus, between floors three and four, you'll have room to expand."
The crowd got louder, conversation humming.
"It is with great pleasure that I give governorship to this first town to Nobel, for his great efforts at ensuring peace throughout our communities."
People cheered excessively, it seemed almost unanimous strangely enough. I wasn't sure why, but it felt forced.
"People, petitioning for governorship is easy. Speak to me if you wish to earn the position, we can discuss rules and strategy personally. Survival shouldn't be our goal, not when the possibility of thriving awaits."
"Right," Kirito rolled his eyes, "reminds me of my aunt already."
"I don't know," Wick shrugged, "I like the sound of it. Making homes of our own, getting less cramped, safer times."
"Right?" I smiled, "it's gonna take time, but we can do it."
I sounded so hollow with my words, how could they not tell? Truth be told, I was getting bored of the shop, I missed adventuring. Kibaou's offer got friendlier every day, what was Aiden waiting for? Something like this's gonna raise his PR, so why not go now? The more I asked myself though, the more selfish I sounded.
Asuna was getting tired of the shop too, maybe I could convince her to sign up for a guild. Leafa and Wick would do fine, least until Yuuki got back. Leopon though, what was I supposed to say to her? Part of me was furious, another understanding, which was it going to be?
-Haru
Brushing hair away, Haru poured her newest potion's contents, its red stained liquid bubbling as it mixed with a moss-like fungus.
[Mixing chemicals...]
Her green eyes checked peripherals, alone in a lab full of equations and glass.
If what I saw were ghosts, then there's one positive. They don't mess with anything, would've gotten signs of tampering. But why wards? [Star-lets] don't bring them in, they last longer too.
"I need a little more time! Please, I promise I'll deliver!"
Haru paused, looking down at dark floorboards. While all she could make out were mumbles, Bale's tone was light. Wrinkling her nose a little, Haru returned focus to her work.
Don't remember Bale ever being panicked, I'm sure he'll address it soon.
[Concoction complete!]
[Hemokite - B Class Poison]
[Reduces HP by 0.5%/sec (30 secs)]
[-10% Vitality]
[-20% Agility]
[-20% Strength]
[-20% Endurance]
Putting it down on her desk, Haru exhaled softly.
This is some potent stuff, why did Bale want it so bad?
A knock on Haru's door prompted a quick confirmation, Bale entering with his chin high.
"Ah," he glanced at her desk, "was going to ask on progress, but it seems you're done."
"I am," Haru bowed her head, "could we get more of these ingredients later? They offer great x-p."
"Of course," he smiled, "anything for my beautiful Miss Einstein. "
Haru glanced at her newest creation, hiding a brief grimace.
"So tell me, when do you think it'll be ready?"
"It's ready now," she stood up to present him, "it's pretty powerful, so be careful."
"I will," he took it before kissing her, "have you been practicing for the grass thing?"
"Not really," she twisted a foot.
"Why not? I've called you a good singer, haven't I?"
"I'm not sure, I've never sung in front of anyone four days ago. Now I'm expected to do the same for thousands of people? Oh I could die."
"You'll do fine," he waved nonchalantly, "I for one agree with gentlemen like Lind, think of your people. Japan's spirit, represent it."
"I'll try," she bowed.
"Very good," he put the vial away, "it's troubling enough, having only you now to back me up."
"Huh?"
"You remember Johnny, the tall edgy one?"
"I try not to, he's creepy."
"Oh you just haven't had enough time with him," Bale smiled, "he really is quite the character. Well he was, can't get a reply from him anymore."
"You're right," Haru kept her posture low, "I'm just...mistaken."
"Where would you be without me, right?" he patted her head, "anymore vials you can make?"
"I really can't, I would need more."
"Don't worry then," he turned away, "I'm going to need more soon enough."
He left moments after kissing my forehead, his words chilling my lungs. Poison, a ranged weapon, this was starting to sound like more than a problem with armored bugs. I've listened to Bale for a long time, he only ever talked to people with a reputation. Kibaou, Lind, even met this girl named Sinon earlier. They all had one thing in common, and it was that reason producing my next move.
[To Garr: Hey, I don't know if you remember me. I don't know this for sure, but I think Bale's got a plan]
[From: I remember ya, what's up?]
[To: I think he's planning to kill you]
Sun Dancer
A right hook flew, followed by a feigning left jab, the right fist flying forward a second time. For a proximal Thanatos, this was grounds for distance, stepping away from Tai's offensive entirely.
"Shoot," Thanatos chuckled, "you sure know how to box!"
"Wouldn't make champion boxer in college if I didn't," Tai smiled smug, "was gonna try for professional too."
Wick stood nearby, clutching a sketchbook with eyes towards lapping waves.
"What's stoppin' you?" Thanatos bounced from foot to foot, "you'd do great!"
"It's personal," Tai raised fists, "you're around Garr a lot, try and emulate his style."
"Problem," Thanatos laughed, "never fought him."
"Oh, well then be as aggressive as you can."
Thanatos obliged, but not without warning. Raising hands, he sidestepped constantly around Tai, faking an approach constantly. Watching his smaller adversary, Taiyama kept steady, his mind drifting.
[From Garr: Do yourself a favor, Tai. Don't follow what people say regarding friendship. Stuff like "my friends give me strength", that kind of thing]
Thanatos threw out a punch, knuckles crashing against Taiyama's forearms, a soft recoil his only response. Another flew, followed by a third and fourth, all ending with a soft sway, Tai's arms shielding.
"Aren't you gonna hit?" Thanatos punched more.
"Don't have to."
"Okay then," Thanatos shrugged, "not sure why you insist on taking it."
A high [Endurance] stat continued to absorb, Tai shifting himself to block off-center slugs.
[From Garr: Anyone whose strength relies on friends or allies is weak, they could never stand if left alone to do anything.]
Calling me weak, grabbing Asuna's attention, I'll end this. I will win the throne, fair and honest.
After a thirtieth punch, Thanatos breathed harder, arms shaking softly. Wick looked over, curious as Tai opened his guard casually. Slugging Thanatos thrice, his Texan opponent stumbled.
"Hm," Thanatos wiped his lips, "reckon I should learn the rules of boxing, practice more."
A laugh left Taiyama's gut, Thanatos frowning slightly.
"Oh I hope you're ready for a lot of beatings," he sighed, "you've barely scratched me."
"Huh," Thanatos rose, "well if that's what it takes. I'm willing to learn."
Wick's lip curved slightly, looking away before any eyes caught on.
I like Thanatos, he's got such a positive attitude towards life. If it's a boxing match, I'm sure Tai would do fine. What if it's not, cause MMA's very different. That ego of his might cost him too, hope he knows it.
"You sure?" Tai craned down, "not sure if you're serious."
"Got plenty of time right now," Than shrugged, "you heard Yole, right? Told us to hold position until the fourth?"
"Eh, don't care."
"Okay," Thanatos turned away, "think I'm gonna head on over to west side, see about farming [Vill-Dorn]. Comin', Wick?"
"Sure!" Wick glanced up, "gotta practice with swords more, least that's what Leafa said."
Wick stopped, looking over to an ocean viewing Tai.
"Actually," Wick said, "I'll catch up with you."
"All cool, see ya then!"
Taiyama stared down, a message filling up his HUD.
[From Asuna: Tai? Some weird things are happening]
[To: As usual, what is it this time?]
[From: The peacekeeper guild's going into lockdown. Three detectives were killed]
"More bad news?" Wick said, stepping up beside Tai.
"Yup, typical shit. Fucking blue cloaks are out of control. We need something more efficient."
"Scary times," Wick nodded, "makes me glad you're with us. Safer than out there."
Tai nodded, memories continuing to trickle through.
"If you want proof, ask Garr what he thinks of democracy."
[From Garr: Democracy is possibly the worst system imaginable in its purest form. Why, because it lets the idiots decide how you're gonna live your life]
[From Asuna: How's progress?]
[To: Good, gonna kick his ass soon enough]
[From: I know you will, don't give up!]
"So Leafa really liked the drawing," Wick smiled, "for once I'm glad I followed Lis' advice."
"Glad to hear it, bro. As for me, things are getting better every minute."
Wick said nothing, Taiyama staring on out to sea.
"I think I'm gonna do it," he nodded.
No response was given.
"That crown? I want it."
"Then you're our man."
Taiyama whipped around, a pair of Ceph in leather armor, capes and cog-shaped equipment standing mere feet from him. Looking down, he found Wick, a dart lodged in the back of his neck.
"Don't worry about him, gonna be dreamin' of his flapper for a couple o' hours."
"The hell are you bitches?"
"I'm afraid we can't tell ya. Our work here is precise, found out you're a Slayer. You wanna whack the big pug it seems."
"You mean Altai?"
They stared briefly.
"Yeah, so what?"
"Altai represents a threat to peace abroad, but not enough to make him do the dance."
"Whatever the hell you just said," Tai smirked, "god, you guys sound og as fuck."
"We've got eyes on him as we speak, wouldn't you like to know his fighting style?"
Taiyama's eyebrows softened, looking deeper at these two strangers.
"What do you know?"
[From Garr: Do yourself a favor, Tai. Don't follow what people say regarding friendship. Stuff like "my friends give me strength", that kind of thing. Anyone whose strength relies on friends or allies is weak, they could never stand if left alone to do anything]
[From Garr: True strength as a group comes when each individual within it is strong. It's something I wish more people told their sons or daughters, it really is sad to see anyone struggle]
-Garr to Taiyama, December 26th, 2022
A/N: Nothing like a little entanglement...
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