A/N: Demon Slayer, there when you actually need it!
NetherOrbit: Adventure should've been their motto, not defense!
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Enjoy!
January 3rd, 2023
-Lisbeth
Aiden was quick to get up that morning, sun wasn't up either. Nightmares, he blamed them for his lack of sleep, his arms wrapped around me like an octopus. It was weird for me, his demotivated motions. I felt it that night, he wanted to tell me he loved me. God, it made me angrier and angrier every minute. Tai had crushed a part of him, all for what? I wouldn't ask, fearing I'd remind Aid of failure.
Remaining still under a fur blanket, his rustling was anything but subtle, his peck nothing but sweet. No iron clacked outside our borrowed bedroom, stirring me awake to its absence. Aid greeted me tiredly, his eyes focused to a moonless distance.
"How'd you sleep?" I stretched.
"Better than expected, just trying to think...how do we beat the Magnatherium?"
"Open for options, love?" I smiled.
His golden eyes snapped towards me, this softness emanating off him.
"Always."
"Good, cause I've been stuck with two. One, I make a bunch of [Krigssin], swarm it till it dies."
"It'd reduce risk to us," he nodded, "the other?"
"Make you some [Full Plate]," I showed off my interface, "sure it'd be made of bronze, but it'd be better than taking fire face first."
"I'm definitely leaning on the first idea," his lips straightened, "not to be a coward."
"Don't call yourself that," I looked sternly, "I agree, this's smarter. Just worried, what if the bots don't stop it?"
"Perhaps Haru could contribute something to this?"
"What time is it?" I looked out to a dark horizon, "aye, definitely not awake."
"Let's find you some metal. Did you ask anyone?"
"Aye, they said there's an old forge towards their northeastern quarter."
"They'll need as much food as possible. Whenever you're ready."
Rovia's lakeside air was cool, but not cold, it was the neighborhood bringing us chills. Behind every door were groans, voices laden with grief before dawn. Walking past Rovia's eastern rim, its divided bridge came under full scrutiny. Funny, not only was it a retractable device, but they locked its machinery with two locks. Someone wasn't excited about opening this path.
"I wonder where all their guys went," Aid said, "you think Zumfut might have something to do with it?"
"Probably," I looked over this wide horizon, "this does suggest history. Oi, but what about up there?"
I pointed a finger north of us, a walled city hugging the big mountain's side. No light bloomed inside, at least none I could see. Adhering to its sheer cliff, a tall fortress rested central of its perimeter. Cloud cover above us thickened, sun-rays reaching over tree tops like fingers. More impressive, however, was yet another structure within Rovia. A throne of utterly gargantuan scale, its stone was pretty dirty, was pretty green despite our lack of decent lighting. Its seat was twenty feet high, its backing exceeding fifty easily. Staring up at it, Aiden shook his head.
"Wonder what's this thing's story?"
"Zeus needed a chair?"
"It'd be covered in gems then, wouldn't it?"
"Aye," I nodded, "it'd be gold too. Guy's got goals. That city though, it looks like it might lead into what's its name?"
"Honningstein," Aid nodded, "sheesh, Illfang's home security is top notch. Would feel a lot better with four pounds of C-4."
"It's like you said," I paced around him for a angled view, "there's no problem in the world that can't be solved-"
"With the proper application of high explosives," Aidan approached the chair, "you remembered."
Smiling a little, I found the north bridge also contracted, a wreath of chains locking away its functions. A cold touch sprung a shiver, running down my forehead. Pattering softly, water drove us further to our destination, Aid covering me up with one of his winter coats. Fog seeped between buildings, broken only by a golden sun, its rays poking through puffs of mist.
Their forge building was round unlike its neighbors, with an array of buttresses anchored all around it. At first I joked, saying it resembled a car tire, but Aid and I both knew this was cog shaped. Not from a long observation or measuring session, but because the Church of Cel had a sign outside its front door.
"Ugh," Aid groaned, "was supposed to be meeting these guys tomorrow. Oh at least Tai's one of their members."
"They're a weird group," I peeked through the front door's window, "I still don't know what they stand for. Got a priest in there."
Not only was there one of those, but huge stores of bronze bits! Piles of it stacked in pockets, shining brightly, light coming from this pedestal.
"Mm," Aid glanced through, "doesn't look like he's doing much better himself."
This cylinder had this sphere for a crown, half buried within a mane of springs and jointed metal limbs.
"Wonder how it's making light," I leaned away, "looks neat."
"What light?" Aid glanced, "it's pretty dark in there."
"You don't see the pedestal?" I blinked, "the thing in the center there?"
"I see it, but no light."
"Aye, that thing's glowing in my eyes."
"Long as it's not a super-weapon," he joked.
We entered eagerly, Aid stepping forward as the elf in white turned in a hunched stance.
"Who are you?" he rasped, "by Cel, you're a strong one."
"Garr, I'm getting this town food and need what you've got here."
The priest grimaced, his eyes narrowed slightly.
"I appreciate your good nature, stranger. But this metal isn't for us, Cel-Day approaches and we need His blessing if we're to survive this."
"How soon is this?" Aid glanced around, picking up a [Hook Blade] from the pile, "wait...this looks familiar."
"Don't touch that!" the priest put a hand on Aid's wrist, "please, that weapon's cursed. It must be returned to Cel to be pure again."
I walked towards this pedestal, eyeing the ball it held tightly in its metal buttoned grasp.
"How so?" Aid said, "we've seen blades like this before."
"I would tell you," the priest eased his voice, "but it's a bad omen to speak of those days. I cannot allow you to take these offerings, I'm sorry."
My fingers touched its non-euclidean shape, only to jump back.
"Ow," I winced, Aid and the priest looking to me.
"It's safe to look at it," the priest said, "but be aware, Cel's purest elements don't care for our bestial composition."
Aid examined my fingers, asking if they had any sensitivity to them. Saying aye, he took off my glove and drew a bag.
"My mother taught me this trick," Aid smiled, "keep still for a couple minutes."
Salt was sprinkled, a slight sting welling up.
"Ow," I shivered.
"Hang on," he gripped, "it's absorbing. Don't move that hand."
Aid moved over to the priest, trying to coax him into offering any material to their efforts.
"It's three days from now," the priest said, "kind stranger, all I can promise you is Cel's Blessing."
"Anything helps," Aid nodded, "thank you."
"Holy Cel, bless these well-meaning ungeared in their journey towards truth. By the will of a hundred arms, lift them to higher consistencies."
[Minor Blessing of Cel - 1 Day]
[+5% All Stats]
[+5% Resistance (All)]
My fingers burned less as Aid's remedy lingered, but the priest's words left me cringing. How could he just keep sitting there, waiting for Cel to do something? Then again, he was an old man. Looking down on the glowing sphere, I pulled my left glove as Aid conversed, placing metal fingers. Bloody thing went off like a light switch, its springs and buttons clicking around the sphere like a typewriter. The sphere spun, stopping a second later, a hand shaped button pressing as it magnetically tethered my fingers.
"By Cel," the priest's eyes bulged, "excuse me stranger, I must observe!"
Aid turned, watching as this pedestal rattled, clicking away as it blew steam into a mechanically opened valve, single jointed clock-arms bursting out and poking the back of my hand.
"That hand, you're a saint!"
He bowed without any hesitation, going on his knees as this thing marked my hand. No words could be thought of, my mind spinning and pausing repeatedly as he wrung his wrists.
"I've prayed for so long, begging Cel to save us from this fate." His head lifted, "what is your name, Gear-Twined?"
"Uh," I blinked, "Lisbeth?"
"Descendant of angels, thank you for coming."
Aye, all of it was weird to hear. Having friends like mine was hard to believe, but to be spoken to like some kind of god? Goddess? Smiling a little, I looked up at Aiden, who himself looked surprised.
"Take notes, I'm liking this."
"Right," Aid smiled weakly, "sorry, I don't do your highness,"
"Liar," I turned back to the priest as my cyborg steam-pipe hand unlatched.
[Schematic Pillar Loaded - New Knowledge Acquired!]
"You could say Cel called me here," I said, "He's heard your suffering, get up."
Guy got up so fast, though his poor legs were shaking as he straightened arms like a clock. Forming a two o' clock position, he watched as I made a three. He seemed confused, lowering arms a moment later.
"Your stance is odd, Gear-Twined. How recent was your initiation?"
"I'd rather not tell," I shrugged, "my knight was given strict orders to uphold secrecy."
He glanced over at Aid, his eyebrows furrowing softly with a second, even third look.
"Is he? I do not recognize that armor. His height too, Congregate Knights are nine feet tall."
Aid did his best to hide an obvious flex, his already gigantic physique swelling like a balloon.
"I'd be careful," I smiled, "he's as devout in his belief as any."
"Forgive me," he bowed, "How may I help you, Gear-Twined? Tathra is my mortal name."
"How about the metal you've got there, Tathra?" I nodded, "His metal should be put to good use."
Dammit, he was shaking his head.
"You among all of us should recognize His day. We cannot use this, not if we wish to live through this."
"But you're starving," I grimaced, "I could bring you food with that."
"And anger Him? Forgive me, Lisbeth. But I find your methods unorthodox for one of His children."
[-5 Reputation (Church of Cel)]
Okay this was getting annoying, what good were these traditions if they were dying of hunger?
"Thank you for the blessing," Aid put a hand on my shoulder, ushering us out.
"If it is any help," Tathra followed, "there may be metal remaining in one of our storage sheds. It's behind the blasphemous seat those basics worship."
"Thank you," Aid said before muttering, "interesting."
I stayed quiet throughout our walk behind the green stone monolith, the stupidity of it all driving steam up to my ears. Rain thumped all around us, the lake warped by hundreds of ripples, its mirror smoothness broken. While the sky itself brightened through cloud cover, no spot gleamed. Schematics weren't even that good, just a few mining [Kriggsin] models. It was only when alone in a two story box were my eyes redirected at Aid, who scrounged for material with a tired gait.
"So what'd you think of Tathra?"
"Pretty respectful," Aid lifted a lid, "found some."
Glancing inside the container, a quick grab brought my head shaking.
"Too rusted."
Aid nodded before moving on, digging into piles with serious focus. Pacing around myself for stuff, I kept finding more garbage, most of it revolving around fishing equipment. Weird, was the last thing I'd expect this town to misuse.
"Not exactly a fan of his faith," Aid continued, "was always more a fan of logic and faith together."
"Right?" I looked, "it's got me thinking, what if you could...I dunno, whack him?"
"How's this?" Aid drew a small plate of bronze.
"Nah," I sighed, "anyway. If you knock him cold, we could use that metal. Would make saving this town easier."
"At the cost of hitting an old guy?" Aid furrowed his brow, "not happening."
"Hear me out. We give the guy a headache for the rest of the day and maybe less metal than he wanted to give to Cel," I turned, "but we'd save everyone here."
"This is their culture though," Aid pulled a wooden chest from a dusty corner, "as guests to their home, I'd rather respect their rules."
"Actually, I'd say otherwise. Some of these people worship the chair," I checked what rested in it, "all rusted."
"Freaking," Aid groaned, "you were saying?"
"I doubt Tathra speaks for many here," I made eye contact.
"Not sure how either of us would know, we just got here. Starvation brings results somewhat similar to war, kinda breaks people down. I don't think jugging the guy's gonna help."
"But every day we play it your way, we'll lose four, maybe five. How many lives is this one's comfort worth?"
"If we start bashing folks," Aid leaned on a support beam, "they'll kick us out the second they're strong enough."
"I don't think so," I shook my head, "people are pretty happy when you make them food."
Aid lowered his head briefly, returning contact as he closed in with me.
"We're gonna have to disagree, cause I believe there's a right way to get the answer. That being said," his shoulders backed, "if conditions don't improve, let's consider this. I tell the guy how bad it'd be if rumor got out of him denying help."
"Ooo," I smiled, "and I spread?"
"I'd never imagine it," he feigned innocence, "not at all."
"Now we're talking," I kissed, "but still. When?"
"Tomorrow?"
"Alright, I can work with that.
Was a decent compromise, but wasn't as fun or straight forward as a knockout. Better this than an argument though, we needed to keep on the same page. Minutes into our scavenge, the door was pried open behind us. A shivering, dripping Haru stumbled in, her green eyes big as she checked her potion heavy belt.
"How long have you two been up?" Haru brushed arms, "ugh, so cold."
"Four thirty," Aid said, "been trying to gather supplies for our hunt today."
"All the good metal's in a Cel temple," I sighed, "should've let you know sooner."
"I've got poison, you know." Haru waved a bottle, "pretty nasty debuffs on it too."
"If it was just killing it I'd take it," Aid returned while wiping off dust, "but we're gonna use its meat to feed these people."
"How about stat buffs?" I smiled, "word o' warning to you, Aid can't heal with those."
"I'm aware," Haru shrugged, "got a minor pain-killer, strength booster, been working on this stuff called [Blurr] too. Says it boosts your speed by fifty percent."
A message flashed over Aid's display, a quick glance leading to him motioning us out.
"Got reinforcements," he said, "shall we?"
Sun Dancer
-Garr
"We'll retract the bridge when you're through," the old guard shook a finger, "you'll have to return south side though, bad luck bringing folks east."
"I'll let you know when to pop it," I nodded before looking south, "in fact, get ready."
Our rainy day cavalry had arrived, all five of them. Oran's blonde hair was easy to pick out beneath his hood, with Graye stapled to his side like a semi-willing sacrifice. With all wearing rain gear, however, only they were discernible, leaving three new faces to shake hands with a backdrop of mist.
"Yo!" Oran called while speeding his walk, "good to see you, mate."
"Haru!" one chimed, their petite form rushing out and hugging our alchemist.
"Wait, I'm-"
Rika greeted Haru's friend, the name Silica popping up as others filed forward. A pair of narrow, dark eyes blinked from beneath a hood, a familiar sets of stone fingers coiling before looking away half a moment later.
"Aoki, right?" I nodded.
"Yea, yea."
"You feeling better than us now?" their third approached, his [Battleaxe] and drawl clicking between my ears.
"Never did," I blinked.
"Bullshit," Aoki crossed arms, "Teika, lets keep moving."
A sharp cry left Silica's lips, Rovia's physically depreciating denizens emerging. Eyes all around swelled as walking tragedies looked back, Teika cursing.
"We can wait on that, right?" I eyed Teika.
Wooden beams outstretched, pulleys and rope groaning as valves twisted in aged protest. Boards met the tops of logs, supporting the lengthening path as it extended to meet its weathered half.
"Should I tell him?" I heard Oran mutter.
"I guess," Graye said.
"What?" I looked behind me, stepping forward as the bridge locked in place and a cold anxiety gripped.
Oran scratched at his palm, his motions jerky as he matched my pace, leaning head to my ear.
"Asterius' gone, mate."
My feet kept pressing, but my mind slowed.
"Killed," Oran shuddered, "he was led to Urbus...Tai had him ambushed. Tauran ran to floor five."
"The desert?" I glanced.
"Oi," Rika stepped in, "how about we hold that back?"
I kept walking while Oran turned focus to her, the message seeping thick, like mercury through poisoned veins. What cold it brought, however, was barbed. Muscles in my jaw clenched, toxins festering in my mouth. How typical, how absolutely believable, to have ungrateful people tear and destroy everything I worked for. I did everything for them, gave them almost every freedom one could have, stayed out of their lives as much as I could. It wasn't good enough to boot me either. Tossed whole tribes up to the wind, the prospect of unity broken. The republic, bringing us all together for a common goal, it just wasn't good enough.
Those Tauran wanted to help and we stabbed them in the back. Fists tightened hard enough to crack knuckles alone, eyes hardening as grass mushed under my boot. What was I wasting my time for?
"Also mate?" Oran said, "I'm sorry, but we had to drop Lowyse."
"She was killing people," Graye shuddered, "she didn't leave us any choice."
"Not surprising," I said sternly, "she wasn't kept for her dazzling personality."
"She enjoyed burning people," Teika interjected.
"Containable."
"But why would you keep something evil like that?"
Silica's voice peeped from below, her short stature leaving a childish impression on me. Could barely look down either, doing everything to keep myself from biting my tongue.
"It's not a bad question," Teika said, "you knew she was unhinged, yet you kept her. Why?"
"In case the army failed. She was my nuclear option."
"Against what, us rebelling?" Teika flared up.
"So cold," Aoki shivered as rain fell.
Could've sworn I heard someone groan back there, wasn't terribly sure who.
"We should stay focused on that Magnatherium," Rika stepped in, "Teika, that's not why. Leave him alone."
"Dealing with it would be easier if it wasn't raining," Aoki groaned, "hands can't make heat if they're wet."
"Fine. Can I see everyone's stats?" Teika motioned, "wanna see how we allocate."
Wasn't long till we got split into teams of four. Once Graye's skillset was known, however, competition flared.
"But we need the healer with us," Teika looked at Oran, "us, Garr, and Graye will take this."
"Uh," Graye blinked, "you guys know I only do serious damage with a full rage meter. Right?"
"If Graye's not defending the support team, all the Magnatherium's gotta do is charge 'em." Oran pointed, "I say we put Garr there."
I grimaced slightly, defense again? Three combat model [Kriggsin] blew vapor, standing behind Rika without any perceivable thought. Her wrinkled face and clawed pockets told everything, she was held back by current circumstance. It wouldn't help though if we forced things, or was it? I've been handling things one way, they proved flawed.
"He's our heavy hitter, do we even know what the Magna-whatsitsface looks like?"
"From what I've heard?" Haru shivered, "it's a really big dog, or bear, whichever one."
"Okay then," Teika's lips fell, "anyone got bait?"
"Nope," Oran looked south, "but I saw some deer, or at least this place's version of deer. Chasing it around's gonna be a pain."
"Actually," Haru drew her [Atlean Auto-Bolt], "I could speed this up."
"The hell is that?" Aoki leaned closer.
"Looks good," Oran shrugged, "Graye?"
"Yeah," Graye blinked with low enthusiasm.
"We'll plan out a spot," Rika said, "bring us bait and we should be set."
"Yes ma'am," Teika purred.
Sun Dancer
Graye followed his team sluggishly with a hunched posture. While his coat warded off Rovia's crisp chill, rain dripped off its tails and sleeves, soaking his hands. Haru matched his pace, letting their two combatants lead through pelted green.
"You okay?" Haru looked while brandishing her weapon.
"Yup," he said quickly.
While her green eyes glanced again, she shrugged before continuing pace. Oran and Teika weaved beneath pines, passing hand motions to stop. Beyond their tree stood a small herd of two dozen antlered beasts. Bringing Haru forward, Oran and the Texan remained crouched beneath dripping needles.
"So how far does it shoot?" Oran whispered.
"its bolts drop like rocks according to Lis," Haru said, "I'd say maybe twenty, thirty?"
"That short?" Teika growled, "regular bows reach out further. What's the point?"
"As if I'd know," Haru shouldered it, "I'm not into that."
"Maybe it's for balance," Oran said, "spam's always a problem when people are involved."
Graye scooted away by mere inches, eyeing Oran occasionally as he rested his back against dry bark. Exhaling, he shivered whenever a heavy drop fell through.
And once again, I'm the odd one out. No one's asked how I feel about anything, it's all about telling Garr how his kingdom fell apart. His dreams and plans, what about ours? Nah, I'm just the healer. I only matter as long as I fix boo boos.
Looking over his shoulder, Oran crouch walked over to his Irish friend.
"Yo,"
"Hm?" Graye refused to look.
"Checking on you, mate."
"You don't have to, I'm okay."
"Wanna feed me another spoonful o' bollocks while you're at it?"
"I'm okay Oran, really."
"Taking a shot," Haru warned.
Oran nodded to Haru, rising half way as he pointed to Graye.
"You may wanna look away."
"Like the rest of my friends?"
"Repeat?" Oran craned back.
"Never mind," Graye slumped, "just tell me when it's over."
A loud crack broke out, Haru's target whining loudly as both Teika and Oran rushed in, rain falling harder around them. Its herd-mates scattered, the abandoned male left with a bolt bobbing in its side, thrashing. Graye winced as he heard their wounded prey hacked apart, Haru looking away with her weapon dropped.
"I-I," Haru shivered, "oh god, I'm...I'm so sorry."
Her weapon was relinquished, eyes averting as cries broke out, Graye closing in to comfort Haru as she lurched.
"I missed," she shook her head, "it was supposed to hit its chest."
Its cries ended quickly, a bloodied axe lifted. Oran glanced around, their long-legged catch splayed out, shaking as musculature tensed. Under a dull gray sky, red muted under callous precipitation, Teika crouching to observe its anatomy.
"Funny looking deer," Oran's [Bo-Staff] tapped its forelegs, "its antlers grow like armored gloves."
"Boxing deer?" Teika looked up briefly, "would pay to see that. Alright, let's see how much meat we got."
Oran bent, only to freeze at a yapping call, a band of fifteen [Yellow-Backs] racing out from vegetation. Yelping and whining they moved on the party's attackers, stopping five meters away as they encircled. Surrounding them, several pairs of eyes darted between Oran, Teika, and the dead animal at their feet, snarling with heads low.
"Counting twenty," Oran rose, "good thing they're short."
"Wanna see which of us score more?" Teika grinned, "just kidding, I know I'll win."
"Bollocks!"
Oran lunged at one with a spearing jab, his agile approach slamming ribs as the [Yellow Back] attempted retreat. A [Battleaxe] drove right, meat and bones squishing as Teika's opponent partially split, death guaranteed by a bronze edge. Their closest combatants stepped back, their most distant nearing.
Oran's injured target, however, howled in response, its head raised high to a sun-shielded sky. [Rallying Howl] was activated, an additional three [Yellow-Backs] emerging from distant hills, one substantially larger than all seventeen others. From behind both men dove five, but their limbs met no abrasion, instead choosing to dig teeth in less challenging material. The deer dragged as they pulled back, others closing around to protect.
"Oran!" Graye shouted, "the meat!"
Oran spun his staff with air-whipping speed, [Yellow-Backs] distracting him with near lunges, whacking five as wood slapped bone. Teika twisted in pursuit, only to be tackled by another three, their jaws clamping around major limbs with incapacitating force.
"You call this a hold?!" Teika roared, "you wouldn't last a second where I'm from!"
Oran swept through, his [Bo-Staff] forcibly dismantling one [Yellow-Back] off Teika's right arm, freeing his axe as others broke away. Growling and snapping, [Yellow-Backs] surrounded both fighters with bodies and teeth, feint diving one by one as their [Alpha] observed. A loud bark, however, left them all turning away, retreating eastward with their stolen catch. Last to retreat, their leader stared at both fighters, turning away after a minute of observation.
"Great," Teika checked himself, "now what?"
'We try another?" Oran lifted hands briefly, "shite, but it'd bring them back, wouldn't it?"
Graye returned on hurried feet, examining both for injuries.
"I'm fine, mate." Oran watched Graye apply herbs to Teika's ankles, "where's Haru?"
"Hiding," Graye said, "wouldn't stop saying how sorry she was."
"About what?" Teika rose steadily before wincing.
"She likes animals."
"Then she could've asked one of us," Oran splayed hands, "right? I'd need some instruction, but would be fine otherwise."
"Instructions?" Teika crossed arms, "I'd handle it fine."
Oran looked over to him, an incredulous look on his face.
"Wish I could've backed you mates up," Graye sighed, "lost it."
"You had to keep 'bottles' safe," Oran brushed off, "think we'll have to settle on smaller stuff."
"They've gotta have bunnies," Teika shouldered his axe, "tell Lis we'll be a bit late."
"Why her?"
"I dunno," Teika walked, "tell somebody."
Sun Dancer
-Lisbeth
Garr's trap is arranged
- Annoyed at limited resources, a message from Kirito discomforting her from a sense of urgency.
We sat under a tree's skirt, Aoki's eye as aromatic as a dumpster fire. Silica swapped between wolves, playing and grooming them as we awaited Oran's group. Aid's expressions were darker than I ever recalled, his nose flared like an angered bull. While I snuggled up to him, and while he shared affections, a coldness lurked behind those eyes.
Stuck up priest, we wouldn't be here if he wasn't so strict. We're freezing out here, hoping to meet a fire breathing monstrosity. All that, and I'm out of [Boar Meat]. Ugh, Aid's gonna think I forgot. Positives, had to find the positives.
"So how long have you been a couple?" Silica smiled.
"A month?" Aid looked at me briefly, "yeah, course we had to keep things low-key."
Aoki shifted harshly in her seat, something about us wasn't pleasing her...but I wasn't sure if it was about us.
"Ha, I've been with my Tiki longer than that."
"Happily?" Aid smiled weakly.
"Mhm!"
His arm around my shoulder snugged for a second, Aoki turning her gaze past us.
"I have to say," I pointed, "Rovia's pretty with all the green and trees."
"Yup," Silica hugged her pet.
"Can see a log cabin here," Aid nodded, "somewhere quiet and private."
"One with a fireplace," I continued with a nod, "right by the lakes."
A cold raindrop met my neck, sparking a shiver as it ran down, its motions without care or pause.
"How about you?" I looked to Aoki.
"Sounds okay," she shrugged, refusing to look my way, "I'd rather not be a hermit."
"And I'd rather not deal with people's crap," Aid said, "but that's your call."
"Is that why you put your base so far away?"
"Actually, it was to keep the Tauran from feeling abandoned. The same ones people decided to slaughter like animals, I guess."
"That was Kibaou's doing," Aoki turned, "not everyone was doing it."
I watched quietly as they argued, Aid's darkening heart unsettling me. It's like his care for people was slipping. From Rovia's south side came Oran, his group drenched as they closed in. Pulling out small slabs of meat, the Englishman nodded to Graye.
"Sadly we couldn't get anything bigger than rabbits," Graye frowned, "yellow backs kept stealing anything larger."
"How many?" Aid grumbled.
"We got quite a few," Graye put a few more down, "how's five sound?"
"Eh, it'll do." Aid rose and pointed downhill, "we're using this depression as an ambush. Lay out the bait, surround the problem, eliminate."
"But what if the yellow backs return?"
"Let them gather, do the same as you would our original target. Use them as more bait."
"There's a lot of them," Teika shook his head, "I doubt bringing your group's gonna change that."
"We'll see."
Rabbit meat was lowered, stacking like a small mound on the bottom of our hill's decline. Rain beat against its red, glossy surface, a dark pool forming beneath it. Had to look away, this wasn't my idea of a pleasant image. Pine trees swayed gently in the breeze, sunlight breaking through a hole in the clouds, its warmth cozy against my face.
"So when it arrives," Oran glanced, "how do we take it?"
"Preferably with ranged attacks, unless someone's good at sneaking?"
"I am," Silica raised her hand.
"Not happening," Teika said, "Haru said it's a bear."
"I'm only basing it off what the people told me," Haru watched the bait, "I've never actually seen it."
"Alright," Aid held a hand up, "ranged options?"
"Haru?" I motioned, "the bolt?"
"It's...down to three shots."
"Made catching the rabbits easy," Oran said, "was my idea."
"Granted," Aid sighed, "to be fair, I doubt the auto-bolt would hurt it much. Round's too small, and lacks the velocity. With Aoki disabled too, sneaking may be our only answer."
"I'm not sending her," Teika leaned towards Aid, "not without backup."
A message blared in my interface, undoubtedly Asuna looking to apologize. Turning away, I opened it with full attention. My finger curled, its tip cold seconds later.
[From Kirito: It's time. Be outside your shelter tonight, let him know]
"I can handle it, Tiki."
"What if we tried kiting it?" Graye said, "I doubt the bear's fast enough to catch Oran."
"Maybe on tea break," Oran chuckled.
[To Kirito: Okay, but you better keep your promise]
I turned around, a mask drawn over my face as I faced them all. Aoki raised a stone finger as they discussed, catching a few eyes.
"I don't know anything about hunting, but...how's it gonna smell the meat in the rain?"
Aid stiffened, his nose mashed seconds later against his palm.
"Shite," Oran groaned, "I'll go get it."
"When you're done?" Aid peeked from behind fingers, "get weapons ready."
"Mate, it's getting bloody cold out here."
"I'm not going back to town empty handed, you've seen them."
"Then why not try the [Yellow Backs]?" Graye stepped up, "they drop food, right?"
"Don't know," Aid's hand dropped to his side, "but considering their numbers?" he nodded, "let's take it."
"I've got [Tracking]," Teika said, "and I know where they went."
Oran walked past me, a sheepish smile on his face as he retrieved misused food.
"Then you've got point," Aid directed, "make this quick and we all go back."
Our journey through puddle smothered riverbanks was slow, without break from either rain or fog. If only our plans shared pace, tables would be flipped if I had any. [Kriggsinn] were needed to fight the bear, but apparently I'm needed there too. Aid's in pain, but neither of us have time to mend anything. We're standing next to each other, yet no time to be with each other.
"You cold?" Aid looked down.
"Nah," I shook my head, "stressed."
"How about a mining trip after this? Just us."
"Maybe, but...we need to talk later today. Okay?"
Aid's serious expression said everything, his nod affirming. Teika led us straight to them, two dozen [Yellow Backs] turned our way, their damp fur dripping as white teeth bared.