A Ragnarok On-Line Fan Fiction

"Falling for Hellish Eyes"

By Bloody Priestess

Summary: Assassin x Priestess. They couldn't be anymore different, yet that difference bonded them as childhood best friends but now the difference of their jobs and feuding guilds thwart the blooming fondness for one another.

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Author's Notes: Yeah! I'm so thrilled to have graduated from high school. And the idea of having all this free time to write—given that college is where we can set our schedule—I simply can't wait…but is this a promise of more free time to write? Dear God, may it be so…

My thanks to all the beautiful people who reviewed! And to the all the more beautiful who helped me stitch-up this chapter together by simply listening to me blab, blab, and blab during out grad practices.

CONGRATULATIONS to the all Batch 2005-2006 graduates! Brave the world of college, flaunting what you are—not what you have! ROk on, everyone!

Everything comes to past. We begin new chapter of our lives—and of this fanfic.

./go


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Chapter Six: Crossing Thresholds

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Cyfton Castle's massive draw bridge made a thunderous thump as it hit the ground. As the dust receded, a party of seven trotted across it and made their way en route to Prontera City's marketplace.

At high noon, the party was still exhausted from touring the marketplace but to still no avail. Due to the guild siege that occurred the day before the supplies were sparse or simply out-of-stock.

The female Lord Knight perched a gauntleted fist on her chain mail-cased hip, her pale green eyes narrowed as if the whitesmith, Van Theichmacer was madman foaming at the mouth. "Commonsensical, to be sure, but that does not imply it is the best course."

Van's pale blue hair swayed underneath his Boy's Cap in negation, remarking most persistently with a hint of sarcasm which peeved Mackenzie all the more, "…and the best course you deem correct, is but your own?" He caught his breathe when her pale green eyes bore down cheekily on him, but continued nonetheless. "I petition, Iron Maiden, to thoughtfully step out of your one-tract mind and hear out a proposal…"

The Iron Maiden's eyes traveled to the weary faces of her party mates and reluctantly considered it. "Speak up, sir."

"I suggest we head off to the Labyrinth Forest in the Prontera were wild animals, monsters and game is plentiful. 'Tis the best way possible way—for it include the completion of our party objective at the same time each individual here's personal advancement. We obtain the provisions we need, initially allocated to buy the items with thus saving the zenny, set out skills to practice and obviously, get the exercise we need."

As Mackenzie listened her countenance grew more mutinous, but softened at the sight Genesis nodding her golden head. "Very well, we shall hunt…" Her gaze traveled to Portia Faunt looked eager enough although her nose was stuck to her slim potion manual, "An inventory of all the items you will require to concoct your potions." To Adrienne, she queried. "Can you manage a Lord Knight, Sage, Whitesmith, Alchemist, Assassin Cross, Champion and yourself in this proposed venture?"

The priestess nodded vehemently, "'Tis my oath to serve and support, Mackie. I will manage."

"Well said. We shall expect no less, Jewel of Prayer." And with that, she steered her peco-peco ride to the head of the line. "Move out."

Mathieu Cruxhart nudged Aid from her distracted state. "Don't read so much into that. You know the knight-class fancy the practice of formalities and enforce whiffs of arrogant authority. Relax a tad more, Aid. I'll help out by supporting the party. Though I chose to become a monk, then a Champion over the cleric robes you now wear. I was once an acolyte too, you know…?"

Adrienne smiled at the pony-tailed, platinum-blonde Champion dubbed 'Extremist' in the guild. "You are very kind, Mathieu. I shall be most appreciative of any assistance you bequeath."

The Assassin Cross, Lexender Niehlm snickered at the pair. "Let az be 'Off," he prodded. His spiky onyx-black hair and big blue eyes bold contrasts to the red-muffler he tightened over his neck and face and trailed the group out the Prontera's colossal stone walls and into the awaiting forest.

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The journey into the Labyrinth Forest— the closest forest in the locale —took just about the entire afternoon. By the time the setting sun began painting hues of red, burgundy and mauve, Mackenzie gathered Lexender—the Sin Cross, Mathieu—the Champion and Genesis to strategize while rest of the group was scattered about the maze that is the forest collecting red, yellow, blue, white, green and et cetera colored plants for the Alchemist's potions and other brews.

The wind caught the folds of Genesis's Sage garb and tugged the garment back in a whimsical manner. A ghastly thought crossed Mackie's mind at the sight of her dear friend, she quickly crushed it with the afterthought that it was most improbable for one to die during an ordinary hunt—the Lord Knight frowned, reconsidering—We just have to be especially cautious, she decided.

But the foreboding lingered for she knew a killer was cloaked and amidst them.

It appeared that the priestess sensed it too. For strange light lit her silver eyes at the smallest movement in the bushes—a demon, an evil spirit, a monster was about. Adrienne squeezed her fists together, she will NOT call out for assistance in her inquisitive endeavor and with that she treaded forward into the green shrubbery.

"Adrienne?" Gen began…

…her knees felt weak. A Baphoment Jr. trotted before her—as one would expect, its parent and siblings were close by. For a befuddled moment there, Aid simply stared at it and it back at her.

"Whoaggh!" The monster unexpectedly bellowed—swinging its mini scythe, ripping her bodice-front across the stomach. Adrienne reacted but an instant afterward the pain seared through her—she chanted Lex Divina—silencing the monster and made a hasty flight to her companions.

The Executioner's Mittens was already in motion with effortless speed, the Sin Cross was replacing blow after blow on his small but terrible foe before the Iron Maiden followed the suit. The sage, alchemist, whitesmith, priestess and champion had regrouped—they knew the worst was yet to come.

The lingering sunlight was not spared when the Baphoment appeared casting its towering, ominous shadow over the party and its fiendish countenance precisely above upturned faces. The monster made a ghastly cry before bringing its hands on the scythe and hurled the weapon down to them—they promptly scrambled thus dodging the marring movement.

The party positioned themselves in a decided pattern for their defense/offense—the priestess was in the farthest line with the full-support sage—healing and casting buffs and elemental weapon boosts, respectively. In the middle of the line were the whitesmith and alchemist—sending efficacious blows from their hammer and blade, respectively to the monster. And in the front most line were the assassin cross—who delivered killer Soul Destroyer after Soul Destroyer. Next to him was the female lord knight—who repeatedly stabbed the foe with her Poll Axe skillfully ensuing Vital Strikes. The champion was also nearby—already in the midst of a Vigor Explosion.

"Stand your ground," the Van urged as he quickly Upgraded a Weapon in his inventory before putting it on. "Keep this up! We may just thrash this thing!!!" He clobbered the Baphoment monster with all the force he could rally, without delay he stepped aside giving the Lord Knight's sprinting stab to fluidly connect.

The flow of assaults was superb and fluid; the Bringer of Tempests will be especially pleased.

"Ye—" But, they were cut off at the sight of the monster raising its weapon over its head and gave out a wild, bloodcurdling roar.

"No…"

The Baphoment summoned its offsprings. The party was now out numbered and surrounded by Bapho Jrs.

"Push him back!" Mackie shouted, demonstrating a hard-hitting shove as the parent-Baphoment fought back relentlessly. She recovered from the loud eruption from the detonation of the Champion's Tiger Fist and threw a nippy glance at the supporters and nukers. "Set your sights for the any way out. Be ready to displace! The rest of you, shadow behind them!"

"Run away?" Gen asked and Mackie nodded tersely. Her hands tightened on her staff, "Be ready everyone, I have a spell that'll eclipse your withdrawal." She pulled out a yellow gemstone and chanted, "VIOLENT GALE!!!"

The vicinity grew breezy—then quickly gained strength… Leaves and grass blades came uprooted with swirled in the violent summoned wind.

The party of seven disseminated—with their arms over their faces against the strong wind, each heading out in the general direction of the exits. Perched high up the peco-peco, Mackenzie made a quick survey of her party mates fleeing farther and farther from the Baphoment and its mini-me's—all were counted for save for the perpetrator of the strong winds.

Brick-red hair wiped back as Mackie called back to Gen, who remained unmoving in the middle of the squall she beckoned. "Genesis!! What are in Odin's name are you doing??! Move your arse!" The sage couldn't hear her against the howling winds. Iron gauntleted hands pulled the reins of the peco-peco and made the animal to about turn. In desperation, Mackie extended to an arm to the sage as she came charging forth…

The sage's spell had died off, the monsters steadily made their way to the lord knight and sage—

Adrienne saw this as it unfold. She circled and ran back into the battle grounds. Her hands clasped over a blue gemstone and hurriedly summoned a protective barrier around the blonde sage. "SAFETY WALL!" And not a second too late! The fiend's attack missed!

The Champion and Assassin Cross bolted headed for the girls. Genesis had just lashed out an arm to Mackie and the lord knight pulled her up unto the peco-peco.

"Dammit it, priestess! Get away!" Van was yelling at the young lady as he set himself before the alchemist, who was hurriedly piecing a bottle grenade together. "Now is not the while to act so irresponsibly."

Adrienne would hear not of it, her silver eyes darted back and forth to the Lord Knight and Sage making their way to rest of the clustered party members with the monsters hot in pursuit.

The Assassin Cross, Lexander executed a Meteor Assault on the Bapho Jrs that encircled him. "Die a'ready you filthy, lil beasts!" He cursed a great deal, blood gushing from the multiple slashes from the 'minis' on his torso. This undertaking was not for naught, the Bapho Jrs. were eliminated. The young Sin Cross managed to backslide before he fell on one knee, leaving Mathieu to damage the anguished parent-Baphoment all by himself.

Adrienne was promptly at his side, settling her responsibility with him without much ado. She blessed the assassin cross before redirecting her attention on the weakening Champion, "I'll heal Mathieu and be off myself. I am deaf to all sorts of arguments, Neilhm. I suggest you set off now. MAGNIFICANT!"

Hefting his Jamadars uncomfortably, he stood up. "You'd better ztay twue to your word, Mon Cherie." Then Executioner's Mittens was gone in repeated backslides.

Adrienne nodded, and then cast a Lex Divina to the forthcoming monster, giving the fleeing Champion a precious second's head start. The Baphoment took the hit and glanced at her small purple-clad form, very much insignificant in contrast to its massive form—apparently comprehending that the priestess was an easier prey to eliminate, it headed for her.

The priestess twisted away to buff-up her comrades—she didn't see the monster teleported, reappeared closer and approached from the wake of her. In a downward stroke the monster hurled the weapon down to the midnight blue haired young lady.

Portia hurled a fiery bottle grenade at the fiend, voice constricted in dread. "Miss Luex!"

"LOOK OUT!!" Genesis screamed in warning.

Adrienne whirled about but it was far too late to react! The weapon landed on the earth with a loud sickening thud, sending debris flying upon collision.

"Noooo!" That came out the sage's mouth like a Sohee's cry… she leaped off her backseat on the peco-peco and shouted. "HEAVEN'S DRIVE!" The large rocks summoned with that spell were launched down onto the Baphoment, who gave out a long roar and BRANDISH SPEARed the sage.

The blond, caught by surprise, took the hurled weapon through the chest. The sage fell to her knees, arched over and crossed into the heartless threshold of death.

Mathieu came running forward with an Extremity Fist.

THUGH!

The bigger monster wavered upon impact but remained standing.

"GENESIS??!" When she failed to respond for the most obvious of reasons, the Extremist took the blank-eyed young woman into his arms and withdrew.

A cold wave ran though Mackenzie and grimaced at the scene. "BESERK!" In a fit of blind rage charged toward the Baphoment, her body surging with unsurpassed vigor, her mind gone completely vacant but for the mutilation she single-mindedly will wreak on the wretched thing that took out two of her comrades! Steering her mount, she stormed the Baphoment with a raised Poll Axe.

"Your undertaking iz a fool's errand, Ashencastle!" Crossly Lexender shouted after her, his arms around the young Alchemist thusly preventing squirming lass to cross the threshold of battle. "You may 'Elp yourself with bits of gratifying vengeance but it won't be any benefit to ze dead!"

The monster took one of the multiple spiral-like attacks and was frozen for a moment. Fatigue had nothing to do as Mackenzie trembled with shock and anger. It was at his spoken words that made her lapse to a pause, she relaxed but did not her guard down. "Lead them out, sir. I'll finish up here and follow soon thereafter."

Lexender blinked. He heard that line before. "Theichmacer!" He called and unceremoniously shoved the mint-green haired girl into the whitesmith's arms. And finally, he turned his blue-gray vision to the men – Van, who had Portia and Mathieu, who had what remained of Genesis - "Get zem out of 'Ere!" He would be rude as possible. He wasn't going to let this damned woman lose her life over something so trivial such as her incapacity to heed instructions but of her own. He grabbed hold of the Lord Knight's foot and yanked her down the peco-peco.

"WHAT THE—?" the Lord Knight in her full-metal plates and amour clattered ineptly as she was forcefully grounded. "Executioner's Mittens! That was uncalled for!"

"Tch! Women and zer wretched bleeding 'eArts (hearts)! Merde." Lex cussed, grabbing Mackie's arm and made her sprint next to him. "Do you wish to depart for Valhalla right zis instant? Those who displayed daring and aspired to 'Old off zis creature iz dead!"

"You dare school me on your ways of thinking, sir?" The lady retorted, struggling to keep up with his speedy pace. She glanced over shoulder, the monster teleported, he abruptly her off…

"Don't push your luck, Iron May-den! Jaz 'eep running!"

"But—"

The forest echoed an indistinct ethereal voice as it commanded. "MOVE!!!"

And given the circumstance before them, they couldn't help but agree and so, they concurred. Beyond the trees and shrubbery, the remaining party of five disappeared.

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She got the air knocked out of her. With the dust and debris setting the shroud, she and the pair of arms that pushed her out of harms way, sprawled and entangled in cluttered mass in the out-the-way bushes they landed on. The monster took no notice of the pair, as it continued to stalk her fleeing party mates…

He saved me, the Jewel of Prayer mused, taking a fleeting look at the silver haired assassin cross, and that I should be appreciative to this— uh, unknown Assassin Cross… Her eyes settled on Mathieu who bent over Gen… But my comrades! Adrienne picked herself up and made a course out of the shrubbery. I must help them and tell that I am very much adept and very much aliv—

The arms stretched out like of a specter's claws and wrenched her back into the shrubbery and down to an awkward squat on the ground, "Shh!" His dark blue eyes pale in the receding sunlight but she couldn't see with her back pressed to him. He cupped a hand over her mouth. "Not a sound, priestess." He whispered languidly as only a man having his way all his life could. "You wouldn't want that beast to find us here."

Chill ran down her spine, Adrienne swore it was not the effect of his warm breathe on her left ear… Really! But was the effect of the Baphoment as it paused and glanced over to their hiding place before Teleporting. Yeah right, a voice in her head scoffed, keep telling yourself that…

"You're amply and securely cloaked here." The Sin Cross continued, "Convey to your party of your presence and as you would expect, they will come back and face the Baphoment once again to get to you… Instead of being able to help save them—you'll be helping them hasten their journey to Valhalla."

"I say, release me!"

"Aww, not even a 'please'? Whatever ever happened to your polite…?"

"Sir!" Adrienne turned and regarded I'm with a quelling glare but his grip didn't lessen, not one bit. "I have no time for your tirades about my unfortunate politesse! I have a job to do!"

The assassin matched the look despite the blood-red scarf that concealed his entire face from the bridge of his nose down, "Don't. For what job would you be able to carry out if you cannot go though the Baphoment by your onesy without getting killed? I daresay, if you cross that threshold and there's no looking back."

Mayhap it was his grip on her wrists, mayhap his words that awaken her. But she couldn't help but agree that his reasoning was sound… Apparently, he knew more about safety in the execution of subtlety. She decided to wait for the opportune moment. His dark blue eyes lit with haughtiness at her evident acquiescence. "I'm so glad you finally see it my way, Luex."

Silver eyes flashed like murderous daggers. "Come down from you high pedestal, sir, you may find yourself knocked down by your own hot air." Aid whipped her hand from his and forgotten every notion of thanking him for assisting her earlier. "For I would simply refuse to remedy your broken neck if you so do."

"Refu—oh, what happen to the job you previously said you just have to do?"

Adrienne acrimoniously laughed, pivoting away from his detestable person. "Were or weren't you who said that I shouldn't do my job?"

"Technicalities, my dear…" He called after her irate strut, "Mere technicali—"

"Sir!" She shrieked, crossing her arms, her pace quickening. "Do not address me so casually… we're not but acquaintance at the most!"

That stung. "You don't remember me, Aid?"

After a moment Adrienne turned to him, eyes narrowing at the red scarf as he yanked it down from his face… "Almighty Odi—!"

At the merest hint of danger, Zachary Reith suddenly pitched himself to her. "MOVE!" And the forest echoed his command in a rather indistinct ethereal comportment.

The forewarning reached her too late; the Baphoment recurred and flayed his Crescent Scythe at the young woman. The blade tore open a horizontal wound from her shoulder to her chest, momentarily disoriented by the searing pain, the monster finished with a hit of his weapon's hilt to her stomach, sending her airborne.

The Sin Cross balanced as he landed from his lunge. His dark blue eyes darted back and forth, torn between the adversary and the priestess.

Adrienne impacted heavily, she bounced limply from the tree, and started to move towards the cliffs edge and drop into the deep chasm below.

With a calculated lunge, Zachary hurled himself into a sliding dive across the grassy ground, his outflung hand closing about her slim wrist. Her momentum wrenched him forward half over the edge before his scrabbling fingers found hold on a nearby tree's roots, halting his headlong slide. For a moment he teetered precariously on the rim of chasm, gasping for breath. Invigorating adrenalin surging through his veins, he felt Luex's hand twitch and grimaced as it closed about his forearm, heaving him lower down the edge with her.

There was something eerie in the way her silver eyes met his. Reith knew it wasn't because of the pain… He pushed inopportune the thought aside. "Hold on, you!" Through his gritted his teeth, he urged. Zach was readying himself to draw her back up when a rasping exhaust of breath sounded above him.

Twisting his head about, his eyes widened as the enemy's pale visage loomed near, dimly silhouetted in the light from the suns impending twilight.

The monster brought both its hands together on the scythe and hurled the weapon down in a swift killing stroke. Reith twisted desperately aside and the Baphomet's scythe chafe off the ground, but the young Assassin Cross's fretful writhing finished the Boss Monster's task. Flailing wildly, Zach slid over the edge and plunged down into the swiftly coursing river below.

As the icy water closed about him, his last thought was… the fearlessness he saw in her silver-gray eyes.

Reith immediately knew, they weren't the same eyes he knew once upon a time. They professed NO fear, NO pain, NO emotion… He realized, he no longer knew Adrienne Luex, his best friend.

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End of Chapter Six

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Author's Notes: Gawd! Finally our 'hero' and 'heroine' meet after all those years apart… Uh, I mean, they met, this time without the intention of killing the other! Okay…You must be wondering what is wrong with Lexender Neihlm's "accent" Oh yeah, cookie-giving time! Lexender is… (Ta-da da dah dum…!) FRENCH! /e11 …Hm, is that even probable in RO world? Oh well, this is a fanfic after all… /heh

I apologize for the late update (again!). It's just that I cannot bear posting a substandard chapter… if I have to do something I have to (at least) do it right and to the best of my abilities. So… /sry …please feel free to kick me. GRR! What's up with me lately??! Help, you guys! How? A review, if you would be so kind… and please, be kind. Remember the 'Golden Rule'? "Do not do unto others what you don't want others to do unto you."

I pray to Odin, so that he may bless you and plea to Loki, so that he may spare your little head despite the prodding of insanity in this earthly existence.

Ciao for now and see y'all (hopefully) in the next chapter, until then I'll be playing that song by Coheed and Cambria, "Wake Up".

./kis2

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