Floor 4 - Chapter 2 - The Fallen
December 18th, 2022 - Floor 4, Border Lake
Back on Floor 3, Jet had told Koharu they'd see Kizmel again... though, even he had to admit that he hadn't expected that to mean ''we'll see her in two days.''...
''I'm glad that both of you are fairing well, I feel that I have thought of nothing but you both since we parted ways on the last floor. How went the battle with the guardian?''
''Umm, the battle went fine... it was the meeting before it that proved problematic.''
''How so?''
''Let's just say that Elves aren't the only ones who can't get along, and some people are prone to blundering into things armed with only their big mouth...'' - Jet muttered, skittishly looking around, avoiding eye contact with anyone or staring at anything for too long. Luckily for his conscience, no one had really been hurt in that fiasco, only a few people's feelings, and possibly trust in their leaders. Only time would tell whether he was correct on the latter though, and what consequences that would actually have...
''I can't say I understand?''
''He's... it's a long story, Kizmel.'' - Koharu admitted. If she knew her partner as well as she thought she did, she reckoned he'd be struggling with the guilty conscience from being used as a chess piece in someone's game, and nearly causing a major disaster amongst them. If she was honest with herself, she'd been unhappy to even have it suggested that Jet was a willing participant, and that some members of the clearing group were either incredibly stupid, incredibly oblivious... or had ulterior motives for their attitude. She wasn't sure which of those worried her most...
''I will accept your word on that one. If we are done with the pleasantries however, we are currently in the middle of a major situation.'' - The sarcastic undertone that Kizmel had taken on threw Jet for a loop... could NPCs be sarcastic? Apparently so... ''The Lapis Key, the key we sealed away on this floor has gone missing.''
''Did you check behind the sofa? Always where I found my keys...'' - Kizmel quietly suppressed a laugh, whilst Koharu rolled her eyes at her partner's joke.
''No, I assure you that we would be in more of a panic, if that were the case. Could I ask you to enter the fortress, as I do not feel comfortable telling you this circumstances with the possibility of onlookers. The entrance to the fortress is down that path, you should see a guard there. I will inform them of your presence now, but I have another duty to tend to at this moment.''
''We'll head there now, see you in a few Kizmel.''
''A few what?''
''Umm, it's just a saying, see you in a few minutes then!'' - Kizmel nodded, and took off back in the way she'd appeared, as Jet and Koharu began following the path...
''Jet, you think she looked tired? I mean, I can understand, being cramped up in that fort can't be comfortable... I hope we can help though.''
''If it's got anything to do with that Lapis Key, I'd put money on this being the next part of the Elven War quest. Random question, did it seem like she was...''
''Taking after you with the tone? A little bit, yeah. You think we've had that much of an effect on her?''
''Maybe... Still, we're nearly here, and... ahh, there's the guard.''
''Human warriors! What business do you have here?''
''I am Jet, this is Koharu. We have assisted the Dark Elves on the lower floors, and retrieving the Jade Key.''
''We're here to see Kizmel. Can you let us through?''
''Answer me this... can you prove you are who you claim to be?''
''Is he asking for ID, because I've only got my school ID, and that's at home?'' - Koharu glanced over to her partner, hoping that he'd carry some form of ID with him...
''Does a provisional driving license count?''- Jet asked, completely forgetting that he didn't actually have it in Aincrad...
''You have a driving license?''
''Provisional, yeah.''
''How old are you?!''
''17.''
''How?!'' - Koharu couldn't imagine needing to be able to drive at 17... it wasn't like trains weren't an option in most places, and the cost was usually less than driving anyway.
''You can get a provisional license at 15 in England... can't get a proper one till 17 though.'' - Jet explained the British system of driving licenses as succinctly as he could. Not that it reassured his partner though, as Koharu looked a little uneasy at the prospect of her partner driving a car, aged 15...
''At ease, Haluzas, I called these two here myself. I'll take charge of them, so just see them through.''
''As you wish, Lady Kizmel. I would ask that you exercise caution however, we cannot be sure that they are not Forest Elves in disguise.''
''Rest at ease, my eyes see true. Jet, Koharu, if you would be so kind to follow me, please.'' - The duo followed Kizmel into the camp, sharing looks at each other every few minutes. For what was ostensibly a staging base, this fort was massive - easily measured in miles, rather than feet, and it showed. It had taken the trio nearly 40 minutes to walk to the chamber...
''To think that you'd be held up like that... I must apologise, both of you.''
''Well, this is a fortress after all, security's got to be tight, right Jet?''
''Huh, oh yeah, probably a good idea to keep guard of the fortress.''
''No, our gatekeepers may be quite a hard-headed sort, but normally, they would not be so troublesome.''
''It's to do with that Lapis Key, right?''
''Indeed, and that it precisely why I have summoned you both here. Both keys, the Jade and Lapis, were to be secured here at the Fortress. However, we lost contact with the soldiers readying the Lapis Key... we found their bloodied armour later, nearby.'' - Kizmel looked down, mourning the loss of her comrades, before continuing - ''What worries me, is that those were some of our finest swordsmen, and yet... they stood no chance against this enemy. What's more, the key has now vanished...''
Showing as much respect for the deceased as she could, Koharu asked the question on both of the duo's minds... ''Was it the Forest Elves?''
''Many believe as much to be so, especially as a Forest Elf Broach was found, fallen atop our soldiers gear...'' - Both Jet and Koharu raised an eyebrow at that piece of information - to Jet, that seemed far too obvious to be anything other than a set up... though that left one obvious question - Who would want to set up the Forest Elves?
''That... seems almost deliberate. Almost as if someone wanted you to find them.'' - Koharu summarised their thoughts as succinctly as she could.
''Indeed! I had thought quite the same...''
''So, you think the key was taken by someone else, Kizmel?''
''I have no evidence of such... but I do believe that such an assault, and leaving of equipment, would be incredibly sloppy and arrogant, even for the Forest Elves. You see, the Lapis Key has long been a symbol of peace between our peoples.'' - That last statement caught both of them off guard - a symbol of peace in a warzone? That really wasn't something you saw every day...
''Huh? Haven't you guys been at war for 'generations'... how is there a symbol of peace?''
''It is true that war between the people of Lyusula and the people of Kales'Oh has raged on since the Great Separation, and perhaps even before then... but much like any war, both sides have grown weary at times. Short truces, and hopeful moments of peace... alas, they were never to last. That is what the Lapis Key represents to both sides. When it is the Sacred Tree Festival, both our sides set aside their differences in a ceasefire.'' - Jet thought back to a story his dad had told him, the football match on Christmas Day 1914, when both British and German troops came together on Christmas Day for a kick around, after months of firing on each other... that peace, and the comradery shared between men on opposing sides would not last, and the next day, it was back to one of the bloodiest wars in modern history. If he framed it in that context, he could see why the Lapis Key was so important... it didn't so much represent peace, as it did the hope of peace. A more permanent peace, anyway. - ''Unfortunately, hundreds of years ago, a great tragedy would unfold during that period. The daughter of a Dark Elf Lord, and the son of a Forest Elf would fall in love. Both sides have claimed that either side used a charm on the other, but I believe the details are insignificant. No matter how their love started, it was true, and knowing that once the ceasefire was over, they would be enemies again... they chose death instead. Struck by the deaths of their children, the Lords chose the boundary of the lands to seal the key, and mark the graves of the lovers.'' - Jet looked down, somewhat disheartened. It seemed that even in a virtual world, war had an uncanny knack of catching the unlucky or weary in it's crossfire...
''Just like Romeo and Juliet... uh, our people have a similar tale. Jet?''
''Sorry, just thinking about something... carry on, Kizmel.''
''Hmm, I suppose so, no matter what world, peoples or time, it is the young who come together in ways their elders cannot comprehend. But regardless of the truth behind the tale, the Forest Elves are well aware of where the grave stands. If they wished to, they could've done so, without waiting for our forces to break the seal.''
''So that points us towards a culprit that didn't know where it was, or how to break the seal...''
''Precisely, and I want to track down whoever it may have been... but alas, I cannot leave the fort. The general in charge of our soldiers here on this floor is planning a raid on the enemy fort, and I must be there to join them. I would like to retrieve the Lapis Key before we move out, however. I accept that we are at war, but I am a firm believer in reducing the bloodshed, as my way of honouring Tilnel.''
''Well, leave it to us then! Just one question though... do you have any leads for us?''
''I have but one lead. The souls of those lost have become light, and returned to the Sacred Tree, but there is one likely survivor. Her name is Tuoli, she is young, but I trained her myself. Her cape was left behind, and marked with blood onto it were the words 'Head to the tower'. I believe this is a message from her.'' - Kizmel lowered her head again, her tone becoming one of thinly veiled contempt - ''I asked the general to send a search party to find her... but the request was denied, and I was told it was most likely a trap. Hence why I've been commanded to stay here.'' - On one hand, Jet could entirely understand where the general was coming from... a random message scrawled in blood, just after a massacre of your troops, and stealing an artefact of impossible value, asking you to come screams 'TRAP!', but on the other - this was one of his own soldiers, and he seemed okay with leaving her to die, if she was still alive. He hadn't even met this general, and already he reckoned he wouldn't like him... Kizmel perked up slightly before carrying on - ''But, you two arrived to me at just this time. This must be the work of the Sacred Tree. Please, can I ask that you travel to the tower, and search for the whereabouts of Tuoli?''
''You didn't even have to ask, Kizmel. Leave it to us!''
''I hope she's okay though... wait, by 'tower', did you mean the Labyrinth?''
''Yes, but should she have fallen, I am certain that she would have left behind information on the true culprit.''
''Right... sorry.'' - Jet looked over to Koharu, and placed a hand on her shoulder, and tried to look as reassuring as possible.
''Your apologies are unnecessary, Koharu. She is a soldier. She was ready to face such a fate when she took up arms. Indeed, she was much like a certain other reckless master of medicine who swore she must join us and attend to our wounds...'' - Jet noticed that Kizmel had a tear in her eye at the mention of her sister, and handed her a handkerchief...
''We'll find them.''
''Thank you, and... do help her if you can. If we can get the key back, hopefully we can prevent any further needless battles and the deaths wrought. I put my faith in you on this...'' - ''No pressure then...'' - Jet thought to himself...
The duo had almost immediately decided to make haste towards the Labyrinth, figuring that, if Tuoli was still alive, time would be of the essence... even if she had already passed, the longer they left it, the more chance that whoever had actually attacked would return to hide any evidence of their misdeeds.
''Jet?''
''T's'up?''
''Do you really think what Kizmel said was right?''
''The Romeo and Juliet bit, or that she knew what she was getting herself in for?''
''I mean, I'm not all that clued up on military stuff, but, she couldn't have been that old... maybe she was a bit cocky, and thought she could handle it.''
''Koharu, can I tell you something?'' - She nodded towards him - ''My dad was a soldier, and that always made me think that maybe one day, I'd open the door to some strange man sitting on the sofa with my mom, and my sisters, and my brother... and telling us that my dad was never coming back. He was one of the lucky ones, really, he did come back, but for every him, I daren't think of those on the other side of the coin, because all I know is that I couldn't handle even thinking about it. But it's made me realise something... very few soldiers, especially younger ones, know what they're getting themselves into. I don't doubt that Kizmel thinks Tuoli could handle it, but...''
''We're saving her, right?''
''We're saving her, and we're preventing yet more carnage!'' - Jet took on a more upbeat and hopeful tone, as the duo continued their race to the labyrinth...
Reaching the labyrinth, the duo began to look around briefly, before an armoured figure staggered towards them - purple hair, pointy ears, and armour that looked distinctly familiar...
''You must be Tuoli, right?'' - The girl stood in front of them looked frail. Jet knew that, at least traditionally, Elves lived far longer lives than humans, so their looks could be deceptive, but she barely looked as old as they were. That little detail hurt as much as anything, for all he knew, they were a kid, much like they were...
''You are the human warriors who aided Lady Kizmel?''
''We are.''
''Oh, thank the tree! My message did make it to Lady Kizmel then... *Cough*'' - Tuoli staggered, Jet reaching out to help keep her from falling to the floor, instead helping her down.
''I've got a healing potion, don't worry... just sit still...''
''I was hit with a poisonous curse... no medicine of man can help me now.'' - Jet felt like cursing out every god that he didn't believe in. They'd gotten this far, and nothing they could do would help! - ''I *cough* haven't much time left now... please take this back to Lady Kizmel...'' - The dying elf handed Koharu the Lapis Key, as she looked on, putting on a brave face, something Jet could tell without any hesitation.
''Save your remaining breath...'' - Jet tried to act as comforting as he could, but considering the rage he was currently feeling towards the universe, that wasn't as reassuring as he might have hoped.
''Warriors... I beg of you, beware the *cough* AGHHH!'' - The Dark Elf screamed in pain as a dagger pierced her armour. Jet glanced around, scanning the corridor - at the end of it stood two elves, but this time, they bore no resemblance to either side. A brown and green colour scheme, and a helmet of an unidentified material, gave the differences away...
''Stubborn until the very end. Always getting in the way...'' - Koharu looked towards their attackers, and felt like taking the fight straight to them. The condescending tone they spoke in was a surefire way to annoy both of them...
''Who the hell are you.'' - Jet took up position with his sword and shield, ready for a fight.
''You do not need to know.''
''They're Fallen Elves... traitors no longer graced by the Sacred Tree... they're the ones who... *cough* just run, please... you aren't a match for them.''
''Sagely advice... still, if you'd been wise enough to hand over the key in the first place, well... things may have been different. But now? You've bought human warriors into this, and all you've done is increased the casualties...'' - The clear venom in their voices made it clear that they'd still have killed her, regardless.
''Enough talk! Let us finish them...'' - Tuoli stood between them, barely able to stand, but evidently still possessing some semblance of her skills, and creating a large enough exit for the duo...
''She's trying to cover for us... we can't just leave her behind...'' - Koharu looked behind her, as Tuoli fought valiantly, only to receive a blade to the shoulder for her troubles...
''Wasn't planning on it...'' - Jet uttered, swinging himself around into a battle position, as the second Fallen Elf came towards them, taking on the same sneering tone as earlier...
''A grave poison runs through her veins...'' - The first Fallen Elf rejoined the fight, as Jet saw the now lifeless Tuoli lying on the floor, a blade impaling her through her chest. Koharu looked back, and fought to keep control of her emotions, whilst Jet fought to hold back his rage...
''She gave her life to protect you two... and here, you want to throw it away!'' - Jet got into his fighting stance... if nothing else, he could teach these two a lesson about minding their p's & q's...
''The other Dark Elves were just the same, sacrificing themselves just to save a weakling... how pathetic.'' - The two of them moved forward menacingly, as both Jet and Koharu readied for a fight... only for a purple blur to descend, screaming towards the Fallen Elves, both of whom were staggered backwards, and pushed out of an effective combat position...
''How dare you talk down to people willing to put their lives on the line for others!'' - The purple blur was apparently a young teenage girl. Normally, Jet would've been trying to work out where she'd came from... but in this case, he was a bit too busy thinking up a strategy on how to handle the two elves... - ''How about it then? You ready to give up on that key or whatever, and just leave?''
''Any eyes that have gazed upon us will be closed for eternity.''
''Looking at you, I can see why. You are pig ugly...'' - Jet taunted, earning a slight chuckle from the new girl, and a little smirk from Koharu.
''Well fine then... bring it on!'' - The now trio prepared for battle... - ''I'm Yuuki, I'll take the girl here... Let's go!'' - Yuuki flew straight into her fight, whilst Jet planned to drag the Fallen Elf into a fight that he'd struggle in...
The warrior lunged at Jet, his blade deflecting off his shield, as the knight thrust his sword at his assailant, forcing a retreat, whilst Koharu rushed him, her rapier whittling away his HP. The elf fell back, being rushed again, this time by Jet, who slammed his shield into his opponent's face, before releasing another volley of thrusts from his blade. The elf staggered again, this time tripping over and impacting the ground, before a final slash from Jet took him out of the fight, the Fallen Elf living up to his name...
On the other side, Yuuki was easily keeping the Fallen Elf at bay, moving fast enough that even Jet was struggling to keep an eye on her strikes, a final volley of slashes bringing the Fallen Elf to her knees...
''I think we're about done here. Ready to give up?''
''Pff... foolish human! You really think that key makes any difference? No one can stop the war now...they'll both fight until they destroy themselves!'' - The Fallen Elf burst into laughter, as she thrust her own blade through her stomach, killing herself, and triggering the death animation...
''She... she took her own life...'' - Koharu seemed more shaken by that than that they'd just killed the other elf... but then again, it's not every day you see someone commit seppuku in front of you. None of them were particularly pleased by that outcome though, and Yuuki even seemed downtrodden...
''Evil is as evil does, I guess. I guess it doesn't matter, but I can't say I'm pleased with that... How's our Dark Elf friend?'' - Jet raced over towards the fallen girl, and checked for any signs of life... miraculously, she was still breathing, but fatally wounded. With how much blood she'd have lost from that wound, it wouldn't have mattered about the poison regardless. Despite this, she still had enough awareness to speak to the human warriors who'd fought by her commander's side, and taken out the Fallen... maybe, just maybe, the Sacred Tree had sent them a blessing, she thought to herself...
''The... key?'' - She spluttered out, as Jet looked for any bandages in his inventory. He had none.
''Safe. We still have it, and we'll make sure Kizmel gets it.'' - Koharu held the dying girl's hand, as Jet reassured her.
''Just... rest easy now...'' - Jet could see the tears in Koharu's eyes, as she fought them back.
''Good... Lady Kizmel, the Sacred Tree calls to me now. I pray we cross swords once more...'' - With that, her head fell limp, eyes closed, before disintegrating into pixels...
''Koharu... take this, please.'' - Jet handed her some tissues, as she wiped her eyes.
''She was brave, that one... and she seemed relieved to pass the torch onto both of you. I'm sure she went with peace of mind...''
''That's all you can really ask for, I suppose. With hope, with friends and in peace...'' - Koharu started smiling... a stark contrast to the sadness in her eyes.
''You said you were Yuuki, right? Thank you for helping us back there.''
''Well, it was more of a natural response really, they just had 'bad guy' written all over them... I was right to jump in, right?''
''Oh yes, of course. If hadn't have been there, I really don't know what would have happened, right, Jet?''
''Yeah, we'd have struggled...''
''Well, I'm glad I made it then. Truth be told, I've only just made it out here, ya see? Still not really sure what's what...''
''Oh, you were on the floor below, then?''
''Oh, uh-yeah! Exactly! I, uh, only just made it to Floor 4! Once I decided to head up here, I just joined up with random parties, or just soloed my way through quests. That's how I levelled up, anyway, but I still don't really get this game world yet...'' - Yuuki looked as skittish as Jet had earlier, but Jet couldn't figure out why.
''Can't say I'd have noticed that! You held off an enemy that it took two of us to stand a chance against!''
''Yeah, that entrance was like something out of a superhero film!'' - Jet nodded towards them, to show he agreed.
''Heh, thanks... I just felt bad for that elf girl back there. Got really mad at those baddies, and well, you were there. I'm usually more careful... maybe? Plus, if I really were special, I'd have taken them both out myself!''
''Don't sell yourself short, you still did well back there!''
''Well, maybe it was destiny that we met here then!''
''Never really believed in destiny. Not like that, anyway.'' -
''You must be Jet and Koharu then? You know, I get the feeling us will get along brilliantly! Oh, just so you don't forget... I'm Yuuki!''
''What's with the elf ears?'' - Jet asked, as Koharu looked horrified at her partner's direct line of questioning...
''Jet!''
''Guess they do stick out, huh? I was able to use this avatar here for some reason... guess I do look a bit like a Dark Elf, don't I? Nah, I'm a player though, see?'' - Yuuki pointed above her head, at the green diamond hovering there - ''Never mind me though! Weren't you talking about some big Elf War quest?''
''Right! We should get the Lapis Key back to Kizmel! Quickly, so we can prevent that attack...'' - Jet quickly checked his notifications, to see the his rewards for taking down the Fallen Elf - a letter, sealed with a wax seal. The Fallen Elf Secret Letter... because that was so subtle, he thought... - ''Ah, that could be a great help. A letter from the Fallen Elves...''
''Doesn't get much more obvious than that! There might be more of them around, so I'll stick with you!''
''Well then, after you... master swordswoman...''
''Ha ha, 'master swordswoman'! Nah, don't tease me... I'm only gonna help you out in a pinch, anyway. You two are pretty good yourselves, so I'll join up with your party, but we'll fight our own battles, 'kay?''
''Are you sure you're okay on your own, Yuuki?''
''Those Fallen Elves were tough, but the baddies out here are no problem!'' - Yuuki took off into a sprint - ''Come on, else I'll leave you behind!''
''Yet more running... at this point, that may as well be the title of my autobiography!''
Yuuki came to a halt, having realised something... - ''Uhh, quick question... where are we going?''
''Dark Elf Fort, on the other side of the Border Lake. It's invisible, but there's a guard there, waiting for us...''
''Well then, let's not keep them waiting!'' - And again, Yuuki took off into a sprint. Koharu shot a smirk at Jet, as she took off too, leaving just the 'Knight of the Wind', as he lagged behind the two girls...