[SP-F1] The Beginning [Story Arc - Shattered Minds: Chapter 1]

[Ghost 0]

[OOC: Sorry if the grammar isn’t correct, I was very sleepy and sick at the time, I hope you enjoy! I also hope that you'll join me in the next chapter "Crimson Caller" which is a Private Party.]

Jade awoke early. The darkness engulfing the windows. She opened her menu, 1:31 AM. She tossed herself over trying to go back to sleep. She tossed and turned, she couldn’t sleep. She didn’t know why, usually at this time she could just close her eyes and drift off into nothingness, but for some reason she couldn’t. Was it the nightmares? The ones she had tonight weren't as bad as some of the ones she had recently, that must be it. I must be paranoid. Jade thought to herself. I can’t get sleep like this, I need to clear my head. Jade reluctantly threw off the covers, and put on some slippers via the menu, stepping off the bed, the floor made a loud CREEEEEAK. She opened the doors to the balcony, sitting down on one of the chairs. It was cold out, even her pajamas, which were exceptionally good at keeping her at just the right temperature were failing her. She was about to head back inside when something caught her attention.

Edited February 22, 2019 by Ghost

[Ghost 0]

The sound broke the silence like a gunshot in a meadow. The sound was heavy and metallic, it sounded like something was dropped to the floor. Jade turned her head to see a silhouette retreat into the bellow alleyway, the short metal pole that fell over was rolling back in forth, as if looking for the perfect place to stop. Jade’s curiosity got the best of her, who would be awake at this hour? She opened her menu, putting on a coat, T-Shirt, and a pair of blue pants in place of her grey pajamas. She left the inn. Coming around the building, she could feel the wind pick up, it must have been blocked by the structure. The lights were all dim, all of the buildings lights were off. No one was awake if something were to happen to her, she was ALL ALONE. But they were in a safe zone, nothing bad could happen to her in that sense, right?

[Ghost 0]

She turned the corner, the pole was put back, probably by the system noticing that it was out of place because it was inside the town. She cautiously entered the alley way. She remained silent, as she took slow short steps forwards, holding her breath. The alleyway was long and it had a few turns as she went down it, it came to a dead end. Disappointed, she turned around and went back. As she walked back, she heard a second set of footsteps. She stopped, the footsteps delayed before stopping, they weren’t hers, she turned around. Nothing. She was starting to get freaked out, so she kept walking, the footsteps persisted. I don’t remember the alleyway being so long. She took a left turn to where she came. Upon arrival to the entrance, something didn't feel right. She stared into the blackness, her eyes finally began adjusting. Finally she saw it.

Edited January 30, 2019 by Ghost

[Ghost 0]

[OOC: I was listening to this while writing, it really puts you in the mood.]

Spoiler

 

She made out the silhouette in the dim light, standing at the entrance of the alley, the figure wore a robe, and was holding, something, it looked like a knife. Jade took a step back. I should try to say something, I can’t, sound, frightened. Jade took a deep breath. “W-who’s there?” Jade asked. The figure did nothing, it just stood there. Around fifteen seconds passed. “O-ok… I have to go, I-It was nice to meet yo-” Her voice was cut off by a masculine voice. “I can’t let you leave yet. We need to talk. In private.” Jade was both curious and scared, but she did her best not to show it. “W-what about?” She asked, her voice beginning to quiver. The figure remained silent. She was growing more and more impatient and more and more curious. “That’s for me to know, and for you to find out.” The voice finally replied. Jade didn’t know what to do. But she grew frustrated at whomever this was. “Well, I can’t talk right now. I have to go.” Jade demanded. “Not. Possible.” The voice boomed. “Oh?” Jade said tilting her head. “I don’t remember you being able to do anything here. This is a safe zone. You can’t stop me, you can’t threaten me, you can’t harm me.” Jade said confidently, crossing her arms.

Edited January 30, 2019 by Ghost

[Ghost 0]

The voices reply shook her. “You see… That’s where you're wrong. We’ve been watching you for a while Jade. You shouldn't get cocky with us.” Her eyes widened. How? I only told a few people my name, were, were they listening? “Who is “us”?” Jade asked cautiously. The man took a step forward. “We'll tell you, if you come with us.” That word. She suddenly didn’t feel like this was a one on one conversation. "Think about your answer carefully. Others are listening." The said stretching out his arms like a snow angel. She saw those eyes peering down at her from the roof. She heard the voices whispering to each other behind her, and the rustling of boxes and trashcans left and right. What was she going to do? She could scream, but that might only get her killed. Everyone was still asleep, minutes away from coming outside. "What if I say no?" Jade asked. "You saying no would be a problem, because that means you would need some, mental correction. If you understand what I mean." Jade, with the last of her courage, responded. "I-I don't. W-what do you mean?" The man tilted his head slightly. "Torture." Jade immediately blurted out: "But you can't get hurt in here, I won't feel a thin-" The voice swiftly cut her off, it almost sounded irritated. "Are you aware that there is more then just physical torture? For example: Forced sleep deprivation, long term isolation, and not to mention..." The man pointed the knife at his eye. "...sensory deprivation."

Edited January 30, 2019 by Ghost

[Ghost 0]

Jade was officially petrified, she froze, unable to speak. Her mouth was dry. She moved it, but no words seemed to come out. How are they green players? If they are murderers? Jade thought to herself. Unless, they exploit the loophole within the dueling system. Jade took a guess as to how they must do it. You must get held down by the group, and one player in particular starts a duel while your unable to move freely. They will force your avatar to accept, then they... All the color in Jade's face drained away, now, she really looked like a Ghost. "Say yes... And this will be over before you know it." The man spoke. Whispers followed. "Say yes... Say yes..." They chanted quietly, Jade guessed from the amount of voices, there must be at least seven players. All willing to kill. She shook the voices away and weighed her options. No, Yes, No Yes NO YES! They rang in her head, as the voices grew louder and louder until Jade thought they were shouting. "Stop!" Jade demanded. The voices stopped, a few snickering. "Have you come to a conclusion?" Jade thought for a few seconds before saying: "I want someone to explain what I'll be joining." Jade asked, thinking of something that would stall for time as she finds a way out of this mess. "We can't explain here. But he can explain there." Jade was confused by the statement. Jade then gasped as something was put over her head, rendering her blind. She tried to squirm, but it only lead to a negative reaction. "If you go voluntarily, this will be a whole lot easier on both ends." The voice sounded like it was getting closer.

Edited April 30, 2019 by Ghost

[Ghost 0]

She didn’t know where she was taken, or how, seeing as they would have to maneuver through town without behind spotted. The bag was pulled off her head. She was inside a dimly lit room, it looked like a storage closet. Three players remained, her included. One of them looked at the other, then said “Go get Scar.” He said, the other nodded and left the room. Then the man looked at Jade. “You’ll understand soon enough.” He waited a few seconds after saying this before leaving the room. A few minutes later another man entered, he was fairly young, he looked like he was in his mid twenties, the crystal above his head was, orange. He pulled up a chair, then sat down. “Sorry about that whole “kidnapping” thing. But this is one of our safe-houses, we can’t let you know where they are without knowing you won’t compromise the location.” Jade was both scared and anger that she was taken against her will. “What do you want?” Jade managed to quell her anger for now, and a bit of her fear. “We would like you to join us.” The man asked, he was pretty blunt with his words. “Oh? And why would I join people who’ve just kidnapped me?” Jade asked. The man adjusted in his chair. “Because we are just, like, you.” The last three works, the man pointed at her, and emphasized it by moving his hand closer on the last three words. “No your no-” The man interrupted her with. “No one sees you. No one feels you. No one cares for you…” The man began. “No one loves you. You really are a ghost Jade. Aren’t you tired of it?” He continued. “You are abused... your hurt in pain, but no one cares, no one wants you.” He paused, before turning his head. “But when you make one mistake, everyone... everyone sees it… and you have thoughts of death… thoughts of a sweet release.”

[Ghost 0]

“I don’t know w-what your talking about.” Jade said, her eyes watery. “You can’t fool me girl.” The man responded. “What happened to you?” The man continued. Those words held nostalgia. The sun was coming back to earth after a long day, painting the sky in a haze of red, orange and pink. “Jade, what happened to you?” Ryan asked, he looked concerned. I guess he knew my smile was fake. “I’m fine Ryan. Nothing happened to me.” She tried to hold onto that fake smile. “Fine? Then let me rephrase that. What happened to the Jade I knew?” She looked around nervously, looking for a way out of the conversation. “I’m the same as always Ryan! Don’t be silly.” Jade persisted. Ryan let out a sigh. “You have to get help.” Jade was angered by this comment. “I’m perfectly fine! I don’t need help, stop acting like I do!” Jade yelled, she remembered the look on Ryan’s face that day. One of concern, shock, and worry. “Um… Hello?” The man was waving his hand in front of her face. “Anyone in there?” He looked confused, but part of him seemed to think this was perfectly natural. “S-Sorry!” Jade blurted out. The man smiled. “It’s alright, just tell me what happened, what scares you to this day? What nightmares lurk under your bed?”
 

[Ghost 0]

I… Jade thought. ...can use this. Jade looked at the man. “I have three questions first.” The man shrugged. “Ask away.” Jade gave it some thought. “Who do you work for?” Jade asked. The man took a few seconds to process the question. “I can’t tell you now, but I can tell you that we are a Brotherhood of sorts.” Jade was hoping for a more detailed answer. “What do you do?” The man gave this a minute of thought before responding. “We control Aincrad from the shadows. We take out corrupt, risky, and or dangerous people.  We also recruit those we see with potential, like you.” Jade thought about the vague response, recruitment. Speaking of which. “Why me?” She asked cautiously. “Because we see your potential, your a perfect fit. We can’t throw away an opportunity like that.” What potential? She thought to herself. I’m just a burden, a weight, a parasite. “What do you do to the people who say no?” Jade asked. The man held up four fingers. “That is four questions. Its turn to answer mine." 

Edited February 20, 2019 by Ghost

[Ghost 0]

“Fine.” Jade spoke with irritation in her voice. She took a deep breath. She can’t go back on something she said, especially in this situation. “Truth is, I was bullied a lot, by a lot of people…” She stopped speaking, hoping that was all the information she needed. “I know that isn’t the whole story.” The man began. “It isn’t very wise to try to lead me away from what I want to hear. I want the full thing, what keeps you awake at night.” Jade was in shock. Maybe she was just really bad at hiding it? Jade thought she was getting pretty good at pretending and saying that she was fine. “M-my mother died in a car accident. My father became an alcoholic and when he was drunk he would hurt me. To make matters worse… I was a target for bullies at school. My life became a…” The man finished the sentence for her.  “...a living hell.” His voice was grim. Jade refrained from speaking anymore. “We can relate to something then, everyone here can. Have you decided on if you want to join? In times of despair and agony, its better to be with your people. We are your people Jade." The man asked. Jade took a deep breath. "I’m sorry, I can’t.” The man let out a short laugh. “Look, maybe we got off on the wrong foot, this place needs you Jade. We need someone with your willpower. Times are changing Jade, people hear will look up to you. You will be the silent unknown hero of Ainc-" The man was interrupted. "I can't, I'm already part of a guild and I, I just can't do it." The man scoffed, getting up out of his chair, sending a backward a little. "Looks like you need some correction.” Correction. She didn’t like the sound of that.

[Ghost 0]

The man got up turned around and left the room, only for two people in black cloaks to come into the room in his place. “We can do this the easy way, or we can do this the hard way.” A female voice filled the room. “I recommend you come quietly.” Jade was shocked and scared, her adrenaline kicked in, she wasn’t thinking straight. “You can’t do this!” Jade screamed at the two masked players. The two looked at each other, then back at Jade, then burst out laughing, a male voice mimicking her. “You can’t do this!” Hahaha… Ahhh. Does it look like we care?” The man reached out and grabbed her by the wrist, Jades response, kneeing him where it hurts, or where it would hurt in this case. The man stumbled backward out of shock, slamming into the wall. He fell to his knees, hands covering where he was hit. The man looked up, now angry. “You little b####.” The man got to his feet, drew his sword, and hit Jade in the sternum with the hilt, it didn’t deal any damage, but it knocked the wind out of her. She backed up coughing violently. “So, you want the hard way huh?” The female said. “Typical.”  The female player drew a dagger, the dagger was the same color as her cloak. The woman swung at Jade, who jumped backwards in response. in response. Jade received a tiny cut. Smaller than a paper cut. Jade was ready to dodge another attack, but they just stood there, like they were waiting for something. Jade began to feel weak, that's when she saw the indicator at the top left of her screen, she collapsed to the floor. Paralysis isn’t fun.

[Ghost 0]

She was able to move her hands again, but by this time, she was restrained by rope to a chair. Scar walked back and forth in the room. “Tisk Tisk Tisk…” He began. “...and here I thought we would get along. You really do need some correcting.” He looked at Jade. “Now, here is the thing, you could have just said yes and this whole thing would have just blown over. But now you forced my hand. While you were paralyzed, we went through your menu. You don’t look like your have many friends do you. I’d bet you’d hate to lose them in an unfortunate, “Accident.” If you get my meaning.” Jade was horrified, this was her fault, if she just hadn’t have said anything at the cafe. If she just walked away at the park. If she just picked a quieter spot in the forest. No one would have stumbled into her, no one would have ever gotten hurt. “But there is a way you can save them... “ Scar continued. “...just come quietly and no one would get hurt. After all, Arzt loves when they volunteer.” Jade thought about it, before speaking. “O-ok. Just don’t hurt them. P-please don't hurt them.” Scar smiled. "Very good, now I have to go. The last two players assigned to you seem kind of irritated at you. So I arranged an escort comprised of two different players. I'll see you once your there."

[Ghost 0]

Jade followed the player’s through the teleporter. The wind was cool, she looked at her menu, 2:29 AM. The male player from earlier walked ahead of her, and a different female player who wore dark plated armor. “So… What’s up?” The male player asked. There was an eerie silence. “Are you talking to me?” The female player asked. “No, clearly I’m talking to the voices inside my head.” Silence followed a second time. “Are you being sarcastic?” The man let out a sigh. “Ugh, yes. Your no fun.” They began walking for some time without speaking. Not a single noise. “Hey, what's the cafeteria serving at the Citadel tonight?” The man asked. “Uh… I believe it’s sushi.” The female responded. “Ugh, I hate sushi nights.” The man commented. “You don’t like sushi?” The female asked. “I love sushi, it's just that they only serve two different kinds, and neither of them are good! Not to mention the taste, its, repulsive.” Silence followed. "Did you not use the sauce?" The male player sounded confused. "Sauce? On sushi?" The female player nodded. "You don't put sauce on sushi!" The player sounded irritated. "You can. Its just not recommended." The male player face palmed. "I bet your the kind of person that uses a fork to eat ramen." He mumbled. "Actually you do use a fork to eat Ramen." The man started getting more and more frustrated, while Jade listened to the conversation to pass the time, and also to wait for the perfect opportunity to sneak away.. It was then that Jade started hearing something, she couldn’t tell what direction it was coming from. Another minute passes, Jade worked up the courage to ask a question. “What floor is this?” Jade asked. The man shot her a look: “That’s not important.” Jade knew that this information was very important. She continued listening to the wilderness, and whatever was out there.
 

[Ghost 0]

The sound began getting louder and Jade asked another question. “Hey, do you hear that?” Jade looked to the right of the path, the sounds stopped. The man listened for a moment, then turned around, he looked irritated. “Do you think this is some kind of joke? Seriously, don’t open your mouth unless its an emergency, do you understan...” His voice trailed off, he heard it too. He back away from Jade looking around, paranoid. The girl did the same. “What is that sound?” Jade tried to make guesses as to what it was. It was definitely piano music that she had heard before. The girl turned to the man, and stared at him with a confused expression. “What? What is it?” The man asked, after he saw her staring at him. “I think the song is…” The two look out towards the treeline, now believing they know the source of the music. "Getting closer." The woman voice concerned as she spoke. “Stay here, I’ll investigate, do not let her out of your sight, you understand?” The man told the woman. “Understood.” The man drew his sword, and made his way through the underbrush, until he was no longer visible. The Jade and the other player waited anxiously for his return. Around thirty seconds later, a faint: “What the hell?” could be heard from the male player before there were the sounds of screams from the underbrush, then silence. Jade stared at the treeline in shock. The piano music slowly returned, it sounded louder and closer. Jade turned to face the female player, hoping for protection, but she was already bolting down the road. Jade was unsure if the player made the right move, or was being a coward. Jade just looked back at the underbrush, as the sound grew closer and closer, she was unsure of what to do. She couldn’t move, her body was frozen in fear. The female player stopped and looked back, before running again.

Recommended for Immersion:

Spoiler

 

 

Edited February 22, 2019 by Ghost

[Ghost 0]

The sound stopped. Silence, nothing but the sound of the breeze and her heavy breathing. She gathered up her courage and called out. “W-who’s there!” No response. “S-show yourself! P-please?” She stared into the underbrush. A low strained voice spoke. “Run...  Now…” Jade didn’t even need a second to think, immediately her instincts took over and had her bolt down the road. She heard someone behind her, but she slowly outran them on the dark road. She must have been sprinting for thirty seconds but it felt like hours. She stopped when she know she wasn’t in any immediate danger. She gasped for breath, she must have ran at least a mile without stopping. She began walking down the road once she knew she wasn’t followed. She began walking, hoping she would run into someone. She checked the time, 2:55 AM. She had to hope she would come across a town or, something. She checked her floor map, but it only showed places she had already been, lucky, Jade ran in the right direction. The map showed that she was walking back towards the floors town, and the teleporter. Finally, some luck. She spoke too soon, things got quick again, and Mozart filled the air.
 

Edited February 26, 2019 by Ghost

[Ghost 0]

Jade quickly hid behind a tree. Hoping the monster of a player would pass, she knew death was near. She covered her mouth and held her breath. The song stayed, she didn’t move, she couldn’t risk it. She looked onto the trail, the was a player standing just fifteen feet from her. He was the source of the music. Jade quickly pulled back, she was about to cry, she didn’t want to die. ”Wait…” She thought about it again. ”...I, I don’t want to die? I. Don’t. Want. To. Die. I don’t want to die. I don’t want to die! Not like this, not yet!” Jade was determined to survive, at least, she was determined for this attempt. She got really low, and started sneaking past the figure, he didn’t appear to be moving, just standing there, but he was constantly facing her. She felt like she was sneaking pretty well, up until the music stopped and the voice called out. “Stop, don’t move.” She froze in her tracks. What do I do know? Should I run? Should I listen? She was getting ready to run when she heard footsteps behind her, slow and steady. She panicked and broke into a sprint. “No wait! Ugh!” The voice called out in frustration. She knew it was a trap. She heard the footsteps grow rapid, and closer. She looked behind her the figure was gaining on her, she was tired, she couldn’t escape. She felt like a deer in headlights. She stopped.

[Ghost 0]

SLAM! The figure ran into Jade’s side at full speed. She landed on her back, then rolled over, coughing and wheezing. The figure got to his feet. “You idiot…” He coughed. “...I was trying to help you.” A bright light suddenly illuminated the area. He deployed a torch, it flickered to life before her. The man wore a facemask and leather armor, he had an axe. His crystal was orange. “W-what?” Jade was confused. “Good acting by back there by the way. I was all like, run now, and you were all like AAAAAAH.” He laughed. Jade didn’t trust him, maybe he liked to trick his prey. She wasn’t taking any chances. “A-aren’t you gonna kill me?” Jade asked skeptically. “Uh, no? Why would I do that?” The man asked. “Because your an orange player?” He looked up at the crystal above his head. “Oh yeah, that.” He looked back at Jade. “Yeah, corrupt players guiding orange players and stuff. It’ll work itself out in a couple of weeks. I understand if you wouldn’t trust me. I wouldn’t trust me if I were in your shoes.” He said, almost as if he didn’t care. “Anyway I’m Rex. I’m a Vigilante, fighting bad guys and such.” Jade went quiet for a moment. “Did you kill him?” Jade asked. “Pardon?” He asked. “That man that went to investigate the music, did you kill him?” He looked like he was just asked a stupid question. “Uh, yeah. Duh.” Jade was irritated by the response. “Did you even care that a man just died by your hand?” The man scoffed. “Are you forgetting that they were the bad guys?” Jade scowled at him. “That doesn’t make you the good guy you know.” She folded her arms. “Oh looks like someone forgot who saved her from a bunch of psychopathic madmen!” An awkward silence followed, Rex began walking, Jade began following him. She wanted answers, and this was her opportunity.

Edited February 22, 2019 by Ghost

[Ghost 0]

“I-I’m sorry. T-that was uncalled for. But you... He j-just, he didn’t deserve to die.” Jade said sorrowfully, recalling the conversation the man had with the other player on there way to, somewhere. He had likes and dislikes, he had a personality, he had flaws and morals, but most of all, he was alive. Jade recalled the music. “Hey, about the music. Why were you playing it? Not to mention how?” Jade asked, curiosity flickered in her eyes. “Oh, it’s quite simple. This bad boy… If I can… Get it dislodged from my bagaHA!” Rex pulled out a crystal. “This thing recorded one of my friends playing piano back when the game began. I’ve been using it ever since.” Rex said, whipping the crystal up into the air a few feet before catching it with his non dominant hand. “Yeah, but, why are you using it?” Jade added. “Its a great distraction, you saw how the guy came for it.” Jade thought about it for a second. Using an enemies curiosity against them, by luring them into a ambush. Interesting. “Anyway your free to go, ain’t no kidnappers gonna stop you.” Jade’s train of thought was broken by the comment. “It doesn’t matter, I have to go with them, they are going to hurt my friends if I don’t.” Jade said bitterly.  “Oh thats cute. But seriously, didn’t you wonder why I said: Run now in the most intimidating way possible? Maybe it was because the last player was watching you run for your life with no chance of survival and watched a “Madman” with an axe follow suite? Now tell me, if you saw something like that, would you think person lived?” Jade thought about it, did he really plan that out? “Word of the wise: Stay away from popular safe zones.” Rex said in a warning tone. “But why, can’t we get some strong players to help us?” Rex burst out laughing at the comment. “...Haha! Good one, whatever organization we are dealing with, whoever is behind it, is powerful and has ties everywhere. We would literally die trying. They are like the god d### Illuminati.”

[Ghost 0]

“Do you mean to say, you don’t know who is trying to kidnap me?” Jade asked. Rex added an insightful comment. “I mean, it could be worse, they could be trying to kill you. Oh wait a minute, thats right! If they see you again, they will! Sorry that kinda slipped my mind.” Jade was about to add something, but the sound of drawing swords made her jump back. The town guards had their swords drawn and ready. A small group of tired players behind them looking at the two worringly. Rex looked down at his axe, which he still had in his hand, then up at his cursor, then at Jade, and finally back at the players. “Well, this is my que to leave, see ya around, if you survive that is. Have a nice day!”  Rex broke into a sprint as the guards chased him, they tried to catch him, but he was to fast. Rex easily outran the guards in their heavy armor. Just like that, the guards returned to their posts without a culprit. What do I do know? Jade asked herself. What do I do? What can I do…

[Ghost 0]

Jade thought about her choices, what were her options, she needed help and fast. But with all this talk of some superficial organization, would it really try to kill her if they saw her. As soon as they found out she was alive, would she really share the same fate as her mother and die in some tragic “accident”? Her heart was racing, she felt weak and powerless. She shook off the cruel thoughts and tried to calm herself down, which wasn’t helping. She didn’t know who to trust anymore, her friends, her guild mates. This whole thing had her questioning herself. Rex, as he introduced himself, seemed to be specifically out to get the criminals. Maybe he could be trusted, though Jade couldn’t believe she was placing her trust in an orange player. What if he is lying? What if he really is just a psycho? No, Jade couldn’t think like that now and lose her last sliver of hope. She began walking into the darkened town, daylight was slowly piercing the darkness in its orange haze.

 

- - END CHAPTER ONE - -

Thanks for reading!

Next Chapter: Shattered Minds | Chapter 2: Crimson Caller >>

 

The next chapter of the Story line is Crimson Caller, which can either be a Private or Solo Party. If anyone wishes to join in the adventure, just ask!

[Maximum of 4 Players]

Edited April 30, 2019 by Ghost