[PP-F1] From weakling to slightly less of a weakling.

[David Parsons 0]

David was standing just outside of the starting city. He was going to do this, even if it killed him. But that was the part he was afraid of, the death part. David had been staying inside the city, hiding like the many others that fear death's cold, icy grip. But today was the day, today was the day that David no-longer hid behind others. Today was the day for him to make a difference in this death game.

 

"I-I can't stop shaking. Why can't i stop shaking?" David asks himself as he looks at the hand that is not holding his weapon. It's shaking ever so lightly. Most people wouldn't notice it, but to him it felt like an endless tremor

 

With a sigh, David clenched his fist and looked out at the field before him. "I need help to do this, don't I?" David asks himself as he watches the Boar's from a distance.

[Olivia Antheia 0]

This would be her first time stepping outside of the town in quite a while. The first time being her first day in SAO, when she thought everything would be fun, exciting, and not in the least bit dangerous. Now, now it was frightening. The idea of dying here, alone, without ever seeing her family again, was larger than her. But she couldn't stand hearing about how hard people were fighting on the floors above her while she stood around, doing nothing, just waiting for it all to end. So with her rapier in hand, and her sights set on the fields in front of her, she...

 

... Waited. She couldn't get the nerve to step forward and fight. Come on, it won't be that bad, she told herself. It's the first floor! You'll be fine... Now, just step forward. The young brunette lifted her foot to step forward, but stopped herself as she took another look, and returned to sitting on the sidelines, watching. Gah! it's not that hard! Just... GoooOOOOooo!

 

This had gone on for quite a while, and while she waited for the courage to reach her, she began walking around, eyes still set on the field. It was while walking like this that she came upon another person, a significantly taller boy with a giant spear in one of his hands, and his other closed into a fist. I wonder if he's having troubles too, just like me. I shouldn't bother him... But if we're both worried about fighting... Smiling as the idea occurred to her, she slid over until she was standing just an arm's length away from her, and murmured a small, "Hey there. Do you plan on fighting those things...? I could help... Maybe? If you don't mind of course."

[David Parsons 0]

As David watched the Boar's be as he argued internally with himself. 'It should be just a simple thing! Kill a few boar's, get some Col and a level or two, the move on. It can't be that hard.' David sighed and noticed someone approaching. After the person started talking, David could tell that she was also nervous about fighting the simple mob before them, and that made David feel slightly better.

 

"Sure, yeah, i would love a hand. I haven't fought yet, so i could use someone to watch my back. Thanks for the help, whats your name." David says, trying to lighten the mood with the last comment. "David. What's your name, i can't go around calling you whats your name, now can I?" David asks the girl that is offering her help.

[Olivia Antheia 0]

Being told that she would be allowed to help another try and fight helped wash away her shy demeanor, and she straightened herself out as she hummed. Though, a sly smile appeared on her face as she giggled. "I never asked for your name!" She teased. "Now you'll just have to keep calling me 'Whatsyername.' " After standing around for a while, she laughed and drew herself back up. "I'm Olivia. It's nice to meet you. Nooww..."

 

Olivia began to step forward, pulling up her HUD and spawning in the simple steel rapier that she had only used under the supervision of a stronger player, who knew what he was doing. Now that she sort of knew what she was doing, it was up to her to help. I need to be helpful, she told herself. I have to help others if I can. That's all I'm good for, right? Shaking her head of these thoughts as she brushed her brown hair behind her, the girl steps forward and puffs out her modest chest. "Alright, we'll start off nice and slow. Don't want to be overwhelmed... We just need to fight a few of them, nothing too ambitious. Not until I've gotten a bit better, anyways."

[David Parsons 0]

David smirked as the girl now known as Olivia got her weapon out. It was a basic rapier, nothing fancy. David was glad that they where on the same level, it meant that this girl wouldn't outshine David, or he to her. What are we waiting for? Lets go! David says, getting pumped for the fight ahead. But if you looked closely you would see the hint of fear in his eyes and the shake in his hand. But David started walking forwards towards the nearest Boar, determined to fight it. Lets pick one out and fight it. David says to Olivia.

 

Once David reached the nearest Boar he stopped in-fount of it, not really sure what to do. The the Boar turned and looked at him. It then charged to attack. David was it by the Boar and his health bar deleted slightly. David then swung back at it, not really using any skills. The boar leaped out of the way, witch surprised David as be thought he would get a clean hit.

 

-Party-

David 4/5 hp

Olivia 5/5 hp

 

-Mob-

Boar 3/3 hp

 

 

ID:7476 Boar attack - Roll: 6 - 1 damage to David

 

 

ID:7476 David attack - Roll: 5 - fail.

[Olivia Antheia 0]

"Alright, let's... Lets do this!" Olivia felt a bit awkward following this other person into combat. Grateful that she had someone to fight with, but worried she'd let him down. Rolland was kind enough to help me fight, showed me what to do, helped me out. I just have to return the favor. It's like that saying about candles... Uhm... However it went... She took a deep breath and followed David out into the danger. "Yeah, uh... You just go first. I'll follow." With that, she rolled her shoulders and watched her new ally's nervous movements. He really doesn't know what he's doing, does he? She smiled to herself. Until he was hit by the boar, at which she scowled. Alright, come on. Time to be serious.

 

Acting upon her instincts, she lashed at the boar's side and struck against it's side with the flat of her rapier. Having faced away from David as a result of the smack, it reared it's tusks towards her and managed to hit her. She staggered her foot backwards and moved to attack, lunging straight for the boar's eyes. It's tusks knocked her off path, but she managed to dig into it's skin, producing a squeal of pain and the tell-tale trickle of a health bar--both the boar's, and her own.

 

- PARTY -

David: 4/5 HP

Olivia: 5/5 HP

 

- ENEMY -

Boar: 3/3 HP

 

- ROLL -

ID: 7515 ; BD: 6 ; CD: 10 ; LD: 19 ; MD: 8

Olivia deals 1DMG base; Hit, attack made; One-Handed Rapier, +1DMG; 2DMG dealt total.

Boar deals 1DMG base; Hit, attack made; 1DMG dealt total.

 

- RESULT -

Olivia: 4/5 HP

Boar: 1/3 HP

[David Parsons 0]

David saw the boar attack at his new friend so he yelled out to it trying to catch it's attention. Hey, fatty! Over here! Unfortunately for David, his plan worked a bit too well. Instead of distracting it and him attacking first, the boar decided it would attack first. It swung it's tusks at David wildly and hit him on the arm. David saw his health bar deplete and knew that he should really try blocking or dodging these attacks.

 

Once the Boar had finished it's attack, David saw an opportunity to attack, and he planned on taking it this time. He held his spear tightly and made sure his footing wasn't off so he didn't miss this time. He jabbed with the spear at the boar's side. The spear hit it's mark and depleted the remaining portion of the boar's health. W-we did it! David cheered as he let the tip of his spear dig into the ground.

 

 

 PARTY -

David: 4/5 HP

Olivia: 4/5 HP

 

- ENEMY -

Boar: 1/3 HP

 

- ROLL -

 

 

ID: 8649

 

Boar attack: Rolled a six - 1 damage on David

 

David attacked: Rolled an 8 - 1 base damage + Two-Handed Spear: Rank 1 +1dmg 

 

 

- RESULT -

David: 3/5 HP

Boar: 0/3 HP

[Olivia Antheia 0]

Olivia momentarily squinted as the boar died, exploding into a bright array of pixelated shards. When they had vanished, her face broke out into a bright smile as she ran up next to David and beamed, "Yeah, we did!" Though, despite their success, she did have to note that the boar didn't seem to drop anything worthwhile... She only frowned at his for a moment, before tightening her grip on her rapier and saying, "Let's go fight another!" Though they were still practically brand new in the way of skill, she was feeling confident that they would be fine. With the two of them there to fight against the boars, and luck on their side, they would be able to get a leg up and fight effectively.

 

With a few little hops as she warmed herself off, the girl was off and sprinting across the fields, brandishing her blade about, as she called out, "Bet you can't catch me!" Trying to remain cheerful even as she faced another boar. Hair whipping as she flew by, dark blue eyes gleaming while her rapier traced a line in the tall grass. She came upon a boar, identical to the last one, chomping away. As soon as it noticed her, however, the health bar popped into view as the two charged each other.

 

It was with a great surprise that she found the boar charge at her, head on. Though her first strike managed to hit the boar across the face, she found herself being tackled by the boar, and caught off balance. Olivia tumbled backwards, gasping, as the boar trampled over her. She cried out, realizing that her health bar had dropped rapidly, and struggled to get up as the boar turned around and snorted with rage. That... Could've gone better...

 

- PARTY -

David: 4/5 HP

Olivia: 4/5 HP

 

- ENEMY -

Boar: 3/3 HP

 

- ROLL -

ID: 7515 ; BD: 6 ; CD: 8 ; LD: 13 ; MD: 10

Olivia deals 1DMG base; Hit, attack made; One-Handed Rapier, +1DMG; 2DMG dealt total.

Boar deals 1DMG base; Critical success, +2DMG; 3DMG dealt total.

 

- RESULT -

Olivia: 1/5 HP

Boar: 1/3 HP

[David Parsons 0]

David rested the shaft of his spear on one shoulder as Olivia ran ahead and taunted him for not keeping up with her. He let out a soft, relaxed laugh at her antics as he though to himself 'Who knows, maybe things wont be so bad. This may be possible after all.' David let himself relax a bit, thinking that he didn't need to be so edgy. that's when disaster struck. 

 

Olivia! You alright? David asks as he runs between her and the Boar, stopping it from attacking her again. As the Boar charged, David thrust his spear, aiming for it's head. Just before the spear connected, the Boar tripped, and that caused the spear to miss the target entirely.

 

 PARTY -

David: 3/5 HP

Olivia: 1/5 HP

 

- ENEMY -

Boar: 1/3 HP

 

- ROLL -

 

ID: 86694

 

Boar attack: Rolled a 2 - fail

 

David attacked: Rolled an 2 - fail

 

 

- RESULT -

David: 3/5 HP

Boar: 1/3 HP

[Baldur 0]

"HANG ON!"

 

A voice cried out like the thunder, this time preceding the lighting as a flash of blue cleared an impossible distance in only a heartbeat a Baldur <<Charged>> the boar which had attacked the two players. His Katana took the mob clean in half and Baldur stood there for a moment, with his blade extended as the boar shattered into thousands of tiny rainbow colored polygons. The man then moved over to Olivia, sticking his Katana into the ground and kneeling over her. He couldn't see her health bar, but he recognized the what was happening on an intuitive level. He had seen the critical hit, and at low levels, those could be deadly

 

"Are you alright?"

 

---

 

[iD: 8843 BD: 9] Hits for 9 DMG (1 base + 2 skill + 3 weapon +1 athletics +1 Charge +1 Critical]

[Olivia Antheia 0]

Olivia curled up a bit as the boar began to charge, until a shadow fell over her body. Her friend, David, had stepped in front of the boar and moved to defend her. No...! Why is he doing that!? Olivia thought, suddenly fearful for the boy's life as well as her own. Though her health bar had decreased drastically, David's wasn't doing so well either. One wrong move and he'd be gone. And it would be her fault... For being an idiot! For messing around when there were more important things to be doing! Even though the boar had tripped over it's own feet, David still took the time to ask her if she was alright. "Ff-ffine,,,"She resolved to crack down on this in the future, This wasn't a game... Not anymore.

 

It was when this decision was made that a mighty voice sounded, as another figure zoomed past her and David. The figure in question swung a bluish blade at the boar as it tripped past David, cutting it in half. Olivia gasped as it died, effortlessly... What else would she expect from a figure as well-dressed as him? Sighing, the girl tried to stand herself up, before hearing his savior's katana pierce the ground as he got down on his knees to examine her. A black-haired man, much older than her, that asked her if she was going to be-- "I'm fine," she blurted out, a bit too quickly. "I'm fine, I didn't mean to get... Hit like that..."

 

"... Thank you..." Olivia murmured, standing up and rubbing her arm nervously. "Sorry, I shouldn't have been so... So careless... I wasn't thinking right, wasn't worried. It won't happen again." She gave the man who had saved her a small nod, before turning to David. Who had blocked the boar off from reaching Olivia. Why... Why did he have to do that!? She thought to herself, Blinking as she tried her best to lock eyes with him. Failing that, she looked down to the ground and scuffed her shoes on the ground. "We... We should head back to town... I obviously wasn't ready for this, shouldn't have been so silly... If only we... I mean, I hadn't been so excited, then I wouldn't have let the boar deal so much damage to me... I--" It was clear she would go on, so in all best interests, interrupting her would help move things along.

[David Parsons 0]

When that spear missed, all David could think about was that he had failed. He was off balance from his attack and the boar, and the Boar's AI would tell it to attack Olivia, who was not in any position to take an attack. He had really stuffed this up. He had failed not only himself, but more importantly, he had failed Olivia. 

 

David couldn't be happier when he heard the yelling of someone else. The light of a sword skill lit up as the Boar as cut into oblivion seemed like a light from the creator. With the boar dead, David fell on his back out of sheer emotional exhaustion. He was not used to being this worried, but the again, this was the closest to death he had ever been.

 

David met Olivia's eyes with his own when she looked at him, he even tried to give her a smile, but it looked like he was struggling to smile. David got back up as Olivia looked away and moved over to crouch next to her. As she started to talk, David knew she wouldn't be stopping anytime soon. So, in his worried state, decided it would be a good idea to wrap his arm around her shoulders and pull her into a half hug, as he still had his spear in the other hand.

 

It's fine Olivia. Its fine. David said, worry evident in his voice. Thank you sir, we would have been in trouble if it wasn't for you. David said to the man that had saved Olivia. David now considered himself in debt to this stranger, as he succeeded where David had failed. David let go of Olivia and stood back up. David then offered her his hand to Olivia. Lets get back to town. David said to her as he turned back to the stranger. Would you mind coming with us? We are in no position to fight, and you seem to be able to handle yourself well enough.

[Baldur 0]

Baldur stood up with Olivia and pulled his sword out of the ground. With a swift but fluid motion, Baldur sheathed his sword and nodded his assent to the two of them. He wouldn't leave the two of them alone until they got to the safety of the town. The boar around the Town of Beginnings were passive, but if someone trained aggro, or worse yet a PKer looking for easy targets, then Baldur would never forgive himself.

 

"Yes of course, I'll escort you to the gates." He paused, feeling like there was more he needed to say. "There is no shame falling back. it is better to break fighting up at low levels into a piecemeal effort to make sure you stay safe, than to take undo risks. I am just glad I got here in time."

 

He couldn't see their health bars, but he could read their faces. She must have been closer to death than he thought. Baldur was now more than ever, thankful for his charge skill. It had saved a life he might otherwise have not gotten to in time.

[Olivia Antheia 0]

Though the hug only lasted for a few seconds, Olivia cherished it, David forgave her for frightening him... The both of them. After being helped up by David, she brushed herself off and picked up her rapier--which had been knocked out of her hand, a small distance away. "It's... It's really not fine... I shouldn't have rushed in like that..." He turned away and thanked the man who had saved them, giving her time to straighten her glasses and think. Without higher levels to help us we're nothing... How are we supposed to get better if we have to rely on them all the time?

 

She finally looked up when the man had given his own comforting words. He warned them not to take risks and to work slowly. I guess it makes sense. I just want to help now though... Grabbing at the collar of her cloth shirt to straighten it out, she began to trudge her way back to town, her strides small and slow. "I... I wish I could do something for you in return," Olivia murmured, "but I'm... Well, let's face it, I'm new to the game, I can't exactly pay you enough or fight by your side at this rate. You saved my life, but I can't do the same for you."

 

Granted, this man had been around and seen two people in peril. He had done what any normal human being would do and did his best to help. The only reason Olivia was upset, though, was because she was the one in peril. Causing trouble and dragging people down. David and I could have fought more boars, collect loot, and more... Instead we're headed back to town because I couldn't stop a boar from practically killing me... A boar! Darnit... Trying to keep a light mood she looked up and flashed David a smile. "Well... I did watch your back." A small laugh came from her, but it died out quickly. I could have died.

[David Parsons 0]

Again, thank you. You really saved us. I'm not sure if i could have went on if the only friend i made here just died right in front of me. David said to his and Olivia's savor as they made their way back to the main city. We never got your name. I'm David, and this is Olivia. David said as he put his hand on his friend's shoulder. The contact reassured him that she was still here, and that she didn't die and he was imagining this whole thing.

 

So, what was that skill you used to save us? David asked, as he now felt it was a good idea to invest in it as soon as he could. It seemed to have a guarantee hit, and let him attack first, instead of the AI taking initiative. Then again, the AI taking initiative was more due to David being unsure of his attacks, but this skill would help with that.

[Baldur 0]

When the girl expressed the desire to repay Baldur, he knew what was going through her head. He remembered the first time he had come close to death. It had been with wolves at the next town, but that didn't make it any less fearsome. He tried to give her a reassuring smile.

 

"If you wish to pay me back, then don't give up. Become strong. And help someone who needs it."

 

Then the guy was speaking to him, expressing his gratitude and introducing them.

 

"And I am Baldur." he said simply. Could he say it was nice to meet them? It was nice to put new faces to names, especially living ones, but given the circumstances, it wasn't exactly nice that they had been in danger.

 

"I used the <<charge>> skill. It lets me close large distances very quickly." It was the best way to initiate a fight in his opinion, but it couldn't be used if you were already in melee. When they finally reached the gate to the Town of Beginnings, Baldur watched them walk through it and then he stopped just outside. He felt like he sound say something, give them encouraging words.

 

"Don't let this hold you back... we all encounter that point where we face our mortality. The first couple levels are the most difficult, pace yourself and you'll be fine."

 

He smiles them and bows, and then turns to go, but pauses.

 

"Next time we meet, I hope they're under more pleasant circumstances. A fresh start." He gave them a stronger smile, and then headed back out into the field to try and help other new players.

[Olivia Antheia 0]

"I... I won't give up." Olivia said, surprised. "I just don't... Don't want to put other people down, is all." She fell silent as David rested a hand on her shoulder, and she gave him a somber smile in return. was touched to be called a friend, but still worried for his safety. He had gone out of his way to try and protect her. I shouldn't have made him risk himself like that. Still, she flashed Baldur a too-wide smile and beamed, "Yeah! I am Olivia, Olivia is me. It's nice to meet you as well, Baldur." She tagged along with the other two and looked around her, a bit wary after the event. Still, it had been a nerve-wracking experience.

 

She walked back to the town with the other two and listened to their conversation, but was quiet for most of the trip. Though their forgiveness made her a bit less guilty, she still hoped that she would be able to help them out in some way or other, once she had become stronger, but maybe that was all she needed to do. Was become stronger, like Baldur said. She waved goodbye as he left, saying, "Hope to see you around!"

 

With the man gone, both players were back home, safe and sound. What should I say? Olivia wondered. What CAN I say? She glanced up to the taller boy and sighed, before saying, "That could have gone better... Do you, uh... Want to meet up tomorrow and... Try again, maybe?" Realizing it might sound desperate, she immediately followed up with, "Only if you're available. I mean, I don't want to take your time, or keep you to myself or anything... Just, it's hard to find people who would... Y'know..."

 

[David Parsons 0]

David waved goodbye to his and Olivia's savor and said his farewells. â€‹See-ya! David then turned back to Olivia and gave her a smile. He listened to her talking and when she finished he gave his response. Sure. I would gladly go out with you again. Er, i mean to train. Not that your not attractive, i just mean- I'm just going to stop talking now. David could feel the heat in his cheeks, it was more from the embarrassment of him getting tongue tied then anything else. David was still in shock from how close to death Olivia had come, and it had started messing with his thoughts.

 

David let out a sigh and shook his head clear. You know what i meant. David said with a small laugh as his own embarrassment. Would you mind me walking you back to where you are staying? It would be easier to meet there then out at the gates. David said to Olivia, recovering from his earlier stuff up. David also lifted his spear up from the ground and put it along his shoulders. He then put both arms along it to balance it out, as he always feels paranoid in this world when he doesn't have his weapon out, and this stance looks a lot less threatening to the other low level players that do not wish to fight.

[Olivia Antheia 0]

Of course she knew what David meant. How could she not? It still brought a blush to her cheeks, thanks to his compliment, and it still left her wondering exactly how to respond. As David sighed, she bumped into him with her shoulder, laughing to try and make him feel not as shy. "Oh, relax, you big 'oaf. I'm just... Really glad that you said yes." Now it was her turn to blush. "T-to the training! Thingy... Ehm... The going out of town and fighting. That bit. Not the other bit, with the dating, and the..." Wait, he never said dating... Oh... "Not dating, not dating!" Olivia groaned and facepalmed herself internally. She'd have to reign that in if she ever got around someone who would take her literally.

 

She clapped her hands together as David helped get the conversation back on topic. Humming as she looked around a bit, she gestured in one direction, and listed off a set of directions that would help him find his way as he walked her back to the house she shared with other players who couldn't fight. "From the main square, we head west a couple streets... ... Turn right, right, left, left, straight, left, right... ... Knock on the door like this... ... And there you have it." The girl waited for a response before picking up the pace, knowing that they should probably get there sooner rather than later.

[David Parsons 0]

David forced himself to cough so he could place his hand over his mouth so he wouldn't say anything stupid after Olivia mentioned dating. In truth David hadn't even given dating a thought in the real world, let alone here. So he chose to ignore that comment and light blush that crept onto his face and move on. It would be easier for both of them that way. 

 

David listened to Olivia's instructions about where to head, and it ended with his saying Pardon? As David understood almost none of the directions that she said. Right, right, left, right, up, down, turn upside down and then knock on the door. Got it. David said with a nod that reflected his confusion. Care to say that again, but a bit slower this time? David asked as he followed Olivia through the town. David hadn't really explored the town, he really just hid until a while ago. So he didn't really know where they where.