Sakura

Resources had become scarce as of late, and Aoi knew that she would need to stop putting off the effort required to replenish and replace what she had used. Though she could have bought some of the materials she needed to continue her trade, she was also aware that a large percentage of those materials were subpar compared to what could be found through a single dance through the fields. ’Besides, Kaie, I could use the exercise and practice. It’s been a while since I’ve done a simple combative adventure.’ She didn’t want to think about how long it had been – days, if not weeks, at least

’Here we are.’ Aoi looked down at the kneeling man, watching as he began digging into the rocks and dirt with a slow, methodical form that clearly showed his weakness and inability. Aoi hesitated, a part of her wanting to assist, and another part wanting nothing more to do with the man’s endeavours. She held no ill will towards him, and yet she felt no desire to assist him in his task – simply provide protection, and move on. She felt an odd disparity within herself as she considered her own behaviour. ’These once belonged to my wife, before she…’ Aoi’s thoughts were interrupted as the m

Time would’ve been hard to determine if Aoi had been forced to rely upon only the surrounding environment. Thankfully, the clock that was a part of her HUD – one which she had become accustomed to checking frequently throughout her travels – was more than capable of tracking her progress, and how long she’d been away. Glancing up at it, she could see that she’d already wandered through the desert for nearly two hours when the storms had begun to settle and quell around her. She pulled down the cloth that had been covering the lower part of her face – a simple rag that she’d used as a makeshift

Her eyes had shifted to glance towards the centralised spire that once housed the floor boss, the greatest danger the expansive desert had ever seen. Her subtle ploy was obvious to the bandit, and although he seemed to hesitate for a few moments, the decision was no surprise to Aoi when he nodded towards the distance. Slowly, quietly as they had arrived, the bandits surrounding her appeared to shift back into the flowing storm before disappearing from sight entirely. Only the leader remained, just long enough to shout a final thought towards Aoi before disappearing himself. ’You won’t always b

Flipping open her menu, Aoi decided to risk a bluff that would either succeed – or leave herself and the elderly man laying in the dirt with nothing more than a memory passing between them. She typed for a few seconds, before closing the menu and staring towards the man who had originally spoken. She could see the confusion in his face, and wondered for a brief second if this would even work. Nothing for it now but to try and hope things work out for the best. ’I’ve called upon those who fight against the dark taints of this world, to assist one of their own.’ She spoke evenly, letting he

’Good, good. You see the situation. Now let’s resolve this without any bloodshed, shall we?’ The man smiled suddenly, and whatever hopes of peaceful acceptance Aoi may have had disappeared with the appearance of the expression on his face. Instead, she realised that she was either going to have to comply – which would be dangerous for herself and the elderly man – or suffer the consequences. ’What we’re going to do here is alleviate you of any excess you might be carrying around with you. Specifically anything of value, and worth…in exchange we’ll give you your life and freedom to continue pro

The first figure came flowing from the sands around them, and Aoi belatedly reached out a hand to stop the old man, stepping before him and placing herself between the new arrival and her escort. A measure of malice could be seen within their expression, and although no weapon was immediately drawn, it was obviously displayed within the reached of a hand should she suddenly decide that she wasn’t going to be compliant with whatever came next. ’Calm and clear will get us through this without any discrepancies now! Don’t make any sudden movements, and all will be well!’ The voice that calle

The sand snapped and whipped around her, as if the storm had somehow knew they were approaching their destination and was actively trying to inhibit or halt their progress entirely. Aoi squinted against the raging winds and blowing sands, staring out into the distance, knowing well that there was something to be found beyond the edges of her vision. She wanted nothing more than to head out into the area and find whatever it was that hunted them, that stalked them within the brutality of the storm itself – but she knew that to do so was not only dangerous, but would likely tear her away from fi

Another shadow crossed the edges of her vision, this one lasting long enough to make Aoi believe that it wasn’t just her imagination, or some shift in the storm around them. Though it had moved quickly, and had carried with it a distorted visage, she couldn’t deny the fact that it had been humanoid in some shape or form. She wanted to warn the elderly man beside her, to give him some indication that they were being followed and possibly tracked, but as she turned to say something, she noticed that he was smiling at her in a way that showed in the eyes, the only thing visible in his features.

’…almost there!’ The voice seemed to echo backwards from the elderly man, most of the words lost to the wind that whipped and snapped around them, the sand still buffeting their forms as they pressed onwards. Aoi could see the casual glance backwards that the man made, as if checking to see if she was still there. Aoi gave a long, exaggerated nod in response, unwilling to attempt to raise her voice over the storm in response. It seemed to be enough, and once more he returned to his shambling walk that took them across the desert sands and towards their still unknown to her destination. It

Nothing bothered them for the next few hours as they continued along the path that the elderly man had been taking. Aoi found herself lost in thought once more, considering the various events she’d experienced while within the world of Aincrad. She couldn’t say that all of the events had been positive, but as she stared at the form of the elderly man she followed alongside, she couldn’t stop herself from thinking about which she would change, which she would never experience if she could choose to avoid them. Futile, but what’s the point? If I didn’t experience them, would I be the person

Is this what awaits all of us if we live long enough? Aoi didn’t like considering the possibility, and forced her eyes away and into the distance, looking for anything that could distract her from the reality of her situation. Sands whipped around her, dancing and playing on the air as though trying to escape their own destiny. Trapped upon a simple breeze, brought along without a choice. Is that all life is? She didn’t want to think or consider the possibilities, and found herself glancing about the blinding sand in an attempt to distract herself. A shift of movement caught her attention

Consider your elders. She’d rolled her eyes – internally of course – at the thought, knowing that it was inappropriate to talk down about the elderly in such a way. Not that Aoi cared in the moment, the sand biting into her causing any desire to be traditionally courteous disappearing with the discomfort she was feeling. Still, she’d chosen to heed the words even if just slightly. There was no need to become overtly rude and repugnant towards a man who just wanted some minor assistance from her. Sighing, allowing a breath of dirt into her mouth that made her wince and cough reactively, Ao

Whether or not it could be considered a foolish choice, Aoi didn’t care to consider. She’d taken the quest, and she knew that if she retreated now it would simply be sacrificed and a waste of time. Time that she would have to place back into the quest later on, once she was at a point where she would need whatever rewards it provided. Determined, and a small measure of stubborn, she choice to continue on the path she’d already taken. I’m already here, I might as well. Otherwise this was all just a waste of time. She avoided thinking about any consequences, figuring she’d deal with those once t

I hope he’s not lost and we’re not simply wandering through the desert in the middle of a storm until we both die. She didn’t like the thought, and found herself pushing it aside before it could truly take root in her mind. She doubted that the NPC was lost – it was uncommon for them, especially on escort missions, not to have a pre-determined path that they unknowingly took. Although Aincrad had shown itself to be different and unique in some ways, Aoi knew it was still a game. It still followed the same general rules and expectations of any game, though it carried a number of exciting – and

’Oh my, what’s that?’ The figure seemed to stare off into the distance, visible only through the fact that Aoi could see the direction he was generally facing in the form of his body. His entire face had been covered by some sort of scarf, protecting him from the dust and environment around him. Her eyes shifted in the direction he’d been staring at, and she felt a measure of sudden fear rise in her at the sight of the approaching storm. ’That’s rather unfortunate, but I think we can make it still!’ The storm had reached them almost an hour later, buffeting the pair in harsh winds with a

Aoi sighed, something in her mind giving way to the acceptance that she knew she was going to take regardless. Even if the man somehow is infectious, there’s enough potions and healing balms in this world to save me from whatever it is he might have. Her decision made, albeit reluctantly, she affirmed the man’s request. They’d left the bazaar behind shortly after Aoi had consented to the escort request, the mission notification appearing as she’d nodded. Once everything had aligned, she’d followed the elderly man at a snail’s pace from the bazaar to the main gates, passing through after

’I understand your request, though I have the odd feeling that there is more to your story, old man.’ The question was spoke as a statement, and for a few seconds Aoi wondered if the NPC would pick up on the subtle fact that she was simply trying to get a better picture of what was happening before she decided what to do. ’Of course, of course. I wouldn’t simply provide you with my entire fortune and wealth, now would I? The items within the chest are of a personal nature. Invaluable to me, but certainly not something that would…well, you’ll just have to come and see, won’t you?’ The fin

’I am terribly sorry to bother you…but I was hoping to illicit your assistance with a task.’ Another fit of coughing, and Aoi found herself looking for any reason to depart from the location immediately. She spotted a nearby NPC staring at them, a look of concern on its face as it seemed to take in the old man – or was it a look of judgement about Aoi’s own reaction? She couldn’t quite say, but the pause she made because of it seemed to cause the old man to believe she was still listening to his story of woe. ’I have a…treasure chest, of sorts. I buried it deep within the desert, at the base o

Leaving behind the vendor, Aoi continued wandering through the market, trying to find anything that even slightly resembled the threads she needed. Though, with every passed storefront she became more and more certain that her prized piece would remain beyond her reach, and that she would have to accept using subpar materials for the time being. She was certain that the client would understand – they’d been more than compliant with her other adjustments that were required due to materials simply not being available, but Aoi hated the idea of failing in this one regard. ’Excuse me, I’m so

The Traveler The bazaar was quite. The early hours of the morning seemed to have that effect on a number of places, and Aoi had learnt to attend the various shopping areas she needed before any of the other players – or even major NPCs – awoke with the morning’s passing. It had meant Aoi lost the ability to sleep in, but compared to the busy streets and loud noises of each shopping, and in turn seller, trying to find what they were looking for, Aoi felt that it was a necessary sacrifice. This morning had been one where she’d headed to the fifth floor with the intent of finding some

The King exploded into nothingness as Aoi clenched her eyes shut at the sudden brightness. When she blinked them open again, the room was empty save for Freyd’s figure, and Aoi’s own presence. She let out a breath that was more just her pressing the air out of her body, before she glanced over towards Freyd with a nervous smile. She could feel the adrenaline rushing out of her body, the excitement and energy dissipating as she saw that the fight had ended. She wanted nothing more than to sleep now, though she knew there was still the return trip to complete. ’Holy…shit…that was fucking te

Something in Freyd’s expression had changed, and Aoi found herself shifting oddly on the spot. He seemed almost bothered by the commentary, as if something plagued him that he was trying to keep hidden away from the world. Aoi knew she couldn’t read the man well, certainly not well enough to make assumptions of his character, but even she could see that a change had occurred in his otherwise joyful and playful nature. She cried out as the form of the King lunged forward, slamming the axe in its hand into Freyd’s side, the blade biting deep as the player simply stood and accepted the atta

Aoi left the pond behind, retracing her steps as best as she could. It took hours, far longer than she knew it had taken to arrive there, before she had found her way back to the civilisation of Krycim. A part of her wanted nothing more than to find Cervais, to curse him and tell him of everything that had occurred. Another part of her knew the foolishness behind such an idea, and how it would benefit no one in the end. The only thing she could do, would be to find a way to move past it, and continue the fight that she had been fighting until now. I’ll make good come of this moment. I’ll

Aoi turned away from the pond, the place that her bolt remained, and the final resting place of the Gemini. There would be dark days ahead, she knew that, but there would be good ones as well. Days where she would, for a time, forget about this moment. This moment, and all the others that would follow. The dark moments where she would be pulled down to a level of despair, of self-hatred and loathing, a point in her adventure when she would have to face the worst possible decisions, and follow through with them. But those days would not last. She knew that, knew that there would be a lig