sakuranboy

Castiel gave a solemn look to Zero as he discussed their next course of action. It was probably the best, seeing as Cas hasn't exactly helped at all yet in killing the boars. That was about to change. Cas nodded, turning back to face the monsters when... "Agh!" Castiel cried out, skidding backwards a few feet from the boar's charge attack. Ouch, that had hurt. But it was a weak attack, nothing he couldn't handle.

"Cas, be careful!" Bebe cried out, flapping her wings to stay stable up in the air.

"Don't worry; it was a weak blow," Castiel replied, smirking. Running towards the boar who had just attacked, Castiel focused on the creature's legs before sweeping his halberd beneath the boar. The first blow hit, rending a leg from the boar! Shouting, Cas brought the halberd back around, chopping off yet another limb. Success!

(Sword Skill used: Rend — 2-hit strike)

Castiel: 10/11 HP

Bebe: 7/7 HP

Zero: 17/17 HP

Frenzy Boar 3: 3/5 HP

Frenzy Boar 4: 5/5 HP

One of the two remaining boars charged towards Castiel, attempting to land a hard blow. Its snout blew out puffs of hot air, eyes burning red with fury as it eyed its target. This time it was successful, landing a normal-damage blow that knocked Cas backwards.

Castiel: 10/11 HP

Bebe: 7/7 HP

Zero: 17/17 HP

Frenzy Boar 3: 5/5 HP

Frenzy Boar 4: 5/5 HP

That sounds great! I may not be much help offensively but my familiar Bebe can heal a good chunk of health if you get hurt. Go ahead and start the quest thread for us :)

At the moment my weapon is a basic halberd with no perks at all. I was hoping that some blacksmith out there would be willing to accompany me to go collect mats to be used for a better halberd? Maybe one that ups the battle dice? I'd really appreciate it, especially because I'm relatively new here and short on COL xP

Out of the corner of his eye, Castiel watched as Zero began to approach him. Oh crap, he was probably going to tell him that he failed the initiation. He was about to prepare himself for the worst when instead, Zero simply nudged him in the side, giving him a few words of encouragement. Grinning, Cas' cheeks were rosy as he nodded in response. Thank goodness, Zero actually seemed like a sweet guy. People like that were often hard to come by in SAO. Watching admiringly as Zero connected another powerful attack, the boars failed at retaliating, so Cas decided to make his next move. His halberd's blade glowing once again, Castiel dashed past Zero, swiping at the legs of the already wounded boar. Although he missed for the fourth time in a row, this time Cas just shrugged it off and laughed because the boar died from bleeding damage anyway. As Zero said, everybody has their bad days.

(Sword Skill used: Rend, 2-hit strike)

Castiel: 11/11 HP

Bebe: 7/7 HP

Zero: 17/17 HP

Frenzy Boar 2: 0/5 HP (DEAD - Dropped nothing)

Frenzy Boar 3: 5/5 HP

Frenzy Boar 4: 5/5 HP

The <> attempted a retaliation attack, but one of them was greatly wounded and another already dead, so they were becoming rather panicked. Thus their attacks had poor accuracy and missed the two players completely. One of the boars squealed its distress.

Castiel: 11/11 HP

Bebe: 7/7 HP

Zero: 17/17 HP

Frenzy Boar 2: 1/5 HP

Frenzy Boar 3: 5/5 HP

Frenzy Boar 4: 5/5 HP

Castiel watched in awe as Zero swiftly dealt with one of the boars, his chocolate-brown eyes wide. Zero was an incredibly strong player. Upon hearing the white-haired boy's instructions, Cas nodded, easily sidestepping one of the boars' charging attack. Turning to face the boar as it recovered from the recoil of its attack, Cas raised his halberd and brought it down diagonally at the boar's body. Unfortunately it seemed the move had in fact missed, and the boy facepalmed in exasperation. He heard Bebe sigh from up in the air; she must be equally frustrated that the battle system was not doing Castiel any favors at the moment.

(Sword Skill used: X Mark, 2-hit strike)

Castiel: 11/11 HP

Bebe: 7/7 HP

Zero: 17/17 HP

Frenzy Boar 2: 5/5 HP

Frenzy Boar 3: 5/5 HP

Frenzy Boar 4: 5/5 HP

The boar attacked by Zero's signature three blades was gravely wounded, and soon died from bleeding damage, its body exploding in an array of dazzling data. The other three boars snorted and grunted their disapproval, attacking the two boys head-on. Luckily their attacks either missed completely or were easily dodged by Castiel and Zero.

Castiel: 11/11 HP

Bebe: 7/7 HP

Zero: 17/17 HP

Frenzy Boar 1: 0/5 HP (DEAD) - Dropped 1 <>

Frenzy Boar 2: 5/5 HP

Frenzy Boar 3: 5/5 HP

Frenzy Boar 4: 5/5 HP

It seemed that Castiel wasn't the only one with accuracy issues at the moment, since Zero also failed to land his first hit. It was strange getting used to the whole hit-and-miss system within SAO. As the boars made their counterattack, Cas pirouetted out of the way, successfully dodging the boar that charged after him. In mid-twirl, he swung around his halberd using the momentum from his spinning, which activated the Whirlwind sword skill. Quite unfortunately, it seemed that the odds weren't in his favor as the attack missed once again.

"Awh, come on!" This was getting rather frustrating.

Castiel: 11/11 HP

Bebe: 7/7 HP

Zero: 17/17 HP

Frenzy Boar 1: 5/5 HP

Frenzy Boar 2: 5/5 HP

Frenzy Boar 3: 5/5 HP

Frenzy Boar 4: 5/5 HP

Grim is straight, I like women, hence my lovely lucious wife Yure.

Um...ok, that's nice ^_^ Not sure why you would join this thread if your character is straight, but eh, no judging here. We can say Grim is an ally then, haha.

The two boars attacked were now about to retaliate. The first began to charge forward at Castiel, while the second swung its tusks at Zero. Both of them missed, however, most likely out of confusion from the surprise attack of the two players. They huffed and snorted with agitation, pawing at the ground with their hooves.

Castiel: 11/11 HP

Bebe: 7/7 HP

Zero: 17/17 HP

Frenzy Boar 1: 5/5 HP

Frenzy Boar 2: 5/5 HP

Frenzy Boar 3: 5/5 HP

Frenzy Boar 4: 5/5 HP

Hi there! I was curious as to which characters on the site are a part of the LGBT community. For those of you unfamiliar with the options, I'll list some of them here:

Homosexual: Same-gender sexual attraction

Bisexual: Sexually attracted to two or more genders, but not all

Pansexual: Sexually attracted to all genders

Transgendered: Identifying as the opposite gender from the sex they were born as

Asexual: Sexually attracted to no genders

Queer: A term some people prefer to use as they don't quite completely identify with the other LGBT terms

Of course, there are many other terms as well, but these are the basic ones. Feel free to use other terms if you feel they fit your character more accurately!

So I guess I'll start; my character, Castiel, is openly gay.

Castiel: Kass-tee-elle, where "elle" is said like it is in Belle.

After shaking Zero's hand and listening to him speak, Castiel nodded as he watched the party invite window pop up in front of him. Selecting the 'O', he accepted the party invite. Now was the time to initiate combat. "Got it," Turning his attention to Bebe, he scratched the top of her head affectionately. "Bebe, honey, make sure to stay out-of-reach of the boars. I don't want you getting hurt."

Bebe huffed, flapping her wings and taking off into the air above the two players. "Hmph, wish you had more confidence in me; I'm not a baby. Anyways, I'll be up here if you need a-healing."

Grinning from a combination of his familiar's sassiness and his own excitement, Cas took a preparatory stance. "Alright...Let's go!" He then took off down the hill, aimed straight for the boars in a swift dash. The blade to his <> began to glow a deep cherry pink color as he readied his attack.

Soon Castiel closed in on one of the boars, his halberd raised high above his head. "SEIIII!!" He cried out, leaping forward and bringing the blade down aimed at the boar's head. Cas was using the Lunar Sword Skill.

Just as the blade was about to make contact, the combination of a fast reaction from the boar and a slight stumble on Castiel's part ended up having him just barely miss the targeted boar. Cas quickly regained his balance, blowing a subtle exasperated raspberry through his lips. Darn, he had been so close to landing the first hit.

Castiel: 11/11 HP

Bebe: 7/7 HP

Frenzy Boar 1: 5/5 HP

Frenzy Boar 2: 5/5 HP

Frenzy Boar 3: 5/5 HP

Frenzy Boar 4: 5/5 HP

Castiel entered <>, gazing around at the interior. Zero had recommended this blacksmith to him, and so here he was looking to obtain a halberd more suitable for someone of his needs. The <> he currently had equipped was just a basic weapon with no benefits to using it. Approaching the counter, he waited in line behind a player named <> until it was his turn.

"H-Hello, my name's Castiel...I was told by my friend Zero to come here. He said you were one of the best blacksmiths around," Pausing briefly, his grip tightened on his halberd before he continued speaking, "I'm a relatively knew player, and I was hoping you could accompany me to go fetch some <> for a new halberd." He smiled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't exactly have much COL, yet...only 400."

Bebe flapped her wings, perched on his shoulder as she eyed Vandal curiously before speaking to her master using his <> skill. "As long as it's not Feathery Dragon Bone, I'm fine with coming along, I guess."

"Oh hush, Bebe. It's not like you have much of a choice. Plus, you know I wouldn't hunt your species."

"Cas, here he comes," Bebe alerted her master, ruffling her feathers excitedly. Castiel followed his familiar's line of sight, noticing the male player making his way over to him. Once the other player was in close range, Cas could read his username as <> with a green icon. He had pale skin that contrasted greatly with his leather dragon's hide armor, and a wild tuff of white hair atop his head. The three swords at his hip made it clear that he was an experienced fighter, too. Castiel was a bit taken aback when Zero bowed, apologizing for any tardiness.

Cas inhaled sharply when he connected eyes with Zero. Red irises?? They were haunting and yet gorgeous at the same time, like two rubies burning hot red on his face. Swallowing nervously, Castiel offered a shy smile and accepted the other boy's offer to help him to his feet. How gentlemanly. "N-No, it's fine, hehe..." Cas replied once he was now standing beside Zero. He noticed that the player next to him was similar in height and only an inch or two taller, and his features indicated that he was somewhere around Cas' age. He prayed to God that he wasn't obviously blushing right now.

"So...nice to meet you. I'm Castiel, and this is my dragon, Bebe," The brunet introduced himself and his familiar, holding out a friendly hand for Zero to shake. He then flashed a bright grin, beginning to feel more comfortable. "I hope I can show you my battle prowess today!"

Ring-ring!

The bell chimed as Castiel entered <>. Today, he was to face initiation into the Knights of Christ guild; looking back, Cas was surprised at how far he's come already. The quest for his initiation was selected to be <>, and if sources were correct then Cas would also be able to obtain a piece of armor for use upon quest completion. "Hellooo...?" Cas called out, walking further into the building.

"What's all the racket?!" Gasping, Cas suddenly found himself face-to-face with a crotchety old man giving him the stink-eye. He took one look at Bebe, who was perched on Castiel's shoulder as per usual, and then waved a hand dismissively. "Go on now, scat! Shoo! No business here for Beast Tamers like you."

"Oh, hush, Griswold." And equally old woman hobbled into the room, smacking her husband upside the head lightly. "Don't be such a grouch." Turning to Cas, she smiled warmly, her care-worn face amiable. "I'm sorry, my dear, he can be rude sometimes. Can I help you, Sonny?"

Castiel returned her friendly smile. "Yes, actually! I was hoping I could start a quest for some leather armor." Just then, a quest acceptance window appeared in front of him...

*A few minutes later...*

Stretching, Castiel sighed. He had of course accepted the quest, and was then told by the old woman (Hanna was her name) that he needed to fetch four <> from the <> on Floor 1. So that's where he found himself, having used a <> to travel to Starting City. By now he had already left the town, settling down for the moment on a grassy hill with quite a few boar in sight and in the distance. He had his <> equipped, and he gripped the basic pole weapon with both hands as he sat cross-legged on the grass, awaiting the arrival of Zero (who was to be observing Castiel's performance.)

Bebe yawned, stretching out her feathery wings. "I'm bored, when is this guy gonna show up?"

Castiel snorted before replying. "Don't be so impatient, he'll be here soon."

"You're one to talk about being impatient." Bebe retaliated, nipping Cas' ear lightly.

Taking this quest for a <> to wear over my tunic and also as my initiation into the Knights of Christ guild! Zero will be accompanying me.

Castiel blinked in disbelief at Yuka's words. "W-Wha?? You canNOT be serious." Using his right hand he activated his menu, scrolling down to inventory and opening it. Looking around through it, he literally faceplamed upon viewing the <> item. How had he not seen that earlier? He would've had SUCH an easier time on that familiar quest if he knew about the starter pack. Selecting it to open the pack, he viewed the objects inside as <<10 Bread>>, <<15 Water>>, <>, <> and <>. Interesting. He quickly equipped the new clothing and boots, replacing his bland robes with something more fitting for adventures and easier on the eyes. He now was clad in a dark reddish-pink shoulderless medieval tunic with a celtic design along the collar and edges, as well as a pair of darker-colored tights and basic brown combat boots with a matching utility belt. "Awesome!" He declared, excited to be in far more stylish and practical clothes than before.

"<>...?" Castiel mumbled, unfamiliar with that skill name. Exiting his inventory and going to his skills, he selected that particular skill to activate. To his surprise, he almost telepathically could hear a new voice speaking. It was coming from Yuka's familiar! "O-Oh my gosh! This is amazing!" Cas, grinning, nodded politely at the snow leopard. "It's a pleasure to meet ya, Hypno!"

Just then, another voice sounded off. This one was a light, melodic feminine voice, and what's more: it was coming from Bebe! Bebe, who was perched on Cas' shoulder, nuzzled against his cheek. "It's about time! I was wondering when you'd figure it out, silly." She ruffled her feathers, her beady red eyes blinking around at the others. "Hello! I hope I can be of some help for this quest."

Slowing down to a stop, Castiel looked over the girl player who had just stood in his path. She seemed younger than he was, and he also noted that she was also a Beast Tamer as there was a snow leopard familiar standing beside her. "Hello, <>..." He responded politely to her greeting. Before he could introduce himself, though, she quickly identified who he was, which slightly startled him. Apparently he was becoming more well-known among the players as a newbie, most likely because of his <> familiar. Returning Yuka's smile, Cas reached out and shook her hand. "Yep, that's me! Nice to meet you." Castiel felt the telltale pressure of his dragon partner landing back on his shoulder, and he could hear her wings flapping as well. "This is Bebe, my familiar." Tilting his head to the side, Cas took a moment to think things over and then popped a question. "...Hey, Yuka, would you possibly want to do the occupation quest with me? I don't have a weapon so I can't fight myself, but Bebe has an ability that can heal a good amount of HP if you can fight."

Castiel stepped out of the motel's entrance with Bebe on his right shoulder, smiling up at the shining sun in the virtual sky. It felt warm on his skin, and it was almost as if he could forget that none of this was real life. Everything felt so real and just alive.

"Puruu~" Crooned Bebe, ruffling her reptilian feathers and soaking in the sun as well. Cas giggled, bringing up a hand to pat her head affectionately. Having recently become a Beast Tamer, Castiel had begun to think hard about what he was doing with his life in Aincrad. So far, besides taming Bebe, he had pretty much nothing to show for the past few weeks. So after a bit of consideration, he decided that becoming a professional performer would allow him to not only have an actual occupation for raising money, but also give him a few helpful skills in the game. He really needed to raise enough money to purchase a weapon for self-defense.

Starting City and the other grassland areas on Floor 1 seemed like a good enough place to start the occupation quest. For his style of performing, he would need to locate a <> for the singing trait as well as <> for the dancing/acrobatics one. "C'mon, Bebe! Let's go look for the items we need!" Bebe cried out melodiously in response, flapping off of his shoulder and flying after him as Cas took off for the grasslands outside of town. He wasn't exactly sure how he was supposed to find the items, which usually dropped from defeated monsters, but he figured somebody would be willing to fight the monsters for him. He could provide clerical assistance and use Bebe's Bubble Breath to heal that person, too.

"AhchOOo!" Castiel sneezed as he got a bit of desert dust in his nose, rubbing it and exhaling forcefully to clear it out. He had used a teleport crystal to warp to the safe zone he currently was in, appearing near to The Maker. Ever since he had tamed Bebe, he had gained a new confidence in himself and a drive to make something of his time in Aincrad. Thus he had gone out of his way to interact with more people, and in the process he made a few friends along the way. Today he was going on a desert adventure with two new buds of his: Maker and Yuka.

"Hiya, Maker," Cas greeted the other male player, waving. The Maker appeared to be several years younger than Cas, maybe just reaching his teen years. Despite this, he was still stronger a player than Castiel, and thus a valuable companion in this strange virtual world.

"Puruu!" Bebe chimed in, resting on Castiel's shoulder comfortably. Looking around the area, Cas noted the desert's bleakness. This would not be a fun place to get lost in, especially weak like he was. Luckily he was accompanied by two more experienced players; Cas was there to basically play the part of cleric, healing hit points with his Feathery Dragon's Bubble Breath. A group of monsters were spawning just outside the safe zone, which made Castiel feel a bit uneasy. He had never been to this floor and thus had no idea how powerful the monsters here were.

"Do you really think we'll be okay?"

Ping!

Gasping, Cas read the window that just popped up in front of him. The <> also noticed the pop-up, ruffling its feathers excitedly and tilting its head.

"Would you like to tame the <>?"

Below that message was a "Yes" and a "No" button. Squealing happily, Cas tapped "Yes" and watched as a new window appeared.

"Congratulations! You now have the title <>. Would you like to nickname <>?"

Again, Cas selected "Yes", and in the space provided typed out "Bebe" and then selected "Ok". With that, the screens all disappeared, and upon viewing the icon above the little dragon in his arms he now could see that it read "Bebe" and indicated the dragon's gender as female. Overjoyed, he spun Bebe around, kissing the top of her head. He wasn't alone anymore.

"Thanks for having me, Bebe!"

"Puruu!~"

"Puruu!" The <> trilled with joy, throwing its head back enthusiastically. Castiel threw his own head backwards and crowed like Peter Pan, next bringing the dragon close to hug it affectionately. The little guy laid its head on Cas' shoulder, effectively hugging him back.

1-5: Nothing happens

6-10: A "Congrats" pops up asking if Cas wants to tame the Feathery Dragon

Looking back at Castiel, the <> cried out, surprised that a human player was making motions similar to itself. Viewing Cas' actions as an invitation to play, the little reptile crooned, hopping circles around a crouched Castiel who was currently laughing his butt off. Wiping a giddy tear from his eye, Cas picked up the creature and held him up to his face. "Gosh, there's no doubt in my mind, now. You're the animal partner for me!"

1-3: Nothing happens

4-6: Feathery Dragon trills happily

7-10: Feathery Dragon kisses Cas' nose