Eruda

Receiving that message, a very quick glance as sweat rolls down her forehead. Shutting her HUD after a very quick message to @Freyd, -Take care of them-. 

Eruda watches Raidou a Ruri for only a moment. Eruda's mind was already made up. It was why she had told Freya no. "No one left behind," Eruda says as she bashes yet another enemy in the face as Griswold thwomps his hammer into the chest causing him to burst. "I cannot make any one of you stay, but I hope you do. Freyd will make sure that everyone else is safe, I trust him." A glance to her father, then to Freya and Gaius. A small glimpse of Simmone and Shiina in the distance. This is what she was meant to do. Protect, and there was no way in hell that she was going to leave Raidou and Ruri down here. The constant thought of anything could happen, flew through her mind. If Eruda could prevent the death of the ones that she loved, you damn well bet she would be staying. "All For One and One For All, for Firm Anima, and the frontlines. For everyone risking their life to be here, we stand together. We will get through this as One." A glance to all who remained on the ground floor that was able to hear, would. Eruda voice illuminated out over the battle, swords clashing with others, against shields. Eruda was not going anywhere. 

Griswold would give a hardy laughter. His shield up, standing back to back with his daughter. Raising his hammer up in the air with a call out, "ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL," as he strikes down at another soldier that was trying to sneak up on them, back day for them.

If everyone decided to get on the ship, Eruda would too. That would lead Freya to do the same.

"I know but..." her words cut as she listens. Her heart was pounding a million miles a second. "I just..." another cut off. Eruda eyes squint in a small glare toward Freyd. Eruda understood what Freyd was saying, it did not make it any easier though. "I want to help it along, but I don't know how without crossing that boundary. Now that everything is finally okay, I am afraid that I am going to say the wrong thing or do something stupid." Around Raidou, that was a huge habit. Eruda's face turns 5 shades redder... "Freyd, for example, the other day right before the Morrighan thing," she pauses and looks down at the pendants.  "We almost did that thing..." taking a deep breath, trying to calm what she was feeling. "Rai stopped it, but I can't help to think that I pushed him too far." Her eyes met his again. "That is what I do. I either go too far or not enough. It's hard for me to find that in between." Biting her bottom lip as her eyes narrow to the ground and she places the pendants in a special pocket where she kept the other all this time. "The way I feel about him literally makes me crazy," she says this with a nervous chuckle. "I just don't want to overstep and mess everything up..."

Hearing the conversation behind her, a little extra attention... That was an understatement. Reaching into her pocket, the same pendent as the one laying on the ground. The only difference was the color of the gem in the middle. The one Eruda was holding was a light blue like her flames, the one sitting on the ground was red... Time after time, these signs just keep popping up. Picking this one up off the dirt, Eruda holds them side by side. It almost pained her to know that Raidou had been gone for a couple days. It was his thing, he was still a busy man even after everything that just happened. Wrapping her fingers around both, she turns to Freyd. "Why did you bring me here. I have not seen him for days Freyd. I am not sure this is even an option..." Eruda knew how Raidou felt pure and simple, but she knew how busy he was, still was. Even if Freyd and Eruda had taken some of that burden off his back, it still felt like Raidou was being distant. Was it her... Eruda's eyes narrow back down to the pendants... You could see a hint of her eyes watering.

Pushing her back against the wall for a moment to look back at the group. Talking to specifically Kodo, "Pointy side forward, I will get his attention. That will be your cue to attack," -No risks- Eruda thought to herself as she looks at the other two with the up most serious expression. Even something as easy as could go horribly wrong. Pulling out her sword and shield, walks around the corner. You can hear a huge roar from behind the walls. The next thing you hear in metal against metal as Eruda drags her blade against her shield, igniting those blue flames. You could feel the heat from around the corner as you hear a battle cry outburst from her diaphragm. Those flames hit every wall around her, sizzling, including the one right next to the others. Another almost growl this time from the creature as all it could see now was fire and the one person in it... "NOW" Eruda would call out as she pulls her shield up.

Eruda didn't know why Freyd brought her here, and the thought kept crossing her mind that it was about marriage. There was only one problem with that, Raidou would have to make that first move. Eruda has been chasing him for oh so long and to most it would seem desperate, but to Eruda it was more than that. She hated seeing him in pain and she wanted Raidou to be happy. Now that he seemed to be from that last instance, she had him. Eruda had no clue where this was going to lead or how long it was going to take. The one thing Eruda knew was that she didn't want to push Raidou anymore. No matter what, she would wait for him. Eruda wanted it so bad, the question was, what did Raidou want...

Eruda seemed to stay focused on the task at hand though...

Eruda uses Howl -2 EN

Players:
Eruda | HP: 900/900 | EN: 100/102 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 179 | ACC: 2 | | BH: 49 | LD: 4 | BRN: 56 | BRN IMMUNE | FL. AURA: 16 | FL. THRN: 8 | REC: 8 | TAUNT | THRNS: 72
Lium | HP: 260/260 | EN: 44/44 | DMG: 16 | MIT: 12 | ACC: 4
Freyd | HP: 1100/1100 | EN: 144/144 | DMG: 24 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 7 | BH: 60 | LD: 5 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | REC: 8
Kodo | HP: 60/60 | EN: 24/24 | DMG: 1 (Temp until he equips the new weapon)

Enemy:
[4,0,0,0] Kantaras, the Eastern Hoya Minotaur | 150/150 | DMG: 45 | ACC: 1

"Thank you," as another box like his gets moved to her. Before even touching it, Eruda pats her hair down. Unsure if it actually made a difference, his words caught her off guard. Lifting her head to meet his gaze now. Eruda could feel that heat rising to her face and would quickly look away to her food. Hands still in her lap as she could feel them start to shake. -No, not now- thinking as she looks around for that book that she was reading. The book was set neatly on the table, "but how" getting up from her chair to retrieve that hard back cover. It was really just a way to get up for a moment. Take a breather, maybe not being right next to him would help. Grabbing that book and turning toward him, no... It didn't help. Eruda still felt like she was going to melt...

Walking back to the table, placing it down on the edge. Eruda tries to pick up the chopsticks but as she repositions them, one clatters to the table. Glancing to the book with a sigh, "I w-was trying to-o find that tea you l-liked." -Why the heck was this back, I thought I was over this- Eruda thinks angrily and she continues to try to get those chopsticks to stay in her hand enough to eat. Opening the box and stares at the food with a weird look on her face. Maybe if it was the only thing she focused on, her hands would start working with her.

Was this how it was going to be like now? So nervous that she couldn't even speak a simple sentence. What happened to that your voice will be heard crap... Glancing to Raidou, narrowing her eyes. One would think that after everything, Eruda would be better at this. -Why... please just why...- thinking as she finally manages to get the sticks held right. Picking up a piece of that food, excitement, but the instant sadness as it fell back down into the dish. "Damn it..." Eruda says soft voice and tries again.

Raserei would take that treat and fall back into slumber.

The early sun blares in her eyes, shutting them tighter as of she didn't want to wake yet. After a moment her eyes flutter open, sitting up slowly. The wolfs head pops up, quickly getting to her feet, hopping back onto the couch. Raserei's head was inches from Eruda's before the girl pulls the wolf closer with a small chuckle. It was then that realized Raidou was sitting there. "Geez, I fell asleep on the couch again..." saying this to her familiar in almost a whisper. Unsure how long she was out or how long he was sitting there, Eruda would get up and start brewing some coffee. "I haven't seen you in a while, how have you been since..." Remembering that day she blushes and turns away. The coffee did not take long, pouring herself a cup as she sits with a yawn across from him still flustered. 

Those words said meant the world to her, but when he just doesn't say anything for days... It became clear to Eruda that she was starting to be that girl. Eruda didn't want to be that, annoying and worried all the time. "I'm sorry, I don't know how to do this," Eruda admits, as her eyes narrow to the coffee in her grasp.

Eruda still fast asleep but Raserei head pops up at the whistle of the pot, glancing around with tired eyes. Seeing Raidou sitting down now, glancing to Eruda as she shifts her body facing the cushions. The wolf quickly hops down trying not to get kicked, walks the length of the couch. Softly placing her paws on the edge as she gently takes the book between her teeth. Setting it on the small table, walking to Raidou with a long stretch. It would have been clear that this has happened multiple times, the wolf had gained some form of familiarity with what needed to be done.

Walking to the man, rubbing her head against his leg before taking a seat next to Raidou on the floor. Her eyes, however, were on her master. A small whine could be heard, but it was not from Raserei. Looking up to Raidou, then back to Eruda as it seemed as though she changed positions again. The wolf gives a small whimper before laying down by his feet.  

Grabbing a book she found on the shelf, Eruda had taken to reading again. It had been a very long day, 2 am and she just got back home. Eruda still despised Freyd for bringing her to Hoya again and making it known his true intentions. Eruda couldn't very well leave the new kids standing though. Everything was as it should be, but the one thing that she missed was Raidou. He had not been seen much since the whole Morrighan debacle and Eruda was worried that it had done something to him that was unknown. With a sigh, sitting on the couch with a glass of tea.

The book that she was reading wasn't really about anything, an ingredient of all the different types of tea's that were created throughout history. It was weird to see all the different kinds, most of them sounded delicious, but she was looking for one in particular one. Next thing Eruda knew the book was halfway on her face as tiny snores come from her lips. Raserei was curled into a ball at Eruda's feet sleeping as well.

"Actually," saying as she swallows, she too was munching on the bun. "It was worn out welcome that we met. Hoya was just an hour after. Same day so I guess your partially right," a playful grin was given toward Freyd. Regardless, those days were over. Ones that would always be with her, when she started to move forward with her fears. "That stutter I had was pretty bad. I am so glad that is over with," a weird look appears on her face as she remembered how bad it really was. Eruda also recalls that pendant that Raidou tossed to her that day. You could see Eruda's face turn red at this point. Seeing Lium race off and a sword being handed to Kodo, she begins to walk with the group. 

Not knowing was Kodo or Lium have done, "Stay close you two. Even though this quest seems easy you two are still lower in the levels. I will not allow that recklessness from either of you. I have dealt with is far to many times to deal with it now," looking to Kodo with the up most seriousness. Then to Lium, she didn't know what he had been up to with Celeste, it could go either way. A glance to Freyd, she had a feeling that he knew exactly who she was talking about. Eruda still was unsure what her was up to, but given the quest and the random invite, and the event that just transpired with Eruda and Rai... Eruda had a pretty good idea about what this was about... Unsure how to feel about it, they all walk into the maze.

It was familiar, "We will be going after both today," Eruda didn't really care that Freyd was the one to grab the quest or send out the invites. If she was here, she was going to lead. Eruda had been through these training sessions enough to know exactly what she was doing, and it showed. Larbrook had joined their group after a short conversation, as they continued through.

After a little bit of traveling through this maze, Eruda would stop, close her eyes and focus. Unsure how it worked really, she was winging it for the time being. Eruda would focus on the one creature she fought last time and the minute her eyes opened, the path was clear and set. "This way guys," as she started to walk deeper into the maze.

Using Tracking on Kantaras, the Eastern Hoya Minotaur

Shadowed figures of Firm Anima standing around her, fighting like their lives depended on it. A turn to her right as Freya gets stabbed and falls to the ground, Eruda screams but no words could be heard. A sift clash of a sword against her shield. Pushing it back as another slices her side. A yell as Raidou comes into view and wipes out the crowd, placing a hand on her shoulder... Saying something, but nothing could be heard still. Looking back to Freya with tears in her eyes as Gaius picks Freya up. Griswold charges in and wrecks that crowd of humanoids. That feeling...

Eruda's eyes flash open from the chime of her HUD going off. Sweet drips down her forehead... "What the hell was that..." a hand to her head feeling it wet... Her heart was racing as her chest feel tight. Opening her HUD, it was Freyd. Glancing around at her surroundings, she realized that she fell asleep in her chair at the guild hall again. Taking a deep breath as honey buns fill her nose. When was Freya here... Getting up from her chair to head to the kitchen, there was a plate of bun laying on the counter. Hovering her hand over them, they were still warm. Freya must of just left. They was a note sitting next to the plate.

Eruda just smiles and places the note in her pocket.  Eruda didn't really know what that dream meant, or why it was now that she was having them. Unsure what to make of it. Setting the rolls in a bag, she walks out of the kitchen and sees Kodo walk through the doors. "Oh perfect, your coming with me." Realizing right then that they have not officially met yet. Eruda gives him a smile, "I am sorry, I am Eruda. Freyd has asked me to bring you along." Kodo says nothing, just give Eruda a nod. 

They both travel to floor 3 like Freyd wanted and sees Freyd and Lium who was standing outside the gates. Looking at his icon because Eruda could only think of one reason why. Eruda just rolls her eyes, takes a bun out of the bag and throws one at Freyd. Instant reaction he turns and bobs his head, catching it in his mouth. Eruda chuckles, and wonders why this would be a trap. Eventually she would find out...

Freyd offers and takes one share of: Gugnir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Crème Brûlée Tray | ACC 2 | Feast (4/6)

Eruda | HP: 900/900 | EN: 102/102 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 179 | ACC: 2 | | BH: 49 | LD: 4 | BRN: 56 | BRN IMMUNE | FL. AURA: 16 | FL. THRN: 8 | REC: 8 | TAUNT | THRNS: 72

Eruda would have said more, but Freyd had pretty much covered it all. Firm Anima had been on a huge growth spree and now Rebekah was part of that. Eruda would make her feel as welcome as she could and help where it was needed. They all finish their meals and one by one they start to separate. Staying behind to do the dishes that were created. Eruda knew that her sister would get to it eventually, but she was trying to help out more around the guild. Eruda had been so distracted with other things as of late. 

Drying her hands and gathering her things again, the day was not over. There was more that had to be done, and she couldn't just sit around and drown in her thoughts. Eruda had to keep herself busy. Heading to floor 1 with her wolf in toe, the mobs needed to get their daily clear. Mainly so that new players that showed up and starting level wouldn't have such issues or get overwhelmed with the amount of mobs around them. Thinning out the crowd, but leaving enough would be the best course of action, at least that is what Eruda would believe. This way, there was less of a chance for them to die. 

Quest Complete:

5749/30=191*5=958

Rebekah:
958*4=3832+1000=4832 Exp (Quest complete first time, Word Count)
400 Col (1 Page)
<<Shatter> Ability Unlocked (Tech-D)
Monkey Agility (Uncommon Consumable [potion]): Evasion by 1. Lasts for one thread.

Eruda:
958*9=8622+1000=9622 Exp (Quest complete first time, Word Count)
9622*.15=1443 Col (Laurel Wreath)
<<Shatter> Ability Unlocked (Tech-D)
Monkey Agility (Uncommon Consumable [potion]): Evasion by 1. Lasts for one thread.

Freyd:
958*14= 13412 Exp
13412*.15=2011 Col (Laurel Wreath)
Monkey Agility (Uncommon Consumable [potion]): Evasion by 1. Lasts for one thread.

My head's still spinning from the last time

I loved you Eruda, I always have, and I always will
            I would have given you everything I had
                      I can't live without you. I wasn't living without you.

Eruda kept that smile on her face, a chuckle with the conversation. Freyd was so right though, that day was... It was so special... Like a dream that came true in an instant, too good to be true. Eruda was now waiting for that other shoe to drop. Like everything that she ever wanted was just going to be ripped from her in one swoop. It was the weirdest feeling, fate worked in mysterious ways. Something amazing happens, but then something horrible happens in its place. Nothing is always just black and white in most cases. Only time would truly tell if it was going to last. Eruda was not going to let those thoughts get in the way of what made her happy. That window that she was mentioning to Raidou, it was finally here and she would spend any time she was able to get, to explore this new side of Raidou now that those chains have been broken.

"Hmm assault division, well then you will be seeing a lot of Freya. She truly is a wild one." That smile was kept on her face as her mind rushed around. It wasn't that she was scared, Eruda was just waiting. Whatever happens, will happen...

Eruda just rolls her eyes with a smile. Freyd was half right though, they do have a roster of the guild members. What armor is worn, the weapons they use. It helps everyone stay up to date on their equipment. Eruda was not going to bother the girl with this though. Rebekah would soon find this out for herself if she decided to be involved with everyone in the group. "Well, we are glad that you have chosen us among all the others. I can promise that you will not regret it in the slightest." Giving the girl a smile as her twin walks out, holding 3 plates. One on her arm and 2 held in her hands. Eruda still didn't know how the hell her sister could juggle them like that. Eruda knew couldn't... well, maybe now... She has never attempted it since that one tragic day...

"I have other things to attend to, but I look forward to working with you Rebekah." Setting the plates carefully on the table in front of each person. "Please enjoy," Freya says with a smile and a slight bow before taking her apron off and placing it over her shoulder. Glancing back to Freyd, "Stop terrorizing the poor girl. We want her to stay." It was clear that Freya was listening from the kitchen... Walking out those large doors. She took time from Gaius to be here. Eruda felt a little bad, but she would enjoy the meal regardless. Eruda would have to thank her later. "Sorry about her. Freya is a very busy person." Eruda looks to the meal that was created, it was beautifully made... How did she get this done in so little time... Freya continues to surprise her.

Eruda just chuckles at the total splatter of the giant monkey that was now oh so tiny. Persi went right back to playing around with Raserei like nothing happened. It was clear that something like this was not an issue in the slightest. Looking to Rebekah, "Sure, Freyd?" Glancing to him for an answer, "Sure, I could use great coffee," Freyd just smirks. Eruda knew exactly what Freyd was insinuating. "Freya it is. I will see if she is available." Eruda didn't know if Freya was still taking a break day with Gaius. "My sister and her man Gaius are the best Chef Duo's in Aincrad." Starting to walk back to town as the other 2 follow. It would also give her a chance to see how they were doing. Sending a quick message to Freya as they walk, moments later Eruda get confirmation that it was okay for them to and told Eruda to meet her at the guild hall. 

The party moves to Floor 22

Turning to Rebekah, as they approach a large Cathedral looking building. One that you would see in a scary movie. Trees around it that look like they could be dead. "This is the Cathedral of the Lost. Firm Anima's guild hall. We have everything that you would need to bring with you on a quest. Food, potions, recording crystals, equipment. You name it, we probably have and if we don't, it can be made per request." Walking to the large doors, she pushes them open. It reveals a huge spacious interior. A long large red-ish table right in the middle. A staircase that splits 2 ways just ahead. The smell was an odd mixture of food, metals, sulfur, herbs... You would hear some pans clanking and sizzling of something being made in one of the many rooms this place holds. A blond female walks out with 3 coffee cups. This female looks exactly like Eruda with short hair. "Three Vanilla Moka's with a hint of cinnamon." Setting the cups on the table, "I am Freya, your meals will be done shortly. Freyd," Freya would give a smile to Rebekah with a nod of her head before walking back into the kitchen. Eruda takes a seat in her normal spot at the table, gripping one of those coffee's with a exhale. 

Chuckling just a bit watching the two play cat and mouse with one another, it was clear that they had become good friends. It was nice, so had Freya and Eruda. "Well we are glad to have you in Firm Anima. If you need any help with anything you let us know." A growl from the large Monkey sees Eruda's words cut short. Seeing Perci jump into battle right then, Raserei begins to bare her teeth at this thing 10 times her size. Rebekah also leaps in for some action and right before Eruda could do anything, Sewallus gives a battle cry outburst that sounded like a howl to Eruda. "Really, did you not hear the plan that was said just minutes ago..." The NPC looks at Eruda with a shrug. Quickly pulling out her sword and shield, this was going to be and interesting fight if she couldn't get the large apes full attention. Eruda chose to stand there and observe the combat, after he shield decided that it was going to fizzle out of flame... Eruda give a sigh and keeps her eye on the Monkey who was twitching at the moment.

An out reached hand, waiting, instead she got the whole Raidou with a lift. His face against hers, it was like he was trying to get closer. Eruda could swear she stopped breathing, those eyes so familiar... It was really him, the one that she met all that time ago. This was different though, all this passion, those words... He was holding all of it in... Those tears kept rolling down her cheek as he spoke, but a smile was held. Eruda's heart was beating faster by the second as she listens. It was everything that she has wanted for a very long time now. It was here, that moment was here and she couldn't find any words to say. A star bursts... Eruda was overwhelmed with happiness that she never thought was possible until now... Every word was absolutely breathtaking, literally... 

"Please share your world with me."

Then she heard these words, without a thought she says "My world has always been yours, I was just waiting for you to come back home. Thank you for coming back to me," this was said in a soft cracky voice, through those tears that wouldn't stop, but full of passion. Eruda's head placed against his once more, "My world is nothing without you Raidou," saying as she holds his hand close to her face. Those butterflies in her stomach, she felt like her legs would go out at any moment, Raidou was the one keeping them afloat... Eruda just wanted to stay like this forever. Capture this moment, so that it didn't fade. Not knowing what would come after this, she knew that everything would be okay now... Holding that gaze, her tears would stop eventually, "Always and Forever," saying softly, that smile never left. Just a while longer...

Unsure how much time had passed, Eruda lifts her head slowly and completely spaced where they were. In that moment, she saw nothing but Raidou. Glancing to Freyd, biting her bottom lip softly as her eyes narrow a bit with a blush. A small shift of her body, wrapping that arm around her shoulders still holding that hand as she set her head in Raidou's shoulder. "Let's get out of here," looking to Freyd as she says this, before a glance to Morrighan, "You will see us again soon, thank you," she would say as she waits for Freyd to leave first, that is if he even wanted to. As much as Eruda wished she could stay here with Raidou forever, there were other things that needed to get done. Other people that needed to be convinced. Moving forever forward, nothing is impossible...

"Yea, me too. Was eventually going to do this quest, but uh... Front lines happened." Joy washed over her followed by a playful glare to Freyd. Raserei takes a few steps forward after realizing that this female was not a threat to Eruda. Rubbing her head against a leg, guiding it to the girl's hand. A full grown wolf, very friendly until she saw something threatening in the mist beyond. Rebekah would see that soon enough. Grabbing a bite of what Freyd had brought, the buff activates and they were ready to head out. 

After the tale, Eruda found it a bit interesting. They would meet up with the NPC Sewallus who would be joining them on the conquest. Sending a party invite to this individual, he would accept it and join the party. "The giant ape should be just around the corner, stay behind your tank, I will take the damage, if it lasts that long..." Turning to Freyd with a grin knowing what he was capable of doing. This would be over fairly shortly, if he hit the thing. Eruda would let the girl experience for herself what Firm Anima could do. In those spoken words, they would sound different from moments ago. Eruda's leadership would bleed through in a serious matter. It would be clear that this was not the first time she had helped out someone new. 

Eruda would get to her feet, tears uncontrollable. The woman that stood did not change form, but that switch was remarkable. Those words... Eruda could not even express what she was feeling just that it was a lot. Those blue eyes look to Eruda and her face gets flustered. After a few more words, Raidou looks back, Eruda bites her bottom lip softly. Repeating in her head after it was said -Nothing is Impossible- a single step forward. A glance toward Montjoy, it seemed he felt the same way Eruda was at the moment. Looking back to Raidou as his mother vanishes and Nisa's words come out. They changed his Fate for him... Eruda's heart sinks, did they actually do it. As they walk around that tree, coming back into view, Raidou was no longer a boy, but the man that she had seen only a few times before. Those tears were still washing down her face, but it was happiness that she felt. 

Another step forward and an out reached hand toward Raidou. A soft smile toward Nisa that move to Raidou. Eruda was still unsure how this was really going to change things, how he was going to react. It was a chance that she was willing to take though. Fate always finds a way...

"Yea" she says to Freyd while watching tiny Raidou wonder a bit. Eruda knew that it had to of started at a young age given the conversation about his father, but she didn't know just how young until now. Raidou couldn't be more than 10 in this image. Eruda didn't know how to feel right now. The fact that what she did wasn't the cause gave her a little relief, but then the fact that she added to it. Her heart ached at the feeling. No matter, she would stay by his side regardless. Raidou being in this form did not make her love him any less. If anything the scales were pushed forward. 

Freyd mentions Raidou's mother and Eruda's heart sunk. If Raidou's mother was within Morrighan, she knew exactly what that meant. Thoughts went straight to -what the hell did his father do...- This was all under assumption, but it was something that she couldn't help thinking. Hearing Freyd call out for Morrighan, she stays kneeled on the grass. Her eyes would not leave Raidou's sight... Another tear falls down her cheek...  

Shuffling papers around, there had been so many different updates for quests from the Cardinal system. It was a lot to keep on top of. Not only that, there had been a lot of new recruits coming into Firm Anima. Eruda was glad to see how quickly it was growing. With everything getting back on target the way it was suppose to be, Eruda would go back to helping these new recruits find their way. Eyeing a few more papers on the red plastered table, a chime of her HUD caught her attention. Opening this message, a name that she didn't recognize. A new recruit maybe, Monkey King... Closing her HUD she scrabbles through the papers and finds that quest. It was one that was in fact updated. Reading through it quickly, knowing now that it was not a heavy mob, Eruda wouldn't have to bring anything special this time. Cleaning up her mess, setting them into a neat pile as they were before.

Eruda opens her HUD quickly and sents a message to Freyd, a new found relationship that she wished to explore. 

The chime of a sent message as she gets to her feet and starts gathering her things. "Raserei, wanna come." The wolf jumps up in excitement and heads straight for the door. Eruda chuckles a bit before opening that door and heads to the designated area.

Arriving in that village on floor 8, it had been some time since she had been here. The smell of damp natures fill her senses, glancing around, she finds that NPC and a girl. Grabbing the quest herself and approaching her, "I am Eruda, Vangaurd Division. You must be Rebekah," as Eruda introduces herself, her wolf sit next to her feet, staring up at this woman with a slightly tilted head. A smile "And this is Raserei. I have invited one other who can help with damage output. I will be tanking." Sending Rebekah a party invite, while they wait for the last to show or message back or something to indicate that they should be moving forward.

Freyd shares: Gugnir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Crème Brûlée Tray | ACC 2 | Feast (4/6)

Eruda | HP: 880/880 | EN: 100/100 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 179 | ACC: 2 | | BH: 48 | LD: 2 | BRN: 56 | BRN IMMUNE | FL. AURA: 16 | FL. THRN: 8 | REC: 8 | TAUNT | THRNS: 72

Those arms wrap tightly around the man while Freyd spoke. Eruda wouldn't give him the change to run away, not this time. A tear slips down her cheek, she couldn't say anything yet. Eruda just wanted Raidou to know she was there, sometimes actions spoke louder than words. This world starts to spin and twirl, Eruda just closes her eyes. 

Arriving at a familiar place, she could see that light through her shut eyes. Even though she was not aware that they were coming back here, it was a good idea. A relaxing place that felt realer than anything they have ever felt in this game. It was actually refreshing. Eruda could feel a weight though... Opening her eyes, she was holding a mini Raidou. Eruda couldn't help but smile, he was so cute... This was no time though. Setting Raidou softly on the ground, the soft padded grass beneath their feet. Getting down on her knees now to become the same height at Raidou. Holding his tiny hands in hers. "I hear you Raidou, but I was not listening." It pains her to admit but it was true. "It took me some time, for that I am truly sorry." Sincerity in her eyes as they water a bit. "I will not stand here and watch you fade away like you expect us to do. You matter too Raidou, just as much as everyone else we know and love." Holding those hands in hers, giving them a squeeze. "There is another path to take then the road you walk, you just need to want it enough to try. I am not going anywhere, we are not going anywhere Raidou." Eruda with a tear against her cheek gazing into the tiny familiar eyes. "Please let us help you..."   

Without looking at Freyd while he spoke, but hearing every word. "I think you might be right," saying almost plainly. If Eruda did cause this path to form, she would correct it. It was the least that she could do. Eruda shakes her head, gets to her feet, and begins to pace again. Opening her HUD and looking to Raidou's name, a pause... Closing her HUD, more pacing. It was clear that she was a bit nervous. The way things ended last time was not ideal and that message that Raidou got less than an hour later from Eruda. Even after she was told not to proceed with Morrighan, she jumped in after Sam. Raidou and Eruda have not spoken since then and it had been a week. "Shit" saying as those footfalls stop. Closing her eyes and taking a large inhale. This had to be done, she had to do this, they needed to do this. Would Raidou even what to talk to her after that... -NO I HAVE COME TO FAR TO THINK LIKE THIS. SENT THE DAM MESSAGE-...

Eruda opens that HUD back up and taps on Raidou name. Sending the location that she stood with a small message, please come, I don't like how things ended last time.

With a chime the message was sent. The moment she saw Raidou, Eruda will pull him into a hug. -Please come Raidou- she thinks as her eyes narrow a bit. "I sent him a message and location. I can only hope that he comes..." Eruda would say to Freyd.

When Freyd was explaining those tools, she could feel her chest tighten. Knowing that Raidou was in deep but not knowing how far he had gone. The Man in Red, the Red Wanderer. Eruda had only heard rumors about him... That red robe that he held against his shoulders is what started this, his heart, that first time that Eruda left amongst everyone else... Eruda did not know that it caused that much damage, but she had her suspicions. Everything happened so fast and even though it may have been a very stupid decision, it was also a very brilliant one. Raidou was doing the same thing that Morrighan was but in a much different way. He was preparing us for something more, something bigger than himself, as was Morrighan. 

That promise that Freyd had with Raidou, Freyd was right, it would set Raidou free in some regards... "As much as I appreciate the thought, I think it goes much deeper than that. Yes, it could help with that healing factor and allow him to breath." Somehow she wasn't surprised that Rai had gone in this deep.

That stuff about his father came to mind. How he treated those people in training and what was being taught. That killing blow, she has seen it in Kasumi too. That anger that Rai carried for all those years and then coming here. Watching those player killers do the exact same thing but worse. Of course he wanted to stop these people. It was something that he could control here in the game. Who knows what would of happened if he tried to undermine his father. From what he told her, it was clear that his father didn't give a damn about Raidou. It was just about what he would gain in the end and didn't care about how many people he hurt on the way.

Eruda continues to think down that rabbit hole of emotional demand. Maybe it was something that she missed, maybe something she was told and unintentionally ignored. There had to be something... Eruda would start from the beginning, dig deeper, regardless of how painful it might have been...

Freyd would see Eruda close her eyes and take a slow, deep breath, hold it before letting it out. Setting her hands on her knee's, Eruda wouldn't blame Freyd if he left before being done.

If you now stand before me, one that I assumed lost to time, then it shows that potential to those I thought gone to the cardinal creature could find reality again as well.

Only the first of many conversations held, she shakes her head a bit as she tries to piece together something that would seem impossible right now...

I was forced to become something I never imagined I would. Even still I am unconvinced that I am right for what needs to be done. But if not me, then who would?
          We want to survive this, then stick to the correct trail I've burned. We've burned into this place. No risks, be prepared, Know your enemy. I preach these, for reasons that so many fail to see

Freyd would see Eruda's eyes squint as they stay closed... She has heard this all before, she just wasn't listening... How could she be so stupid...

I'd never let such a thing control me, and I do not know its intention
          I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, for the other side of that coin to come and take it away. You. The guild. I am still worried that as before something somewhere will try to take you all away from me
We must not forget that this place is fiction, only the bonds we share are truth. The rest can be changed.
            With Haine, with Ruri, with the guild and the other captains. With you, I am happy. I just want to keep it

With Haine's help she was able to understand what happened with Haine, Kiluia and Ruri. It was something similar that happened to Freya. Eruda felt that pain, the thought of her twin being gone, dead, it was like she had lost a piece of herself. It is a feeling that she couldn't bare at the time. Eruda could only imagine what Raidou felt like when those 3 and her just vanished... Freyd would see a tear roll down Eruda's cheek...

I thought that it would save you the trouble of mourning my death, but now I am not quite so sure I die here. Before I was convinced it was inevitable, that it was impossible for me to survive this

Her chest starts to ache as she continues down memory lane...

Why destroy when you can build, why demoralize when you can encourage
             It means quite a bit knowing that you have such faith in me, but It may be misguided. I am still not so sure that I will survive this place, as such, such plans for the future are far beyond my current scope. I don't want expectations to fall  short of reality, it's less painful that way. Aim for the best, but expect the worst

It seems as though he is not expecting to get out of here alive, to see that true world again, on the other hand, it seems like he hopes he will. That world that he is building or has already accomplished, with or without him, Raidou would know that he made a difference...

 It wasn't something I thought I needed until I had it 

...

Eruda opens her eyes slowly with a few blinks and a sniffle. Remembering that day when Jubilex tried to latch on but couldn't. "I feel so stupid," Eruda says as her chest burns with emotions that she hadn't felt in a while. "He has been trying to tell me, but I just didn't understand... I couldn't understand..." A hand rises to her cheek, drying them. Getting to her feet now, Eruda starts to pace back and forth. This goes on for a while before another word was said...

Stopping abruptly, "He is scared..." a pause as she recaps everything into words that would be understood. "When Haine, Kil, Ruri, when I vanished with no words for years, he deemed us dead. It was also around the same time the Firm Anima was being created." Eruda began to pace in the sand again as she spoke. "It had to be also around the same time that he started doing all that other stuff that made him think he became a monster. Also, when the Red Wanderer rumor started or at least within that time frame we were gone." A hand goes to her head, thoughts racing almost too fast to keep up with. "When we showed back up that armor, that shield that he created was already formed and hard set." Brushing that hand through her hair releasing that pony as that blonde mess scapes over her cheeks. "Raidou has accepted death through pure protection, almost expecting us and Firm Anime to be taken right under his feet again." Taking a deep breath as her chest tightens. "I do not blame him for feeling that way. When I thought I lost Freya, Freyd it was the worst thing in the world." 

Sitting back down next to Freyd with a sigh, "Raidou was too far down that rabbit hole to just go back or even come back." Another tear, she was so stupid, she wasn't hearing what was being said before... "That path he walks is a security method, to ensure that everything, everyone, stays where they should be and not on that Monument." She began to believe it was her fault that he carved this path. If she just would have stayed, dealt with those feeling instead of running. Would Raidou still be where he was at if she just stayed all those years ago. "We just need to convince him that dying is not his only option," Eruda says this through tears, her heart ached with that pain. Letting her feet dangle of the edge of this cliff side trying her best to stay calm. It was very hard though... Staring out into the deep blue sea before them. Did she really do this...

Eruda's eyes narrow, watching that sand slip through his fingers. Like a dream that she wasn't going to allow to fade. It was more than that, and Freyd was right. They both needed a break. The fact that Freyd agreed with her came a surprise. "I think that I have been focusing on the wrong things," she admits. "I have been trying so hard to get those secrets that I know he keeps from me, and even though yes, they might help with the outcome that I am trying to get, I don't think it is they way to go about it." A deep sigh, she was starting to understand more and more about what Raidou was. That love that she has for this man, it weighs more that anything bad that Raidou could have possibly done in the past. She did not care that he had to kill to get to where he was. If put in the same position and if given no other choice, it would have been the exact same for her. -I did what I had to do- she thought. One thing amongst so much more that Raidou had mentioned. 

"I am trying to give him a break, but every time I try he keeps pulling back. The one word that comes up is time. He doesn't have the time to spend to take a break." Biting her bottom lip, thinking about that morning, about how far it would have gone if he just allowed himself that time, that break period. Eruda's eyes meet Freyd's now, she was beginning the feel like she could actually trust this man. Before it was not there, it was more of an alliance with her sister that caused something to shift. This man meant a lot to her sister and she has been told several of times that Freya trusted this man with her life. Those two men in Freya's life that would do anything for her. After what Eruda saw with Morrighan, how it effected Freyd. Maybe she should start making that leap too. 

Keeping that gaze to Freyd, "There was something that I didn't mention to you or Freya before. I said a little bit and was not sure it mattered enough to go into detail." Pulling her legs into a criss-cross position. "After recent discussions with Raidou, it feels like it could somehow be helpful, but without knowing certain things, I can't make that specific connection." Eruda's eyes moves to the sky, that heat against her face. It was nice to just sit here and relax, something that she wished Raidou could do. "Morrighan is creating an army, those souls, given us that strength. That army is us Freyd, Firm Anima, a large group of courageous hearts, ones willing to go all the way and do what has to be done. Fight until the very end," a glance to Freyd again to gage his reaction. "Morrighan wants to help get everyone out of this unjust game, as does Raidou. As a I said before, he is creating a world of peace. I just don't know how. I feel like it is connected, that there are similarities to both of them, but again, I don't know some things." There was a disturbed look on her face as her eyes narrow to the sand. "It's like I'm missing one key point, one that might just help Raidou except Morrighan and what she has to offer."

That connection, those sparks, the flames, pure energy merging with one another. Raidou and her made a real connection that morning, "Remember when I mentioned that merging dream thing to Nisa, I really think that it is somewhere that Raidou could be, to share with me without time actually passing. A break for him, to show him that there is more than just bloodshed in this world. Something that he could enjoy without thinking about everything else that needed to get done. A break." Knowing damn well how hard she has been trying with Raidou, she knew that the only way this would ever be possible was through Morrighan. Those dreams that she shared with so many, ones that felt so real. "Freyd you have to give me something, anything..." Aside from trying to convince Raidou that this was the only way, she needed him to know that he didn't need to fight this battle alone. That there was another way than just throwing himself into the pit. 

Sweat dripping down the side of her head, each breath sharp upon inhale. Was this ever going to end, they just kept coming around every corner. A glance to Freya, she was in the same position, every angle was full of the soldiers. Quickly pulling her shield up as she finds a sword come right at her, she stumbles backwards. This was not good, screaming in the distance from nearly every direction. Eruda was doing what she could, but there was just to many of them. They were even beginning to surround Raidou... Slightly hearing what Freyd said, she was not going to let Raidou die today. It was not his time yet, not here. Bashing one of the men in the face and carving another with her blade. It was becoming too much for just her... Her eyes move in every direction, trying to keep an close watch on everyone. More follow that same trail toward her, her breathing was heavy. 

Suddenly the ground starts to shake, Eruda looks up thinking that it was another Scather fire attempt... Panic filled her eyes. This was going to hurt a little. Right then that orange fire could be seen in the distance. Griswold charges in and everyone that was around her flew in every which direction like bowling pins. "Elda your Shield," Eruda raised her shield in from of her as they stood there waiting for the right moment. She had not a clue what her father was going to do, but she would listen to him regardless. Griswold did just come in like a wrecking ball and save her ass after all. The men started to surround them now, that blue and orange fire light under the feet intertwining with one another. 

Full circle around them, right them Griswold looks to Eruda, "Hold your ground," Eruda would readjust her feet a bit to get ready for whatever was to come. It was clear that he was planning something she just didn't know what, and as that thought crossed her mind, a catastrophic shock could be felt down her arm and Griswold bashed that war hammer against that piece of metal. A large outburst of flame light everything in the surrounding area on fire, including those men that held a threat to Firm Anima and the others around them. A few run around yelling at the top of their lungs trying to put themselves out, others were just gone in the wind. A glancing of understanding before they continue this fight together. Like father, like daughter right...