Kiru

I walked away from Drat while answering his question from awhile back. "No, I'm done evaluating the situation. Don't interfere, Mari and I can handle this." I pulled open my HUD and equipped one of my boss drops. If this Echo kid was going to retaliate then I didn't wan't to run the risk of being injured. I wrapped my fingers tighter around the grip of my dagger and stepped forward. Without daring to make eye contact with Echo I stabbed him in the chest exactly where Mari had previously hit. I pulled out the blade and turned to face Kaito. "I need to have a chat with you when this is over." I faced Mari once more and added in low voice: "Don't kill him. Even he deserves to live." 

ID: 12673; BD 9 (+2 Base +6 Dagger +1 ATH = +9)

Mari 79/79

Kiru 90/90

Echo 24/51 (-9)

After receiving a not so warm look back from Mari and warned the players, the battle still went, or so it seemed. It wasn't long after my little speech that Mari began to contradict what I said. I looked back at her with a raised eyebrow and a hand on my hip. "Yeah it might be best to leave them to kill one another! Let's just let everyone and their mother just go on a killing spree! Would that be nice? Yeah, no. But if these idiots kill each other then I'll be stepping in. No one is being murdered here today. I-!" I began to finish speaking to Mari but suddenly the player named Kaito was shoved into me by none other than Mari. My body didn't move at all, in fact I caught him at the last second. I still maintained a tight hold on him as Mari continued. I glared down at the player I held, then back at Mari. 

"I'm not destroying my ideals Mari. It's my job." I hissed at the pink haired player. She was being totally unfair by trying to make me feel guilty and have second thoughts about my decisions. I was doing the right thing. I glanced down at Katio and stared with cold eyes, he had the audacity to smirk. "I'm not going to stab you quite yet." I said, almost as if I was hushing him. He then broke away suddenly and began attacking the white haired male. I sighed and rubbed the back of my neck, things were going to get ugly from here on out. 

Looking back at Mari again, I explained my point further. "Mavericks who just hunt and kill for the fun of it aren't welcomed and I am asked to exterminate or apprehend them on the spot. Even if these figurative ideals of mine were to be shattered I doubt anything would change. Also, I hadn't even evaluated the issue at hand. Once there is a crime committed I will do something. Try and stop me but this is the one thing that I don't want to screw up! Hold me back, heck try killing me but I know what I need to do!" A knot formed in my stomach as soon as those words left my mouth. It didn't feel very humane of me to be saying any of this to Mari. She and I were "technically" friends but not, a certain battle would decide whether it would stay that way.

"Katana huh?" I thought of this for a second, a sword. It was a strange concept for me, it wasn't my cup of tea. I had wielded a sword recently but it didn't feel right. It was too heavy and it left an insane amount of vulnerable spots to be hit as I swung the sword. It was an overused weapon with too many flaws for me. That was also a virtue in a way, I knew every weak spot to hit when up against a sword user. 

I chuckled when he admitted that this was not the floor he was looking for. "No, this wouldn't be the floor, nothing really comes out fairly on this floor for the entire time I've been here." I tilted my head back again and tried to remember what floor was actually the best for farming. Floor 1? Floor 7?

I nearly fell backwards when the male suddenly was close to my face. I had spaced out for a second and now here he was. I straightened up and maintained balance as I thought of the right words to explain my case. Normally I would push everyone away but I was just not in the mood to say "no" to everything and everyone. After a minute I looked back to the player. "Well you see, I am what some call a Maverick Hunter. I hunt down PKers with wrong deeds and kill them or send them away. It's only natural that some would want to kill me before I get a chance to kill them. Only, they come in groups and are annoying to deal with. So, I don't like hangin' around anywhere very long."

I scoffed a little at Kosan's words. There were some truth to them but they also sounded a bit crazy. Upon joining Azure I still wasn't on a "side." It was because of Keith I joined. Otherwise I probably would still be a solo player with screwed up thoughts. Even though I joined a guild there wasn't ever going to be a "side" for me. Mostly everyone in Azure was a PKer for different reasons, some for greed or self defense but it was the same. They all had a label over their heads; that orange crystal warded everyone away but attracted hate. I guess that was what made me accept the invite to Azure though, everyone had an issue. If they were limited because of the cursors then I could take a stand for Keith and them. Still, I wasn't on any one side of the coin. I didn't agree with Pking, yet I threatened and acted like one. 

I looked right at Mari. The vibrancy in her cerulean eyes were now toned down to just a light blue with nothing standing out about them. Her posture was relaxed, even when she defended me and snapped at Kosan. With closed eyes I stared at my pale hands. "It depends on the situation Kosan. I have a different job in the guild. I'm also you superior...and my work takes a bigger toll on me." 

Kosan began with making a love connection between Mari and Daeron, comparing him with Alkor. This wasn't right. But, he kept going. He insisted on pushed the dagger deeper into the wound. Watch out not don't die like Alkor did. That was when he crossed the line. Kosan did know what he had just done. "Kosan" I breathed with anger and bolted upwards from my sitting position. "don't you dare speak of Alkor like that. You didn't know him and you obviously cannot just shut your mouth for once without trying to hurt others! I swear, something happened when I wen't away for like a week. You somehow now have the ability to speak to me with hate and stand up to Mari. What the heck happened?" I asked rhetorically. I didn't actually want to even know what happened because I knew it was going to be a sob sotry full of excuses. 

Slowly then all at once things spun in a horrible direction. Mari hardly gave me a look when eye contact was made, she meant business. No emotion, not even a nod was given to me. I frowned and inspected the other players' actions. One was hesitating to hit the button, one was looking like he was enjoying himself with the player's troubled decision. I glanced at the other player, who seemed to be coaxing the other into hitting the accept button on his HUD. Mari's dagger was in her hand the next time I looked at her; this was bad. Apparently the battle options were forced, there was no going back now for those three. Mari stepped forward, spinning her dagger like I would, and began to hand out threats in a barbed tone.

Before I knew it there were two other males, one clearly recognizable as Drat. We had once been in the same guild but it was only for about two days before it disbanded. But, I had moved on from that little "disagreement" and joined another guild. The other player beside Drat was an unknown face, who looked like he was annoyed by Drat's behavior. He had been yelling and screaming for the violence to stop, that he wanted peace, but all he got was Mari's cold stare and a threatening action. This lead him to come running this way, into the safe zone and next to me. I stared at him for a moment then looked at Mari with a troubled look. Had she meant to kill anyone? These thoughts filled my head as soon as more blood lust was shown.

"Crap. What the heck am I supposed to do?! This was the exact thing I was afraid of when I accepted Azure's invite. Would I have to kill Mari if she made a move on those three? I don't have a jail crystal.. Would anyone here actually fight? Oh man...here we go.." I pulled out my own dagger and stepped out of the safe zone towards Mari and the other players. I paused to give Mari a mixed look. Half disappointed and half concerned. Moving on, I looked at the three players about to commence battle and pointed my dagger in their general direction. "If this is a battle to the death then expect a hefty price to pay. No one who kills here is leaving alive. I am allowing this "friendly battle" to continue but you have two options. Let the timer run out or kill each other and face me. I'm not bluffing either; it's my job." 

After Mari gave a small nod to confirm that he was not a guest I glanced back at the cloaked figure and his offering. The smell of it made me nauseous for some reason. I pushed that aside knowing that I probably just didn't like them smell of it. With a sigh I plopped onto the the blanket ungracefully and stared up at Kosan. "Boy you sure are an idiot not to recognize me. It's Kiru. I didn't come here for a personality evaluation by the likes of you. And no I would not like any of your tea, it's bringing me bad vibes." I said with a subtle glare and a slightly venomous tone. It had been maybe a month since I had last seen my fellow guild mate but I still couldn't get the words he said to me out of my mind. He had changed quite a bit from the day I met him. It was like all of his curiosity and joy was stripped of him, leaving a young man with no purpose. But of course, that probably wasn't the case. 

My eye flicked to the left to see that Mari had taken the agonizing cup of strange liquid. At first she seemed to enjoy it but her happiness turned to anger within seconds. Startled just a bit, I scooted away from Mari until I could get a clear explanation of what was happening. She screamed some profanity at him all while throwing the cup but the one thing I picked out of the mess was "Calming Honey." A shiver ran down my spine at the remembrance of that awful day. Yes, the potion worked but it was just so bad after you became aware of the influence you were under. That feeling was like me finding out that I had spilled my entire life story and secrets to Vile or someone. Overall, it was harsh and I could totally understand Mari's anger.

But there was also the part where Mari had created it. She should have been aware of her own vials on ugly fluids by now....

From the corner of my eye, midst of the madness, I could recognize two figures approaching. The first was obviously Daeron, but with a different feel to him. Instead of mocking me on sight he greeted with kindness, a lot different than last time. The other player looked extremely familiar. The only information I could pick out about him was "Alton." Nothing else came to mind. "Mari~ It seems that either Kosan has a death wish or everyone has been buying your potions!" I said in a sing-song voice to conceal my laugh. I was trying my best not to bust out with giggles at a time like this. 

Just inside the walls of the main safe zone of Floor 1 I sat on a bench and observed those around me. Judging from the gear I could conclude that no one within a mile was even close to my level or skill. I leaned my head back to stare up at the sky but I was unpleasantly surprised by the sun. The blinding light hit my eyes, causing me to close them immediately and rub them. After a minute of constant blinking and rubbing I squinted around me. "Ugh." I groaned and tapped my foot impatiently on the stone ground of the Starting City. "Why do I even come here anymore? It's just a bunch of low levels roaming around doing nothing but blocking my way." I sighed and shot up from my sitting position. 

If there was one thing I could do on Floor 1, it was to hunt for PKers. I made my way slowly to the wall just outside of the town and began my search. Almost right away I saw some action; it was my lucky day I guess. An orange player and two green players seemed to be starting a duel. I looked at the trio until my eye landed upon the one with snow colored hair. He had starter gear on yet he was initiating a duel with these two? Crazy. This guy was peculiar. Being a natural cynic I narrowed my eyes at the boy. Either he was a complete idiot or he had something up his sleeve. 

I leaned against the wall and smirked at the scene about to unfold. It had been awhile since I had seen a PvP duel so this was bound to be entertaining. 

Today was odd, but seemingly normal. It occurred to me that I would never have another normal day in Sword Art Online but today, was one of those days. I had cleared out my entire day to meet with another player. It was a rare occasion for me to sustain conversations with other people but to invite them for tea was definitely an uncommon experience. This talk wouldn't be about battle strategies or my personality "issues," it would be a lax meeting with someone I hoped to befriend. This young lady and I shared unique things. Our hair was both different, mine being two toned, hers being candy colored pink; it reminded me of cotton candy. But her hair wasn't the thing that possessed me to ask her to join me for tea. I suppose you could say it was just to mainly talk crap about other players, talking about the deceased, and hopefully see eye to eye. Whichever direction this meet up went, I would go with it. 

I draped the blue scarf casually around my neck and smiled at the remembrance of the gift. It was the first gift I had received from Keith. At the time I didn't really like him in the way I did now but I respected him. I touched my hands to my cheeks and puffed them out. I pressed force against them, causing my cold breath to be seen and smiled a little. This motion was something I did all the time as a kid. Of course I didn't go outside much because it wasn't allowed by my parents but every once in a while I could go and see the snow. I could run around and be a kid. Being older now, I took the opportunity greedily and did the same motions until I was out of breath. As out of breath as I was I still continued until I finally saw a familiar flash of pink contrasting upon the white blanket of snow that covered Floor 4 of Aincrad.

I stopped in my tracks and examined the situation. From here I could already tell who the other player was. "Kosan." I muttered and shoved my hands in the pockets of my jacket as I walked forward, shoving past him. I looked to the left and saw the exchange happening, Mari was being handed a cup of liquid. There was a honey color to it so I assumed it was tea. The tea was different though somehow, it seemed familiar in a sense. I cleared my throat and leaned forward to look at Mari's Cerulean eyes. "Oi, you didn't invite him did you?" I asked, visibly annoyed while pointing left to Kosan. 

I chewed cautiously on the chocolate and listened to Ariel's story. It was more like a hearing to me. Since my memories of what happened were hazy this would be what decided my judgement. If I was going to believe Ariel and X or just call bull. It was hard thing to decide but overall I knew I wouldn't really trust every word they said to me. When she finished off with another "neechan" I bit my cheek so hard it bled because I couldn't stand it. Wait a minute. Ariel was in my guild? My eyes widened a little when she said the words "Azure Brigade." I hadn't even been informed of her joining the guild, this was new news to me. "Well then. Welcome to the Brigade." I said all while managing to keep my voice steady although I was not. Ariel being in my guild was way too much. After she had seen me, however I was acting, there was no way I could face my guild with her. It would be embarrassing if she told Azure about this. 

I shook the thoughts clouding my head and crossed my arms. My eyes shifted from X, then back to Ariel with an unusual coldness to them. After what she said I had smirked. "You know what Ariel? You're right. If Keith had done that then I wouldn't have acted the same. You know why? Because Keith wouldn't have done that, he would have handled it smoothly. Keith doesn't go around killing people at random you know. If Keith did happen to react the same then I would have probably been on his side. No matter what Keith does, I'll do. If he jumps of the edge of Aincrad I would jump with him. It's because Keith is probably the only person I give every ounce of trust to." I admitted to her. Yes, it was true that I didn't need to say any of that to X but if I didn't then who would? He would just go around killing people, then someone else would come to kill him. I hadn't meant for it to sound nice and fluffy; he wouldn't learn that way. "It's pretty obvious that I do not treat others "correctly," but, that's none of your concern. That's my problem Ariel! If I'm touched then I'll handle it. If someone attacks me then I'll handle it. I don't want anyone coming into my affairs to "help" me. I don't need to be saved!" 

"Ariel. I've been in this game as long as you have. If you think I haven't changed one bit since I got here then your'e wrong. Until one day at random I bumped into a blue haired idiot I had different views. I used to think that this was just a game. That you couldn't die! I went around screwing with other people until I got a major reality check." This was where I completely lost it. Ariel could go around assuming things all she wanted but the moment she proclaimed an untrue statement about me, I just snapped. Every "wall" that I had built for moments like these broke down and I was left vulnerable. "I've been alone my entire life until I got here Ariel! I may be bitter but...I'm n-not alone anymore! I have Keith, Azure, and a few friends that don't like me just for material things! They actually enjoy my presence!" The rage in my eyes slowly diminished as I thought of how foolish I was being. What was I doing? Seriously, out of everything I could have said to her this was what I chose? 

"It...it doesn't matter what happened to me IRL! It doesn't matter..." This. This was the reason why I had even consumed the potion in the first place. Not that I was lonely, I was just tired of it all. The constant harping on my behavior, the repetitive stares, all the expectations that I knew I could never live up to. The rumors around about the player named Kiru was my least problem. The nightmares about Keith leaving left me restless for the longest time. But that wasn't my biggest problem, I was. The biggest issue I had was myself. I could care less about what everyone thought of me but there was price of it all. I knew exactly what I did hurt other people; I knew my own sins yet I continued to commit them. It was a hard thing for me to explain, it was just something you felt. "Don't..." I muttered and looked Ariel dead in the eye. "Don't you dare start crying in front of me." 

To avoid Ariel, I looked at X, who seemed like a lost puppy. Even after all of the things I had said to him, he still looked up to me as his superior. I drew in a sharp breath and crouched down so I was face to face with X. "X, don't ever become orange. It isn't worth it. You have no town privileges and everyone stares at you like you murdered a child. It's not fun or exhilarating. Trust me. I may not be orange but Keith is, and I've gone into the town with him, it's pretty harsh. So, next time you lust for blood, PM me and I'll come and deal with it. But, don't throw the time away you have here." I flashed a quick smiled and stood up to look at Ariel. 

"It's possible to be lonely even though someone is beside you."

I pointed to myself, "I'm not your," I poked at stern finger at Ariel. "...neechan." I hissed with visible anger. Ariel was somehow different than the last time I saw her. She seemed like she knew something I didn't. It was like she knew something about me that I didn't know myself. I tried listening to Ariel explaining what happened but the only thing I caught from what she said was that Keith made me a flower crown. With wide eyes I brought my hand to my head and carefully took the crown off. I held it in between my fingers and inspected it. The delicate weaving of the stems were strong enough to support the flowers. Just like him. I smiled just a little but blankly stared at the arrangement in my hands as I said: "Keith was here? What...what was he doing?" I asked and held the crown at my side.

There was also something interesting that Ariel said: I used a potion of contentness. Mari's strange concoction was supposed to to me good, make me forget my worries. It worked but for some reason I didn't like the off feeling. That potion. I then remembered why exactly I had consumed the potion and frowned just a little bit. "Drinking a simple potion won't make me forget everything that happened! Jeez I am such an idiot sometimes. What did I expect? To just magically be in less or no pain when the potion wore off? That's not possible. Even if it was for fun...it's not acceptable. I not only made a fool of myself but I have made an acquaintance that I can't even remember. This really is a bad day after all." 

My head spun to X. The crazy words he uttered almost made me explode? He was touching me? "X. If you killed that guy then I would have had no choice but to kill you. Murdering other players isn't something you just do for no reason. I know I'm being a hypocrite but if he was touching me, then you stay out of it. I'll handle it next time. " I spoke as if X were a child I was giving a lecture to. Funny thing was, X is a child to me. 

Ariel box of alluring chocolates had finally gotten to me, it was hard to resist them until now. I nodded at the female and plucked out a chocolate cream candy. I bit into the sweet slowly and hid the fact that I was in act, enjoying the delectable. I had once faltered in front of Keith. There was no way I was doing it in front of these two. 

I clutched my stomach tightly and took a deep breath. The potion was no longer working and it had left a very annoying side affect. My eyesight was blurry but also my stomach was giving me excruciating pain. If that wasn't enough, there were people to witness this. Suddenly, I felt a hand press onto my back. I stood up straight and rudely slapped the hand away from my back, like it was poisonous or something. It took a moment but my vision came back to me. I swallowed hard and glared at Ariel.

To my right, a male was walking away. His black hair and walk weren't familiar at all but somehow I remembered his name. "Alton." I whispered and stared at the back of his head as he walked away, completely disappearing from sight. 

Next, on the ground was X. I flared my nostrils down at him and shot daggers with my eyes. "X, I thought I told you never to kneel to me again. Did that thick skull of yours forget what would happen if you did it again?" I asked, violence dripping on the edge of my words. Right now I had absolutely no idea what happened when I did drink the potion but all I knew was that I wouldn't be buying it again. Surely by the looks of the situation I was in, nothing was looking good towards my reputation. "Anyone care to explain? Hm? I'm waiting!" I barked and crossed my arms. 

(Last Post. Uh-oh..)

"Now, now..." I gave a slightly uneasy laugh. My attempt of standing between them had been futile, then still managing to make remarks to each other. Tension filled the air as Ariel and Alton "discussed their differences" more. Ariel's defensive tone suggested that she didn't necessarily trust Alton. But Alton on the other hand sounded like he was having fun. Almost as if he was taking advantage of the situation at hand, and not just the potions affect on me. Alton seemed to be enjoying himself, insulting Ariel and X. 

I looked at Alton as he began to complain about X and Ariel. All this going back and forth was confusing me but I tried my best to go with the flow; I needed to please everyone here. "I can't believe those two but I also can't believe you. The right thing to do now is not to pick sides so...I'll just be on all of your side! Either way I'm fine!" Then, I felt him place a hand on my shoulder and sway, also causing me to sway with him along with the breeze that picked up. All the flowers except for Keith's crown flew from my head. I gave a longing look at the petals strewn across the sky but weirdly smiled as they blew away. "It is a lovely day indeed." I sighed and still stared at the dissipated petals in the air. Soon, they were completely out of sight.

Still unable to fell any discontent, I smiled at Ariel, X, and Alton. To me, in this state, it sounded like they were all joking. It was like a playful bicker amongst friends to me. But to the others? That wasn't the case at all. Ariel was attempting to handle this respectfully but X on the other hand didn't act like that at all. He compulsively drew his blade and tempted Alton to clash with him. I seriously doubted that a guy like Alton would start a fight with X though. Even so, I giggled slightly. "X he doesn't want to--!" I stopped in the middle of my sentence and lurched forward with a wretched pain in my stomach. 

(2 Posts Sorry if this post is worded weird.) 

With the newcomer's presence still at my side I looked at Ariel. I didn't mind him holding onto my wrist, I'm sure he had a good reason for it. It felt strange to not remember someone. Even so, I allowed him to continue his grasp upon me. For whatever reason he had for this it wouldn't be in my interest to budge in and ask. Besides, if he was my friend the I wasn't supposed to mind. "Well I appreciate the apology but just remember that you can't scare someone with just words! I mean really, if I just said that I would kill someone then they probably wouldn't believe me. So, just focus on how scary he can be! Also, Mari isn't as bad as everyone says she is....she just has some troubles. But doesn't everyone? I mean, even I have a whole bunch of insecurities!" I said to Ariel, keeping my voice innocent and level. 

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Aeternum beginning to head away from our small gathering. I didn't even notice that he was leaving until it was too late. A small frown settled on my face as I called out to him. "Farewell Aeternum, thank you for the flowers!" I waved with my free hand and returned my gaze back to the unknown player.

He was somehow familiar yet I felt like I didn't know him at all. Hs movements reminded me of someone I knew but he looked completely different. Pushing that aside, I placed a hand on my hip when he let go of my arm. Almost mocking the male I tilted my head to the side. "Mmm. Could you tell me in what way I seem off? I feel so calm, maybe that's it? I can't really tell the difference." I laughed a little and straightened up. I exhaled as if I was holding my breath and stared at the player. "It's Floor 10, it's pitch black there so you might have some trouble navigating. Mari's tent is probably the only light you'll see up there."

I paused and glanced at the player when he gave me his name again. "Al..ton?" Not in a mimicking way, I cocked my head to the side and squinted. This time the rose Aeternum had given me fell out of my hair. When it his the grass I broke my staring contest with Alton and bent down to pick it up.

I looked up from the rose on the ground, picked it up, and stood inches away from Alton. I stepped back and placed the rose back on my two-toned hair. "Well, when you see Mari tell her that I love the potion. I am experiencing no issues and that she should make more to sell. If Aincrad caught word of this then her business would grow so much that the tiny tent in which she currently resides could grow. Heh, maybe she'd even open up a store on another floor!" It was true, Mari's small shop was on the small side, it needed to expand. In my heart though I wished it would never get bigger. Her cozy shop with mismatched pillows strewn all over the place was awesome, it didn't need a change! 

Next, X seemed to be a bit defensive towards Alton so I did the most reasonable thing I could. I stepped in between the two and smiled at X. "Levels mean nothing. Just because I am level forty-one does not mean that I am the strongest. Heck, Ariel here could probably crush my in a battle. So, just calm down please?" 

I count don't i? I mean, I could dye it or just crash the party!

I had my eyes set on the door to the castle with an unbreakable toughness to my face. If I was going to go through with this then I would have to put away any feelings of fear and just...go. It was hard to picture what lie beyond those two doors but still I moved forward while harboring an unknown fear. I put one foot in front of the other until suddenly, a hand grasped my wrist. I craned my neck to see Keith's hand holding onto mine. "Who said anything about fighting him?" I asked with an amused smile. That smile faded though when I looked at Keith. The look of desperation in his eyes, pleading me to stay, hurt. He stood up and held my tight in hug before I could process what was happening. It was like he was keeping me from leaving by holding me in an embrace. His hug was reassuring but...

It was painful.

The fact that Keith need to hold me back from marching to my own death was too much. I began to tremble and found it hard to swallow the lump in my throat. My shoulders shook uncontrollably even with my efforts to conceal. I stood there in Keith's arms, pathetically shaking and red faced. Finally, after awhile I looked him in the eyes and smiled. It was an unpleasant smile but it sufficed for now in the place of a real, happy, one. "Keith...Okay. If you are not ready to face him then I won't either. Vile will just have to chase after us for now..." I said then looked down at the ground. A tear escaped my eye and fell to the ground. Like slow motion, it exploded into crystals on the ground. "I'm so sorry...I'm sorry....I.."

Player with the highest Loot roll strikes first. ID: 11978; LD 1 :C

I was taken back or a second by the peculiar answer given by the male. He suggested that the pebble tossed at my careful self was done so on purpose. I narrowed my eyes and stepped forward a little so there wouldn't be much strain on my voice. It was a normal thing for me to yell but not wasn't the time. I placed my hands on my hips and questioned the player. "So...you threw a freaking rock at my head to initiate a battle with me? You really are dense if you think that it was clever to throw projectiles at a murderous player. Now, before you get scared and question whether or not I kill people; I do not. It is my job though to kill those who kill. Call it whatever but the proper title is "Maverick Hunter." Use it wisely unless you wanna be killed." The words that left my mouth were almost true. So far, I hadn't killed anyone. It was Keith who ended up ending their lives. I guess you could say he was protecting me from being corrupted? Maybe it was the fact that he wanted me to be free? He didn't want everyone staring at my cursor instead of my face? Either way, he wanted to keep me from seeing something from his perspective.

He caught my attention by speaking, followed by a request that popped up in front of my eyes. I scanned the duel request and clicked accept with a smirk. This was not going to be easy...it was going to be fun. "Don't be afraid of me!" I added as I stepped back, equipping the appropriate gear.  

Equipped Items:

â–ºItem: Cold Reflection

Item type: Headpiece
Quality : Perfect
Enhancement: +2 ACC +1Eva
Shop: The Lion's Den
Description: This headband is black and on the left side has a medium jewel bound to it with white twine. The jewel is an icy blue

â–ºShadow Gloves
Quality: Perfect
Description: It's a steel pair of gloves, made from light shiny steel with other materials , +2 Acc , +1 Dmg M

And of course my healing items.

OOC: (3 Posts, Though I'm a little uncomfortable with all of the drug references I'm still going to reply to go out of my comfort zone a little. Please though, refrain from getting too in depth..:3 thanks~)

A puzzled look formed upon my face as soon as Ariel began to scold Aeternum for speaking to Keith inappropriately. Keith wasn't at all like Ariel mentioned. He wasn't a Player Killer in my eyes. To me, Keith was a mistaken identity of some sort. He was doing everything for the sake of everyone in Aincrad yet, the people rejected him. They hated the orange crystal that burned over his head. That fiery stone reflected what their stereotype for the blue haired boy was: a killer. Everyone stared at him with disapproving looks and angered eyes, all blind with hatred they couldn't even understand. Keith didn't deserve any of that, he was a protagonist stuck with the role fit for a villain. I on the other hand, am the opposite. I treated no one "correctly" based on societies expectations but I was treated kinder and thought of differently than Keith. It was sad the way I was perceived nowadays. I stepped forward just as Ariel stopped talking with a very hard look on my face. "Keith isn't...." I started, but couldn't finish due to the potion immersing itself deeper into my body and blocking the negative words I was about to say. I wasn't about to talk bad about him but I was about to go on a huge rant. Maybe it was for the best that I wasn't able to sustain bad emotions right now. It wasn't that bad....

A smile formed on my pale lips as I combed my fingers through my hair. I was careful not to disturb the flowers on my head as I did so. I made eye contact with Ariel for a moment but moved on to look at the group forming. "What's wrong with X? I can't think of anything wrong about him...Also, um what do you and Keith mean by "usual state" and "reverting to my old self"? Why would they be in danger?" I asked, just as I accepted the flower from Aeternum. I gave him a look of gratitude and looked back at my HUD. There were two pending friend requests now. One from Aeternum and the other from Ariel. I looked at the two of them and happily pushed on the accept button. 

The other player, otherwise known as X, was sweating but he was also looking frightened. Was it because of me? It it was as Ariel said, was he afraid? Just as the alarming thoughts streamed through my mind X began to yell some very stupid remarks. Then, out of nowhere, he hugged me. Instinctively, I tried to return the embrace but X had moved as so quick I couldn't even wrap my arms around him. It was like I was toxic and couldn't be touched. 

Though, that was instantly retracted. As soon as I concluded I was poisonous, another person touched me. It wasn't very friendly at first as he suggestively dug his thumb into the vein of my wrist. Usually this was where I could attack him for making contact with me but I didn't even feel the urge. I wasn't all that cynical about the mysterious male player either. Instead, my eyes traveled up his arm until I was making eye contact. His golden eye reminded me of something unpleasant but, I couldn't remember what was so bad about the amber eyes he had. I smiled and rubbed the back of my neck. "I uh..I was visiting Mari's shop to get some healing items but I came out with a bizarre potion of hers. I didn't think it would work but apparently...it does! According to these people I don't normally act like this. How weird. But, could you tell me your name? I can't seem to remember it..." 

I'm interested in this "hunting." 

"It's not supposed to be easy....Vile's an unknown level murderer." I crouched down next to Keith and placed a hand on his shoulder for support. I didn't want to sit down just in case the other Maverick decided to pull a stunt of some kind. I too looked at the ground for a long time before saying anything. I couldn't find the right words to say to him. I wasn't the type of person you could count on to comfort you. I looked sideways at Keith. "I think I know what you mean. If you were to go on a rampage I wouldn't be ready to just kill you either. But this, this is different. He's your family, your father. In your eyes he is just your dad in another suit, not just another Maverick to be dealt with. But to everyone else he is a cold blooded player who doesn't know that this is reality. I understand that much about this situation but you have to...You have to remember some things. He hurt you. But if you are so bent on him not being "taken down" then I suggest you go stop Shade. I'm pretty sure he's with Vile right now. I may not like shade but....I know he isn't conspiring with Vile right now. He might have left or he might be in there right now." There was also the part of me that knew what needed to be said. Keith needed to know what I felt about this matter. 

I breathed in deeply, this wouldn't be so nice coming out. "You do know how much pain he caused you right? He sent countless Mavericks after you, upset me, and tore you apart. He doesn't give any good thoughts of you. I can't say he doesn't love you but I do know for a fact that he didn't harm you because he loved you. It wasn't like he sent killers after you as a gift Keith." I said with a cold tone of voice. I for one didn't exactly like Vile. He was always poisoning this world. He hurt Keith, and that was unacceptable. "Look, if you are not ready then...don't do it. Just stay here, I'll go inside and find Shade." I stood up from my position and began to walk slowly towards the castle. I wasn't going to look for Shade, I was going to attempt to speak with Vile, without violence towards him.

(4 Posts)

"Oh my, another freind?" I asked when I felt something lick my hand. When I looked down I saw a small dog on top of the lion I couldn't help but giggle at the sight. It wasn't everyday that you saw a dog perched upon a lion after all. "X? Everyone is popping up out of nowhere aren't they?" I said to X and looked back at Aeternum. "Sure thing! I'll accept anyone as a friend! Oh and trust me..Keith isn't murderous at all. Not to people like you at least! Hey, I guess that makes me a murderous player as well!" I spoke with a delighted tone and waited for the friend request to pop up in front of me. 

Then, Keith's tone of voice towards the other player changed again. "Keith?" I asked, cocking my head to the side like a dog. As ended his speech I had the sudden urge to continue off of it, but that urge went away due to the potion's effects. If I were to start speaking my mind about murdering I would probably grow saddened and distressed. My thoughts that carried me from reality stopped when Keith kissed me on the forehead. "I sure will! Whatever you mean by "when I'm Kiru again," I'll PM you!" I smiled as he walked away from the group.

When my gaze returned back to the battle I noticed something, nothing was happening. Shade was no longer here and Keith was just staring at the ground.  I looked expectantly at Keith, waiting for him to make a move but he didn't budge. This raised a flag for me, he didn't usually just get distracted in battle. I took a closer look and noticed he looked troubled about something. I knew it was probably about Vile. I sighed and walked over to him with dark eyes. It made me hurt to see him look troubled. Just as I was about to lace my fingers through his I saw a shadow approaching from behind. I turned on my heel and pulled my dagger back out. The female Maverick swung at me as I attempted to slash her again. We both landed a hit, both striking each other in the stomach. Only, she staggered back with low health and crumpled to the ground. I closed my eyes, turned back around to Keith, and put away my dagger. "You okay?" I asked, cautiously approaching him. 

ID: 11714; BD 10 (+3 Base +1 ATH +3 Dagger = +7 Damage)

Mob 9 (-6)

Kiru: 79/90

Keith: 100/105

Shade: 100/105

Maverick 1: 3/20 -Beat- 

Maverick 2: 3/20 -Beat-

Maverick 3: 3/20 -Beat-

(5 Posts)

The first thing I noticed was Keith's tone of voice towards Aeternum. So, I stepped forward quickly to resolve the anger. "Keith!" I laughed placing a hand on his shoulder. "He's a nice boy, don't upset him." Keith was already in action as I finished my sentence, making my crown. I watched carefully, trying to memorized the steps, as Keith weaved the flowers.  His hands made it so quickly I could barely keep my eyes trained on him. Before I knew it, he was already done with the crown. When he placed it on top of my head I stood up and grinned. "Thank you, I feel like a princess, so carefree! Man...that potion was good! Maybe I'll go get another one?" I placed a finger on my chin, trying to remember where exactly I got the strange liquid.

Then, I felt something fluffy nudge against me. I was a little frightened at the site of a lion but that fear was replaced with surprise. It was Ariel's lion! I chuckled and began to pet it behind it's ears. "Who's a good girl? Or guy? Who's a good lion!" Wrapped in my happiness I almost didn't notice the person approaching. From behind me I heard a familiar voice, it was Ariel. I turned to her with a great big smile. "Ariel! Nice to see you again. I think you left your lion here or something..I stated, referring back to the animal purring at my side. I took the rose from Aeternum and placed yet another flower in my head as I answered Ariel's question. "Well you see, I was here and I met Aeternum. Then Keith came an here you are! Wanna make flower crowns?" 

(6 Posts)

As a blush crept onto his face I became even more intrigued with the player. Based on his reaction, I concluded that Aeternum was embarrassed for admitting that he was watching me. I nodded, as if I understood his reasoning. "That's okay, sometimes I feel like being a stalker sometimes too. I don't blame you for being interested with me, a lot of people are so...don't be shy about it!" I said as my eyes lit up when a familiar flash of blue came over here. It was Keith. I didn't mind his jokes, I just was excited that another person was here. 

I stood up and greeted Keith with a hug. "Keith!" I exclaimed with a giddy smile and kissed him on the cheek quickly. After releasing him I turned to Aeternum, extending a hand in his general direction. "Keith, this is Aeternum. Aeternum, this is Keith. I just met him and he is just lovely! I think were friends but that's up to his to decide. Aeternum, this is Keith, my fiance! I'm glad you two could meet. Now," I picked a flower from the ground and sniffed it with a cheery face. "Mind teaching me ow to make a flower crown? I tried but it didn't turn out well." 

I walked backwards slowly through the marbled structure. It was absolutely stunning. The white stone with gold traces along it were just so well carved out. Although this was only a game's perception of a coliseum I still stared at the magnificent set up. Whether this was just a fake building or a real one I would always stop and look at it. It was just too beautiful to be overlooked. I made my way slowly through the entrance and into the unoccupied stadium. It was a lot bigger than I expected. Suddenly, I felt something hit the back of my head. I spun around and made eye contact with the male player standing about one hundred meters away from me at the other end of the stadium I glanced at the small pebble that had made contact with the back of my head then back at the player.

"Oi! Are you an idiot or somethin'? Have a death wish! What's the big idea? You wanna battle or something?" I yelled violently and crossed my arms. This player obviously either didn't know who I was or was just really stupid.

(7 Posts)

I watched closely after Aeternum rejected my offer of the daisy. Strangely, It didn't bother me that he didn't want my flower. I was just satisfied tp have him here next to me. He opened his inventory and pulled out a rose, handing it to me. My eyes widened with excitement. I took the flower gently and held onto it tight. "Of course, I would never reject a flower quite so pretty! Thank you." I placed the rose behind my other ear and smiled at Aeternum, he seemed to be happy as well. "So, the most cliche question ever. Why did you come over to me?" After realizing that what I said could have hurt his feelings I quickly covered it up reassuringly. "Not that you are bugging me! It's just I usually don't...really. Meet nice people I guess?" I laughed a little, not really understanding what I just said.