Clarence

Clarence's eyes darted back to where he was staying, and he was drawn closer. "I-I don't know why I even came out here, there's no reason for me to go anywhere. Huh, no one even realized I've been holed up in my room for a very, very long time." He shook his head with a saddened chuckle, he knew that none of his old friends were coming to find him, he knew that almost no one even remembered his name anymore. "Time to go home Noot." He muttered, and the penguin almost started to cry, desperately trying to make sure the man stayed in place. Clarence's heart broke for a moment and he slowly bent down and picked him up. "Please, please don't cry, I can't handle it-" 

He froze, a name, his name, was called out to him. No one, except two people, were alive that knew him enough to know his name, how did this name know his name. His hand quickly darted to his dagger and he twisted around, pointing it at the man. "H-How do you know my name, who the hell are you and how do you know my name?!" He took a step forward and gripped the dagger. I don't know him, he doesn't look like anyone I've ever met, I haven't met anyone with purple hair. How does he know my name. Does he know Jomei? Calrex? "A-are you friends with Jomei? Calrex? Those are the only two people I know." He called out. That are still alive. He had as an afterthought.

The soft crunching of snow was the only sound that went through the open winter field of the floor, the landing of the snow from the sky so soft that it was silent and calming, the look of everything in front of him was tranquil, but there was one oddity, the man standing on the snow. Clarence sighed, his breath flowing out in front for a moment, the glow from the sunset lighting up the breath into a soft grey, before it slowly faded from sight. Clarence reach forward and slowly lowered his cloak from his head, looking at the trees as he did, it had been so long since he had been out into the world around him, he almost felt as though it was a dream. No, a nightmare. The snow continued to fall and he reached  his arm to catch one of the snowflakes, it slowly melting and fading away when it landed. Heh, This is where I got - He was shaken from his thoughts with Noot made a noise next to him, looking up at Clarence. Ever since he had went away, Noot had be silent, never making a noise, and just staying by his side.

Clarence's eyes filled with tears and he hugged the small penguin, silently crying. "I-I'm so sorry." He muttered to Noot, but also to himself, as he knelt on the snow, his tears falling down to the forest floor, almost making no imprint on the snow under him. He stayed like that for longer than he expected, the sun setting more and the soft purples of the sky made his own purple eyes twinkle in the light, it had been long, long time since he came out of his own room, and the changing of light filled his heart with something, something he had longed for, for a very long time.

Clarence slowly stood up, wiping the snow away from his legs, and slowly set Noot down, his heart filling up for a moment. "Oh Noot, what am I going to do?" He asked the penguin. It had been long, almost too long since he had been in the city, or anywhere else. "I... I don't have anyone here." He froze, the comment filling his soul for a moment, and his sudden want to flee back to his room started to fill him more than he expected.

@Ryo

Lowenthal struck him. It wasn't really a hard hit, but the implications of the hit sent shock waves through him. Lowenthal blew up on him, reading off messages he sent, and accusing him of not trying to see him at the party, and he was right. "When I showed up to that party, I was ready to make my "final goodbyes" sort of say. Me, in the real world, I was diagnosed with Depression, but I kept that a secret. Ever since I was put in this game, it was on the back burner to trying to survive. But when I started to meet people and feel safe, old feelings busted through. I tried to fight them, but I couldn't. I left you, Lowenthal, because it was too much, and I was jealous of Azazel and you. I saw you at the party and couldn't hold back the tears. You did what I thought you should have done honestly. What I did was horrible. But, do you not remember the one message I sent early on? Or did you ignore it. "Hey, I'm not in a good place, I need time. Please stop, the messages are making it worse." And two seconds later the messages flowed in. You didn't listen. Not blaming it on you. It wasn't a plan to see you at the party. Because I didn't think I was going to see anyone else after that party, ever." Clarence said with tears in his eyes and looked at the ground, knowing how  horrible he is.

Clarence wasn't looking, per usual, and almost walked into the hole Ssendom was talking about. "You found o- Crap!" He yelled and quickly stepped back, just out of harms way. Clarence sighed a breath of relief and scooped up Noot before he got any bright ideas about going to explore a dungeon by himself. "Wow, how deep do these things go?" He wondered allowed and heard a small echo traveling down. He put one foot down slowly, using the boulder Dom moved as a place holder. "Climbing, the one physical activity I actually love doing." He said to himself and climbed down till he felt solid ground. "Now you. I'll get a light going." Clarence called up, before looking for a torch along the walls.

"You were the first one? That's awesome! And your phoenix can control his own fire? Wow, htis game really is full of surprises." Clarence smiled ad turned away from the familiars, lookin around the area as well, hoping to actually contribute to the search of materials. "I mght have to take you up on that ofer, but I am pretty low level when it comes to crafting, so it would take me a ibt to mass produce items like Ariel and the others do." Clarence said aloud to Dom as they walked some more. "Are these Dungeons generally difficult to fight?" Clarence worried to Ssendom, and did not find any materials in the process of which too.

ID: 50799

LD: 10 :(

Mats: 3

Clarence patted the flaming phoenix on the head, and noot squealed and touched the phoenix as well. "I think they like each other." Clarence said with a laugh as Noot and the bird played while Clarence held him. Clarence set the penguin down, and the two started to go around and play together. "I may help you, I do want to get crafting again, but I feel I need to update my shop a bit before mass production is available." Clarence said and watched the two familiars play, making sure that his small penguin is safe with a bird that is on fire at the moment, but does not burn. "How many of these Dungeons have you explored already? Because you sound like you know what you are doing."

ID: 50783

LD: 9

Mats: 2

"Crystals. I haven't crafted in so long, but I really need to do that. Maybe become a better shop owner again, like Mari who's shop is very famous. Or like Oikawa's and Ariel's." Clarence commented, seeing Ssendom picking up ANOTHER flower, unlike him who couldn't find a single thing. "Noot Noot."  Noot Nooted happily and waddled around and Clarence picked him up quickly and swung him around, the penguin adorable and happy. Clarence searched the ground for something to pick up, but Noot wanted so much attention that he couldn't really look at the ground and Noot at the same time. "Hey, if I go back to crafting, I could help with that crystal problem. If I actual have good luck with crafting that it."

ID: 50777

LD: 7

Mats: 2

"Ariel needs to get a life." Clarence laughed a little and saw the flower that Dom cut off the ground and picked up. "Well that makes one, wonder how many we will actually find out here. I remember I went mat hunting and found 20 mats one time. But you probably have found more than that in one run so I don't have much to brag about." Clarence laughed a little and continued to scan the ground, looking for anything. But, with luck not at his side, he couldn't find a single mat in that area. Wow, I haven't looked for mats in months. I went with noot the last time. Clarence thought with a small smile, almost forgetting about the little penguin at his feet.

ID: 50772

LD: 12 :(

Mats: 1

"Sub-Dungeons, Cool. Never really heard of them to be completely honest. And wow, that is a lot of materials 60?!? How many does she use per day. Like wow, how much do you have to go finding for her then? I mean, that must takes Days of work just to get one weeks worth of materials." Clarence said in Awe. He hadn't seen Ariel since Absolute Pin had broken apart. He kind of missed the guild, but was happy to be away form it, mostly because Skylar. Skylar.. that two pump chump... Clarence looked around the area and decided to help find somethings to get the two moving. "Might as well search right?" He said and went to look around. A quick search of the area showed nothing to be of interest, that he could see anyways. "Well, I couldn't find anything."

ID: 50767

LD: 4 :(

He nodded, not wanting to keep bringing up the topic of being Orange. "A dungeon? I haven't been in a dungeon since... I have no idea honestly." Clarence laughed a little. Ssendom brought up Ariel and Clarence looked up. "Ariel? Oh I haven't heard from her in forever. I heard that her shop was booming with a lot of people finding her to be one of the best tailors in this game." Clarence said and looked around the expanding area they were in, no knowing where to look for an actual dungeon."So um, where are these dungeons usually at? I haven't been in one for so long I don't know where to exactly look for one. Any suggestions?" Clarence asked Dom, wanting to go adventuring again, and today will be the day.

"Oh." Is all Clarence really knew of what to say to what Dom just confessed to him. He didn't know Meokka well. The only time he probably met the girl was when she was with Ssendom maybe on a date or something with friends or a guild activity. All he remember about her was how nice and sweet she was to people she knew. And how she wouldn't let anything get her down."I'm sorry to hear that. You probably don't want  Pity, but just know I think nothing less of you, I think more of you. You risked everything to save the girl. You are still happy she is out even though she basically hates you now. That is something only great people do. Just remember that." Clarence smiled and nudged his friend. "So, do go from depressing topics. What else would you like to do today, O' famous man?"

"Oh wow, four. He got you beat by a landslide." Clarence laughed and hit his friend lightly, glad to be out and just talking and hanging with people again. Ssendom then started to talk about him turning orange and Clarence got serious. Going orange is a pretty serious thing no matter who goes orange, and he hoped that it wasn't that bad of a thing that happened to turn him orange. Should I hear it? I mean, it isn't my business to begin with. But he did offer, and I kind of want ot know now. Hey, I'll just see if it actually wants to tell, I mean, it is his own life that he would be telling me about."I mean, it is your life. If you don't want to share its up to you. I am a little curious now, because I didn't notice you were orange until like5 minutes ago when I said I used to be orange. But if yo want to tell, I am all ears."

Clarence had to stop for a moment, the number Dom said surprised the Hell out of him. "16!?! You had Six-Freaken-Teen Uniques! Dang dude, no wonder you are one of the strongest players in Aincrad! And yes..... I was Orange for a while." Clarence said and sighed with a small smile on his face, he found it funny when he said he was to other players and see how they react."It was around when this whole death game started. I was actually how I met Keith. Me and Zelrius were walking around, we became friends like the day before, and we spotted a newly formed Bandit Camp with someone tied up with their familiar. We ran over there, fought the bandits, and saved Keith.  I was marked orange because we attacked first. I do not think I killed anyone, but it was years ago so I can't remember that well.

Clarence was busy rummaging through the book and almost missed catching up to Dom. Clarence jogged up to the larger man and heard him sound pretty angry about well, people in general. "Oh. Well, if you need someone to rant to, I'm your guy. I don't really think I can judge, or should judge anyone. I mean, I accused my boyfriend of cheating and I was once orange.. I don't think you actually knew that.. but surprise." Clarence sighed and looked at the man. He almost didn't even realize that Dom was actually orange. But Clarence didn't care, life is life after all. "I heard about the Guild Hall. I was gonna message you and say congrats, but that was still around my mopping time, so I decided against it. And I think your equipment says your strength. How many uniques do you have anyways?"

"People like you Dom. Just how it is. I think I have one of those books from like two months ago. You were listed under "Up and Coming Popular Players". But I get it, you don't like people watching your every move. And girls, Same. I don't think I'm ready for a girlfriend yet." Clarence waited for a moment and laughed a little. "But honestly, I think its something you have to accept. You can't just say 'I'm not famous' and that's that, unfortunately. Unless you disappear for a couple months and go depressed then that is the only way. But I do think I found something on the party Zelrius had and that they wrote about our relationship thing that happened. Oh well I guess." Clarence shrugged and gave a sympathetic smile to the man. "I don't think I have the newest novel. Might get it." He said and peered at the copy. "But, other than your massive levels and Col gathering, and you fame. How have you  been?"

Clarence blushed in embarrassment as Ssendom brought up the fact that everyone at the party saw the fight, being the center of attention can be the best but also the worst. At that point.... I wanted to be dead. I hate hurting people, but I was hurting in my own way... Clarence's thoughts went to a darker place, one he had to force-ably drag himself from. The info brokers got brought up and Clarence smiled slyly. "Well, seems the world of Aincrad has got their eyes on you. You are kind of a celebrity. I am slightly one if I do mean to brag. I dated Lowenthal, and Sakuri. I was apart of Azure Brigade, Absolute Pin, and Velvet Room. Friends with you, Zelrius, Daeron, Keith, Ruri, Calrex, and a couple others. But you are the talk of the town. I hear your name spoken ALOT, mostly by girls who want you." Clarence laughed a little at that comment. "Oh yeah, I forgot that Velvet Room went down.. I hope he is okay."

Clarence backed up and shrugged, knowing that his hugging nature was mostly an one way street." You are fine, took me a bit to get here too. Oh... You saw me at the party. I did cause a scene didn't I?" Clarence laughed awkwardly, looking down at his shoes. "That was something I shouldn't have done, I shouldn't have gone there and well, that could have been done a lot better. But it happened and now he hates me... It is what it is. It was retarded why I even left in the first place." Clarence frowned and looked  at the bigger man. Wow, so much has changed since we have been here. I hope Lowenthal doesn't hate me forever. I still have feelings for that man. Clarence heard the announcement of Dom's new "Title" and he smiled for the man. "Really? I'm honestly not surprised. You grew quick when I first met you. I remember when I was a higher level, wow that went by fast." Clarence laughed and looked around, the land spreading out all around them. "Have you seen Lowenthal recently?"

Clarence heard the words that Lowenthal said, and felt his hand on top of his head. Clarence flinched at the touch but stood there, listening to him. What really bothered him, not that Lowenthal was angry, and not that he said it was his fault. But, the fact that during their relationship. Lowenthal kind of accepted him pulling away. Come to think of it, Lowenthal didn't try very hard to get a hold of him. You are suppose to fight for a relationship. Not just blame the issues on the other. I know I caused bad things, and hurt him bad. But Lowenthal A: Has built up anger, and B: can also be to blame. "Relationships are a two way street." Clarence called to him, knowing that should get Lowenthal's attention. "I know what I did was wrong, but yet you act like you didn't do any wrong." Clarence yelled and turned to Calrex. "Sorry, this will only be a moment. If you want to leave, that is understandable. But this needs to be fully ended... Now." Clarence gritted his teeth and walk up to Lowenthal, catching up to the man with hurt and anger in his eyes. "You say I caused this, but you didn't try to put an end to it. You didn't hear me out when I saw you at Zelrius's party when you know I was going to come clean and accept what I did. You got angry at me, kicked me out of the guild, and left me. And you only reason you probably came is to get off your chest how horrible I am. Well.... well F**k you. You are not equal in the problem. But you are also to blame. I know you hate me. So why did you REALLY come anyways?"

Clarence looked up to the sound of Calrex arriving. "Calrex!" He said with a sad smile, hoping up and giving the man a warm hug. A guy, who he didn't know extremely well, motivated him to try and become a higher level. Clarence released the blue man and he took a step back, taking in the very high level player. "Wow Calrex, aren't you THE highest level player in Sword art Online?" He said with a smile, the sight of Calrex showed the skill he put in to trying to become the best he could be, and it worked well. The pair talked for a few minutes, catching up, dragging the thoughts of coming back to Clarence's mind, it seeming like something he might actually do. The arrival of the next broke his heart, but forced him to wear a fake smile. Lowenthal showed up and he knew that he didn't want to be here. He probably just wanted to get this over with. Knowing him he is completely over me and never wants anything to do with me, makes sense... Lowenthal urged him on and he broke from his thoughts. "Lowenthal... I'm surprised you came....." He trailed off and looked down a the ground but he looked up, a sad smile on his face. "I know you hate me, I understand that. You don't want anything to do with me, I understand that too. The reason I did what I did, broke away and became quiet, introverted myself from you and everyone around me is... Depression basically set in when I met.. Azazel. I became a jealous wreck that nothing could help. I trusted you but not her.... But all those inside jokes between you two, looks and winks, and even messages bore into me deeper and deeper. I thought I was losing you, and thinking back to all those I lost... I had to drag myself away. It was dumb, stupid, and I know I shouldn't have. No apology will work, but maybe understanding can help?" Clarence's eyes were tearing up but he forced himself not to cry, he did that too much.

Saying hello to friends he has not seen in forever seemed challenging. He needed them to understand that this, right now, was not a return. He wants others to come that he knows to explain himself on why he has been gone. He doesn't think he will be back soon, just to say he isn't gone yet. Clarence sat out around the fire he set up by the safe zone so any one of his Orange friends could also come. He sent a group wide message to all the people he could think of bringing to this get together, hoping someone would show. The past few month have been some of the worst, maybe I can make ties with old people, and throw myself back out into the fray... maybe. He shivered, maybe at the thought of going out into the world again, or to the cold air flowing against him, he couldn't tell.

To All who Apply.

I'm not dead. I would like to see all of you just to, you know, apologize. Come if you want to actually see me. I love you all....

~Clarence

"Maybe they will show up...."He muttered to himself and willed a tear from his eye. He knew he messed up with Lowenthal, regreted not even saying goodbye to Zelrius. Wished he could see Ssendom and Calrex again. Even missed Daeron, a scary though. Hoped he could talk to Oikawa again. What if Lowenthal showed up? Would I be able to handle it? Probably not. But maybe I could finally apologize to him.... I know he would never take me back. Maybe today will be a great one.... maybe.

(OOC: If you are confused if you can partake in this thread, message me.)

Clarence waited for a reply but none came. "Where in the world is that guy." Clarence wondered around and walked around for a bit. More waiting came and he finally saw Ssendom in the distance, giving some sort of salute hello. "Took you long enough." Clarence called out and smiled walking up to the guy who was a little taller than him. Clarence gave him a light hug and stepped back, lightly smiling. "How have you been? Haven't seen you around except I think I saw you at Zelrius's party. I don't know... I didn't stay very long to that. Anyways, how yah been?" Clarence blocked the sad thoughts and made himself perky again, even though that isn't what he really was feeling.

"Back out into the Fighting Scene. Maybe I will actually stay active... Probably not." Clarence smiled and shook his head. Ever since he went on a trip with Zelrius, and then the one with Ace9, he felt in the mood to get back out there and do something. He decided that today, much like the past few, he would go adventure with someone else, but he couldn't think of anyone. Who haven't I seen in a while- Why not Ssendom? He is a great fighter, and I heard he became extremely strong since the last I saw. This could be fun Clarence shrugged and decided to send him a message.

Dear Ssendom,

He Dude. I was wondering if you wanted to go for a little adventure on the Third Floor? I know it is kind of weak for your liking but I need a way to get back into the fighting scene. You gotta start some where right? Message me back if you want to, hoping to hear from you soon.

Clarence turned when a voice started to talk. A lower leveled player by the name of Red (which he got form the dialogue), came up to say he would help. Clarence smiled warmly at his comment about being weak. "It doesn't matter if you aren't that strong. I haven't done combat for a while now and I really need to get back into the swing of things. So I need someone here to help out as I get re-accustom to combat and all of that. Also, I can help you quest. And about the cave, I do believe it is this way." Clarence smiled again and started off toward the cave, Red close behind. Probably a little weird, a level 20 asking for help from a level 5. Hope he understands that is basically I want to have more friends, help some people out, and also that I have no idea if there will be any surprises on this floor, hoping to god there aren't any.