Oikawa

"Yeah I'm not too fond of the cold myself, but free rare items? Can't pass that up" Oikawa trudged behind Sindon as they made there way to the Starting City. "I wonder what the Santa NPC is like? What if he isn't a NPC at all? It doesn't seem to be a scheduled game event. Is it player ran? Ehh cant worry to much about now I guess. They walked in silence a bit more. Glancing around, Oikawa took in the view. "Ah the city looks so beautiful at night man," gesturing to the upcoming city limits. 

Grabbing her hand, he allowed himself to be pulled up. She is certainly a trooper. She is definitely the type of person that you would want to befriend. Thinking to himself, he tested out his ability to walk. Although it was a pathetic limp, he was capable of moving on his own at the least. "Here let me get that" reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the dried tear stains from her face. Putting the hanky back, Oikawa began to hobble back to town "Come on slowpoke we can't heal ourselves out here now can we " he teased.

THREAD COMPLETE!

[Oikawa-The Faint received 45 Col ]

[Oikawa-The Faint received 1 Set of Boar Tusks(Mat)]

[Oikawa- The Faint has Leveled Up to Level 5]

[Oikawa- The Faint received 1 SP]

Waking up relatively earlier, I got ready for the start of some thing new. Rushing down the stairs and skimping out on breakfast, I headed straight for the Quest hall.

Arriving early, there was many players in the building at all. Approaching the counter, I asked the man if my reward was ready. "Excuse me sir, would my reward happen to be available?"

"Name?" he asked. "Oikawa-The Faint" I replied. "Ahh yes here you go" he stated as he handed me an orb, a paper with the address of the shop, and a set of keys to open it up.

Grasping the orb, I gave him my thanks and headed out the door. Finally!!! I can finally start forging new armors and weapons. I excitedly went to the listed address which seemed to be just west of the Inn I had been staying in. Opening the front door of the shop, i was slammed with the smell of dust and mildew. "Well it'll be work but I'll have this place up and running in no time," I stated as i searched for cleaning supplies. Finding the supply closet I set out to clean the place up.

"NEXT" yelled the man behind the counter of the quest reward center.

"What can I do for you today?" asked the NPC. "Well, yesterday I came in and accepted a quest to become a blacksmith. I brought my 1 material needed to show that the quest is completed." bringing up the menu, I selected the Mat from my inventory, and watched as it materialized onto the counter. I then pushed the item to the NPC, "Here ya go" .

"Alright, name?" asked the NPC. "Oikawa-The Faint" I answered. I blushed a little realizing that I nicknamed myself unintentionally. "alright this will be filed and we will have your reward ready for you tomorrow. Thank you and have a nice day" said the man at the counter.

"Thanks" I replied simply. Taking my leave, I headed back to the Inn. Guess I shouldn't have turned in my key just yet haha.

For the rest of the day I dozed off and read up on the dungeon that housed the boss for this level. "Well I definitely need to level up before I even attempt to challenge that dungeon" I'm ready for tomorrow to be here already. I'm ready to start my career... My last thoughts as I drifted off into sleep.

Taken aback by how much care she was showing Oikawa couldn't believe he had been so careless. He didn't even remotely know they were being followed by the damned bug. Adjusting himself, he hugged Susano. "I'm sorry. It's all my fault, I let my guard down. I thought we were a safe distance from any danger" Releasing his grip. He stared down, not wanting to make eye contact with her. "I wouldn't be able to forgive myself either if something had happened to you because I was careless and unaware. I'm ... sorry. So sorry" just shaking his head, Oikawa waited to see how she would react.  

Glancing over as Sindon, Oikawa smiled at his companions comment. Noticing that Sindon had hurriedly tapped a away a notification, he asked "New item or something? What its not like i would steal it or something" he said jokingly. Getting up, Oikawa remembered something. "Oh yeah, I just remembered I need to head back to the city. I heard there is a Santa like guy on the 4th floor giving out free rare items. I wanted to pick something up before he ran out. Care to join me? Plus it gives us a reason to go back and heal our wounds anyway."

"Unless you want to continue our quest to find a Dire Wolf?" he questioned. 

Groaning and mumbling, Oikawa rolled over onto his back. "Wh-what the heck.. happened?" rubbing his back he felt a twinge of pain "Arggh, why does.. like ..everything hurt?" Struggling to stand up, he looked over the miss. "Oh my what happened to you? Are you okay? Were we ambushed by some bandits?" Not really knowing what happened, he tried to recount what happened before he clonked out

We were bantering one another, then I felt something poke me in the back, then.. nothing.. Pondering Oikawa waited for Miss Susano to answer him.

"Yeah, its something I've become interested in since I've started SAO," Oikawa said as he stared at Sindon's rapier on display. "I'd be happy to make you a rapier and armor too if ya want. Yeah I've noticed that the common starter weapons aren't that great at all. However as far as preference goes for weapons I think I prefer the ring hilt" Oikawa explained as he gestured towards the golden hilt of his own rapier.

"So you play contra bass? Interesting. I'll be honest Iv'e never really heard of that type off bass. I used to play the piano in my youth. I stopped playing forever ago. I would imagine I'm pretty bad at it now haha. Thanks for the kind words. I hope to be able to become a grand-master blacksmith one day" Smirking a bit himself, Oikawa couldn't help but laugh. "I think that's the closest I've seen you smile since I met you haha" Oikawa teased.

I opened the door of the Inn and stepped out to the familiar feeling of lightly crushed snow. Brushing my bangs from my eyes, I headed towards north.

"If I recall correctly the Quest hall should be around here somewhere" I mumbled as I strolled throughout the city with a casual pace. Walking for about 5 more minutes, I approached a looming building clamoring with players here and there. I watched as they bustled in out claiming rewards and accepting new challenges.

*Sigh* "This is gonna take a while huh?" not answering my own question, I trudged to the giant wooden double doors and pushed them open. Inhaling the smell of Christmas scented candles, I searched for the line leading to the Quest-keeper. Finding it to my left, I hustled to get in line seeing as it was a short wait.

"Oh wow, only 3 people in line not bad" I said as I waited patiently in line.

Resting my head against the shower wall, I let the warm water droplets cascade my body. This is nice, I don't know how lucky I am that i survived that attack. I need to get stronger...

A few scrubs of soap later...

"Ahh that was definitely what I needed" I stated as I got out of the shower. I began to towel  myself off. Making sure every inch of myself was dry before I re-equipped my armor and weapons. Heading downstairs, I briefly stopped by the front desk to ask about breakfast. 

"So do you guys serve breakfast in the mornings? If so, is it complimentary?"

The Innkeeper replied, "Why yes we do! Continue like you're heading to the front door and make a right. The dining hall will be right there."

"Thank you!" I exclaimed enthusiastically. I made my self a plate and began to wolf down the Christmas themed pancakes and sausage. I even decided to pour myself a cup of eggnog. Having my fill, I stretched out and relaxed a bit.

"I understand. You truly are a good person," Oikawa stated as he nodded his head in agreement.  "Alright well again thanks for the gift, and you're secret is safe with me" Oikawa whispered back. "I shall be on my way then" Smiling and waving he wished a Merry Christmas to everyone before returning to the 1st Floor.

"Merry Christmas Everyone"

With that Oikawa returned to the Inn he was staying in.

[Oikawa- The Faint received <The Fast Stinger> (Rapier)]

Glad to have gotten the gift, Oikawa answered the man in red. "It is all about the Christmas spirit and as such, may I ask who you really are? I think for all the giving you're doing, you deserve something to," Oikawa explained as he equipped his newly received item and logged it in his journal, "I'll be opening a shop soon myself. If you ever decide to visit I'll be sure to give you something for all you've done. Don't try to talk yourself out of it either" Oikawa chuckled. "Last but not least, Thank You! You don't know how much this means to me!"

Surprised that the Santa figure actually a Rapier to give him, Oikawa was even more caught off by the question...Stammering, Oikawa sputtered out an answer."We...well. I use to have complete belief in Santa when..I was...a kid. Until I found out it was just my dad portraying the man in red. While I don't think I believe in Santa, I rather.. believe.. in the phenomena of his Christmas Spirit! If you can bring joy to those who need it, whether its in a Santa costume or the jolly good fellow himself, I think you've captured his essence, and that's what matters. That's what I believe in!"

Hoping his answer was sufficient, Oikawa waited to see if he had earned the Santa -man's gift or not. Even if I don't get the gift, kudos to this young man for doing something so kind and selfless. He deserves a gift himself! Oikawa thought as he waited for "Santa's" reply.

Having heard the rumor of a Santa-like figure giving out gifts on the Fourth Floor, Oikawa was eager to see if he had made the naughty or nice list this year. Surely I made the nice list this year right? What if its a NPC designed to take the players history into account? Not that I've done anything evil since I've beeen in-game... Hmm..guess I'll find out when I get there.

Making his way to the Fourth Floor, he noticed a HUGE tree straight ahead. In front of the tree stood another young man, a young girl and what seemed to be Santa himself. Approaching them, Oikawa began to smile. Maybe Christams isn't so bad...even if it is in this deathtrap.

"Hello Everyone! Um..pardon my awkwardness, but I would like to ask Santa for a gift." he stated as he walked up to the man in red. Well it doesn't seem to be an event. Which is odd, nonethless I'm still intrigued to know whats up...

"Santa, may I have a gift? I don't have a preference really, but if I could choose a weapon I'd rather it be a strong rapier!" he exclaimed as he beamed a genuine smile to the Santa person.

ID #: 5474

BD: 10 | CD: 9 | LD: 13 | MD: 5

Squealing with what seemed like delight at the challenge, the Boar came crashing at me. Since the distance wasn't huge I turned my face and stuck my rapier straight forward. Waiting to hear my demise, I was surprised to hear the sound of digital shards breaking. Looking up, the Boar was no where to be seen. I looked at where my sword now hung loosely, and noticed there was a shimmering orb floating next to it. "No effin way! I survived? I actually killed it. Being so close to death myself!! The gods of Aincrad have shined down on me!" Picking up what was left of myself I grabbed the orb, getting another notification

[Oikawa- The Faint received 25 Col][ Oikawa- The Faint Leveled Up to Level 4]

Well..thats definitely enough  excitement for one fight. I need to get back to the Inn and relax a bit to heal myself. Having decided on my safest course of action, I limped as quickly as I could back  to the safe confinement known as the Starting City. What should've taken a few minutes, turned into a 30 minute battle and 20 minute limp back home. "Maybe I'm not ready to be a blacksmith yet" I pondered out loud as I opened the door to my room. Opening up my menu, I checked the time. "Its only 9:17 am? Most people aren't even up yet." I murmured as I used my menu to disrobe myself. Heading to the bathroom I started up the shower.

I think I'll shower real quick. Then I'll head down for breakfast. I hope its complimentary! Plus it should help revitalize this body I just mangled up.

"A chew toy? Not what I was going for," he said a little dissapointed and losing his smirk for the first time since they left the tree. Finally catching up, he reluctantly spoke. "While I get what your saying, I still wouldn't feel right leaving you to battle alone. Call it being stupid or being chivalrous or whatever you want, but in my eyes leaving them to you would be wrong when I'm still capable of fighting.

"Ahh!!!! What in the worl.." Oikawa tried to murmur as he fainted. Falling face forward, Susano could see why he had screamed. A giant wasp needle was sticking out of his back. Dealing 2 points of damage. Oikawa was clearly in the red zone. With no way to defend himself, he hoped Susano could handle the creature herself.

ID: 5473, BD: 2, CD: 2, LD: 9, MD: 9

~Enemy~

Wasp Monster: 3/3

~Party~

Susano: 8/11

Oikawa: 1/11

ID #: 5472

BD: 7 | CD: 5 | LD: 17 | MD: 9

Not having any of my crap, the boar exhibited some crazy strength as he raised me up with pure power alone and tossed me into the dirt. Receiving 2 more points of damage, I really began to worry about my safety. I really don't want to die like this, not against a boar. On top of that, if I die in here ...I ...die.. in real life.

I picked up my rapier and lunged back at the one thing that stood between life and death. The stupid pig. Sending my rapier through its shoulder blade, I dealt 2 damage. I then jumped back to give us about a 3 foot distance from each other. I took a few more steps back to make it around a 7 foot distance.

"Come at me you b*stard!" I exclaimed. Feeling numb. I willed myself to keep fighting.

~Enemy~

Boar: 3/5

~Party~

Oikawa: 2/9

ID #: 5471

BD: 2 | CD: 2 | LD: 19 | MD: 6

Rushing me head on this time, I braced myself. Grabbing his tusks on impact I received another point of damage, "You are really pissing me off Boar" I exclaimed as I realized I might lose my life to this wretched beast. Maybe I was too bold and cocky... No! I can't give up just yet. I still have 4 HP. I can do this. 

Holding on tightly, I thought to myself. I refuse to let this Boar mess me up any further mentally or physically.

~Enemy~

Boar: 5/5

~Party~

Oikawa: 4/9

ID #: 5470

BD: 3 | CD: 3 | LD: 1 | MD: 6

The Boar tilted his head to the right, eyeing me up, then it crouched low and with a weird burst of speed it rushed at me. Right before its tusk connected with my knee, I spun to my left, Receiving a minor graze and taking 1 damage for my carelessness. Exiting my spin I attempted to do a rolling thrust. Missing by a landslide, we more or less had just switched places. This can't be happening. Why can't I kill this measly creature?

Regaining my defensive stance, I prepared for the boars next strike.

~Enemy~

Boar: 5/5

~Party~

Oikawa: 5/9

Glancing out the corner of his eye, Oikawa saw that the miss had pulled herself up from the ground. What he didn't realize was that she was now about to punch him in the face. Not in a position to react, he was relieved to see she hadn't followed through with it and opted to flick him int the forehead instead.

"Ouch" was all he could say as he rubbed his forehead. As the miss began to walk off, she mumbled that she wouldn't try to hit inanimate stuff as long as he didn't trip over a root and die. A little more amused, Oikawa followed her as they headed back to town. "I'll try not to die in such a pathetic way" he chuckled. 

Well at least she didn't punch me haha. That fail has to be bothering her though... Oikawa though as they made their short trip back. "So miss, what did you think of my progress so far?" he asked in an attempt to change the subject of her failure to something less fail related.

ID #: 5469

BD: 1 | CD: 3 | LD: 3 | MD: 10

Looking up, the boar began squealing and prepared to charge. As I fluidly unsheathed my rapier I lunged at the boar. Apparently that thing is smarter than it looks, because it side stepped my attack and then hooked the side of my rib cage. Dealing 3 damage. Throwing me down with one smooth turn of its head, I tucked and rolled to the right of the beast. I clutched my ribs that were now throbbing in pain. That stupid thing nearly broke a rib. Gah I gotta take this seriously..

"Alright pig, I'm done toying with you.." I stated as I stood up still clutching my side. Taking my best defensive stance I waited for the Boar to make its next move.

~Enemy~

Boar: 5/5

~Party~

Oikawa: 6/9

I was greeted with a nice breeze as I opened the door. The aroma of holiday cheer, fresh baked goods, and snow,  filled the air with a calming scent.

Making squishing noises as I crushed snow beneath my feet as I hastily returned to the grassland, I could feel my breaths grow heavier. Blowing my bangs out my face the wind didn't make it any easier to inhale. I arrived to the gate in about 10 minutes. Gasping for air, I headed outside the safe zone. Well that didn't take long... I thought to myself as I recalled how easy a task this was, as I had remembered my steps from the night before. It didn't take long for me to return to my hunting grounds. Scouting around, I found a boar grazing on a few grass patches that hadn't been completely snowed over. Wasting no time, I engaged the beast.

"You're mine you over-sized pork sausage!" I yelled as I dashed after it.

Trying to stifle a laugh as Miss Susano swung and epically failed at hitting the wounded lone survivor of their wolf assault, who decided to run before it became the target of another attack, Oikawa walked over to Susano and politely stepped past her, so he could stand in front of the sword. "Miss that...was. interesting... " he stammered out as he was still trying to conceal his laughter. Raising his hands to the weapon, he gave it a solid tug and with a *Thud*  it landed on the ground beneath the tree. "Here ya go haha. You ought to not swing at things that can't fight back miss. It isn't fair to the inanimate object" Oikawa teased as he handed her the curved weapon.

Taking a few steps back , he propped himself up against the tree and drew in a few breaths. "I agree that with my injuries, we should probably return to the City so I can heal myself up. You don't mind heading back for a bit do you?" the boy asked as he scrolled through his inventory. Making sure everything was still in order.