Oikawa

The Egg Boys shop door clattered open as Oikawa barged in. At long last, after several grueling days, he had acquired the required amount of eggs the Egg Boys would need for his request. Dumping all the eggs on the table, he glanced at them, not even bothering to try and figure out who was who and pointed to a few of the items on their list. "I would like to get three of your Re-Roll Tickets, one of your Bunny Stamps and lastly one Easter Bunny's Favor." The trio of egg heads nodded and scrambled to acquire the requested items. The tallest one, whom he assumed was Eg, handed him the items before rejoining his brothers.

"Life has many eggs sword boy," was all he said before shooing him out. Perplexed, Oikawa shrugged. He no longer cared enough now that he had his items and the event was coming to a close. With that, he exited the shop. He had some item-identifying to do.

THREAD COMPLETE

Oikawa: +2 SP | +200 Col | +4 Eggs

Galilea: +2 SP | +4,340 Col | +2 Tier 3 Materials | +1 Unidentified Rare Trinket [145023a]

Gifts to Galilea:

"On it!" roared the brunette as he once again closed the distance between them and himself. Once again, the goblin's body rattled with blow after blow from his spear but this time it wouldn't just sit there and take it. Grabbing a hold of Oikawa's spear, the goblin knocked Galilea aside and tried to cleave her with its axe. Letting the spear go, Oikawa stood between the axe and the girl. Taking the blow straight to his chest. With the axe lodged in him, Oikawa kicked Galilea her sword. "Attack it! It only has a fraction of its health left."

The wound in his chest didn't hurt much. The outburst command of his was enough to distract the goblin as he removed the axe from his chest and tossed it. The metal skittering across the cavern floor causing sparks and confusion to amount. Oikawa was confident in Galilea's ability. If she landed her next strike, the goblin should die. But again, things in SAO never went according to plan.

Taking a half step back, his spear began to crackle with red aura. The familiar blueish hue of the Charge skill enveloped him. Invoking the speed of Cu Chulainn, Oikawa was a blur. White and gold, red and blue, a mixed fireball rocketing across the cavern floor before exploding in collision with the goblin. Red gleaming holes dotted the creature like body sized freckles. Its body riddled with blows before crashing into the back of the cavern wall. Grunting the goblin staggered back and forth trying to gain its bearing's but it would be too late. Almost a blur herself, Galilea was upon the mob Sword outstretched with her shield only slightly behind her.

Oikawa was impressed at her speed. The prowess and intensity in her attack was something he wasn't used to seeing from the 'battle maiden'. But she was more than that. She was just as ruthless as him. A trait he loved about her in that sense. "I'll take the next blow," he echoed out as her blow kept the goblin pinned.

"Your encouragement needs work Gally," he retorted as he lunged forward again. This time catching bladed end of the goblin's axe in the process. The metal clashed, small sparks flying as his spear rebounded off the axe. "This one seems rather bothersome," he admitted. Unsure why suddenly, he couldn't seem to land a clean blow on the creature. Though now his momentum would kick in. Ensuring that his next attack would land, no matter the odds.

He tightened his focus. Amber orbs searching the goblin over for weak points. The damned thing had no armor, but it's reflexes were rather good. But that mattered not. The backside was where it was most vulnerable. And it was there that he would land his next blow. His concentration increased. He was on his 'A-Game' now. He also needed to prove to Galilea that he was worthy of being the one to train her up. His performance was shaky right now, but he had rust before. Now he was completely warmed up.

Roll:

Sna-crack!!!  A rock ricocheted off the wall and skittered across the cavern floor.

The rock skittered further. Wind whipped where he just stood as he rocket forward towards the cave goblin. His fist connected first. The blow rippling across its chest before snapping the monster backwards into a tumble. However, being as though it was his fist and not his blade, the damage was non-existent without Martial Arts active. Shaking his head, Oikawa rolled his neck and stretched his hands until the familiar sound of his knuckles cracking belted out.

"I needed that." Turning to Galilea, he pointed at the boar. "Wait until I draw aggro then attack. This thing might not one shot you, but it will kill you if given the chance." Re-focusing his attention to the boar, Oikawa twirled his spear in preparation. "I've been needing to blow off steam. You'll have to suffice." The goblin picked itself up and growled at the pair. Oikawa was unimpressed with it to say the least.

Equipped: Ring of Mammon [+3 Prosperity] in place of Gate of Babylon [+3 Loot Die].

She would be right. So long as he stood, death would not come to her unless his last breath was drawn first. Drafting the party menu, Oikawa sent the invite before equipping his own gear. This time he would equip the [Ring of Mammon] in place of his [Gate of Babylon] however. Though he used to be rather wealthy, with his investment into Jacob's Ladder and procuring a few choice items, he had become increasingly low on Col. This sub-thought reminded him of something else though.

Drafting his menu again, he quickly selected four items and sent them to Galilea as a gift. She would be approaching tier two soon enough and he seemingly no longer had a use for the items. What was once an integral part of his build, was now being passed on to his apprentice.

"These are for you. Though they won't scale up to tier three with you, they should serve you well once you reach tier two. And anything less than a thank you will result in you no longer being my apprentice," he commanded. Though a joking smirk took hold of his features while doing so. "Also the armor is tier three, so it'll be a while before you can use it. But once we're done here, you should take essence of steel to increase it to a perfect quality item. If you still plan on being support that is."

Phew.

The sigh of relief was less than pleasurable, but comforting nonetheless. However, she was right. Something she was becoming far too often in their encounters. Mentally, though he willed himself to attempt to commit, he was not ready to unearth the tomb that is that story. At least not right now. Long ago, before the true effects had settled in, he told his side of the story. He explained to friends and guildmates alike how he managed to cut down Aincrad's hero from behind. A coward's attack. A blindside. A back stab. His honor was questioned. His motives were unclear to most and even when explained, murky to them at best. They would never understand the why. He wasn't sure he understood it any better than they did.

Kiru understood. Or so she led him to believe. Though he would never know now as she was gone with the wind. A soul alive but not with them. Turning to Galilea, he offered a soft smile.

"Thank you. The subject is somber. And I came here to clear my mind, not murk it up further."

"Why did you kill Zelrius?"

Why? A simple question. The answer being far more complex. He thought about the 'why' every day. Haunting him even when he wasn't intent on thinking about it. Plaguing his thoughts and dreams. Effortlessly the guilt haunted him. He was being asked to confront it. Explain it. He had an answer. It had never been a good one. He didn't like admitting that he was just as twisted as some of the other PKers. He didn't like knowing that at any moment he could have done what he did without the aid of that damned potion. She was at fault, but no more than he was for his own feelings and actions. She amplified all of his negative emotions, feelings, and thoughts. Watering the seed, that he had planted long ago on his own.

His eyes raised sheepishly. No longer did he mind the pole between his fingers. The art of fishing had long lost his attention and its appeal. Instead he too looked to the waters. The hope being the endless calm would help him reach a sufficient answer for her.

It didn't.

"There were many reasons. Interwoven and culminating to the eventual act. To sum it up wouldn't do him any justice and to tell it in full would be an epic in length." He sighed.

The pole had suddenly dissolved back into his inventory freeing his hands to become interlocked and serve as a rest for his head.

"Ideally to explain, I'd have to give some background. If that is what you wish, then I will continue."

The question was inevitable. No matter how many times he wished it wasn't.

Galilea had promptly found a seat next to his.  He wasn't uncomfortable next to her, but her request made him uneasy. He brought his eyes to hers, though she tore away shortly after. The look on his face probably said it all. She may be feeling guilty for her question but how could she know this was something he was still struggling with? Though would he be a sane person if he wasn't struggling with it? His head swirled.

"Ahem. What do you want to know?" He inquired shakily. He could offer at least this much. If he couldn't face it now, would he ever be able to? There's was no pint in running from the question. This wasn't the first time he was asked about and it surely won't be the last. He should expect at least this much. Zelrius was in fact a prominent figure. Hatred and love aside. He had followers and people that cared for him. He would need to face them sooner or later.

Violet hair. Emerald eyes. She was no challenger. At least not int the threatening sense. She was his protege. The next 'Faint'. "Galilea. My. My. What brings you here to the land of cavernous beasts and lakes unseen?" The question was of dramatics but he was curious nonetheless.

His pole wriggled. The bobber dipping in the distance. He was aware no eggs would come of it. Instead there would be materials wrapped in a net, or a boot. SAO could be rather unpredictable when it wanted to be. The musings left him staring absentmindedly at the woman. Clearing his throat, he averted his gaze to relieve the feeling of awkwardness in the air. He adjusted his cape and resumed attempting to haul in the catch teasing the end of his hook.

With a small tug and a spin or two of his reel, he managed to entrap a single ore from the depths of the lake. "Perhaps killing monsters would prove more fruitful and beneficial for training no?"

Frosted. His HUD was outlined in snow. The specks of frozen water dusting over everything in its path. On floors like this, that literally meant everything. However, he was no stranger to this floor. The brunette had frequented it several times to kill a certain ice elemental that stalked these grounds and even more recently to visit someone he never would have believed he was calling a friend. Their paths were traveled differently, though their results were one in the same. Misery. Regret. Hate. Loneliness. Disassociation. Depression. All feelings and emotions that they shared, but not with each other.

But there was a pillar. Light at the end of the tunnel. A vision they wished to obtain that would somehow absolve them of their actions and worries. A belief they bought into and would see to it that if nothing else, they could say they did what they could. The beginning would start here, at her home.

Paw prints littered the snow leading up to Mari's home. The frozen lake serving as a landmark more than anything for Oikawa as he and King followed behind what looked to be Shield. "Oi," he called out. Hopefully he could catch the man before he stumbled inside. He didn't want for Mari to have to continuously open and close her doors. The snow would track and the heat would be let out. His pace quickened. Managing to catch up, just as the door swung open.

"Did I ever mention how much I hate the cold?"

"Ouch Gally," murmured the brunette as Titan moved closer joined their group. Rubbing his neck, Oikawa selected his gear, donning his two-handed spear and light armor cape. Though he was positive he wouldn't need it. Oikawa then turned to Titan. "Your assessment would be correct and of course I would be Oikawa," he said with a slight bow. Gesturing towards Galilea, he continued. "Ignore her rudeness. For a protege we are very... dissimilar," he teased. "But she is right. This quest wasn't available when I started grinding, so if you are familiar with it you may lead the way. I'm only here to observe and help out when needed. Well that and to answer any questions you may have regarding the guild, its members, or the state of Aincrad."

He wasn't all-knowing by any means but he had spent a majority of his time between guilds and the frontlines since his early days. His knowledge wasn't absolute but it was decently vast. Twirling his spear about, he locked it in place via the clasp on his cloak and motioned for Titan to lead the way.

"Let's see what our budding tank and support can do on their own."

@Titan

Oikawa's grip softened. The quest. They were both here for the quest. To say paranoia had become more of a reality would be an understatement. After witnessing Mari get chased down mercilessly, he was sure his name wasn't too far behind hers on the list of PKers to PK. The brunette then shrugged, he imagined Seul couldn't be too inclined to want to pick a fight right now anyhow. Neither of them were sure of their level or gear set, though if his old nickname had still held any merit, one could assume that he was still a user of the paralysis build.

Clearing his throat, Oikawa planted his spear and rested upon the crossed arms hoisting him up. "Burning Phoenix Feathers?" he questioned. "Hmm it would seem we have the same objective then. Perhaps we should party up to knock it out quickly?" Oikawa was still leery, despite Seul's words, but he had seen enough combat to know when things weren't going to go in his favor and if need be he could always just vanish. The reward would seemingly outweigh the risk and he was fine with that.

"So what do you say Seul?"

Loot:

@Seul

Stats:

He was almost scot-free. Almost. But the violet haired woman cut him of and decidedly poked him in the chest. Taking a half step back, he rubbed at his sternum with small grin. "Fair enough. Fair enough," he mused while rubbing his chin. She was almost cute when she was demanding, but Oikawa knew she meant business. Running his fingers through his chestnut brown bangs, Oikawa thought for a moment. "First of all, you won't be the only female. Mari will be there too and she is a founding member herself. She is a rather great person to learn from if I'm being completely honest. And as for levels, that's actually who I was going to meet with. A new recruit by the name of Titan. He's around your level and essentially leveling the same as you."

A sudden thought occurred. Shaking his head he wondered how he hadn't thought of it sooner. Drafting up a message, he sent the details to Titan. Turning to Galilea, he rested a hand on her shoulder. "Your in luck. You're actually going to meet him today. He said he was willing to partake in the quest with us and I figured it'd be an easy way to begin building rapport between us."

@Titan

Her words were faint. The feeling of exhaustion lingering on every syllable. He was right. She was tired. The source of her exhaustion being the newfound stress she had come to put on herself. The need to shoulder the burdens of others alongside them was a trait he found most often in mothers. Being she was one, the thought made sense. His mind worked through her words. She didn't want to cast blame. She wouldn't be one to turn others away and she knew that, her body however disagreed entirely. She didn't want others to feel the same as she, a feeling that Oikawa was familiar with in a sense. His gaze remained unwavering however. He realized that she wanted what was best for everyone and even when she was feeling to be at her limit, she continued to give.

Placing his own cup down, he kneeled down grabbed one of her hands in his own. "You're heart is kind Mari. And you still don't give yourself enough credit nor the rest and relaxation you deserve. And more than anything thank you." He was aware the sudden gesture could make her uncomfortable, but he kept his grip soft as if to let her know if she pulled away he understood.

Giving the lazy kitten a stroke, the brunette re-seated himself. His hand finding the underside of his chin and serving as a prop for the weight of his head. He wondered. The thought semi-fleeting and semi-serious all the same. His gaze quickly averted to the door behind them leading to the main hallway. Lazily his other hand lifted and pointed in that general direction but his tone remained firm and warm as he spoke. "Well I might not be able to solve that problem completely, but the master bedroom has potentially the most comfortable bed I've ever laid in. The sheets are fresh and much like the rest of the house, has the faint smell of burnt wood to it. And the room is yours for the night."

The offer was less so an offer and more so a statement. If nothing else, she would at least sleep comfortably tonight. He couldn't alleviate her worries not the thoughts that ran rampant inside, he could however sympathize that sometimes you just needed to clear your head in a comfortable bed. If only it could always be that simple.

@Mari

His head swiveled around as footsteps approached him from behind. "I'm guessing you finished up with the quest then. What's next for you?" the look on her face informed him that there was more to be done, which was expected to say the least. Her resolve seemed more real all sudden. The determination in her eyes showing through. "I know your serious so my offer will stand as I am serious too." Looking away he thought about what he had said earlier and shifted his focus back to her. "Have you thought about what I said? The guild will be Jacob's Ladder and we would be thrilled to have you." A half grin found its way to his face. Looking at the time, he slapped his face.

"That being said, I have to go. Forgot I was meeting with a friend here in a bit and I must traverse the long way to get there. So, for now, think on it. Let me know what you end up deciding however." With that, he turned to leave.

Loot:

Oikawa had half a mind to message Calrex, Shield, Baldur and Mari. He potentially had a recruit for Jacob's Ladder. But as the old saying goes, he didn't want to count his chickens before they hatched. He only knew Galilea briefly but before adding her to the guild, he wanted to make sure she was going to stick around. Which was rich coming from himself. He chuckled. Who was he to judge anyone and or be a judge of their intentions. He was in no position for that kind of stance. Shaking his head, he ran fingers through his hair. Something he had been doing more and more as of late and thought about what to do next.

"I suppose I should figure out what's next on her list of things to complete quest wise. Right now, quests serve as the quickest way to gain skill points and for her to catch up, she'll need to take advantage of all of these quests while she can. I'll see what she thinks when she comes back."

Loot:

"Damn it," he thought.

He managed to make matters worse. What was supposed to be an invitation ended up driving a wedge and giving her the impression that she was burdening him. Which wasn't the case. As she collected the last material she needed, she begins to speed off towards the town. Attempting to keep up, he searched for a way to redeem himself from this situation he found himself in. "Galilea, that's not what I meant. I... I will take you under my wing if you so choose. I want to see you succeed. Truly. You can find your group if you want, I will be here as your mentor and guide regardless."

She met his gaze and gave him a nod before bouncing off back to the potion maker. He sighed. What had he gotten himself into? Now he was responsible for what he said and furthermore her well-being in a sense. Though this was exactly what he needed. Atonement. Through her reaching her goals, he'd attain his.

"I'll make good on this Zel. I promise."

Loot:

"I see" mused the brunette. Worry settling into his features as it often did for people with motives like most. He felt bad for her. Like many others he started off with the same resolve but internally he came to terms with knowing that nothing would be the same when they got back to the real world. IF they got back to the real world.

He sighed. "I want you to make it back to your family as well." If he was being honest, he wanted more than anything to help everyone get out of this place. Jacob's Ladder would serve as a catalyst towards this ideal and he wondered if he should mention it to her. Deciding now wasn't the best time, he continued to help her search for materials.

"You should consider finding players to party with and gaining levels that way to reach your goal. I have something coming into play soon that can help with that but for the time being that's what I'd recommend."

"You just told yourself now wasn't the time...baka."

Loot:

Polygons shattered as the wolf dissolved into nothingness. His blade had pierced the creature with minimal effort for once. Dissolving his blade, he accepted his loot material before turning back to face Galilea. Wearing a grin, he gifted her the two materials he had just received from the wolf. "How's that for help. How many more do you need?" The fact that she hated gifts and asking for help made this all the more pleasurable for the brunette.

Glancing around, he figured they should head back closer to the town before another Wolf spawned. Gesturing back to the town, Oikawa questioned what she had been up to since their last encounter. "It's been a while Gally. How have you been holding up in my absence? Finally decided to get serious about catching up to me?" He asked teasingly. When they last conversed, she had made mention she was intent on passing him but seeing her level only budging a few notches, he was sure she had just decided to sit back.

"I guess I was wrong."

Loot:

The kettle heated. The whistling noise filling the air as they conversed. He settled on green tea. A favorite of his, reminding him of home. He wore a grin. A result of Mari's interaction with King as she urged him to relax. She wasn't wrong. He needed to settle down. Take in the moment and let his mind rest. But she knew as well as he did. their minds could never be at ease. At least not completely. He then sighed. Taking a calming exhale and sitting down across from her as she made herself comfortable; a reassuring sign in itself. His gaze lingered a little too long however, as she cleared her throat. Glancing away, he chuckled while pouring her a cup of the tea and passed it to her.

"A koi fish. Interesting choice and not expected to say the least. Though, even more surprising is that its a damage familiar." He tried to imagine the fish leaping out of the bowl to assist her in combat. The idea causing him to stifle a small laugh. "I'd love to meet Kohaku next time," he managed in between sips of the bittersweet liquid.

Searching her eyes, he reflected on the last time they accompanied each other. "So how are you holding up?" He brought both hands to his mug, cupping it out of comfort. She looked tired. Not in a bad way. Just insanely tired. When was the last time she slept well? He wondered if either of them really got good sleep these days. As much as he needed to relax, he could say the same for her as well.

"When was the last time you got decent rest Mari?"

@Mari

"I have lost my touch," he thought as they traded blows again. His shoulder once again the target of the wolf's rather annoying bite. The back of his spear battered the wolf before piercing it and pushing the creature back. The wolf yelped as it was sent back. Scrambling to its feet before snapping at him again. Judging from the creature's bar, Oikawa was sure his next attack would end it, but the fact that the fight had even gone this long was what annoyed him.

Steps echoed in the background. His head whipped to see if, yet another wolf had decided to join them. In a way he was right. Although this wolf was a woman whose fangs were just as sharp. Shifting his focus back to the wolf, Oikawa asked allowed. "You finished gathering the materials already Gally? Hmm, I thought I had more time. Just a moment." Twirling his spear, he activated Concentration and rocketed forward once more.

Loot:

If there was one thing the brunette appreciated, it was the quality of professions that still remained available to players of his status. Despite the remote location, this merchant store in particular was home to one of the best merchants and guildmates around. Oikawa remembered they had discussed the purchasing of some choice equipment. If anything Shield knew Oikawa was a loyal customer as he only ever shopped at his store for Unique items.

Pressing through the front doors, Oikawa nodded to Shield and began to draft the transaction menu. "Shield, seems you'll be busy with this event and all so I figured I stop by now before it picked up. The items we discussed earlier are included."

Sending over the Col, Oikawa awaited the acceptance before turning on his heel. "I'll more than likely be back once all this egg stuff dies down. Until then."

With that, he exited the shop.

Purchasing:

And relentless he was. Quickened thrusts widened the gap between the man and the wolf. Managing to leap over many of the attacks, the Dire Wolf quickly lunged at the brunette. His bite came swiftly as he caught the shoulder of Oikawa before being railed by a few rapid machine-gun blows to the torso. Sending the creature sprawling back into the grass. Clutching his shoulder, Oikawa assessed the damage. There wasn't much but the lingering effect told him that he just experienced a critical blow from the wolf.

Dusting the vanity cloak, he wore, Oikawa eyed the wolf. There damage was rather on par with each other, but it was clear that even if he traded blows with the wolf, he would ultimately become the victor. Glancing at the mutt, Oikawa began to boast.

"The numbers aren't in your favor little wolf. May your death bring peace to these floors."

Loot: