Ariel - The Crowned Lion

Ariel sat by the water, her line cast, but her attention flickered between the calm surface and the little lioness, Kimba, who had now taken it upon herself to test Hanzoku's resolve. Ariel couldn't help but smile softly at the scene. Kimba’s playful nature was a constant source of amusement, but this time it seemed like even the small feline couldn’t break Hanzoku’s trance. With a flick of her wrist, Ariel felt a tug on her fishing line. She braced herself, reeling it in with a smooth, practiced motion. The fish fought briefly, but soon enough, Ariel pulled it from the water—a sizeable c

Ariel moved gracefully through the crowd, her elegant attire catching the eyes of a few passersby. She wore a deep blue furisode made of fine silk, the flowing sleeves adorned with intricate embroidery of cranes and cherry blossoms. The gold and silver obi at her waist, tied in a flawless knot, was a reflection of her meticulous craftsmanship. As a skilled tailor, she had designed and created the entire outfit herself for this formal occasion, ensuring every detail was perfect. Her blonde hair was neatly pinned up, a jade hairpin adding a final, personal touch to the ensemble. The soft click o

With a quick glance at Han, who seemed deeply immersed in his meditation, Ariel signaled to Kimba, who had been lazily lounging nearby. The little lioness perked up at her command, her ears twitching with curiosity. Ariel had trained Kimba well, and the familiar knew exactly what to do. Kimba darted off into the bushes, her agile form disappearing into the undergrowth. Moments later, there was a sudden rustling sound, followed by a low growl. The bushes near Han rustled violently as Kimba emerged, pouncing playfully in front of him, her claws extended just enough to rake across the ground

Ariel continued to fish quietly, her silver eyes glancing occasionally at Han as he sank deeper into his meditation. She could see the change in him—a subtle but noticeable shift in his posture as his breathing became more even and his muscles relaxed. It was a significant step, one that spoke to his growing ability to find calm in the chaos of their world. As Ariel felt a sudden, strong tug on her fishing line, she instinctively braced herself. With a practiced hand, she began to reel in whatever had taken the bait, expecting a larger-than-average fish. However, as the line came closer,

Ariel watched Han's reaction with a mix of understanding and empathy. His instinctive movement and subsequent apology highlighted the depth of his struggle with relaxation, a challenge that was all too common for those in his position. The sight of his flushed cheeks and his quick adjustment of posture gave her insight into his mindset—one that remained guarded and on edge despite the apparent safety of their surroundings. Instead of responding verbally, Ariel chose a more subtle approach. She offered Han a reassuring smile, one meant to convey encouragement without breaking his focus fur

Ariel observed Han carefully as he settled onto the rock, preparing himself. His initial hesitation didn’t go unnoticed, and she could tell that this was not his comfort zone. But that was precisely the point of this exercise. She needed to see how he handled himself when he was pushed into unfamiliar territory. With a soft sigh, Ariel turned her attention to the fishing rod in her hands, a peaceful activity she started enjoying only after being stuck in this death game. She cast the line into the water, watching the ripples spread out and listening to the quiet sounds of nature. For a mo

Ariel watched the scene unfold with a mixture of amusement and admiration. Han's unexpected leap through the bush had been a clever move, and his quick reflexes had earned him a small victory over the ever-playful Kimba. The little lioness wriggled in his arms, her dignity slightly bruised, but her eyes still sparkling with the thrill of the game. Ariel couldn't help but smile as Han released Kimba, who scampered back to her spot, flicking her tail in playful defiance. As Han bowed and suggested continuing with a best two out of three, Ariel considered his suggestion thoughtfully. The determin

Ariel observed Dracul with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. Despite his occasional condescension, she knew he took his training seriously. She saw the gleam of determination in his eyes and knew he wouldn’t let Julius down. Ariel adjusted her fishing rod and turned her attention to Kimba. The lioness had a natural grace and strength, but Ariel hoped to refine her abilities further. Today’s training would involve teaching Kimba a skill related to agility—something that could be useful in both combat and everyday tasks. “Alright, Kimba, let’s get started too!” Ariel said, her voic

The tranquil setting of Shirajishi-ryū Valley was a serene escape from the relentless battles of the frontlines. Ariel, comfortably seated on the grass beside the fishing pond, cast her line with practiced ease. The gentle rustle of leaves and the soft lapping of the water provided a calming backdrop. She had invited Dracul to join her for a unique training session. The quest to train their familiars was an excellent opportunity to spend some time away from the usual grind and see how well their partners would adapt to new skills. Ariel was focused on her fishing, but her attention was sp

Ariel couldn’t help but laugh softly at Hanzoku’s comment, appreciating his approach to the challenge. "It’s about how you handle yourself when things get unpredictable." she replied, her smile widening as he unequipped his armor and prepared for the trial. As Hanzoku made his first move, throwing himself at Kimba, Ariel watched with keen interest. He wasn’t hesitating or overthinking, just acting on instinct. That was a good start. But Kimba, with her feline agility, was quicker. It would take more than overpowering her. The lioness flicked her tail with what could only be described as a

Ariel watched as Hanzoku introduced himself, noticing the slight blush that colored his cheeks when he realized his earlier oversight. His earnestness and the confidence in his voice as he recounted his past titles brought a smile to her face. When he relaxed and grinned, she could see the humor and resolve behind his words. As Hanzoku finished speaking, Ariel's eyes sparkled with both amusement and respect. "Kingslayer, Destroyer’s End—those are quite the titles. I’m sure you’ll earn another one here in Aincrad, but for now, 'Han-dono' works just fine." Kimba, sensing the shift in t

Ariel listened intently as Hanzoku spoke, her expression softening as he shared his story. His initial joke drew a small smile from her, a flicker of amusement in her eyes as she recognized his attempt to lighten the mood. However, as he continued, revealing his determination to grow stronger despite past experiences, her demeanour shifted to one of quiet respect. She crossed her arms, leaning slightly against the training dummy as she considered his words. The humor he had shown at the start was something she appreciated—it hinted at a resilience, a willingness to keep going despite the darkn

Ariel paused her training, the rhythmic sound of her strikes ceasing as she became aware of someone approaching. She maintained her stance, focused, until the last swing was executed. Only then did she acknowledge the newcomer, turning to face him with the practiced calm of a seasoned warrior. Her silver eyes, reflecting a keen curiosity, took in the man before her—older, clearly experienced, and marked by the road he had traveled to reach this place. Ariel offered a nod of acknowledgment, her expression neutral but not unwelcoming. She drove the wooden sword into the ground beside the du

For a while now, Ariel had asked her students to spread posters around the main settlements of each floor as most of her preparations to open the martial arts school had been finished. If she wouldn't actively participate in clearing floors (outside of the floor boss fights), she would at least continue with her dream to open her own school. The first step to achieving that was to start one here, in Aincrad. To reach Ariel's martial arts school, the first task was to leave behind the confines of «Coral», the main settlement on the 22nd floor. A sign bearing a crowned lion's head pointed t

Ariel stepped into Freyd Edge's, the modest shop situated near the ruined monastery on the outskirts of Angel's Point. The place had a certain charm despite its ramshackle appearance, with tables and tents creating a makeshift yet functional display area for artefacts. She took a second to remines on long forgotten times when this floor was the 'frontline' and her adventures here at the time. She was greeted by Quip, who was hunched over the counter, meticulously polishing a set of old relics. Her green eyes flicked up from her work, clearly unimpressed by the interruption but professiona

As Ariel carefully pried open the lid, her anticipation grew. The inside of the chest revealed itself slowly, its contents cushioned in a bed of dark, plush fabric. Among the treasures, her eyes first caught sight of a mysterious, unidentified weapon—a beautifully crafted sword with an intricate hilt, its blade gleaming with an aura of ancient power. Next to it lay an equally enigmatic piece of armor, its design unfamiliar yet exuding a subtle aura of protection. Both items bore no visible inscriptions or markings that could hint at their origins or the enhancements they possessed, adding to t

As the sky turned a rich hue of twilight, Ariel decided to wrap up her quiet fishing session. The day had been a peaceful one, filled with reflections and the gentle lapping of water against the pond's edge. She began to gather her belongings, preparing to head back inside, when something unusual caught her eye. Amidst the soft pink petals of the sakura trees and the neatly arranged stones lining the pond, there was a slight glimmer, barely noticeable against the backdrop of the evening. Curious, Ariel approached the spot cautiously, her keen sight—honed through years of training and enha

As the afternoon sun dipped towards the horizon, casting a golden glow over the pond, Ariel continued her peaceful fishing. She cast Amphitrite's Net again, its intricate pattern sparkling in the soft light. However, this time, as she pulled the net back, it came up empty, swaying gently with only the clear water dripping from its edges. Ariel smiled to herself, unfazed by the lack of a catch. She cast the net once more, but again, it yielded nothing. Ariel stood quietly for a moment, watching the calm ripples spread across the pond's surface. The koi and smaller fish darted beneath the w

Ariel stood by the tranquil pond in the backyard of her estate, next to her dojo and the enchanting field of pink sakura trees. The blossoms floated gently on the breeze, their delicate petals falling like soft rain onto the water’s surface. With Amphitrite’s Net in hand, a special tool she had earned through her trials, Ariel prepared to fish in this serene setting. The pond, a quiet sanctuary she often visited, reflected the vibrant colors of the sakura blossoms, creating a mesmerizing view. Kimba, her loyal lioness companion, watched attentively from a shaded spot beneath one of the an

The trials had not only tested Ariel’s skills but had also expanded her perspective on the natural (artificial) world. She realized that the sea was not just a place of adventure but a realm of profound wisdom and balance. The challenges had reinforced her values of patience, respect, and harmony, which she intended to carry forward in all her endeavours. Kimba’s presence throughout the journey had been a source of strength, and Ariel felt a deepened bond with her loyal companion. Upon arriving back at the dojo, Ariel was met with a sense of calm. The familiar surroundings of her training

As Ariel and Kimba prepared to leave, the moonlight cast a silvery glow over the calm waters of the sea. The journey back to the mainland was marked by a sense of peace and reflection. Ariel gazed at the shimmering moonlight on the water’s surface, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. The trials had taught her not only about fishing but also about the delicate balance of nature and the importance of respecting all forms of life. Kimba, her golden fur reflecting the moonlight, remained by her side, a steadfast presence through their adventure. The voyage back was tranquil, with the gentle r

The night wore on, and Ariel felt a renewed sense of connection to the sea, as if each wave carried with it a piece of the wisdom she had gained. Kimba remained a silent, comforting presence by her side. When Ariel finally packed up her gear, she felt a deep sense of peace and readiness. She knew that the skills and insights she had acquired would guide her future endeavors, enhancing her abilities and deepening her respect for the natural world. With a final glance at the serene waters, Ariel prepared to leave, carrying with her the enduring lessons of the sea. Before departing, Amphitri

As the evening wore on, Ariel reflected on her journey with a deep sense of satisfaction. The challenges had not only tested her abilities but had enriched her understanding of the natural world and the delicate balance it required. Each trial had offered valuable lessons in patience, respect, and harmony. Kimba, her loyal companion, rested beside her, content and purring softly. The bond between Ariel and her faithful lioness had only deepened through their shared adventure. The wisdom gained from the sea would guide Ariel in her future fishing endeavors. Determined to further internaliz

At the head of the table sat Poseidon, resplendent in his majesty, flanked by Amphitrite on his left and Demeter on his right. Poseidon raised his goblet, initiating a toast to the “jewel” who had triumphed in the trials. “To Ariel, whose skill and respect have earned her place among the honored. May her journey be ever guided by the wisdom of the sea.” he proclaimed. A chorus of cheers erupted from all attendees, celebrating Ariel’s achievements. The feast commenced with a variety of sumptuous dishes, showcasing the finest offerings of the sea. Ariel was encouraged to enjoy the fruits of

Ariel arranged the collected materials at an altar, creating a display that reflected both the richness of the sea and her deep respect for it. As she performed the ritual, she felt a profound connection with the sea and its creatures. The process was meditative and spiritual, bringing a sense of peace and fulfillment. Amphitrite watched with a look of approval, her presence a comforting and encouraging force. “You have honored the sea and its inhabitants. This ritual is a symbol of your understanding and respect for the natural world.” she said. With the challenges complete, Amphitrite’s