Hikoru

Hikoru nodded as Kit mentioned they should go sometime. "Yeah, I usually go there to cool down after a fight on the fields. Help to clear my mind." He spoke, then went upstairs. He came back down to see Kit in her bathing suit, and a full blush fell on his face. He did his best not to stare as he took the cup of coffee, taking his trembling hands with the coffee in it and sipping quietly, He looked around the house as he did so, sipping quietly as he did and looking at all the different views, areas and little things Kit has on her walls and in rooms. He let out a sigh as he finally finished calming himself down. He came over to Kit and kissed her forehead gently, placing the empty mug of coffee on the nearby area, and smiled softly.

"Let's go for a swim." He spoke softly, leaning down to whisper those words into her ear. He then stood and went to the door to the beach. Outside, the sun was starting to set as the sky turned a beautiful hue of different oranges, yellows and even pinks. He smiled and made his way onto the sand, his toes touching it for the first time in a long time, enjoying the sensation that he felt at this current time. "It's been far too long since I've seen a nice sunset." He said with a chuckle. "Spending far too much time in those caverns..." He turned to look at kit, his cloak slowly falling off of him, revealing his broad shoulders and toned back, smiling and starting into the water. It was cold, far colder than expected, but it felt fantastic.

Hikoru's Swimsuit (Hidden underneath cloak):

Hikoru scratched the cat quietly, feeling the purring against his chest as he did so. Kit asked if he wanted some coffee, and he just let out a low laugh. "What kind of question is that? I always want coffee." He teased. He let the cat down gently, brushing off the few bits of hair particles. Kayaba had really taken care of the fine details, where cats shed onto his clothing when picked up. He turned around as he heard Kit start to stutter. She asked if he wanted to go swimming, and he felt a small blush form on his face. He nodded slowly.

"Sure, I haven't gone swimming in a long time..." He said, then gave another light chuckle. "The Hot springs don't really count, as those are just something that you sit in and relax, not actually move and have fun." He said quietly. She mentioned that she had a bathroom upstairs, and he nodded, looking for the stairs. He started towards them, and looked over his shoulder. "I'll be right back." He spoke, then went up to the bathroom. Once within the private sanctum, he opened his inventory and opened his UI, taking off the clothes he had been wearing and putting on the pair of swim trunks he owned. Although, he equipped his cloak, as to hide his semi-revealing body from the girl until they got out on the beach, not feeling entirely comfortable with wearing this in her house. After he was finished, he opened the door and quietly went down the stairs.

Multiple voices, that's all Hikoru could hear. Multiple people around him saying hello, and a large crowd forming quickly on the side of the beach. If Hikoru could put into words how he felt, it would be... Unpleasant. His blush had faded a long time ago, as he felt more and more comfortable at he held Kit's hand. He did his best to say hello to anyone who had spoken in his general direction, but he was so swarmed that he had been unable to catch up with anyone or speak to them one on one. It was a bit frustrating, but he knew that it would be impossible. He let out a sigh and did his best to sorta.... disappear from the group, just becoming a face in the crowd and trying to find a quiet spot. However, the whole beach was taken up and he didn't have the room to find such a place. He gave up eventually, and came back over to Kit, who was screaming at Bahr. She turned to him and said he should join the swimsuit competition. He felt a small blush form.

"I don't think i'm.... the best suited, for that..." He spoke, then he looked over and saw the Trinity of Towel Tyrants over nearby, wearing nothing but towels. He stifled a laugh, and decided that maybe he could get away with that. He composed himself, and just nodded his head quietly to Kit, searching his inventory for the swimsuit. Once he found it, he put it on and waited quietly by Kityuisa.

Swimsuit:

Hikoru enters the Swimsuit Competition for fun

Hikoru listened as the tank laid on the ground, thanking him for the rescue. He just shook his head silently, lowering his hand. "No no don't thank me. I just did the right thing. I don't want to see anyone else die in this game if I can help it, so as soon as I got Kit's message I sprinted all the way here. Luckily i wasn't too far off. I was doing some research for a new reci- I mean, I was doing some work for the job I have." He said, doing his best to try and keep his recipe hunting a secret.

He looked over a Kit and the tank that was resting nearby, seeing that they were absolutely exhausted. He smiled quietly, and let out a sigh. "Alright, i'll finish this big bad for you guys. When you guys feel good enough to join go ahead, but I think i'll be okay for a few rotations. Catch your breath and make sure your inventories are situated, and if you want to sit out feel free to. I'll be back." He spoke quietly, lifting his hood and melting into the shadows beneath him, disappearing from sight as if almost in a magic way, but in reality it as using his Unique Skill to his highest peak of performance. He waited quietly to see if he could find the boss monster and take it from stealth.

ID: 123299 LD: 20+7=27 Stealth Rating

Hikoru let out a small sigh of relief as he appeared on the 24th floor. While this was one of the newer floors, he really didn't explore it much, as there were many many islands around and it felt like a lot of work for someone who had so much to do already. Training Aru in how he worked and still having multiple meeting to attend a lot of nights put a toll on him for time. However, he was a lot more free than he used to be, and able to sleep a lot more.

He showed up to the beach where the happenings seemed to be arising, and he just smiled as he saw everyone around. He looked around the crowd, looking for a certain blonde-headed player. Soon he saw her, and he felt a small blush on his cheeks. It wasn't the same swim suit she had worn the last time they had been swimming together, but she was still beautiful all the same, and he felt himself growing redder and redder by the minute. He walked over quietly, calming himself down as he came behind her and covered her eyes

"Guess who?" He said playfully, kissing her cheek with a smile, then blushing as he realized she was already talking to a few people. He backed away slowly and rubbed the back of his neck quietly, avoiding eye contact

Appearance:

Hikoru watched quietly, as Kit rested, as the tank held up an attack against the gorilla. He used his shield well, and he seemed to have a good grasp on tanking. He had a good ways to go, however he had already come a good ways. Definitely frontline material once he reached the right level. He just chuckled quietly as he thought about it, but he noticed the tank's health kept dipping lower and lower. It had reached a threshold he didn't like, and he struck quickly, taking out the gorilla easily. He sheathed his dagger as it burst into pixels, and he walked over to Alec quietly.

"Sorry that we didn't get loot from him, but I didn't want to take the chance of you dying." He spoke softly, and held out a hand. "But you held yourself well, and I can say i'm impressed. My name is Hikoru, nice to meet you." He spoke with a nod of approval. He knew that as a DPS, he didn't know anything when it came to Tanking. However, he knew good tanking when he saw it, as he had always been paired up with the likes of Calrex, Xion, Zandra, Shield and Hestia. This guy would do well and would get to that tier soon, he had a feeling about it.

ID: 123049 BD: 5+3=8 Hit!

17 x 14 = 238 Damage to Gorilla

Party

     ♥[1] Kityuisa | 300/300 HP | 2/30 EN | 8 DMG | 18 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 EVA
     ♥[5]  Alec | 132/785 HP | 36/68 EN | 11 DMG | 131 MIT | 0 ACC | -1 (SW) EVA | 7 BH | 56 THN | - 25% DoT Stonewall | OOC 40 Healing | LD: +3 | Prosperity: +2 | +10% Col from Mobs / +15% Col from TreasureChests
     ♥[0] Hikoru | 1570/1570 HP | 91/154 EN | 17 DMG | 79 MIT | 3 ACC | 0 EVA | 77 BH | +5 LD | +7 Stealth Rating | [Vanish: 0/3]

 Humphrey: 1/5

Enemy

     ♥   Gorilla | HP: 0/560

     ♥   Gorilla | HP: 0/560 | DEAD

     ♥   Gorilla | HP: -36/560 

     ♥   Gorilla | HP: 0/560 | DMG: 192 | MIT: 0 |ACC: 0 | EVA: 0

Hikoru followed Kityuisa quietly, holding onto her lightly and letting her lead. Smiling as she seemed to enjoy the smell of the beach. While he would admit, the smell of he sea salt was pleasant, he missed the smell of the woods that him and his brother used to explore more than anything. It was a nostalgic smell that he had yet to find in his time here in Aincrad, and he craved a floor with the smell if but for a moment. He saw Kit's house come into view and he stood in awe. The house was beautiful, and he had suddenly wished he had a house on this floor. He walked in as he heard a meow, and looked down to see a cute cat. She held it out to him, and he took the cat awkwardly, feeling the cat purr against him and he scratched under it's chin.

"Well aren't you adorable." He said with a small chuckle. He looked at Kit. "I'd say let's have a play date. But uh... Rolland doesn't do well with other familiars... A story for another time." he spoke quietly, clicking his tongue at the small kitten and continuing to pet quietly, enjoying the feeling of such a soft familiar in his arms.

Hikoru watched as Kit heeded his advice, while the Tank also did as well. He didn't mean it in a bad-spirited way, but he wanted them to learn from this experience. He gripped his dagger tightly, uncrossing his arms and taking a small stance, his dagger humming with anticipation. He shot forward, striking the beast with breakneck speeds right into the heart, not aiming for a vital point as to let it live. His sword art completed and soon the creature's health had dropped tremendously. He turned to Kit and the Tank with a smile.

"That is what Tier 3 is, or a taste of it anyways. I have no idea what Tier you guys are at, but this is the sorta stuff you can expect. Also, it gets harder to level up after level 50, so enjoy the quick climbs that you have. It's slows down waaay too much for my liking." He spoke as he casually walked back to the group, knowing that the creature really had no knowledge of him here thanks to his Unique Skill. It made fights like this easy.

ID: 123001 BD: 5+3=8 Hit!

Hikoru used Swarm: 17 x 14 = 238 Damage to Gorilla

Party

     ♥[1] Kityuisa | 300/300 HP | 1/30 EN | 8 DMG | 18 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 EVA
     ♥[4]  Alec | 160+60+7=247-61=186/785 HP | 37/68 EN | 11 DMG | 131 MIT | 0 ACC | -1 (SW) EVA | 7 BH | 56 THN | - 25% DoT Stonewall | OOC 40 Healing | LD: +3 | Prosperity: +2 | +10% Col from Mobs / +15% Col from TreasureChests
     ♥[0] Hikoru | 1570/1570 HP | 106/154 EN | 17 DMG | 79 MIT | 3 ACC | 0 EVA | 77 BH | +5 LD | +7 Stealth Rating | [Vanish: 1/3]

 Humphrey: +60 HP

Enemy

     ♥   Gorilla | HP: 0/560

     ♥   Gorilla | HP: 0/560 | DEAD

     ♥   Gorilla | HP: -36/560 

     ♥   Gorilla | HP: 90/560 | DMG: 192 | MIT: 0 |ACC: 0 | EVA: 0

Hikoru watched as the gorilla with low health died against it's own attacks against Alec, while Kit had done her best to attack the gorilla. He watched silently, raising an eyebrow. She was out of energy, as these creatures had no mitigation and she had barely done any damage. He silently watched as she attacked, and she seemed pretty adept with the weapon, but being such a low level made it hard to keep up energy while she attacked. If she had used Swarm like he did, she would only have been able to attack once before waiting two turns to even think of using it again, while he can use it multiple times without a problem. He crossed his arms instead of attacking, his dagger loosely held in his left hand.

"Kit, you're now wasting energy to let out such a small attack. I like your spirit, but you need to step back and let your energy regain, okay? Damage is good, but that much damage is not helping much. That's good for when the creature is weak, but you need to get it into the red for such damage. Not to be rude, but that's my experience." he spoke. He then looked at Alec. "And Alec, you're doing a good job, but you definitely need to invest in some healing items to use when your done howling. Your health is way too low my friend, and I don't need you dying on me, okay?" He spoke quietly, watching his health. "If you need a potion I can send one your way."

ID: 122877 BD: 2+2=4 Miss! (-2 Energy)

Party

     ♥[0] Kityuisa | 300/300 HP | 0/30 EN | 8 DMG | 18 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 EVA
     ♥[3]  Alec | 214+7=221-61=160/785 HP | 398/68 EN | 11 DMG | 131 MIT | 0 ACC | -1 (SW) EVA | 7 BH | 56 THN | - 25% DoT Stonewall | OOC 40 Healing | LD: +3 | Prosperity: +2 | +10% Col from Mobs / +15% Col from TreasureChests
     ♥[0|0] Hikoru | 1570/1570 HP | 121/154 EN | 17 DMG | 79 MIT | 3 ACC | 0 EVA | 77 BH | +5 LD | +7 Stealth Rating | [Vanish: 2/3]

 Humphrey: 5/5

Enemy

     ♥   Gorilla | HP: 0/560

     ♥   Gorilla | HP: 0/560 | DEAD

     ♥   Gorilla | HP: -36/560 

     ♥   Gorilla | HP: 384/560 | DMG: 192 | MIT: 0 |ACC: 0 | EVA: 0

Hikoru waited silently as the gorillas pounced on the tankier-looking player that was with Kit, and he studied that their health dipped a bit. He chuckled slightly. This kid knew what he was doing, and if he had more MIT, he would be a good Frontline tank. However his health was far too low and he needed to get more skills unlocked from what he could tell. He seemed a little clunky in his movements, so he may have not been comfty in his armor or with his weapon, something only time and practice would remedy.

He looked to see the gorilla that was the weaker of the two. He did a quick damage calculation, and decided to avoid the critical weak point he had found prior. He wanted these two to get the loot that the creature would drop, as their level was far too low for him. He attacked from stealth and hit the creature head on, his calculations deeming true as the creature was left with one health. He smiled and turned to Kit and the tank. "Mind finishing that one off while I bring down this big one? Get yourselves a little loot." He said with a chuckle, then his eyes gazed over to the last gorilla, glaring daggers as he knew a chill would go down the apes spine. He had made a mistake, and even though it was only a bunch of 1s and 0s, it still knew that it was seriously outmatched.

ID: 122655 LD: 17+7= 25 Stealth Check

BD: 5+3=8 (Disregarded due to Sneak Attack)

Hikoru used Swarm: 20 x 14 x 1.20 = 336 Damage to Gorilla

Party

     ♥[1|0] Kityuisa | 300/300 HP | 0/30 EN | 8 DMG | 18 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 EVA
     ♥[4|2]  Alec | 258+7-61=214/785 HP | 39/68 EN | 11 DMG | 131 MIT | 0 ACC | -1 (SW) EVA | 7 BH | 56 THN | - 25% DoT Stonewall | OOC 40 Healing | LD: +3 | Prosperity: +2 | +10% Col from Mobs / +15% Col from TreasureChests
     ♥[0|0] Hikoru | 1570/1570 HP | 122/154 EN | 17 DMG | 79 MIT | 3 ACC | 0 EVA | 77 BH | +5 LD | +7 Stealth Rating | [Vanish: 2/3]

 Humphrey: 4/5

Enemy

     ♥   Gorilla | HP: 0/560

     ♥   Gorilla | HP: 1/560 | DMG: 192 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 0

     ♥   Gorilla | HP: -36/560 

     ♥   Gorilla | HP: 392/560 | DMG: 192 | MIT: 0 |ACC: 0 | EVA: 0

Hikoru came charging into the dungeon, his stride wide as his charge skill was active to give him a burst of speed, his dagger gleaming a glow of white he hadn't seen prior to having this weapon and he dove head on into a gorilla, stabbing it straight through the heart and finishing his sword art in one feil swoop, the gorilla in pieces. He let out a ragged breath as he lowered his dagger. "Guess I made good timing..." He spoke as he looked over to Kit, a small smile on his face. "Now, do me a favor and don't almost die like that again..." He spoke. He heard a blinking, and looked down to see that Vanish was about to activate. He looked back at the two of them and he gave a thumbs up. "I'll be right back, stay alive for a little longer, and attack sparingly." He spoke, then pulled up his hood and disappeared into the area around him, hidden from sight.

ID: 122589 BD: 10 [Crit!]

Hikoru used Swarm with Charge! 17+5+2+12 = 36 x 14 = 504 Damage to Gorilla

Vanish Procs: ID: 122591 LD: 1+7=8 Stealth Rating [Immune to Passive Detection bois]

Party

     ♥[1|0] Kityuisa | 300/300 HP | 7/30 EN | 8 DMG | 18 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 EVA
     ♥[4|1]  Alec | 312+7=319-61=258/785 HP | 40/68 EN | 11 DMG | 131 MIT | 0 ACC | -1 (SW) EVA | 7 BH | 56 THN | - 25% DoT Stonewall | OOC 40 Healing | LD: +3 | Prosperity: +2 | +10% Col from Mobs / +15% Col from TreasureChests
     ♥[0|0] Hikoru | 1570/1570 HP | 138/154 EN | 17 DMG | 79 MIT | 3 ACC | 0 EVA | 77 BH | +5 LD | +7 Stealth Rating | [Vanish: 3/3]

 Humphrey: 3/5

Enemy

     ♥   Gorilla | HP: 0/560

     ♥   Gorilla | HP: 401/560 | DMG: 192 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 0

     ♥   Gorilla | HP: -36/560 

     ♥   Gorilla | HP: 448/560 | DMG: 192 | MIT: 0 |ACC: 0 | EVA: 0

Stats:

Hikoru felt a blush at Kit teased him about wanting to bathe together. He avoided eye contact as she laughed loudly. He ended it with a kiss and she gave off a cute and peculiar sound. He smiled and decided to leave it alone for now, then continued to pick her up as she eagerly wrapped her arms around his neck. She then said she had a home on Floor 24, and he blinked in surprise. "Really? Wow, you must have gained col quickly..." He muttered under his breath. She offered a private tour and a time to swim on the beach and enjoy the water, and he nodded.

"Sounds like a great idea. Let's be off then." He said, taking her into one arm and quickly opening his UI, setting a marker for this floors teleporter and making his way there, carrying her quietly as they went, humming a small tune as the town soon appeared in sight, walking over and avoiding the eye contact of multiple players and NPC's, he went to the giant teleporter and spoke aloud. "Teleport, Floor 24." He spoke. Then the pixels appeared in his sight, and a few seconds later he was onto Floor 24, Kityuisa still in hand if she had said the command with him. He then set her down, but held onto her hand. "Come, show me the way to your home."

Keep 'er Rolling!

ID: 122457 LD: 18+8= 26 Material Found! [Material: 3/5]

Hikoru continued to kiss quietly, the movements and everything all around him blocked out, only enjoying just this moment. He felt himself wanting more, but he knew that now was not the time, nor the place. He let out a small mental sigh as he felt himself now laying on the ground. He let it happen as the kiss continued for a few moments longer, then he slowly, and hesitantly, pulled away. "Not that I want to stop..." He spoke with a smile. "But I do believe there are better, and more beautiful places to explore... Besides, I don't like being so... exposed, in the wilderness." He said with a chuckle. "We could go to the hot springs on my floor if you'd like, unless you have any better ideas." He spoke quietly, kissing Kityuisa's neck tenderly as he slowly sat up, taking her into his arms and picking her up bridal style quietly. A wind picking up and blowing the leftover grass from his hair, but the flower crown still staying securely on his head.

Hikoru smiled slowly as Kityuisa seemed to enjoy the moment that they were having. He had to admit, he didn't except anything like this today, but he was happy that it happened. He chuckled lightly as she gave a small sound as he played with her hair, and enjoyed the closeness with each other. As she adjusted her position and pulled closer, exclaiming that she enjoyed how his lips felt against hers, and he only smiled slyly. 

"I think they enjoyed it too." he spoke with a small, rumbling laugh that was far lower than how he usually laughed. They joined together once more in a romantic kiss, and he held onto her tightly, not wanting to let go. He hadn't had one of these moments since... Vale. His heart still ached for the woman, but he knew that she was gone, and he had accepted it. And now, he was ready to move on, and Kit was the person that made him happy. Although she wasn't here, he was sure the woman would have been happy that he had found love somewhere else.

Hikoru sat in the moment quietly stroking Kityuisa's hair quietly, enjoying the serenity of it all. The birds were singing, the flowers were blooming, and the two of them were as red as tomatoes. Although they both had calmed down, the red on their faces was still visible, but had faded slightly. Hikoru felt a kiss on his cheek, and a shudder went down his spine. He ignored the thought of kissing back as she leaned back as to see his face, staring into each others eyes. She asked if she felt the same way about him, wanting to re-assure herself. He just smiled and sat up slowly, letting her still sit on his lap as he leaned in and kissed her forehead quietly, smiling as he pulled away. 

"If I didn't, would you really think that I would let any of this happen?" He said with a chuckle. "Yes, yes I do." He spoke quietly, giving her a re-assuring smile. He sighed and stroked a part of her hair, playing with the ends of them quietly and making patterns once again.

Hikoru kissed her quietly, enjoying the moment as their lips moved as one, and he wouldn't say it aloud, but he was upset that she pulled away, he wanted to continue what he felt, he wanted to continue what they had started. But as she held herself up a bit, she held a hand to his cheek and rubbed softly, exclaiming in but a few words how happy she was. He couldn't find the words, so he just quietly smiled as she leaned down to his side, her face nuzzled into his neck and his breathing relaxed. He took his free hand and started to slowly stroke her hair, intertwining it in his fingers and making small patterns with the hair, letting it fall back into the waves of the blonde sea below it before picking up another strand and playing with it again, repeating this endless cycle as he felt her breathing slow. He was surprised that she had felt this way and held it back for so long. She wasn't one to keep secrets well, he could tell that much. He now knew what Aru meant earlier when he spoke to him but a few words.

"Have a good time, and you be on your best behavior." His young apprentice told him. He felt it as a joke between the two of them, but now Hikoru knew what he meant.

And he was unsure if he could keep that promise.

Hikoru listened as Kit spoke softly to him, saying she didn't know if he felt the same way. Confusion washed over his face as he thought. What did she mean? He was unsure, and he felt like he should have. He was about to speak, when Kit pulled them close, to the point where their bodies were touching. Hikoru felt his whole face blush as he could feel her heartbeat against his chest, her eyes looking with fear, but bravery all at the same time. Hikoru was unsure of what to do, and sat frozen, completely unprepared for what would happen next. After a moment of awkward silence between the two, Hikoru opened his mouth to speak when her lips met his. At first, he was completely startled by it and almost pulled away. But soon, he realized what this meant, and he felt everything melt away. Hik wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her with him as he leaned back into the grass, herself now laying across his chest as they continued to kiss, enjoying the moment.

And for the first time in a long time, Hikoru felt safe.

Hikoru listened quietly to Kit and his own steady breathing. While Kit's started slow, he realized that the girl's heart rate was increasing, as he breathing increased. He opened his eyes slowly, and saw that she was a deep red on her face. He realized what was happening, and he felt a blush appear on his face as well. But for some reason, he enjoyed the feeling, and even though almost every part of him wanted to move away, a small, very small piece told him to stay, and he listened to that instead of his own mind, going by what his heart wanted. He felt a wave of peace come over his mind, and the last of the nightmarish thoughts had left his mind, and he now only lived in the moment. He sighed and closed his eyes again, only opening then until after Kit started speaking. He heard her whisper something quietly to him, and he listened to hear, and with a blush, he looked at her quietly. 

"Yes?..."

Hikoru watched from the tree as Kityuisa spoke to him aloud, talking and holding an item that she had made with her hands. His goggles had fallen, and he had just realized and been a fool. A part of him wanted to reach for the goggles immediately, but another part of him knew to wait and read the situation. He had immediately disappeared after having an intimate moment without even knowing it. He looked at her with eyes full of regret as he saw how her eyes looked. He leaned forward to see what was in her hands. It was some sort of... hat, made of flowers and petals... It looked amazing, but it looked crushed. He realized that, in his reactions, had crushed it a little with his hand. He felt awful, and he felt a small pit in his stomach as he realized that he had messed up. He had to make it right. He got down quietly, then, using his <<Charge>> Skill, made his way over to where her hand held the crown. He got down to her level and took her hand, placing the crown on his head with her hand, while also coming close to her, grabbing the back of her head gently and leaning her forwards so their foreheads touched. He saw the pain in her eyes, and his eyes spoke the same thing. Turmoil, regret, pain. It's all he felt for what he did.

"I'm sorry..." He spoke softly, closing his eyes and wearing the crown, just holding this pose for a moment as to try and calm her down. [Pose here, except hand on back of her head, and arm with crown in it on top of Hik's head]

Hikorus mind was an avalanche of emotions from his nightmare. Rohk stood over him with beady eyes, the eagle creature cawing into the night time sky. Hikoru couldn't make out anything else from around him. Nobody's screams were audible, nor was he able to say anything. As he bird creature towered over him in size, it let out a piercing cry, and started to flap it's wings violently, causing a great turbulence of wind to be launched directly at Hikoru. He was able to hold his ground, but he could not fight against it. Soon everything visually became nothing but a wall of wind, and he couldn't hear anything but the roaring of the winds around him. He covered his ears to try and block it out, but it was almost ineffective. He did his best to scream, but his throat was closed, nothing would come out.

"Hiko..." He would hear behind him. Hikoru turned to see Kityuisa standing, blonde hair and piercing eyes that eased him into a safer sense of being. Soon the winds died down, and it was just her and him in a giant birds nest. He soon felt his conciousness coming back to reality and awoke from the nightmare.

As he woke up, his eyes would find Kityuisa very, very close to his face, and playing with a few strands of his hair. He felt his whole face brighten a deep tomato red, and by instinct he retreated into the shadows. He almost backflipped into the midst of the foliage around him, disappearing from sight and becoming one with nature. He climbed a nearby tree, and held onto what little breaths of air that he could, doing his best to try and remain calm. He didn't mean to disappear, but the shock of the dream and then being so close... It was hard for the Master of Shadows. He tried to speak, but his mind wouldn't let his mouth work or function, other than to take deep breaths to calm his racing heart. However, in the heat of the moment, he would fail to notice that his goggles were missing, and laying on the ground where he had been resting.

Hikoru used Vanish. It's super effective! ID: 122280 LD: 13+7 = 20 Stealth Rating

Hikoru felt his mind wandering to multiple scenarios within his dreams. Many things that he thought he had long forgotten or had thought he had gotten over. His mind thought of the Rohk fight, the screeching giant Falcon still sending shudders down his spine. He had tried to run, but the creature just picked him up, then killed his comrade Azide. He murmured in his sleep inaudible things that made no sense. But to Hikoru, those were the only things that he could think to say in the fear that he felt. He needed comfort, and he felt the body next to him. Within his sleep, he rolled over and curled an ark around Kityuisa, and he squeezed tight, letting the fear roll off of him as the comfort of another person calmed his soul much more than he had been able to in a long time. He breathed in deeply, then let out a large, ragged breath as his heart rate decreased, and his mind rested again, the nightmares leaving his mind once again, for now.

Hikoru looked over his shoulder at Kityuisa, noticing that she was asking if any of the flowers caught his eye. He was about to make a remark, but he realized that it was almost at the same level as flirting, if not actually flirting, and he immediately decided against it. He looked around at all the flowers, but none of them truly had gained his attention. He shook his head. "No, sorry." he said with a sad tone, then he rested his head back into his arms, which rested above his head. He enjoyed the serenity of the area, the running water and the tweeting of the birds above him, event the buzzing of small bees and dragonflies around him put him at ease, and he closed his eyes to enjoy the moment.

He didn't realize that he had zoned out to the point of dozing, but he had found himself in a deep sleep, his breathing lowering and his body reaching a level of relaxed not seen in a long time. He was not such a bad breather as to snore, but his breathing did get a bit heavier, and would be noticeable to anyone that was close to him.

Hikoru felt a redder blush form on his face as she nuzzled her face into his neck. Then she made a weird sound, and he coughed awkwardly to try and dissipate the sound in his mind as he set her down. After she took a minute to wake up, rubbing her eyes and everything. She spoke that it was comfortable. He gave a small sigh and smiled. "Well next time, lets try a piggy back ride. It'll be a little more comfortable to me." He said with a chuckle. "But it was fun yes." She opened up her UI, and he followed as she pointed to the right. She motioned to where they were looking, and he was... in awe. It was gorgeous scenery. He took a mental snapshot of this moment, and thought that he would try to remake this when he got home on his laptop. He was unable to find words for a few moments, but he smiled and looked at the flowing river.

"I have to say, it's gorgeous..." He spoke quietly, and he had wished that he could have brought Aru so he could see this. He was sure the apprentice would like the area as a getaway spot, but at the same time he wanted his own getaway spot that his apprentice couldn't find him. He went over to a nearby patch of grass and laid down, feeling the rays of the sun against his skin and sighing happily, enjoying the feeling and serenity. He motioned next to him. "Come here, lets relax for a bit."

Hikoru felt his worry melt as she laughed at his secret, and he gave a small sigh. He started to walk down the trail slowly, the girl in tow. She wasn't super heavy, and his strength skill was plenty high enough to carry her for a long while. He let a small smile form on his lips as he felt her breathing lessen and relax, but he felt another tinge of a blush form down his neck as she wrapped her arms around his neck, and he did his best not to overreact. He instead focused on carrying her a little further. She muttered something from his shoulder, he wasn't able to make out what she said, but he heard something about "Love" and "You", and he was unsure of how to feel about that. After a ways, the came another crossroads. As he was unsure of where to go, he motioned to her gently in case she had fallen asleep, and he set her down gently.

"Alright, which way do we need to go?" he asked with a small smile. "You seem to know the area better than I do, so I need you to lead me, okay?" he asked, and waited her response quietly while he still soaked in the moment, still feeling the warmth of her body against his, and feeling a tinge of wanting it back, of not setting her down. He ignored that feeling for now, as it would be a talk and action for another time.