Rusty

Rusty was a bit surprised at the arrival of a customer to his shop. It had been ages since he had last had one and he never get any type of request from the people who had place their orders here. "Hello? Um, what type of order or item are you looking for?" He replied in response so that the boy in front of him would state what kind of weapon and how he wanted it to be. "I mean I'd like to say my prices, but unless you know what you are looking for... so just give me an order and I'll tell you the price."

A young boy looked up to stars with most strangest yearning to become one of them with the idea of being at peace for once in his weary life. All throughout his life, this boy was ignored, forgotten and ostracized. He just wanted friends but the only thing he got for all his suffering and sadness was... loneliness. The most depressing, grim and ugly feeling that could be bestowed upon a person. Pain and tragedy at losing loved one was one thing, but to be utterly alone with only a person's mind to keep them company was just unbearable. Yet that was the one thing the boy did. He carried all the grief and solemness on his back and he did it without ever faltering. He did so while carrying anger at not being to properly talk to others or start conversations. He was able to do so only a little, but there was no way to keep that skill throughout weeks and weeks without proper human contact. The snowy ground cushioned him, it acted almost like an insulator as he lay against the solid pine tree that he lay against. The stars were beautiful, it didn't matter if it was virtual. He would have his moment to himself. Unfortunately.

A group seemed to be forming from where he had left, now Rusty felt regret at actually leaving the city. No, he shouldn't feel anything. It wasn't as if they noticed him, they probably were just a group of friends who decided to meet up there. It wasn't as if an actual open mix of various players were getting together as he often saw throughout his venture through Aincrad. He would ignore that feeling of regret and go on quietly like he has always done to his destination. If they wanted to talk to him, they would follow him although he knew that they wouldn't. He was never that lucky. All he was to the world around him was a silent spectator watching as the time ticked by and by, the fights go on, the emotional moments occurring, the victories and the joking between friends and close friends. Instead of continuing on in the forest however, he decided to sit down against a tree and just be there. One day he would be part of that social life. One day.

Rusty arrived at the edge of the city. The forest was just a few meters away. It was a shame that he couldn't take up residence here although if floor eleven allowed housing, it couldn't be that bad. To his left it seemed like a girl and a player who's clothing blocked his observation from taking place. They seemed occupied so there was nothing there to seen anymore. With a quick swipe of his index finger on his right hand, he had his rapier equipped and ready to go. Then he immediately sheathed so that his hands were free, it was only there if at any moment something were to occur. He wasn't looking to fight, he was tired of fighting. Of all of it. He couldn't really do anything about though and his only options were to be by himself or kill himself and the latter was not an option he was willing to take. Not even if he was really desperate. He took a few steps and left the city of Urbus to explore the forest.

The forest, Rusty had finally remembered why he loved the floor so much. The forest was so vast and so peaceful that it was hard not feeling like you were in heaven. The city was crowded, somewhat at least and he couldn't find his way around since he spent so little time in the safe zone itself. However, he was still a bit cautious with his surroundings, he was very wary of the PKers and muggers that roamed the area that was outside Urbus. It was the same on every floor, maybe not floor eleven since that was still fairly new and he could only wonder how it looked like. He then put a pin in the bubble that was his mind, metaphorically of course and set out to go look at the redwood biome that he loved to call sanctuary. It was a possible hope that along the way there he might someone interesting or actually interact with a person for once in a while. He would have to keep hoping, just hoping that maybe he wouldn't need to be as lonely as he was all the time. Hopefully.

Urbus. Floor 3. The place that a certain player had been staying quietly in for a few weeks. Time had passed and he hadn't heard anything from anybody who he considered friends. He couldn't be mad though, most of his "friends" probably didn't see him as a friend, they probably just saw him more as a aquaintance. Rusty didn't like himself either so he couldn't blame anyone for being as lonely as he did. There was merits of course, he could be at peace or just relax but he really didn't want to be doing that. Even though he never did show it, he loved the randomness and eccentricity that popped up from the various passerby he ended up meeting. He just never wanted to admit it. Today instead of just moping around like a hermit in their cave, he decided to take a light stroll through town. It wouldn't hurt really and he had come to terms that he wouldn't be noticed, he was almost as a ghost. He blended in to well and he didn't look weird, didn't sound weird and just a regular average player. He picked up his speed before finding that he was in the center of the city. Hopefully something would happen today and he wouldn't be so bored and lonely as he usually was. He hoped with all his heart.

Rusty stood solemnly as he watched the wind blow by on the floor he seldom ever visited although it was by far his favorite simply because of the inclusion of the redwood forest that represented the area. It was such a beautiful sight all around and he couldn't help but wish to live in area similar to this back home. There was such place, Sayama Hills, but that wouldn't work at all considering his family and circumstances. Nothing would, but it was still a beautiful sight to behold virtually. It was silent, unusual for a day like this as his peace would be interrupted by unsuspecting players, but he would still accept. For the boy who was lonely for all his life, silence felt beautiful and considered a virtues in his book. It was downright depressing whenever he thought about who would truly call him a friend and he couldn't be bothered with being mopey and sad all the time, or just plain pissed. It was better to be at peace and just relax. Maybe in the end, silence and loneliness was his friends. Maybe they were.

Rusty looked at Kiru with an upraised brow on her forehead, surprised at what had just happened. She wasn't one to be social at all and to actually go out of her way and speak to him with no provoking whatsoever on his part. She must have changed a lot since the last time he had seen and he done so as well so he couldn't blame anything on her sudden personality change. However he did decide to take mental notes about how she was behaving because it could help later on should things go wrong. Of course he would've liked to stay on the bench where he felt reasonably safe from the impending death that loomed beneath the airborne city, but he had nothing better to do in the first place.

Instead of dwelling on his own fate at hands of the fiery lave below, Rusty decided to actually put in some imput towards the question that Kiru had asked him. He ended up deciding to go in the end simply because of no reason in particular. "S-sure.. I'm up for a little adventure." He answered with a quiet tone in a voice. He didn't feel as hot as it seemed she was considering she was wiping away sweat from her skin. Maybe he was just resistant to that type of temperature or hadn't been exposed to it long enough to feel its effects. Still, he felt himself growing warmer by the minute.

Rusty gave a light sigh as his head rested quietly on his right hand as he sat on a bench. Nothing was new in his little world of complete boredom and utter loneliness. It was something he was used to and probably would be used to until he died so nobody could ever find him complaining or whining about it. Tonight was different however as he had found himself stating the wrong floor number upon stating it while entering the teleportation gate and then winded up in this wreck of a town. He hated heights more than anything else in the world and he was getting anxious about the looming death that awaited the town if the metal cables holding it up were to snap. It was just unbearable to imagine and he didn't want to get anywhere near the borders of the town so he kept his frowny self seated in the middle of town. Hopefully when the morning comes he could possibly give Col to somebody in exchange for their teleport crystals so he could leave the place.

It was just quiet now around the area and he felt like it should stay that. A couple of things kept bothering Rusty, but it wasn't enough to act on it. Something just felt lacking in him and it was odd. He didn't have the urge to argue or fight anymore, to the point where he thought it being his inner consciousness juet deciding to give up. He decided to give up as well and just stay quiet. That's when two things came upon his senses. First it was laughter and then it was the person who was walking by him, a girl. Kiru. She looked different and seemed lest volatile. Her hair was tied up, something that didn't seem like something she cared about. He didn't want to approach anybody, but he was still willing to talk. Rusty felt that if she decided it was worth her time to talk to him, she'll do it. He wasn't going to start anythong anymore.

In front of him were two girls who seemed to wanted to place an order, each at the same time. Business was business and he looked around at all the good weapons he had created. Hopefully he wouldn't make the same mistakes he made with Reu and try actually making these orders on time for once. "Uh yes, I'll take your order... um Zandra. At the moment, you do not have to pay for them although if you pay with mats at this very moment, I'll make sure to try as much as I can to finish your commission on time. If you don't, just wait till I'm finished with your weapon and I'll PM you and then you'll pay." He answered before turning to the black-haired girl that stood next to the first customer. "You can place an order as well, just simply sent me a PM or write it up as this moment and the same goes for you as I said to her." he mentioned, nodding towards Zandra. At least now Rusty would have something to do for once.

Rusty had been quietly roaming floor 1, just walking around as he typically did everyday when a strange message appeared on the message board for said floor. He opened the message and slowly read it, at first confused as to what it was for. It was a funeral invite for anyone who knew a player named Axios. He froze. That was the boy he had helped on the earning a living quest, but that had been months before. Could it be a mistake, he didn't think a kid like that would be able to get himself killed so easily, especially since he was higher than level 5 last time Rusty had met him. Checking his friend list, he couldn't find any evidence of Axios ever existing on his list. It was true. He really was dead. Maybe he should go simply to pay respects. Deciding to do so, he went off towards the directions the notice stated.

Upon approaching the co-ordinates, he noticed a boy comforting a girl as they were both seated on a bench. Was this really the turn-out for Axios' funeral? Rusty thought about who would show if he died. He couldn't think of a single person who would want to come anyway, not when most people he knew were so busy. It was a morbid thought but his focus were more on the two players seated. "Hello? I guess you two were the ones who sent that message.." he managed to spit before moving his eyes to the rest of the field. Hopefully Axios was resting in peace because he didn't deserve to die at all, just like so many other people in this godforsaken game. Rusty gave a light sigh at knowing that Kayaba Akihiko had claimed another victim with his death trap.

Rusty followed her avidly, glancing at the various shops, building and idle players that filled up the second floor just like in the first floor. Honestly, he had no idea what he was getting himself into, he had no intention of speaking to anyone today or for the whole week for that matter. He was just going to stay quiet for a while, maybe permanently if he felt like it. Maybe he was moving on or changing on the inside, but he actually felt sad instead of depressed. It was an odd feeling and he couldn't really describe it or talk to other people about it so for the time being he would keep his mouth shut.

The two of them reached what seemed to be a diner. After speaking with the owner, Rusty and the woman sat down at a nearby table, one with a window nearby which was preferable for him. Woman. That's when it him with a surprise. He had never told her his name and vice versa. Weird since the walk wasn't really far, it was still considerably long and they could've said something about it on the way here. "Uh thanks." he mumbled towards her, the idea of free lunch didn't sound too bad although at the moment he was hungry at all. At the very least, it was preferable then being alone on one of the many trees in the redwood forest.

Item Name: Apotheosis Unto Mars 
Item Type: One-Handed Straight Sword

Profession: Blacksmith

Rank: 2

ID: 16097

Roll: 12
Quality: Perfect
Enchantments: +3 Damage
Description: A One-Handed Straight Sword that is actually a pair of swords, fastened into one hilt. The two blades run parallel and are within half an inch of each other. The blades are the same thickness, weight, and length. The left blade-Ea, and the right blade-Apocalypse, will, according to mythology, merge to become a single blade upon its wielders' ascension into a God of War.

Post Link

Rusty opened up another piece of material and quickly heated it up. He was pissed off, his earlier attempt was just utter disgusting. All he wanted was just one good perfect item, then he wouldn't need to it again. Maybe if he had bothered to pick up an item to help him with his crafting, he wouldn't be in this predicament. It was so annoying how all his attempts either failed or were just good. He couldn't pass as good, he needed to become better. That would start with how determined he was to do this. Rusty sharpened the edge of the now heated blade and then bashed on the front-side of the metal. The sword was finished. It was a perfect success. His mouth turned into a big grin as he looked at the shiny, smooth and sharp rapier. He had done it. All he had needed was a little determination and luck. 

Item Name: Apotheosis Unto Mars 
Item Type: One-Handed Straight Sword
Quality: Perfect
Enchantments: +3 Damage
Description: A One-Handed Straight Sword that is actually a pair of swords, fastened into one hilt. The two blades run parallel and are within half an inch of each other. The blades are the same thickness, weight, and length. The left blade-Ea, and the right blade-Apocalypse, will, according to mythology, merge to become a single blade upon its wielders' ascension into a God of War.

ID: 16097 CD: 12 - Pefect

+8 EXP

-1 Material

Craft 2/3

Rusty got himself up just so that he could hurry up and finish his first order. It had been a few months now and he couldn't blame Reu for being considerably angry at him for not being done with it. He was a lousy blacksmith, perhaps the man should've gone somewhere else. Still, there was no point in beating himself up over it. He needed to start crafting now before it was too late. Rusty grabbed a piece of metal and did the usual, heating it up and then bringing over to his crafting table. There were only so many times he could mess up. Bringing his hammer to the item, he began to mold it into the shape of a typical sword. After a few minutes of repeatedly doing this, the item came out a failure. It was a bent-up sword and the handle was slippery. It was useless. Rusty decided to try again.

ID: 16096 CD: 3 - Failure

+1 EXP

-1 Material

Craft 1/3

Rusty too noticed the pink bob in the distance, the player all too familiar and went by the name of Mari. She was watching them, most likely for most of the entire conversation here. Still, she wasn't doing a single thing but that. He had no reason to worry at all and even then, she didn't look like the type who killed for fun. The boy's eyes turned to the rest of the group. He knew how the players felt about him, they all just despised and felt as if he shouldn't be here. He was just a nuisance to everyone, save maybe Calrex. He didn't blame them, at this point he probably was such a thing. Rusty deep down just hated himself. He just couldn't accept it. Everything that had ever happened to him was his fault and he just put the blame on people. He was awkward, he was annoying and he most definitely cause his own loneliness. Why was he trying to fix other people's problems when he never addressed his own. It was a thought that brought him to his senses, maybe for good. "I'm j-just going to leave.." He mumbled before heading towards the city. His eyes were no longer wearing an emotionless expression. They were the eyes of a tired and weary person. 

Rusty stood quietly as the blonde-haired boy finally stated his announcement about the person who he was smitten with, a girl who seemed to be around the same age as him and was currently blushing a bright, bright red. It wasn't expected, although Rusty's stature didn't change at all. It was a simple event and there was nothing to it. Sure enough, X seemed to be in love with this "Kotori" from what he was hearing by Teayre's mouth. In his typical brutish way, X decided to start yup a fight with Oikawa, trying to hide behind a façade of never finishing the first actual duel. Still, the next announcement was very surprising to hear, Oikawa was planning to leave Square One. The guild itself had wasted away over the last few months, he hadn't heard anything at all from the guild leader which the guild itself must have meant his death although he was still on the guild list.  Maybe it was time to let it finally die after all this time, it was no use beating a dead horse. Rusty decided to leave this meeting, saying goodbye to Oikawa and Calrex then going on his merry way. He had a lot to think about during these next few days.

Rusty nodded at Calrex, mumbling a small "Thank You." before returning to the materials he had recently gained. It was simple was he was going to try to do now, he needed to start on a order that needed to be finished fast. He quickly grabbed at one of the metals and burned inside the small stove in the back. As he turned it over to its side, he looked around to see his hammer on the side. The red-hot iron was fully heated and now he had to finish it off with its transformation into an actual weapon. He rushed the iron bar towards the crafting table and grabbed the tool used to form it into a proper weapon. He bashed on the side of the iron bar and used a serrated knife to form the point into a sharp one. He stepped back and looked at his weapon. It was somewhat of a success. The sword turned out as an average rapier, something that wouldn't make the cut at all. Rusty gave a big sigh as he put the "success" on one of the hooks in the front room. He would need to try again.

ID: 15961 CD: 7 - Good

+2 EXP

-1 Material

Craft 1/3

Rusty listened on avidly as four other people joined the group. Most likely there was going to be more because usually in these types of events, more and more join until it can be considered a party. He didn't altogether, he just didn't like speaking with others at all. In the end, all that mattered was that Oikawa explained why they were at the teleportation gate at midnight. Rusty was curious as to what the answer was, but for some reason the boy couldn't say his words. Maybe he's nervous, Rusty thought. It must be something big if he's choking up already.

Rusty gave a light sigh as he recieved a PM in his inbox. It was late at night and he was trying to sleep the day off but it seemed the world was out to get him. Instead of ignoring and trying to fall back asleep, he decided to check out the message and see who it was from. Odd. It was from Oikawa, but the message clearly stated a bunch of other names, some he knew and some he didnt. Still it seemed as if it was important and sure enough he decided to go for the heck. Rusty put on his equipment and headed towards the teleportation gate. He found Oikawa, alone with a weird grey object on the back of his neck. Strange, but Rusty still said hi.

Rusty entered a shop, a few minutes after the girl sent a PM about receiving a package that contained his free item. He quickly walked towards the counter, quiet and emotionless as always. In the end, the boy grabbed his box and inserted inside his inventory, content with wearing it another day and another time. He then headed straight for the door and left the establishment. The day was getting late and he needed to get back to his own shop as well.

+1 Nightshade

Rusty thought about whether or not he should go with the girl. It wasn't as if he had nothing to do since he was originally going to read his book in the forest, but on the other hand he didn't really need to actually go that, he could always do it another time. In the end, he chose the latter and decided to come along. "I'll uh.. come, I don't r-really have anything else to do." he replied with a somewhat quieter tone. Maybe it would be best if he actually talked normally to a person for once, he never really did that, both in Aincrad and back in the real world. He could also get some food so maybe it would do good if he ate something too since he hadn't done that in a while either. The game didn't give a need at all to eat food or drink any beverages, it was just simply there. With his book in his inventory, Rusty looked at the girl and said "Lead the way." to her.

Rusty gave a slight smile at the thought of having other people help him out on this quest to find a familiar. It was set, the both of them would help him out on his quest of taming a wild creature. First of all though, he had to make sure had everything needed to actually be able to do such a thing. Checking his inventory, he materialized the lettuce that he assumed the mob would like and then he materialized his rapier. All he had to do know was to go find a monster that would roam around this strange, humid jungle and possibly tame it with he help of two other players. "Just follow along.." He muttered as he dashed towards the leafy shrub.

After a few minutes of searching avidly, Rusty was able to locate a sizable creature chewing on the various pieces of wild berries that populated a few bushes. It was a bit large for its species although this game wasn't all that realistic. He continued sneaking until he just behind and then he swung his sword with a heave. At first he thought he had missed, but the truth was that his sword had bounced backwards and recoiled. The rapier made contact with the tortoise, sure, but the contact was with the shell, not at all the actual animal itself. Even then, the turtle was livid with the boy and snapped at him. "Ahh! Dammit!" He mumbled, still reeling from the small mark the mob left on his finger. It didn't take away any damage but it still hurt a lot.

ID: 15610 BD: 2 MD: 4

Rusty's HP: 41/41

Calrex's HP: 67/67

Ariel's HP: 71/71

Snapping Turtle's HP: 40/40

Rusty gazed down at the soil below him, the lifeless brown humus that served no purpose in a game such as this. There were no bugs, no worms, no life at all that passed through this vivid habitat. It was a reflection of what he felt at the moment. He was useless in this type of game, people fought over dumb things, kill for no reason when they would otherwise never do that and just plain be angry at each other. Nobody could get along and himself especially couldn't do anything to help that. He wasn't a psychologist, he wasn't friendly, he was just himself. "I'm ok, just um.. some recent things have been going on..." he mumbled, lying about how he truly felt. Rusty was going to just stuff his emotions deep down and never let them come up again. It was going to drag him down with, deep down which would transform his personality into a empty husk.

Rusty gave a slight glance at the rest of the forest and contemplated whether or not he should just make a dash for it. He wasn't feeling right, but it wasn't a pain anywhere on his body. It was mental. He hadn't said anything sarcastic in days and he began to not talk aloud while he was with other people. He was changing, maybe for the better, but it didn't seem to be. It was probably a phase, or just a serious change to his personality. "I come here slightly often, maybe because I just love the floor better than other ones. You can lose yourself here, you will never think about being lonely all the time here. Its just so beautiful.." He gave a light sigh as he continued looking at the magnificent forest of trees.