Lowenthal

Me and the sweet release of death

Lowenthal sat there, unable to move any more. Sound, bleed away leaving only the feeling of rain against his face. Lowenthal chuckled, as time then froze. Lighting had stopped mid strike, rain ceased to fall, Ariel and her raged crazed face unmoving. Lowenthal was unable to move himself, only remember all the fun times he had. The long hours of overtime at that damnable job, just to get SAO to begin with. How did he get here, this far? He remembered, someone, a face. But who? He made a promise to him, before he went and died on Lowe. They were hunting Nepents at the time. Gathering medicine to save a npc village. Upon victory, Lowe went back to town, ended up makinf a fool of himself in front of @Calrex. Calrex was the first of many adventurers that stuck around. Soon after, there was Jomei, Piera, Lee, and Zandra. Together they had formed Lowe's guild of the Velvet Room.

After that, what happened. Lowe thought for a moment. That's right, the guild disbannded, and everyone went on thier seprate ways. Lee and Piera went on a permanent vacation, away from the world. Jomei and Zandra got together, only for Jomei to go on a solo pilgrimage. And himself, joined the Azure Brigade under Zelrius, and Ssendom. The guild died with them, after Opal's betrayal and Oikawa's action. Tristan dissapered to whom knows where.

Afterwards, he made home within the Knights of the Blood Oath. Mack, Macradon, Xion, Lawfer, and everyone else. Lowe wanted to apologize for not doing more. For always being lazy, and holding everyone back. He wanted to say sorry, for all the promises he made that he couldn't keep.

Time slowly restored itself around Lowe. Ariel moving slowly as she raised her weapon. She spoke, but Lowe couldn't hear her. He simply smiled as he remembered everyone who was ever there for him. Ariel's blade cut across his chest, and his HP began to drain away. Lowenthal closed his eyes, expecting pain but no pain came. Instead, he watched as his body dissapated into crystals around him. The world around him, faded to black and behind him glowed an ominous red. Lowental turned, knowing full well what was behind him.

"I'm gonna miss those guys, I wonder if they'll miss me." Lowenthal said to himself, before the lights cut out. And he, was no more.he almost no remorse.

Lowenthal continued his fruitless assault. His desperation, mixing with anger. Lighting stoke the area around them, shaking his already clenched jaw. "You know nothing!" Lowenthal shouted, ending his attack. Gasping for air, trying to fill his lungs his oxygen. The fight was being drawn out, no thanks to Ariel. Her sadist attitude, merely toying with Lowenthal, by not killing him quickly. Just, end it already. Lowenthal thought in the back of his mind. "You speak as if you know them!" Lowenthal shouted, speaking over the rain and thunder. Lowenthal was going to speak again, but only found that he had lost his breath from Ariel's attack. Lowe dropped his kunai, it's tip sticking in the mud. Still gasping for air, his head jerked to the side, tossing his body back into the mud.

Lowenthal lied in the mud, gasping for breath. He couldn't move his body, strength leaving his body. No, he wouldn't die like. At least, not just yet. Lowe pushed himself back to his knees, hunched over, he forced air back into his lungs. His blurred vision cleared slightly as Ariel approached him. Ariel leaned down beside him to whisper into his ear. Lowenthal remained quiet for a moment. "No matter what you say. You lie about all of this, and tell people some sob story. Or you're open about it all, and you'll be hated. Either way." Lowenthal said, looking back up to Ariel. "It may not be me, but I swear. There will be someone. Not Hikoru, not Jomei, and no one from the knights. But someone will see you, for what you are." Lowenthal smiled. "Now, Are you gonna keep wasting my time or what?" Lowenthal said, giving Ariel a tired look.

Lowenthal's body tensed as Ariel drank another potion. So that was it. She was under the same effects as Oikawa was, or something similar to it. Lowenthal was ready, he had made his peace and had accepted what was to come. But no attack came, why? Was she just toying with him, or something else entirely? Then, she threatened those who would come after her, for revenge. Lowenthal's blood boiled. "How, dare you!" He yelled, through gritted teeth. "Threating me, do all you want! Insult, berate, downright kill me! But-" Lowenthal said, readying his dagger again. "Don't you EVER threaten my friends!" Lowenthal's attack hit air, as he swung his dagger wildly. He continued to swing, Ariel casually stepping out of the way of each of his strikes.

ID# 72534  BD: 1 (miss)

Ariel: 970/1,135 HP | 65/112 EN
Lowenthal: 149/640 HP | 52/64 EN (-2)

Lowenthal knew he had lost. There was no chance he had of winning, not like he had one to begin with. And for the first time, in the longest time, Lowenthal had given up. There was no escape from Ariel's madness. Whatever she had done to herself, he had only hoped that she would in time come to forgive herself. A swift blow came to legs, knocking him face first into the mud. Instinct kicked in and he rolled away from the threat, from Ariel. As Lowenthal stood back up, he had realized his mistake. He had out distance between himself and Ariel, rendering his weapon worthless. Four piercing jabs came in rapid succession, draining nearly all of his health already, then  as if that wasn't enough, he was knocked backwards from another blow. Lowenthal stood to his feet, the rain washing most of the mud from his body. "Tell everyone." Lowenthal began. "Tell everyone, that I had the best time of my life! And that it's all thanks to them!" He said, smiling at Ariel.

Ariel: 970/1,135 HP | 67/112 EN (+1-17)
Lowenthal: 149/640 HP | 54/64 EN  +32HP

Lowenthal ignored the words that Ariel spoke. The blow came swiftly across his chin, cascading him to the side and across the mud. Lowenthal rolled to his knees, his kunai still clutched in his hand. The spirit of the Spartans empowering him, making him stronger then he was before. He now wondered why he never used it in the first place. Lowenthal got to his feet, and in blinding speed he held his dagger aloft and charged against Ariel. Lowenthal entered his sword art, his dagger knocking aside her spear and grazing her chest. He spun more, his dagger crossing over he right side, and across her back. There, an attack finally landed, just one step closer to knocking sense into Ariel. "No more holding back then! Hit me with all you have!" Lowenthal said, holding the dagger at his side facing the woman. The heavy rain soon turned into a downpour, rain pelting the two almost to the point of decreased visibility.

ID: 72487 BD: 8(+3-3)
Eternal Cyclone used: (12+3(charge)*13 = 195 damage - 30 mitigation = 165 Damage

Ariel:970/1,135 HP | 83/112 EN
Lowenthal: 440/640 HP | 53/64 EN +1 -11EN/+32HP

Lowenthal saw the blow coming, and could do nothing to avoid it. Instead he chose to brace for impact. It helped, slightly as Ariel's attack pounded against his armor and through him aside. Lowenthal coughed as he bounced off of the rocky wall, and onto the ground. Ariel's insults continued trying to goad him into a rage like hers. She was stronger then him, no doubt in his mind. She wasn't stronger than a boss, but she was smarter. She now stood between his only exit, and the blow was hard enough to stun Lowenthal. Lowenthal's hair collected mud, as he spat and gasped for air. Slowly he stood, against the effects of the stun. His body straining as his muscles pulled against one another. Lowenthal held his dagger loosely in his hand, before his grip returned from the effects of the stun. "Shut." Lowenthal gasped aloud, falling to one knee. "Up." He said, looking up at the blonde warrior. "Just, who the hell do you think I am!?" Lowenthal shouted at her. "I'm not the strongest, or the fastest, or even the bravest. But Even after all of this, I'll be able to do the one thing you'll never be able to do." Lowenthal said, panting out of breath. "And that's, forgive you." He said, readying himself again.

Ariel: 1,135/1,135 HP | 100/112 EN
Lowenthal: 536/640 HP | 62/64 EN +32 HP

As lighting flashed, light flooding the area around the two warriors, Lowenthal sidestepped away from Ariel's attack. He sudden rage, making her move easy to see coming. "Ariel this isn't you!" Lowenthal pleaded as he closed the distance between the two of them. In a battle of dagger versus spear, dagger won close range every time. In tight quarters, spears were as useful as a well bucket with a hole. Lowenthal entered the stance for his strongest Sword Art, but switched it last minute to his weakest. As long as his attack hit, Ariel would be stunned. It would buy him precious moments of time. "Ariel! You're not seeing clearly! Something has clouded your mind your judgement!" Lowenthal screamed as he attacked. But he held back, his dagger's sword art skill not activating, and causing his hand to miss completely. "Dammit! I don't want to hurt you Ariel! Snap out of it!" Lowenthal pleaded again, staying in close to Ariel

ID: 72473 BD: 3(miss)

Ariel: 1,135/1,135 HP | 110/112 EN
Lowenthal:640/640 HP | 62/64 EN

Lowenthal stared at the duel request, several emotions running through his mind. Anger, confusion, compassion, he didn't know what to feel. The thought of declining the challenge crossed his mind. He didn't want to fight. "Dammit Ariel! Listen to yourself!" Lowenthal challenged. "This, this isn't you! Death duels, threats, yelling at Kimba!" Lowenthal drew his dagger. If he declined, she would likely attack him anyway. He gritted his teeth, sick in his stomach as he pressed accept on the duel request. He readied his stance, as the timer clocked down to the start of the duel. "I'll make you see clearly! Even if I have to beat some sense into you!" Lowenthal shouted again. A flash of light lit the area, three seconds later faint thunder could be heard. He didn't want to fight Ariel, he just wanted to talk some sense into her. His sword art list, gave him relatively cheap stuns. He'd use those t his advantage. But, he didn't know the spear skill set at all.

ID: 72469 LD:6

Something was different about Ariel. Her stance, the way she moved, nothing was right. At first Lowenthal thought it was another tricky mob, much like the ones that took his form. As Kimba howled, Lowenthal could only sense distraught in it's voice. Ariel then shouted at Kimba. Something wasn't just different, something was wrong. Lowenthal took a defensive step back as Ariel turned to meet his gaze. Lowenthal recognized that face of extreme anger. Lowenthal removed the cape from his person. "Yeah sure, here. Take it. Like I care." Lowenthal said, tossing the cape her direction. He didn't want to start anything, and the best thing to do now was play by her rules, and wait till she was herself again. If it even was possible. "Calm down, it's me. Lowenthal. You do remember, yes?" Lowenthal asked, taking another defensive step back. He felt a droplet strike the back  of his hand. Rain was going to start pouring down soon. Lowenthal quickly scanned the area for escape routes if he needed them. Directly behind him was a no go, the range of her weapon would strike easily. The walls were either to steep, or would become to slick once the rain started. Seemed like the only way out was through talking.

Lowenthal lazed about in his home on the eleventh floor. In his hands he held the red cape, a demonic item rewarded to him from his last floor boss fight. He kept it, as a keep sake, thinking nothing of it. It was only one demonic after all, not like Tristan or Zelrius with about twenty demonic's between the two of them. Lowenthal let out a powerful yawn as he sat up from his lying position. He figured now, would be a good time for a walk. He locked the door to his player home, and began his usual long walk along the coast line. As he walked he felt the seaside air shift. "Storm's coming in. I won't be out that much longer anyway." Lowenthal said to himself, before skipping a stone into the ocean.

Subconsciously, Lowenthal opened his menu and peered into his map. Shizuka said she'd be back today, and he was awaiting her return. His heart skipped a beat when he saw a friend icon drift by. However it wasn't to his house, but instead to where undead spawned. If it was Shizuka, she'd end up in trouble. But, Shizuka knew where his house was, why would she be heading there? Curious he headed off to follow the dot.

When he arrived, he activated his stealth.(14) And to his surprise, he didn't see Shizuka at all, but yet another bride to be. Ariel. He saw that she was in full battle attire, and now wielding a two handed spear. Alongside her pet, Kimba four undead hounds spawned. The first of many of the undead traps of this place. Before Lowe could even think about hopping in to help, Ariel had already dealt with the creature in a single swing. Lowenthal broke his stealth, and entered in behind Ariel. " @Ariel - The Crowned Lion, a pleasure. Working out some pre-marital stress? I can dig it." Lowenthal said, joking with the woman.

Lowenthal nodded at @Birdie, "Consider it done then." He said, taking a casual step to the side as the sands shifted from beneath him. The shark broke the surface, spraying sand from every which direction from where Lowenthal had previously stood. It had made the mistake of trying to go after him first, and thus sealed it's fate. Through all of the sand, Lowenthal still had to activate his <Concentration> skill to see the beast among the spray of sand. Lowenthal wasted no time beginning his sword art technique. With one step, he entered a spin and the orange glow of his weapon began to spin around him and he spun. The mixture of orange and sand came to a close as Lowenthal was now five feet in a the opposite direction of the shark. The Shark hung in air, softly cascading downwards before turning into blue pixels, signaling it's defeat. "And that's that." Lowenthal said, placing his dagger into its proper place. "You alright?" He asked Birdie.

ID: 71931 BD: 7 [5 roll+1Acc+1Skill]

Lowenthal 640/640
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx 64/64
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-11

Birdie 280/280
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx 28/28
-----------------------------
Sand Shark 0/125
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-156

• Attack: 50 on a successful hit

Lowenthal flipped to his feet, as the tremors began readying himself for combat. "Alright, about time it showed up!" Lowenthal basically cheered as he drew his dagger. The long awaited Sand Shark finally revealed it's ugly head. It moved quickly, from the sounds of it. By the time it was spotted, it was already upon them breaching from the sand, launching itself into the air above the two adventurers before landing back and disappearing into the sand. Lowenthal shielded his eyes from the flying sand, as he kept an eye on the beast. "Wow! It's quick!" He remarked as he removed his hand from his face. "How do you wanna do this?" He asked @Birdie. It was her quest after all, and he was merely helping her. Whether that meant by being moral support or by one shotting the monster, was up to her. Either way, he was sure that she could handle it. ( no idea what Birdie's stats are for this fight, didn't want to assume)

Lowenthal 640/640
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx 64/64

Birdie ???/???
xxxxxxxxxxxxx XX/XX
-----------------------------
Sand Shark 125/125

• Attack: 50 on a successful hit

Lowenthal chuckled. "Depends on which one comes our way." He said. "I know a few pinkettes. However, the one I care the most about it one named 'Shizuka'." He said, giving a name to the woman that @Birdie desired to know. Lowenthal sat up, unable to sleep. He shook his hair, removing the sand from it. He smiled, his thoughts trailing to the good times with Shizuka. His mind jumped to the upcoming fight, he was used to this feeling.. This feeling of restlessness that pitted in his stomach. "Being prepared is something that I need to work on. Hence why I haven't given Shizuka the ring just yet. I want to make sure." He said, trailing off. "And I suppose I could be better prepared for fights, otherwise I'm gonna get caught with my pants down someday." Lowenthal said laughing, just now realizing how his dumb luck managed to save him at times.

Lowenthal spoke softly. "Nope, no shark just yet. Though I do have a feeling he'll show up today." He said. "This your first time fighting a field boss?" He asked. He had remembered her mentioning that this was the first time that she was out, as he would call it 'adventuring'. And the Sand Shark was something that he didn't see low leveled players going for as their first. His first was the Wasp Queen, and god only know how many tries that took to complete. "Just make sure you're ready to protect yourself, in case I pass out before it arrives." Lowenthal said, sure that @Birdie would be fine by herself. At least, for the brief moment that Lowe would be out of the picture. Lowenthal sat down by the fire gazing into it. His mind wandered again, but he wore a soft smile. He stretched his arms outward and flopped backwards, lying down on the cool sand. "Wake me if you see a woman in pink hair, or a shark made of sand." Lowenthal said, closing his eyes.

Lowenthal nodded to @Birdie's reluctant response. "Don't worry, I'll be sure to wake you up before I decide to snooze." Lowenthal said, giving the woman plenty of room to stretch. Hours passed. and Lowenthal wasn't feeling a bit tired. He held the tiny ring in his hand, playing with it betwixt his fingers. Thoughts plagued his mind. Did she really love him? If so, why did se avoid him? Was she avoiding him, or was it all accidental? He placed the ring back into his inventory, and rubbed his forehead. The wind had died down considerably, it had a while ago. Lowenthal opened the tent, and stepped outside. The desert looked almost new, the footprints of travelers and tracks of animals had all disappeared completely. Hills and dunes had changed shape completely and the temperature had dropped considerably.

Lowenthal rubbed his arms, and crouched down opening his inventory. Grabbing a few things, he tried to make a fire. A few minutes of fumbling around like an idiot, a fire was started, and generating heat. "There we go, that should do it." He said aloud, talking to himself and dusting off his hands free of sand. Lowenthal poked his head into the tent. "Hey, wake up. It's my turn." Lowenthal said, with an attempt to wake the sleeping Birdie.

Lowenthal nodded his head. "Please, as an experienced gamer with an extensive past of playing other MMO's, and holding a daytime job inside of a mall, I've learned the secret techniques of surviving on at the least four hours of sleep." Lowenthal said, jamming a thumb into his chest. "And you're not a burden at all. I do this sort of thing all the time, at least for friends." He said. "Treat others how you would want to be treated. And eventually, it'll come around for you. That's something my dad used to say all the time. Hell, I'm sure he still does." Lowenthal said, letting out a laugh. "Anyways, you get sleep. I'll keep watch. I'll wake you should I see a finned sandy looking shark thing." Lowenthal jested again.

Lowenthal let out another quick laugh. "Five points total then? I guess that's something." Lowenthalsaid, taking the half compliment. He could see that Birdie fouind the joke, at least a tad bit humourous to saqy the least. "At least I tried." Lowenthal sat there grinning, trying to think os another desert related joke, when @Birdie chirped in with another question. Lowenthal scratched his head. "Y'know, I think I can come up with something for you. I forget sometimes that you're not used to this sort of terrain, and enviroment." He said pulling out his menu and looking at his inventory. He pulled out a thick sheet of blue material. It was a mat, soft and spongy resembling foam more than any fabric. He offered it to Birdie. "This is about all I can do about eh ground siutation." He paused, as he heard Birdie's stomach grumble."Worry not fir maidian, for I, the might Lowenthal, have everything." Lowenthal said, making is voice deeper and more heroic. He set the blue mat down, and opened his inventory again, producing a candy bar, and sandwhich. The last two items given to him by Ssendom before he passed. "Here, eat these and get some sleep." Lowenthal said. "I'll stay up, and keep watch. In case the sand storm subsides." He said again, placing his hands behind his head and leaning back.

Lowenthal sighed. "Yeah, that could be it." He said looking up at the ceiling of his makeshift tent. He couldn't help but think that Shizuka was intentionally avoiding him. Ignoring his messages, never at home when he is,. He let out another sigh before looking back at @Birdie. "Why is it impossible to starve in the desert?" He asked, a sly smile appearing on his face. He answered his own question befroe Birdie could have a chance to answer logically. "Because of the sand, which is there." Lowenthal said, stifling a giggle..  He wanted the shift the mood to a more, pleasant one. At least it worked for him, his dumb joke made him happy, but he wondered how Birdie would understand the joke. "Do you get it?" Lowenthal asked eagerly, unable to contain his excitement. "Cause, sand which is." He said, now giggling unable to contain himself from laughter.

"Actually, sharks tend to avoid storms. At least, the water ones do anyways." Lowenthal said, trying to relax @Birdie. As for her later question, Lowe did't have an answer. "No idea." He shrugged. "I've never been caught in one before. So I can't say how long it'll last." He tried to explain to the best of his ability. The wind blew hard against tent's walls causing it to buckling in slightly with the wind pressure. If Lowe had angeled the tent differently, the wind would've just picked up the tent. Blind luck had it so that the tent didn't budge. Lowenthal let out a sigh of relief. "So Birdie, personal question." Lowenthal started. "Say that, you love someone. And they say that, they love you. But as days go on, they seem to not love as much as they say they did. What should you do about it?" The sandy haired man asked across the way.

Lowenthal entered the tent shortly after @Birdie. "A little smaller than anticipated, but it'll do." He said, closing the tent flap behind him. "To be honest, didn't know I could either. Just had that idea spring up, and I acted." Lowenthal admitted, rubbing the back of his head as he sat down in the opposite corner of the tent. Lowenthal patted the fabric wall. "This should stop most of the sand from coming in, and it should allow some wind to come through. My only concern is with how deserts work. If the sun was setting when we got in, and the sandstorm persists through the night, then we may be in a bit of a pinch." Lowenthal said, trying to explain. "Deserts are hot, because the sun's rays heat the ground which in turn heats the air around it. At night, no sun heats the ground, and the heat escapes into the sky, making it cold. Kinda like a stovetop, in a sense of the terms." Lowenthal said, his understanding of basic middle school knowledge shining yet again. 'Oh yeah, talk science to her. That'll impress.' He thought, rubbing his eyes. "Either way, you're with me. So, you couldn't be in a safer place." Lowenthal said, beaming Bridie a confident smile.

Lowenthal rubbed his eyes, strained from the sun's rays and the constant squinting he did in trying to find the sand shark. EIn the disance, Lowe spotted a large cloud heading thier way. It was dark, and rolled along the ground. "Well, heat's gonna be the least of our worries in a bit. We've got a sandstorm coming in." Lowenthal kneeled on the ground, and open his inventory. No idea how long the storm is gonna last, and there's no cave or rock formations nearby to take shelter in. Best bet for us is, aha!" He said, sliding through his menu and grabbing an item. A large bolt of heavy duty fabric materialized in front of him, light grey in colour. "Canvas, to the rescue. Now to convert a few materials into some sticks and, we'll be set." Going to work, Lowenthal quickly made a tent large enough for the two of them to take cover in. "There we go." Lowenthal said. "Not the best, but it'll do." He continued. "M'Lady." Lowenthal jested, holding the tent's flap open for @Birdie to enter.

Approved, Welcome to SAO.

Lowenthal was relieved to hear that Hikoru was doing fine in his new guild. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot about floor four." He rembered when he and Jomei staged a coup with Jomei, and rescued Piera and Lee from a slave trade. In order to escape however, they sledded down the hill amidst a blizzard to lose their attackers. "Yeah, was on a sledding trip when a blizzard hit. It was, kinda fun." Lowenthal said. But where was this damned shark? He scanned the horizon again, but to no avail. "Damn fish, thinking it's clever. Sun's probably gonna set by the time we find him." Lowenthal said, looking at the sun above him. 

ID: 69463  LD:13

2 minutes ago, Ariel - The Crowned Lion said:

Name: Raid Gear
Profession: Tailor
Rank: (9) Master
ID: 69459
Roll: 12 (10+2)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: 2
Quality:  Perfect
Enhancements: +1 Light Momentum, +2 Savvy
Description: A blue themed battle dress with some metallic elements but mostly robe-like fabric of average durability but comfortable enough to help the user move as freely as possible.

Approved