Grave

I rushed the tree, yelling into the incoming wind in a horrid battle cry.  I could still feel the flame in my soul, the burning rage consuming me.  I ducked an overhead slam from the monster and swung Severance around, spike-first.  I felt it spear something and looked the beast in the eye, a smirk crossing my lips...

But it had no reaction.  I looked at my weapon, and the spike had hooked itself on a loose branch.  Oh crap, was the thought running rampant in my head before a gigantic club of a fist slammed into my side, sending me skidding across the grass.  The adrenaline kept me going though.  I held my side and eyed the big guy off.

And I rushed him again.

---

ID: 27412

BD: 1 = Critical Failure

MD: 9 = Crit +1 (3 DMG)

Grave: 10/17 HP

Ent: 10/12 HP

The foot continued to push me down into the soft earth.  I just couldn't get it off of me... But I refused to die.  As I felt like my lungs were about to pop, fires lit in my eyes.  I could feel my <<Battle Healing>> do its job, and that's all it took to distract the giant.

"I... Refuse... To die!" I shouted at the tree before sticking the back of Severance's blade in my mouth.  I grabbed hold of the big tree's foot and pushed up.  It didn't budge, but I kept pushing.  The fires in my eyes began to consume my muscles, and they burned in pain.  However, I proceeded, pushing harder and harder, and eventually I felt the monster's weight lift off my chest.  I levered the foot up, sliding my legs below me to help me push.

I gave a sharp twist to the leg, and I watched the 'ankle' splinter.  In the small moment I had when the beast stumbled, I pulled Severance out of my mouth and swung her from my left, the blade glowing a hot white and sinking itself halfway through the leg.  I jerked my weapon out as the tree stumbled away, favouring it's injured leg.

The fire had consumed me.  I was not going to die.

---

ID: 27407

BD: 7 = Success (2 DMG)

MD: 5 = Failure

CD: 11 = HP +1

Grave: 13/17 HP

Ent: 10/12 HP

Well, I managed to pull myself up, but not before I was quickly pushed down by a thick, wooden foot.  I felt my back dig into the earth as the creature's weight was upon me.  Thankfully, Severance was still in my grasp.  If I could get a good strike in, I could possibly have gotten the beast off.  I brought Severance above my head and swung at the leg...

But the blade bounced back off of the giant.  No matter how many times I flailed my weapon at the wood, it glanced off each time.  Was that the end for me?

---

ID: 27404

BD: 5 = Fail

MD: 6 = Success (2 DMG)

Grave: 12/17 HP

Ent: 12/12 HP

This giant tree man loomed over me.  I think it was pretty pissed that I killed its little baby.  I gave it a nervous grin, before it produced an enraged roar, its already bright golden eyes burning even brighter.  It raised a fist and brought it down at me, and I barely managed to dodge.

I spun around and swung Severance at the creature, but the blade just glanced off of the thick wooden flesh, bouncing off and causing me to recoil.  I managed to backpedal out of the way of the next swipe, but wasn't so lucky in escaping the whopping uppercut it gave me, knocking me into next week (in other words right into a tree five meters away).  I sat up and shook my head to clear it of the concussion, and I rubbed my sore jaw tenderly.

---

ID: 27403

BD: 4 = Fail

MD: 9 = Crit +1 (3 DMG)

Grave: 14/17 HP

Ent: 12/12 HP

I waved off the waiter politely when they came to take my order.  I wasn't actually that hungry, I was only there for entertainment (and peacekeeping).  Soon enough, the young girl, who mentioned her name was Rose, asked of our ages.  I wasn't surprised; she was so young she'd want to get as much info as possible.

When I listened to everyone's ages, I was actually quite surprised, "Wow, alright then, turns out I'm the second oldest here.  I turn twenty five in June," I told them, before giving them a beaming grin, "Bloody hell, all of you make me feel old," I gave a light chuckle... But I was soon stopped as the  clash occurred yet again.  I swear, if that continued, I was going to smash a bloody plate over one of their heads (more likely Koumori, as he can't rip me in half).

I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths as the war raged on.  I waited... Five seconds... Four... Three... Two... One... They still hadn't stopped, so I couldn't help but resort to my secret weapon.

Hands still behind my head and eyes still shut, I curled my bottom lip under my top and blew out, my breath forcing its way through the tiny gap and producing a loud, shrill tone in an attempt to shut everyone up.

Bored... Bored... Bored... was e repeating thought in my mind as I strolled down the market district of the Town of Beginnings.  Didn't feel like hunting, didn't feel like chatting, didn't feel like eating... Absolutely and utterly bored.

But then I remembered what was down that end of Town; a forge owned by the hulk of a man known as Mack.  Supposedly his crafts were pretty awesome - I saw his attention to detail a few days previous when he showed off his two axes and two swords.  I looked around for the rather familiar alley, and once I spotted it, all I had to do was move my glance a little further ahead and...

Yep, there it was; the 'shop' that wasn't much more than a tent, but housed many wonders.  I approached it and lifted my arm under the entrance flap, peeking my head in.

"Hello!  Mack!  You there?  It's Grave!" I called, not bothering to check the ntire tent.

I drew out a deep and exaggerated sigh while sitting down as the two blockheads began their tirades again.

"Seriously guys, please not in a place like this," I asked them.  If they continued, we'd be kicked out faster than we entered, "By all means, butt heads outside of the restaurant, but it really isn't a great idea to do that in here.  I'm sure the other three agree," I made a gesture to Abalsster, the boy with the dragon and the young girl.

I placed my hands behind my head, and was soon approached by Koumori, questioning my not introducing myself, "Oh, I'm terribly sorry.  I was planning on introducing myself once we all sat down.  My name's Grave, and I came from London to Japan to play SAO," I told the group, a beaming grin on my face.

Jevi turning away only made me smile all the more.  I stretched my fingers out by my side, counting down.  Five... Four... Three... Two... One...

I could hear a loud rumbling rapidly approaching from behind and shone and even wider grin.  I turned around to see what looked like the offspring of a ram and a moose; an Aldram, to be exact.  The giant animal put its brakes on, coming to a stop like a loaded freight train in front of me.  Thank goodness that worked.

I spun back around to look at Jevi, a cocky grin on my face.  The Aldram plodded around to my side, almost the same hight as me, and that's only on all fours.  I reached to my side and placed a hand to its furry back, giving it a light scratch.

"Meet the Aldram, Jevi.  Don't worry, they're completely harmless until attacked," I assured her, still scratching the grand beast.

(DAMNIT Golden xD)

I was left with my jaw open as I watched one of the players skewer my prey.  I mean, seriously?  I might have been able to get loot from it!  Or maybe not, either way.  I cleared my throat and swung Severance out wide before pulling her back, the blade scraping nicely into the sheath.  I began to approach the player, but he seemed he was already wanting to go.

I shrugged it off and set my sights on the   other player.  I strolled up to him and looked down at him - yep, still towering above people.  I offered a hand to the boy with a warm smile.

"Sorry I kinda ignored you there.  Wanted to slay that thing, but someone didn't want that happening," I told him, pointing my thumb as the kill-stealer, "The name's Grave.  Nice to meet you,"

(And as revenge, Grave will ignore you)

Where would a Nagamaki fall? It's literally halfway between a Nodachi and a Naginata, with the blade and handle being the same length, but the total length being as long as a Nodachi

I brought Severance's spike down into the helpless tree monster's bushy head, and the yellow lights in the blackness faded away, before the poor creature shattered into data.  At least it wouldn't have been in agony any longer.

I looked over my earnings; a glove item (although not of the Grim series), Twisted Bloodlust (quite coincidental, I must say).  I equipped it, and it was more like a glove and a bracer.  On my right, my sword hand, a full-fingered glove of black leather had materialised, a flame pattern woven into the back in glistening scarlet thread.

On my off hand a crimson bracer had wrapped itself around my wrist, its clips a deep blue alloy, and the seams embroidered in a dark gold. The top seemed to have a plate of metal inserted, which could possibly function as a bit of a makeshift shield.  After flexing my fingers and rolling my wrists, I concluded that they were some pretty comfortable gear.  Oh, and I also received an Ent Twig.

My 'look at my loot' moment was rudely interrupted by the earth shaking behind me, and I whipped my shock of silver hair around to see...

Oh, bloody hell, I think that might just be the daddy.

---

ID: 27306

BD: 6 = Success (2 DMG)

MD: 3 = Failure

Grave: 17/17 HP

Baby Ent: *DEAD*

Ent: 12/12 HP

LD: 14 = Good Item + Ent Twig (Crafting Material)

Aaaaand my <<Battle Healing>> showed its muse again.  Really, I kinda wished I could help the little guy.  He was so helpless, he felt like a young child who was play fighting, not realising he was going to die.  One more hit would have put the guy out of his misery.

I raised Severance overhead, but I was going to give the poor guy some special treatment; he was going to meet my darling's back spike.

---

ID: 27305

BD: 2 = Failure

MD: 5 = Failure

CD: 12 = HP +1

Grave: 17/17 HP

Baby Ent: 2/9 HP

Even after dealing with my hard shin, it kept pushing against it, even bothering to wrap its arms around my calf as its tiny legs kicked up the dirt behind.  I didn't even budge.  That was really sad, and I felt I should probably have put it out of its misery in the first place rather than teasing it.

I shook my leg lightly, but it didn't let go, so I decided to get a little rougher, and my shin actually slammed into its head.  As it reeled back from the concussion.  I brought Severance toward it from below and sliced through what would have been its chin.  It was so painful to see it try so hard and get nowhere.

---

ID: 27304

BD: 9 = Crit +1 (3 DMG)

MD: 5 = Failure

Grave: 16/17 HP

Baby Ent: 2/9 HP

The little guy went to kick me a second time, but I moved my leg back just that tiny bit and he missed.  I felt seriously sorry for the bastard.  It's next move was a punch, which I just as easily sidestepped.  I gave a very sneaky smirk, realising I could play a bit of a game with the little guy.

It punched again and I sidestepped.  Kicked, and I moved back.  I continued to dodge the little guy's attacks, prancing around it like one of Jolly Santa's Reindeers.  The small wooden appendages kept on whistling past my long legs, until...

He headbutted my shin.  He actually lowered his noggin and barrelled straight into it.  I sighed once again and looked down at the hapless tree, a sorry look printed over my entire face.

---

ID: 27302

BD: 1 = Critical Failure

MD: 6 = Success (1 DMG)

Grave: 16/17 HP

Baby Ent: 5/9 HP

(I must say, at the rate this is going, I wouldn't be surprised if something happened between these two XD Maybe not romantically, but you never know where things may lead)

I turned from Jevi and continued my stroll towards the destination.  Now that my stomach was full, I could trust my gut about the research I had done.  One hundred meters... Seventy five meters... Fifty... I counted down the distance, my heart beating faster as we approached it.  Twenty five... Ten... Was I going to get it right? 

Finally I stopped, my feet centre stage of the triangulated trees.  I spun on my heel to look at Jevi, and her eyes were literally saying 'This is the surprise?'. I have her a brash smirk and folded my bottom lip under my top and placed my two little fingers either side of my mouth.  I blew outwards, my breath speeding over my lip and through the tiny gap form by my fingers like a bullet from a rifle.

A high pitched whistle could be heard resounding across the skies, possibly waking up more than a few birds.  I kept the high note for a good few seconds before lowering my fingers and placing my hands to my hips, waiting.

I decided to give it a third chance.  I drew the blade out, the metal crying against the wooden flesh.  The little thing sure seemed desperate.  It pushed itself up a second time and turned to face me.  It strolled right up close to my legs, and the little bastard kicked me in the kneecap!

But I healed it, because <<Battle Healing>>

---

ID: 27301

BD: 2 = Failure

MD: 6 = Success (1 DMG)

CD: 10 = HP +1

Grave: 17/17 HP

Baby Ent: 5/9 HP

I strolled over to the little wooden creature and crouched beside it.  Maybe I could give it a chance to make a comeback?  I looked on as the monster finally stood up on shaky, twig-like legs.  It turned its emissive, golden eyes to me, and pulled a weak fist back.  All It did, though, was topple over beside me into the dirt.

I stood up and let out a deep breath before planting Severance in the helpless creature's back, pinning it to the earth.  Now that I think back to it, I was extremely cruel to the poor thing.

---

ID: 27300

BD: 7 = Success (2 DMG)

MD: 1 = Critical Failure

Grave: 17/17 HP

Baby Ent: 5/9 HP

My eyes travelled to my level and HP; I'd gone up, my health refilling.  I wiped my brow and let out a deep sigh.  Couldn't hurt to do some more hunting, I figured.  I swung Severance around a few times to test my sword arm, and  it didn't feel too bad.  Sure, healing removed in-game injuries, but man, having your shoulder pop still hurt like hell, even with the pain dampening.

I proceeded forwards into the forest.  Maybe something else lurked in there for me to kill?  The woven canopy of leaves and other foliage overhead obscured most of my view of the already rather obscured sun, adding to the eerie atmosphere of a forest where giant friggin' caterpillars lurked.

I heard a tiny crack in the ominous silence, the minute sound resounding through the trees.  I spun my vision swiftly to see a small person - or was it a tree? - about the size of a primary school child, standing between two larger trees.  I spun Severance around into a backhand position as I gave the little guy a sly smirk.

I rushed him, bringing Severance behind me.  Her blade shone a lush green, matching the canopy I was under.  I brought her around and into the head of green leaves, slashing through as the little fella attempted an escape.  The creature fell to the ground from the slash and tried with all its might to get back up.

---

ID: 27299

BD: 8 = Success (2 DMG)

MD: 5 = Failure

Grave: 17/17 HP

Baby Ent: 7/9 HP

Would a Wakizashi fall under Daggers, One Handed Curved Swords or Katanas? 

The contrast between the huge man (who I now knew as 'Mack' by Abalasster) and the tiny bear cub was pretty impressive.  A giant man with a (mostly) soft heart compared to a tiny animal who showed its bestial hunger to the last player's dragon.  Animalistic but nonetheless adorable.

I followed Koumori and the rest of the players to our destination, turning my head to watch Mack plop the brown animal on his shoulders, mimicking the guy with the dragon.  I had yet to learn his name, but then again, everyone had yet to learn mine.  I gave a soft 'thank you' to Koumori as he held the door open for us.  I held high respect for people who did that, most possibly because I was someone who did that myself; holding doors open, picking belongings up, putting things away, all those kinds of gestures I could respect.

Soon enough we'd've been able to introduce ourselves, and some of us may have even let on about our skills and equipment

"Yeah, I sure hope so... I feel like such a... Prat for leaving them behind,"  told her and raised a hand to cover my eyes.  I could have sworn tears began to pool under my silver eyes.  I shook my head and sat up.  It wasn't a good idea to break down in front of her; it would make a real bad impression.

"Well, shall we continue?" I asked her, pushing myself upwards onto my feet before turning around and standing in front of her, my hand extended down to her with a soft grin.

"Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, I've heard," I retorted before giving her a playful smirk, "If that is true, then I must be right at the bottom of the ladder," I gave a small chuckle at my own joke.  If only Xion could have heard me crack that one, he'd be rolling around on his beloved grass with his sides splitting.

I watched as my companion laid down on her back under the trees.  I wasn't sure if I should have gone over to her, so I played it safe, at least for the moment, and stayed where I was sat, munching on the tasteless dough.  I wish I had something better to eat; I even considered, rather seriously I will add, training to get the Chef Profession.  That would probably have been of the most use to me.  I looked over to Jevi, and she was still laying there, by herself.  I gave a sigh and gave myself a little slap to wake myself up, and I shimmied over to my companion, laying down beside her.  I damn hoped she wouldn't mind.

"You know, I realised something ironic when that bastard Kayaba told us our heads'd explode if we died," I told her, looking up at the same lush foliage as her.  I turned my face to her, "Strangely enough, when I did my research on the game, I had actually thought, 'man, I bet this game is going to blow minds'," I told her and chuckled deeply, before looking up to the trees again.  A frown crossed my face, "But... It wasn't just me who entered the game.  I entered with a group of friends from Japan.  I moved there from London because of my passion for gaming, you see.  The five of us dived together... but I got ahead of myself and accidentally left them all behind... and I'm not even sure where they are.  Are they in town?  Have they shot up past me?  I don't even want to consider the other possibility," I told her, opening up without a prompt.  I wasn't expecting anything back from her, but if she wanted, it was her choice.  I turned my head and smiled at Jevi, "I guess time will tell, eh?"

And so, the battle of (half) wits continued, and I sighed as I slid my hands into my pockets.  We seriously weren't getting anywhere at that rate.  At least I learned the brown haired kids name; Koumori.

"K... Koum... Koum-ori," the name didn't agree with my British accent, but I guessed I could keep trying it out.  I also indirectly learned another player's name, Abalasster, when the big guy threw the remaining sword to him.

Talk of a duel rather surprised me, but also irritated me a slight bit.  They might not know it, but people can get extremely serious during a duel and go over the top, possibly even continuing attacking after the duel finished.  Thankfully, that hadn't happened to me, but I had experienced how serious one can get.  A duel I once had with a good friend and fellow Brit, Xion, when I was lower level showed me.  I started off getting good hit after good hit in, until he got extremely serious and almost lost it, clearing over half my HP in two hits.  They didn't know how risky it could be.

I happily obliged to be the first one out of the tent when the giant pulled the 'door' open.  I guessed it was my turn to separate Big Boy from his rival.

(*sigh* Fine XD The reason I was worried about level balance is because of one of my plans for 'Ol Rocky)

Well, usually when someone asked to help out, I would usually accept, but at the level I was, the baby wasn't going to do much.  I bet he thought I was picking on it just because it was a weaker mob, not because I wanted the NPC.  The latter was the correct one.

"I think I'll be good," I called over my shoulder, "If I start dying, you could jump in, but that hopefully shouldn't happen," I threw the player a smirk, before a second player joined the fray.  Well, I have an audience now.  Better not let 'em down, I told myself.

I realised my blade was still raised, and I was amazed that the child hadn't attacked yet... But that changed as soon as I spun around.  A round, wooden fist caught me in the ribs as I brought my weapon down, slicing through the baby's unused arm.  We stood there, still in our positions, the Ent's fist still in my side, my blade now by its leg.

<<Battle Healing>> activated, and I felt the area that received the baby punch heal somewhat.  I gave a sly grin to the little guy.

"You're screwed now,"

---

ID: 27258

BD: 6 = Success (2 DMG)

MD: 9 = Crit +1 (2 DMG)

CD: 12 = HP +1

Grave: 22/23 HP

Baby Ent; 6/8 HP

Don't you just love jumping in to save NPCs from little tree men?  I do.  Those little creatures are pretty bloody fun to fight... Not the BIG guys, no, they're pains in the ass.  The little guys, about the size of a primary school kid.  You know what I'm talking about now.

I watched as the young NPC - wearing what looked like a tailor's uniform - for the <<Martial Arts>> quest was getting his lights knocked around by a pair of long, thin, stick arms.  Those AIs had a habit of getting themselves in some real 'stick'y situations.  I sighed loudly as I tore Severance from her sheathe, the fine metal crying melodically against the thick leather casing.  The Ent seemed to notice me, as its tiny, emissive, golden eyes shot a piercing glance in my direction.

Notice me it did.  It left its useless prey and rushed towards me, bouncing along like a penguin with rubber balls on its feet.  Easy prey, were the first words that travelled through my mind, but as I carelessly swung at the wooden child, it ducked and swung a large, club-like fist at my gut.  To be honest, it didn't feel much more than a punch from a young boy, but it still managed to take away some health...

Health that appeared as quickly as it left, as my <<Battle Healing>> already began its rounds.  I gave a cynical smirk as I lifted Severance overhead, the cloudy sky reflecting off of her blade.

(Staying at level 6 for the thread, due to the ongoing level problem)

---

ID: 27230

BD: 2 = Fail

MD: 8 = Success (1 DMG)

CD: 10 = HP +1

Grave: 15/15 HP

Baby Ent: 8/8 HP