Astraeus

Astra looked to the floor and closed the door shut behind him. He inhaled and walked towards her sitting in a chair next to her, looking out the window. He wondered what he should say. The little girl didn't say anything, she just starred, no look of apathy or sympathy showing on her face. Just emptiness...

"I am not going to lie...There is a very good chance that there will be no end to this nightmare. We could be stuck here until...well, until our bodies give out in the real world. But we should take each day as it comes and hope that the Assault Teams and such are doing what they can to finish this game," Astra replied, though he figured it was not something she wanted to hear. He looked to her, she made no movement, her green eyes were still empty.

"What are you doing to help? Sitting here next to me, that's not helping to finish this game. Why aren't you helping?"

"Well, that's a complicated question..."

"Everything is complicated. My parents always said things like that, but they never did anything. Even now, stuck here...the grown ups just do as they wish..." She stood up, which alarmed Astra, the look in her eyes, they were almost menacing, frightening...he secretly admired it for a brief moment. Her tiny small hands were turned to fists. Was she really just twelve years old? Such maturity...

"I'm gonna do something about it. I won't be like a grown up! I'm actually gonna do something! Thank you, Astra. Maybe one day...we can go out for that walk." she turned around and bolted for the doorway...That was the last time he ever saw her.

The rest of the day was nothing special. He told the children a story about a Princess and a Frog that they seemed to enjoy before going off to bed. This life here...it was comfortable for him. And those fighting out in the front lines, risking their lives for everyone else. It was admirable but foolish. Here you can become a King, a God. Not like in the real world. He folded his arms as he leaned back in the couch...his soft blue eyes fluttering open and close. There was silence, nothing but silence.

Sleep, Astraeus...Sleep...

End of Scene 1:

Rewards:

+1 SP

+400 Col

In the safe zone, Astra was snoring lightly in the grass in fetal position. The loudness of monster hunting yards away when the early sun rose to greet him, kissed his face with the warmth and ascended to the heavens. Sleepily, his groggy eyes opened and he yawned stretching out. His sapphire eyes still groggy as half lidded eyes searched around, his hair a mess as he stumbled to get up and wobbled lightly. He patted his clothing down and stretched once more, arms going out and about and he felt the growl of his stomach. Blinking and looking around, he hadn't noticed he slept outside. That was a first...

He turned on the ball of his foot and headed back into town. It was robust and lively this morning, fresh smell of foods from the cafe drew him in with their scents, the laughing and playing of the children in the small little orphanage he helped run skittered about outside, "Good morning children!" Astra said sharply!

"Good morning!" they waved back as he went inside. He was not alone in this thankfully, several motherly type figures were helping around as well. Most of the still level one players, but they decided it would be best that the children be taken care of and allowed those who wanted to fight in the front lines to do so. The children, they were helpless...but this was a good way for Astra to secure his future title as King, was to help the people that needed help. 

The Performing Artist wasn't great at cooking, but he was somewhat helpful with keeping the children healthy and strong willed during these stressful times. He went upstairs, there was a young girl here about the age of twelve or so, she was alone, so alone. She rarely came out of the room, barely ate. Astra tried hard to get a smile on her face, his normal tactics had no effect. He walked by and smiled, she was sitting by the window and just staring out into the city.

"Violet, dear. Would you like to go outside for a walk? Its a beautiful day..."

There was no answer as Astra put on the best happy face he could muster, he sighed gently and nodded his head, "If you change your mind--"

"I am never going to see my parents again, will I?" Astra's eyes grew, for the first time...he was a loss for words.

Astra touched the microphone in front of his briefly, angling to his lips perfectly. His eyes darted around and the beat started and he started to tap his foot; it was a heavy song played with a more classical touch that the Performer seemed to enjoy. His eyes fluttered in the inspiring blue it gave it's audience, he opened his mouth and began...

"Ooooooo~

I saw it in my dreams
The skies and earth were raging

(Touching the mic stand and leaning forward)

And I was caught between
When you came~~~

I followed through the night
A captive with no other choice
Soon I'll close my eyes
Forever!

(Picking up the mic from the stand and walks to the left side of the stage kneeling down and waving to the audience)

I cried out but you weren't there
Stranded hopeless in the depths of my despair

I'm not afraid to die
The siren's song is calling
But I'm not bound and I
Will follow

(Getting up and walking to the other side of the stage, standing and singing in place)

I've seen the distant shores
And though I know not where you lead
Carry me away
Forever

I cried out but you weren't there
Stranded hopeless in the depths of my despair
But in your shadow I found light
I will make it through this time

(Reaching out to the audience with an open palm and then slowly bringing it towards his chest)

The emptiness takes everything
And starts to fade my memories
But if I listen, I still hear
The whisper that's calling all these years
I'm Not afraid to lose my life
I'm Not afraid to sacrifice
I don't care how long it takes
I will die before hope fades!"

....

As he was singing the song, his hands were making gestures to flow with the lyrics. He picked up the mic from the stand and walked around the stage to mingle with the audience as he sung. His voice, his presence was so powerful in the words he spoke, some people were just completely dumb founded by the range his voice projected. As he stopped singing there was a solo bit in the song, where he found opportunity to get back on the stage and finish this little show up. His eyes flashed as his feet tapped against the floor. His body moved as he danced lightly through the music, small little twists and twirls, his hands up in the air and just feeling out the moment and becoming a true life Performer.

"The emptiness takes everything
And starts to fade my memories
But if I listen, I still hear
The whisper that's calling all these years

(Starts swaying back and forth with the mic stand, his platinum hair dancing to and fro)

I'm Not afraid to lose my life
I'm Not afraid to sacrifice
I don't care how long it takes
I will die before hope fades~~

I cried out but you weren't there
Stranded hopeless in the depths of my despair
But in your shadow I found light
I will make it through this time!"

His hand went up into the air, making a fist and pulling it down gently as the song faded out along with the lights and display. There was silence and Astra was breathing heavily, he wondered why there was no cheering or jeering at least? Then it came like a storm, the amplitude of the applause nearly blew him off his feet as he stumbled back a bit. The cheers he got were appealing, also noted by the fractured screams he heard from the young women. His smile uplifted to his face as he  bowed.

Dreamy eyed; Astra knew that look all too well when mentioning a loved one... Alas, all the love in his heart has escaped and replaced with nothing but hatred and ferocity. He smiled, "Ahh! Youth! It must be the budding rose of maturity. For in the air the pheromones whisper our lover's name, our essences pull into one another, twisting, fusing and becoming one..." he said with a simple hand gesture, his digits gliding over his other fingers and clasping to make one giant fist. Perhaps that was a bit much for the woman in front of him...

"I am sure she is doing quite fine, m'lady! To think of her so often even now, she must be one lucky find and the lucky one to be in a relationship with you..." his voice trailed off, a waitress coming by the table once more. 

"Can I help you with something else?" Big blue eyes flashed at her, "YES!! A small bowl of yogurt! Or the equivalent of it. I have no idea if they sell yogurt. I will be depressed if they--"

The waitress nodded with a happy smile, a true one, he forgot what true smiles were worn like. It has been a long time since he genuinely smiled at someone. He'll smile one day, one day perhaps, "And for you, Miss?"

The clicking of his booted heals came down on the street, his eyes lowered in the dark light of the sky, his face hung low as he was thinking of the future. He sighed and kicked a rock, coming up to a small pond. He plopped down on the ground and thrust his fingers through the waters, disturbing the reflection of his face till it rippled over. His normally cheery expression had been replaced with a less than melancholy appearance.

"It will be difficult what I am trying to do...these sad fools trying to rush through and end this little dream of mine. How sadly mistaken they are if I am going to make it easy for them...But the main problem is those veteran warriors. I need some assassins under my belt. Those who are not scared to die, fearlessly killing anyone that stands in their way. Mercenaries maybe? I don't have the col...Ugh! And I couldn't be the one to ask, that would ruin my element of surprise...How did Palpatine do it? I don't think it would pertain to this situation though..."

He skimmed the water with his fingers again flicking the remnants off his digits until the light flecks of water splashed and rippled the water. He fell backwards looking into the darkness of the sky. Again he was doing this to himself, it was a battle everyday to endure this. Why could he not simply let things go like the past? They haunt him now, they haunt him forever. Eyes closing...thoughts wandering. It was simple...because he was selfish. He wanted everything. Lips curved...a smile...his smile. 

There was a massive stage before him as he entered and rows upon rows of chairs that seemed to be full of people, his eyes went wide with joy…Would he be singing in front of all these people? And they were all REAL! His heart overjoyed by this ran towards the NPC marker on his map, he briskly made his way and started the conversation trigger.

“Salutations, fellow Perfomer! Would you delight this crowd with a song of your choice? This portion of the quest is a bit harder as it uses more skill than some of the earlier sub quests. However, I am sure you will do just fine. When you are ready, please step onto the stage, you may change the settings as you arrive to your liking, but be careful…wrong settings could cause bleeding ears! Now off with ya!”

Rubbing his hands together, he wasted no time getting to the stage. There was a panel for setting opposed to his normal ones in the menu. There were many knobs and switches for equalization, voice amplification, vocal thickening, and the list went on. He sighed, he added a touch of a little bit and would hope his natural voice and presence would be enough to woo them over. Apparently for this quest, the more they clapped the higher his Rate Bar will go up. So he had to get this right the first time.

Take a step outside the comfy café, Astra found himself in the world of blinding light. He blinked a few times to adjust his eyes to the world around him and navigated to his map in the menu. He looked down and there were two locations close to him for the next steps in his Profession Quest.  He decided to take the left handed route first, that seemed like an adventure in itself with a winding and curvy path with many turns. With a pip in his step after his recent accomplishment, for more sub quests were all that needed to finish this quest.

His eyes fell to the black and white keys, the lightness of his touch brought upon a sense of warmth in his body. He smiled as the music started to play. The keys of the piano were drawn to his fingers, not the other way around, as if the instrument itself begged for him to play it. As the music began to pour out into the dark café, there seemed to be a pleasing look on the NPCs in the building. He noticed that the rate bar was steadily achieving it maximum length. He continued to play, his entire body getting into the motion of the solo piece as he was swaying back and forth. His bright blue eyes intensified with each note played, his fingers dancing over the keys sending out his emotion in waves of vibrant energy. Soon they were all enchanted by his playing, not a single note mixed.

Astra exhaled, seemed like an easy task for his first line of quests in this Performing Arts bizz. Bringing up his map, he located the first building, it wasn’t too far off from his original position and a light walk got him there in less than a few minutes. He hadn’t noticed this place before; he wondered if it spawned because of the quest he was on. It was a quaint little café with blues music playing in the background. He liked the atmosphere of the place, it was dark, people were dressed up in fine clothing and he was in this odd looking get up unsuitable for the café. Blue eyes rolled and he stepped up to the stage. There seemed to be a quest guide indicator for where he needed to go. On the stage was a piano, a small little black one. He sat down on the stool and looked over his shoulder. The crowd seemed to be watching him with the upmost intent.

As he looked down, he read the instructions through the HUD. From what he gathered it was more or less a rhythm matching game on par with some of those others he played on his cell phone. Tapping his finger on his chin, he selected a song that was unfamiliar to him. Once that was accomplished there was a small countdown timer showing next to his instrument. Soon the little colors and what to play would be popping up.

“Greetings player! My name is Scoffna! I run the Perfomer’s Guild here! How can I help you today?”

It was time to put some things into action. Astra talked the talk, but now he needed to walk the walk. Going through a list of the quests, he found the Profession one, the description detailing what the quest was about and how to earn somewhat of a living in Aincrad. He could very well just bum off of others due to his radiant personality and charismatic charm, but if he were to be a true performer, he had to get the right title. Clearing his throat and inhaling deeply, he set one foot out in front of the other and made way for Quest NPC. His blue eyes sat upon every soul he came up to, waved and smiled to the common folk before him. The day had just begun for Astraeus and he was going to make the most out of it with this quest.

He crossed a small bridge in town and found the Performer’s Guild, a small shop where he was introduced by the Quest NPC named Scoffna. Quizzical brows rolled on his forehead, what sort of name was that? He paid it little detail furthermore and went through the boring speech of the game’s puppet.

Astraeus beamed a smile, inside he was scorning the foolish girl with her sentimental ties. Alas, he nodded his head, "That is quite alright! I just seem to have fallen short of snagging you in my little web. But within the short amount of time that we have spent together, I believe I have learned a great deal from you...IF anything, I enjoyed that much. You are a sweet woman, you seem to care for this Jevi..." Astra leaned on hand and tilted his eyes up, the name Jevi surfaced. But...This woman, Shaya, probably gave out her greatest weakness as well. She has a boyfriend...name Jevi, he just found the right strings to pull...But that...that would come later.

"So you two are close then? I suppose seeing a Princess making out in public would draw some attention. Hahaha! But its the drama of the scene that I find to be...exciting. Well, if not a Princess then surely something else. I am a performer...everyone has their role to play in my little script," the contents of his citrus beverage had gone dry. There was a frown on his face when the glass was empty.

Well, I seemed to have joined just as the transition was starting. So from a newbie perspective, the only real complaint was that the links in the guides were redirected to the same page. I understand due to the new software changes, that some of the older dice methods were no longer applicable and the perma roller was the only dice rolled now used, while the guides stated ones that were already imbedded into the posts? I think I noticed this once or twice before the new layout was locked in, but only briefly. 

Everything else seems to be in order. I have not seen any weird glitches besides my own internet being a spaz every now and then. As far as suggestions go, I think the only thing I can think of is probably a more detailed explanation on how the role player works out. I understand Mari is the one who is working on that and she has her IRL issues to deal with, but for a newbie just getting into this and the 'game' I would suggest having someone help write the material in the mean time and finish the other sections of the Guide. I think I know how to do everything that relates to the RP now, dice rolls, combat, loot and ect, but it might be harder for some people just to starting out.

Other than that. I think the transition is going smoothly. No real complaints besides an unfinished game guide. 

"An Artisan! Well, that sounds like a good profession. I am sure girls will flock to that sort of establishment. When I was marr--" Astra's lips contorted into something other than a smile and he had to stop what he was saying and quite abruptly, "I am sure women will find appeal to that sort of thing. I too would be interested in your items once you have that all settled. I do like charms and beads of the sort. A necklace, a bracelet or two, or three..."

Well at least the boy had a plan, and after hearing that he had a girlfriend...he couldn't help but stifle a laughter, "Someone actually found this fool to be worthy of a mate? How absurd," Astra thought, drumming his manicured nails down on the table before him. His blue eyes shifted from the speaker to his glass of wine, it still held more sustenance than this oaf.

Then the droning seemed to continue, "Did you actually think I meant sleeping as a talent?" Astra questioned then chuckled and clapped his hands, "I merely meant..No, never mind...As far as getting into SAO, well...that is a rather long and quite uneventful story. Merely, it was just something to pass some time with. I had tried some of the other VRMMOs that were sprouting up at the time, some...hack game or another, I can't quite remember the name of, but it was merely for killing time. I used to be a..."

Astra leaned on his hand and placed a finger tip on the brim of the glass of red wine before him, thinking about the past made his stomach hurt and the alcoholic beverage before him stirred unsettling thoughts, it was better to just lie..."I was a computer repair technician. Made very little money in that department, however, so I used games as a means of escape. I didn't actually quite plan on becoming a permanent dwelling member of society. Here's to you! You screwy bastard!" he picked up the contents of his glass and downed the red liquid in one sitting, the taste lingering in his mouth, the robust and intense feeling alcohol has in one's throat. He snapped his fingers at the bar keeper and pointed to his empty glass, "Another!" 

"Pardon me?" he said questioning the question and then answering; "A jobs? That's a peculiar question...Well I believe I understand what you are saying. I do not have a paying job at the moment, it is more of a self rewarding one as a matter of fact. I help around the Starting City looking after the children who have lost their way, I also tend to counsel those who are traumatized by the current events of living in this game for quite possibly the rest of their lives. I did pick up a Profession Quest, however, I have yet to start that. I seem to be busy with the many ordeals of day to day routine."

So it seemed Astra was in the same boat as this troglodyte sitting next to him, the man seemed like a slow thinker, having the brains equivalent to a...he looked at the man with smiling eyes, "a goat?" he pondered to himself. He shook his head and looked to his glass of red wine, did he actually have to start a conversation with this intellectually challenged ninny? Was he that desperate? He could have a better conversation with this glass of wine he was holding.

"Ahh, well. I suppose the world just works in mysterious ways my young friend." What did he order? A fizzy drink? He must be young, that would lead to the unsophisticated mannerism of this Ape, then again, most people Astra met didn't have the intelligence to hold a good conversation. He titled his head to the person who sat next to him, he wondered if he was dropped as a child. Perhaps...brain damage, fractured skull? These would seem likely, he digressed and continued.

"Perhaps your talents are merely sleeping. What are you good at that could gain you a steady income? Perhaps if we figure that out, we can find you a proper job..."

Astra had such a look on his face, like he was constipated. It was mind numbing...so mind numbing.  

The palm of her hand was coming in close, and Astra he was going to play around with her. Still laughing from his earlier comment about being more than an amateur to the dagger, his legs moved on their own it seemed as the palm flew through the air and missed it's target. Laughing, he side stepped out of the way, "Woopsie! Looks like you missed there Staggering Butterfly. What were you trying to hit with an attack like that? A flt?" he belted out a laugh and leaned in for his attack, close combat was all he could use with this tiny, sharpened tool of his. He sighed, and plowed right through the air missing her completely. Not even a graze, instead he fumbled forward and almost took a nose dive into the grass.

"Well! That could have gone a lot better. Looks like we are back at square one! None to worry, get ready to pucker up those lips!" he said taunting her from a short distance.

----

ID: 26790 BD: 2 (Miss)

Aramail: 10/11 (5 till loss)

Astra: 13/15 (6 till loss)

----

Savoring each droplet that coated his tongue, Astra was finely sipping his wine. He was overjoyed that the taste of alcohol was able to be enjoyed in such a virtual world. He set the wine glass now after taking a small sip of it, he looked to his right when he noticed another player sitting next to him now. His lips curled, he would have liked to drink in peace. Perhaps if he stayed quiet...the other player would just...

Then he heard the screeching of complaints rattle through this guy's wind pipes. Astra lowered his eyes blue eyes to the red wine starring back at him. Unfortunately he overheard the boy's monologue, too lazy to get a job perhaps? He sighed, Astra could not say word on the matter. He had taken a quest but had yet to start it which was his Profession Quest. There was much more to do in the Starting City than he had liked and his schedule was busy, busy, busy. Helping with the children, giving counsel to the grieving and those who lost faith to live inside this world. To him, this world was perfect and here he could become a God to these people, a King! There was a twinkle in his eyes as he reminisced over the thought. He then spun in his chair towards the brooding character, "Cheer up, Buttercup." Astra said to the man who just recently complained.

"There is a world outside these walls that offer boundless amounts of Col. As you grow stronger as a player here you will eventually achieve an echelon of skill levels that will quickly turn into profit. More damage means more slaying, and more slaying means more loot from Mobs. More loot can be then turned into Col. You see how that works? So, all you really must do is pick yourself up! Now, now. Stop slouching! Bar Keep, get this man something more stout to put hair on his chest!" he tapped on the table with the palm of his hand.

"My name is Astraeus, and who might you be?" He turned to greet the individual, a lightness in his blue eyes.

Within the time of the battle countdown, Astra was mostly perplexed of the woman's response to his witty one liner. "Which lips...?" he thought to himself, he thought there was only one pair, unless she met and then while he was not paying attention felt the full blast of her punch into the gut. Side tracked and unable to make a defense, the in game mechanics took hold of the battle sequence and placed a hard blow into his frame. First blood was hers, As Astra was doubled over until he erected his form up. Now was the time to counter attack, he was not much of a fighter...but perhaps he can rope this woman just like he had done to the boar. But he was taunted by the Grappler.  His blue eyes set on her body feeling out the attack.

Turning to face her once more, he spun the dagger in the palm of his hand until the sharp end was inverted. He curved his arm over the other, somewhat of a ninja like defensive stance as he side stepped one foot or another. His internal thought repeating the process and looking for a weakness in her;There! Speed of the wind lifted him as his feet pound against the grassy knoll. Eyes flickering, if she wanted him, she got him. A decisive strike landed against her left arm when he passed by, the dagger nicking the cloth but putting pressure on her HP bar, he drew second blood.

He quickly turned to face her, tossing his dagger in the air as it landed back down in his hand, "Oh look at that! Perhaps I am not a novice after all for this barbaric style." he laughed, perhaps he was going about this all wrong, perhaps he could throw her off his game, he would play with his prey...if he could. He would delight in that fact.

----

ID: 26710 BD: 6 (Success) [1 Base Dmg]

Turn Order: Aramail > Astra

Aramail: 10/11 (5 till loss)

Astra: 13/15 (6 till loss)

----

He squinted with a smile after she had sent the duel to him. Swiping his finger across the menu, he placed a dainty finger on the circle button to accept the duel. He was actually quite surprised by her wager, "I don't know about you, but this is a win-win situation for me..."

He watched the time go by for thirty seconds, this seemed like the usual round about counter for normal duels. He was reluctant to get in any sort of formal dance, but the woman was hardcore in this. Her womanly figure spread into that of a martial arts stance, her fists seemed tight, her feet strong and ready to pounce as soon as able. His blue eyes flickered...

---

ID: 26537 LD: 11 (Loss Initiative)

Aramail has Initiative

Turn Order: Aramail > Astra

Aramail: 11/11 (6 till loss)

Astra: 15/15 (8 till loss)

---

Then there was the swiftness of the wind from the beige clad pugilist. Flipping his dagger in his fingers, he pushed one leg out to defend himself for her upcoming attack. His blue eyes squinted at the on coming rush of battle, adrenaline filled him. This was not a PvE circumstance with a preset arrangement of moves from a Mob. This was a living, breathing human, and there were no patterns to watch out for. Otherwise known as a Strategist, the handsome devil known as Astra was not a mere fighter. His battle prowess were almost non existent, but he had to test her, find out her abilities, her swiftness...it was all part of the bigger picture...Win or lose.

"So...Is he a man? or A WOMAN!???" Is what your probably thinking right now. Hopefully these pics will tell you who and what I am. 

Numero 1: This pic was taken back when I was about 19-20 years old. So, its roughly about a decade old picture, and I have no idea why I still have it. 

Numero 2: This pic was taken in my mid 20s...so about 5 years ago, roughly. Give or take...

And for as any current pictures, I dont have. Well, I do...but they are me of me showing...<.< some skin. WHICH is not seen for your eyes. -ahem- Just take the above picture and add about 4-6 inches of hair more. Thats my 30s. @_@ 

Astraeus turned to meet her, his eyes were wandering around in the sky for whatever reason that may have been. Blue eyes looked up and he smiled, his hand fell down to his hips and he produced a dagger, a basic weapon of the most common of steels in the game. He sighed looking at how boring it looked to him, "How about we do something...fun." Mischief, the only form of fun Astra normally meant.

He slid the point of the dagger down the length of his torso and chuckled lightly, "How about we have ourselves a little duel? But with a little bet added to it? It'll be fun! And I would guess you'd wanna have a little taste of PvP, don't you? I wouldn't mind the practice either. I need to familiarize myself with the mechanics after all. As for the bet, like I said...we should make this duel interesting. If you agree to the duel along with the bet...My bet is...If I win..." he chuckled lightly to himself, unable to suppress the laughter, "You give me a kiss....On the lips~" he chuckled once more then giving a slight cough.

"And if you win...Well, you can chose whatever within my power to do...How about it, Aramail. Feeling lucky?" he gave a wink, his dagger still sitting in the palm of his hand, but almost dropping it a few times as he tried to handle it in his hands.

Screaming at the top of his lungs the man belted for town, Astra blinked a few times and giggled sheathing his dagger in the small little cloth around his waist. He sighed and looked up to the moon, "I envy you sometimes, bathed in intoxicating darkness, surrounded by beautiful twinkling stars and you can see everything...Well, I'll show you what Astraeus can do. Once I have these wretches in my grasp, all of Aincrad will gravel at my feet and I shall be named King. But I am getting a head of myself, aren't I? There is much work to be done but for now...I must bid you a farewell!"

Tapping his heels together he bowed to the moon above him and retraced his steps back into Starting City. The makeshift lamps outside were still bright, but there were less people than before. Indeed the hour was getting late and he caught up with the man he scared outside the gates. Astra bowed and apologized profusely for his actions, "I was just caught up in the moment. It's all an act really. I am a performer after all~" his voice in that melodic tone. The man shook his head, "You gave me quite the scare out there Astra. I feel I can trust you, but you do have just a touch of that dark side, don't you?"

Astraeus' face was solemn, and he placed his hands behind his back and turned his back on the man. He lowered his eyes and thought of his father for a brief moment, "My daddy used to tell me that every man has his devil and you can't rest 'till you find him..." With that, Astra took a step and left the man to ponder his comment.

"That guy, Astra...There is something about him."

"He's wonderful!"

"He's dreamy!"

"That guy...scares the hell out of me..."

The fan girls turned and clocked him in the head for the rude comment. Indeed the later was right, the beginning of the end had happened the moment he took breath into this world. Astra was not a 'No Body,' he was a 'Somebody,' and he would show the world his true face one day. His plans right now were just mere dreams, mere seedlings taking root in the soil of people's minds. When the world is ready for Astra, he shall outshine them all.

"Tsk, tsk. You are getting ahead of me..." Astra continued with his story, "You see, the hall went quiet and the King's lips twisted into a smile. Those who listened to this brave knight and his story looked to him to see what the verdict was...The King stood up and laughed at the knight before him, then everyone in the grand hall started to laugh! The king replied, 'You may have slain a mighty dragon, but you are no knight. Only nobility marrys into nobility. Your blood is watered down as a fisherman's son, you have no right to ask for my daughter's hand. I shall give you a gold piece for your effort...but that is all you shall get from me...' Said the king. And thus...the man shook his fist at that so called King, 'You! You! Fat Oaf! I have risked my life to slay a black dragon, to help the kingdom I grew up in, to marry your daughter and you repay me with a gold piece!? Mark my words...I will get what I deserve of you!' And then he bolted out of the castle, fuming with anger. 

That night, there was fire and smoke in the castle. There was blood on the ground in pools, the maids and the guardsmen strewn to the floor like rag dolls. It was a massacre...And out of the flames came that night, his body bloodied, his dagger in his hand thick with royal blood. He killed everyone in that kindgom, and at long last he came to the Princess's room. He entered as she sobbed holding her blanket tight in her hands...The door closed behind him...then there was screaming...and then...silence..."

The man listening to the story gulped, "Where...is the joke in that, Astra?"

"You don't get the punchline? Allow me to explain. No matter how grand and spectacular you are, if you do not have the right blood.You will never be as noble as Royalty. But that doesn't mean you can't get what you want, by any means necessary! Isn't that funny?!" Astra belted out into laughter unsheathing his dagger at the man, as it dangled in his lose hands. Astra's senile bravado made the man stiffen up and fall backwards...The Performer inching closer with that sick twisted grin, "Why so serious? Let's put a SMILE on that fa~ce!" 

The man who was listening to this joke now seemed more like a story of a brave common warrior trying to earn the love of the Princess of a Noble Family. Therefore he sat down and continued to listen to this story and Astra continued, "Given the audience he was desired, he bowed in front of the two with great respect and then lifted himself up!"

Astra rose and made a fist in his hand and raised it as if the Knight would in the story he was telling and went on, "Today, I have vanquished the mighty black dragon in the marshlands with my own sword and shield. As you see my armor is blackened with the remnants of fire, I struck it's belly with my sword and lodged it inside until it bled to death. I come here to ask for the Princess's hand in marriage for my gallant victory. For a man such as myself who braved the world and slayed a dragon should have the ability to rule a kingdom and to marry your Princess!"

The man who was listening was struck by the story, "Did the King agree??" he asked sharply with interruption.

The man didn't seem to be in a rush and he folded his arms, "I like a good joke every now and then, why don't you lay it on me."

"Ok! You see...there is this guy, he is a low born Troglodyte of society, much like yourself..." Astra waited to see if his insult took root of the feeble minded idiot before him, and none to his surprise the man didn't catch the meaning of the words, he heard Astra talk before, he figured he was just using some pretty language again..."Go on..." he said.

"Yes. You see, this low born annelida wanted to marry a Princess. But being a undeserving of this Princess, he set out to fight a fire breathing dragon, you see to win over her love. Should he be successful in this attempt, surely the Princess would want to marry this noble warrior. So he sets out and finds a dragon to slay! He comes across a marsh with a massive black dragon rearing its ugly head at him. Its eyes were of obsidian marble, his scales black as midnight and his breath smelled of sulfur. Raising his sword, the commoner speaks, "In the name of the Princess, I shall slay you and win over her love!" And with that a fierce battle broke out between the two. Sword and shield, fire and heat! All these components mixed and eventually a mighty stab of his sword through a soft plate opening of the dragon scales produced blood. And he rammed his mighty sword into that wound, twisted and grinding until the sword itself was devoured. The mighty black dragon toppled over dead to the world. Whipping sweat off his brow, he turned back to the kingdom and was given the audience to speak to the King and the Princess."