Paglikha

And Kalu was found sitting on the edge of Aincrad, looking downwards. He looked back, wondering how he deserved this life. Did he make a mistake when he was younger? Did he make a mistake in the present?

Trying to continue living was a mistake. The thought echoed in Kalu’s ears. He had caused so much pain for the people around him. He knew he had made mistakes and held people back from their own happiness. His selfishness caused more pain than he himself could hear.

Kalu felt a twinge of pain as the words were bored into his mind. It was no secret that some people thought he was just looking for attention, and he knew some people just wanted to abuse his thoughts. After all, hr was just a tool, sub-human. Kalu didn't want to experience it anymore.

Kalu looked for the ground underneath them, but couldn’t find it. He decided to see for himself if there was one. In the last moments of his life, he wondered if this was the right choice. If the recording crystal in his shop would ever be found. If anyone ever really cared. They didn't.

This seems quite the fun idea. I know that we had a Town of Beginnings thread a long time ago where most people just compiled their character's reactions to that first event, but this does seem as if it would definitely help newer players nail down their character and also help people even forge relationships with others by giving them that early connection.

“Halloween?”, Kalu thought aloud, trying to remember the occasion Froppy was talking about before having the proverbial lightbulb within his mind turned on. “Ah, the one where people dress up in costumes and sometimes would get candy from door-to-door. I think I went to an event in this game for one dressed up as Bungisngis. Weird, because I don’t really remember much except showing up dressed up and then the party ending.”

Now that I think of it, there wasn’t much I did in the Valentine’s Day Masquerade Ball, except show up beat my mask, and then leaving to have a drink. “If you don't mind my asking, what happened with Pinball? He seemed agitated that night, and it seemed as if everyone had something flipped with them, except Embers. I think her personality was the only thing that stayed constant that night.” Kalu nervously chuckled at the end, unsure where this would lead to. What did happen when I was passed out?

"Don't worry about it," Kalu said as he was completely oblivious to the reason why Kaiida was apologizing as his face was already in the shrubbery searching for a couple of herbs that he would recognize. Turning around to meet his accompaniment on this quest, Kalu began speaking. "Hey, Miss Kaiida. I was just wondering why do you keep calling me a chibi? I'm not considerably shorter than you. It's not like I mind anyways, I was just wondering."

Kalu was absentmindedly picking at the foliage in an attempt to feel his way towards any herbs that he may have known from his childhood. However, it was to no avail. Eventually he felt a small prick at the base of his thumb as a thorn jabbed into his player model. Removing his hand from the shrub, Kalu saw the red, crystal-like hole that it created disappear as his skin enveloped the former wound. "Such an interesting game, don't you think?"

ID: 99446; LD: 2
<<No Materials Found.>>

@Kaiida:1/5

Paglikha: 0/5

((I'm sorry for such the long delay in posting, I've had to deal with real life stuff but I'm back now and should respond in a more timely fashion.))

<<Topic Rewards:

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“Okay calm down you two,” Kalu called out to both Tsu and Embers who have been increasing their agitation - and their willingness to do what is necessary to release that agitation - as the bar tender put down the porkchop right in front of him. After giving the NPC his thanks, he ate it relatively quickly without really bothering to stop to talk any further. I’d like for them to resolve their issues by themselves, but one of them is really fiesty and the other one doesn’t like to cause trouble for anyone.

After finishing the plate, Kalu stood up to hug Tsu and shake Embers hand before standing at the entryway. “There’s been a lot of things going on tonight. I think I’m going to head off to sleep, it’s getting late anyways. Goodnight to both of you,” Kalu said as he walked out of the bar and towards the warp pad.

Kalu listened to Tsu’s story about her involvement within a play. To Kalu, it was interesting how the school made the decision to change the screenplay so that it would fit in better with Tsu’s nature. “I’ve never been to a school play, but it sounds fun. I don’t think I could act though, but I would probably enjoy watching it.”

If you really overthink it, the Princess and the Frog - or in her case the Prince and the Frog - is a sort of passing-glance story. The two main characters met each other in a passing glance in an extraordinary type of circumstances, but that passing glance soon became a good look until the end of their times. Kalu was, of course, over-analyzing the entire premise of the Princess and the Frog. He realized that this sort of analytical mind wasn’t supposed to be applied to a kid’s fairytale, but he inadvertently done so anyways. “Yeah.”

Kalu took her hand and shook it. “I understood it. A Freudian slip if you will. I have to find five and you have to find five. I do have a place in mind that we can go to search for the herbs, though.” Kalu left the shop with Kaiida and performed a mock salute to Zakariah before closing the door to his shop.

“We’re going to head to the nearby forest that surrounds Horunka,” Kalu explained to Kaiida. At this point in time, he had stopped caring about what he had called her, after all he didn’t care what anyone else called him. Looking towards Kaiida, Kalu noticed that she was rubbing her eyes almost as if she was trying to stay awake. “Are you tired Miss? Did you catch enough sleep?”

Kalu walked towards the northern gate of Starting City with Kaiida. Once they arrived, Kalu overheard Kaiida mutter to herself words of encouragement. I remember when I was in that same position. “Don’t worry Miss, I have a feeling you’ll do great. If you so choose to, I’d like to believe that you’d be an excellent leader from what I’ve seen just now. Your tongue is sharp and you’re keen. You noticed my slip of the tongue and you didn’t hesitate to correct me about it. You’ll do fine.”

Kalu walked out of Starting City. The trek towards the forest wasn’t a long way, but it was commonly delayed by trying to avoid any boars alongside the way. I really ought to pick up that weapon. Once they arrived at the tree line, Kalu stood in the cool shade that the branches had provided. “From here on out, there’s a ton of vegetation. It’s pretty much if you can spot any you’ll get it.” Kalu turned around to face Kaiida and performed a mock salute. “Best of luck to both of us.”

@Kaiida

Kalu thanked Tsu for her affirmation that he had been a good significant other for a while now. However, his focus was slightly preoccupied onto the columns, the stalactites, and the stalagmites with the vibrant flora which is the cavern’s only source of light. Although NPCs can’t really exit their respective locations nor go against their predefined protocls, I would like to see these NPCs meet people from other floors. I wonder if it would create an Allegory of the Cave scenario, or if they would accept the nature of Aincrad being extremely diverse from one floor to the next.

Kalu looked back towards Tsu when she asked him if he wanted to hear some stories of when she was in school. Kalu didn’t know nor understand the reason why she her face was red. “Of course, I would love to listen to your school stories. But are you feeling okay? You’re a bit red, are you uncomfortable?”

I’m sorry Embers. Kalu looked over to Embers getting booped on the nose once again and being told that it was perfectly normal and shouldn’t be gross. “Just think of it like a dog licking your face. It should help you understand that it’s supposed to be an affectionate and playful gesture.”

Kalu was still being slightly overwhelmed by the current situation. One moment he was asleep dreaming of a seemingly impossible future and the moment he woke up it did not just become possible, it became probable. I still can’t wrap my head around this. Kalu finished his glass of water and pretty much stood there until he realized he hadn’t had any food yet. Kalu called for the bartender. “Would you happen to have any Sinigang?” When the bartender NPC shook his head, Kalu couldn’t help but let out a sigh. Maybe I should’ve become a cook so I could have a small taste of Filipino food. “I’ll take a porkchop.”

Chibi? Kalu was at a loss for words from the girl’s attitude and also because he didn’t really understand what a chibi was in the first place. Although she was taller, albeit by just an inch, that was a demeaning and ultimately necessary comment. Who does this girl think she is? Kalu then noticed the rhythmic tapping of her foot and her breathing becoming uniform while waiting for Zakariah’s response. Kalu had experiences with his classmates attempting to stop themselves from having an outburst, and to Kalu, Kaiida’s actions were trying to serve the same purpose. Is she impatient or angry?

“If it is five you need, then we will be able to get it. I am sure that Miss Kaiida and I are more than capable to find five herbs for your shop,” Kalu spoke to Zakariah. “In fact, it will be a pleasure to do this quest alongside Miss here. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

@Kaiida

”Not really anything important. I just wanted to see you again is all,” Kalu responded to Tsu’s question. He felt like he should tell her the current status of creating a special song within his shop that would be an homage to her, but he decided to push it off until later on.

When they were together, Kalu felt as if the time slowed to a crawl, especially now as Tsu had rested her head on Kalu’s shoulder. But when we part, it seems as if that time had faded away so quickly. As if the thief of this life stole it away from us. He took a deep breath and let it out in a sigh, releasing his stress along with his breath. ”I love spending time with you too. A bunch of new experiences, all of them have been amazing thanks to you.” Kalu turned towards her and her kissed her on the forehead. I am one lucky person.

Kalu was on his usual rounds of Starting City on the lookout for any people attempting to make their first steps into the wild of Aincrad. It was then he came upon the famous alchemist shop ran by an NPC. Apparently, this NPC was the creator of a line of quests, or so he heard. I might as well take it, just in case it's level locked.

Kalu walked into the shop and gently closed the door behind him. There was already another player there, with silver hair talking to an NPC named Zakariah. They were talking about something about gathering some herbs for creating a potion. From the door, Kalu spoke and projected his voice across the room, ”I will also help you.” Kalu walked over to the counter where the other player and Zakariah was talking.

”Well, the more the merrier,” Zakariah said while shaking Kalu’s hand. ”I didn't quite catch your names. What were they again?”

”My handle is Paglikha and my name is Kaluluwa Nasira. Feel free to call me Kalu since most people in here call me that anyways.” Kalu returned the handshake with a firm grip. He then turned towards the other player in the room and nodded in recognition. ”I look forward to working with you, miss.” 

@Kaiida

“Thanks, you’ve been one of the more positive things in my life more recently as well,” Kalu responded to Tsu. He wanted Tsu to know that she was also important in his life as well. I could never thank her enough. Not in in this lifetime at least.

After walking into the facility, the two of them went into their separate changing rooms. He quickly unequipped his dagger and clothes and put a towel around his waist before exiting the changing room.

Kalu watched as Tsu stepped into the water and settled down. When Tsu had called out to him to join her in the water, he was happy to oblige. Kalu decided to settle down at a location near Tsu, but still respecting the space of a certain personal bubble. The hot springs seemed to melt away all of the day’s stress away. ”You’re right, no wonder it’s an Aincrad famous hot spot.”

Kalu waved back at Tsu and smiled. She seems to be cheerful. “It’s nice to see you too,” Kalu told Tsu. A feeling of inexplicable relief washed over him. I would know she’s alive since she hasn’t disappeared from my friends list, so I don’t know why I’m having these thoughts. Kalu smiled at Tsu and hugged her.

“How have you been?”, Kalu asked Tsu. He realized it was a mundane qustion but it was still an essential one. He started going towards the door to the entrance of the hot springs facility and opened the door for Tsu. Even though Kalu hasn’t really had too much social experience, he still knew common courtesy and manners. That took such a long amount of time, but it was worth it. I was able to get in Japan that way. However, in the back of his mind he also knew the dreadful fact that if he hadn’t learned those same manners he was using now, he wouldn’t be stuck in this game nor would he have known Axios nor would he have known Tsu. “Ladies first.”

Floor 22 had an abnormally calming scenery for Kalu. It wasn’t the white, winter wonderland of Floor 4, but it still held him captivated the more he traveled the floor. The lakes in particular reminded him of a glistening ocean at the moment of twilight. He was travelling down a dirt path when a fog rolled in from nowhere and covered his vision. He heard a voice. “Kaluluwa, is that you?”

Kalu knew the voice, but he hasn’t heard it in two years. It was Juhmer. “Yes! Yes! Where are you? Please, I thought you died!” Kalu was yelling at the top of his lungs. He had given up all hope of finding his friend alive after seeing his usual username on the Monument of Life. He ran after the voice and felt the shrubs brush against his legs as he chased after the voice. I can’t believe he’s alive. I can’t believe it.

@Pinball

Kalu was on a trip to Floor 21’s Tomoika. He had heard a couple of stories about how it seemed like it was an alien planet because of its vibrant, flourescent flora and the medieval, ornate architecture embedded within the cavern’s naturally forming columns. However, after hearing about the flourescent flora, he had decided to go and explore Tomoika because the stories he had heard also made an impression on him that the floor seemed to be in a constant state of twilight.

When he arrived, he wasn’t substantively impressed. He wasn’t sure why his expectations were so high, he even told himself that it probably wasn’t anything close to what he has already seen, but he felt a tinge of disappointment. Kalu continued to talk until he found the Aincrad famous hot springs of Floor 21. However, the only person he could readily see entering - and exiting- the hot springs was the ordinary miner NPC, that was considered the lifeblood of Tomoika. Looking around, he wasn’t able to see any indication of any players at all.

A relaxing dip within the hot springs sounds nice. I wonder if Tsu would like to join in. Kalu smiled as he opened his menu and searched for her tag. Upon finding it, he began to write out a message.

<<Message:

Hey Tsu, I wanted to know if you wanted to join me at Floor 21’s hot springs. I’ve heard good stories about them and it is considered to be one of the most relaxing things in Aincrad that we have cleared so far. I’ll be waiting at the front entrance of the hot springs waiting for your response.

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Kalu hit the ‘send’ button on the menu as he finalized the message. He looked around and noticed the cavern flora’s colors slowly shifting from cold blue-green color schemes to a warm orange-yellow color scheme. Hopefully, she’ll enjoy this.

@Froppy

“Yea... Yea, of course. It is getting a bit late now, isn’t it? Ribbit.” Kalu agreed to Tsu’s proposal to call the end of today. It’s twilight, of course it’s getting late. “I guess I still have to remind myself to ribbit, huh?” Kalu said absent-mindedly. Kalu had a twinge of sadness that the day was going to end, however, he was looking forward to the next one. Whenever that would be, at least.

“Thank you for those kind words. In fact, I’m still going to make a song dedicated to you in my shop. If you ever come see an item listed as ‘Twilight’, you’ll know who it’s by and who it is dedicated to.” Kalu smiled at Tsu. He had been struggling to find proper inspiration to create and craft songs in his shop. And I might have finally found my muse. “I suppose, this is it then. At least, until next time.” Before Kalu left and disappeared into the treeline, he hugged Tsu and thanked her one last time. As he looked back to the direction of the beach, he knew that the rest of tonight would be spent within his shop trying to commemorate today in eternity with his songs. And hopefully, it captures every moment from here on out too.

<<Topic rewards:

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Kalu couldn’t help but smile at the mention of dying to a boar. In any other scenario, he suspected that it would have triggered him to think about Axios and created another episode, but it wasn’t the case here. To him, it was the most innocent comment Tsu had made today. “I’ll try my best not to combust.”

As Tsu finished the final touches on the volcano, Kalu started ornamenting the sand sculpture. He didn’t really know how to properly place the assorted shells and rocks, so he tried his best to form a name. When he realized that there wouldn’t be enough assorted shells or rocks to spell out all of their names, he switched over to creating their initials. For Axios, he simply initalized him with A.D, and he initialized Mina with MN.

Kalu looked over to the sunset in the faraway horizon over the sea. “Twilight; when it is neither day nor night. When the world blurs and one might encounter something not human,” Kalu recited from a blank memory. Within the memory was an unknown voice telling him those words, a loving and caring voice. “Well, if I had to encounter someone, I would always want it to be you.” Kalu turned towards Tsu. “Twilight, the moments of supernatural being. The amazing moments during the day when it is both day and night, but neither at the same time.” Kalu paused as he sat down to sit down in front of Tsu. “It’s beautiful. It describes you perfectly as well. Amazing, everything that matters, and nothing truly defining you,” Kalu was telling Tsu as he put the remaining rocks and shells in her hands. And, without a doubt, the most beautiful sight to see for these sore eyes after hiding in a cave for so long.

That’s a relief, I was able to fix the situation. I don’t know what I would have do-. Kalu heard Tsu say something, but wasn’t able to quite catch what she said. Turning to face her, Kalu was unsurprised of what he saw. Tsu had booped Embers in the nose. Kalu knew that this may either lead to a good laugh around the counter, or lead to a brawl fight. Despite this, he just turned back towards the counter and raised the glass of water to his lips.

It’s nice to relax once in a while. Kalu set down his glass of water as he started humming a song that he does not quite remember what the tune was from. For the longest time, he’d hum it but never know where it came from. When the world came crashing down on him, he had that tune to fall back onto to steady himself just a small bit before returning to the fray. His shoulders relaxed as he hummed his little song and he hoped that this tune would somehow calm down Tsu and Embers before any violent action is taken due to the small joke.

“I won’t ever leave your side,” Kalu blurted out the words. He wasn’t surprised that these words came out of his mouth, what surprised him was how instinctual they were. Because they’re true. Above all, though, they were his attempt to shelter Tsu from any further harm (no matter how impossible that may be) and her apparent loneliness. “It doesn’t matter if I get hurt, if overstepping my bounds to reach you means I’ll die. If you get lost in a dark place, I’ll be your candle and I’ll burn my entire being to give you the light you need to find your way out of it. I promise you that I will always be by your side. I’ll die before I break that promise.”

Kalu set down the shells and rocks on the sand next to Tsu’s sculpture. Kalu wasn’t smiling this time around, even his emotionally inept being knew that this wasn’t the time for happiness. His facial features were knitted with concern. “It’s the least that I can do to repay you for everything you’ve done.” And it’s all I can do to assure you that you’re never going to be alone.

“Anything is fine, but probably a sand sculpture is probably the most convenient. Ribbit. ,” Kalu told Tsu as he got up to search for any rocks or seashells that they could use to dig any sand or make a couple special decorations with. However, Kalu felt guilty for more than one reason.

I can’t believe I ever forgot about Mina. In Kalu’s defense, he was young when he last saw her and he went out of obligation because he felt it necessary to say his final goodbyes to someone he had known for most of his life. However, the idea of forgetting someone that used to be close to him was unthinkable. He knew he has a memorial at his shop, but he wanted to celebrate her life here and now. However, these justifications had no weight when it came to his second reason for feeling so guilty. I don’t want to dig up any traumatizing events that have happened to her.

After combing the beach for any rocks or shells, he returned to the place that Tsu was. ”You reckon that this is enough? Ribbit.” Kalu asked, his hands almost full with assorted shells and stones. ”I’m- I’m sorry for this spur of the moment thing. I just remembered someone that I should never have forgotten, so I thought it would be best to already start paying respects.” Kalu felt as if he was rambling on. There’s no reason why she would want to hear this, she already agreed anyways. However, he couldn’t stop talking. He couldn’t stop replaying the image in his head and relaying his past experiences. ”It’s been so long since I last saw them in person. About nine years from now, more or less.”

He paused and bit his tongue trying to find a way to divert the attention off of himself without putting Tsu into an uncomfortable position. ”I’m sure your family still cares that you’re stuck in here.” Kalu smiled as he set down the stones and shells. ”I’m sure they’re over your bed right now, tending for you. Making sure your body is as comfortable as can be. Ribbit.” 

Kalu smiled as Tsu hugged him. It was he most affection anyone has ever shown him. However, he realized this wasn’t fair either. I’m being selfish right now. She's younger than me, she has time to become happy and leave these thoughts behind. However in the back of his mind, he remembered that the more people you meet, the less just the world seemed to be. He tried to push away that truth that he had held onto, but he remembered that feeling of helplessness when he found out of a girl’s death sentence.
Kalu felt Tsu’s arms slip away from him. Kalu was there in the hospital. Kalu saw Mina on the hospital bed, waiting for the brain tumor in her head to finally claim her life.

”I’m glad you could make it. It makes me happy that you could see me in these final moments.” It confused Kalu how Mina was both crying and smiling at the same time. ”Don’t worry about me, I’ll be with you every step of the way.” Kalu heard the flatline of the heart rate monitor.

Kalu came back to reality. I hope you are Mina. I hope you are. Kalu looked at Tsu and simply said, ”Let’s make a memorial. For both of us, and the people we love and care about. That tide or Cardinal is going to make it go away anyways, so nothing will be left of this other than our own memories.

((In no way, shape, or form related to any Mina on the site.))

It’s been never since I saw someone like me. “This may seem weird, but not really. Just being here with you and taking my mind off of things has been the greatest gift-”, the only gift, “that I have ever received.” It’s fortunate that people looked after her. Kalu returned Tsu’s smile as he sat down onto the sand and started playing with it.

Staring off into space as he grabbed the sand and let it slowly fall from his hands, he thought about his friends from the real world. He was wondering if anyone knew that he was trapped in here, since he never told anyone that he bought the game but the fact that he was still alive and sitting here assuaged those fears. But one thought still lingered. Does anyone even care that I am in here? “I couldn’t have asked for anything more.” He looked up at Tsu and smiled right before, almost like a hiccup, a noise escaped from his mouth. “Ribbit.”

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