Endilix

Endilix made his way to the Teleport Gate through the throngs of people swarming through the Town of Beginnings. It was good to see that it hadn't really lost its liveliness, though Endilix would be more surprised if it had. No matter how he thought about it, they had still only cleared 1/5th of the game, and that didn't leave people with a lot of options on where to live anyway. And why not just live where everyone started anyway? It was more comfortable that way. For a moment Endilix couldn't help but watch everyone go about their lives. Honestly, SAO had become pretty easily adaptable to most people. Many took real world experience and used it here to create real businesses, political agendas, prisons, and other real world type establishments. For many, this was a second chance. As it turned out for Endilix, this would be chance five, or something ridiculous like that.

As Endilix reached the gates of the Town of Beginnings, and leaned up against the stone, taking a breath and trying to calm his nerves from the coming encounter, he realized that it had been months since he had seen his brother. Not since the day that Emerath had come to tell him that Flints was getting married to another man. He wondered why that struck him so badly, when it was mostly his fault for their separation. Endilix had been aimlessly and pointlessly roaming Aincrad for ages now. Even if Emerath had wanted to find him, it would have been damn near impossible for him to do so. Of course, Emerath had sent no messages, no updates, nothing. It had been just as much his fault as it was Endilix's. Not that either of them should be pointing fingers. Really, it should just be that they made amends and got on with their lives.

Endilix had been thinking of his brother of course. The man who had been, from the day he found him in the game, Endilix's driving force and shining beacon in this game. Emerath had been so full of life, and so happy. They had built shops next to each other, and had lived a happy life with Endilix's ex Flints. It had been nice until Flints had left both of them behind, which also served to create a rift between the brothers. And much like the endless expanse that surrounded Aincrad, it seemed impassible. But as Endilix considered it, he also realized that he had never tried to get through to his brother since those days. He realized that he had been too hurt. He had made amends with Flints, and he considered the pumpkin shield in his inventory. She had given that to him, to help the man survive. What a waste it would have been if he had left that behind.

Steadily Endilix's feet began to move forward. He stood on the very edge of Floor One, and so he had a lot of ground to cover to get back to the center of the floor where the Town of Beginnings stood. He knew his destination, and he knew he had time to consider his game plan as he made his way there. He wasn't sure how the person he was going to talk to had been. He wasn't sure if they were even still alive. His heart couldn't help but feel a bit of a pang as he thought about the idea that this person was dead. Of all the people he could lose here in Aincrad, this one would certainly be the worst. But it wouldn't do much good thinking of what ifs. He would need to find out for himself. A part of him considered checking the Monument of Life on the way, but he needed to just go see, and that was that.

As Endilix stood near the edge of Aincrad on the lowest floor possible, thoughts ran through his mind in a blur. Slowly, he turned to look at the fence again. In his mind's eye, he watched players run and launch themselves over it. He watched contemplative players such as himself turn and plummet into nothingness. Exploding into pixels and never returning, not to this world or the next. That wasn't Endilix. He wouldn't, but he would be lying if he tried to say that the thought never crossed his mind. Idly he tapped on the hilt of his hammer, before deciding that staring off at the edge would do far more harm than good. A man could lose his mind thinking of death. It was best to avoid that here in Aincrad. He had a home, a family to return to. He had family here with him. He had more to live for. He would find his way

Endilix slowly sat up, his recent thoughts making him feel older than ever. As he decided that it was pretty much now or never. He would need to do something to further his life. To further his goals. If he didn't do it, he would probably just waste away into nothingness. He had watched plenty of players do that in recent times. He didn't want to join them. He leaned his head against his hand and rubbed his eyes. The question still remained. Where to begin? But the more Endilix thought about it, the more he realized he had to talk to one person. The man who always had the plan, and the one to pull both of them out of this funk. Slowly, Endilix pushed himself away from the grass and stood. He knew who he had to talk to, though the part of what to say exactly still stayed up in the air.

As Endilix laid in the grass, he found himself thinking of the future. Though, the worst part of this, was he couldn't figure out what that meant for him. Was he too old and washed up to be of any use? What if he spent the next 20 years in this game and escaped only to find that he couldn't function ever again in the real world? He realized he would be over 40 years old in that case. He wondered if it was even possible to be in what was essentially a coma for that long. Though a part of him hoped that by that time they would have been found and brought out of the game. But who was Endilix to say? He was just an aloof office worker. He hadn't really given much thought to even where his real life had been headed, much less where his SAO life was headed.

Endilix reached out, pretending to grab clouds as they floated by, and couldn't help but chuckle at the childishness of it all. That's what got him the most in trouble was his childishness. He had no real desire to fix that, but he couldn't deny where it had landed him. He never wanted to be as serous and upright as his brother, always searching for power and finding that it was never good enough. They had seen eye to eye once, but then a girl got in the way, and so did Endilix's ego. He gave a heavy sigh as he reflected on events, only to push them from his mind. Maybe fighting a boar was better. At least then he could hit something. Even if it wasn't all that hard. But that laziness kicked in, and he found himself not wanting to get up. So what would he do?

Endilix sat in the grass near the fence. He wished he had a picnic. At least then he could have eaten lunch. It was funny, he had become a culinarian ages ago, but had never done a thing with it except woo Flints. He wished now that he had done more. Perhaps it would have kept him going, running his bar. But he wasn't one to dwell on what ifs. Slowly he laid back in he grass, an arm behind his head. His armor clattered, and he opened his menu to unequip his gaudy pumpkin shield before it stabbed him in the back. Running his bar. How long had it been since he had been there? Too long, that was all he had come up with. Perhaps he should go back and try that dream again. Perhaps that was better than trying to be a heroic knight in a world that didn't really want one.

Slowly, Endilix turned his back to the wide open sky. He always told himself it would be easy to give up. But Endilix was never one to walk the easy road. Instead he hopped off the fence, and walked out into the field. He pulled his hammer from the strap on his waist and swung it around his arm, whistling as he walked. His cloak bloomed behind him from the wind, tugging at his neck, and his hair was a bit more messy than usual. Which was actually saying a lot, as his hair was usually particularly messy. He wondered if he should fight some boars. He wondered if it would actually be fun, or if he'd just hate it. Probably the latter. He had fought enough boars helping the struggling players along. It usually just resulted in them smacking him around until the low levels finally finished it off. Without them it would just be getting smacked around by a boar until he was tired of it.

Nothing spoke to Endilix as much as justice. Nothing spoke to him more than justice except for betrayal. In the wake of betrayal he had tried to stand strong, only to find that life wasn't quite that simple for the man. He had tried to help struggling players, only to find that he had been struggling himself. The wind blew his hair as he shifted in his sandy armor. He could feel the plates shift against his skin, the metal cooled by the breeze. He had never replaced this or any piece of equipment, despite it all being severely outdated. Perhaps it was nostalgia. Perhaps fear. Endilix never really could decide, no matter how many times he had stood here. Perhaps Endilix was just lazy. That was the answer now more often than not lately. He told himself that he had the right to be upset, but did he? He never could answer that question.

Endilix stood, looking out into the vast sea of clouds that surrounded the floating castle of Aincrad. He stood on the fence to the edge of the world they were trapped in. The world they had made their home. He had seen many players end their lives here. Many of which had every right to do so, given the circumstances of this world. Of what could be the rest of their lives. His cloak billowed in the breeze as he stood with his hand on the hilt of his hammer. Endilix had no plans to do that today. Nor any day. But given the reputation that this fence earned, he found that he could often come here to think in peace. To watch the virtual clouds drift by. To reflect on who he was, and who he had been. It had been a long time since he had actually lived in the world of Aincrad. It was here that he considered why that was.

Endilix had never really prepared his bar for customers, and he was in the back practicing his cooking when suddenly the bell above his door gave a light ding. Curious, Endilix looked out through the window between the bar and his kitchen, only to see a raven haired woman peeking her head through the doorway. She shivered violently, and didn't appear dressed or prepared for the cold at all. He blouse appeared thin and silky, not thick and warm, and to match she just had a pair of jeans. She wandered in and asked if the bar was open, and Endilix's eyes practically lit up as he smiled and quickly put his pan down and made his way out to the bar area. The heavy wooden door that separated the two rooms swung with a loud creak, and Endilix beamed as he shouted, "Welcome, to the Fearsomely Strong Cider!"

Endilix quickly grabbed a rag and wiped down the bar, before leaning on it with a smile, "So, what can I do for you this fine evening?"

Endilix's eyes lazily drifted from the man next to him to his glass, and then back again. "Honestly, meeting an actual orange player is something I've never had the experience of. Most hide in the shadows, or openly flaunt their position in a way that says, 'Look at me, I'm unbeatable!' You did neither, and that's important." Endilix nodded, and sat up from his rested position. "You seem like an alright person, Oikawa."

As Endilix looked around he had noticed that the evening crowd appeared to be making their way to their rooms or clearing out of the tavern. In the lull, Endilix caught the attention of the bartender, who happily replaced the drinks for the pair. "Was startin' ta get worried you boys were done," he muttered, smiling. Endilix smiled back and transferred the sufficient funds to the bartender, with a bit of a tip for the man's service. Endilix savored his drink this time. He had been drinking alcohol to wind down, but was far more interested in this conversation to continue at the rate he had been going.

Endilix sat up fully once again, his normal smile gracing his lips as he looked to the man beside him, "You'll never find your answers alone, nor will you find them at the bottom of a glass. That's why I came to sit next to you. Conversation and company are how we find ourselves, and those we care about most." Endilix leaned forward and put a hand on Oikawa's shoulder, "I'd like to get to know more about you, friend. Perhaps you're looking for an adventuring partner? No doubt you don't need one, but maybe it'll offer you the chance to show the world that not every orange player is a monster."

Endilix stood on edge, the hair bristling on the back of his neck. He felt as if they were being watched, and even on the first floor, outside of the city, that could prove troublesome. Endilix patted his hand on his hammer, looking back to the boys who were eating happily. Endilix smiled, before saying, "Stay close to the tree, okay?" The two boys looked up at Endilix a bit confused, but nodded all the same. Endilix nodded back, before walking out a bit more into the field. Emerath would be useful here. He did always have the ability to see things nobody else could, Endilix thought to himself as he crossed his arms across his chest and continued to scan the field.

Endilix was at a crossroads. He wanted to find the person he felt like was watching them, but he couldn't leave the kids behind. He looked around, before scratching the back of his neck, Probably nothing anyway. I've been so on edge since... Endilix shook his head and turned back to the tree. Endilix heard the grass shift beneath his feet as he made his way back to the makeshift picnic. As he reached the backpack with food in it, Endilix pulled out a sandwich and leaned his back against the tree. He carefully unwrapped the sandwich and bit into it, savoring the flavor as he looked out towards the late afternoon sun. Today is almost done. Worst case, we'll just head back into town if someone is looking to pick a fight.

Endilix didn't order another drink. The conversation had taken an interesting turn, as the crimson haired man was faced with things that he had never been forced to consider. That was far more important than drinking, and Endilix turned to give his full attention to Oikawa. The questions filtered through his mind, one by one, and readily an answer would jump out for each one. But these were his old answers, his old way of thinking. Not that his mind had wildly changed, but the consideration of an open mind was far more important than the generic "heroic" answer.

Endilix put a hand on his knee and leaned against the bar, more at ease now. In a way, this topic was taboo, but it wasn't so much that either was saying that they would go out and kill tonight, as if they were creatures out for blood. No, it was a civil discussion, albeit about the topic of murder itself. Endilix could respect that, even if the act itself was one that, even for the right reasons, Endilix tended to frown upon. Endilix felt more at ease now, and returning to his normal self, though his smile had yet to grace his lips once again. His head leaned on his hand as he traced his gaze across the room, looking at all the people gathered in the small, dusty tavern.

"Each of these people here has a story, as do you, as do I. Given time, I could hear the entirety of your tale, and I have no doubt that if I did so, you'd offer me the same in return. That has no bearing on you being a murderer. That has no bearing on me being a quote, 'good person'. It's simply our history, and what happened. It's facts. And everyone makes mistakes in their past. Everyone here has, and will make mistakes, whether we ourselves believe those to be a mistake, or the rest of the world does. Generally it's one or the other. That is just commonality." Endilix stirred the rounded ice cubes still sitting in his empty glass idly as he considered his next words, the actual answers to Oikawa's questions. Endilix's eyes traced back to the man's and the smile finally returned, though lightly.

"Everyone develops a priority system in our lives. Generally family is most important. Followed by significant others, followed by close friends, regular friends, acquaintances, and so forth. If you're killing a family member because an acquaintance tells you to, obviously something is wrong with you. But, not knowing your story, I suppose it depends on where the person you killed falls in comparison to the person you were doing the killing to protect." Endilix sighed, "I had once wondered if I would kill my twin for someone I loved. I realized that I wouldn't, just as she made me realize that I fell beneath someone she loved. That grading scale is important, and acting outside of it is what tends to make people a monster." Another stir, "Sometimes the choice isn't yours to make. Sometimes it's made for you, and you have no choice but to side with the one you love most in the heat of a horrible moment."

Metal rang through the hillside as steel met steel. Endilix stood with his arms crossed, watching over a couple of teen-aged boys as they dueled in the open hillside. Repeatedly they would clash, sword against sword, and occasionally one would get a blow in. When the fighting got rough, Endilix would step between them and stop the fighting, and allow the boys time to rest and recuperate. This process would go on throughout the day. Occasionally other players would ask to join, and even more rarely one would ask to duel the crimson haired tank himself. All things considered it was a fun day, and one Endilix looked forward to as he was called upon by the players of Floor One to train. As time had passed, it had felt less like a chore, and more like an enjoyable event, and one which made Endilix smile more and more each time.

The two latest boys were level five each, and both wielded one handed swords. They reminded Endilix of Razum-dar, and his mind couldn't help but wander a bit, thinking of the fellow crimson haired boy who had adventured with Endilix in the past. "I wonder what he's doing these days...?" Endilix found himself mumbling, until one of the boys broke his daydream with a loud cry. Endilix blinked and brought himself back to the present as he looked to one of the boys on the ground, holding a gash in his stomach, and Endilix watched as his HP dropped. The other boy seemed to go in for the kill, and Endilix put a hand out to stop him, and he backed off. "Franklin," Endilix started, offering a hand to the boy, who looked ready to begin shedding tears, "you know as well as I do that it doesn't hurt. C'mon, let's go sit down for a moment and rest." The boy grabbed Endilix by the hand, and Endilix hoisted the boy to his feet. With a smile, he began to walk over to a nearby tree, where he had set up a backpack and some blankets. "I think lunch would do us some good, eh boys?" They both cheered and nodded, running and tearing into the backpack before Endilix had even had the chance to take a few more steps. Endilix simply laughed, and looked out towards the horizon, scanning the area for other players and monsters while the kids settled in for lunch.

This time, Endilix didn't notice the bartender bring his new glass. He didn't notice the trade window pop up, until the bartender gave a gruff, "Oy. You wanted my attention, now I can't even get yours." Endilix uttered a brief apology as the smile had faded in light of what the man next to him had asked. Payment was transferred on autopilot, Endilix's fingers dragging across the buttons on his UI. Again, he heard the words flash in his mind, "Standing up for what was right always mattered to you more than anything else. What if I'm not what's right? This is why...this is..why... This is why we aren't together anymore. This is why I couldn't love you. You're too busy trying to be a hero to realize you're surrounded by villains."

Endilix considered those words, letting them roll around in his mind as the drink he had been brought clinked lightly with the shifting and melting ice inside. He didn't see Oikawa for a moment. He only saw a shadow, the shadow of an old flame with the same vibrant orange crystal that she had never gained, but would have no problem obtaining for what she thought was the right reasons. Endilix blinked, and he saw the blonde again, still eyeing him questioningly, as the world grew a bit darker. Endilix grabbed the new glass, chugging it without another word, before lightly placing it back on the counter and allowing himself to digest all that was happening in an instant. His eyes closed as he considered how his beliefs had been so inexplicably challenged so quickly, not even by this man, but by his own past combined with facing that which he had used to fear most. A real murderer, someone who had taken the life of another. Most would say that it wasn't right in any form, and Endilix used to stand among them. But those days were gone.

Endilix's eyes flickered open and he met the crimson eyes that sat in a stark contrast to his own once again. "Protecting those you love most. I have to agree that it wouldn't be right or wrong, but nothing truly is in this world. I came to understand that over time. You can protect loved ones, even the world, and still be what people see as a monster. Even if you are the most righteous person on the planet."

Endilix thanked the bartender and transferred the sufficient Col amount to the man for his service, before taking a good swig with a satisfying, "AH!" as he placed the cup down on the counter, half empty in an instant. However, it was quickly forgotten as the crimson haired man searched his newfound companion, emerald eyes looking into those on the other end of the space between them. Endilix had hardly paid much attention, as was commonplace for the man, to his status, and only just now recognized the orange crystal floating above the man's head. The smile flickered, albeit momentarily, as Endilix remembered the words of his old companion, "What if I had to become orange defending someone I love? Huh!? Then what? I would defend the one I love no matter what. Not everyone is equal in my eyes. Not everyone is worthy of the same treatment, if that was the case the people you love are no more special than strangers."

Endilix gave a heavy sigh, as the man's own status was obviously a point of contention. However, Endilix's smile grew wider, "No, it seems unfortunate, but I don't know you Oikawa. But I can tell when someone has had a long day, or a long week. For some of us, it has been much longer than that, both in actual time and with how heavy our hearts have become in light of what Aincrad is, and what it will be as we move forward." Endilix slapped the bar from his somber words, and gave a light chuckle, "But that's when we get a drink, and we keep going, right? Obviously no matter who you are, you've had a rough time of it. But you kept going. That's more than some people can say. So drink up, and keep going! It's a long road, but you look like you'll keep walking."

Endilix grabbed his drink and downed the remainder, before slamming it down on the bar, ice rattling violently in the clamor. "Another!" he shouted, to get the attention of the bartender over the general din of the tavern, before resuming where he left of with the somber blonde, "Did you do it for the right reason?"

A knight's duty is never done. Not truly, Endilix thought as he walked back into the town of beginnings. He watched as a couple of children, the young ones trapped in a world that even adults found horrifying, scurried off. And yet, despite it all, they still smiled. Endilix had spent the day letting the little ones stab at some boars, leveling them up so that they could take on this world with less fear. It was the least Endilix could do in times like these, times where even the most trusted of veterans turned on those who were supposed to be saving children like them.

As these thoughts passed him, Endilix's body slowed, and his armor felt heavy. The day had been long, and teaching children how to survive in a world where a simple boar meant the end of their life was far more taxing than generally anticipated. In a flash, Endilix switched his armor and shield out for a simple tunic and pants, and suddenly he felt free. The breeze blew through his clothes, carrying with it the exhaustion he had felt. A spring found his step, and Endilix made his way to a tavern for a drink or two.

It was a pleasant atmosphere, one full of life and energy, guilds toasting, people comparing skills, armor, and weapons, and even just people relaxing after a hard day of living in a world nobody expected to be forced to live in. The corners of Endilix's mouth turned upward, as he found his way to one of the few lonely patrons in the room and eased his way onto the stool next to him. Endilix slapped his hand on the bar, "Bartender! A good strong drink for me, and..." Endilix's eyes caught that the man next to him was running on empty, "one for my partner here as well. He looks like he's had a rough day."

Endilix flashed his token smile at the blonde man searching for answers at the bottom of his glass, "The name is Endilix, a pleasure to meet you."

On his journey of forgiveness, and his journey to reconnect with those he loved most, Endilix found himself standing in front of a small wooden door. Endilix shivered, though not as much from the cold, but more from the chill that pierced his soul. Here he stood, in front of the door to the man who stood beside him his entire life. The man who had shared a living space with him before even being born. The man who knew Endilix better than anyone, and in some cases even better than Endilix knew himself. And yet, it wasn't the knowledge that his twin possessed that frightened him, it was the fact that the knowledge hadn't been used. Emerath had made no attempts to find him. No attempts to contact him. No attempts to bring him home, or check on him. Endilix had been left to his own devices, while Emerath hid in the shadows. But in his absence, Endilix had found his way back, and perhaps Emerath knew that it was only a matter of time. Or perhaps Emerath simply didn't care anymore. Another shiver, as the thought and possible realization washed over him.

Now, all that stood between them, and between the knowledge of the truth, was a simple wooden door. Endilix felt the same fears grip his heart, the same ones that had held him back from Teion. But Endilix knew more of what to expect from Emerath. The man was cold, calculating, and would give him hell. Would put him down, and make him feel no better than the snow they trudged upon in this frozen wasteland that some considered beautiful, and others a true menace upon Aincrad. But the fear didn't stem from this, for this is what Endilix expected. The fear stemmed from a lack of these things. From a point where Emerath cared so little that he didn't even notice Endilix's presence. That the bond they shared as brothers would be so far detached, that not even a visit would be met with cold sarcasm, but pure silence. The same silence Endilix had received for so long now.

Endilix couldn't do it. This wasn't like it was with Teion. Endilix's knees felt weak, and he turned away, heat burning his cheeks, despite the frigid air surrounding him. Endilix couldn't bear to think of his brother like this, couldn't stand the fear that enveloped him. Endilix would need to try again some other day. Perhaps with a message of his coming, rather than a surprise. And then, if Endilix received no response, he wouldn't have to worry so much fearing the silence. He would have received it as expected, in a far less painful medium. And so Endilix's feet slowly turned, drawing long lines in the snow, as he turned himself away from the quaint little shop where his brother made his home and business. Away from the fears that he couldn't face. That he wasn't strong enough to handle, when he was able to handle anything else in this world. Away from his other half, the half that many believed to be the darker side of the twins, when really he was just the other head on a two headed coin. The snow crunched beneath Endilix's boots, as he carried himself away from Emerath's door, not looking back.

Endilix wasn't entirely certain how to react to the half-hearted punch that landed on his chest. He had deserved it, no doubt. He had deserved the blow at full force. He deserved the pain that it encompassed, and the lingering spirit that held that pain close to its heart, and for some reason had never had the opportunity to let it go. But in that single, weak blow, Endilix saw a release. The woman before him hadn't meant to cause pain to him, only to make the man before her realize how stupid he was, though Endilix was still trying to figure out where his true stupidity lied.

When the girl finally spoke again, it broke Endilix's heart. She had been sad, and despite her claims, he knew that he was at least partially to blame for that. It was clear that she didn't want him to leave. And so he did the next best thing, and made it plain as day that he planned to stay. Instinctively, Endilix reached for the girl before him and pulled her into a hug, pulling her head against his shoulder, and lightly patting her back. "Alright, I understand. I apologize for suggesting that I leave," Endilix said, as he let the girl's emotions run their course. He hadn't meant to make her cry, and in fact had expected more anger than anything. But it appeared that Teion hadn't held onto that nearly as much as Endilix had believed. And as the man considered this, he realized that perhaps he hadn't been paying enough attention to Teion, to realize that the anger wasn't what would eat her, but her sorrow and loneliness.

"I should've been a more understanding friend, and known what the absence of those you cared about would do to you, rather than wandering off like I always seem to do. Not that you've ever held that against me, or even stopped me." Endilix sighed and rubbed the woman's back idly as he hoped she would calm down, before continuing, "But maybe you should have. Maybe you should have asked me to stay sometime. And I would have." Endilix looked over the woman in his arms, her purple hair flowing about her person, masking her face from him in the position they were in, though he could still feel the spasms of her tears. "For what it's worth, I think you did a good job. Holding your own. But you don't have to be alone, or stand up to the world by yourself. I'll stand beside you. All you needed to do was ask."

Endilix had kept a light smile on his lips, but it faded as his own emotions took over, and the man seemed to suddenly feel the weight of the world on his shoulders. "That advice applies to myself as well... I should have asked for you to stick around. I should have asked to have you beside me sooner. The fault is just as much my own."

Endilix watched her every movement, searching her reactions for the woman he had so badly wronged and the one he feared had went away. She had looked so serious when he had walked in. So forlorn. Yet even for a moment, that woman still remained, and the facade cracked, and fell away in pieces as her smile, returned, and the weight of the world appeared to be lifted from her shoulders. Her hard features grew soft once again as Endilix stood before her. Admittedly he wasn't used to being eye level with someone he was talking to, as almost everyone he had come into contact with recently was either shorter or taller than the knight. But here she was, eye to eye with Endilix, and what he hoped was heart to heart.

"Honestly, if stupid is the worst you've got for me, then I'm going to have to say that you're letting me off to easy," he said, staring at Teion, continuing to search for the girl he had been such close friends with. Checking to make sure that the momentary smile and emotions flowing throughout her weren't just a fluke. That she was still really there, and not just a ghost. "I deserve far worse insults than that. Both for what I did in and out of this game. Things I never really answered for, or properly took punishment for. Something you may not even blame me for, but that I blame myself for."

Endilix sighed, his smile flickering for a moment as he looked around the shop. It had grown considerably more stocked, though it didn't appear to contain the same fervor and heart that her work had previously contained. It was all cold steel, crafted for necessity rather than art. But Endilix tried not to think too hard about that, as he approached things as carefully as possible, "If you'd like me to leave, I understand. I'm not here to make a purchase, and this is your normal business hours. No sense in me being a bother."

Managed to break 10k.

Someday I'll play with the big boys.

It was, as he feared. There was no smile. No warm greeting. Just utter, and complete shock. Endilix barely registered the thud of the crate on the ground. Barely felt the wind and sand blowing in from behind him as he stood in the half open doorway. Barely noticed the stark contrast of cool air mixing with scorching heat on either half of his body. All he noticed was the wide-eyed shock of the woman he had so dreaded, and yet desired, to see most. The girl he had called his best friend, utterly shocked by his existence. But who was to blame for that? Only himself.

The fear that throbbed deep within his heart left him, replaced slowly at first by a tightening pain. The longer he stared at the woman in front of him, the more the pain grew. The longer he stared into those stunned eyes, the harder his chest tightened. This was his fault. It was his fault from the very beginning. The one person who had trusted him most, Endilix had betrayed not once, not twice, but three times. Endilix searched those eyes for forgiveness, but in her shocked state there was no way for him to tell if it was there.

But standing here staring at each other would do nothing. Endilix took another step to fully enter the shop, letting the door close behind him. In one swift motion, Endilix fell to one knee, his head hung low, eyes tightly shut. What came next wasn't simply a statement, but a pledge:

"A true knight is nothing without someone to protect. And through that protection a bond is formed, one that cannot easily be broken. Through loyalty, a knight works to atone for sins. Though a sinner a knight may be, that does not make him evil, but simply misguided."

Endilix pressed a fist against his chest, white-knuckled as he lifted his eyes to look at the woman across the shop. The emerald orbs searched hers once again for understanding, before he finished, "Though misguided I have been, one thing has always remained true. I am a knight. And my loyalty to you has always been one of atonement. But now, I come to you not only to atone..."

And then it broke. Endilix's serious mask seemed to almost melt away as he smiled, and then gave a short laugh, waving a hand as he covered his face and looked to the side. "I'm sorry... I had that all thought out in my head. All this serious knight business where I pledge myself to you and promise to never hurt you again..." Endilix closed his eyes and sighed, his hand falling to rest on his knee as he spoke, "I meant it, every word I just said, and wanted to say. But the long story short is... well, I missed you. And that I'm truly sorry."