Ayumu

She took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. Ayumu felt oddly calm today, and she wasn't sure why. Wasn't she supposed to continue running about like a chicken with it's head cut off, freaking out about this death game? If that's what she should've been doing, she wasn't doing a good job of it today. Currently, she was on the second floor - grinding a little bit, etc. Just finding something to kill time. Because she was finally starting to level up, Ayumu found it more travelling to hunt and train on the second instead of the first floor. Hopefully, all of her efforts weren't meaningless...she hoped to one day actually be of some value to the front lines. Involuntarily scratching her familiar on the head, Philomena the phoenix, the girl opened her menu and checked her inventory. As she was doing this, Ayumu noticed in the corner of her eye that another player was approaching her. Acting as if she didn't notice, she waited until he came up to her, asking his question. The girl turned to him, raising an eyebrow. She was really tempted to make and "it's dangerous to go alone, take this" joke, but she refrained.

"A quest in a cave, huh?" Ayumu tapped her chin, "I think I've heard of that one before...isn't it called <<Let there be Light>> or something? I have no idea," she shrugged, "anyways...I guess so...I don't have much better to do today. I'm only at level five, so I'm not sure of how much of a help I can be. I'll try my best though."

"Hmm, let me count the ways," she smirked a little as he did that, then rolling her eyes good humoredly, "oh, but of course. I'll do my best to be entertaining," Ayumu chuckled, "and I don't have to ask nicely if I don't feel like it." She teased. As she was about to take her next attack, she paused, frowning a little. She had completely forgot about the Anneal Blade she had just got from the <<Secret Medicine of the Forest>> quest with a friend. Sure, it wasn't an impressive blade, and definitely not what she had in mind for her personal weapon, it was better than the basic thing she had been using all this time. Switching her weapons, she decided to use the Uppercut Sword Art.

ID# 39951

BD: 10 (so, along with this +2...I think I also get a +1 damage from the standard weapon enhancement on the anneal blade, and +1 from rank 1 straight sword skill. Correct me I I'm wrong and I'll edit this. ^^)

Feeling energized, she finally landed a well-executed attack on the thing. Now that she had enough energy to do so, she was able to use a Sword Art to stun the beast. If it could've attacked, it had no way of doing so now. It was about time...even though she was still inexperienced and weak, Ayumu had been waiting for the moment when she actually felt accomplished. This was pretty good for now.

Ayumu: HP: 20/20, EN: 0/5

Wolf: HP: 2/8 (this might be wrong...ugh I'm such a noob lol)

(OOC: Lol...I made each pic on paint too, making it look cheap on purpose. XD I have a weird sense of humor)

Ayumu lifted an eyebrow when she mentioned using the Nerve Gear to learn about technology,

"Well, that's one way to do it...I don't even know how one would even take that thing apart. That thing was seamless!" then after a slight pause, "don't let the fact that you're not really gamer discourage you. I mean, I don't know if it is, but still. You'll make it out of here alive, I'm sure of it." Her countenance fell a little with sadness as their conversation turned to more somber things. Most everyone had friends, family, and pursuits back at home that were left behind and neglected...all because of SAO. In the beginning, Ayumu had wanted to escape this place in only a mere month. As she quickly discovered, it wasn't that easy. Just because of a silly game, everything that she had put any time and effort into: relationships, school, sports...all of it was slowly wasting away. Of course, she didn't know Audacity's predicament, but Ayumu was sure she also was leaving a lot of important things behind, with no say in the matter whatsoever. That melancholy moment ended abruptly when the other girl changed the subject when Philomena made herself known. Sighing with relief to focus on something not so serious,

"Oh, this is Philomena. She's a phoenix I tamed as a familiar while doing the <<Feeding the Enemy>> quest. She doesn't have any buff or supports, but she's a good little companion. Honestly, I was surprised I was even able to tame her at all. If you're not careful, the familiar you're trying to tame during the quest might attack you. Thankfully, that didn't happen."

You still got any room in this? XD If not that's cool. Sounds super fun though. ^^

"Nice to meet you as well Audacity," Ayumu nodded, "I probably won't forget your name either. I like slightly uncommon words." She grinned. Then, as Audacity talked about reality and being trapped in this game, she nodded, "yeah, no kidding. That's why most of us got the game anyways, right? For fun, and log out whenever IRL calls. But its different when its like this...I don't know if I'd abandon games altogether after this, but I probably won't play another VRMMORPG." With interest, she listened to the other girl as she described her plans for the front lines. Answering the pinkette's question, "We pretty much have the same plans. I haven't decided yet whether I want to be a Support or DPS, but definitely one of those two. Whatever I pick, I think I'll solely focus on that, choosing the skills that will make me the best that I can be in that area. Besides that, I'm rather unsure of what I'll do besides the front lines. I'm planning on setting a Blacksmith shop up, but that's all I've thought ahead to so far. Honestly, I'd rather not be distracted by anything and fight my way out of here, but what can one do? I guess I can't be miserable...but I don't want to lose sight of my real purpose, and what I have waiting for me at home." she sighed heavily. She enjoyed talking with Audacity, and felt as if they were friends already. By her speech patterns, she seemed extremely well educated, and Ayumu respected that. For some reason, her judgemental side didn't kick in and perceive this girl as haughty. In the real world, whenever she talked to someone like this player, that would probably be her first impression. She was glad it wasn't in this case though. This older girl seemed nice, and might make a great close friend somewhere along the road. As she was musing on all of this, Philomena, her attention-hog phoenix poked at her cheek with it's beak.

"Don't worry, I haven't forgotten that you exist." Ayumy smirked, scratching the familiar under it's beak.

She hadn't even noticed anyone approaching her until they spoke. Jumping a bit with surprise, she turned, then sighed with relief once she saw who it was.

"You scared me," Ayumu laughed a little, "I did not see you coming," then with a grin, "fun? I guess, why not? And thanks, I think I should be able to take this thing on my own. I've being doing my best to level up and start investing in some skills. All I had enough to do was put some of my SP on my weapon and armor, but still - its something." she shrugged. Looking back to the wolf, she decided to make another attempt at hitting the thing. 

ID: #39837

BD: 2 

With confidence, she prepared her next attack. Again, like her previous efforts, she missed. Cursing under her breath, she glumly waited for the wolf's attack in reponse, disappointed in her performance.

MD: 2

The creature didn't have any luck either. It was practically just what happened before replaying itself. Ayumu sighed a little, shaking her head,

"Well, this is probably my weirdest combat experience yet. Hopefully I won't be stuck here doing this the rest of the day." She couldn't help but snicker. Not that she minded not taking any damage, but still. What was the point of brawling with a creature if neither side got anywhere? In a way, it amusing, and almost humorous. 

"Alright then," she nodded, then waving away her apology for poor posture, "eh, don't worry about it. Today is probably the hottest day that I've experienced on this floor. Personally, I've been slouching and sweating like a hooker in church. Stuff like that happens when people get tired." When she mentioned heading back to town, Ayumu eagerly agreed, "yeah, that sounds good. We might find some good shade too in the plaza, or maybe in the garden even." and with that, she led the way back to the Town of Beginnings. "Well, as for introductions, I'm Ayumu," the red-head said as they walked, "I'm nothing special - your average low-level player, and that's about it. Unlike most people here, I've only just started to focus on leveling, training, and possibly working my way to the front lines at some point. Hopefully I can get there pretty quickly...since I'd like to escape this game as soon as possible."

As she was giving the pinkette her introductions, they had already reached the town. Thankfully, as she had hoped, there was a shady spot for them to sit once the two players entered the plaza. Ayumu sat on one of these benches under the shade, and patted the spot next to her, inviting the other girl to sit next to her.

We all change, when you think about it, we're all different people;

all through our lives, and that's okay, that's good,

you've gotta keep moving,

so long as you remember all the people that you used to be.

- Doctor Who

ID# 39733

BD: 5

Ayumu charged at the wolf, her sword glowing as she prepared a Sword Art. She almost struck the creature, just barely missing. With a frustrated huff, she stood back a little, shaking her head a little. Once she got more SP, she was definitely going to invest in some kind of accuracy skill.

MD: 5

It seemed that the circumstances were not only working against her, but the wolf she was up against as well. The creature pounced at her, close to biting her face off, but also missing. Perhaps today just wasn't the day for both player and re-spawnable monster. Ayumu sighed with relief, happy that she was fine for this turn.

Boredom leads to wandering, and wandering can lead to several things: either finding loot, or finding a battle. Either way, she didn't really care about what she encountered today...as long as it was something interesting. Tired of just chilling on the first floor, Ayumu had decided to explore the second. She could've gone to any floor, but in a case like the current, where she was in combat with a creature, something on only the second floor might be more manageable. Currently, even with her recent blunders, she was enjoying getting some training done. For just a moment, moments like this...she forgot her true focus of all of her work. Forgetting that she was trapped in a death game, she was simply enjoying playing SAO. Of course, her motives for levelling and training would march back into the center of her thoughts, scolding her for losing sight of her goals. But enough exposition.

"So, I guess we're both failing at the moment," she smirked, talking to the wolf as if it could understand her, "let's see who can land the first blow."

Ayumu: HP: 20/20, EN: 4/5

Wolf: HP: 8/8

I personally don't mind. ^^

"Nice to meet you as well," Ayumu gave her a small nod, "and I'm 19, actually...but that's not important," then, with a small laugh, "well, Taiyo and I just met a few minutes ago, but I don't see why we couldn't be friends," she grinned and gave a shrug. Then, scratching her chin a little in thought, asked, "are you a beginner player like us? Or are you another high-level player who's decided to chill out on floor one today? I'm at level three, and I believe Taiyo here is at level one. So, if you are at a low level, you're in familar company. Don't look so nervous!" Ayumu encourged Lilliad, her intuition aiding her to clearly read the girl's expression. "And to double Taiyo's question - what brings you to SAO? Personally, I'm here because I'm a rather too avid gamer. Who knew I'd end up getting stuck here, eh?" She tried to keep a humorous attitude while saying the latter, but her face fell a little. "Ah...oh well," then shaking her head a little, as if trying to shake the downcast-ness of of her countenance, "anyways: tell us a little about you, Lilliad."

The last time she had been under rain like this, Ayumu found cover by borrowing a coat from someone else. Now, she had her own, and she quickly put the hood on her head once the shower came. The girl had originally just been hanging out in the garden, taking some time to relax from all the business of SAO. Out of the blue, a downpour had started, causing most everyone to flee the scene and get either back home to or an Inn. Ayumu had decided to wait. Even though she had the convenience of her leather coat, she decided to leave when the weather calmed down. Philomena, her phoenix familiar, squawked in protest. The fire bird hated the rain, and tried desperately to somehow take the hood off of the girl's head, in order to get itself under it. With a sigh, Ayumu decided to move under a small overhang, since her phoenix was finding the rain so unpleasant. As she looked around, she found to her surprise that not everyone had gone. Four other players were still here: three guys and another girl.

Huh, maybe I'll talk to them once I'm done drying off Philomena. I need to get acquainted with as many players in this game as I can. She thought to herself, as she did her best to use her coat to dry off her familiar.

"I totally understand. Honestly, moping around sounds nice," she couldn't help but laugh a little, "I would do the same if I wasn't trying to quickly level up. Maybe I should slow down a little," then, tapping her to chin as she thought about Shizua's latter question, "you know...I'm not really sure. Whoever I can attract to my shop, I guess. I haven't really thought about that. It all depends how it goes." Ayumu shrugged. "Anyways, are you off to do something important, because if not, I wouldn't mind some company. I don't really have an agenda today, so I'd be cool with hanging out. It's funny, some of these NPCs are busier than players are! I'd be lying if I said today was eventful for me. Floor one is just so nice to relax on."

"Some believe that it is only great power that can keep evil in check

But that is not what I've found.

I found that it is the small things. Everyday deeds by ordinary folks

That keeps the darkness at bay."

- Gandalf

Ayumu was tired. After doing a little hunting to train in combat, she trudged back in the direction of the Town of Beginnings. The sun mercilessly beat down upon her and all the other players there, burning them up with it's menacing rays. She stopped for a minute, then deciding not to go back to the small town, went to find a tree to provide shade instead. It only took her a moment to find such a tree, and sitting at it's base, leaned back against the huge trunk with a content sigh. Philomena, the phoenix she had recently tamed as a familiar, decided to perch atop Ayumu's head. The fire bird clawed at the girl's hair, trying to get her attention.

"Stooop!" she laughed a little, gently scratching the phoenix's head a little, "that's annoying! What do you want anyways?"

As if to answer her, Philomena fluttered down, and landing on her arm, scratched at her hand...the hand she used to open her menu.

"Dude, you just ate a few minutes ago. I'm not giving you more." Ayumu groaned, shaking her head and pulling her hand away. Looking ahead, she spotted someone walking along in the vast fields of the floor, looking rather tired from the heat. It was girl about her age, with bright pink, curly hair. Frowning a little, Ayumu stood, deciding to go over to her. Maybe she needed some water, and was out of it in her inventory. Allowing Philomena to sit at her usual place on her shoulder, she walked towards the other player.

"Hey," she greeted, "you look pretty tired. I still have some water in my inventory, if you would like some." she offered.

If you still have room, I'm in!

Do you still plan on doing this? :3 Still open to it.

"Hey, we both earned it," she smiled a little, "but sure, I can do it," Ayumu entered the house with a shrug. Taking the <<Little Nepent's Ovule>> out of her inventory, she went to the NPC's girl, and used the item on her. Color began to come back into the little girl's face as she quickly began to heal. Ayumu sighed with relief, happy to have finished the quest.

"Message me when you want to do another quest or something," she turned to Ryuma, "I need to go now to take care of some things, but I'd be happy to meet up with you again," she began to leave the NPC's house, "thanks for telling me about this quest, and asking me to do it with you. It was fun! I needed the SP and combat training too. Hopefully we'll meet up soon!"

Complete

Ryuma: 200 col + 1 SP

Ayumu: 200 col + 1 SP, Anneal Blade

After a moment of sitting there, finishing her meal and catering to her attention-hog familiar, she rose, ready to take on another escapade. Philomena flapped back up to her shoulder, contentedly perching there.

And we're off and busy again. I guess I could actually relax, but there's so much to do in SAO...there's no reason to slow down! The more I do, the more I'll prepare myself for the day I break out of here. Today has...actually been fun...but it could've gone very wrong. This death game can't be taken lightly, and I need to remember that. Be careful...don't forget yourself, and don't forget your goals waiting for you in the real world. I have family, friends, sports, and college. In reality, what I accomplish in here won't really add up to much. The only thing it will amount to is escaping this game. Nonetheless, that's what I want...so I better keep going.

Complete

Ayumu: 400 col +1 SP, Familiar: Philomena the Phoenix, The title <<Phoenix Tamer>>.

"Well, I suppose I should be on my way," the Gypsy stood, "I'm sure there's more players around who would like to tame a familiar as well. Good luck to you in your journeys here!" she smiled, and after her goodbyes, went on her way. Ayumu waved as she left, then taking another bread out of her inventory, actually got to eat lunch. Philomena pecked her on the head again,

"What?" she looked at the fire bird with confusion, "what is it now? Do you just want attention or something?" Ayumu asked. The phoenix gave her a look like "duh, what do you think, stupid?" Smirking, the girl allowed the familiar to perch on her hand, and bringing the phoenix around to her lap, scratched the thing's head.

"What a stinker. I didn't think I was going to have such a handful when I tamed you."

"Oh," she frowned a little with disappointment, then with shrug, "oh well. That doesn't matter anyways. I'm just happy that I successfully completed the quest without getting attacked, or trying several times just to tame a familiar. That would've been annoying."

"I agree," the NPC nodded, "you either got quite lucky, or you have a talent with this sort of thing," she chuckled, "probably just lucky."

While Ayumu was listening to the Gypsy Lady talk, Philomena had sneakily snatched the bread out of her hands, eating it before she could even notice. Once she looked down to actually start eating her lunch, she found with surprise that it was missing. It didn't take her long to figure out where it went, and looking at the phoenix, shook her head with a sigh.

"You're too much, you know that?" Ayumu laughed a little.

"Y-Yeah, I was thinking the same thing," she sighed with relief at his proposition, as it made this a little less awkward, "I think we should get to know each other too. You know, as friends and stuff. That would be good." Ayumu nodded. Changing the subject, "now - come on! Let's give this flower to the girl and finish the quest. I don't know about you, but all of that left me tired. I'm sure you're exhausted too. Those Nepent things gave us quite a fight, even though they weren't that tough. Just think: someday we'll be higher level players, and things like that will seem like nothing! So, back to that NPC's house then!"

Whaaat did I get myself into? She mentally groaned. Making friends in here and hanging out is one thing...but a date!?! I just promised him a date in the near future! What was I thinking. I mean, its not like I could look him in the eyes and say no after all he's helped me with...that would've made things even more awkward then they are now. Still, I've got to be careful not to plant my roots here. I'm getting out of this game, not making it my home.

Ayumu's eyes slowly widened, color filling her face. Her head began to spin, and her mind became fuzzy, unable to think of a suitable, coherent reply.

"Uh...guh..." was all she was able to get out, shocked to the point where she could barely speak. Groaning with frustration, she shook her head, doing her best to get a hold of herself, "I-I....I wasn't expecting you to ask that. Um...w-well...it is a little early for a 'date'...I mean, we did just meet. Still though...I m-mean..." a lump rose in her throat. This was so awkward...it had been a while since someone asked her on an actual date. Even in the real world, she hadn't really been engaged or too interested in things like that. She had lots of friends who were guys...but they were just really good friends. Neither her or them had thought of it being anything else. Yet, now...here she was. How was she going to respond.

"I guess that sounds fun!" she laughed a little, trying to make the situation less awkward, "yeah, sure, why not? When do you want to do something like that?"

"Gah!" she jumped and cried out in surprise, almost falling off of the bench, "h-how...how did you come over here and sit down without me noticing?!?"

"I don't know, I was quiet I guess," the Gypsy shrugged, then reaching her hand out to the phoenix, "look at this lovely thing!" the NPC smiled as the familiar gladly hopped onto her hand, "where did you find her?"

"Near some phoenixes' nests on floor nine," Ayumu answered, "I had to climb halfway up a cliff-side to get to her. You were right - those worms worked really for taming! I had it done in no time.

"Ah! That's good," she pet the miniature fire bird, "I'm glad you were able to tame a creature," then, scratching her chin a little, "it doesn't seem like she will be any support to you though...you know, like help you in combat, or while searching for loot...stuff like that. Still, she'll probably make a good little companion!"

An hour or so later...

"Phew! Finally! Back on floor one again," Ayumu sighed contentedly, "sooo much better than volcanos, lava, and being really ho-" she began, but was interrupted by a peck on the head. She looked at the phoenix on her shoulder, "hey: I'm not like you. I don't like that climate as much as you do." Ayumu huffed. Philomena responded by giving her another peck, making her shake her head with an amused grin. Continuing to walk, she entered the Town of Beginnings. Since she felt rather hungry, she decided to find a good place to sit down and eat some bread. Going to the plaza, she found an unoccupied bench to sit on. Ayumu took some bread out of her inventory, and before she could even take a bite, something rather familiar caught the corner of her eye.

"Well, I see you were successful then!" The Gypsy Lady exclaimed with a smile.

A small screen appeared in front of her, congratulating her taming of the phoenix. It had a small box for her to name the familar, and it showed the creature's gender: a female. Taking a moment to think of a name, she tapped her chin, considering several. Then, with a decided nod, typed in "Philomena."

"There," she grinned, "that should do. I guess we can leave now," Ayumu stretched out her arm, which Philomena eagerly flew up to, climbing up to the girl's shoulder, "I wonder if I have to go back to the Gypsy Lady to finalize the quest. Either way, we're headed back to the first floor." With that, she turned to leave...and was quickly reminded that she was standing in a depression on the cliff side. Ayumu sighed heavily, then gesturing downwards,

"Hey, Philomena: fly down there as I climb back to the ground. I shouldn't take too long." she instructed. Thankfully, the phoenix seemed to understand, and sailed downwards. Sinking her claws into the ground, she looked up at Ayumu, waiting for her to come down as well. Very carefully, the girl made her way back down, careful with her footing and climbing. Once she safely joined her familar at the bottom of the cliff side, she gave a sigh of relief. Philomena happily flew over to her, perching on her shoulder again.

"Off we go then!" Ayumu smiled, happily, and quietly sneaking past the nests, set her next destination for floor nine's teleportation gate.

Very quickly, it finished the worms. She sighed with relief, happy since that actually went pretty well. Instead of flying away or attacking her, the phoenix surprisingly stayed. In fact, it dove after the pail Ayumu was holding, which still had some worms in it. She cried out with surprise, almost falling off of the edge of the cliff. Ayumu grabbed onto some of the feathers of the large bird, and it didn't seem to mind. It devoured all of the remaining worms, and so she straightened herself, letting go of the phoenix.

ID# 39270

LD: 16 (eh...good enough I guess)

Suddenly, the phoenix was enveloped by a white light, and began to shrink. It reduced to the size of a large hawk, which was about two feet tall. Ayumu blinked in surprise...she didn't think she would actually be able to tame it. The bird still looked as regal and proud as ever, only now a lot smaller, and perhaps a little more cute too. She grinned, rather proud of herself. This was her first successful attempt at something in this game without aid from another player.