Kekoa

Kekoa had never visited the seventh floor before this, but it certainly wasn't the friendliest place. All of its walls looked the same, and with every turn Kekoa made deeper in to the depressing floor, it seemed he was just going in circles. Monotony would be the key word for this floor's layout. He had just started to turn back when he noticed the sign. <<The Cracked Crucible>> the notification read, once the boy peered closer. He jumped up and down with a huge smile. He was more relieved that he wouldn't have to traverse the blackened walls than anything else, but of course, he was more than happy to see Nikodemus again. He ran over to the smithing shop and whipped open the door. "Nuiko! Nuiko!! It's Kekoa--!" He cried out with a smile. He took the nearest available seat and tried to contain his smile. He had actually been invited here. He felt so cool.

Kekoa smiled happily at both of the men. "Thank you both," Kekoa spoke gratefully. He hated having to be supported so heavily, but being around the men made him feel happier than he had been for the past few weeks. He hugged Nuiko and then started to hug Rain and figured he probably shouldn't. Kekoa followed Nuiko's pointed finger over to where the boss had dropped the item. He jogged over and picked up the stinger, its sharp point and odd coloring still posing some kind of threat. A small window popped up.

<<Matriarch Stinger>> : "This incredibly potent venom can be applied to a weapon to provide an additional +1 damage for the duration of one battle."

Kekoa nodded. "This could be useful in battle, I guess," Kekoa added it to his inventory and then turned back to the men. He smiled at the two. He couldn't have really progressed in this game so far without Nuiko, and now he had another kind of ally in Rain. He seemed kind of stand-offish, but he still jumped in to save Kekoa when he was being targeted. Kekoa felt so special in that moment, and the warmth he had felt before started to grow in his chest again. "Hey, we should definitely do this again sometime... Just us three..." Kekoa suggested with a blush. "...Rainpai, Nuiko, and I... We make a good team!" He shot a thumbs up at the two. "Let's just head back for now, aha.." Kekoa laughed, a bit embarrassed by his sudden proposition. 

Kekoa only noticed at the last second that there was a wasp jumping his way, but by the time it had neared the <<WARNING>> zone, Rain was standing there, silhouetted by the sun. Kekoa fell to his knees to duck as Rain spun around and lashed out his fantastic sword art. It looked magical, seeing it up close. All of the <<Wind Wasps>> were destroyed in a flash of an instant. "Wow... Rainsai.. you're amazing.." Kekoa's eyes sparkled as he stared at the katana-user. He suddenly felt Nuiko's big hand on his shoulder, and an invitation to his shop. Kekoa felt the world light up. He nodded rapidly up at the man and smiled wider than ever (if that was even possible). "Yeah, definitely! I'll stop by!" Kekoa accepted. They didn't have much time to talk, however, as the wind suddenly started swirling around the group, and a buzzing even louder than before flooded their ears. Kekoa turned to see a much larger bee, the <<Wasp Queen>>. It was actually much bigger than he had anticipated. Its stinger alone was half the size of his body. Either way, they should take it down easily. Kekoa took the back, nodding at the two. "Go get 'em!" He shouted.

---

<<Wasp Queen>> 54/54 HP | DMG: 12 | MIT: 13

Kekoa felt a little more at ease now that his party members had joined him for battle. The wasps had seemed to direct their attention towards Nikodemus now, he being able to generate hate so quickly. It was an odd concept considering Nuiko is generally liked. Kekoa laughed on the inside at the thought, but kept his face serious for battle. Since they're distracted, he decided to make his move. He began to move towards them, but quickly realized that it would be foolish to take any kind of action, then. He decided to just stay out of his party's way.

---

<<Wind Wasp>> 8/8 HP | DMG: 6 | MIT: 2

<<Wind Wasp>> 8/8 HP | DMG: 6 | MIT: 2

<<Wind Wasp>> 8/8 HP | DMG: 6 | MIT: 2

Kekoa stared down the 3 wasps, swallowing thickly at the creatures. There was no way he could defeat the 3 on his own, but he figured he should try. He pulled his spear back, and then launched himself at one of the wasps, hoping to land an attack. However, the worst case scenario happened. The wasp was way quicker than Kekoa, easily avoiding his spear and then flashing red in its big black eyes. The wasp then flew quickly at him and pierced his thin starter clothing, causing little bits of red pixels to fly from his body. He flinched backwards but landed on his feet as he came down. He spun and took a few steps back. '[censored],' he thought. 'I'm still super weak..' He readied his spear to go on the offensive again.

---

<<Wind Wasp>> 8/8 HP | DMG: 6 | MIT: 2

<<Wind Wasp>> 8/8 HP | DMG: 6 | MIT: 2

<<Wind Wasp>> 8/8 HP | DMG: 6 | MIT: 2

Kekoa was interested in hearing about said slain bull as well, but apparently they were happening upon their destination, and Kekoa didn't want to seem too distracted. Nuiko's bird familiar had been circling above head, a clear indication of finding their target. He smiled and ran ahead of rain, noticing the windy fields encompassing the base of the mountain. He giggled as he ran forward in to the tall grass blowing wildly in the intense wind. He thought the wind on Floor 1 fields was strong... he had yet to feel something like this. He turned around to wave to the others when he felt the ground vibrating beneath him. The ground shifted beneath him and suddenly he was in the air, raising at rapid speeds. The loud buzzing of a <<Wind Wasp>> vibrated in his ears and he screamed as he fell from its back and to the floor. "Ohshitohshit" Kekoa mumbled as he stood up in the grass and backed up a few feet. A couple other wasps flew up from in the grass to join their mob comrade. "Ugh... be gone, pests," Kekoa spat. "Rain! Nuiko!" Kekoa shouted, making sure the two were ready for battle. He pulled his spear from his back and adjusted himself to a battle ready stance.

---

<<Wind Wasp>> 8/8 HP | DMG: 6 | MIT: 2

<<Wind Wasp>> 8/8 HP | DMG: 6 | MIT: 2

<<Wind Wasp>> 8/8 HP | DMG: 6 | MIT: 2

Kekoa watched as the bird took flight and, in a way, signified the beginning of the group's adventure. He walked slowly along side the suit of armor, a few feet behind the white haired member of their party. Kekoa was surprised that Nikodemus asked about them. Nuiko had seemed much more formal in their first meeting, but perhaps that was because they were becoming acquainted. Kekoa wondered for a moment if Nuiko had changed, or if he was always this softer man that Kekoa could see now. Change. Kekoa narrowed his eyes for a moment as he stared at the ground. His hair swept over his eyes a bit and shadowed his expression. Kekoa had certainly changed since he had seen Nuiko last. He shot his head back up with his usual smile, masking his feelings for the time being. He stepped in front of Nuiko, walking backwards so he could face the man. "I've been alright, although I have been tackling some rough patches of the game!" Kekoa giggled. "I've been working on bettering myself, I guess," Kekoa shrugged with a big thumbs up. It didn't make sense to be all gloomy, even if it meant being a little vague about the truth (after all, Kekoa is not a liar). "I'm sure you two have much better stories to tell..." He certainly wasn't lying about that. Kekoa turned to face Rain, moving back to the right of Nuiko (however, he was now walking in between the two men at his pace). He thought for a moment and then called out, "Rainpai..!" He chuckled. He came up with the nickname after imagining Rain as an anime character; one of those cool, aloof ones that usually rivaled the main character. Rain just seemed like he held higher status than everyone, so he mixed his usertag and "senpai." He pronounced it "REN-PIE." "Rainpai! Tell us some stories. What's your latest conquest?!" He smiled.

This seems difficult but I want Kekoa to join. I wonder if he'll be strong enough by sign-up times ugh.

The sun was setting when Kekoa finally made it back to the floor gate. Most of the tribe women NPC had retreated back in to their homes and the other players that had been farming here had gone back to their respective homes. Kekoa felt like the only man on this floor for a moment, actually. It was dead silent when he reached the gate. He swore he could hear a pin drop if he listened hard enough. He sighed, thinking about the flowers that he could have gotten. He would simply have to treasure the only one he had picked successfully. He stepped on to the gate and took one look around at the Amazon that is Floor Six. He wouldn't forget this day; he couldn't allow himself to. He felt his old self coming back and he was going to hold on with everything he had. "Thank you," Kekoa whispered. "Town of Beginnings!" And with that command, the gate surrounded the boy in bright light, and he was gone.

Kekoa rolled over to the next flower and crouched above it hungrily. Drool dripped from his mouth and on to the all yellow thing. It was like it reflected the sun itself, even with Kekoa's shadow casted over it. "Precious.." Kekoa mumbled breathily. "I WILL HAVE YOU, FLOWER!!" Kekoa shouted before pulling his spear off his back and swinging it down at the flower. "Be miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine!" 

Kekoa was scared to open his eyes after swinging, but when he did, his jaw dropped and his eyes widened in horror.

<<FAIL>> <<FAIL>> <<FAIL>> <<FAIL>>

Kekoa had accidentally chopped down the rest of the flowers in the bunch when he had swung. He dropped to his knees and facepalmed, weeping silently in to his hands. "WHY ME?" He shouted to the sky.

~xXx~

It had been an hour now since Kekoa had initially laid down in the patch of flowers. It wasn't so much a patch any more so much as it was a gathering of severed stems. He had failed to gather every single flower, excluding the one he had gotten lucky with when he first laid down there. He was still smiling and picking away, however, just wanting one more for his collection. He would come back another time if need be-- actually, he would definitely come back another time. There were only a few chances left. He scooted over to an all blood red flower that seemed to emit an odd kind of misty glow. It was surely a rare material. He had to have it. Unfortunately, as soon as his fingers even came in the vicinity of the flower, it shriveled in to an ugly grey flower and then poofed from existence. Kekoa fell backwards on to his head. "Awwwwwwh man!" He pouted. 

Kekoa chewed his lip as he attempted to extract the next flower. It was a pretty baby blue and yellow mixture that had an odd gradient effect on the flower's petals. Kekoa wondered for a moment if these kind of flowers actually exist in real life. He shrugged. He didn't really care; he just wanted them all right now. He plucked the flower from its spot int he ground and it shattered in his hands. He pouted again for a moment before moving on to the next one. He was going to get at least two of these things.

Kekoa decided to be even more careful this time. He slipped his fingers around it extremely slowly and exhaled. "I want chu... I want chu pretty little flowers... I'm gonna make you in to a nice wittle potion..."  Kekoa mumbled to himself. He delicately yanked up the flower with immense amounts of hope pouring out of his hazel eyes. The flower came up entirely with its one thick root and Kekoa gasped. <<SUCCESS>> appeared in big letters above the flower and Kekoa was so happy he could cry. The flower transferred to his inventory and he giggled to himself. He shifted his attention to the next flower.

+1 Materials !!

He eventually came upon a large group of tropical looking flowers bunched up by the trees. They were beautiful; breathtaking, actually, and Kekoa's eyes gleamed as he came across them. He ran over to them and took a large whiff (stupidly-- they could have been poisonous or cause paralysis), greeted by the smell of fresh greens and something sweet. He wanted to pick every single one successfully, but he knew that wasn't going to happen. He was still going to try, of course, if even it meant he only got one. He reached down and attempted to pick one bright pink and white one. It came up initially but then shattered in to pieces. Kekoa pouted but then immediately reached for the next one.

Kekoa thought he wanted to head back to the floor gate, but when the image of the Town of Beginnings grazed his mind, he felt like throwing up. He thought of the alleys he stayed in and Casey's Cauldron and the people he's met there and just rolled his eyes. He couldn't go back there, yet. He wasn't ready. He decided he would just walk along the tree line, and maybe gather some materials if he wanted. He still had to sort out the thoughts scrambled about his head. He wasn't going to undo everything he learned here today by going right back to the place that started this mess. 

The small message read <<The Gemini: Completed !! >> and had a list of rewards below it that the copycat has promised. So, he wasn't a complete phony, it would seem. Kekoa was still a little surprised that the game could force traps on any player like that. It made him wonder what kind of things lie ahead for the players of SAO. When he clicked the "X" to close the window, a new window popped up that read << New Skill: Disguise Acquired !! >> Kekoa cocked a brow curiously. He swiped open his menu and clicked through to his skill page, where he scrolled to his <<Disguise>> skill. He read through its vague description and stroked his chin. It could come in handy, for sure.

<< WINNER: KEKOA !! >> appeared in big white letters above the teen and the dissipating crystals. He put his spear back in his inventory and sighed. He lowered his head for a moment, seemingly contemplating something, but then jumped high in the air and shot his first upward. "Yeah! I won my first one-on-one duel!... Granted, it was against myself, but who cares!?" Kekoa cheered out loud, although he was talking to himself. This was just a small step towards getting back on track. This fight just proved his strength. He only hoped that he had nowhere but up to go, because this game could easily take people to new lows. Kekoa attached his spear on to his back and began walking back in to the safe village areas. Before he could take a few steps, however, a small window appeared in front of him.

"I probably can't talk you in to surrendering... but I want you to tell me..." Kekoa stood over the NPC, his face cold and still, and pointed the head of his spear directly at The Gemini's eye. "...How many unknowing players have perished at the hands of your tricks... How many, Gemini!?" Kekoa's knuckles whitened as he gripped his spear intensely. He just watched as The Gemini's corrupted face fell in to a frown, horrified by the sight of the spear about to finish him. "We really aren't the same..." Kekoa mumbled. "I would never let someone make me look this weak."

"SHUT UUUUP!" The Gemini howled, reaching out and grabbing hold of his spear to quickly launch it at Kekoa. Even at the short distance between the two, the spear simply grazed Kekoa's cheek without him even having to move. Kekoa's face didn't waver. He stared at The Gemini who in turn stared back at him with absolute disturbance morphing his face. Even though he held the mirrored form, Kekoa could no longer see any resemblance to himself. "If you won't answer me... die." Kekoa spoke softly but with a scarily serious tone. 

His spear glowed that familiar red for the final time, and he lowered his spear quickly without any other warning, jabbing quickly and fatally deep in to the NPC's throat. The Gemini clenched his throat and his eyes widened as he stared up at Kekoa with horror. He then broke in to a fit of laughter, cackling horribly up at the sky as his figure began to faze blue and then shatter in to a million pieces.

The Gemini was furious and trying to contain it, but Kekoa could tell easily when he's upset. He giggled at the notion, because this horrendous wannabe was surely not him, and he knew that now. He wasn't just trying to sound smug when he thanked the NPC, however, because he really was thankful for the experience. This was an idea he could firmly grasp to and carry with him. This game is not all good-- quite frankly, it's mostly bad from how Kekoa has seen it recently-- but it is important to never succumb to its darkness. It was such a cliche notion and yet Kekoa had let it go right over his head for weeks. Maybe that was the whole purpose of this mess... to teach people a lesson?

Kekoa was interrupted by a screaming, charging Gemini. He thrust his spear forward at Kekoa alarmingly slow. The real teen was surprised at how easily he dodged the weapon. He moved slightly to the left, dodging the danger completely. As The Gemini passed by him in the air. He cried out furiously as he collided with the ground and lost grip of his spear.

Kekoa jumped backwards so he was out of The Gemini's reach for now. He was coming down from his laughing fit when he stared a sinister stare at Kekoa. The teen felt a shiver run down his spine. Was this duel truly a manifestation of his emotion? Or was it just a conveniently timed trap? Kekoa even wanted to believe for a moment that he was having some sort of nightmare, but he knew this was real. This game is real. This game is his reality. He clenched his spear and darted forward. It glowed red again as he jumped forward and launched two new slices in to The Gemini's neck. He didn't even care. He didn't even flinch. He simply turned to Kekoa with a nasty smile. "We're such a fool. We'll never be strong, and we know it!" The Gemini spoke for them both, chuckling. Kekoa kept his face even. After a moment, he began staring at the corrupted mirror with... pity. The Gemini noticed and furrowed his eyebrows. "What are you looking at me-- erm-- us like that for?! We are both the same!" Kekoa scoffed, kicking some dirt in front of him. "Don't speak for me with your pathetic resolve. We are NOT the same person." Kekoa spoke sternly, sure of himself this time. This was his reality and he would just have to deal with that. He hadn't found his happiness in that moment, but he felt his purpose coming back. Kekoa likes the feeling of being in control. He wants to be powerful so he can finally feel in control of his life again. He wants comrades. He wants to serve and protect. He wants to feel the joyous side of this damn game again, and he knew it would take time, but he was going to become powerful. "I appreciate you for showing me something I could become..." Kekoa closed his eyes, a sheepish grin froming on his face. He tilted his head upwards at the warmth peeking through the clouds above. "But it's time to end you." Kekoa stated matter-of-factly as he lowered his head back to his opponent. He shifted in to a battle ready stance as the other him bit his lip hard to keep his rage from exploding.

The Gemini swung his spear in the momentum of his turning, leaving Kekoa enough time to react and arch his back in a swift limbo to dodge the attack as he slid forward on his knees. He swiftly moved to a crouching position and his spear glowed a pale red as he readied his <<Snake Bite>> sword art. "And I am not you," Kekoa stated surely. He then shot himself forward, the game carrying him through the motion of the art as he jabbed two thick slices in to The Gemini's neck. He watched himself flinch backwards, angry but still smiling like a mad man. It made Kekoa's skin crawl. He stood there laughing at Kekoa-- loudly. "Now who can't land a hit?" Kekoa smirked, not losing his calm even in the face of his body double's madness.

"Yup!" Kekoa beamed. Nuiko was rather intuitive, but it was pretty obvious that this would be the quest they're tackling. Kekoa nodded at them both. Rain seemed much more acclimated to Nikodemus than he initially thought; it showed that they had some kind of bond whether it be rivalry or friendship from before. Kekoa clenched his fist to bottle up his excitement. The entire team pretty much knew each other so they should have alright chemistry in battle, although this Rain fellow did seem to be one of those cool solo player types. Kekoa made a mental note to tone down the antics around him; he hates embarrassing himself in front of strong players. After all, he's going to be one of them soon enough. Kekoa turned towards the mountains in the distance and the forests he could see littered about a little nearer.

"We're taking down the field boss-- the <<Wasp Queen>>, I believe-- in the fields on the outskirts of the mountains. It should be fairly easy with us all together," Kekoa nodded again. He felt confident being with the two higher level players. He was feeling that old sense of appreciation for the game again. Not a lot, but he could feel it there behind the infatuation he had with the cool swords the two men were carrying. "Should we get going?" 

Kekoa felt the intensity of battle immediately rush through him. This would be the first time he actually engaged in face-to-face combat. This was one-on-one to-the-death fighting, and it was actually more so exhilarating than frightening. Kekoa would not let himself lose here; not the real him, at least.

Both teens thrust their spear forward at the same moment, both shouting out a battle cry as they did so. The spears appeared to collide at exactly both spearheads, sending hundreds of sparks flying as the metals grind against each other. The two blew past each other, directing their attacks away from depleting either of their HP bars. They both stood with their backs to each other now, their spears extended outwards. Kekoa attempted to breathe evenly while the other him chuckled wildly, exaggerating his usual laugh. "You used to know who we are... Positive little Kekoa, right? Ha! Now you aren't even strong enough to land an attack!!" The Gemini laughed cruelly as he spun to make his next attack. Kekoa spun around as well. "You are not me!" Kekoa growled. 

When Kekoa could open his eyes again, the <<Unknown>> title had been replaced by <<The Gemini>> and the awkward masked appearance of the NPC had changed. It now directly resembled Kekoa. His height, physique, weapon, clothing, and everything in between.

Eleven... Ten...

Kekoa's heart raced. He watched as the "Friendly Duel" marker above the ticking clock morphed in to "Death Match." He glanced back down at the mirror image of him standing all too close, drawing its spear and smiling wickedly. He never thought his own face could contort so evilly.

Six....Five...

Was this some kind of sick joke? There wasn't even anyone around. Even if there were, it's not like they could interfere with a PVP match. Kekoa had never heard of something like this before. A trap duel... and on the second floor, much less? He felt sick, but as he watched the murderous intent roll off the other him, he knew what he had to do.

Two...One...

He began to realize the significance of this battle. It was perfectly timed, really. He stared across the patch of open space at the dark reflection of all his negativity. This was karma for the negative emotions he had been carrying around. Kekoa drew his own spear, and shifted in to a battle stance. He was going to defeat himself. He was going to murder this version of himself and be free of these emotions that plagued his mind.

Zero!

Both Kekoa's lurched forward as fast as they could, ready to destroy the other. Let the games begin.

The NPC suddenly raised a lanky arm from under its robe. It pointed directly at Kekoa and tilted its head. "You remind me of someone..." The NPC chuckled. "...Someone I used to know... Let's duel," It suddenly proposed. Kekoa furrowed his eyebrows. "Don't worry-- it'll just be a friendly duel... A battle between familiar faces.." It chuckled its ugly chuckle again, and Kekoa was slightly thrown off by its words. Familiar faces? Kekoa supposedly reminded this NPC of someone, but Kekoa couldn't even see his face. He was about to politely decline when the window for a Friendly Duel popped up on his screen [Initiate Friendly Duel with <<Unknown>>? Yes ☐ No ☐]. "If you win, I'll give you a special reward... My personal earnings... Whaddya say?" The more the NPC spoke, the more familiar the cracking voice became. He just couldn't pinpoint who it sounded like. Kekoa thought for a moment and then shrugged. What could really be the harm? It's an NPC and it only wants a friendly duel. Even though it is a little scary to look at, Kekoa figured...

"What the hell," Kekoa mumbled out loud, and then pressed the 'Yes' key. "Excellent..." The NPC chuckled as the 30 second countdown clock appeared above them. The chuckling didn't stop, however, as it made its way backwards away from Kekoa. Once it had created a distance of about thirty feet, it burst in to loud, giddy laughter. Kekoa's eyes widened. 'That's.... That's my laugh...' Kekoa thought; and just as he did, the NPC burst in to a show of brilliant blue and purple and white light. Its body contorted and shifted and its robes moved about its body quickly. Its mask seemed to sink in to its skin and then as the light burst forth and blinded Kekoa for a moment, it made its final transformation.