Domarus

He didn't move.  He didn't turn to look at her.  Not for a while at least.  He turned to look at her.  Dealing with something herself obviously.  But the question is....  When did it happen?  He sighed as he walked over to her.  He hesitated as he stood by her side, but crouched down and sat beside her.  He said nothing for a while.  After all, he didn't know what he should be saying right now.  Which still terrified him.  Not knowing what to say.  He had been hoping she would offer him forgiveness out of a good heart.  One he was hoping more than anything would prove that there were in fact more people, with pure and honest hearts.  That he was wrong.  It was a hope, something he hated in the past.  But now it was the only thing keeping him afloat. 
    "I shared my sins.  My guilt.  Even if I did paraphrase.  What is it that burdens you?  What guilt do you hold onto?"

Domarus watched as she seemed to have an inner war of her own.  She didn't speak or react for a while.  To the point where Domarus quietly gulped, his throat and chest tightening in worry and anticipation.  He was hoping she could find it in herself to forgive him, and accept him for who he was trying to become.  Eventually, after seeing her shudder, she spoke.  She told him that she had no reason at all to hate him.  Domarus didn't notice her shudder again.  His head dropped downward, and his shoulders fell.  Almost as if a literal weight had fallen off of him.  And this was in fact very true.  When it at least came to Mina, he didn't have to be afraid.  There was hope after all.  He had a chance for redemption..  He sat there breathing heavily for a moment before he looked up.  Something just clicked in his mind, and it was reinforced when he saw her on the ground.  He spotted Rhozarth glaring at her, his wings opening up.  Domarus' eyes widened as he knew what he was about to do.  The player launched himself forward, not at all trying to be subtle.  He leaped forward and took the brunt of Rhozarth's attack.  The familiar had leaped towards Mina from a high branch, bursting into flames and ended up clawing into Domarus instead of Mina.  Domarus grabbed his familiar by it's tail and smashed it against a tree, creating a gash in it.  The dragon hovered in the air after Domarus let him go and glared at the player before returning to the trees.  Domarus panted some more before speaking.
     "While I..  Appreciate, your words..  I have to ask..  Do you say that because you choose to forgive me?  Or do you say that out of guilt?"

Domarus said nothing at first.  He had managed to catch what she finished with however.  He scoffed at that.  She hated herself?  Please, he thought.  He looked at her.  Took a deep breath.  And then...
     "In the real world I practiced the art of manipulation and deception since a young age.  After perfecting it I went to public school for the first time and managed to rally multiple people to not only befriend me, but to serve me.  And I used them to destroy the bullies who ran the school.  Not beat.  Not drive off.  But send them to the hospital for a month destroyed them.  The teachers did nothing because I had their favor.  Over time I had gained influence among business men.  Both honest and shady.  Eventually I gained dangerous allies, and gained control of their leader.  I manipulated someone who was close to discovering my true personality into a situation where he couldn't take it anymore and committed suicide.  All of this while I held a charade, fooling everyone into thinking I was their shining knight.  I even built an immunity to alcohol so I could fool others into sharing vital information by getting them drunk.

"Intro SAO.  I forged a potion that forces someone to enter a depressive state and remember their worst memory, so that I could manipulate a woman named Mossino into becoming one of my four generals.  I also used a potion that forced the pain receptors to shut off.  And tortured him in ways that would kill ordinary people, but not in a video game.  After finding out an organization kidnapped players, I set it up so that Aereth would be kidnapped to show him a lesson.  When Hidden and I rescued him we discovered they turned those children into assassins.  I had them slaughter all but three of them, keeping my hands clean.  I found Hestia's sister by accident and turned her from an innocent and protected young girl into my own apprentice of darkness.  I lied and tricked everyone in this world specifically to earn their favor and rise to the top.  I protected players in the event because I had to build up my reputation.  All of this because I sought world domination.  To control and dominate over everyone, and everything.  That's what my username was made from.  Domarus, is an altered form of Domination, Mina.  I've killed mercilessly by using my words and other people I've manipulated into becoming my slaves.  I've fooled everyone into thinking I'm a hero.  I've forced people to change into a worse version of themselves.  So tell me:  Do you still hate yourself, more than you hate a man like me?"

Domarus listened and eventually, was able to nod.  His breathing finally reaching a calm and steady pace.  He let himself slip away from her and hesitantly nodded again.
     "I know, it's just..  I'm not used to...  This...  Any of this...  Not having a plan for each scenario.  Not having someone to shift the blame to.."  He took a deep breath before speaking.  "But...  I'll do my best.."  While all this was going on.  Rhozarth lurked in the shadows.  His eyes glaring with disapproval and disgust at it's master.  If the lion spotted and stared at the red dragon, Rhozarth would glare right back with nothing but violence and wrath in it's own eyes.  After waiting a little bit, Domarus turned to the priest.  Miraak had waited patiently, and was standing their awkwardly.  Most of the real life terminology flew past his head to the point where he gave up trying to interpret most of it.
     "...Miraak..  How, have you been?"  Miraak hesitated before answering, as he was still adjusting to this new scenario.
     "The towns people were, distrustful at first.  Some of them still are.  However, I've taken strides to restore that trust...  I do believe, that there was something else you wanted to know?"  Domarus nodded.
     "Yeah.  There's um..  Word that you were asking for aid, or something along those lines?"
      "Yes actually.  Some time ago when I was under Artamiel's influence, I placed a powerful seal of corruption in what once was the largest city of this world. I understand now that it must be destroyed if we plan to put an end to the Corruption of this world. It seems that the Angel's power didn't lift it and we require to remove it directly.  I would like your assistance in cleansing it."

He fell silent as she spoke.  Stating how he could only disappoint her, not infuriate her.  How he impressed her and earned her respect after the event with Miraak.  She didn't understand.  How could she?  He began to have an inner struggle, which would show on his face.  He couldn't take this.  She was so wrong about him that he had to tell him...  But the fear of what she would think, say or do was immense.  He fought between the two with cons and pros.  He couldn't just let himself be fearful forever.  He had to find out one way or another whether people would accept him.  People other than Hestia.  He needed to see if he just got lucky with her, or if everyone gave him the right to be redeemed.  To be forgiven.  Or if he would be hated by the majority.  The danger here, was that if she reacted badly....  And especially if she told the public.  Then that would be it for him.  He'd be subject to their hatred, thier vengeance.  But he couldn't live a life of fear..  Fear was something he'd never felt before now.  And he hated the feeling.  He looked her in the eyes.  Serious now.
     "You'll only know how wrong your words are, if I tell you everything I've done Mina.  And I can't run from this anymore.  It will be found out eventually."

Domarus didn't move for a while.  Even after she spoke.  Only after a good two minutes did he look up and see her extended hand.  He steadied his breathing to the best of his abilities.  He was somewhat ashamed of himself.  Dropping from a strong individual to someone who broke down and cried in public so easily...  Then again, he wondered if this were better than when he had pride.  He took her hand and used her as a support to stand up again.  He still disagreed with her when it came to Kayaba.  As he believed the man may have had a horrid experience growing up as well.  Which Hestia said was why she wasn't blaming him.  Not only that but..  He just, didn't think he could continue the conversation.  He embraced Hestia in a hug, holding her tightly but not enough to deal any damage.
     "I.. I'm terrified Hestia... I'm terrified and that scares me even more.  For the first time in my life, I don't know what to do.  I don't know what to do with my life.  I don't know what to do if people find out.  I don't know what I'll do if...  I just.."  It was a new concept for him:  Fear.  All his life he bred fear in others to better control them.  Whether they were ally or enemy.  And now..  Now he was the scared one.

Domarus said nothing.  Too overwhelmed with the wave of emotion.  He didn't comment on how Aereth had finally snapped.  He didn't comment on her calling him an idiot.  He didn't say anything about the fact that she openly admitted indirectly that morality was pointless as anyone had the right to judge and do as they would.  However...  For the final part.  She talked about how if a child went through depression and committed suicide because of it.  That the parent would be to blame according to the law.  He said nothing at first.  Simply kneeled there.
     "...Then I am guilty as well Hestia.  You only know of what I have done in this world.  But you don't know of the deaths I caused in the real worlds with only my voice."  He looked up to her, the tears finally slipping through the helmet.  Though his voice would have revealed his broken state as it was.  Revealing how overwhelmed he was with the sheer guilt of everything he had done.  Every person he manipulated into getting in trouble.  Into committing a crime.  Every person he lured into a trap.  Every person whom he befriended, only to use them and trick them into being beat within an inch of their life to the point of suicide.  Everyone in the game.  The children he mercilessly had slaughtered at the hands of both Hidden and Aereth.  The lives of people like Mossino, and Raven.  Individuals who were so pure and innocent, before Domarus turned them into his own personal minions.  So much death.  So many lives ruined by his hands.  His ruin count wasn't as high as Kayaba's...  But it was still dauntingly high. 
     "If you choose to live by such morals...  By such decisions...  Then I deserve the death penalty.  Or life in prison.  I DON'T deserve redemption.  I DON'T deserve forgiveness.  I deserve punishment..."

He chuckled sadly at her words and shook her head.
     "If you were a former cop, you'd probably arrest my a** when you heard what I've planned and done.  And hate me to my core all the same."  Despite his chuckle, there would be a sign of fear and concern.  Hoping he was in fact completely wrong about what he had just said.  And that by some sheer miracle she could find it in her to not only forgive him but...  No.  He was not about to give himself a hope too high for a monster like him to get.  She spoke again, stating how in her opinion and experience, meditation was bs.  She talked in detail about how it did the opposite for herself.  What's worse, his own experience amplified her words.  He sighed.
     "Thank you, for those beautiful words of encouragement and support."  he muttered.  When she told him that she was sure he could get out of whatever depressive state he was in he only sighed, picked up the photo of his mother, and inserted it in his inventory too quickly for her to see.
     "No offense Mina.  But you're making empty assumptions with no information of who I am, what my past is, and what has happened in the past month."

He was beginning to come close to his wits end.  She talked about the deaths, and blamed Kayaba for that.  She talked about everyone becoming like the real world, and blamed Kayaba for that.  She spoke of how she didn't have it in her to forgive Kayaba.  She spoke of how she didn't know Kayaba but knew he wasn't as bad as Kayaba.  She spoke of how everyone was their own judge.  How she only offers a second chance if she thinks they deserve it.  Finally he had enough.
     "Not every death is his fault and you know it!  Each of us have choices to make!  We can choose whether to kill another.  We can choose whether to commit suicide or not!  We can choose whether we want to save someone's life, sacrifice ourselves for others, or any other d**n decision in this game!  The only reason people die is because he made this game real life!  He's forced players to face reality!  A cruel and unfair way but when you boil down to it THAT is what he did Hestia!  After he made that announcement, players died of their own choices!  All the players who died because they fought to escape this game?  That's on him.  Players who committed suicide chose to abandon all hope.  Players who committed to murder chose to cut off their emotions.  That was their choice.  Whether you want to accept it or not, blaming Kayaba is simply another form of blinding yourself to that truth.

"As for politics, Kayaba didn't make them that way.  It's all these people have ever known.  When the human mind is used to something to the point where it's natural, it seeks someone or something to replace it in order to make it familiar.  The unknown and the strange we fear and hate.  It was inevitable this happened.  The only way it would not happen in the real world is if people don't care, or if they were blinded from the truth.

"You say you don't have it in you.  That's stating that he can be redeemable, you simply refuse to redeem him.  You decided to pin all the blame, all your hate on him, and thus rather than seeing him as someone you can try and save, like you did with me.  You want to see him put away or killed off, so that the man to blame.  The man who made us all evil in your eyes will be gone for good.  In the hopes things are better.  When in reality he will only be replaced by someone else.

"And you think we are all our own judge?  You believe you get to decide what's right or wrong?  Then EVERYONE is right!  F**k the collective!  F**k the majority!  Because EVERYONE has a right to judge EVERYONE else however way they want!  If we go by that logic, then I would have the right to massacre everyone I deemed corrupted!  Cruel, evil.  Which would effectively wipe out over half the global population!"  Domarus took a step back.  His breathing heavy at this point.  "I know he needs to be punished for his crimes Hestia.  But coming from someone who has been in a dark place because of their past.  I know what it feels like.  To want redemption upon realizing what you've done.  You can say we're different all you like.  Kayaba and I...  We really aren't that different."  He closed his eyes, tears continuing to slip down as he allowed himself to shift downward to his knees.  "If you can't forgive a man like Kayaba, you can't forgive a man like me.  The only reason you offer to redeem me is because you pity me.  Everyone else be d**ned in your eyes.  You judge them before you know them.  And you could care less what others think..."

There was a moment where nothing happened.  No movement, no sound.  Soon however, he heard movement in the trees before the figure walked out in the open.  She pulled her hood back to reveal..  Mina?  That made sense actually, now that he thought about the hair.  She held a stern face, eyes filled with confidence as she looked into his own.  In his own eyes however, she'd find nothing but a heavy weight.  Burden.  And just raw weariness.
     "Much has happened since the event.  Given the fact that you don't hold any hatred in your eyes right now, I'm guessing that she hasn't told anyone yet,"  he said.  The very last sentence spoken in a lower volume than he originally did.  He glanced at the pool of water.
     "Also, this pool is meant for meditation.  I've been trying....  And failing, to find some peace here..  Just another method that's failed thus far unfortunately."  Domarus said nothing, but he did shift around so he could view her easier.  As he did so, Rhozarth shifted from his position and glared at the both of them from it's perch.  Domarus sent the familiar a glare right back, showing that he and his dragon were not on good terms right now.

"You claim it fits his nature, but you know better than anyone that you don't know someone's nature until you GET TO KNOW THEM!!  You're accusing him of things you don't know as hard fact.  That's the first thing.  The second is that.  You think that makes him a monster?"  He glared at her though his helmet.  "It's child play from what I know.  And thirdly.  What if he isn't sane?  Have you considered that he's had more pain and torment than you or I could ever imagine?  That he's simply trying to escape it all by being in control for once?  And that's just it.  You want to hate someone for the pain you and others are going through, and thus you pin the blame on Kayaba.  Refusing to give him a second chance.  If I told everyone who I was and what I did to them, their friends, and children which some players will know.  You and I both know the majority of them would refuse to forgive me.  I'd have assassins after me day and night.  Everyone would hate me till eternity.  Yet you claim to see me as redeemable!"  he said raising his voice.  "If a monster like me can be allowed to be saved and become a good person, then why would you force someone who is asking for forgiveness for his sins to remain the villain?!  Who are you to play judge and executioner?!  You let your anger and stubbornness blind you just like I did!"  At this point, though she couldn't see it, he was crying under his helmet, his eyes wide with anger, frustration, pain and despair.  "IF YOU SEE THE WORLD THROUGH THAT LOGIC THEN THERE'S NO POINT IN REDEMPTION AND FORGIVENESS IF OTHERS CANNOT BE ALLOWED TO FIND IT AS WELL!!!"

He listened to what she said and was silent for a moment.  He took a deep breath as he pushed his depression aside.  He'd be more aggressive than usual, but that would be because it's all he knew.  All he had from his past.
     "Hestia you are overanalyzing it.  The chances that Kayaba is attempting to speak to the players through this quest is absurdly low.  That you would even assume that makes me worry.  Even I, who think of every possible outcome and possibility, don't think that's the likely result.  More than anything he is simply another story of a mistake, redemption and forgiveness.  I also believe the primary point of the event was to show how bosses will be stronger going forward.  In addition to this, it also proved that events very well may give players the option to change entire floors with future events.  All three of these are the far more likely reason for this event.

"Furthermore, even if Kayaba wanted forgiveness.  Will you not ask him for his backstory?  His reason for doing this?  You would be willing to give me the benefit of the doubt?  I?  A monster who cared nothing of others?  Who used and abused, and wasn't afraid of letting anyone die?  Or killing them myself?  I who gave the order to slaughter children?  Regardless of the fact that they could have been imprisoned like Adrian was?"  He paused for a short moment.  "Has it occurred to you that you may have an issue with holding onto anger?  For the longest time you held onto hatred against me until you learned more about me.  And now you're telling me you refuse to forgive Kayaba.  No, you refuse to allow him to even ask for forgiveness?  Is that where you cross the line?  You don't think everyone is redeemable?  You don't have to forgive him, but if what anything you told me was true, then you can prove it by giving him the chance to find redemption for what he's done."  His voice was more aggressive, and he was at this point standing over her.  The priest was looking concerned, and as the dialogue had not yet started, the quest menu had not yet been pulled up.

Domarus said nothing as she spoke.  There was no reaction or change when she glared at him, and no change when she finished.  He simply nodded and put on his helmet, concealing his face under the silver armor.
     "Very well."  Domarus had no intention of saying this.  But he really didn't care at this point.  He used to feel nothing but hatred.  Consumed by the drive to rule over others, become invincible.  And keep himself occupied with his plans of world domination.  However, at this point in time all he felt was a void.  Nothing.  If he died he'd consider it a mercy to himself.  Preventing him from feeling the nothingness inside.  Therefore, at least right now, he could care less if he was used or not.  Perhaps that would change in the heat of battle, but he wasn't sure...  Soon enough they reached the Cathedral, with the priest waiting inside.  He looked at her face and her posture, seeing that she clearly hated this man.  He wondered if it was because he was a villain.  Or that he had nearly killed two players.  When she spoke up it wasn't the priest who replied first.  But surprisingly, even to himself, Domarus.
     "You would toss aside your anger towards me and give me a second chance, but not an NPC who's programmed to act a very specific way?"  His tone was calm, but there was a slight hint of a challenge in it.  Upon reflection, he wondered if it was from the fact that there was some doubt she truly forgave him.  That she was only acting a certain way around him to make him better for some ulterior motive.  The priest, who had planned on replying, hesitated as Domarus cut in.  He looked between the two, and would wait until the two stopped talking.

Domarus sat there on the stone as he tried to focus his mind.  He started by thinking about his mother.  After seeing her photo long enough, he was able to memorize it, and so he could picture her clearly in his mind.  Her eyes, her hair.  The gentle smile.  Just seeing her soothed his muscles.  From there his mind moved to the makeshift memories he had invented.  Memories of him and his mother.  Meeting one day and talking.  Of spending time in a cafe.  Getting to know her better.  This was all made up, but it made him feel like he had a real friend for once.  However, this thought led to others.  He thought of Hestia, but he couldn't consider her a friend yet.  She was trying to help him reach a better place, but whether they were friends or not...  And then.  If word got out about who he was and what he did.  Then more than likely she'd be his ally, and all of Aincrad his enemy.  Including player killers.  This thought led him back to a moment he didn't want to recall.  Christmas day.  While everyone else celebrated, he had broken down for a third time.  Crushed under the realization of how alone he truly was.  And that it was his fault in the first place.  Before his mind could dive down any further however, he heard a splash from the pool and his eyes opened immediately.  He snatched the photo of his mother instantly to keep it protected, but the splash occurred further in.  He sighed and put it back in before he saw someone climb out and give him a quick look.  Pink hair was the first thing he saw...  And then the black outfit.  It didn't look like a functional piece of equipment whatsoever, so he assumed it was for style...  But he didn't see the point in that either.  As soon as she saw him however she dashed into the forest.

Domarus sighed.  Of course.  He wondered if word got out about him already.
     "Whoever you are, you don't need to run or hide.  Especially if you're intention is to kill me."  He spoke in a normal tone.  No hint of emotion.  No threat, no anger, no fear.  Just..  Telling them that there was no reason to run off and hide.

He listened to what she had to say, but despite her trying to hide it.  He knew she pitied him.  Domarus was the expert on deception.  Hestia on the other hand.  Was terrible at it.  Still, he was at the point where he welcomed pity.  There was one person in existence who cared about him right about now.  Or if there was a God out there in the world, perhaps he cared about Domarus as well.  After all.  Why else would he let him have this second chance?  He thought about what she said.  About how if he needed someone to be with or talk to.  That she was there for him.  He nodded hesitantly.
     "I'll...  Keep that in mind..  Thank you."  Thinking about it.  Perhaps he should take her advice.  Spending time with people was logically more healthy for him.  It's just...  He didn't, feel like talking with anyone.  There was just...  He shook his head, trying to shake off that train of thought.  Hestia would notice that most of his depressive mood was shaken off, but there would be that lingering essence.  That weight on his shoulders, and in his eyes. 
     "Yeah, right..  Lead the way then.  I am your blade in this fight.  Direct me as you will."

@Domarus

Domarus listened to her and he made an educated guess at what she was trying to do.  Despite him trying to change, he doubt his skills of deception and manipulation would ever truly go away.  However, he was tabling those skills for the moment.  There was no need to use them.  Especially when she'd see straight through them with ease at this point.
     "When Keres isn't yelling her anger at me for changing, I seek solitude somewhere.  Hoping to find some peace of some sort...  The past week has been especially difficult to find anything close to the concept."  He stopped talking at that moment.  There was no need to explain any further.  She asked him what he'd been up to.  And that truly was all.  Other than packing up his things in the hopes of moving his shop elsewhere, but that was less important.  Keres however...  Despite not being able to feel pain in SAO, she enjoyed it when Domarus threw her around and struck her regardless.  The problem was.  Now that she had been denied that as well, she has entered a long term stage of withdrawal.  Lashing out at him whether physical or verbally whenever she had the chance.  He didn't know how to help her.  And he doubted Hestia would have the tools to do so either.  So currently, even though he knew it wasn't the best solution, he was waiting it out.  After all:  Who besides Hestia would help bring a friend of the great deceiver and manipulator to a better mental state?

@Hestia

Domarus sat there silently until he heard footsteps approach...  Or more accurately until someone tapped the shoulder piece of his armor.  He turned his head to see who it was and looked up to Hestia.  The first thing he noticed was that she had an incredibly positive posture.  She was almost radiating with light and happiness.  How she could be like that after the past few weeks he had no earthly idea.  He received the message about the Christmas event..  So perhaps that was it.  While everyone else was celebrating the holidays, Domarus...  Well he had another breakdown when isolated in another floor.  Thinking about his mother and how he wished he could meet her at least one.  Not as a ghost, not as a memory, but someone he could actually talk to.  While it was true he was able to remove most of his hate.  It left him vulnerable to the crushing loneliness he never realized he had.  Life had not been easy on the player lately...  And yet here Hestia was, shining brightly.  Something he personally doubted he'd ever be able to become.  Domarus stood up quietly and grabbed his helmet.
     "Of course @Hestia."  His words were soft.  Only loud enough to hear.  A part of him wished to call her Ember, but.  After the manner in which he had used her real name in the past, he refused to call her that until he felt he had earned the right to call her by her real name. 

Quest:  Cleansing the Corruption

Stats

Domarus sat on a bench on the thirteenth floor.  The place had made a complete turnover.  The last time they were here they had fought the fallen angel and the corrupted.  Or rather possessed priest.  The land began to heal itself post the evil's defeat.  Now however, life had exploded.  Where ruined buildings and cities were, nature overgrew into it.  The city itself was no longer dreary and dead.  It was beginning to show renewed life in the citizens.  Of course there were sections of the map that were still corrupted, but Domarus doubted anything but another event would help change that.  He was sitting there in his silver armor.  It wasn't a dark foreboding piece of equipment like his Hopebreaker set.  However it was a reminder of his arrogance.  He had been meaning to change his equipment entirely but...  He hadn't had the motivation to do anything as of late.  All he'd managed to do so far was get a vanity ax made of steel rather than dark iron.  No enhancements, but he was able to pull out a gold ring he once crafted for accuracy.  It wasn't a perfect item, so it only had two points of accuracy, but it was still something.  His helmet rested on the bench beside him while he waited for Hestia.  She wanted to see if he could help her with something and seeing as how he had nothing better to do...

He sighed as he rested his arms against his knees, supporting the rest of the body which leaned on his arms, staring down towards the ground.  A shadow over his eyes.

@Hestia

Domarus sat in front of the pool and waterfall of floor six.  Specifically he sat on a carved stone meant for meditating in front of it.  People didn't usually come here unless they were trying to complete the quest itself.  That was actually Domarus' original plan when he came here.  To try and see if he could take the 'Calming the Soul' quest again.  Not for rewards, but for the actual hands on experience...  There was much he had to work on.  However the system didn't seem to be in his favor.  And thus, he figured he may as well take the time to try and find some peace while he could.  Before he got to work.  He had placed a photo of his mother he gained from the quest 'What We Fight For' in front of him.  If he lost focus, or became unsettled at all, he'd just look at the picture and relax.  It was difficult for him to get to a state where his mind quieted.  He still hadn't mastered it.  However he was hoping that one day.  He could learn to quiet the raging voices in that stormed through his mind.  Unfortunately, today would not be that day.  Even his practice would be interrupted very soon...

@tricolor_mina

Adrian giggled at seeing her face all frustrated and the like and he swayed his feet from left to right, bumping them into each other as they did so.  "You're so cute when you're frustrated~"  When she told him she could handle being on her own he simply laughed.  "With every player in Aincrad keeping an eye out for you?  Not to mention any dark guild out there wanting to either A:  Recruit you or B:  Kill you.  Literally all of Aincrad will be looking for you.  So I wish you good luck taking one minute to relax as you'll be on guard twenty four seven."  She continued stating that she would take him up on her offer, if he kept his promises, and only until she got what she wanted.  When he heard her tell him that she worked for herself and that Domarus didn't know that he simply chuckled.  "That's what I love about you Hidden.  You shatter ties to anything.  The only thing holding you down is your lack of strength and power.  I look forward to seeing you blossom into a truly free and powerful individual Hidden, heh heh heh."

Domarus felt Keres shift away from him and he let go.  The woman looked confused, with a small hint of fear.  She had no idea what happened with Domarus but it was clear she wasn't liking it.  He looked at Raven as well and saw her expression.  He owed them an explanation that was for sure.  Keres, he wasn't sure how he was going to explain it.  Raven either to be honest.  In fact he may just leave the explaining to Hestia.  He stood up at last.
     "@Embers.  I owe you an apology,"  he said, causing Keres' jaw to drop.  "But it will need to wait..  Hestia, I feel like you should explain what just happened to Raven.  I, don't think I'm the best person to do so."  He turned to Keres, who was still not sure what to do or say.  "I'll have to explain it to you later on as well."  He turned to Hestia again.  "I'd like to ask if I may return to my shop.  I have to close it up and pack things for moving, but today I'd..  I'd appreciate it if I could just rest for once."  A ghost of a smile appeared on his face.  "Without the fear of nightmares."

@Hestia

Domarus heard the knock on the door, as did Keres.  She glared at him but said nothing and he went to go see who it was.  He sighed as he walked up the stairs.  Somewhat glad someone had chosen to interrupt them at this precise moment.  Though he was also wary.  He may be trying to change but when you've been a certain way through most of your life...  That wasn't easy to fix.  Especially when Keres kept screaming at him because he was changing in the first place.  He glanced at Rhozarth who also glared at him, but it was because he had lost more than anything.  Domarus opened up the door to find..  Cosi.  The player would see that Domarus was in bad shape.  His weary state, the emptiness in his eyes.  It would be immediately clear he was not in the best place right now.  Domarus knew he had two options.  He could either A:  Send him away right now and go back to having to deal with Keres.  Or B:  Bring Cosi in and see if he could try and use him to help keep Keres at bay.  Or better yet help him figure out how to handle her in the first place.  Cause Domarus hadn't the slightest idea.
     "Cosi.  You're timing is, rather incredible actually...  Come on in, there's something we need to discuss..........If you're willing that is,"  he opened up the door wider, which would allow Cosi to see everything being packed up.  The place more void and emptier than usual.  More importantly, he'd see the hidden entrance to Keres' underground workshop in the wall to the right by the counter.  Domarus walked inside sighing as Keres came up from the workshop.  The anger still present on her face.  She looked at Cosi and her eyes narrowed before she stormed off to one of the rooms down the hall, closing the door.  Domarus slid down to sit on the floor in front of the counter with a tired sigh.

@Cosi

Domarus and Keres had argued for multiple days now.  Keres was demanding to know why he was just abruptly decided to end his conquest.  Not only in the virtual world, but the real world as well.  She demanded to know what happened to the aggressive and cruel man she clung to.  Just because she couldn't feel pain in this world, didn't mean she wanted to give it up in the real world.  Most of the time Domarus simply brushed her off.  Not ready to talk.  Recently however he was being pressured into telling her everything even more.  Domarus was going through everything in his shop, which was now of course closed.  He was currently in the secret room he had created for Keres.  An underground room connected to his shop where her alchemical devices and such were.  She hadn't practiced in a long while, so she was still a very low rank.  Either one or two.  This was where he was forced to reveal everything to Hestia.  The woman barged into his shop showing evidence of his dark side.  He had to drag her down into this very room, seal it, and push and threaten her to not say a single word.  No matter how much she wanted to.  That was also the day her sister Raven discovered the truth about him.  He sighed as he heard Keres' footsteps as they descended.
     "D**n it you will tell me EVERYTHING Harken."  He sighed.  Would this never end?  Even after he chose to let go of his hatred towards everyone.  The envy he felt.  He still couldn't find peace..

@Cosi

The fight was very hard on a lot of players.  Including him.  He needed to head back to his place and rest, but there were a few things he needed to do first.  He started, with walking out of the boss room.  When he did he almost immediately spotted @Sunova and @tricolor_mina.  His eyes widened.  He didn't know how.  And he didn't care about why.  All he knew, was that the two players he had failed to save were alive.  He made his way through the crowd, pushing players aside if need be.  When he reached Mina he looked to @Shield.
     "Pardon me, but.  May I speak with her for a moment?"  He would wait patiently for Shield to oblige before taking her hand and leading her, as gently as he could despite his heart racing.  Over to Sunova.  If she was in a conversation he would do the same with that person as he did with Shield, and wait patiently.  If she wasn't, he would pull both of them into an embrace, holding them tightly with his eyes closed.
     "I am so glad the two of you are alright.  You don't realize just how much you two scared me.."  His voice would betray the feelings he was stating.  And the slight shaking of his limbs would also be an indication that he was impacted by this.  Which was....  Half right.  To be honest he didn't really care about them, but he had thought of them more than his reputation during this fight.  He pulled away and looked at them both, worry and threat of tears in his eyes.  "I, know this is a selfish request.  But please try to be more careful, and listen to me when I tell you to leave.  I don't want to lose anyone.  Please don't scare me like that again..  I have to speak with Black real quick.  If you two need anything, just send me a message ok?"  Domarus stood up straight again, rising to full height.  He still had a few things to say.  He walked over to @Black as the man left the cathedral. 
     "Black.  I want to thank you for your assistance today.  Thank you for keeping your group safe.  Even if it didn't amount to anything in the literal sense,"  He said looking at the players who supposedly died.  "I think this showed everyone a reminder.  As to how vulnerable we are to death."  With that.  He would speak aloud to the tier two players. 

     "Listen everyone.  This fight was difficult for many reasons.  We thought many of us had died, and it is an immense relief to see they are fine and well.  I especially, as I had failed to keep them safe,"  he said, looking at Mina and Sunova.  "I know many of you feel similar.  As if you were unable to save them, and that it was your fault they died.  This isn't true.  We are only human and each have limits.  Don't blame yourself.  At the same time, we have to keep this in mind.  I don't know if this is a permanent change or not, but there is a very strong chance bosses will be far stronger from now on.  From this point forth you're lives will be truly be in danger if you participate on the front lines.  However what you must ask is this:  Would you rather risk your own life to save every human life trapped in this world?  Everyone who cannot stand for themselves?  Think of the children.  Of people too scared to even step out of those safe zones.  You must ask yourself:  Should we not risk everything we have to save the people who can't do it themselves?  If it isn't us, then who else will stand up?
     "The frontlines aren't immortal.  Everyone will discover this soon.  However that does not mean we should step down in fear or in selfishness.  This was my first time leading a fight, and there was much I was unprepared for.  However I choose to learn from those mistakes and become better.  I'm going to continue to fight on the front lines.  And I look forward to the day where each and every one of you stand there beside me as we fight for everyone's freedom!"  Domarus would fall silent, and step down.  He'd walk over to @Hestia.  "I did what you ask.  I'm heading home to rest...  I leave the rest to you,"  he said before using a teleport crystal to vanish.

@Hazado @Aereth @Dazia @Cosi @Krysta @Kyot0 @Vigilon @Dustin @Kairi @Hidden @Stryder @Neopolitan @Mars @Kimi

Domarus has left the thread

Domarus had failed to make a move for multiple reasons.  The first and main one was that he was trying to get the other players to stop and get the hell out.  Specifically Sunova and Mina.  However Sunova didn't move and she was killed as a result.  Domarus didn't see it as him failing.  He saw it as someone had a life.  They lost it.  They had lost their life and every chance to grow stronger.  To become better.  Domarus saw the state Mina and Haz were in and he grabbed them both.  He pulled them towards him and lifted them up to look them both in the eyes through his helmet. 
     "Grab your teleport crystal and Get the HELL out of here!  This is not a request, that is an order!  I'm not going to let anyone else lose their lives again!  You get to safety!  This boss is almost dead but we can't finish it off ourselves.  Therefore you're going to make the smart choice and leave!  Killing one boss is not worth your own life!"  THen he continued in a more mild tone.  "And neither is sacrificing yourself for the sake of revenge.  We'll kill the demon, but you two MUST LEAVE NOW"  he called out.  After that he pushed them as far as he could from the fight.  Using all of his strength to do so against any protesting, sliding them across the room.  With that he'd call to the other parties.
     "Anyone who may die within the next hit LEAVE NOW.  I'm not losing ANYONE else today!  Don't risk your lives for rewards or revenge!  We'll finish it off with the health it has left."  With that, Domarus rushed forward and used his sword art against Miraak.  As he did so he slashed ruthlessly.  Mercilessly.  He was no longer fighting like a knight he typically pretended to be.  He was channeling his hatred into his blade.  Doing his best to gather it's hatred onto Domarus alone.

ID#  110195  BD:  3+5=8  21x13-75=193 damage

Adrian appeared on the other side of the corridor crystal with Hidden.  He ended up taking them to a location that she never encountered before.  Adrian patted her on the back.  "I appreciate your thirst for a good fight, but Itzal is level seventy six, and Hestia is powerful.  Even if she wasn't in top shape she was strong enough to be a problem by herself.  And while we could have killed the others if we fought hard enough, we probably would either be killed or arrested and I'm not quite ready for that yet.  Got too much to do."  He gave her a knowing look.  "And so do you if I recall."  Adrian rushed up to a fallen log and sat down on it, like the child he was.  Emphasis on was.  "So Hidden~  You're a wanted woman now, we both probably are.  That leaves you with a few choices~  You can either go you're own way and try to survive on your own.  Try to find some friends of your own, good luck with that.  You could turn yourself in and hope for the best.  Or.  You could try joining me and my guild."  He gave an innocent smile as he said this and continued.  "Even if you don't want to, at least accept my friend request.  I wanna keep in touch in case you want my help with taking down Aereth and the laughing coffin."

Domarus knew Keres was probably insanely confused at his actions.  He was too.  He didn't realize how much he cared about her.  She felt like a daughter to him...  He caught Hestia's smile however, and for the first time in his life.  He had hope that things would turn out decently at best.  He heard Embers' words but he did not reply.  She wouldn't understand.  Not even when she wasn't emotional.  He doubted she was the type of person who would listen or care.  As for Raven...  He wondered what she would do..