Domarus

"You did say that I could, though it would have only been on the cheek."  After whispering his response he rose up, straightening his back.  So he could use any potion whatsoever huh?  He turned to Mari as she spoke and he nodded.  From what she told him these potions were extremely potent.  He did not wish to see this sweet girl fall into such a depressed state right after she attempted to please them both from the bottom of her heart.  Despite his cruelness he respected this form of affection and did not want it tainted.

"Oh believe me I understand what you mean and I never had any intention on using that potion on her.  However I do have someone that I do need to break.  Not now of course, it's much to early...  However I was thinking.  I can't have the potion be too potent...  You said if you mixed two potions together the effect would be dulled somewhat?  Is it possible to blend the depression with a potion that, say, brought up the player's worst memories in general?  That might be the most effective against the girl....  Oh, not Esther no no no.  I found someone recently who has the potential to become powerful but she's so naive and with no self confidence that she's nothing.  Whoever this master of hers is who's teaching her seems to either be doing a poor job at it or is just too soft.  Either way I need to befriend her, then when the time is right, I need to break her and reforge her into something strong.  And the potion I just described would be the last piece to the process.  I do not doubt that you could make it and I'll definitely have col by the time you've made it, whether here or later."  With that out of the way he walked over to the potions and looked at them each again.  He passed over the ones such as Obsessive allure or absolute greed as they held no use to him.  He ignored calming honey as Esther seemed to be just that already.  The only one he had any real interest at this point was to see just how powerful the murderous intent potion was.  He slowly lifted the bottle and glanced at Mari.

"I need to see how potent this one is.  Most of my works require delicacy and slowness rather than rushed action.  If it's too potent when I order this I'll request it to be lessened in potency."

OOC- If Esther ends up agreeing to the kiss then in her post she can drink the thread and add that Domarus gently kisses her on the cheek.  Otherwise there is no reaction from Domarus

@Mari

Domarus saw her shrug and knew she didn't care about what he said.  However he did see a dash of concern in her eyes and while he would do nothing to Esther he knew her concern.  She was afraid of his influence on the girl close to the way he respected the danger and threat she posed.  While this relationship could grow or collapse, it truly was on neutral ground as of now.  He was totally and completely fine with that.  He listened as Mari talked about how she truly didn't mind and how he should probably ask the girl once the potions effects wore off.  He agreed with her but then she said he could always test them on himself.  To this he grinned darkly at her, his burning gaze making it's way into Mari's.

"Most of your I want to see in action either open up or seduce players.  Just because I've shown you my goals does not mean I want you to know my heart's true desires, nor do I wish for you both to unlock all of my secrets with that truth serum.  No, I shall not use it on myself...  Yet.  Perhaps in the privacy of my own servant we could test the rest of them out together but for now?  I'd rather use someone else thank you very much."  Domarus turned to the girl as she vouched to take any potion he requested...  Even to the point of receiving a kiss.  He managed to keep himself from grinning on the outside, fully keeping the face he was wearing when he explained to Mari he wanted no part in the experiment just yet.  He walked over to Esther and waited until she seemed to come to his senses and bent down to her level.

"Now that the potion's run out are you truly ok with any potion that I choose?  And do you really want me to give you a kiss?"  The last part was such a low whisper that Mari could not hear him.  He loved to see the emotional effect he drew out of people, as it usually told him how to manipulate others.  This time however he was doing it not only to mess with them for humor's sake, but to have a little fun.  He decided that if the girl accepted he would use the murderous intent.  He did however turn to Mari, knowing that she'd comply.

"How much for the depression potion by the way?  I'd rather not see this girl in such a state but I need to know how powerful of a potion it is.  I need it for a project of mine you see."

@Esther

Domarus inwardly grinned as she soaked his words up like a sponge.  And why wouldn't she?  He focused on her words creating list of thoughts as she did so.  Dark red.  The color of blood, of pain.  Fight mobs.  Good, perhaps he could develop some sort of mild bloodlust where she feels the need to destroy a monster or two.  Flowers?  Eh he didn't care about those other than alchemic purposes but to each his own.  Pancakes.  So she has a sweet tooth does she?  Twilight.  A time in the darkest part of the twenty four hours.  Excellent.  DPS?  So he was correct then.  Make it out alive.  To this Domarus let out a humorous chuckle.

"Well I believe that's everyone's goal really.  Maybe you have another goal?  Something more personal than just escaping this world?  It sounds to me like you don't have a strong reason to return other than France, which you already seem reluctant to do."  He continued to listen to her.  Five other friends eh?  He was going to assume one of these friends was her master which meant that she had four others that Domarus could possibly turn if he played his cards right.  Then as she talked about how she wanted to get to the front lines, to escape the game.  To become strong at most any cost, he struggled very hard not to allow the dark and mischievous grin to sprout across his features.  Oh yes, this was perfect.  She may not realize that killing isn't the only dark thing you could do in this game, but after he broke her he now knew she would be more than willing to do whatever was necessary other than killing.  Domarus himself didn't care for murder.  After all what was there to rule if you kept killing everyone?  He believed that only those who go about mass murdering others or cause way too many problems than their actually worth should be permanently removed.  Other than that he would either ignore them or find more safe methods of removing them such as public humiliation or something that would discredit them so their word meant little to nothing.  Of course he needed to make it appear as his target's fault not his own otherwise his own reputation would drop.  He returned his focus as the girl thanked him and as she did they had both finished their meal.  He smiled gently to her and told her that he cares about her when his timer went off.  He checked the time and saw that he had a few minutes to meet up with Keres.  Mentally cursing to himself he turned to Alisa.

"My apologies, I can't be late for something.  I truly do want to get to know you better.  Could we set something up?"  As he spoke he sent a friend request her way, hoping for her to say yes.  No, she would say yes.  She wanted friends and she thought that he was one of the best there was.  Why would she refuse?

Domarus nodded with a smile as the player Rain was willing to give him the potions.  As he heard his servant speak he was shocked and just a little upset that she chose to have such confidence.  However it probably was a good thing in this situation as he didn't want them knowing he was affiliated with him, nor did he want them to see her servant role...  Yet.  After all he had just begun this game of deceit and it was way too early to be showing anything of that sort.  And she was doing quite well with this role.  Yes.  He had taught her well.  In the end he decided there was no real reason to punish her today.  Perhaps he might even reward her.  But that was yet to be seen.  She may have done well here but she could very much screw up and lose that reward.  Still she managed to get them five extra potions and for that he was grateful.  As he pressed the accept button he smiled at the agitated player.  He doubted he knew whatsoever that he was wearing a mask and was certain that the player was only upset at the situation that he had allowed to form.  It was his own fault for setting up a stall on the first floor with all of the losers.  He should have gone higher where players weren't so stupid or naive.

"Thank you very much sir!  I promise I'll put these to good use!"  Oh he'd put them to good use alright.  He would use them to power level so fast he would not be a weak level.  He despised being useless or helpless.  He wanted to become so powerful that other would look up to him, not the other way around.  In fact he wanted to become so powerful that he becomes such an important member of the front lines nobody can really remove him without seriously injuring their chances for getting out.  One he did that his chances of his plans succeeding would progress immensely.  He nodded to the alchemist and turned to walk away, knowing very well that despite the pretense his servant was keeping up she would be close behind him.

+ 2 greater MIT potions

+ 1 greater DMG potion

+ 1 minor MIT potion

+ 1 minor DMG potion

Domarus shook his head a little bit with a gentle smile after taking a few more bites.  This girl was impossible. What had this master of hers actually taught her?  This girl had little to no self confidence in herself whatsoever and continued to tell him that she had nothing of interest.  Of course she had something of interest, there was no other reason for him being here.  This foolish girl was hopeless without him.

"First off no, there is much to learn about you.  What's your favorite color?  What do you like to do?  Do you like flowers?  What about favorite foods?  What time of day or night do you like the best?  Sunrise, sunset or twilight?  What build do you want?  What are your goals in this world?  How many friends do you have?  I want to learn about you not your history."  He gave a comforting smile.  This girl was going to open up.  He just needed to start by making her more confident than this master of hers ever made her.  Then he'd simply strengthen their relationship to the point where his plans could unfold properly.  He needed time to save up enough col to purchase one or two potions from Mari.  Specifically the depression potion.  However he might need one or two more potions over time.  Hopefully not very soon of course.  He needed to make more sound and foundational plans set in place.  He had arc yes, and this girl obviously but what next?  Perhaps they could help him find suitable recruits but that still required planning.  There had to be a better way to go about this.

"And second don't cut yourself short.  Figuratively of course.  I can already tell you can be a strong and independent woman if you push yourself.  You just got to stand on your own two feet, push yourself, and walk out into the world.  We make mistakes and learn from them, no need to beat yourself up.  And no you don't bore me in the slightest."  He started out making a joke and ended with a friendly chuckle and smile.  This was an interesting case and he was eager to see what would happen in the end.

Domarus listened Jonathan expand on his earlier remark, sparking a conversation at last.  It was one he didn't care for but was necessary to keep his suspicions at a minimum.  He wondered how to word his response.  He could just openly tell him why he wanted to be an artisan.  Or he could talk about how he always loved designing things.  Either way he had to speak up.  And he decided to choose the latter.

"Well I wanted to do Artisan because I love designing things.  I make all sorts of trinkets back at home.  It's a lot of fun and people get a benefit.  More so here than in the real world too.  And I think being an alchemist would be cool!  I met an alchemist not long ago.  Kind of a weird person.  What was her name again?  Mira, uh, Mina...  Ah, Mari, that was it."  There.  Now that he had told him a bit he could let Jonathan continue the conversation.  Mari.  They had recently met and Domarus was most interested in her potion creations.  He had suggested a memory potion as well as a torture potion and she said she could make it.  They had made a deal:  He would buy her potions.  She would leave him alone.  He found her thanks to Esther, a way too innocent girl for her own good who ended up in an odd situation by getting a collar with a chain leash and was held by Mari whenever Esther was with her.  Domarus needed no leash for his own servant Keres however.  She was loyal by pure affection.  In fact she was interesting because she enjoyed beatings.  Not only that but she adored Domarus deeply.  She was his faithful servant.  He was her master.  And yet at the same time they were the only friend each other had.  Only further strengthening the bond between them.  He began to seek out anything that could be used for potions and almost thought he saw....  The same plant he had seen before?  When Esther was showing him how to search for materials he had stumbled upon something that turned out to be a very useful little thing for making poisons.  However as he reached in the bushes the false plant sprayed out a stink cloud.  He moved back like lightning holding his hand to his nose.

"Cough cough, nope!  Nothing here!"

@Morgenstern

And that was it.  Her fate was sealed.  She was now his so called 'friend'.  She took the bait and now all he had to do was .  With that handshake as he smiled gleefully to her, he was already setting up plans for their next meeting.  Perhaps he should meet her master.  Perhaps he should find her when she was on her own.  He went with on her own as he didn't think it time to meet her master yet.  He did want to know his name though.  Not immediately but as they learned more about each other.  Which would be his next approach.  How to progress?  He needed to change a few details in his story and background if he was going to share information.  In return for her sharing her story of course.  He almost never shared his story but then, it wasn't the full story now was it?

"I feel like I should share a bit of my life since you showed yours.  Where to start?  I didn't have my mother but my father was kind enough.  I began playing video games when my father became too busy at work and when I switched from home school to public school it was high school.  I quickly made friends, but one was more important to me.  She and I were inseparable.  She's here in the game too, but we split up for now.  We'll meet up after this.  I helped the other kids expose the bullies at school and after I graduated I got a job.  When this game came out I bought it and played it.  Nothing else really happened.  Maybe we could learn more about each other?  I'd like to know my friends better if that's ok with you."  This was going better than planned.  It wasn't true of course.  The reality was that he turned a handful of students into his followers after he met Raven.  The girl was an interesting case.  She enjoyed being punished and beaten, which worked fine with Domarus.  They talked for a bit in private and after striking a deal and having moment together, she had become his servant.  His most faithful follower.  After some time the bullies thought it best to put his ego down to size.  Unfortunately for them he was not only six foot six, but he had a handful of followers.  With no teachers around and nobody to protect them, the bullies got the biggest beating of their life.  With that event he became the king of the school, almost literally.  And now he would duplicate the events here.  He would rule again, maybe not all of Aincrad, but definitely many players, enough to give him power and security.  And already he had two potential servants, and someone willing to give him tools to make his progress easier.

Domarus watched as the man yelled at the player, declaring his obvious distaste to the player's comment.  It seemed this player did not enjoy being compared to npcs on any level.  Domarus very heartily agreed as he did not want to be considered as low as his servant.  He was of course still a pathetic level, but that would soon change.  Very soon his level would skyrocket.  The player listened to his request and Domarus enjoyed watching the flash of anger that showed briefly before he covered it up with a face that he assumed was the players norm.  So this player practiced deceit too?  He wasn't a master at it of course but at least he had discovered a player who practiced it.  However he had already found a personal alchemist.  Mari.  Mari not only had potions of all sorts but her own unique creations suited Domarus' needs very well.  It was Esther who first introduced him to the woman and she seemed cold and cruel, both of which he admired.  He listened as the player made his reasoning and presented a compromise.  Domarus gave an embarrassed look and rubbed his neck as he gave a weak chuckle.

"Ah, sorry.  I guess I just wasn't paying attention is all.  Makes sense and I'm sorry if it seemed like I was trying to rip anyone off.  If that's the case then I'll switch one damage potion and the health potion to uncommon to fit the needs.  Does that work out?"  

Domarus smirked as she began to literally 'pray' to him, playing of course but giving him a feel of ultimate control over her.  He liked it that way.  He placed his hand on her head, pressing down only slightly.  He knew that while she enjoyed pain she could only handle so much and he knew when she reached her limit.

"Very well.  I, the lord of Deceit and manipulation, forgive you of your transgressions, and shall lead you down the path to ultimate glory under the shadow of my dark wing.  None shall taint you so long as you follow me.  You may rise my faithful servant."  He knew that anyone observing this would have thought they were a cult of some sort.  He didn't care as the shadows spread across the ally covered their features.  As she rose to her feet she placed two fingers and began making them walk up his chest.  Only she could make him this excited he thought.  He allowed his dark features the hint of a smirk at her comment.

"Not nearly, but we will make you more clever than any mortal that crawls in this land.  Follow your lord faithfully and be rewarded my dear.  Now that you have risen, reborn again from repentance, follow me.  We have much to discuss."  He turned and began walking away, expecting her to follow him closely behind.  His stride was his natural one.  One of power, authority, of cruel dominance.  However as he exited the alley he switched this to his pretense of the knight in shining armor with swiftness.  For now that he had finally vented his frustrations he was able to deceive with ease and not the slightest bit of hesitation as he smiled and waved to others as he passed by.  Soon they reached a restaurant and the two sat down, opposite of each other.  The place was completely empty besides the npc owner and waitress.  The waitress noticed them and began to walk over to take their order.

Despite the fact that she was too innocent and to open for her own good, Domarus was extremely surprised that she'd release such in real life information so easily.  When he won her over he would need to teach her how to conceal the truth without making it appear like she was doing so.  Still, this was the perfect opportunity.  She showed him that she wanted friends more than anything because she didn't have that.  She also apparently felt like she was useless.  So she already felt she had no purpose and this master of hers was trying to fill that void?  Heh.  Domarus would change that quickly.  After befriending her he would work towards setting up a scenario that forced her to face the cruelty of this world before fooling her into consuming Mari's potion, forcing her into a depressed state and allowing him to shatter her emotions, only to piece them back together into a much stronger, resilient, and more obedient version of Alisa.  He paused his eating and looked at her with false sorrow.

"Alisa.  I'm so sorry to hear that.  Nobody should be alone.  I'm glad your making friends and I'd love to be yours too if you'd let me.  I understand if you don't though, it's no big deal.  Whether you do or you don't though, know this:  I may not know much about you, you are not worthless.  On that I swear my life."  He finished with a sad and yet pleasant smile.  Which he loathed.  All this sweet talk was maddening, but he could bear it.  With each day he would vent on his servant and was able to handle the frustrations that would build up as well as pathetic players.  She however was not pathetic.  She had a hidden strength in her, a passion that had yet to be released.  He would do so.  He would break her only to resurrect her anew.  Anew and stronger than ever.  Not only stronger though.  When she was rebuilt she would know she had much to learn and he would be her new master, and her his apprentice.  With her by his side he would have his first general and be well on his way to becoming the most powerful man in this world.

@Mossino

Domarus was walking through the town of beginnings, once again filled with players who were so pathetic, groveling in their self pity, sorrow or self amplified fear.  These pathetic weaklings couldn't do anything because they allowed their emotions to hold them back, staying within the safety of the town.  So far he had only seen a few strong players every now and then, mainly in the shops that dotted across the town.  Other than these very few players he had no interest in the others.  However he was building a very specific reputation and always wore a smile that seemed genuine to all who saw him, his eyes showing kindness and and eagerness to help.  He looked like your typical knight in shining armor.  Except without the armor.  He had no gear as of yet but it was only a matter of time.  He had made an order at a strong player's shop recently for a weapon and he intended to take a quest that would grant him suitable armor until he could afford a better set.  In the meantime however he was helping his servant Keres adjust to the game's mechanics.  She followed him closely from behind as the walked around until he spotted something odd.  He saw a small crowd over at a stand with the words Alchemy free giveaway.  Free potions?  He began to walk over there with the friendliest smile he could wear and walked up to the stand between players.

"Hello there!"  He nodded at the woman before recognizing her as the woman Adhae.  How could he not as she was nearly his size?

"Good to see you again Adhae!  So master alchemist, I was interested in two greater MIT potions, tier one, two greater damage potions tier 1, and one greater health potion tier 1."

Domarus nodded to Mari as they had settled on a deal.  He wouldn't be able to make any purchases right off the bat of course, but this was what he did best.  He learned what he could about anything and everything, learned how he could use it for his own needs, and begin to set plans for the future.  That's exactly what he did.  After he met Esther she led him here, where he was more than pleased with the results.  Suddenly Esther leaped from his lap and plunged into Mari, who reddened from total embarrassment.  As she fought to push her 'servant' off Domarus howled with loud booming laughter mixed with pure honest humor as this was the sort of thing he enjoyed.  The weak calling her superior mistress.  It was how the world worked whether people realized it or not.  Democracy was a mask put on for fools who thought they could actually be equal.  In truth the ones in control manipulated the world behind the mask, setting the stage slowly, building their way up until the democracy became anarchy.  That's what happened to Rome and Domarus expected this to happen to America as well.  His laughing stilled at last and his eyes flashed with both humor and irony at the difference between them.  Both were cruel in some respect, and both had a lapdog, but they saw the world slightly differently it seemed.

"My apologies, I couldn't help but sense the humor in this.  You have your own follower, someone who adores you and wants to help you in all your endeavors, and while you have her on a literal leash you dislike it.  I have my own servant who adores me and for some strange reason enjoys being beaten.  Her leash is her affection towards me.  You have Esther call you mentor while mine calls me master, as that is what I am.  I'm her master.  Yet at the same time I'm her only friend, and vice versa.  Well, at least until I met Esther.  Despite being so easily fooled she has gained my affection."  He listened to Mari talk about how he could view one last potion if he wished.  He pondered the different potions she had shown him.  The ones he was most interested in were the ones that could prove most valuable.  Murderous intent he would like to avoid but he would like to know how effective it could be.  He did however also need to see how effective the depression potion would work.  He could think of multiple ways he could use this after all.  He also wanted to see how well the truth serum would work.  However he did not wish to see the girl in an extremely depressed state.  Neither did he wish to make Mari uncomfortable by seeing this sweet girl gain a murderous intention.  Perhaps she'd be perfectly fine with the truth serum but he wasn't so sure...

"The potions I want to test I either don't want to see used on her, or I believe you'll be uncomfortable with.  If your certain you have no issue with anything I use then I'll go ahead and select one."

@Esther

Domarus listened to Alisa's answer and realized that his original plan wouldn't work now.  He intended to ask her why she would want to go to Japan if she loved France so much.  However she just said she hated home yet missed it.  No simple questions would work with this girl.  He needed to think about how to move from here.  Like lightning his mind began setting up ideas and results, removing ones that would not work and ones that will.  He wasn't sure how far into her training her master was with her, but he couldn't risk breaking her.  At least not yet.  At some point however, after she was done with her master he would use one of the potions Mari had shown him.  It was a powerful potion, just like all of her potions, and bring up the most depressing thoughts and emotions, allowing him to push her to the brink of emotional breakdown.  When everything she thought she knew was seen as false and flawed that's when he would step in and give her a reason to live.  He would use his silver tongue to persuade her into agreeing with his beliefs.  It was a flawless plan and he couldn't mess it up here.  He knew what he needed to do now.  He looked at her confused and still a tad bit concerned as the waitress placed down their plates.

"How can you miss home and yet hate it?  Did you hate the environment but miss someone special?  Or was it vice versa?"  He thought that this was the safest route.  If she answered him then he could further work toward comforting her, giving her even more reason to like and trust him.  If she decided not to answer he could apologize and say that he was a naturally curious fellow and wanted to see if he could help her as she looked hurt in some way.  Either route would raise his status with her further.  The only difference was that the first result would be more beneficial.  He took a bite of his sandwich and felt the fire ignite inside of him.  He loved anything that reminded him the pure raw strength of passion.  Fire, rage, heat, it all reminded him of it.  He didn't show his craving however.  All he showed was that he enjoyed the sandwich.  He awaited her response, curious to see how this would turn out.

Domarus smirk increased as Mari yelled at him.  

"What?  I didn't expect this and I'm quite used to it.  I didn't get good at manipulation in this game you know."

He listened as Mari mulled over how she could make the memory wipe and what effects it would have.  He listened carefully thinking over the scenario in his head.  He intended to use forms of interrogation that he couldn't allow to be recalled, whether he was beating or torturing the target, or if he was using the truth serum.  Emotion wouldn't work as it could link to any memory connected with fear, pain, sadness, or other blended emotions.

"Hmm.  The reason for the memory potion was so that after an interrogation I could remove that specific memory so they wouldn't know they spilled any information, nor know that I was the one who did it.  It would be odd though for them to just wake up and see someone like me standing there.  Perhaps a potion that could completely erase recent memory and put them to sleep?"  If they were put to sleep he could easily transport them to their home and they would simply think they overslept.  It would work perfectly if that were the case, but he made sure Mari know that he didn't expect perfection.  He listened to her talk about the front liners killing each other and acting like a bunch of teenagers.  If that was so then his chances were increasing rapidly.  If he joined the front lines and helped give them a reason to take out the pkers he could earn a reputation there besides becoming invaluable to fighting the bosses.  He just had to make sure he wasn't the one who dealt the killing blow to avoid his cursor turning orange.  He listened as she told him information wasn't free and he grinned.

"Oh I know that very well.  I just want to make sure you let me know if something comes up.  You do that, I'll pay you a fair amount, and we both leave happy."  A wide grin grew on his face as she described the torture potion.  If she could decrease the dampeners it could work.  However.

"I was thinking more along the lines of a pain like the effects of crusio from the Harry Potter series.  Pain unlike any other but it's all in the mind.  I suppose I could use the dampening version but it wouldn't be as effective as-"  He paused as Esther whined about him stopping and pleaded for more.  Mari seemed extremely pissed about the matter even though it was her own potions influence.  Domarus took a seat and picked the girl up, placing her on his lap and began to stroke her soft hair as well as her arm.  He knew how to physically please others without making it too uncomfortable or over the edge.  He looked at Mari with a face with no interest other than business.

"So we have a deal?  I'd like to pay with materials after what I heard about the information broker.  I'd like to have the col in case something interesting comes up."

@Esther

Domarus saw a twinge of sadness on her expression as he asked about her French accent.  Upon her response he smiled inwardly.  At last he was getting somewhere.  He needed to convince her to share more detail with him.  This could be the first step to drawing him over to his side.  He needed to take it gently though.  Not only was she young and so very manipulative, she had a master who would notice any drastic changes.  He also didn't want Alisa to tell her master about this.  This was a delicate matter indeed but if he played his cards right nothing would go wrong and he'd have another follower.  He let his smile waver a bit after what she said about France.

"Are you alright?  You look a little sad."  He let those words hang for a while before continuing.

"Well thank you for the compliment.  If you aren't comfortable talking about your home I won't pry.  It just looks like you miss it is all."  Good.  He was doing well.  A good mix of concern, sadness, and manners all wrapped in one.  This was how a normal gentleman acted and could usually fool most people.  It was the perfect set up.  He would seem genuinely concerned for her happiness when really he just wanted to know the details about her which would allow him more options and windows for manipulation.  He needed to know everything about her, just like he needed to know more about Arc.  While her eyes were down he looked at her rapier once again and realized she was a damage dealer.  Interesting.  Then she would need an evasive build more than anything.  If she needed an evasive build chances were that her master was a dps of some sort.  Otherwise her master could only teach her the statistics in this game, not strategy or skills.  He wondered how skilled she truly was.  However that would come in time.

Domarus was pleased to hear that Mari would do nothing to hinder his goals and nodded to her with a devious look.  As he leaned against the wall he watched as the girl shoved every drop of the liquid down her throat and set the bottle aside.  He saw the galaxy in her eyes and wondered if there was a potion that had a different effect on the eyes.  At the same time she seemed to lose focus for a moment, appearing light headed, and then suddenly broke out in giddiness and lunge onto Domarus who was not expecting that.  He was expecting something else like someone from the real world that she liked, such as a mother or best friend.  He watched as she rubbed her cheek against his arm and looked up as he listened to Mari speak.  Now that he understood he nodded his understanding.

"I have one or two ideas myself if your interested.  One being a reverse of forget-me-not where you can erase a recent memory."  He turned to Esther grinned wickedly.  He loved it when people did this.  Showed nothing but affection and unyielding loyalty.  He wouldn't do anything bad of course, he simply loved the feeling of power one felt when they were in this position.  Acknowledging her plead he began to pet her head like one would a cat.  He didn't stroke her like he did with his own personal servant as that was not only a personal thing, but he rarely did anything of the sort.  As he pet her he looked at Mari.

"Well since she's like this I might as well share my proposal.  My intention is to grow stronger, strong enough to be important among the front lines.  So much so that I'll be too important to remove.  Along with that I'll be gathering my own personal followers, increasing both my power as level and as a personal player.  I don't intend to kill anyone of course, but I will not allow someone to stand in my way.  If I use these potions correctly it would make manipulating others to my will much easier.  The proposal is this:  I'll become your personal customer, and as long as you don't hinder my plans, continue to make potions for me, and if acceptable to you, keep me informed of things that might be a threat to my conquest.  In return I'll pay for your potions and when I grow in power I can attempt to use my influence to persuade others to respect you.  Whether it's in a good or negative way is up to you.  I'm just informing you that it's quite possible I might be able to.  And with Esther here with you it would definitely be easier to do that.  Also, I was wondering if you might be interested in a torture potion.  Real pain may not exist here but phantom pain does."

@Esther

Domarus listened as Mari told him that she would teach her rather than him.  With an understanding and cruel smile he nodded.  She didn't trust him which was understandable and the girl was hers after all.  Mari was the girl's master not him.  She would choose who, what and how to go about it.  She then confronted his untold offer by telling him it would depend if she actually had to do anything at all.  He couldn't help but chuckle darkly.

"As long as you make me these potions and don't get in my way you don't have to do anything for me.  Except maybe let Esther and I spend time together.  She gave me some col to use to get equipment and told me that in return she wanted to spend more time together.  You seem to be one to respect a promise and deal so you should have no problem with this arrangement right?"  He finished with a smirk and saw her start to think to herself.  What was going in that beautifully twisted head of hers?  She told him he was smart enough to admit it and he made a dismissive gesture with his shoulders.

"When deception no longer works always go with the truth.  As I said I'm a master of manipulation and I know where manipulation fails.  Luckily those who can see past my disguise tend to be those who end up furthering my goals."  He heard her talk to him with interest and he prepared himself for anything.  When she finally told him her idea his curiosity peaked and he walked over and began to read the descriptions......  What he saw pleased him more than he expected.  So many ways to manipulate the mind.  So many tools he could use.  He frowned when he saw Mari's antidote and while he understood why she made it he simply needed to be more discrete with the way he presented these potions to his victims.

"Is it possible to mix these potions into items like foods or potions that have buffs?"  He let his hand hover over each of the potions, feeling the energy and power emanate from them and letting it soak into his very soul, feeling the power and influence these creations could give him.  He would need to be cautious of course else someone would figure out what he was doing and who gave him the tools to do so.  While he'd like to see how effective the murderous intent potion would work out, he didn't want Mari to get pissed at his disregard for the girl's mind.  He smiled when he discovered the effects of Esther's favorite.

"Why not let her taste the potion she so very much loves?"  He leaned against the wall, eager to see the effects.

@Esther

Domarus heard her apologies and was satisfied that her cockiness had leeched out of her, but at the same time was more than pleased to see the soft smile on her face.  He knew it wasn't totally her fault for just running off like this.  She felt invincible in this world, and while he knew the feeling very well, he also knew that it wasn't good for her to have that with her naivety towards the world.  He was the only reason she would be able to survive.  Without him she would be crushed and destroyed.  He nodded to her as he continued to stroke her, hearing her thank him in pleasure.  He loved it when she did that.

"Good.  Now that you remember your place I'll show grace and forgive you for your sins.  It's easy to be stupid when you feel yourself invincible does it not?  Maybe you'll respect me a little more now that you understand a little more of what it's like.  Just because you feel invincible doesn't mean you are.  You have to be the smartest person in the room, knowing full well what's going on and how to alter the situation."  As he spoke his voice dropped into a soothing and calming voice.  He continued to stroke her face, pulling her in closer with his arm that was currently wrapped around her.  His servant was still his servant yes, but their relationship went much deeper than that.  Being his only friend, and vice versa they enjoyed each other's company very much.  After several more minutes of this he leaned his head in to whisper into her ear.

"I'm glad to see you again."  He pulled away and resumed his mastering tone.

"Now get up.  We have work to do.  Follow me, I found a place were we can eat and discuss my plans.  There is much for you to catch up on."

@Keres

Domarus listened as Mari spit back words of venom.  However her tone, attitude, and choice of words had no effect on him.  The only way she could harm him was by killing him here and now, or choosing to stop his plans once and for all.  Both of which he was now confident she would never do.  She talked about how she didn't care whatsoever what he planned on doing, but he had a proposal to make that required explanation.  It was a weak proposal but it might end up working.  One day when he gained many followers he might be able to help them respect Mari, whether out of fear or for whatever good Esther seemed to see in her.  Whatever Mari wanted really as she was the one he was making a deal with.  Before he could say anything however she continued to talk, telling him how he was asking something for free.  Before he could respond she told him she killed eight players and that he could find their names on the wall with all those players who failed to stay alive.  The way she said it though.  Did she..  Regret her actions?  He was honestly impressed that she was able to take down eight players.

"Heh.  Very well.  I'll look into it.  I'll find out the truth sooner or later.  Perhaps I'll find a player who knew what happened.  However I'd like your side of the story when I hear the others.  It's hard to get the truth from one source, especially when they hate or fear the other."  He watched and listened as Mari began to talk about their relationship and seemed a bit embarrassed by the situation.  Personally he thought it a bit weird too.  Sure he had his own personal servant, but even he didn't give her a collar and leash.  Not only that but a leash was for a servant, not an apprentice.  Master and apprentice was the sort of thing where the master taught everything to their apprentice so that they could carry on their legacy or perhaps become a more suitable servant.  Perhaps he should get an apprentice himself.  He nodded with a spark in his eyes as Mari talked about how Esther was stupid to accept.

"Coming from a master of it, she's definitely one who can be manipulated easily.  I can teach her how to identify someone attempting to manipulate her if you'd like.  To be completely honest I like her to some extent."  When Mari made a threat of sorts he sneered at her.

"I'd be an idiot to cross someone like you anyways Mari."  It was then Esther spoke up, talking about how she was there in the room with them.  Now having his attention she pulled out one of the potions and handed it to Domarus.  He took the vial and gazed at it carefully.  He was genuinely surprised to see a small galaxy in his palm and stared at it for a while, wondering which malicious potion this was.  After observing it he handed it back to Esther with a nod.

"Pretty, but I'm more interested in the effects.  I appreciate your enthusiasm and willingness to help though.  Mari, as for how I can help you, besides helping Esther with resistance to being manipulated as well as payment for potions, I have an offer that you may or may not care for entirely.  I can't tell this early so I wish to know if your interested."

@Mari

Domarus watched the Jonathan's immediate reaction as hesitation through his eyes.  It seemed he was already very suspicious of him but why would someone be suspicious that people wanted to meet other people?  It should be natural for a new player to want the chance to meet other players, as well as learn about the different builds in the world.  Of course the man named Arc had already shared to him what builds and stats there were, but that didn't really matter now.  He was here to learn about materials and col, and above all, gain followers.  However this player was awfully suspicious and if he didn't warm up to Domarus then he would need to find someone else.  But for now he just needed to persuade this player that he was honest and good.  Everything he wasn't basically.  At least, Domarus believed the word good depended on your point of view.  Personally he doesn't see anything wrong in getting your own personal goals so long as nobody's actually hurt doing it.  But once again you'd need to think about what it is to actually hurt someone to determine that.  He releases severe punishments on his servant partly because he needs a way to vent, and partially because she enjoys it.  He smiled at Jonathan, showing no suspicion or confusion in any way.

"That would be great!  I don't have many friends here as most of them didn't get the game in time, and I'd like to make some more.  The more the merrier right?"  As they walked out of the city gate Domarus scanned the area for anything that could be used for alchemy.  Esther had showed him what was useful and what wasn't not long ago, and he was eager to help Mari with her progress.  Esther told him that Mari made potions that influenced the mind using the nerve gear.  According to what he heard there was a potion that gave the target temporary bloodlust, a potion that forced the consumer to tell the truth, and a potion that acted as an addictive substance.  All three of these would greatly benefit his progress and he was told that she had more as well.  He wondered if it was possible to create a torture potion.  His eyes scanned the area, checking for any possible ingredients, but he didn't see anything.  Perhaps he should look a little more closely at the plants then maybe he would spot one.

@Morgenstern

Domarus fought hard not to grin as the woman pushed her apprentice away with her shoe and walked right up to Mari.  He faked shock at first until she made it clear that no mask would fool her.  After she said that he made a small, devilish grin, his eyes releasing their gentleness and giving off the flaming passion that burned within him.  His body switched from the 'knight in shining armor' role to the role he was born for:  revealing the fact that he knew what it was like to be fully in power over someone and that he still was to some extent.  Excellent he thought.  This woman was better than he could have hoped for.  She was powerful, uncaring, merciless, and nothing could deceive her.  Esther tried to interject and show him the potions she had told him about but he shook his head violently.  Now was not the time.  He needed to determine if this Mari character would cut him down for his future plans or if she'd be willing to partner with him.  After all, while he had nothing to offer now he soon would.  Already Arc was in the first stages of his control by beginning the friendship Domarus had so generously offered him.  But now was not the time to think on that.  He needed all his focus and attention on the here and now, with this impatient and very dangerous player.

"I am both impressed and pleased to know that nothing will deceive you.  And I like your attitude.  It suits you.  Well in the long run I want to know if you wouldn't mind selling me many of your 'personal potions' as well as seeing if you can make others to a more.. Specific purpose.  However for now I'd like to know how and why you became a playerkiller.  If you don't feel like sharing your most interesting history then so be it.  I simply want to know if you'll cut me down for the plans I have in Aincrad.  And seeing as how nothing gets by you I'll go ahead and say that I'd rather not have you as an enemy.  Better you be neutral toward me than hate me after all."  This woman was perfect.  She was the very thing that he looked for.  However she also didn't seem to want anything to do with anyone.  Luckily for him he had little innocent Esther here to help soften her up enough to get the information he wants.  While she may be cruel and relentless, it was possible she had morals that would say his personal endeavor was crossing the line.  If that were to happen he'd be in serious trouble unless he could either convince him to leave him alone and vice versa, or he'd need to gather forces to eliminate her.  Both of which would ruin his reputation.  The best way was difficult but worth it.  He needed her either as an ally or business partner.  Esther was already a friend and ally so he had that leverage of course, but he was certain that one wrong move and that leverage would count as nothing at all.

"And I'm quite interested in the relationship between you and Esther.  I have a servant personally whom I'll pick up later, but she seems to think that yours is a mentor apprentice relationship.  Is that true?  I'm fine either way of course, she's yours after all.  I would do nothing to harm her in any way."

Domarus was following the girl close as they evaded the eyes of the powerful monsters of this floor.  At least, powerful to them as they were weak players.  But that would change soon enough.  He nearly lost sight of the girl and if it weren't for her pink hair he would have lost her completely.  He watched her delve into a tent and now knew the destination.  Despite the fact that it was still the most pathetic weapon in the game, being a starter weapon, his two handed ax hung on his massive back showed what type of style he chose for combat.  He wasn't afraid of showing this Mari what build he was shooting for.  But he was going to put on his mask.  He told Esther about it, saying he wanted to see if she could easily see past the kindness that showed on the outside, and see the cruel, king like man he truly was.  It was his goal to gain followers as he increased in strength, enough followers who would serve him faithfully and reap benefits because of it.  Arc was an excellent candidate for becoming a general of his, and while Esther wouldn't be a follower of his he could easily trick her into helping him fish information from someone by setting up a scenario with his target that would allow her nosy personality and her natural ability to withdraw information, so she would be helping him without even realizing it.  He had only just started his campaign and already he was finding helpers and followers.  She said she wanted to be his friend and that he needed more than just his own personal friend.  Thus he decided he would befriend this apprentice and master, er mentor as the girl called her, and leave it at that.

As he bent down to enter the tent he saw Esther brushing the armor clean while the woman Mari held the chain.  The woman's armor wasn't exactly intimidating but it wasn't welcoming either, and the skirt didn't help at all.  But what truly interested him was her eyes end expression.  Merciless, cruel, obviously ready to kill if she felt it was required.  He felt more at home than he had been in a long time.  Allowing his currently gentle eyes to scan the room with curiosity, he saw the many test tubes and devices for inventing new potions.  So it was true.  She did experiment.  Perhaps he could give her ideas.  Perhaps a torture potion.  Sure the game dampened pain, but phantom pain was more than real and if what Esther said was true about Mari creating potions that influenced the mind, it was definitely possible.  He now turned to Mari and smiled at her, gleeful and cheerful as he held up the pretense that he was your average 'knight in shining armor'.  He hoped she would guess that he talked to Esther and accepted the fact that she had chosen this path and that there was nothing he could do about it.  Hopefully the fact that he refused to look at the chain link right now was more than enough proof.

"So you're Mari then?  Pleased to meet you," he said with a low bow.  "My name is Domarus."

@Mari@Esther

Domarus listened to how she talked about it being lonely and completely disagreed...  Well partially agreed with her words.  Whenever he did feel lonely, which was extremely rare, he and Raven would share a private moment together.  After that he could go on for months without feeling lonely.  And with all the power he would possess, the followers and servants, the forces that bowed to his will.  His craving for this was far stronger than his need for personal relationship.  However she did have a point.  It would probably benefit to have one or two extra friends.  And of course she wouldn't understand what he was talking about, it wasn't the whole truth.  But she might end up hearing it when he spoke to Mari, if indeed she was the kind of person to accept such an ideal.  If she was he'd tell her his plans and work out a deal with her.

"Honestly I'm rarely lonely and in the short instances I am I have Raven there.  Well, I had her anyway.  I need to find her again soon to be honest.  When I do I won't have a problem.  However I don't see a problem with you and Mari being friends with me.  A little gang of misfits we'd be:  Two masters and.  Oh sorry, a master and 'mentor' as well as the servant and apprentice.  What a dangerous group we would be," he finished with a grin.  He honestly thought her knowledge on the stars was intriguing, and he might be able to make some form of personal communication with her knowledge.  He would have to talk to her about it later, after he set up a shop/lair until he was strong enough to gain a large mansion of some sort without being hated on.  It could be specific hand signals, or flashes of light.  Honestly there were many ways he could go about it and many uses for something like this as well.  She then mentioned how they could do both at the same time and he grinned at her.

"Sounds good.  Lead the way."  Evidently he would be meeting this Mari much sooner than he had intended or planned.  He better start thinking of ways to persuade her, no matter what her personality turned out to be.  He just hoped she didn't mind his version of doing things.  Whether she liked it or not he'd be using her potions for far more than staying alive.  Oh yes, if they struck a deal he'd be her front line customer.

Summary

Domarus gains 1 sp, 200 col, 1 material

Esther gains 1 sp, 200 col

He listened as she was a bit confused by his meaning but the overall point she gave him was yes, she'd be his ally.  Pleased that he finally had a hold on one or two people he began to make plans for them.  Esther's purpose was obvious of course:  Get safe access to this Mari character and discuss her 'personal' potions with her.  If Mari was interested in joining him he would gladly accept her help, if only to keep her from standing in his way or killing him in cold blood later, despite what sweet Esther says.  It was always best to be prepared.  Either way this was an excellent opportunity.  And he seemed to be making decent headway with the player known as Arc.  Domarus would make a fine general out of him one day.  One day indeed.  She asked him if his 'gaining reputation' was all so he could gain friends because he was lonely.  Lonely?  He didn't think he would take it that far at all.  All he really needed was his faithful and loyal servant and yet here he was making a potential friend rather than follower.  What was the world coming to?  He shook his head.

"Technically I was fine with the one friend until she went missing.  It was a perfect relationship between us to be honest.  I was honestly shocked that I would ever get any other friend whatsoever.  But you're one of those special ones.  No I'm legitimately trying to get followers for real.  People who will work for me and reap rewards because of it.  And people don't exactly love to follow anyone cruel or heartless, as you can probably guess.  I suppose this Mari fellow doesn't exactly act very nice to others now does she?  And how is that working out?  You can't lead others if you appear as the villain.  You need to look like the hero in shining armor, but really you're pulling all the strings until finally, you have so much power and faithful followers nobody can really do anything."

That's it.  He just gave away half of what he intended to keep secret.  He cursed silently to himself and smirked at her.  This girl whether she realized it or not would make a most excellent interrogator.  However she made a good point that she didn't choose deception on any level.  Perhaps he could trick her into helping him.  Go on a walk and suddenly 'run into' a player that he just so happened to need specific information, and try to gently push the conversation to where his target exposes the tip of it enough to where Esther becomes curious and naturally fishes the information out.  It would especially work if he collected the truth serum this Mari made.  This world just kept producing more and more joyous opportunities for him.  What a joyous life this would be.

"I wouldn't mind a drink at all, in fact I'd welcome it!  And although I'm a little hesitant to just jump the gun and meet this Mari character so soon, if you think it's fine I'll do it.  I have much to discuss with her anyways.  Particularly about her potions.  Heh heh."

Domarus began to walk into the blacksmith shop, having to bend over just a little to get through the doorway.  He was now going to receive a battle ax of supreme power and strength, very well tripling his current damage.  It would take time though, to become the most powerful damage dealer in the game.  There was much he needed to learn, and many followers to gather.  Hopefully before long he'd reach the front lines and become a very important member of the force.  If he positioned himself right he wouldn't have any problems regarding the future.  He looked around the shop and thought it ironic that the shop named the 'blazing typhoon' would be made out of one of the most flammable materials possible.  Or perhaps that was the point.  That the flames of players could erupt at any given moment.  He saw the player at the counter and after a quick analyzation determined him to be a powerful warrior.  Keeping up the 'knight in shining armor' pretense he smiled brightly at the player as he made his way up.

"Hello there!  I was interested in purchasing a better weapon for myself?  I heard about the discount and thought I should stop by."  He pulled up his menu so the player could see that he was indeed a level 2 player.  He placed the order on the counter and smiled.

"I'll go ahead and take a seat while waiting.  Don't feel rushed though, take your time!"  All this nice talk would normally kill him.  However with his servant back in his hands he was able to vent on her from time to time, which she enjoyed very much.  It was a suitable relationship that fit them both.  She received joyous pain, and he received a release to vent out the pent up frustrations that came the long process of manipulation.  As he sat down he hoped that the player wouldn't take his time and just make the weapon for him so he could start mastering the new weapon.  He had taken Esther's advice and gone with a weapon that matched his personality.  Hopefully people wouldn't be as judgmental as he was assuming.  He needed his reputation to be spot on, and he couldn't afford the slightest error this early in his campaign.