Hidden

I took a step back, my eyes set on my own reflection as fear settled into them. It had happened. I'd been manipulated by the game, the monster. I shook my head. Obviously, this was just a plot for me to fail the quest. "I-I don't believe any of this. You're just trying to make me feel this way. I am d-different now!" I stuttered through my words. I charged forward, slamming my fist into my own reflection but my fist only caused it to ripple. 

Coming out of my shadow was the figure of the woman that had been antagonizing me. The woman that was me. She grabbed my shoulders and whispered softly into my ear. Her voice sent a cold shudder down my spine. 

"I am not trying to make you feel anything. I am trying to remind you of what you really are." 

I suddenly lurched forward, distancing myself from the woman. My feet slammed into the beaten wooded path as I made my escape from her, from this reality. There had to be a way back into that dream. The world where everything felt right. I turned back, finding that the woman followed. While she wasn't running as I was, her walking pace kept her just in view. As she became a speck in my vision, my running came to a halt. 

My eyes fluttered to the scenery around me. It was the same dark cluttered forest as it had been. The trees were dead and gnarled, the lack of sunlight draining them of nourishment. Out of habit, I breathed the word, "Vanish" and my form became enshrouded by the shadows. My shadows. I could control this. I had a grasp on something in the very least. At least so I thought. 

It seemed that within the shadows, she wasn't safe. The place in which she thought was her domain had been entirely compromised. A quick glance at her health bar confirmed that she hadn't taken much damage, and was still in the okay. The boss had definitely hit hard, but this second phase was entirely nothing. It was more of a test of their AoE prowess to slaughter multiple enemies in succession. 

Of course, while that wasn't Hidden's forte, she knew plenty of people who more than excelled at it. 'I'll just keep picking off the stragglers.'  she told herself, glancing at the nearby shadows. Catching sight of a new target, she darted forward, pushing the tip of her dagger into its misty body. The creature rasped as the cold weapon penetrated its ethereal form. The monster dissipated, leaving very few shadows left in the vicinity. 

"Turns out I didn't even need to rely on the Assassin mod to kill them." she noted aloud before her figure vanished from sight without a trace. 

181459 BD:5+5-3=7 -> DMG: 23*13=299-25=274 DMG to Shadowling 36
181464 LD:5+5=10 Stealth Rating

Shadowling25 | HP: 24/250   | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | EVA: 1 | H: [0,2,0,0,0,0]
Shadowling29 | HP: 250/250 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | EVA: 1 | H: [0,0,1,0,0,0]
Shadowling32 | HP: 0/250 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | EVA: 1
Shadowling33 | HP: 0/250 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | EVA: 1
Shadowling34 | HP: 0/250 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | EVA: 1
Shadowling35 | HP: 0/250 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | EVA: 1
Shadowling36 | HP: 0/250 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | EVA: 1

Macradon | HP: 1985/1985 | EN: 174/191 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 2 | MIT: 194 | HLY: 12 | VO: 198 | PHASE | REC: 6 | FRTHRNS: 21, 6 DOT | BH: 99 | FIGHTING SPIRIT | LD: 5 | EN REGEN: 3 | FRAURA: 15 | PARRY | [PARRY: --/2]
@ChaseR| HP: 1600/1690 | EN: 111/148 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 5 | MIT: 106 | HLY: 12 | BRN: 12 | TXV: 24 | PRLYZ: 8+ | VD: 84 | HBS: 16 | LD: 8 | Dote: 3 | DoT -27 | BH: 84 | EN REGEN: 3 | FIGHTING SPIRIT | PARRY | [PARRY: --/2]
@Mari | HP: 1820/1910 | EN: 91/170 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 4 | MIT: 88 | FLN: 6 | VO: 191 | FLAURA: 15 | KEEN: 1 | Dote: 3 | Dot: -27 | Oxidant | BH: 95 | EN REGEN: 3 | KEEN
Hidden| HP: 1495/1510 | EN: 85/130 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 5 | MIT: 79 | HLY: 8 | VO: 226 | LD: 3 | Dote: 3 | DoT: -27 | Oxidant | BH: 75 | EN REGEN: 3 |  [VANISH: 1/3] | STEALTH: 10
@Pinball| HP: 1410/1500 | EN: 117/132 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 6 | MIT: 15 | BH: 90 | FRZ: 36/8-10 | Phase | SAFEGUARD | Dote: 3 | DoT: -27 | Oxidant | RESTED: 2/3 | EN REGEN: 3
@Jomei| HP: 1615/1705 | EN: 145/169 | DMG: 21 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 6 | MIT: 88 | BRN: 36 | BLI: 36 | HB: 16 | BH: 85 | EN REGEN: 3 | CONC 0/3 | PARRY | [PARRY: --/2]

I opened my eyes as the laughter ceased, finding myself standing over the frightened figure of the Laughing Coffin commander. My dagger once again was whole and resting in my hand. It was heavy, as if it wanted to kill this man. Killing him wouldn't effect the Laughing Coffin too much, he wasn't the leader, but he was the man who put me in that situation. I bit my lip. Somewhere deep down, I knew she was just proving some point. 

At that moment though, I didn't care. I wanted that man dead. It didn't matter if I was supposed to be a changing woman. A girl who was wrongfully framed as a murderer. Seething with anger, I held my dagger in a reverse grip and allowed my dagger to plunge into his chest. His lifebar fell into nothing, the man pixelating around me. Suddenly, the scene shifted, and I looked up facing a reflection. A reflection of myself. A murderous glint remained in my eyes, a relieve smile spread across my face. My own voice echoed through the room. 

"This is what I want. I want those who hurt me to be in just as much pain." 

My reflection stepped forward, pausing only a few feet away. "Its time to stop dreaming. Wake up. Stop pretending to be this cutesy misunderstood victim. You know deep down all you really want is revenge. Revenge on those who hurt you. To show everyone else how much you've hurt. Give back the pain you've had to endure." A shadowed hand grabbed my chin, pulling my face down slightly so that I looked directly into the eyes that reflected my own soul. They were dark, and filled with pain and anger. "B-But Mari said that frie-" 

"MARI DOESN'T KNOW YOU LIKE YOU DO! DOES IT FEEL BETTER TO HAVE PEOPLE PRETEND TO CARE ABOUT YOU? OR DOES IT FEEL BETTER TO GET WHAT YOU DESERVE?" 

The shadow hand lifted me off my feet and threw me to the floor. The world shifted to a place that haunted my nightmares. I remained chained to the floor, my clothing in tatters. Familiar words echoed across the room. 

"After three days and all it took was threatening some boy. I guess the infamous Shadow Walker has exploitable feelings after all?" The LC commander spat in her face. They had threatened Sey's life  if I didn't give into helping lure Aereth into a trap. "You really don't have much use to me anymore. I've got what I want. I'm leaving you here for the others to do something with. Their only orders are not to kill you, but you aren't bad looking. Luckily for you Aincrad has some rules that save you from the worst." The man left the room, leaving me to the surrounding members. 

I shut my eyes as tight as I possibly could. I didn't want to see or hear their howls of joyous laughter as they stared and judged her half-naked body. They found glee in the tears that streamed down her face. 

"Are you really standing beside them? Or are you just hiding behind them? Using them to let yourself believe that you have a place here?" She said coldly. The woman raised her hand, a cold darkness condensing. The forms of Raidou, Yuki, and Mari stood prepared for the attack. The woman let loose the attack, dark tendrils shooting forth to strike them. One by one, her friends shattered into pixels. 

"We destroy everything we touch. Anyone we decide to become friends with is in danger. They sacrifice themselves for you and thats exactly what you wanted. In your eyes, they are just pawns to deploy and sacrifice. They aren't your friends. They are just people you've manipulated into caring for you." 

I fell to my knees in disbelief as my friends fell. 'Is she right? Am I just using these people? Have I just been hiding from that cold-hearted truth?' "I'm not that cruel. I-I wouldn't use them like that." 

"Just face it. We're a monster. We are the villian in this story. This is destiny and we've been hiding from it. Hiding from your true self." 

The sky darkened even further as the woman who reflected me came closer. 

My binds faded, dropping me to the cold ground. I looked up at her. "Believe me now? I've changed. I am getting better. I am not just some monster. I have friends. Who care about me!" A moment of silence grew longer between us. 'Thats it. I just had to stay strong. That's how I win this.' I thought to myself. 

"These 'friends' of ours. Do you really think they care about us? Or are they scared into submission?" 

Disbelief flooded my face. "Of cou-" My words cut off as two figures appeared before me. Crozeph and Ayame. Fear spread across both of their faces and memories suddenly flooded back to me. I had threatened to kill both of them. I remembered the feeling that I felt then. The anger that burned furiously inside of me. The fire within me that threatened to consume them, consume their lives and snuff them out. "Ayame..." I whispered. Understanding how much I scared her. 'What if they only pretend to be my friend because they are scared of me?' 

My attention turned back to the woman. Shadows crept up her body, the darkness seeming to be playing with her form. Her violet eyes filled with darkness, becoming entirely black. A smile of murderous glee filled her face. 

"We've always been alone. Just us. Nobody has loved us. Not since mother died. We will fight through this world alone. We will die in this world alone." I shook my head, and continued to argue with her. 

"I'm not alone! There are those that help me because they want to. Not because they are scared!" Memories of Yuki, Raidou and Mari surfaced, each of them going out of their way to help me. They might not understand everything I did, but they cared about me. 

The Alchemist coated in red told me when emotions had risen the highest,  You're not a monster, are you? and neither am I. You are no burden I hold no ill will toward you at all, so when you think of those hate you. Feel free to exclude me from the faces you see."

The presence of the girl in orange felt like that of a mother. Warm, comforting. Unwavering. "I can try and help. I can't make promises. I can't say I'll make things better because I don't know if I can. I can't say things will heal, because I don't know if they will - but. I have a home on the fourth floor.  and I know sitting under a warm Kotatsu, sipping tea- can soothe a troubled mind. That will always be open to you. I will always be open to you."

The bright pink light, energetic, and infectious to the touch. Even I felt like I would be consumed by its energy everytime it was near. "I'm aware you prefer to keep your friends list as minimal as possible, however, if you need a tank please don't be afraid to find me. Or, if you need anyone to talk to."

Their faces came to me now. Their figures stood before me, standing in between me and the woman that claimed to be me. "I'm not alone." I said, though I said it more to assure myself again. "I have friends who care. Who I can stand beside." 

Vanity tag: @Raidou @Mari @Zajcica

My gaze didn't back down from the figure as she stood there. The woman's figure flickered, for a quick moment showing tears streaming down her face. It flickered again, showing a face filled with murderous glee. Once again it became the cold gaze that she had first encountered. 

"You've told yourself that you stick to the shadows because its your fighting style. The truth is, we hide there to hide from everyone else. We hide from them, we hide from the pain. No matter how much we hide, the pain is still there. They hate us all the same."

I pushed away the woman's words. 'She's just telling me things to get at me. She's just something made up by the game. She's one of the demons I have to get past. I just have to kill her and the quest ends right?' 

"You're wrong." the woman assured me. I seethed with hatred. "YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME SO WELL? I'LL F**KING KILL YOU" My hatred burst forward with me as I raked at her with everything. I tried to cut her to shreds with broken dagger, to tear her apart with my bare hands. 

"I knew it would end like this." the figure told me. A wave of her hand send black spears through my body, piercing at several different points and rendering me immobile. As anger faded, fear crept its way back into my heart. "You don't have the strength to save yourself. It's why you rely on others but still try to keep up that tough act." I attempted to struggle, to free myself, but just as she said I was powerless to save myself. "You don't know me!" I half screamed half shouted at the woman. 

"I am you. You are me. We are one and the same. Accept that fact. Accept me." 

"We aren't! We aren't the same! I am different! I changed!" My voice screamed, pleading. 

My heart pounded, but no longer out of fear. Out of anger. Anger for her. Glaring daggers at the figure, I spat my mind at her. "You. Who the hell do you think you are? Making a fool out of me? I'll kill you." I looked down, finding the broken dagger still in my hand. However, there was still a piece of it remaining. It was still a weapon. "Messing with me was a mistake." I darted forward, closing the distance between us. However, instead of attacking like normal, I slammed into her figure sending both of us tumbling to the ground. Atop of her, I thrusted my broken dagger into her neck. 

"DIE" The words forced their way out my own mouth. However, it sounded just like her voice.

"Do you really think you can just kill that side of yourself like this? You might dye your hair a different color and try to act a different way. But this is who you are. You play the Victim but all you are is a monster. All we are is a walking disaster. Anything we touch, we break it. We kill it."

I tried to argue, but no words found their way out of mouth. Somewhere, I knew what she was saying... it was true. The woman disappeared from beneath me and reappeared a few feet away. I stood, grasping my broken dagger like my life depended on it. 

The ground split, the violet petals flying into the air as if to save themselves from the end that was fated for them. The figure before me vanished along with the scenery. All that was left for me remained an endless lake that revealed to me my own reflection. The face that stared back was filled fear. I caught a glimpse of my hair, which had once again returned to its normal black. Movement caught my eyes, and I leapt back. Shadowy hands had begun to reach up from the lake and were attempting to grab me, pull me in. 

My heart racing, I grabbed my dagger from where it was sheathed on my left arm. Putting aside my own emotions, I focused on battle. My dagger let a white gleam, becoming the only light in the endless darkness that surrounded me. A hand lurched forward, attempting to reach me. With a quick slash, its faded into nothingness. A second one made its way forward. 'If they can be destroyed, than I have nothing to worry about. I don't need to worry about my emotions for this, my brute strength can pull me through.' 

Another slash, but to my own dismay this strike was completely stopped by the hand as if it were stronger than the last hand. I pulled back my attack, thrusting my dagger into the hand's palm. Once again, the attack was ineffective. The grand grasped the blade of the dagger, snapping the weapon in two. I took a step back, aghast at what had just transpired. Each of the hands moved in, the first grabbing me by the neck as others spiraled up my arms and legs. A voice filled the void that surrounded me. 

"You've never been strong enough to be able to help yourself..." 

Air became harder to breathe in as I began to suffocate from the hands. Choking, I tried to rip them from my neck, but it was pointless. I was powerless to do anything. My body became limp as I became too asphyxiated to move. The hands pulled me into the lake, leaving me to drown within its depths. I sank to the bottom of the lake, but as I hit the bottom, I found myself able to stand. The lake had become a dark forest, the flower petals falling through the air before sitting on the ground. The air was still heavy, forcing to fight for the air in the area. My gaze looked forward, finding the antagonist once more standing thirty meters away staring at me. Her gaze filled with pity as if she were looking at a pathetic bug. 

Standing, I began to make my way over to the figure. As I came closer, I slowly began to work out the features of the figure that sat there. It was obviously a human woman, long dark Black hair and Violet eyes similar to that of my own. She wore a dark shade of colors, something that I would also typically find myself wearing. 

The woman raised her head, her eyes meeting my own. A sense of familiarity radiated from her. Unlike the rest of the world, no warmth came from this girl's cold and dead stare. A feeling of dread began to build up in my chest as I choked out the words,

"Have... Have I met you before? Do I know you?" 

A smile came from the woman, but there was no kindness behind it. "Maybe not anymore..." The woman began before standing. Her height matched my own, allowing our eyes to meet without obstruction. 

"... but I know you better than anyone." she finished. Taking a step back, a look of confusion crossed my face. Confusion slowly became disbelief as I began to understand exactly what was happening here. "So what you're saying is..." I began, however the woman was the one to finish the sentence. "I am you. The one you hide from. The one you can't escape. The truth." 

I bit my lip, fear slowly beginning to flow into me as I realized what I had gotten myself into. This was what Raidou was warning me of. "... and this world. Is nothing but the illusion you've set up. You are nothing but a façade thrown together to try to fit in." The woman lifted her hand, clenching it within the air. A breaking sound came from every direction and I watched fearfully as the world around me shattered, breaking like a mirror. Shards of the world fell until they hit the ground where they would fade from view. 

For a moment, time seemed to have stopped functioning as normal. The feeling of cold swept over my body one more time before the temperature rose suddenly. A floral scent caught my nose. Opening me eyes again, I was affronted with a different scene than the waterfall. 

A beautiful night filled the sky, a full moon shining its light down on the plain of green grass. Violet flowers littered the ground, small yellow orbs floating into the air from their middle. These flowers cast a faint purple light, adding to the brilliance of the world. 

A smile of childish glee painted itself onto my face as pure joy radiated from my own figure. "This? This is the world of my mind?" Outstretching my arms, I gave a twirl. "Everything is so perfect!" The world so filled with quiet and calm beauty. 'What was Raidou worried about? Everything is absolutely lovely! Its perfect!' The smile outstretched on my face was plastered there, unchanging. Crouching down, I admired a flower far more closely than before. A lavender scent emanated from the flower. 'That smell... it reminds me of my house with Sey. It's the exact same.' 

She sat on the ground, running her fingers through the soft grass and looked up to gaze at the night sky. The clouds seemed to almost glow in the moonlight. 'Can I stay here? Forever?' A feeling of unease suddenly passed over me and I sat up, gazing across the landscape. Sure enough, something was out of order. A dark figure seemed to also sit alone in the distance. 

It was only a short time before a quiet pinged ringed through my ears as a reply came in from my own personal info broker. Swiftly opening the message and reading its contents, I mentally noted how straight and to the point the message was. 

Quote

From Raidou:

Come prepared for a fight. You'll face yourself and I would hate to see you die.

'Face myself?' I questioned mentally before closing the message. "So its just another Gemini Clone, no big deal." I stood and began heading towards the quest's main location. This quest was a bit more fancy than the Gemini. 'I get to meditate at a waterfall to fight my demons or something inside of my mind... or some metaphorical bullshit like that.' I thought to myself. Of course, I knew that no matter what the quest details involved, a quest was a quest. I just had to go in and kill whatever stood in my way. 

As my eyes caught sight of the waterfall another ping caught my attention. A sigh escaped my lips as I swiped my hand to open it. 'I bet its from Ayame wondering what I am doing.' However, to my surprise it was another message from Raidou. 

Quote

That first message was too formal. Anything you've ever worried about will come true during this quest. Hidden, I believe you can complete it. Its a push toward the end of a journey through the muck and trash this world brings. A step in the right direction away from all the baggage and a way to clean house. We still have a lot to talk about, and I may just be able to hold a conversation. So you better be around to tell me to shut up or try harder. Got it stupid?

I believe in you

Mixed feelings were evoked from this second message. The thought that he was worried about someone like me brought a humming feeling in my chest. If only that humming feeling was weighed down from the thought of facing everything I've ever worried about. And the fact that he called me stupid. 'I'll slap him later or something for that. That drug dealer is getting too big of a head, he needs to be put back down.' A small chuckled escaped my lips.

Stepping forward, I would take a quick glance at the flat stones that surrounded the falling crystal clear water. Of course, I wouldn't be an idiot and made sure to check around for players before even approaching these stones. This place was perfect for an ambush. Sure that there was no enemies nearby, I would find myself seated atop of the middle stone. I stared at the waterfall. 'I wonder how long I have to stare at it to get it to work.' 

A sudden chill filled my body and I wrapped my arms over my legs to conserve my body heat. Sighing, I closed my eyes and waited. 

"Save us from Ourselves"

My eyes opened as my avatar suddenly appeared on the sixth floor. A myriad of trees and other green foliage caught my eyes as I peered past the village of Krycim. Of course, I could only admire for a moment before the distaste of the NPC's reached my ears. Due to the color of my cursor, they hated me just like the players did. They only see the labels put on me by this world. They don't see me. They just see that I am a murderer. "Vanish." I whispered in an annoyed tone, completely disappearing from sight and leaving the incoming guards with confused expressions. Without a trace, I head into the surrounding jungle. 

Crouched next to the trunk of a rather tall tree, a swipe my left hand in a downward motion to access my menu. Moving through the messaging tab, I find the one labeled <<Raidou>>. Drafting a few words up, I stare at his name for a moment. A slight blush tinged my pale cheeks, an almost longing feeling building up in my chest. I shook my head, the feelings fading abruptly as I forced them away. 'Now isn't the time to be worried about him or the others. I have to get to work.' I thought to myself before pressing the send message button. I closed my menu, hugging my legs as I awaited an answer in silence. 

Quote

Message to Raidou:

Hey, I am just about to do that Calming Soul quest on the Sixth Floor. Should I have anything to worry about?

Their team coordination seemed to have failed. Instead of taking the opportunity to help free the soldiers, most of them had kept attacking. 'We just lost our chance I suppose.' "Let's keep attacking and just try and figure out its patterns." Her words were spoken quietly and she doubted that would have been heard by most of the team. 

Standing from where she and Blue Boy Wonder had attempted to break the chains on the first soldier, she decided to use her dagger on something a little more... alive. Darting forward, and orange light would gleam from her dagger. Her figure was almost blurred by the speed of her movement, her dagger causing a small torrent of air as it cut through the air. In her final moment before contact was made, she rapidly spun her whole figure to create a bladed whirlwind. The small white weapon creating gashes in the woman's beautiful side. 

181299 BD:4+6-2=8 Hit.
Eternal Cyclone used: 11 EN consumed, +1 Natural Regeneration. -10 EN net. 
DMG: 23*13=299-50=249.

STATS

A look of suspicion was all too familiar, even coming from NIGHT. It was a look she received almost on the daily. 

To get out of here. Out of Aincrad. There's nothing else to it." A small chuckle radiated from the snow-haired girl's figure. "Yes. Out." Violet eyes cast over to NIGHT with a glazed appearance. "You know, I'm pretty sure I've only told this to one other person but..." She sat back all the way in her seat, her eyes meeting NIGHT's and with a serious tone she spoke the words, 

"...I don't want to leave." 

A moment of silence would ensue before she continued to speak. "Of course, I am willing to help those that mean something accomplish that goal. The real world is just scarier than the real world. At least here... I can fight back." In the real world, she couldn't fight against her abusive drunk of a father. She couldn't fight the hunger that constantly gnawed at her stomach. "I mean, what's the point in going back if there isn't anything to go back to?" Her thoughts passed to the faces of those she surrounded herself with. "It might be hard here with everyone hating me all the time, but now I have a few faces to look forward to seeing. Even if I am bad at expressing it." 

Of course, the ever so cold NIGHT would question her words. "You don't see them? The frontliner types? Those that want to be the strongest, the best of the best? The wannabe heroes? The so called 'Paragons of Justice?'. Haven't seen her for a while, but people like Hestia. Itzal." There was venom in her voice when she spoke those names showing her clear disdain for them. 

 "And I suppose you're waiting for your 'sentence' to have 'passed judgement' then. Isn't that right?"

"I'm not just waiting. I've gotten some help from a friend recently and she's been helping me try to get my name off the bounty lists and learn how to be liked." She spoke the last part as a whisper. Mari went through much the same she had, and was trying to help before things got worse. 

Her question was awarded with a small frown. 'There isn't any winning with this one, is there.' She though to herself. Sliding another one of the fries into her mouth, she would think on the girls words. As she finished, Hidden swallowed her food and began. 

"I met Yuki I think at a quest named Deforestation. At the time, she was far lower leveled than me and tried to clear it before getting the strength to actually clear it herself. Luckily for her, I happened to stumble along hoping to do the quest myself." The Pink-haired Paladin's recklessness was matched by none. "As for Crow, he tagged along when I was doing that Return of the Queen quest." Her eyes darkened a bit recalling that adventure. Crozeph proved that he wasn't reliable when needed most. 

With Yuki supposedly not coming, she supposed there wasn't any reason to be around NIGHT. In fact, it would have been far safer to stay away. She never could get a read on the woman, but it was at least clear to tell that she didn't like her. "So..." she started, her eyes trained at the table. She was terrible at starting conversations. "What are your current plans? I mean, what do you want to do? You don't seem like the type to have aspired to be one those frontliners, but you're here anyway. What for?" Her eyes traced up the side of the table until they met the woman's eyes again. 

They had one the first phase. Orgoth had fallen. She watched with glee as he health bars faded and waited for the Shadow to reveal himself. Of course, this satisfaction was never met. For an even longer period of time, they were stuck playing a game of cat and mouse. Of course, the problem was that their resources would slowly grow thinner the longer this battle continued on. 

Her top teeth bit into her bottom lip as she decided to take a new action. The darkness was as much of a friend to her as it was for the enemy. Creeping forward in a stealth position, she would find herself trailing the blue-haired boy in her party. He made his attack but ended up leaving a straggler. Thrusting her dagger into its cold ethereal form, it would dissipate from the attack from the holy blade. 

Returning into the darkness, her vanish would once again conceal her although not as well as before. 

181147 BD:5 (Auto-Hit) -> DMG: 23+3=26*13=338-75=263 DMG to Shadowling 26
181148 LD:1+5= 6 Stealth Rating.

Shadowling25 | HP: 24/250 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | EVA: 2 1
Shadowling26 | HP: 0/250 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | EVA: 2 1
Shadowling27 | HP: 24/250 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | EVA: 2 1
Shadowling28 | HP: 24/250 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | EVA: 2 1 | PARALYZED
Shadowling29 | HP: 250/250 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | EVA: 2 1
Shadowling30 | HP: 250/250 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | EVA: 2 1
Shadowling31 | HP: 250/250 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | EVA: 2 1
Shadowling32 | HP: 250/250 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | EVA: 2 1
Shadowling33 | HP: 250/250 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | EVA: 2 1
Shadowling34 | HP: 250/250 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | EVA: 2 1
Shadowling35 | HP: 250/250 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | EVA: 2 1
Shadowling36 | HP: 250/250 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 25 | EVA: 2 1

Macradon | HP: 1985/1985 | EN: 189/191 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 2 | MIT: 194 | HLY: 12 | VO: 198 | PHASE | REC: 6 | FRTHRNS: 21, 6 DOT | BH: 99 | FIGHTING SPIRIT | LD: 5 | EN REGEN: 3 | FRAURA: 15 | PARRY | [PARRY: --/2]
ChaseR | HP: 1690/1690 | EN: 111/148 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 5 | MIT: 106 | HLY: 12 | BRN: 12 | TXV: 24 | PRLYZ: 8+ | VD: 84 | HBS: 16 | LD: 8 | Dote: 3 | DoT -27 | BH: 84 | EN REGEN: 3 | FIGHTING SPIRIT | PARRY | [PARRY: --/2]
Mari | HP: 1910/1910 | EN: 102/170 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 4 | MIT: 88 | FLN: 6 | VO: 191 | FLAURA: 15 | KEEN: 1 | Dote: 3 | Dot: -27 | Oxidant | BH: 95 | EN REGEN: 3 | KEEN
Hidden | HP: 1510/1510 | EN: 95/130 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 5 | MIT: 79 | HLY: 8 | VO: 226 | LD: 3 | Dote: 3 | DoT: -27 | Oxidant | BH: 75 | EN REGEN: 3 | STEALTHED | [VANISH: 1/3]
Pinball | HP: 1500/1500 | EN: 117/132 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 6 | MIT: 15 | BH: 90 | FRZ: 36/8-10 | Phase | SAFEGUARD | Dote: 3 | DoT: -27 | Oxidant | RESTED: 2/3 | EN REGEN: 3
Jomei | HP: 1705/1705 | EN: 145/169 | DMG: 21 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 6 | MIT: 88 | BRN: 36 | BLI: 36 | HB: 16 | BH: 85 | EN REGEN: 3 | CONC 0/3 

Consider the first wave of the enemy cleared. Once again, the sheer strength and numbers of the frontliners would prevail. As Orgoth entered a critical state of health, Hidden flipped her dagger to hold it in a reverse styled grip. The dagger would make a hissing noise as she smoothly slid it into its sheath on her forearm. "Better get ready for round two." She muttered to herself. The other members of the raid group hadn't tried to spare Orgoth entirely she supposed, so perhaps they at least learned their lesson from the Twenty-third boss fight. 

Activating vanish, a small plume of dark smoke would cover her form before she slid back into the shadows of the room. The only question there was to offer now was if the Shadow would allow her sit within its own precense. She sat, hidden and waiting for the target to actually make itself visible. "I guess your out of disposable minions to hide behind," She whispered jokingly. It was time to see what the boss could do that made the raid group terrified of it. 

Hidden used Vanish(Cooldown 0/3)
180181 LD:17+5=22 Stealth Rating.

NIGHT's mocking tone in her expressions and voice were almost far too obvious. Hidden rolled her eyes, sitting back in her seat. 'Why am I even dealing with her? She is so full of herself.' She opened her inventory. No messages. 'Of course, maybe Yuki would have just sent her the message. She's the important one right?' 

Throwing away the past conversation and ignoring what NIGHT had to say she would suddenly say, "Has Yuki sent you anything? Its almost hard to believe she hasn't shown up or said anything." Her thoughts traveled of Crozeph saying that Yuki was his girlfriend. Internally shuddering, she wondered if he had to do with anything in her absence. Maybe she could find something out from NIGHT. 

"So, you are friends with Yuki. And Crozeph called you up that one day. Where did you all meet exactly?" Her eyes seemed to show interest, even if only for a second. It was hard to look enthused in front of NIGHT. It was like looking in the mirror at a better version of yourself. Looking at your replacement. On the other hand, maybe keeping some awkward conversation going would push time a little faster. 

It didn't seem NIGHT understood the APD much. "Eh, you probably haven't heard of them because they've been silent for a while. They follow underneath the command of a player named, 'Hestia' who hasn't been seen for a bit. Same can be said about the player known as 'Itzal'. Essentially, they got a vision for Aincrad and any who don't follow it:" She took her thumb and slid it across her throat. "Basically just some self-righteous players who use their level and influence to make my life hell."

"Likely story. On a day you have company, no less."

"I'll admit, there is usually a little bit more... 'convincing'." 

Another moment of silence would fill the air between the two, as they slowly ate their food. Hidden thought their conversation had ended, but sure enough NIGHT continued again. "The problem isn't really the APD anymore. Its the stupid bounty that some players like to think is going to be paid out. It isn't even that much, but some players are just in it for the challenge. Of course, they're looking for the wrong description at this point. I also can't be tracked anymore."

She sighed, once again picking up what remained of her burger. "One day, it will all be worth it though. Then, this world will realize it misjudged me." That would only happen when Laughing Coffin had been destroyed thanks to her efforts. Adrian was still a card in her hand, even if it had sat there so long the world had begun to forget she had it ready to play. Mari thought that she could be accepted just by acting and playing nice. That would only work on a few people and being nice wasn't Hidden's strong suit. 

"I've decided to get it changed when I can go through a day and not have to worry about being attacked. I only get one redemption. If I waste it... its over."

The silver-haired girl reached forward, grabbing the burger that had been placed in front of them. There was a moment of silence as they ate in silence, but NIGHT would speak again. Hidden would keep her eyes eyes trained on the other girl, an almost scornful look within them. 

"I'm not getting rid of it until my bounty is removed. I already spoke with one of the people from the APD, but it doesn't seem the 'protectors of Aincrad' are proactive." She didn't let all of her thoughts slip on the organization, but NIGHT could hear the venom dripping from her words as she spoke about them. "Most shop owners don't give to much of a fuss, as long as I pay like any other customer. Just happened to get unlucky this time." 

Placing her now half-eaten burger back onto her own platter, she would almost mimic NIGHT when it came to munching on fries. She hadn't seemed to touch the burger the boy brought her. Maybe she was a picky eater? Or didn't like to eat. 

She gestured to the spinning cursor over her head. "Got this for making the wrong choice in a quest." Her voice was low and reproachful, showing that she regretted her decision. "All the trouble this game gave me for this:" She dug into her inventory, materializing a small golden ring. Placing it in front of her. "Technically it is a demonic item, but two slots are completely useless to someone like me." 

Placing another fry in her mouth, she would avert her gaze from NIGHT to stare and poke at her food. 

NIGHT's eyes didn't ever seem to meet her own, but instead traveled around their surroundings. However, that didn't stop the girl from quickly spouting passive-aggressive retorts. "Easier to talk to people? No. It isn't easy talking to anybody. I'm not like Yuki. Simply when dealing with players, they aren't coded to recoil from you because you're orange." So many people gave her shit over a simple color. She hadn't even murdered anyone without it being out of self-defense. 

NIGHT's comebacks did not come back in a kind light either. The words the girl spewed were weapons and while they did no real damage, Hidden almost felt as if they did. 'Really? Not only am I being ridiculed for my cursor color, but now my weapon?' 

"Fine then, if you really insist." She said quickly, her face reddening as she became upset. Not only was this girl going to take away one of the only people that accepted her for her, she was going to put her down as she did so. "For your information, despite what you think of me I don't walk around mugging and murdering everyone I see."

The clattering of plates interrupted their talk as the shop owner returned from the kitchen. His face was obviously pale as he slid a platter to each of the women. He bowed slightly before saying, "Enjoy." The boy then scampered away, leaving the two alone with a plate consisting of a cheeseburger and fries. 'Isn't this more of an American style of food? Odd.' She lifted the burger to her mouth, taking a small bite. It was good she supposed. 

"It's on me."

 While she hadn't been surprised that NIGHT had followed her into the shop, it did confuse her that she would speak or even offer up help. This look of confusion was cast back at the girl. Before she managed to say anything, the two continued to speak as if she was some animal.... Or perhaps a pet. 

"Sorry this idiot here doesn't know the first thing about manners. Part and parcel of the warning sign."

She bit her own tongue at the insult, allowing the two to continue their conversation. Uneasily, the shop owner nodded as if the appearance of NIGHT made the situation better. "Alright, but if you two cause any trouble, I'm getting the guard you here?" The boy pointed to the seat in the corner, one of the furthest from the front doors. He then continued to close the shutters to conceal the presence from the windows. Following the instructions laid out for them, the silver-haired girl would seat herself inside of the booth. The owner of the shop would move into his shop without even coming to their table. 

'Seems like he doesn't plan on taking an order. Is he just going to make food and bring it out or something?' 

When NIGHT would seat herself across from her, her eyes would train themselves on the table in front of the both of them. "I didn't need your help if that's why you followed me here. I could've gotten the food on my own." She wasn't sure how she appeared in NIGHT's eyes but she was certain it wasn't how she wanted to be seen. She was sure the girl hated her, the glances she received were never too welcoming. 

"I can pay my own half... I'm not some helpless nobody that can't even pay for her own food." Was NIGHT treating her like a child? Like she would treat Ayame?

Uncaring of the fact that NIGHT followed her into the city, she continued her search for something to eat. Of course, she by no means intended on getting into trouble with the guards by speaking to NPC's. Enough trial and error told her it was impossible. Finding the nearest player-owned shop, she made one last look at NIGHT before stepping inside. Once inside, she ditched the shadows and revealed her features once more to the public eye. 

As the door closed, the bell on it would give its second ring. The owner of the shop took a glance up at Hidden as she stepped forward towards the counter. "Welcome to Elite Eats, home of the El-" Noticing the color of her cursor, the player took a step back. "Uhhh... how did you get in here?" 

With no change in her facial expression, the silver-haired girl simply replied in a low-tone, "I'm hungry." She stopped in front of the counter, violet eyes staring forward. "Ma'am you aren't supposed to be here." The girl rolled her eyes, shifting weight to her right side and crossing her arms. "Just get me something to eat, I'm even going to pay." Biting her tongue, she would sigh before forcing out one final word.

"Please."

"You can get something to eat while we're waiting, you know."

An embarrassed look unseen by NIGHT would appear on her face for a moment. 'She heard that?' Biting her lip, her attention would turn towards the city. There were some vendors within, it would take a bit of time to sneak by the guards. 'If I leave from this spot, I might miss Yuki.' Another grumble of her stomach resonated with the area. Defeated, she would would huff to the other girl, "Fine. Try not to forget about me when she gets here." 

Her words sounded sarcastic in Hidden's typical low tone but they voiced her feelings. Why would Yuki wait for her when NIGHT was right there? She was easily replaced and then she would have lost the only friend she really had. The rest of her "friends" she basically bullied into the job. She wasn't sure if she could trust most of them anyway. She waited for the day Crozeph turned on her. 

The girl activated her Vanish ability, entering the Settlement unseen. From there, she perused the food stalls in search of one that she wanted to buy from.