Hidden

Stats

Hidden stumbled through the dense forest of the sixth floor. A fear gripped her heart, her own voice in her head had remained silent for a while. After that voice had escaped her lips and embraced Shiina, it suddenly retracted and hadn't spoken again. Hidden could still feel something but it only added to the fear gripping her heart which was now racing inside of her chest. Shiina's song had managed to bend the reality of the game itself and she didn't want to be near it. It was most likely the scariest she had experienced since starting the game. It wasn't even a song, more of a soft hum that had shook the ground itself. 

Without even the voice to guide her next direction with its cold hearted sentiments, she was fleeing to the one place that Shiina couldn't control. If only she could get there again. That world filled with flowers. The one she had begun adorning recently was a match of those flowers, blooming in the night sky and shedding its violet light. The only way to get there however, was through the waterfall here on the sixth floor. 

Finally crossing through the clearing, she stopped at the water's edge. How could she do this again? It had been a while and the last time she had come here had been a haze. In fact, she only remembered the field of flowers. Everything afterwards was a memory she couldn't quite reach. Every time she attempted to recall it, it was as if it just vanished from her thoughts. Taking a seat on one of the stone slabs, she would look ahead. Nothing happened. In fact, nothing would happen for several minutes until her fear slowly ebbed away. 

Relaxed finally, Hidden would close her eyes and enter a world of dreams. 

Hidden was the last through the door into the boss room, opting to allow everyone else to move forward to remain in the back. Once inside, however; she quickly moved around the side of the circular boss room to get a good look at the situation. The boss was human, or at least it seemed that way. The closest thing to it thus far was the Elves but no way could the rai-.

"Parties 1 and 2 - Take defensive postures, or see about deactivating those devices! Like Orgoth, this may be an ally instead of an enemy."

'Fucking seriously? Again with this shit?" 

"These people aren't too be trusted. They'd quicker kill you then your common enemy. Remember that."

Shuddering, Hidden continued with what she did best. The boss was attempting to get the players to cease their efforts, but she saw the boss for what it was. It wasn't a human. It was an obstacle. Hidden was going to remove it. Silent as ever, she suddenly appeared behind the boss. Dagger in a reverse-grip and a look of pure contempt on her face as she drove the point into his neck. 

The attack was clean, knocking the man to the side with a nice red gash. Throwing herself back as normal to prevent counters, soulless eyes watched for the AI's reaction to the sudden damage. Even if the others were too much of pansies to attack, she wasn't. 

Full EN | Recovery not rolled
Full HP | Battle-Healing not Applied. 

ST-I + Assassin (14-2+8=20-2(Well-Rested)=18 EN)

ID: 201867 | LD: 10+6=16 Stealth Rating.
ID: 201866 | BD:8 [Auto-Hit], CD:1 | 30+4=34*15=510 DMG to Gabrandr

(1)Hidden | HP: 897/897 | EN: 78/96 | DMG: 30 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 5 | BH: 49 (SURV) | LD: 1 (+1 Loot) | HLY: 16 | PHASE | V.D.: 49 | V.O.: 98 | Stealth Rating: 6
   (STM, Well Rested, ST Shift, REC 8)

Upon touch, the shadow quickly retracted, moving away from the being it just touched. Although, Hidden remained entirely oblivious to the pain that it retracted from. Taking the coin and pocketing it, she quickly stepped away. Even for the moment, her own voice in her head had been silenced. She had never doubted Shiina like everyone else. No, facing her now there was something else entirely. 

Fear.

Shiina was something different where the very world itself seemed to bend at her will.  "Uh yeah... we should." Even if Shiina would continue to follow Hidden, it didn't matter. She just needed as much distance as possible. At first, her escape was a walk but slowly it ended up in a full sprint. Quickly flying through her inventory while on the move, a dark flowing cape would cover her on the move out. Certain onlookers would shrink into their shadows as she darted away. Though, suddenly her form entirely vanished within an instant. It was far more fluid than that of a normal vanish, almost as if she melted into the air itself. 

2 hours ago, Kasumi said:

11/9/21 (Demonic Upgrade)

  Hide contents

190961, T4/Perfect/Trinket (CD:11+1, LD:1) [UNEVALED] Night's Bloom: T4 (Accuracy 2, Recovery 1)

+ (1 Demonic Shard)

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Name:	Night's Bloom
Profession:	Artisan
Rank:	10
Roll ID:	190961
Roll Result:	CD: 10+1/LD:7
Item Type:	Trinket
Tier:	4
Quality:	Demonic
Enhancements:	Accuracy 2, Recovery 2
Post Link:	Here
Description:	A flower that during the day folds up, only showing its true nature in moonlight. It begins to glow in an eerie purple shade in the presence of darkness, a soft respite from the hardships of night.

 

Approved. Not by Freyd. 

4 hours ago, Baldur said:

Baldur is now Paragon Level 50!

Rewards Sent. 

Maybe coming wasn't the best idea. Having to trek through underground sewers were not her idea of fine. Hidden might have to get new shoes after the experience. Just knowing that they touched water down there didn't appease her that much. The smell down here was just as bad. Exiting the tunnel into a small room, she found the place not to be overcrowded yet. In fact none of Firm Anima had arrived. Though if Raidou had anything to do with it, the entire guild was following her around and they were all about to just magically appear and be surprised to see her. 

Separating herself from the main group in a corner by herself, she would pull the pitch black hood of Vantablack over her face. Those other than her would think it was just another case of her hiding away but this time it was just the opposite. She was trying not to see them. With every glance, a malicious thought was formed. Reminding her of how she couldn't trust any of them. Reminding her of how much better she was off alone and just letting the frontliners frolic. Did she even need to remind herself? She didn't want Aincrad to end so why was she helping to clear it? Sitting still for long enough caused her to accidentally enter stealth and blend into the dimly lit room. 

ID: 201539 LD:17 | Stealth Rating: 22

Stats

Quote

Buffs:
Link to Oscar's Post

Sam's ACC Feast
Oscar's EVA Feast
Oscar's OH Feast
Liquor of Light: +3 DMG | 160658
Kobe Steak(Filled): +3 DMG, -60 MIT | [166723]

Quote

Clarifications

-All Items are Tier 4 except for Vantablack which remains T3(Tierless anyway)
- Combat Mastery: DMG
- Shift: Single
-Coffee were a pasting error. Fixed. 

Shiina tried to explain the meaning of 'souvenirs' but Hidden wasn't buying it whatsoever. "Its... just a coin." Producing her own from a small pouch she grabbed her inventory she showed it to Shiina. "Look. I got one too." She had plenty more than this one coin. Flipping the coin into the fountain without making a single face, she would continue to prove her point. 

As Shiina started humming, Hidden once again got an uneasy feeling. The ground began to vibrate as if her voice controlled the very ground they were standing on. More Chaos ensued as the water behind them rippled as if it were boiling. Nearby, an NPC's cart fell over. Gripping the fountain that she sat on, fear crept into her heart. This girl was some sort of monster, with an ability like a Siren. Weaving some sort of magic into song right? That's what she was doing. Shiina was the unknown. Hidden knew the dark, but this was actually terrifying to watch. Was this what it felt to be targetted by her songs? She assumed she was the target in this scenario. While Hidden was losing her grip in fear, something inside of her only gripped tighter. 

"Nice party trick kid."  Hidden said coolly to Shiina. "Pretty silly, but I guess it has some worth. Honestly, its more flashy then anything. Seeking attention much?" A hand as dark as shadow passed from behind Hidden's figure and stroked Shiina on the head condescendingly. Shiina wouldn't be able to feel anything but a freezing cold tingle on her scalp. Suddenly, Hidden jerked away from Shiina. 

"I-I think I need to go." Hidden said, her voice not collected at all. She had sat with Shiina because for once she hadn't heard the constant voices telling her to throw them away, maybe even kill them. Now, she couldn't be around because she was almost certain that Shiina had heard that voice with her. As if her thoughts had actually spoken to Shiina themselves. 

Hidden entered the shop, pushing open the door and once again ignoring the Closed sign. If she was gonna suffer from them telling Raidou her whereabouts to track her, she was gonna get what she needed regardless of their availability. The silver-hair girl poured in, adorning her typical dark clothes. She did not wear the cloak that Shiina had made for her, that was only worn out in the situations where she was fighting. 

"Hey... you. Been a while since I got to bother you but I'm here." Taking the flower from her hair, she would set it in front of the girl. "Could you put this with something else to make it have recovery?" 

Shadow's Blossom: T4 +2 ACC, +1 EVA)
+
[New Item] Night's Bloom: T4 +2 REC
+
Demonic Shard

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Despite having met her match, the former-finger revealed no sign of weakness. Not even a breath was out of place as once again took out her primary weapon. The sword provided both its power and range. A versatile weapon that had won many battles before. Swinging her arm around, she cast the blade out. The weapon became separated by its links, becoming a flexible and powerful weapon emphasizing on its momentum. The enemy did well retaliate, quickly pushing forward after ducking under her swing. Her weapon quickly retracted, becoming the same as a normal blade. 

A defensive swing push the MA user away. Keeping him out of range was by far her best option. Without anymore antidote charges, she couldn't allow herself to be hit by whatever immobility status he was using. Leaping backwards, Hanma flashed the man a confident smile. "You're good. Surprised I've never seen you before in the guild. Must be one of those other Fingers aren't you? Strange that you showed up here at this time." Gripping her sword even tighter, she exhaled deeply. "If you want real praise though, survive this." A dark aura surrounded her weapon as its Fallen Aura tainted the air. "Shinda no Orochi" Her pale weapon almost purred as its name was called. It was hungry, hungry for the kill. 

Casting the blade up into the air, the weapon seemed to extend infinitely before changing direction and heading straight for her target. Without surprise, the man moved without hesitation. Adaptability was what made his fighting style come thus far after all. The bracers on his arms lit aflame with a sickly green flame. With a wide stance, he awaited Hanma's attack. The point of Hanma's blade only gained speed and power as it drew closer. Firm, Yuyang stood. At just the right moment, a sweep of his right forearm slammed into the side of the attack and redirected it entirely. Unluckily for him, Shina no Orochi was no one trick pony. 

The point of her weapon slammed into the ground but Hanma's smile never ceased. It only grew instead. With a snap of her own wrist, the point bounced off the ground a curved back towards the martial artist. Yuyang never faltered. He quickly turned, slamming his palm onto the oncoming point. It was as if the two were holding sword against sword as the point continued to put force on the fighter's hand. The sickly green flames grew as Yuyang continued. Grabbing the next link of Hanma's blade with his free hand, he yanked hard on the weapon. The slack of the blade quickly retracted, pulling Hanma towards him. "WHAT!?" Hanma exclaimed as she was vaulted in her opponents direction suddenly. Never before had an opponent performed this kind of move. She wasn't even aware it was possible to reverse the pull of her weapon. 

Activating Dragon's Ascent and Brawler simultaneously, Yuyang drew back his fist. He was prepared to make the finishing blow here. Hanma wasn't without a final ditch effort either. Using her Custom Skill, Dead Man's Arsenal, she quickly pulled a new weapon from her inventory. A weapon that once belonged to some kid that wanted to play hero. Using all of the momentum provided by Yuyang himself, Hanma was able to pierce through his iron-hard skin. Her blade sunk through the other side of his body. Still, the man did not falter. Continuing forward, he put all of his power into one attack: his ST-B. The raw force of the blow threw Hanma like a ragdoll, her body crumpling on the dirt. Had her body not been virtual each of bones would have been shattered. Instead, an actual indention was made at her ribs where the attack had landed. 

Coughing, Hanma glanced to her health. It was barely still there. The stranger's attack had nearly done her in. He wasn't in the greatest of shape after her attack. Still laying on the ground, Hanma turned her head to see the man. Instead of laying on the ground like her, he kneeled with one hand planted on the ground to hold himself up as the other gripped the blade that pierced his body. Without her weapon's phase ability, she doubted the weapon would have managed to sink in that deep. Even without his armor. Yuyang's flames had subsided but he was still alive himself. Hanma watched as he slowly pulled that blade from himself. 

"Damn..." She cursed weakly. "Was a stronger guy than I thought. I don't even have any backup to rely on right now either." Still on the ground, Hanma reached into a secret pocket hidden inside her shirt. A corridor crystal. One that could take her to any location she desired. A place, that only she would know of. The only other man who knew was now dead. Whispering her instructions to the crystal, her body vanished from the tarnished battlefield. The surrounding city in which the two orange players had fought was now in ruin. Several Imperial Guards were beginning to sweep through the scene in answer to the distress calls of the NPC's. 

Yuyang stood, taking a breath. He remained in a weakened state as his body began to regenerate. He hadn't expected such a counter attack possible from Hanma. Rubble littered the ground from where her weapon had struck the ground. Looking down, he found a broken hilt. The one which his fist had shattered. Picking it up, he would add it to his inventory. He understood there was no return to where he had come. The Guild Master had ordered his success and wouldn't accept him to return empty handed. He would make pursuit to Hanma to whereever she had run. 

An imperial guard began to attempt to apprehend him, but a quick blow with restorative strike would fix up some of his wounds. A teleport crystal would take him away. He needed to find her first and without using the guilds resources. He had to find a way on his own to return to grace after having failed his own mission and allowing Hanma to get away. 

Were these three wastes of space really all they sent after her? Were they even in the same tier? It didn't make much sense. Rosaria wouldn't underestimate her to this level. The other two were already in desperate conditions from the few attacks she had landed. She didn't have the excitement to kill the other two. She liked to properly pick her battles. She didn't enjoy either side to be hopelessly out of favor. It just wasn't favor. "You two run along now. You aren't even worth my time." 

Suddenly, she felt her body tense. As if she was being stalked. What was it? From their sources, Hidden and Raidou weren't in touch anymore. Was it a lie? Had he sent her after him? The time of this attack was oddly coincidental. That's why she figured it for the crafty Rosaria. 

From her back, a concussive blow struck her neck: slamming her into the ground. Her own preventative enhancements were killed away to prevent the effects of this blow. Judging from that and the damage, Hanma could tell before even seeing the opponent that this was not Hidden. This was a trickster user. 

Rolling across the ground, she quickly sprang up and wiped the dirt from her face. "You dirtied my clothes, hope you're happy." This man was different then the others. A martial arts user. His health bar revealed his guild status. Laughing Coffin. Not someone she thought to had seen in passing before. Though, there were many she remained unacquainted with. Her own battle healing began to take affect, healing the bit of damage the man had dealt on her. 

Pulling out a blade of shocking yellow, a glint in her eyes was produced. This weapon's user had been a more difficult fight. A man focused on the use of paralyze. Had every form of enhancement on it available. Pushing forward off the ground, her speed moved at one that would have been outmatched by the members before. This man was able to keep up however. With careful movement of his hands and arms along with the steady slide of a foot, he had managed to shift the offensive direction. The man quickly took charge, a powerful blow in her direction. Shifting her momentum to the right, the fist sailed past her body and the man followed through his attack separating them. 

Slashing across his passing body, paralytic venom activated on the man. The static went through his body but he made no signs of stopping. Immune. In retaliation, a powerful thrust was aimed at her mid-section. An attack she couldn't dodge. Blocking, the blow hit the static blade in the center. The blade managed to stop the blow but as pressure was released, it shattered in her hand. The single attack had ruined all of its durability. 

"Damn, that was a good one you just ruined too." 

The message received had been a grim one. If they were under attack, it was most likely from Rosaria. They never seemed to get along very well. She had asked something of her second-in-command but to no response. The fighting must've not ceased yet. Hanma needed to hurry back before the casualties became too severe. 

That was, until an attacked aimed for her throat came from the side. Throwing herself to the side, Hanma just barely dodged the thrown spear. Looking over, three LC members stood. Standing straight, Hanma shot them a glare. "Got a lot of backbone to assault one of your leaders like that. Give me the details of your name and captain. I'll let you go for now, but you aren't off of the hook." The second member to no surprise took a step forward. "Funny enough, we don't have to answer you anymore Hanma. You're a traitor to the guild and we're the ones handling your death sentence." A dark glint gleamed in Hanma's eyes. "That so? We'll guess I've gone rogue haven't I? Shame though, that was the one thing holding back my blade..." 

Reaching out to the side and suddenly a large white crescent appeared beside her. Many weapon hilts protruded from its side. Pulling the first, her main weapon, Hanma lashed forward. Her weapon wasn't an ordinary one. It couldn't be parried in a typical manner. As her sword hit the second member's it wrapped around and slashed them across the face. Recoiling, it was already too late for them to make a counter-attack. Hanma had already pulled her weapon tight and had ensnared their weapon. Kicking the member away, she flung his weapon to the ground and turned toward the other two. 

Throwing her own weapon to the side, it would vanish into thin air as she opened up her own arsenal. Pulling a blade of deep crimson she quickly plunged the blade into the first one's chest. Critical strike. How lucky. Bleeding and paralyzed she released the new weapon and pull out a dark blade. Knocking aside a spear thrust, she slashed forward with a Fallen effect. 

"How did you think I got this high ranking in a murder guild? Asking nicely?" Slamming her boot down the paralyzed player's chest, she would smile wickedly. "I doubt weapons like yours will find any use for me. Shame." Stabbing her weapon through his skull would end up serving sufficient for turning her him to dust and a mark on the board. 

Stepping forward, Hidden moved in the direction of the house. Stepping up the few concrete stairs, she pushed open the door with a hand. Heart pounding with anxiety, she stepped in. A musty smell appeared to be the only thing inhabiting the place. How long had it been since Ayame had been here? Standing in the living room alone now, she allowed the ambience to take her as she closed her eyes. It was quiet. It didn't feel like it used to when she first moved in. She remembered Ayame being so happy to move in here. Why had she left then? Is it because Hidden hadn't been around to support her?

Turning to walk up the stairs to the master bedroom, Hidden swung open the door to her own room. The first thing she noticed that she had left her bed unkept. Walking over, she would straighten it out a bit. Better. She didn't plan on staying, but she wasn't going to leave her a mess to come back to. She turned to her mirror. 

And recoiled.

Blinking furiously, she ensured that what she saw wasn't true. For a moment, she could have sworn she seen that vicious smile. The one the woman inside of the waterfall's smile. That was insane thinking though. That woman was laid to rest inside of Hidden's mind. They... wait... when had she actually beaten the shadow? She had a feeling she had done it, but couldn't recall the final blow. Weird. Hidden turned, and left her room behind. 

A small smirk rested on Hanma's as Raidou lifted the tea to his lips and took a sip. As he set down the mug, he began to run through a two lists of names, the second unknown to her entirely. Hanma didn't spare a single second of surprise in response. Instead, she merely nodded. "Laughing Coffin is large with several redundant members. That's what has kept it going for so long. It has enough Networks that not any one person can put out all of the embers to the flame. Us fingers don't even know the name of our own leader, he is that careful. All we know is something to know that it's him. If he wished to reveal himself to us, he only need do one thing and we know. A situation has never called for this that I know of." 

As Raidou answered her statement over Hidden, Hanma merely giggled. "It's the guild that should be worried about her? An emotional outburst isn't going to end a single finger, much less the whole guild." Hanma began to take another drink as Raidou began with his warning. As if on cue, a message was received. One from a subordinate. This must've been a check to see if she had survived her encounter with Raidou. She knew the risk before coming here. Glancing over, she found Raidou to be forming a smile without any glee. Creepy. 

There had been attack... from their own allies? Tensions had been high as of late, but it seems she had finally made a move in Hanma's absence. 'Envious little bitch.' Hanma thought before standing and pushing in her chair. Taking a pouch from her waist she threw it on the counter. "Got enough extra in there for about another three teas. Enjoy yourself Wanderer, I've got some old business to take care of. I do hope next time we cross paths there will be more time for chatter. I still want to know why." Straightening her red bow, she turned for the door. 

Stepping into the morning light, Hidden opened her inventory and equipped the final piece to her equipment and most recent addition. A cloak as black as it gets. Light wasn't able to bounce off of its color and seemed to chill the air itself. For some reason, she felt drawn back to the second floor. To her own home. She didn't want to see Ayame, but for some reason she had to know. Some part of her wanted to know if the kid was doing alright. The city of Taft was busy with guards, but Hidden circumvented them without thought. She knew NPC guards patterns by heart now. It changed from town to town, but it was more than easy to read now. She didn't even have to hide, she just simply walked. 

It was a matter of an hour before Hidden could see her own house in the distance. She gazed upon it wistfully. 

Taking another swig, it was a moment before Raidou asked his question. "You really have no idea?" An eyebrow raised, Hanma gave Raidou a completely confuzzled look. "No, I'm not a mind reader. I can't answer a question if you don't ask. If this is a reference to just Laughing Coffin I don't follow their drama. I do my own thing. I'm in Laughing Coffin to utilize on the greatest resource that Aincrad has. The players." Using Fear and her own strength, she had brought many players underneath her and now had amassed her own small army. Laughing Coffin was second to them. Hanma herself was first. They served her, not the guild. 

"I came to meet you after the last meeting the Fingers had. You see, as it stands there are only four of the five seats taken. The seat has been vacant since that finger was found out for being a double agent. What was her name... Opal? I don't remember." 

Tracing the edge of her drink, Hanma continued her story. Personally, she was definitely one to not know when to shut her mouth. She had been given the position as Finger completely on her ability and fear tactics. "The connection is that they were discussing who to fill in the final spot. A name came up: Hidden. Much discussion was had over her, but your name appeared in the talk. You know, the one you hate me all of a sudden for saying? I recalled it from a previous discussion about Firm Anima and what they had been doing to our guild." 

"The reason I'm here: I want to find out why a candidate for that kind of position has relations with those that would stand against us?" Hanma nodded as if to confirm her own question.

 "Better drink your tea. Made the guy make it and everything." 

Hidden was awoken by her own sobs, which ceased almost immediately after she awoke. Violet eyes flicked to the cave entrance, a dim light entering into it. It was dawn, and the sun was beginning to touch the horizon, casting its light out onto the surface. Hidden couldn't enjoy this as a pounding headache cast its ambience on her already frayed thoughts. 'What did I even dream about?' The recollection of it was already so hazy. She just remembered warmth. 

'I didn't dream about anything important. It isn't like dreams really mean anything anyway.' 

The thought seemed to almost implant itself in her head and she accepted it with blank slate expression. Standing and stretching to stave off the aches from sleeping on the cold hard ground Hidden began to run through her morning routine. Which simply consisted of a quick brush to her hair. She wore her typical combat clothes to sleep. It was cloth armor so it wasn't uncomfortable at all. She stood, stepping out into the morning light of the Eleventh floor. She'd been lucky to find a spot that the Giant Ants hadn't made a part of their hive. 

"Say, what do you do in your daily life, anyway...?"

The voice was distant and yet so familiar. Hidden couldn't quite put her finger on who, when, and where she had heard it from. It was as if it had been a memory stolen from her. Another pang from Hidden's headache. Stepping out into the light, Hidden kickstarted her day. 

Hidden raised an eyebrow at Shiina's proclamation. "Out of everything... that would be what's silly?" That's where Shiina drew the line? Hidden watched as Shiina began to play in the water, dumping in her crayons and becoming infatuated with the coins in the basin below. Hidden shook her head as the girl spouted another meaningless line. Standing from the fountain, she looked out. It was amazing she hadn't been hassled by the guards yet and forced to flee. Who knew, perhaps while she wasn't looking Shiina locked them all up or stole their pants. Possibilities were endless. 

Violet eyes returned to Shiina who was still fishing for coins. "I feel like you've probably robbed enough people to not need the coins in the fountain. Especially when you are already chucking random amounts of it at innocent shopkeepers." 

She tugged on the back of Shiina's clothes, but this time harder than the last. "Outta the water, leave the money alone." Hidden's tone was that of an exasperated mother. "You like music don't you? Let me listen to you play or something." 

Hearing Shiina's explanation hardly made any more sense. The crystals just boosted her voice? So it really was her singing and nothing else? Even Shiina herself had no idea about the deal with the flashing colors. It was a strange happenstance, and Hidden could do nothing but trust Shiina on her word. It just happened. All that it could be written up to was that she was just another crack case of Firm Anima. All of them seemed to have some sort of gimmick that made no sense. 

Shiina was just crazy and crazy things happened when she sang. What else was there to understand. "For my sanity, I'm just gonna say okay." She didn't even want to think about Shaniqua and her attitude problem. But it begged the question. "You name it Shaniqua or did it tell you its name was Shaniqua?" Either answer would've been just fine. The entire situation was already the craziest it could get. 

 "I'm Shiina."

"Yep. I'm Hidden." 

Hidden replied without a beat, her brain having already taken enough crazy. She was at her limit. Much longer, and she would become a simpleton. Unquestioning of any of the mumbo jumbo that Shiina busied herself with on a daily basis. How had Firm Anima not put this crazy girl on a leash? No way they let her roam free and create a wake of destruction. 

NIGHT stepped forward, not skipping even a beat after Hidden's own sudden outburst. Pulling Hidden's hands away from her ears, NIGHT would curl her hands around Hidden's and speak softly. Her words contradicted that of Hidden's saying that she knew she needed help. Hidden shook her head but continued to listen to the girl's words. Her words were calm and soothing and even just for this moment. She could listen to her without the background noise. The self doubt had quietened as the two became directly connected. 

As NIGHT whispered, Hidden couldn't help but no hear the words. Her eyes shifted down to their hands. Returning the grasp, she burned the warm sensation into her own memory. The feeling of being wanted and accepted. It wasn't a feeling she had really felt much before. The only time in her life had been her moments with Sey. In their little house on the eleventh floor. Things were calm and peaceful then until life happened. She had given everything to Sey... except her future. She stole that away from him. It wouldn't be right to try to give it back.

A tear traced down the side of her face. Just one. Hidden's face did not reveal any anguish; however, instead was a smile. It wasn't NIGHT's words that mattered to her but instead the fact that she was now there. Even if just for the moment, a ray of happiness shone through her own dark clouds. 

Letting go of NIGHTs hands, Hidden would step forward and wrap her arms around the slightly taller girl. A heavy breath before Hidden would sleepily murmur, "I just wish... wish that you were real...." Closing her eyes, a sleepiness began to take over her. In NIGHT's arms, Hidden's figure would slowly begin to lose its opacity as she began to slowly fade from this dream world.  

As the hand waved in front of her face, a small flare of annoyance panged through the midst of the rest of her emotions. Still, she said nothing to Shiina. Shiina backed off on her own and an assortment of crystals fell from her armor onto the ground. Finally, Hidden's face revealed emotion and this time it was confusion. After picking them up, Shiina spoke again but in a different manner. Hidden could've sworn her eyes flashed that same gold. 

Her words which probably had a plain meaning, was confusing still to Hidden. What shit did she had to unload? She didn't just carry shit around. Her sudden mockery of some tough dude sparked a bit of laughter from Hidden. 

"Those crystals..." Hidden began, pointing to the ones that had fallen. "Are those what you make music out of? Is that all they do? I don't think most of the music I listen too turns my eyes colors and the ground into some type of nightclub dance floor. Though that's just me." 

The glares from Raidou would persist, but Hanma displayed no sign of relenting any time soon. Raidou himself piqued her curiosity. Why does one do the things he does? "Yet to answer a single of your questions? What happened to the question regarding mistakes? Completely forgotten that already?" 

"You've already done me a disservice by digging my name out and attempting to use it against me."

Hanma shook her head, a small chuckle. "Funny enough you would say that. I never had any intention of doing that. Why you take that as a personal attack bewilders me. Isn't there more vulnerable pieces on your chessboard then something a small as a name? Or are those just disposable to you" Taking a swig of the brandy brought to her, she sighed. "Bah, what does it matter. If you feel like you've been wronged, I guess I'll make it up to you. That's what an equal would do for another, right? What questions remain on your mind?" 

She glanced down at the boy's tea. An interesting choice in drink. For someone so uptight, she would have assumed he'd drink something much different. She had been surprised that the tension in the air hadn't been given its own HP bar with the thickness of it. It was weird for him to still be so uptight. She had approached unarmed, unguarded and on friendly terms and he still wouldn't bite. How was this hardass the leader of a guild? 

Hidden, somewhat pleased with her sun, brought her attention where Shiina continued the scenery. What reached her eyes was horror incarnate. A mash of colors in a ugly circle pattern was now the scenery that her sun had shone over. If there were lines, not a single color would be found inside of them. A defeated gaze rested on her face as Shiina offered her a new color. By new color, it was a handful of different sticks of wax dumped into her hands. 

Suddenly, Shiina began flipping through the pages, deeming their portrait as finished. Pausing for a moment, the girl took a second to randomly comment on Hidden's hair. Taken aback, Hidden shyly responded. "Oh really? In the real world it was black but I wasn't really happy with it so I had Rai... dou...." 

Words that were so easy to say were quickly stopped as she broke her sentence at the Red Wanderer's name. The easiness of being in Shiina's presence suddenly vanish, a dead pan look filling her eyes. 

"Yeah I guess it can be a pain to brush sometimes." She replied to the question in a monotone voice. 

Hidden shifted as NIGHT began to speak, turning her body to the side to create a more passive interaction. Only her gaze remained toward NIGHT. The girls words were entirely focused on Hidden now, almost completely ignoring the statements about NIGHT herself. A wince at the mention of those that she had actually surrounded herself with before. Her words almost brought bare her excuse about Itzal and Hestia. The two were hardly ever to be found anymore and the hunts for her had all but ceased. The APD fell apart after some time and had shown no signs of reviving. 

"You're right. I do push people away from me. Its better for them anyway, even if it isn't for me. I'm toxic, draining them of their time and resources. Besides Raidou are on completely different terms after what he did. Then after that he even called me the child." Yuki had completely vanished and never seemed to reach out anymore. Even the random dungeon runs had ceased. No doubt because NIGHT had completely replaced her usefulness. Ayame... why was she bei-

Like a snap, the whisper of her own voice in her hand returned. While before it had only been a sleep murmur, it was far more wakeful this time. Hidden must've been close to waking in the real world. 

'Don't forget, Ayame is just using you for her own gain. Deceiving you until she becomes strong enough to rid of you. A parasite in sheep's clothing.'

As NIGHT continued and reminded her more and more of those from the past: even Sey. She had let Sey go for his benefit. She hoped that he was happier now. They hadn't talked since she had left that note at their house together. 

The whispers drew closer, but Hidden spoke through them with a pained expression. "I broke up with Sey for h-his benefit. He was working himself to death to try to come up with a solution where the APD would leave me alone and make me happy at the same time. He would've done anything and everything for me. I couldn't let him do that. He would be even willing to kill himself over it. I... loved him too much for that."

"Humans prefer their pack mentality, you know?"

Suddenly, the whispers became shouts, pounding at her head. Reminding her of who she was and why she didn't need others. Face whitened, she looked at NIGHT. Without any emotion, the words seemed to fall out of her mouth. "You really think I need help? People that need others to survive are just we-" 

"SHUT UP!" Hidden's voice tore through her own. Breathing heavily, she held her hands over her ears as if to keep her own thought from rushing into her head.

"Must you shout?" A figure said quietly with distaste in her tone. "I came out here for quiet." The voice was strangely soothing, Hidden's thoughts retracting as if to take a moment to find out who the newcomer was. The girl had brown hair, amber eyes and interestingly enough a pair of ears. Like cat ears. She also had a bust that Hidden normally would be jealous of. With the entrance of the girl, the air returned to its calming scent and the area itself became warmer. The Celestial took a look at each of the girls as they stood in silence. "Better." 

To no surprise, The self proclaimed "Jade Hunter" spoke up in defense of himself. He apparently was still upset over the whole matter, but to Hidden's pleasant surprise admitted to his mistakes. Maybe the frontliners weren't just filled with those that are full of themselves. Even offered a talk if any of them felt like they needed it. No reaction came from the silver-haired girl, just that glassy stare. As if she weren't really present in the meeting. At Hirru's words, no doubt crept forward to fill her thoughts. She instead accepted them at face value. If he pulled a stunt like it again, it would go poorly from him and she doubted that she would be at the head of that line. 

Protecting their jailers hardly had any providable excuse. She was willing to bet that the act twice in a row would lose all trust from the rest of the frontlines. 

As Hirru finished, a chide voice spoke up directed at her. Looking in the direction of the voice, her gaze met NIGHT's. Uneasy emotions rested in Hidden, being the first time in the meeting she had shown any emotion. A small uneasy shift in Hidden as the whisper in her ear reminded her exactly who NIGHT was. How NIGHT had treated her. However, NIGHT's voice remained at the center of these whispers. 

"You think I'm pretty?"

Taking reign over herself once more, Hidden found her voice to retaliate to the snide comment. "Sorry, took me a bit to realize it was an actual invitation to the meeting. Last time I don't even recall ever getting one." Hidden shook her head at the offer of being caught up with information. She was here simply for the date and time. She didn't find herself fitting into the majority of plans anyway. She always kind of just her own thing. 

Freyd's voice came to light, a slew of nasty thoughts rang in her head as she turned her head towards him. 'Enemy. Traitor. He's probably part of the bunch stalking you with Setsuna.'  Ignoring the whispers, Hidden remained faceless. Even at a poorly made nickname awarded by her eyes revealed no information to what she was feeling. Why? It didn't even seem to reach her. She heard the words, but it was as if she didn't notice them at all. They held no weight to her. The words weren't powerful enough to create a reaction in her state. 

Stripping her glassy-violet eyes from Freyd she listened to the information over the cannons. 'Cannons? I don't need cannons to fight. We are strong enough without it.'  Ignoring the thought, she stepped forward closer to the meeting and source of light itself. If one paid enough attention to her, they would notice that her figure appeared not to cast any shadow on the wall behind her. "I don't think its out of the question where we could take the cannons. If not, we could destroy them. Though, if there are multiple cannons: is it out of the question there are multiple bosses?" 

Floor 22 was very pretty but after seeing it so many times, the happiness it carried had now become dull. That, or it was the near-death experience from drowning when the Sundered Spire attacked. Or finally, it was the weight of doubt that she carried on her shoulders. 

The place of her destination was equally disappointing and dojo styled. However, this time Hidden knew who owned it. It was the woman who Ayame seemed to cling to that one day. Having not had returned to her own home in some time, she wasn't even sure if Ayame still stayed there herself. Perhaps she was around this very location. 

Black clothes contrasted Hidden's silvery-white hair and violet eyes. A amethyst dagger remained strapped to the underside of her arm. Her combat gear was typically all she wore, though recently she had acquired a new cloak that she would only wear during actual fights. Stepping into the meeting room, a glassy gaze passed over the room. Unfocused eyes moved onto every player. It was worrisome to realize how very few of them got along with her. Many of them she found annoying even. 

She seemed to enter at an opportune moment to give out her own opinions.  "What might also be helpful is any experience or anecdotes from those who have participated in other previous boss fights.  What worked?  What didn't?  How could we do better?"

Clearing her throat, the girl spoke in a voice that barely cast itself across to the other side of the meeting. The voice was monotone and without feeling. "What works well is everyone remembering what our job here is. To clear a floor. Remembering that we're up against a computer instead of creature's with real feelings is important. Floor twenty-three boss fight tore the frontlines apart." Her eyes flashed as she finished her statement. "They still haven't really come back together completely. There is a lot of new players, but only about half here have been here long." Herself included in that statement. 

Her eyes finally turned to Freyd who had asked the question. Raidou's right hand man, wasn't he? Hidden wondered if he had anything to do with Setsuna following her around. He probably knew that she had been hanging around Shiina by now.