Pinball

Pinball snorted angrily, and walked back to the side of the stream. He took a seat, landing with a thump. He was glad he had killed it, but the man named Mars somehow managed to get under his skin. He had long since come to the conclusion that this man meant him no harm... even if he did have a bit of an anger problem. Pinball himself had gotten rather heated during the battle, too. However, all and all, Pinball was rather glad that the man dropped his polite act. He would much rather be around a rude person who was completely honest with themselves than a polite, fake personality. Pinball watched the stream rush by. He leaned back, using his arms to support his weigh. Then, he sighed, smiling. "Nice kill. That was fun." Under normal circumstances, being around such an aggressive person would rub off on Pinball, and he himself would be aggressive in return. But, there was something about battle that forged bonds, and Pinball, after all was said and done, was a man with a soft heart. "Yeah, I'll heal a bit, then we can do some more fishing, if you'd like." 

OOC Healing: + 10 

OOC EN Regen: + 1

Health: 113/200 

EN: 1/20 

Pinball watched Mars seethe for a moment, then turned his attention back to the monster. Saying nothing, he stared at the mob in front of him. He activated Round Accel, the last and only Sword Art he could do, and darted in. He was very close when the monster, using speed Pinball wouldn't think possible for a monster of its stature, switched stances. Pinball ran directly into the lowered end of a halberd. Luckily, his leather breastplate kept him from being completely skewered. Instead, Pinball was blown backwards by the force of the impact. Even more of his health was chipped away. He was slowly getting lower and lower, but he refused to ask Mars to Switch with him. No, not after he had put on that cocky display. He could take a few more hits, easy. Pinball glared at the monster's diminishing health bar. "Soon," he muttered to himself. Pinball gripped the handle of his dagger, scowled, and waited.

Combat: 

Pinball watched as Mars missed again. He sighed, then started to pull his dagger back out, but the Fish Soldier was click. The stout little monster rolled, retrieved his halberd, and stabbed Pinball in the chest before he could draw his weapon. Pinball gasped, and instinctively jumped backwards, putting as much distance between the two as he could. With Mars missing his attack, and Pinball not being able to form a proper attack, they would soon have to resort to attacking with basics. And Pinball knew from experience that a mob could wreak havoc when left to do as it pleased. Pinball quickly glanced at his health bar. It was steadily draining, and Pinball was not very pleased with the pacing. He nodded to Mars. "We need to finish this. Quickly." Pinball pulled out his dagger, much more wary about the Soldier's movements. What with all the stuns, Pinball had thought the monster as harmless. Now, watching it deal a good amount of damage... Not so much. 

Combat: 

The sudden hostility caught him off guard. He was once again reminded of what he didn't like in the man. He was going to offer a retort when the man started to approach the fish. "Nobody embarreses a Lara-tuna or whatever," he grumbled to himself. "I'll show him." Pinball charged at the fish, running past Mars. As he ran past, he pat him on the shoulder. "Keep up, yeah?" He winked, turned, and kept running, his dagger glowing as he activated a Sword Art. The beauty of using a dagger was the flexibility it offered in your movement, and this flexibility showed itself in Pinball's attack. 

As Pinball rushed, the Fish Soldier lowered its halberd, hoping to skewer him. But Pinball was ready for this. He leapt into the air, flipping mid-jump to add a touch of flair. He landed behind the Soldier, twisted, and finished his Sword Art. His blade sliced through the Soldier's thin leather armor with a lovely rip, leaving a deep red gash along the Fish's side. The stun rendered the Fish Soldier immobile, and it dropped to his knees, using the halberd as support... until Pinball kicked the weapon from under him. The Soldier's weapon clattered along the dirt, and the Fish Soldier collapsed, stunned. Pinball grinned, turned to Mars, and took a bow that just screamed arrogance. "Had a good point about not showing mercy." Pinball laughed, putting his dagger in its scabbard. "Didn't do too much damage, but you can finish it off, I'm sure." His voice dripping with a strange mix of bitterness and pride, he stepped aside, giving Mars enough room for his attack. 

Combat: 

Pinball followed Mars with his eyes as the man walked away. He didn't even offer a glance at Pinball. He shrugged it off. It probably wasn't personal. Pinball saw the Fish Soldier charging, so he activated a Sword Art and rushed it. However, the halberd's threatening point was enough to make Pinball flinch, and, the Soldier, upon seeing Pinball's glowing knife, jumped backwards as well. It got impressive air, for a fish out of water, and the distance between the three increased. Pinball took this oppurtunity to jog over to Mars. "You alright?" A pause. "You... you uhh, you think you could pull off another one of those fancy attacks?" Pinball looked back at the Fish Soldier, who was jumping up and down, making angry glub glub sounds. "We should probably kill it." Pinball sighed, his heart heavy. "I can't help but feel kind of bad for it, though." Pinball stretched his arms. "Ah, well. Guess it can't be helped. It's him or us, after all. Should I go for another stun, do you think?"

Combat: 

Pinball watched in awe as the Soldier's health bar plummeted. Mars's attack put the creature in the yellow zone. It also put the creature's face in the dirt. A few more good attacks, and the fishman would be a goner. Pinball didn't know how long Mars could keep it up, but Energy always ran out at one point. As the fisherman stood, it attempted to retaliate with a wild upward slash, but the attack went wide, and Mars was left completely unharmed. Pinball rushed in, activating his Side Bite again. He was going to stun it once more, just to let Mars have another free attack on it. If Mars couldn't keep up the costy attacks, he would stop stunning it to try and conserve his own energy. The Emerald Shiv dug into the Fish Soldier's side once more, leaving a healthy red gash along its side. The monster flopped back onto the ground, once again stunned. This time, it wasn't able to hold itself up. Pinball reckoned when the monster did get up, it would be furious. With two targets, one or both of them weren't going to make it out of the battle completely unharmed. Pinball stepped back, giving room for Mars to do his thing. 

Combat: 

@Mars

Pinball watched as Mars flung himself into the lake with a poorly aimed attack. He looked pretty angry about it, so Pinball kept his mouth shut. Pinball quickly decided what to do, and saw it through. He would throw himself at the Soldier, taking a hit if need be. He would then follow up with a stun, which would let Mars get another free hit in. Mars did much more damage than Pinball could at the moment, so it was really the best course of action for the both of them. He jumped forward, and the Fish Soldier raised its halberd, swinging down on Pinball's head. Pinball, not exactly keen on getting bludgeoned, pivoted so that the blade only cut along his side. Pinball was painfully aware of the damage that caused him. Maybe this monster wasn't the pushover it had appeared to be. Not wasting any time, Pinball activated Side Bite, the only Sword Art he had access to that gave him a stun attack. He darted forward, his knife flashing across the Fish Soldier's side. The fishman dropped to its knees, using the end of its weapon to keep itself from giving the dirt a kiss. Pinball jogged over to Mars, urgently waving his dagger. "I stunned him," he breathed, "but he won't be down for long. Hurry!"

Combat:

Pinball entered his shop. It was time to come through with his orders. He hadn't quite finished everyone's orders completely, and there was still another person he would have to compensate for not being able to craft higher than a perfect. But, he sent out the messages regardless. In the meantime, Pinball entered his kitchen. He might as well get a day of crafting done, and he was going to have to make Stryder's item. Pinball swiped his menu open, and materialized the Candy Cane Material. It promised to make his next craft a perfect, though he wouldn't get any experience from it. He was hesitant to consume it; after all, it was only a one time use. He decided he would craft four times, and if he didn't get Stryder's perfect, he would use it on his fifth attempt. But, he did! He crafted a Perfect item, and two Rares! His last attempt was him starting to try and craft Fae's cookie. Then, he would get back to Kaya's order. Also, one Uncommon, but nobody wanted those. After his crafting was done, he sat back, and would wait for his customers to pick up their items.

Messages ~ 

----------------------- CRAFTING -------------------------------

Attempt 1: 

Attempt 2: 

Attempt 3: 

Attempt 4: 

Attempt 5: 

Results: 

• Crafted 1 T1 Perfect Snack. 
• Crafted 1 T1 Rare Snack. 
• Crafted 1 T1 Uncommon Snack. 
• Crafted 1 T1 Rare Dessert. 
• Gained 18 EXP 

Started day with 16 T1 Mats, ended with 11. 

EXP: 139/159

Name: Floral Vanilla Cupcake
Your Profession: Cook
Your Rank: 2
Roll ID: 91186
Roll Result: 11
Item Type: Dessert
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: +2 LD {2 Slots} 
Description: A tasty vanilla cupcake with a simple floral design. 
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/15508-f8-r4-cook-~-open/?do=findComment&comment=531192

Name: Chocolate Cupcake 
Your Profession: Cook
Your Rank: 3
Roll ID: 91280
Roll Result: 10
Item Type: Dessert
Tier: 1
Quality: Uncommon
Enhancements: +1 ACC {1 Slot}
Description: A simple, yet edible chocolate cupcake. 
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/15508-f8-r4-cook-~-open/?do=findComment&comment=531378

Name: Vanilla Cupcake
Your Profession: Cook
Your Rank: 3
Roll ID: 91282
Roll Result: 9
Item Type: Uncommon
Tier: 1
Quality: Uncommon
Enhancements: +1 ACC {1 Slot}
Description: A simple, yet edible vanilla cupcake.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/15508-f8-r4-cook-~-open/?do=findComment&comment=531378

Name: Whole Wheat Cookie
Your Profession: Cook
Your Rank: 3
Roll ID: 91319
Roll Result: 10
Item Type: Dessert
Tier: 1
Quality: Uncommon
Enhancements: +1 VIT {1 Slot}
Description: A healthy alternative to chocolate cookies.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/15508-f8-r4-cook-~-open/?do=findComment&comment=531488

Name: Whole Grain Cookie
Your Profession: Cook
Your Rank: 3
Roll ID: 91361
Roll Result: 8
Item Type: Dessert
Tier: 1
Quality: Uncommon
Enhancements: +1 ACC {1 Slot} 
Description: A healthy alternative to vanilla cookies. 
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/15508-f8-r4-cook-~-open/?do=findComment&comment=531551

Name: Sponge Cake
Your Profession: Cook
Your Rank: 3
Roll ID: 91362
Roll Result: 11
Item Type: Dessert 
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare 
Enhancements: +2 LD {2 Slots} 
Description: Spongy sponge cake. 
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/15508-f8-r4-cook-~-open/?do=findComment&comment=531551

Name: Fruit Cake 
Your Profession: Cook
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 91467
Roll Result: 10
Item Type: Dessert 
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: +2 ACC {2 Slot}
Description: A simple, yet tasty fruit cake. 
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/15508-f8-r4-cook-~-open/?do=findComment&comment=531675

Name: Rice Balls
Your Profession: Cook
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 91685
Roll Result: 10
Item Type: Dessert
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: +2 LD {2 Slots}
Description: Simple, yet tasty rice balls. 
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/15508-f8-r4-cook-~-open/?do=findComment&comment=531952

Name: Messy Fruit Cake 
Your Profession: Cook
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 91687
Roll Result: 9
Item Type: Dessert 
Tier: 1
Quality: Uncommon
Enhancements: +1 ACC {1 Slot} 
Description: A rather poorly made fruit cake. 
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/15508-f8-r4-cook-~-open/?do=findComment&comment=531952

Name: Vanilla Cupcake 
Your Profession: Cook
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 91838
Roll Result: 8
Item Type: Dessert 
Tier: 1
Quality: Uncommon
Enhancements: +1 LD {1 Slot}
Description: A simple, yet edible vanilla cupcake.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/15508-f8-r4-cook-~-open/?do=findComment&comment=532148

Name: Floral Chocolate Cupcake 
Your Profession: Cook
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 91839
Roll Result: 9
Item Type: Dessert
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: +2 LD
Description: A tasty chocolate cupcake with a simple floral design.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/15508-f8-r4-cook-~-open/?do=findComment&comment=532148

Name: Carrot Cake
Your Profession: Cook
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 91927 
Roll Result: 12
Item Type: Dessert 
Tier: 1
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: +3 LD {3 Slots} 
Description: A simple carrot cake with vanilla frosting and a picture of a cute carrot on top.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/15508-f8-r4-cook-~-open/?do=findComment&comment=53226

Name: Green Tea 
Your Profession: Cook
Your Rank: 4
Roll ID: 91928
Roll Result: 11 
Item Type: Snack 
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare 
Enhancements: +2 LD {2 Slots}
Description: Cold green tea. Refreshing, and good for your eyes (apparently). 
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/15508-f8-r4-cook-~-open/?do=findComment&comment=532262

I've... I've been sitting on these for a long time.

- THREAD COMPLETE - 

Thread Rewards: 

Pinball receives: 

• 1 SP 
• 400 Col

Quest Rewards: 

Pinball receives: 

• 2 SP 
• {1} Tier-One Amulet that gives +1 EVA 

Items Lost: 

Pinball used {2} of {5} Health Potions of Uncommon Quality (+40HP), leaving him with {3} Health Potions of Uncommon Quality.

The next hour was a blur. Crying, walking back to the grove to finish the quest, and levelling up all blended together. He remembered turning in the ring, the NPC thanking him, and receiving some kind of item. It was like he wasn't fully awake. Pinball awoke the next day in an inn. The time was 14:27. He had slept for a bit longer than an entire day. He opened his inventory, his first thoughts being what he had earned for doing that quest. He had gathered a total of 4 T1 Materials, and he had received a trinket that offered +1 Evasion. That would have come in handy, he thought bitterly. From completing the quest, he had also leveled up, earning enough points to unlock Rank 2 in any weapon tree he so chose. Pinball decided that a rapier wasn't going to be able to fight things well enough. He needed higher damage to fight creatures of that calibur. Pinball would later put his SP towards the 2H Assault Spear. He had also obtained a healthy portion of col, putting him closer to his goal of getting rid of the Dagger Skill once and for all. Pinball sighed. "Maybe I should take a break."

Pinball ran off in a different direction. This time, he was ready for every possible contingency. Pinball jumped to the side just as the King's tongue lashed out at him, and when the frog jumped, Pinball did a 180 and ran off in a different direction. He ran for as long as he could, stealing quick looks behind him. Strangely enough, King Croaksworth didn't chase him any further. He was free.

Several different emotions surfaced all at once. Of course he didn't want to die. He had done in the face of death what he does so often; put up a mask. It was the only way he knew how to deal with things. He couldn't process emotions normally, so he usually just bottled everything up and tried to play the clown. But this was different. He had nearly died, and Pinball couldn't keep it up anymore. He fell to the ground, and cried. 

Running Away:

Pinball turned around, and ran off. He ran for as long as he felt safe, and then hit the deck. The frog's tongue jabbed the air above him, and Pinball scrambled back to his feet so he could keep running. But King Croaksworth wasn't having it. The giant frog went airborne, and launched itself into the air with a single powerful jump. The frog hit the ground with a loud thud in front of him. It kept on staring. "You're really intent on killing me, huh?" Pinball's voice was as deadpan as his expression. The boy had processed his emotions, leaving a calm, if not a bit empty, person. "Well, I'm learning your tricks. And if I get out of here, I'm going to love coming back and shoving a knife in your stupid little face." Pinball shrugged, letting out a sigh. His adrenaline was pumping, and he found it difficult to think straight. His words were stammered, and he couldn't stop shaking. Every instinct inside of him told him to fight, but he knew he had to run if he wanted to live. Adrenaline did nothing more than make you dumber in the virtual world. "You're actually going to kill me, aren't you?" 

Combat: 

Running Away: 

Pinball quickly downed another health potion. He tossed the glass aside, where it shattered into nothingness when it hit the ground. When the tongue jab came his way, he was ready. Pinball leapt aside, barely dodging the attack. Despite the tears rushing down his face, Pinball laughed. He started to talk to the frog. "You know, I always wondered why people want to live so bad." He shook his head, hysterical now. "But now, so close to death, I realize." Pinball placed his hands on his knees to steady himself. Laughter and tears; a rather odd combination. "I realize I still don't know why. Know-," he was laughing too hard, he couldn't finish, but he soon regained some modicum of composure, "know why people even care!" Pinball stood, shaking his head. "I'm going to try to live. Live by running away. Kill me if you can; one way or the other, I don't give a damn." He stood, and wiped his eyes. 

Combat: 

Pinball raised the vial to his mouth, and drained it. Some of his health was restored. But only enough as to where he would survive another hit. He was not in a very comfortable situation. Tears rolled down his cheeks in healthy amounts. Sniffing, he dropped the vial to the ground. That must have aggravated the frog, because its tongue took a jab at him. Pinball saw it coming however, and managed to roll out of the way. He came up on his knees, and started yelling at King Croaksworth. "What the hell! I didn't even move that time!" Many elaborate, unrepeatable curses soon followed Pinball's scolding of the frog. He had to think, and fast. This monster was going to kill him. He had 3 options: Running away, drink another potion, or try to stun it. The safest option, Pinball figured, was drinking another potion. Pinball reached for his belt, and pulled out another one of the small vials. 

Combat: 

Pinball waited, but the frog didn't make any moves. Pinball slowly started to back away, and the frog still didn't move. Pinball turned around, and once again tried to run away, jumping this way and that and praying he didn't get caught. But Croaksworth's tongue wrapped around his foot, and he was once again pulled back. Pinball was once again slammed against a tree, and dropped to the ground as if he were no heavier than a feather. Pinball shuddered. He barely had the strength to move. His health was in the red, and one more hit would do him in. Tears streamed down the boy's face, and he punched the dirt, screaming. "I don't want to die," he repeated over and over, his hands shaking. He reached for one of the health potions that hung from his belt. "I don't want to die." He held the potion and stood, shaking in place. He needed to drink the potion without getting attacked. He started to lift the glass to his lips as slowly as he could. "I don't want to die."

Combat: 

Running Away: 

Pinball turned around, and started to run. He had to get out of here! He had no chance fighting this thing. Especially not when he hadn't put any points into his only weapon. He was starting to regret that. Pinball got a good distance away, and for a second he thought he had made it. But then something wrapped around his chest tightly. Suffocating him. Then, he was hurtling backwards. The giant frog, using its tongue, slammed Pinball against a tree, knocking the breath out of him. As if that weren't brutal enough, King Croaksworth threw him onto the dirt, dropping him. One couldn't experience true pain in SAO, at least in the sense that it couldn't hurt your real body. But what he was feeling now hurt. Bad. Pinball struggled to his feet, and took a few steps backwards. The monster was watching him now, but it wasn't moving. Pinball stay frozen in place, not daring to move. Fear racked his body, and Pinball started shaking. Is this really it?

Combat: 

Running Away: 

Pinball cast his line again, happy to be fishing. It was one of the things that reminded him of where he had grown up, and though he hadn't done it much in the real world, he loved doing it in the virtual one. After what seemed like forever, there was a familiar, heavy tug on the line. His heart dropped In his chest. He knew this feeling. From the water burst a giant frog, and it immediately targeted Pinball. A long, whip-like tongue lashed across his chest, chipping a good chunk of HP off his Health Bar. He stumbled backwards, the wound across his chest stinging. He yanked out his dagger, and left the pole. He would come back for it later. He had bigger problems now. 

The frog croaked, and Pinball grimaced. Health bars appeared next to its name. It was another fishing boss, and it looked every bit as strong as the Shark King had been. Except, he didn't have Stryder here to protect him, nor did he have the armor Stryder had lent him. He would have to run if he wanted to live. 

Combat: 

Why am I standing? Pinball sat down, suddenly embarrassed. He would hate it if anybody saw him like that. Like a little kid. Pinball shook his head, his face lighting up a bright red despite himself. Taking his fishing pole, he lazily flopped the line into the water, and waited. There was still a breeze, and it sped up the rushing of the stream. Can't be too great for fishing, Pinball figured. After a few more seconds of waiting, he felt a tug. Reeling it in, Pinball had gathered 3 T1 Materials! Nice, he told himself, storing the materials safely in his inventory. He figured he would fish once or twice more, and then go and turn in the quest. Pinball wasn't usually one to test his luck, but the teenager felt invincible after his victory over the Cave Guardian. Alright, he said, counting up the materials before recasting. Twice more, and then I leave.

Fishing: 

As Pinball neared the Artisan's meeting place, Pinball came across a stream. It wouldn't hurt to fish, he figured. If he ran into trouble, he could always just run. Pinball sat down and pulled out his fishing pole. He cast the line, smiled, and waited. He really did love fishing, even though it could be... Dangerous, at times. The ripples the line had made in the water as it sunk soon disappeared, and all that was left to do was wait. 

After what seemed like forever, Pinball reeled in his line. Only one fish was biting. Well, that's a damn shame, he said, laying the rod across his lap. He had never reeled only one thing in before. He had Fished up everything from treasure chests to giant shark monsters. Strange how nothing was biting now. Pinball debated whether or not it was safe to keep fishing. He cracked his knuckles, and stood. He raised the fishing pole in the air, and laughed. One more time!

Fishing: 

*In the roller, I accidently rolled an attempt without stating the purpose. This roll was disregarded, and a reroll occured.

As Pinball walked back to the grotto he knew he would find the Artisan in, he took a moment to enjoy the scenery. Looking around, with the sun shining and the bright green grass, he couldn't help but feel... So disappointed. Everything here was perfect, without flaws. It was so artificial, and Pinball hated it. One day, he swore to himself, he would make it out of this game. He would see the real sun, the real grass, eat real food. And he would see the real sky again. The real sunset, the real sunrise. He would see for himself the day start and end, and not just notice it on a small clock on the side of his vision. He would be with his mother again, with his grandmother. With his cat, Pinball too. He let out a sigh. It was strange, the things you took for granted. He shook his head. It was time to go.

The walk out of the cave was not nearly as tense and uncomfortable as it was when he had first entered it. His eyes must have somewhat adjusted to the darkness, because when he took his first step back into the light of day, it nearly blinded him. Jesus, that's bright, he told himself. He took a moment to allow himself to take it all in. He had survived a fight without running away, and he was about to finish the third quest of the four he had so far taken Solo. He was getting stronger, he could feel it. He pulled the jewel out of his pocket to admire it once more. It was even more beautiful in the sunlight, where the gem truly shined. He had to get it back to the woman as fast as he could, he wanted to turn this quest in as soon as possible. Checking the amount of SP he had, he knew that he would have enough to put into a new weapon skill. He didn't quite have the right amount of money to refund the dagger, but it would soon be coming. Pinball smiled. He was finally moving up in the world. One of these days, he would make it to the frontlines, and maybe even be of help in clearing the game. But, first things first.

He started walking, but it soon became a run. He charged at the monster once more, his dagger glowing from the activated sword art. The Cave Guardian took a swing at Pinball, but he jumped out of the way, and kept running. He got as close as he dared, and leapt into the Cave Guardian, plunging his knife deep into the monster. The Cave Guardian let out a death screech, flailing its arms around without avail. The monster shattered into peices, and Pinball fell back onto the ground. It was over. He had killed the Cave Guardian. Pinball started laughing. Damn, that was fun! He would have to finish these quests. Finish these quests! That's right! Pinball pulled the jewel out of his cloak where he he stashed it. He needed to get this back to the Artisan, and quick! There was still time left in the day for him to finish the quest line! Pinball rushed back the way he came, not nearly as hesitant as he had been while entering. This cave was his now. The Guardian was no more. 

Combat: 

Pinball ran at the monster. With a yell, he activated a sword art. The Cave Guardian lifted its boulder once more. Pinball's attack hit! It cut into the golem's side, and points drained from its health bar. But Pinball didn't have time to celebrate. No; a heavy, painful slam against his back sent him sprawling. He let out a shocked yell as he hit the ground, then punched the ground. Damn it! Pinball checked his health bar. This monster had done a large chunk of damage to Pinball. In fact, it was the most amount of damage he had taken on the first floor in one attack. Pinball pushed himself up, retrieving his dagger from the ground next to him. The golem's boulder was no more. Shattered bits of rock were scattered across the cave's floor. Pinball let out a sharp, bitter laugh. What are you gonna hit me with now? Pinball laughed some more, cursing it out. It was a bit obvious that the boy had some seriously suppressed anger. I'm going to kill you, he said. He gripped his dagger, glaring at the monster in front of him. 

Combat: 

Wanting to take advantage of the stun on the Guardian, Pinball quickly charged the monster. But he as too quick; he couldn't keep his balance, and he tripped and stumbled. By the time he recovered, the Cave Guardian was already standing. Muttering a curse, Pinball turned and put as much distance between them that he could. He cracked his neck, muttering strings of elaborate curses that grew in complexity. He had wasted his only free shot, and he wasn't going to be able to do something like that again if he wanted enough EN to finish the fight quickly. He let out a rough sigh. He was angry, now. Not at the situation or the monster, but himself. He needed to end this fight, he needed to get stronger. He needed to be of use. He wanted to be of use. Pinball yelled, and ran at the Cave Guardian, throwing caution to the wind. He may very well get hit, but Pinball was going to see this hulking menace dead. And he was going to finish the job by himself.

Combat: