Embers

A group of 5? Embers let out a scoff. This was a lot less than what happened last time, where it seemed all of the guild had rallied up. Was the Kids guild in that much of a ruin? Or was something else happening behind the scenes? Either way, she was certain that they could take some small drake. She could deal a lot of damage, and the Kid was no slouch either. She just hoped the others could keep up.

“I don’t care no” Embers said as she walked close to Hei, closer than he would have liked “But that doesn’t mean I’m not gunna make your life hell for that dumb-ass comment. Maybe next time, you’ll think about it” Embers said with a sly smile. It honestly didn’t matter if he regretted it, it was infinitely amusing watching him react each time she brought it up, and she planned to continue to each time he was around.

Hearing the plan, but Harem-Boy and Bluey, Embers rolled her eyes. She didn’t care if she was honest the planning, her plan was simple. Hit it until it died.

“Do we honestly need a plan like that? Just punch it until it breaks”

Hearing the descriptions of the different front line groups, ironically, did little to show the other side. At least not to Embers. Having been raised by a solder turned mercenary, and a very successful one at that, a large portion of her childhood had been with various mercenary groups, all who had their own way of fighting, and reason. Some for money, some for the thrill, others because they had no where else to go. No matter the reason, to fight on a battlefield made you a soldier or a merc.

“Just cause y’all fight different, or have a different banner, don’t mean you ain’t a merc in training” She said simply. She let out a soft chuckle “Always wonder what’ll happen to the killers after all this crap ends” Some people in Sword Art Online had broken, and yet, they would end up escaping. Where would they go, having the taste for murder? Would they continue in the real world?

At Hestia’s tease, a slight growl came out of Embers throat, but the smile on her face was clear “I’d be hurt Hestia, if you were a hunter” Embers licked her lips a little as a thought passed through her mind “The best hikes are where there are no maps. After all, why explore a place you already know?” It was a question her dad had posed to her, and to this day, she couldn’t prove him wrong. What was the point of revisiting the same place? "Plus the further we are from people, the better the game'll become"

Callsigns and nicknames, they were almost the same thing at the end of the day. But what sort of people forgot about it? Or just didn’t use it? The front liners were military, or as military as her dad was, and yet, they seemed so uptight. Honestly, it was a shame they acted like that. Embers could only imagine the party it would be if they allowed themselves to relax.

“Shame honestly. But it’ll happen, when you front liners realize you’re basically a group of mercenaries” She said lazily. Something that amused her in a way, she’d always compared front liners to mercenaries. People who were fighting for a cause they didn’t fully believe in, but did it anyway.

Embers grinned at Hestia, despite the fact the mobs wouldn’t faze the other girl for a moment, the fact she was happy to hang out with her was generious. And in Embers mind, put this girl another step towards a constant. It was annoying, in a way. Embers hadn’t ever wanted another constant in her life, and here she was. Ember Nite, kicking open the damn door.

Embers eyes scanned around, but they were surrounded by trees. Without any direction, she began walking. Seemingly unaware it was the direct opposite direction of the town “Come on then. Not sure if we’ll find any mountains, but there is one thing for certain. A hike is only a hike is you’re lost beyond reason”

Fireheart…It felt so weird, to hear someone else saying her name. And yet, something in her chest shifted. And unlike before, Embers didn’t feel an anger. She frowned. It was unfamiliar feeling, and yet, her instincts weren’t telling her to be afraid, or angry. Was this belonging?

“It’s a shame ya frontliners don’t do it” Embers said in reflection on hearing the  front liners don’t use callsigns “It’s sorta like…you know how religious people throw a baby in water or something? It’s basically that” It was the best comparison she had. You didn’t need it, but she couldn’t see why they wouldn’t.

“Hmmm, ya know, I wouldn’t mind getting my scythe into something…” The girl glanced at the picture in her hand, before placing it into her inventory “Hell, it’ll be breakin’ ya in. Call it a good ‘ol hike..” Embers turned to Hestia "Somethin' tells me mobs on this floor are about as threatening to you as me though eh?"

Embers let out a soft laugh hearing Hestia, seemingly ask for permission, to use her callsign. That’s all it was. Her nickname, her callsign, given to her by her dad years ago. It had been a party at the house, Larissa had been 10 years old. One of his work mates, a tall guy whose sign was ‘Chopper’, had mentioned it. And after being given a callsign of her own, she became part of the team. Until her dad died…

“Call me whatever you want Embs. It ain’t a special nickname. It’s a callsign, a second name I guess” She had loved her name when she was younger, namely because it wasn’t a title. It was just that, a second name and one that all of her dads work friends called her when they can back from their missions.

At mentioning her own callsign, Embers let out a louder laugh and patted the other girl on the shoulder “It’ll come. One of those front liners you fight with’ll pick it. Like I said, you don’t get to pick your callsign. That’s simply the rule. Besides, sometimes they ain’t always pretty”

“One of the guys dad worked with, he was call-signed Book. His mates found out he was trying to write a novel, and well…It stuck. Another guy was called Lucky, survived a point-blank hand grenade somehow. And there was Shag, stood for social hand grenade” Embers smiled at the memories of her dads work mates “Hell, dad was known as dodger for ages, because he always managed to not get in trouble. Then his mates found out about me….Then his callsign changed to miracle. Because if someone like him could get married….”

Embers smiled at the thoughts of her dad and his workmates, the parties they’d had at the house. She glanced down at the picture of the hiking trip. She missed them all, that pack of crazed idiots “it’ll come Hes…But you can’t force a callsign”

She was somewhat amused, even if her face didn’t show it. Embers had always used the term ‘walk through the fires’ for someone who dealt with her. Her boyfriend, Hestia. Those who weren’t afraid to walk alongside her, because so many shrinked away from the challenge. They ran from the fire. Embers grinned, right as Hestia asked for her name.

“You know it, I’m sure you were listenin’ in on the old man and me…” Despite her tone, it was clear that the cut from the memories was still bleeding “But, you trusted your name to me. Plus, you’ve earned it if nothin’ else. Larissa Williams” She grinned cockily “And don’t forget it Embs”

For a moment, a thought passed through her mind, and a sad smile passed through her “Ya know Embs. Ever since he died, I hated that nickname he gave me. All it did is remind me of what I lost, that I lost the person who I loved. When I came here, I picked a new name, tried to move past it” She shook her head and looked at the picture “But there was a rule ya know. You never get to pick your own nickname. Your callsign is a gift, given to you at the time its meant to be given. God I musta been an idiot, thinking I didn’t obey it”

Ember Nite. Despite the emotions running through her, there was a part of her that was amused. Hestia’s real name was Embers, her online name was that also. She trusted her, otherwise…why would you share your real name in a place like this?

Holding the other girl in her arms, Embers fought to keep her mind focused. Normally, when the girl felt vulnerable, she lashed out, very violently. However, this was not one of those times and instead of lashing out, she was willing to put trust in Hestia. Trust in this other girl. Hearing her speak, something in Embers chest moved. Uncomfortable so, and yet, it was something she didn’t object to. It was a sense she hadn’t felt in years, a sense of belonging, to some capacity.

“I will” She said eventually, breaking the hug and standing up tall. Her eyes appeared a little dazed, but lacked the tears. Embers had managed to beat them back, and keep her promise to her dad “I dunno how you did it, but…Ember, you managed to walk through the fire” She shook her head a little, and went to shake Hestia’s hand “You’re one of two who survived the damn fire, I’ll admit…I’m impressed”

The girl blinked once, then twice. She didn’t understand how she had been able to watch a memory, yet that was what had happened before her own eyes. She let out a small growl. It didn’t matter who it happened, it had, and now, now…what the hell was she meant to do! People always said seeing the dead had a purpose. The hell was this about? What was she meant to learn!

She heard Hestia’s voice, and the girl turned sharply. She had forgotten about the other girl entirely, and despite feeling weak, Larissa made no attempt to pull up a wall. To pretend she was anything other than hurt.

“I don’t cry” She said simply “When dad died. I cried so much it hurt, and then…I spent my time getting drunk, getting into dumb fights. Trying to find anything to distract me. After a while…Someone set my straight, helped my bury dad properly. And I made a promise. I’d never cry again”

Embers cleared her eyes and took a deep breath. “I told you before I rely on the only constant in my life. But…I appreciate the offer”. Hestia was, annoying persistent. Perhaps even becoming that constant. At least for now, but would it continue?

Embers opened her mouth to speak, but something at her feet caught her eye. Kneeling down and picking it up, she closed her eyes once she saw what it was, to fight back a tear that was trying to escape.

The picture was a selfie, poorly taken, of Larissa, her father, and Rowan sitting on her arm. They were at a camp, and over a fire, the carcass of an animal was being cooked. The body of a deer they’d hunted and killed that very day. Without saying a word, keeping the picture in her hands, wraps my arms around Hestia tightly and hugged the other girl. Embers wasn’t sure why, but for those moments, seeing that picture had torn her heart open, and she wan-needed something to hold onto.  

The girl walked forwards, a scowl on her face as her eyes hunted for what the hell this foggy place was! She heard footsteps behind her, but she didn’t bother to turn around. She was near certain Hestia had pursued her, and so, she hunted forwards into the next room.

The next room didn’t look anything special, and yet, Embers heart stopped completely. Something was wrong, so so wrong. And the girl felt, afraid. “The hell is your game!” She yelled out with anger, the girl even spinning around in the fog to try and find it “Stop wearing the face of my dad! If you’re trying to lower my guard, that isn’t gunna work! He’s gone and…”

“Heya Larissa” A male voice echoed throughout the cavern, and Embers went dead silent.

Her heart shattered, her blood, usually burning hot, turned to ice as she slowly, ever so slowly, turned around. Facing her from the wall, was her dad. Their hair, eyes and even body build were the same. Large, touch and totally wild. His eyes were a cameral brown, and he was lazily shaven around the cheeks. Just like she remembered it. Except….

“You know that’s not my name” She said softly. Larissa was her real name. Larissa Williams. However, her dad never called her that….He had his own name for her. Her very own title.

“I know, but your mother insisted I call you that” The memory said as if answering the girl in real time, and Embers, despite frowning, opted to continue talking. She wanted, so despirately, to hear him say it.

“And you listen to her about it?”

Her father chuckled in amusement as his hand moved above her eyes of the memory, to ruffle her hair “Point taken fireheart. Besides, I’ve got you something”

If Embers had turned to ice seeing her father, hearing him say that one word had shattered her completely. Her dads nickname for her. It was him, it had to be, and yet, it was impossible….She’d buried him! She felt a tear start to form in her eyes, and did her best to fight it back. She refused to cry again dammit!

“Got me….s-something” Embers said. She knew what was coming, she remembered this memory as if it was yesterday. It was one of the best days of her life.

“Ah-huh. But, it’s a big deal so you gotta promise me you’re up for the challenge” The look in her dads eyes burned, much like Embers own. A challenge, a dare. That’s how they lived. Pushing the other to surpass them.

“I’m 16 years old. You’re damn right I can handle it” Embers chocked on her own words as she spoke to the memory this time. She had been 21 when she had become trapped in this game. 5 years ago this happened. She swallowed as she forced back another tear that tried to escape.

“That’s my girl” The memory reached back, and when his arm came back, a White-Tailed Hawke was sitting on it. Its beady eyes zeroing in on Larissa. “You always talked about getting a pet. But given our hiking trips, a dog would just struggle. I figured a girl of prey needs a bird of prey to keep her company”

Embers face shifted to joy, utter sheer joy seeing her bird in the memory. It was the day that changed her life, to receive a pet. To give her a challenge that she had no idea how to tackle, and to figure it out herself. However, when it was clear in the memory Embers was meant to be talking, she was dead silent. Seemingly choking on her own words.

“You too Fireheart. Now come on, we’ve got a long drive to the mountains todays. Those beasts ain’t gunna hunt themselves”

The memory faded away into fog, leaving Larissa Williams utterly shattered, and yet, overwhelmingly happy. It was a blessing to see her dad once again, to see Rowan. The day they had all finally met, become a proper family by blood. And yet, a cruel reminder of what she could never have again.

Embers wiped her eyes, despite there being no tear as she looked at the wall of where her father had been “I love you dad…I made you those promises above your grave…And I swear, I’m never going back on them” She forced the words out as she took a deep breath. Trying to recapture her mind, but refusing to sink onto her knees like part of her begged to do.

The kids guild was making a move on the next dragon? About damn time. Embers was lying in her apartment on the first floor when the message came in. Her original plan for the day was to laze around thinking about Hestia, but with the prospect of a fight…The girl flipped up with a grin. She grabbed her Scythe, which had been resting at the door of her apartment. She quickly made her way down the stairs, kicking open one of the doors and landing in front of the teleporter.

The tall girl whistled once, and a hawk landed onto her shoulder within an instant. Embers grinned. It seemed, despite everything, Rowan was learning. With that knowledge, smirking, she entered the portal.

Arriving on the third floor, it took the girl a few minutes to try and locate the message sender. However, when her eyes looked at Hei properly, it was clear to her. It was him, of course it was. Walking over confidently, she cleared her throat

“Oi, Harem boy” She said to Hei “This the meeting point yeah?”  

Embers blinked twice. What the hell was Hestia talking about? It was common to see the dead to appear, that she should continue to find down the person? Part of her wanted to dismiss this all as madness, as her mind caving to insanity. There was just three issues with that…Hestia was acting odd. Far too calm, meaning the other girl knew something. But what!

The second being Embers own instincts. If she was in danger, she’d know. Never had her instincts failed to warn her, and her instincts were screaming at her. But not of danger, but the desire to hunt.

And the third, and final reason, was honestly simple. Her mind wasn’t weak. This wasn’t her mind caving in on itself, but rather, this was really happening. She’d heard rumours of peoples mind cracking in this game. But Embers knew herself, there was no way she’d break. It wasn’t how she lived.

“He isn’t my dad…” Embers said harshly, an anger burning into her face “I wished for him to come back for a whole year, and I buried him myself. He’s dead and gone…” The girl kicked the ground as she felt something in her heart leap up. She crushed it as quickly as she could. She made a harsh turn to the side, before freezing completely. Shock consumed her face as she stared at a face in the distance that vanished into a tree! Her blood turned to ice for a mere second.

With no warning, the girl sprinted off. Charging forwards after the figure into the fog, Rowan on her shoulder. As she charged forwards, she felt an all-too familiar feeling as her blood heated up. A blood haze rushed over her, overwhelming the girls mind and washing away her rational thought. 

Embers blinked. She had lost her mind for merely a moment, drowned in a blood haze. And now, she had no idea where she was. She remembered seeing the thing that imitated her dad, but then….nothing.

“The hell did you this time idiot?” She muttered to herself as she whistled, calling Rowan onto her arm. She looked behind her, to what appeared to be stairs covered in fog. But she walked forwards with a bad feeling in her gut. Stone surrounded her, coated by fog on all sides. “Dad, what the hell are you playing at? You always told me to take the challenge head on, so why are you running away?”

ID: 105278

LD: 14 (+3)=17 <Chamber found>

It was impossible, and yet, her instincts disagreed. Embers was utterly torn in half as she stared around the woods. She knew that face, knew it from barely a seconds glance. And yet, despite knowing that it was the face, and her instincts confirming, there was something unsettling about it. A few years ago, she’d of been overjoyed. Now, she was nervous.

The girl heard Hestia approach and ask her what she was seeing. Embers hesitated, purely because she didn’t know “I…I thought I saw my…dad” She said eventually, turning to look at the other girl properly “At first I thought I just saw someone, but I saw his face Hes….it was for barely a second, but there was no way I got it wrong. I don’t know if I’m going crazy or what, but I saw his face. Somehow…my dads in this game. Or at the very least, someone who looks perfectly like him” The girl wasn’t certain how any of this was possible. Her dad was dead. She had buried him herself. So what the hell was going on?

ID: 105265

LD: 4(+3)=7 <Failed to find>

Embers had been utterly consumed by the person she thought she’d seen, and the hair. It was impossible for her to not know who it was, but that was impossible right? She bit her lower lip as she heard Hestia speak up, actually prompting her to investigate it.

“Damn it…” the girl muttered. Hestia offered a path, but no solution! She looked at Hestia, before nodding her head. Part of her had a feeling Hestia knew something, but that being said…Embers nodded her head at Hestia “You’re holdin’ something back, I’m certain of it…” But instead of accusing the girl, Embers turned around and started walking into the woods, Rowan landing on her shoulder. She looked around, and her eyes zeroed in on what she was not expecting to see.

The same foggy individual vanishing behind a tree. She spotted them for merely a second, and yet, something inside of her lurched. Emotions she had kept down clawed at her.

“That’s….impossible” She sprinted forwards suddenly, turning at the tree to see nothing. She spun around, somewhat franktically. The face she’d seen. With the hair, there had been a chance of mistaking it. But the eyes, the sly grin that was on the face she’d glanced for merely a second. It was clear as day, and yet, impossible. “The dead don’t come back….” She muttered angrily to herself as her eyes hunted for whatever was messing with her head!  

ID: 105256

LD: 13(+3)=16LD <Failed to find it

Embers blinked once, then again. Hestia was….hugging her?! Embers was uncertain as to why, sure she’d agreed to look after Hestia’s sister. But why the hug? She hadn’t done anything yet. Reward before the action was like getting paid before a job. Distasteful. Embers did, despite her confusion, hug the other girl back. “I’ll give it a go, can’t promise I’ll fit in with you lot though….” The girls voice started to die off in her throat as she looked over Hestia’s shoulder, completely distracted away from Hestia as she spotted….a person. A person who looked to have hair like her own.

Embers took a step forwards, right as the figure vanished like smoke before her own eyes. “…What the hell?” She muttered, looking around the woods. Something was wrong, she could smell that much. Yet her instincts weren’t screaming about danger, which they usually did whenever she needed to ensure her safety.

“You see that?” Embers asked, pointing at where she had seen the figure “Did you see that person over there!” The urgency in her voice came out, and Embers knew it had but didn’t care. That hair…had been all-too familiar.  

ID: 105255

LD: 9(+3)=12 <Failed>

Despite Hestia’s argument, that to protect something was the right thing to do, the words didn’t resonate with Embers. There were only a few things in the world worth protecting, worth her effort to save. Herself, her stupid bird….and her dad. Everything else could burn for all she cared. And if anything made a move, against herself or Rowan, she wouldn’t just protect them. She’d strike back with everything she had, because when someone tries to take something from you, it’s only fair you take everything from them. As punishment for their brashness and stupidity. But, even Embers could see that Hestia was damn stubborn, and instead of arguing, simply huffed out air. Some people were just too stubborn….

“Make sure he has backup” She said in reference to Hestias confidence in her ally “Not my place to say it all, even if I want Domarus to fall. But if he goes in alone, he ain’t coming back from those saveages”. Embers took a few steps forwards, before frowning. She blinked once, then twice. She though she’d seen something in the woods, but couldn’t recall what it was that had given her that sense of familiarity. She let out an angry growl. Was her mind playing tricks on her now?

Hestia’s comment about dealing with her sister caught her attention, and she let out a loud laugh “I’ll handle her easy then. And don’t worry, I’m not stupid enough to harm her…I’ll getcha a path to him, but you gotta do the hard yards”. It seemed like a ‘fair’ trade, given that Hestia was the only one allowed to fight Domarus. Kill, maybe, but definitely fight. Embers knew that by giving her a path, Domarus idiot followers would be angry at her, and hopefully, she’d be able to get her Scythe into a couple of those fools…

Cowardice was often hard to find. People would simply back away from actions, out of fear of failure, or another reason. Embers detested it. The only time you should back out is when you know you lost the battle, before it’s even begun. It seemed Hestia, lacking cowardice, had vision.  She admitted her weakness for her sister, and had a plan to deal with it. Or if she didn’t, Embers was more than happy to step in…

“Protect…” the girl nearly spat the word out. Protect often meant you were on the back foot already. Why protect it, when you can take from the other person? “Well, once you’ve dealt with Domarus, I’m sure another threat will arise with the way you handle him” Embers spoke casually. If Hestia crushed him under her boot, like she was hoping. It would be a clear cut message. However, if she took mercy on him. What then? The girl growled as she couldn’t understand what would come as a result of that. An option she’d never consider.

“Itzal…He’ll have his hands full” Embers said as the girl looked around her, a tad curious where the woods was taking them “There are a lot of them now. He needs a group at least. I’d say get someone like you, a tank. There is a few of ‘em, but they ain’t got a ton of levels on them….for now”. A lot of Domarus’ horde was weak, mostly. There was the occasional except, but if this Itzal was intelligent. He shouldn’t have any issues…which left…

“What about me eh? What’s my part of the plan?” Embers knew Domarus would be livid when her true alliegence was revealed. In a fight with him, she had got him onto the ground and his anger had been clear. So with that knowledge, how did she factor into Hestia’s end plan?

Embers didn’t feel fear, not properly, but something within her was concerned as the fire within Hestia seemed to break its seal and unleash itself. Embers listened, or at least, did her best too. However, her mind grinded to a halt upon hearing Domarus had actively threatened to kill Raven, and Embers finally understood why. Why Hestia, this juggnaut, had been ground to a halt. Not out of fear or weakness. Out of love. Out of connection through blood. She felt, something in her chest. Something that she didn’t like. It was a sad emotion, and Embers shoved it aside as quickly as she could. She hated those feelings.

Following after Hestia, even if she doubted Domarus was having her tailed, she listened to what the other girl had to say. While normally, she would interrupt at her own pleasure, today was…well, today was far from standard.

“You know Hes, you ain’t all that bad” Embers finally said as she smirked at the other girl “Honestly, I expected you to just be afraid, too afraid to go after Raven, like a damned cowards. Gotta admit, I’m glad I was wrong”. Embers hadn’t put any thought into majority of the situation, but the fire from Hestia was captivating her like a moth “As for dealing with Domarus…” Embers bit her lower lip “As much as I wanna take a crack at him, he’s not my kill to claim. So I’ll make you a bargain eh? I’ll leave Domarus for you to handle, and once his kingdom is burnt to ashes, I’ll join your guild”

Part of her wanted to claim Domarus as her own, to be the one that fights, and ultimately, kills him. It didn’t matter the score, or who had the ‘right’ to kill him. After all, her dad had taught her a simple trick from work. It didn’t matter who claimed the kill, but who delivers upon it. But, hearing how Hestia had to back away for her sister…Embers found the idea impossible, and she’d of died before letting it happen.

“So when are you coming against Domarus anyhow? It’s gotta be soon right?” She asked. She didn’t feel the urge to kill, her anger had started to burn itself out, although it was a constant within her chest “And how the ‘ell are you gunna deal with his mini-army of idiots?” Embers didn’t mention how she was part of that mini-army.

Embers felt the urge to put her fist through him. Why did he feel the need to make those damn comments, why couldn’t he just shut the hell up and listen to her! Anger boiled in her blood as the sun beat down on the pair. She took several deep breaths, simply out of instinct in preparion for the walk ahead of her rather than out of nerves. Stryder, for all the ‘talk’ he did, didn’t scare her. Even if he could beat her in game, he wouldn’t kill her. That was his weakness.

“The moment we get out of this game, I’m breaking your arm” Embers said calmly as could before grabbing his arm, and figured, dropping the bombshell sooner rather than later, was the right option.

“Fae joined a player-killer guild. I know you’re not stupid enough not to notice her leave yours, but she’s out getting’ people killed. She tried to wipe me out a few days ago because of my involvement in raiding their hideout a bit ago”  

It didn't matter if he didn't believe her, it was simple fact. Fae had attempted to kill her, albeit through a stupid proxy who should be dead. Fae had gone togue, and someone, anyone, had to deal with her. 

ID: 110690

CD: 6

So she knew. She KNEW she knew, and Hestia still opted to say nothing! To run away from her own damn problems like that’ll solve anything! The anger within Embers continued to burn bright as she heard Hestia ‘validate’ her actions, validate her silence. Her lies. She was denying reality. The truth of the matter, and this girl was running away. Another growl came out of Embers throat as she felt the urge to slap Hestia rise within her chest.

“And by running away, you expected what? That nothing bad would happen!” Embers yelled, not caring that Hestia seemed upset. That idiot of a girl needed to get something into her head. When it comes to family, you never turn away from reality.

“That by inaction, everything’ll turn alright? Let me tell you one damn thing Hestia. You ignore it, then when you move against Domarus, if no one on your side does, he’ll kill her ‘imself. She is in the firing line, and instead of telling me, who could god-damn help, you say nothing!” Embers had started pacing as her anger threatened to overrun her into a blood haze, but the girl fought to keep her mind rational, to keep onto the sliver of humanity that lived within her.

“Family is everything Hestia! And you’re willing to risk that by pretending what’s happening is a dream!? If I had a damn sister in her place, I’d drag her with me, kickin’ and damn well screaming to keep her safe. You have family alive, and you’re just….scared” Embers wanted to help her, wanted to do what Hestia seemed too afraid to do for her own sister. “When you move against Domarus, you’d better have a plan to sort her out. Even if she hates you for a short time, she’ll see it’s for her own good. You can’t hate family forever, blood’s too strong for that”

The girl felt something land on her shoulder, and a violent growl emerged from her throat as she turned to see Rowan lazing hanging out on her shoulder. No longer wearing her armour, but rather, camo pants, boots and a singlet, Embers didn’t have any other ‘clothes’ than her old hiking gear, which was comfortable regardless of the actions.

While she waited, her rage burnt up inside of her. Hestia had lied to her! After all they’d talked about Domarus, it didn’t come up once! Hestia said she was against lies, against manipulation, against untruths. And yet, whenever he’d come up, Hestia never told her. Never told her a simple truth. It pissed the girl off the more she thought about it.

Embers saw something wave, and quickly saw that it was Hestia Not dressed in her usual battle armour, but rather, a shirt and shorts. Embers stood up tall, but the anger that was burning in her eyes was clear a mile away as she walked, heavy footed towards Hestia. As she walked, she tried to find the words to say.

“Domarus is making a move soon” She said simply, relaying what she’d bothered to learn from the meeting recently “He’s convinced he’s got the Guardians hooked…” The girl looked away, and let out an angry growl “But more important than that…The hell did you lie to me for!” Embers turned to face her once again, rage consuming her face “I thought you were against lies, against Domarus’ non-truths, and you didn’t even trust me with the most basic of truths!”

Embers, being herself, assumed that Hestia would be able to work out what she was saying despite proving no context. After all, to Embers, it was impossible to leave family out. How could you simply, not mention it?  

Embers sat on the 22^nd floor with a pained look on her face. She had just discovered an ugly truth, something that, while part of her wished she hadn’t learnt, was best that she knew now, rather than never. Hestia’s warpath against Domarus had made some sense before, but now, it was so much clearer. The rage the burnt in the other girl was so more distinct. And Embers could feel that fire burning within her. An endless rage with a single question in mind. ‘Why did Hestia not tell me the truth? And why the hell did Domarus keep it hidden from her for so long?’

What was so wrong with honesty! The rage in the other girls eyes burned as she stared at her messenger system. A request to Hestia to meet her up here. There was a quest up here that she wanted to do, it sounded easy and, if nothing else, Hestia would talk. And if the other girl talked, then it was only fair she return the favour.

@Hestia

'Hestia, come and meet me on the 22nd floor. There is a quest i wanna get done, plus we can have a chat' 

Thread Complete: 

Rewards

Embers:

Queen’s Honey: [Perfect Potion: +3 Damage for one thread]

2 SP +2Sp = 4SP

3400 Col

Hestia:

[Last Hit Reward] Matriarch’s Holy Stinger (Consumable):[Unique Item: Grants the Wielder double the Bleed Damage for one thread]

2SP

400 Col

“Oh, I won’t be the one that kills you” Embers said “That’s Domarus’ job if he wants to prove his domance” While it probably wasn’t polite to say that in front of someone, she couldn’t stop herself from being just honest with the other girl. Domarus and Hestia, two titans who woulc class. In Embers mind, one of them had to die. One of them would kill the other. Domarus would certainly kill Hestia, but would she, with her self-destructive beliefs, kill him? She hoped Hestia would do it.

The offer to join DHA, Hestia’s guild, was once again met by hesitation by Embers. She was curious if it would be a place for her to join, a ‘home’. But, with Telranya there….Would she ruin it? She knew Telranya and Jomie were an item, married through the games design. But despite all she’d heard, she’d never met him. But, even so, it was a worry. She didn’t worry about herself, but rather, Telranya. But then again, that was a battle for another day…

“Judge, Jury and executioners” Embers let out a loud laugh “Hestia, you’re many things. But an executioner?” Embers didn’t finish her sentence. She knew Hestia wouldn’t kill, even if she was praying she would embrace herself.

A name was dropped she didn’t know. Itzal? Who was that? Hestia’s ally in her war against Domarus? Whoever it was, it was interesting to know that she had an ally. Maybe Itzal would kill Domarus? Whoever it was, there had better be blood.

“Well, regardless, I’ll see ya round. There’s something I wanna talk to ya about before ya make the big play on him” She said before making her own way to the floor mover. Domarus had something on Hestia, something big. What the hell was it? Embers wanted to find out.

Embers found a grin on her face. Hestia, for all her boring righteousness, had a bite to her. Even she could smell the reference to the first time they met, when they went after the tiger thing. It was almost amusing to Embers. That one request, a moment where she was willing to admit weakness, had resulted in so much fun. Hestia came into her life, and then she found the war against Domarus by her.

“You die, I’m coming after you, dragging your ass back to this hellhole of a game, killing you in the game. And then, I’m kickin’ your ass in real life” She said. While her tone was dead-hard, the smile on Embers face made it clear. This was far from a proper threat. And as Hestia piled on the compliments, Embers heard a voice in her head. A voice that told her why she liked this girl, why this girl was worth the effort. And why, maybe, just maybe. Hestia was deserving of loyalty.

At the prospect of a hunt, the girl grinned and was about to suggest something when she heard a noise. The sound of a message arriving. She let out a scowl as she opened it up and her eyes scanned the words.

“Damn idiot” the girl mutters as she rolls her eyes and looks up at Hestia “As much as I wanna kill crap, duty calls. Domarus wants another damn meeting. Something’ about, well…” Embers let out a slight shrug “It mentioned the Kids guild. I’d get on top of ‘em if I were you Hes. Stryders an idiot, but we both know what’ll happen to him if Domarus picks up his guild”. Embers didn’t want the Kid to fall to Domarus, but it wasn’t her place to stand in for him. It was his battle to fight, much like how, when Domarus and Hestia clashed. She would watch. Some battles, you just had to let it happen.

Embers let out a growl almost. While yes, she had brought him out to quest with her, it was more important than that! Why didn’t he seem to understand! She was annoyed already, and part of that was the stupid weather. She enjoyed beach levels of warm, not seering skin from bone levels of warm.

“Come, you can walk and talk right?” She said, more of a demand than a question as she headed out towards the dessert. She had to get the ‘Traveller’ quest done, and she had information he needed to know.

After only moments of silence, the girl looked at him as Rowan took off into the sky “Look Kid. I’m gunna tell ya some stuff, and ya ain’t gunna like it. So let me make this clear, what I’m saying is real, and if you try tell me I’m lyin’, I’m kicking your teeth in. Am I clear?”

ID: 110689

CD: 9