Ryo

Ryo didn't know how to respond to the situation. How could he? He was just shown, something that he could only assume as her leaving a note for someone. Ryo tried to connect dots. Who would Teion be leaving a note for, and why was she so emotional about it? The detective part of his brain went wild with thoughts, and questions. One theory made the most sense to him. That was her leaving a note for Aereth, whose real name was apparently Max, or something of the like. Ryo looked over at Teion, who was quivering and crying. It hurt Ryo to see her like that. She must have left a note for Aereth, breaking up with him. It made sense. if it was any other note, then she wouldn't be acting like this at least on a scale such as this.

Ryo gritted his teeth. Here Teion was, the woman he loved, sobbing. And there was nothing Ryo could do about it. He remained silent as the ride went on. Light faded into existence as the ride reached its end. Ryo stood up, helping Teion out of the boat. Ryo's gaze snapped to the NPC who still stood there. "So, did you two enjoy the full experience?" The man asked. Ryo stood up to the NPC, staring into the NPC's eyes. "What, the hell was that last clip?" Ryo asked, angrily. The NPC shrugged. "I figured that you should know that they broke up. Now you have a cha-" The NPC was cut off as a right hook caught him across his cheek. "To hell with the safe zone. To hell with the consequences. And to hell with you!" Ryo shouted standing over the hunched NPC. Anger filled him. How dare this NPC think that Ryo needed help, that he should know that Teion broke up with Aereth. Ryo put a swift kick onto the NPC, making him scoot back a foot or two. Ryo stepped up to the NPC, grabbing his collar and lifting him close to Ryo. "I do not need your help. Nor will I ever need your help. The next time, you make Teion it will be the last time you do so. Are we clear?" Ryo said, not waiting for a response but instead tossed the NPC onto the ground. Ryo brushed off his own clothing and started to step away. he flashed Teion a smile. "You wanna go somewhere else? Maybe get a drink?" Ryo asked her, wanting her to feel better.

Ryo was taken slightly aback and shifted in his seat. "S-So I do t-talk like that?!" He said, mostly in surprise. "And wh-what do you mean, it's f-fun to tease me?" He asked her again, as the boat continued to shift and move along the track. Ryo looked down at his knees, then to his reflection in the water. Why was he smiling so much? He looked back up as the boat ceased. The next image played out, the two of them standing on top of the hill with the city in the background. Ryo appreciated the moment, this one more warm and colorful. Peaceful even. Until Ryo slipped up, and drug Teion down the hill. Even the camera fairy seemed surprised, jumping at the reaction and following the two rolling down the hill. The two landed at the bottom, Teion on top of Ryo. Ryo's face turned red, and he knew what happened next. He saw himself steal a kiss from Teion. He would comment on the exchange, but he kept to himself. Instead, he just enjoyed the moment, just as he did before. The ride continued stopping at yet another projection. This time, Ryo didn't remember it. Snow covered the picture, and a blip of purple revealed itself. Ryo cocked an eyebrow. He hadn't remembered braving the snow at any time, so this had to have been Teion. "Teion, what is this?" He asked, not sure if it was appropriate to watch or not.

Ryo chuckled. "Wasn't really like we gave her a choice in the matter. When we found her she had triggered at least like, two traps." He said, pulling his ponytail to tighten it. He threw a punch, followed by several fast ones, each one chipping away at the boulder. It was something akin to an old kung fu movie, or that from an anime. The damage was done, and the energy spent. "They each sound like," Ryo struggled to find the right words. "Interesting characters." He said, giving a shrug. He was interested in meeting them, however. As much as he had enjoyed the rest of the guild, the rest couldn't be that bad. Could they? Jevi was seen as a recluse, and Ruby was worded to be a loud boisterous person. Ryo had his fill of quiet, recluse, and shy type with Teion. And Ruby sounded like one of those theatre students who were way too into the theatre. Ryo chuckled, they sounded fun.

ID 97662 | BD 2(+3 ACC)(+2 EVA)

Mobs~
The BOULDER: 7/50 | -2 Eva | -3 Dmg

Ryo chuckled as Jomei accepted his 'challenge' and readied his own stance. The boulder visibly shuddered and moved back about a foot. Wh-What a monster! Ryo's mind echoed as he took a full step back. "W-Well, met Erin because we caught up with her. She planned on soloing the dungeon, and the rest of us managed to catch up with her." Ryo admitted, still somewhat knocked aback by Jomei's strength. "But yeah. Tell me about Jevi and Ruby. What are they like?" Ryo asked, getting ready to strike the boulder again with another kick. His foot struck the boulder, causing a large chunk to fall off of his side. Most likely a part of the boulder reaching the red portion of its life bar. However, Ryo didn't know or realize that. "Ha! You can move it a foot, but I can remove a good chunk." Ryo said, seat decorating his body the whiskers on his face had faded away, bleeding out from his sweat.

ID 97648 | BD 13(8+3+2) hit

Mobs~
The BOULDER: 16/50 | -2 Eva | -3 damage

Ryo rubbed the back of his neck as the Banshee fell to Kimi's one-liner. "Really? That's the line you went for?" Ryo asked, giving her a grin. He then tried to think of a much better line. But couldn't think of one on the spot. He snapped his fingers as one came to his mind. "You coulda said 'Hey Banshee! My fist has been dying to meet you!' and then you punch her." He said, giving out a small laugh at his own one-liner. He thought about the notion of searching the dungeon a little bit, maybe they could find some sort of treasure, but they were on the first tier of floors, loot couldn't be all that good here. "If you guys want to. I doubt we'd find anything useful for our level here." He stating his thoughts aloud to the party.

"Alright! Thanks, Kimi!" Ryo cried out as the song played. The music continued, and a status debuff appeared over the Banshee. It seemed to slow down, and move sluggishly as if tired, or weighed down by the song.  The Banshee still was focused onto Hestia, and it tried to latch onto the woman. A quick response from her,m combined with her thorns caused the banshee to retreat quickly. Ryo used the retreat to his advantage and managed to get a decent strike off on the Banshee, dropping it into the red. "Alright. Easy pickings now." Ryo said, sheathing his katana. The banshee was on its last leg, having her health enter the red. The quest was close to completion, and the Banshee had even picked up the paralyze effect from Hestia's shield. He didn't know the exact enhancements on her shield, but the Medusa shield was a dead giveaway. 

ID# 97556
BD: 11 (8+3)
Banshee MD: 9 (8+1)

Party~
[H: 3  ]Hestia | 857/950 | 81/92   MIT: 138(111+27potion=138)  3 DMG | Thorns 28 | Bleed 24 | 1 ACC | -1 EVA | 1regen | 1recovery | 2xparalyze
[H: - ] Kimi | 520/520 | 30/52 | 14 DMG | EVA 3 | ACC 3 | LD 2 | MIT 0 
[H: 1 ] Ryo | 500/500 | 35/50 | 13 DMG | EVA 2 | Acc 3 | Mit 7

Mobs~
Undead guard 1: 0/40   DMG 120 | MIT 15 Rekt
Undead guard 2: 0/40   DMG 120 | MIT 15 Boned
Banshee: 46/250 | DMG 200 | EVA 0 (2-2 from Lullaby) | MD: 9 Ignores mitigation | MD: 10 Ignores Mitigation, and Paralyses all players | -31 HP from Vengeful Repost | -28 Thorns | -104 Haku Senpu | 163 total Damage

Ryo readied his weapon and moved in, somehow moving faster than Kimi. Perhaps his past experience allowed him to move faster, or his invested skills made him more dexterous. The reasoning will probably never be known, but Ryo attacked with his weapon,. his blade phasing through the banshee yet again. "Dammit!" Ryo cursed, resheathing his blade. "Is there something we're missing?" He asked aloud, trying to think of something that could help them out. Maybe the banshee could react fast enough to their attacks to enter into that, un-hittable state. Or perhaps the banshee was simply to fast for them. "Dammit, I know we're not in any real danger from this thing," Ryo said, looking at the amount of damage that Hestia took from the Banshee's attack. "But, we can figure this out at least." He said, trying to rally the troops, or so to speak.

ID# 97433
BD: 4 (3-2+3)
Banshee MD: 5 (4+1)

[H: 3  ]Hestia | 888/950  81/92   MIT: 138(111+27potion=138)  3 DMG/ Thorns 28/bleed 24/ 1 ACC/ -1 EVA/ 1regen/1recovery/2xparalyze
[H: - ] Kimi | 520/520 | E 29/52 | 14 DMG | EVA 3 | ACC 3 | LD 2 | MIT 0 |
[H: 1 ] Ryo | 500/500 | 42/50 | 13 DMG | EVA 2 | Acc 3 |Mit 7

Mobs~
Undead guard 1: 0/40   DMG 120 | MIT 15 Rekt
Undead guard 2: 0/40   DMG 120 | MIT 15 Boned
Banshee:209/250 | DMG 200 | EVA 2 | MD: 9 Ignores mitigation | MD: 10 Ignores Mitigation, and Paralyses all players |

Ryo looked at the boulder, another healthy chunk missing from its pool of life. peeking over at Jomei's side, there was a visible difference in strength. Jomei was already chipping off large chunks of rock, whilst Ryo was already begging to crack his. And Ryo even had the head start in it all. Ryo chuckled. "Yeah, I've met a few people. Kimi and Hestia are some notable ones. I met Tel for a spell when I stopped by her shop. Uhm, yourself, and um." Ryo scratched his head. "I don't think I've been formally introduced to them yet." Ryo snapped his fingers. "Kairi! I've met Kairi!" He said, almost forgetting the young girl. "And Erin, I think? I don't know. She wore a mask the whole time." Ryo said, attack the boulder again. "Sorry for not meeting everyone. I plan too, I really do. I'm just, bad at names and faces and meeting people." Ryo said, attacking the boulder. Raising a foor, Ryo brought his shin across his spot on the rock. The boulder cracked along his legs, pieces falling down and the boulder shaking. "Say, think you can use your legs as good as mine?" Ryo taunted, almost losing his balance before catching himself.

ID 97432 | BD 10(+3)(+2) Hit

Mobs~
The BOULDER: 25/50 | -2 Eva (-3 Dmg)

Ryo jumped as Jomei touched his shoulder. "Hm? Oh yeah, the guild party." He said, looking around at the decorations that Pennyworth had set up. "Yeah, it's been a day. Lost track of time and all that." He said, giving out a laugh. "And yeah, it's a way to pay the guild back, for taking me in and all that junk." Ryo said, giving the man a playful jab on the shoulder. "But hey, enjoy the party some more. I'm going to go get changed upstairs, and after that, I've got something I wanna say to everyone here." Ryo said before he began going upstairs. Ryo stood in his room, looking at himself in the mirror. He couldn't believe where he was at now. Happy, and smiling. He had just spent the day with someone he had cared very much for, and there was a smattering of people downstairs that dared to call him a friend. His head sunk low. How would they think of him in a few moments? After everything was aired out? When they all knew what he had done, and all of the unforgivable actions he had done, would they still accept him? It didn't matter. If he kept on living like this, without telling them, it would be as if he was living a lie. They deserved better than him. They all did.

Pennyworth watched as the young master head upstairs. The man looked around at the crowd that had formed, smiling faces save two. His own, and Miss Teions. Did she know young master plan perhaps? He walked over to the woman. "Ahh, miss Teion. A word in private. I'm afraid that it concerns young master Ryo." He said, holding out a hand to show her to the next room over. "Madam Teion. I understand that you may distrust me as I have shown, some, hostility towards you but please keep in mind that it is all for the Young Masters safety." He said, breaking character slightly, and fidgeting with his gloved hands. "But the master wishes to prove a point. Either that is to himself or to others, I don't know." Pennyworth said, looking at Teion. "But I fear that he is moving too quickly with these people he calls friends and that he risks losing them forever. I can't imagine the poor master in a mood like that again. Locked up in his room, speaking to no one, not eating." The butler said, his heart almost visibly sinking. "So please, Madam Teion. if you could, talk some sense into him. Talk him out of this whole thing he has planned. He'll just wave me off as being too protective. But, he'll listen to you. I know he will." He said, shaking his head at Teion. The man, albeit an NPC, cared deeply for his young master and didn't want to see him needlessly suffer.

Ryo watched as his energy recounted back to full. "I'm agreeing with Kimi on this. If it is the boss making this much ruckus, then I don't want to be here if this place collapses." He said, looking over at Hestia. "If you want to know about Tel, ask her yourself. She's got a shop, after all, you can always find her there." He said shrugging his shoulder, not liking how Hestia was asking someone else about another person, at least out of the blue like that. Ryo looked over at Kairi who had begun to feed her 'pet' some jewels, which it noisily chewed and swallowed. Ryo shuddered. "That is one part adorable that you're feeding your pet. And another part creepy for reasons which I can't even begin to comprehend." He said, pushing himself off the wall. "Alright, my energy is full. Everyone else good to move?" he asked, looking around the room.

3/3 turns completed | Energy Recovered

Ryo chuckled at Teion. "Y-yeah, just an accident. I didn't mean to f-fall asleep in your bed." He said, defending himself for whatever reason and dismissing the fact that Teion had curled up in his arms. He rubbed the back of his head as the ride continued its journey through their 'romantic' love life. The next scene was the,m just holding hands. nothing more, nothing less. just the two of them holding hands as they walked through the fog that enveloped that tunnel. The tunnel turned forest, and forest turned cabin.

The cabin scene played out and Ryo watched with horror as he watched Teion get gripped, and pulled into that cellar. The footage continued and showed Ryo showing no hesitation as he leaped into the cellar. The camera followed as it kept up with Ryo. Ryo dispatched a few of the shadow beings, calling out for Teion. Demons raked over his body, causing his HP to drip slightly but his passive regen kept him stable. Finally, he reached Teion, slew the last of the creatures, and escorted her back to safety.

Ryo thought the clip would end there, but it jumped ahead to after dinner. Ryo made a joke about sharing a bed, to which Teion jokingly agreed to. Which caused Ryo to turn into a stammering fool. Ryo's cheeks flustered again. "Do I, really get like that?" He asked, rubbing the back of his neck.

His eyes could avoid the image, but there was nothing he could do to drown out the noise of it. The sounds of it all, his cracking and failing voice, the sound of tears and panic in Teions own. All of it brought up memories that he had hoped he had forgotten. Now here they were again, forced to be on display, probably all part of that sick NPC's grand design. The boat moved again, causing Ryo to sit up again. His head slumped down still, hanging low. His mind replayed the scene over, and over again until he felt a pull at his hand. Teion had let go of his hand and looked off. She asked a question, too see if he was okay. No. How could he be okay? He basically watched as his confession of love was disguised under the ruse of him dying. That the first kiss he had shared with a woman he had cared greatly for was under such duress. A memory that he had hoped stayed buried was projected onto a screen like it was some sort of home movie. He stayed silent not wanting to lie to Teion, but also not wanting to lie to her. He inhaled through his nose, before speaking. "What? no, I'm fine." He said, lying. "Don't worry about me none." He said, letting out a false chuckle.

The ride continued until it came to a stop again, showing off a long tunnel underneath the ground. Wait, wasn't this where they had? Ryo's face turned a bright red as he recalled the moment. It had shown Ryo stepping out into the hall, and shouting at nothing but himself. Ryo's faced turned even redder when the fairies had captured audio of his ramblings and had decided to play them back, for them both to hear.  "Th-that was supposed to be pr-private." He said, under his breath. Before the image of him slumped down against the wall. The scene changed from Ryo sleeping alone in the hall, to Teion joining him. Ryo woke up, and carried the woman back over to her bed and set her down on it. He reached down and covered the girl up before lying down himself and passing out.

Approved*

:D

Ryo chuckled as he saw Teion's pout. "S-sorry. just saying it." He said, being truthful and trying to hold back some full laughter. The next scene sailed into view, and a more vivid picture played in his mind. If memory served right it would be when they ran into each other on floor seven. And as Ryo thought, he was correct. Teion fell from her perch, causing Ryo's stomach to turn knots as she did. "That was, quite the fall." Ryo said, not realizing how high up she really was. A different angle from that memory played before him. This time he could see Teion's full blushing face as his shirtless self-rubbed along her, trying to free her from her vine prison. "I kinda remember that. But, not like that. When did I lose my shirt?" Ryo said, chuckling as he rubbed the back of his head as he tried to remember that day, but for whatever reason it was he couldn't place it.

What was that day about? He kept asking himself. Was that before, the entire adventure in the caverns? He kept thinking trying to recall that day. He gave up, as the next memory lane trip was coming into view. He smiled, wondering what it would show next. Them accidentally waking up next to one another? The moment where he heroically saved Teion from the shadow beasts from the basement. No, it was something that Ryo hadn't remembered. Something he tried to forget or was helped to forget. The next scene was darker, this time at night. A hunched Ryo was digging through a cabinet of some kind. He remembered this. He found an antidote for the poison there. And suddenly everything came back, and he no longer wished to see this memory. His hand quickly reached over and gripped Teion's. His body softly shook, as the memory came back. His body hunched over as it played out. He had no need to look at the screen as it played out. His hand tightened it's grip as he could hear himself deliver gasping lines of love to Teion. The memory ended, and the boat lurched forward again. "Is. Is it over?" Ryo asked softly, scared to look up.

Taking advantage of the stunned Banshee, Ryo let Hestia and Kimi do their job. It seemed Kimi had lost her footing, and only managed to snag one of the guards. Ryo showed off another sword art, by unsheathing his blade at the second guard, turning it into crystals. Things were going smoothly, except when Kimi's attacks 'phased' through the banshee. If the Banshee was immune to damage, then he that would be an issue. Ryo took a step back to observe more closely. Nothing the small star symbol disappearing from the Banshee, it moved with inhuman speed. "Hestia, watch out!" Ryo called out, getting out of the way of the Banshee as it nearly ran into him. The banshee screeched as Hestia to lock her in place, before trying to latch onto her to do something else. But Hestia's thorns kept the beast at bay, as it let go in pain. "Now, strike it back!" Ryo said, ready to attack the Banshee again.

ID: 97319
BD: 9
MD Banshee: 6 (5+1) 62 Damage to Hestia(200-138) | 28 Thorns to Banshee

[H: 3  ]Hestia | 888/950  82/92   MIT: 138(111+27potion=138)  3 DMG/ Thorns 28/bleed 24/ 1 ACC/ -1 EVA/ 1regen/1recovery/2xparalyze
[H: - ] Kimi | 520/520 | E 30/52 | 14 DMG | EVA 3 | ACC 3 | LD 2 | MIT 0 |
[H: 1 ] Ryo | 500/500 | 50/50 | 13 DMG | EVA 2 | Acc 3 |Mit 7

Mobs~
Undead guard 1: 0/40   DMG 120 | MIT 15 Rekt
Undead guard 2: 0/40   DMG 120 | MIT 15 Boned
Banshee:209/250 | DMG 200 | EVA 2 | MD: 9 Ignores mitigation | MD: 10 Ignores Mitigation, and Paralyses all players | 

Ryo turned his head to Teion, to catch her smiling. "If I'm anything, it's definitely stubborn," Ryo said, chuckling alongside Teion. "You seemed weirder. I mean, there here was this beautiful woman, all alone at a party. And she exhibited no interest in talking or making friends. What else was I supposed to do besides come up and try to be friendly?" He said, giving another chuckle. The ride continued, and the tone shifted slightly. It became less awkward, at least for himself anyway. The next set of flickering lights came in, and it showed a sunset. Ryo recognized the place immediately. The fields of crossing, a place the two had visited directly after a conversation at his house. It was a good time, a time that Ryo remembered fondly. "Wanna head back to there first after we're done here?" He asked, leaning over to Teion. But he kept looking on, on at the video memory that played. He looked, asleep. HIs shoulder slumped at the thoughts of it. "Can't believe I fell sleep then." He said, rubbing his forehead.

When Teion said that the Frenchie was taking pictures of them, and others. Was he? With those faires of his he could, but could they cover all of Aincrad? There had to be a range on them or something. There was no way that an AI could just, manipulate Aincrad like that. He gritted his teeth when the NPC called them nothing short of animals, however. He was going to interject more, but Teion was still talking. She then agreed to go on the ride, under the ruling that the NPC at the beginning seemed normal, at least. Ryo held a hand for her to take as she entered the boat, and when she had he entered afterward.

"Alright. Keeps hands and feet inside the ride at all time. Do not stand, or rock the boat." The NPC said, giving them the standard lecture one received when riding an attraction such as this one. The boat rocked slightly, the water underneath them displacing as he crawled into the boat. The boat was small, smaller than normal it seemed. Both of them were smaller people, so how was it that the boat was so, cramped? He looked back up at the NPC, having seconds thoughts only to be greeted with a sly smile. Wait, he planned this. He knew that they were coming. The asshole.

The boat moved forward with the currents, moving slowly along the 'track' that kept them in place. The entire ride felt, awkward in a sense. But at the same time, it was just nice being with Teion. Sure, maybe the cheesy ride was a bit too much, but it was something. Better than almost dying on the floor, or hiding away in a shop. As the boat turned and entered the building, it immediately grew darker. A light came on beside them, showing them, them. It took only a moment to remember what moment it was. It was the day of the fireworks festival. The clip showed Ryo trying to win a prize and failing. Followed by the pair sitting atop the hill, enjoying the evening. "I still need to pay you back for that attempt too." He said, chuckling quietly.

Ryo brought his fist against the boulder, his attacks either not doing anything at all or something so minuscule that the boulder just didn't care.  Jomei explained that he just wasn't prepared physically but mentally. That he knew that he'd need better physical damage and invested into the skill, bought potions, and better items. And here Ryo was, underestimating the ability of a rock. Ryo brought his fist back and brought it hard onto the surface of the rock. The boulder shuddered gently, and a crack began to form where his fists landed. Progress, at least. He looked back at Jomei, who hadn't even begun to break a sweat yet. Ryo could already feel the beads of water drip down his forehead. "That would be Spencer," Ryo said, continuing to punch the boulder. "I joined on Halloween. He and I went out for drinks, and frankly had a good time." He said, looking back at the rock.

ID97216 | BD 10

Mobs~
The BOULDER: 34/50 | -2 Eva (-3 Dmg)

Ryo gripped his katana as he dashed by the sacks of bones. Kimi came up behind him and promptly destroyed them. Ryo Slid to a stop as he looked down the mouth of a cave that has jutted out into the prison. He was about to hop down after the Banshee. That, liar. Ryo gritted his teeth, unhappy that he was tricked by the NPC. How dare the game prey on his emotions like that? He should've come to accept it though, far too convenient for his own good, right? He turned his head aside to see Kimi and Hestia still talking. "Who cares?" He said. "Banshee went down here. Let's get after her before she runs off, and we lose her." Ryo said, heading into the cave. Ryo slid down the mouth of the cave's entrance, coming to a stop shortly after entering. Landing on his feet and taking a few steps forward as his momentum carried him. Ryo dashed forward to meet the Banshee, his blade turned silver catching what light was there. And before the Banshee could screech he had knocked her into he air with one slash. The Banshee floated in place, stars appearing around her head giving her the stunned condition. "Alright, got her stunned!" Ryo said, nimbly dodging two attacks from the remaining guards that the Banshee had. "Right, two more asshats here!" Ryo called back, regrouping.

[H: - H: - H: -  ]Hestia | 950/950  92/92   MIT: 138(111+27potion=138)  3 DMG/ Thorns 28/bleed 24/ 1 ACC/ -1 EVA/ 1regen/1recovery/2xparalyze
[H: - H: - H: - ] Kimi | 520/520 | E 41/52 | 14 DMG | EVA 3 | ACC 3 | LD 2 | MIT 0 |
[H: - H: - H: - ] Ryo | 500/500 | 46/50 | 13 DMG | EVA 2 | Acc 3 |Mit 7

ID: 97205
BD: 8(7-2+3)

Mobs~
Undead guard 1: 40/40   DMG 120 | MIT 15
Undead guard 2: 40/40   DMG 120 | MIT 15
Banshee:237/250 | DMG 200 | EVA 2 | MD: 9 Ignores mitigation | MD: 10 Ignores Mitigation, and Paralyses all players | STUNNED

"It is difficult. Good thing I found mine." Ryo said, giving Hestia a playful wink. Going back to the exploring. At points, Ryo could've sworn he heard whispering or even screaming in the distance. He kept silent throughout the trek, only wanting to speak when it was absolutely necessary. he turned when he heard Kimi messing with a candle holder on the wall. Ryo grinned at the obvious secret lever and wasn't all that surprised when a different colored section of the wall pushed in onto itself and slid to the side. "Alright, good work Kimi." Ryo said, taking the lead and passing her but not before giving her a pat on the shoulder. "Come on team, adventure awaits." He said as he hurried up the stairs.

On the second floor of the dungeon, an elongated hallway stood before him. And in the middle of it was the older woman he had met earlier, staring at him, smiling. Ryo's mind went blank for a moment as the realization kicked him. "So," He began. "Dead husband, huh?" Ryo said, tilting his body to one side and glaring at the woman. He looked back at Hestia who had just made it up the stairs. "You knew." He said, giving her a playful glare, before returning to his gaze to the old woman in front of him. The woman began to chuckle, causing Ryo to take a step back. he reached down and grabbed his blade. "Alright! I'll get her with a stun!"  He said taking a few steps forward. The old woman's jaw unhinged, and she let out a screech at Ryo, causing him to drop his weapon, and cover his ears. "Gah! Dammit!" He cried, cupping his ears.

The lights cut and then began to flicker. The laughter from before echoed on as the banshee laughed. The laughter turning more and more high pitched and distorting more as the elderly frame of the woman turned itself inside out. The small frame grotesquely cracked and groaned as it stretched into a new shape. The banshee took her true form, and hovered in place in the hallway, the lights still flickering. Ryo recovered from the attack and grabbed his Katana. But when he looked up the banshee was gone again. "Dammit! Where'd she go?" Ryo called out, returning to the other two women of his party. The lights came back on, and shambling from the end of the hallway came four of what looked like zombies or husks. "Alright girls. Looks like you're up." He said, trying to stick to the plan.

Ryo shrugged as Hestia bragged about being bisexual, again. It was like some sort of defining character trait with her it seemed. "Not talking about scoring a simple date Hestia. I mean, finding 'the one'. But I am older, so I don't expect you to understand." He said, containing his laughter. "And I'm actually not doing this for the Col. I mean, the Col is a nice plus but, I could use the experience more. I'm really close to grand mastering this bad boy." He said, patting the katana that was on his hip. He raised an eyebrow, however, when Kimi and Hestia embraced one another. He shrugged it off though. He knew that Hestia played for both teams, but he was unsure about Kimi's sexuality. Nor did he care about it. He liked the two of them well enough to let them do whatever it was they wanted to do.

Ryo nodded as Hestia gave the rundown of the encounter. "Alright, seems fairly straightforward. Let me repeat it so that I make sure I got this right." Ryo said, thinking it over again. "We stick as a group throughout the dungeon and find the stairs going up. And when we find the Banshee she'll summon some minions to protect her. Your job is to tank the damage that comes our way, just like normal. Kimi's however," he said turning his head to face her. "Yours is to sweep and clear. Using your AoE's to clear out as many of the minions as you can. Then, when we corner the Banshee I'll use a stun to make sure she can't go anywhere, and we can clean up from there." Ryo said, impressed by the plan. "Alright team, let's get to it. Kimi, keep an eye out for the stairs and stand between me and Hestia. Hestia, you take the point and be the advance guard." Ryo said, getting into a formation.

As the party continued, nothing much changed. The atmosphere was still somewhat eerie. Blood soaked floors, off-putting and dim lighting, and the general sense of dread that hung in the air. The air was thick with dust and whatever else plagued it. The violet floors seemed to absorb the green and blue lighting of the area, make the area to Ryo, just that more off-putting.

~Ryo's Stats for this Thread~

@Hestia

Ryo followed, keeping himself well away from the man's reach and making sure that Teion was safe behind him. The ground crunched underneath their boots as they walked closer to the attraction. The attraction looked innocent enough. A simple boat with small silver handles on the inside, a shallow river just deep enough to keep the boat afloat, and of course the decorations. If literally, anyone else was here hosting the ride, it may have been a bit awkward and embarrassing but now it just felt, wrong. "What's the catch?" Ryo questioned, knowing full well that there was one, or at least going to be one. "Non non, you're mistaken. There is no catch. Not today, at least." The NPC admitted. "I made this ride for the festivities, not for some plot to bring two lovers together. Although, this does help that second case some." He said, chuckling at his own joke.

A pink ball of light appeared from the tunnel and danced over to the NPC. There it hung for a little while before darting back into the cave. "Idéal." The man said, before opening the small gate to the boat. "The ride is now tailored to you two." He said, leaning back on the ride. "Tailored? How so?" Ryo asked, questioning again. The NPC sighed, as he gave a snap of his finger. Another ball of pink light, or was it the same one, appeared from the cave and danced in front of him. "These here, are my eyes and ears. They are what gave me the ability to make such things for this joyous day." He said, the fairy now dancing between his hands. "Imagine them, much like a camera. Except the camera is automatic and drawn to love." He said, trying to explain as simply as he could.

Ryo watched the fairy dance, then disappear back into the cave. It made sense. And as disturbed as the NPC was, it was at least truthful in each regard so far. The letter that had poisoned him had told them where to find a cure, which was truthful. But there was a catch. There was only one cure, and he had poisoned both of them. And the poison that afflicted Ryo, had only just brought him to near death. Ryo had every right to dislike, and downright hate the NPC, which he did. And he had every right to not hop on that boat, and just leave it at that.

"Teion. I don't want to, but at the same time, I do." Ryo said, turning to speak to Teion about the situation. "And I can tell from your face that you don't want to." He said. Ryo conceded defeat and rubbed his neck. "If you want to, we can just abandon this whole thing and head back to the manor." Ryo offered to want to spend the day with Teion, but at the same time, he would choose her happiness over his curiosity. "You both have my word that no harm play will happen. Whatever my word means to you." The NPC said, trying to coax the pair.

Ryo raised a hand to greet those who arrived. First was Hestia, who had naturally completed the quest before him. "Is there any quest that I'm going to beat you too?" Ryo joked, trying to shake off the eerieness of the place behind him. "Perhaps, saying vows, huh?" He jested further, jabbing an elbow in her direction. "Oh, you've done it before. Perfect, you'll know the ins and outs of the fight then. I'm a single target kinda guy, so let me know when it's my turn to attack. And I messaged Kimi as well..." Ryo said, looking over. "Ah, and there she is. Right on time." He said, greeting the woman.

"Hey, Kimi. Yeah, this place is near the top of my 'try not to be alone at four in the morning' list." Ryo said, jesting with the woman. If he remembered correctly, Kimi was a martial artist. Well, as far as the skill went. He had no idea if the woman practiced martial arts in the real world, but she did a damn good amount of work here. She'd be good at clearing more than one enemy at a time. "Right, the full party is here. Operation: kill a banshee is a go." Ryo said, taking the first steps into the prison.

"Alright, I heard the scream from either below us, or above us. Let's try to find some stairs or a ladder, or something." Ryo said, taking a full step into the prison. Something seemed, off, however. Passageways didn't make sense anymore, and was that wall always there? Great, the layout changes randomly. "Alright, layouts different from before. So would it be better if we split up?" He said, thinking of the fastest way to find the next area. His mind clicked as he remembered something. "Here, Kimi. use this. Just like the ant den, thing." He said, holding out the small magnifying glass for her to use.

ID: 96829 LD: 18 +1 T1 Material

Lending +3LD Magnifying Glass to Kimi

Ryo wandered the labyrinth of the tenth floor, Tartarus. A spiraling prison for the suffering and torment for the souls of the wicked. What a great place to explore. He stepped into the dungeon, light flickering to life as he did. The dusty air, dim lighting, and the smell of mildew that hung in the air painted a very eerie scene before him. A chilling wind blew in from behind him, and he could feel the hairs on his back prick up. This place was already starting to get to him, and he had only just stepped in. Ryo nearly jumped out of his skin, when he heard a voice speak from behind him.

Ryo yelped and turned, to be facing an old woman. Closer inspection, after Ryo had forced his heart back into his chest, revealed that the woman was an NPC most likely a quest giver of sorts. "Please sir, help an old woman." Ryo sighed, unable to say no. He thought of the woman he helped on floor elven from time to time. Ryo had a soft spot for people in need, no matter their age. And he wanted to help everyone he could, at least now he did. "I will try." Ryo said. "What is it you need me to do?"

"I'm a widow, young man. And not long for this realm. My husband and I took walks at the base of this, prison, and collect fungi and other plants." The woman said, giving a little backstory to the place. "My husband was killed recently by a Banshee. The same Banshee that took refuge in the prison behind you." Ryo turned to look into the inky hallway that was the entrance of Tartarus. Ryo turned back to the woman, to see that she was producing a bag of coin. It was not Col, but it could've been something of worth. "Ten thousand." She said. "Ten thousand pieces of coin. Earned over nearly a century of hard work. And I will give it all to you, should you kill that witch who murdered my husband." She said, tears welling in her eyes. Ryo knelt down to the crying woman and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Do not worry. Coin or no, I will slay this banshee for you. And bring you, peace. Go back into town where it's safe. I'll return momentarily." He said, taking a few steps into Tartarus.

From the lobby, and into the hallway and from there into another wide room. The room lit up again, giving light to the situation. Greens and blues contrasted softly to make the room eerie, whilst the patterned floor has large spots of dried and caked blood. He took another step forward and the floor creaked, as he heard a faint shriek in the background. Was it above him, or below? Ryo's spine received a tingle that raised the hairs on his body. "M-Maybe I should call for back up." He said to himself before he stepped out of the room and back into the lobby where he messaged Hestia and Kimi.

(Yui's Grace Activated)

Ryo let out a sigh of relief as everyone stated that they were fine, health pool wise at least. Ryo leaned against the wall, waiting for his own energy to recuperate when Spencer apologized for being a lower level. Ryo sighed and pushed himself off the wall and stepped towards Spencer. "Look, man, sure, yeah you're a low level. We all are. Well, except maybe Erin." He said looking at the masked woman. "And Hestia." He said, looking at her, almost forgetting about her. "Point being, there's a lot of guys in this world Spence. And frankly, I'm glad to have you on board." He said, giving the tall man's shoulder a pat. He looked at his own energy bar filling up, just about filled. "Alright, my energy's just about back. How's everyone els-wh-whoa!" He cried out as his balance was lost from him.

The ground shuddered, and the room creaked. Support beams shuddered slightly, as loose dirt fell from the ceiling, decorating the violet-haired player's hair. The effect was aking to an earthquake, somewhat on the weaker side. Enough to cause the man to lose his footing at least. Fortunately, he had something to grab onto to prevent him from eating dirt. Ryo shook he head quickly, and looked at what he had grabbed onto to brace himself. His face flushed red, and he took a quick step back, dusting off his hair. "Uhm. Sorry Spencer, lost my footing there for a moment. Thanks for catching." Ryo said, before realizing his slip up and adding more words. "Me. Th-thanks for catching, me. Fr-From falling." He said, in a blustered attempt to remain calm. He cleared his throat and went back to his spot on the wall. The shake had to have come from something big. If it was an earthquake then it would've been much more violent seeing as they were underground. At least, that's how Ryo thought earthquakes worked.

2/3 turns till full energy