Yukiro

Day 36, I guess. It'll have to be 36, I lost track of how long it's actually been. 

Yukiro started up the forge. Wow, he suddenly went from nothing to do to everything he could possibly need to do. Glancing at the requests that he suddenly needed to fill, Yukiro decided that it was about time he got back into the habit of working here. 
"...It's gonna be a long day," he muttered to himself. 
After tossing some of the ores into the fire Yukiro started to pace, waiting for the materials to melt into forgable ingots. Once they finally did, he transferred one from the hot forge to the solid anvil and began to beat on the metal with his hammer. Thinner and flatter the heated metal got, until it really began to resemble something new. 
Now to hope for it to be what he needed. 

- 7 T2 Materials 
+ 41 Exp
+ (2) T2 Uncommon Shield
+ (3) T2 Rare Shield

Yukiro heard Koga nearly curse at him as he rocketed over to Tala's side. What, was their purpose in coming here now to save his sister? 
More importantly. Yukiro refocused on Tala, skidding to a stop and dropping down to kneel next her. She was laying there, badly beaten and with her health just above the red. 
"Wh-what are you guys doing?" she asked. 
Yukiro looked at her for a moment. Then his finger lightly flicked her forehead. 
"What is WRONG with you!?" he shouted at her, "What, are you trying to kill us!?" 
As he yelled Yukiro sheathed his sword and lifted Tala in his arms, moving her to the other side of the large rock. 
"Of course I came! I said I'd always be there for you, right?" 
He put her down where she'd be mostly hidden from the brute she'd challenged. Taking a deep breath to calm himself down, Yukiro righted himself, redrawing his sword. 
"If you really feel bad, go right your wrong, no matter how much it hurts." 
Yukiro glanced at Koga and Noctua. "They need me over there. Stay here. Please. If you die before you fix things, I'll never forgive you." 

Yukiro pushed off, shooting toward the battle like a comet. 
Please be okay, both of you. I'm almost there. 

@Tala

Day 35..? Sure, we'll say 35. It's been a while though. 

Day 35

Yukiro could swear he'd seen her before... Her name was Tricolor_Mina? Yeah, he'd heard that one before... 
Hmm... Where was it... 
Oh no. She'd seen him at the boss fight. At that utterly humiliating experience where he managed to be of exactly no use whatsoever. Ah, that was very, very bad. 
Well, there was no helping it now. That fight was over and done with. All he could do for now to restore his image was make what she needed made. He glanced over the request forms. A shield and a rapier, huh..? 
Yukiro glanced at the long-dead forge. 
"Well... Time to get fired up." 
Yukiro lit the forge, which roared to life. 

-6 T2 Materials
+ 31 Exp
+ T2 Uncommon Shield
+ T2 Uncommon Rapier
+T2 Rare Rapier

"This way," Koga told him, immediately turning to lead Yukiro and Noctua toward Tala. Yukiro followed quickly, using every last ounce of his will to not just sprint on ahead of the man. He didn't say anything, keeping his eyes ahead of them for any sign of movement. 
There was a large group of something ahead. A massive group of armored kobolds blocked the path ahead, screeching at the running group 
"Shut up." 
Yukiro shot forward, his new stygian sword seeming to draw the light into a black void as a sword art activated. He broke through the crowd of mobs like a burst of dark, leaving every individual monster with a deep red slash through it's body. He slowed only slightly as the mass shattered, carrying his sword behind him. 
For a moment he slipped on the wet ground, but he used his sword to keep his footing. 

It was only minute later that he saw a massive beast; a gigantic monkey with gold-tipped fur and red eyes that glowed brightly in the dark. Yukiro watched it fling something to the side. 
"I'm going ahead," he said just loud enough for the others to hear. He knew what had just been thrown. 
Planting one foot as solidly as he could Yukiro rocketed off toward Tala. 

@Tala

"It's, uhm-" Apollo stopped for a moment, "I'm not going to lie, it hasn't been good. This place has changed me in ways that I'm not sure I'm comfortable with. I don't know if they're good or bad. But some days I can't even get myself out of bed. I just don't feel like myself anymore." 

Yukiro saw his brother's posture slump, the man's mood going down with his posture. Yukiro let out a bit of a breath. Yeah, Apollo was the kind of person to wind up in some nasty situations. Even so... 

"I can't say I've seen you all that much, but I haven't seen anything that didn't feel like my brother," he said as gently as he could manage, "I, ah... Won't lie and say I know how to comfort you. But if you ever need to talk, I can listen." 

He finished by giving Apollo a smile. He could tell that he'd gone through some dark things. Probably worse than what he'd gone through himself. Yukiro should offer that much, if nothing else. 

"Besides. You were willing to guide my knowledge and make me free equipment back then, and you didn't even know me. Give yourself credit for that. Only a truly good man would be willing to do that." 

“You’re welcome to stop by at any moment you please!” Macradon invited Yukiro with a big smile. 
Yukiro nodded. "I'll be sure to do so." 
He didn't mention that the man had forgotten to mention the name of his shop. 

They arrived at the tavern Yukiro assumed was the right one after a few more minutes. “This’s the place I’m living at, I’ll just take those …” Macradon said, taking the bags Yukiro was carrying. Yukiro waited outside for the man to return.  
A minute later Macradon returned. "I’ll be home for dinner, I promise!” he called inside before turning to Yukiro, “The day’s still young, should we take a stroll? The grasslands are really nice in this weather.” 
I suppose I have no reason to refuse the offer. 
"Yeah," Yukiro nodded, "That sounds nice, if you'd like to do so," he said, trying to give the player a slight smile. he didn't have a whole lot else to do that day, so he might as well join him. 
"By the way, you never mentioned your shop's name," he said. Yeah, he might as well ask. 

@Macradon

"Hot pot it is then. And fine Yuki, be a stick in the mud and leave early, but for now, onwards to meat!" Koga said. 
Yes! It worked! Yukiro just had to stay for a few bites then he'd be home free! Everything was working perfectly! 
Koga continued. "Uh, NIGHT? You wouldn't happen to know where to get a hot pot around here, would you?" 
"Floor 1!" NIGHT told them, "There's this place in the northern wing of town. Shabu-Rai, if I remember correctly. I'll show you guys!" 
Yukrio nodded and followed the group, led by an excited NIGHT. Eventually the group reached the main village and was about to reach the teleporter when NIGHT stopped and turned to Koga and Noctua. 
"We wanna tend to that foot first? It only seems right to take a look at it before we enjoy ourselves downstairs." 
Yukiro nodded. I don't think I'd be able to enjoy myself if we didn't even try," he told them. 
Not that he'd be sticking around the entire time.

@Koga

Yukiro noticed the man's smile before he spoke. “There’s this tavern not far from here. I rent a room there so that’s just where I’ll be placing the groceries and stuff. It’s the only place I have to live with a proper room, since I can’t really fit a living room into my shop. Do you live in the town as well, or are you from out of town?” 
Shifting the bags in his arms a bit, Yukiro responded, "I... live in town, yeah." He wasn't sure if he wanted to reveal the fact that he was just sleeping on benches and rooftops rather than paying for an inn. Let alone owning a place to live. "You have a shop? What do you do in it?" 
Yeah, what a solid way to change the topic. Keep it up, Yukiro, you're still doing great. 
"I might stop by if I end up needing something," he offered to Macradon. He hadn't actually left town yet, but he knew he'd have to do it eventually. And having something to help protect him would be very useful. 

@Macradon

Yukiro looked up at the sky. Well, no, it wasn't a sky. It was the bottom of the floor above him. It was just painted to look like the sky. With a heavy sigh the man sat up, rubbing the back of his head. He'd been laying on the roof of a certain tailor's shop, just letting time pass by. Yumi wasn't with him, he'd let the sugar glider spend the day with Bahr. 
Of course, he was thinking about Tala. How she'd used him. Was he mad? Very much so. But even more than that... he was hurting. 
A ding signaled a message arriving. Yukiro checked it. It was... Tala? 

Quote

To Yukiro

Yukiro, I don't know how to fully apologize and I probably won't ever be able to. I just want you to know that the feelings that I tried to hide, they were true. But, I won't bother you for I know that you must be angry at me or hurt. I don't blame you. I am deeply sorry.

From Tala

Something in that made Yukiro stand up. But before he had much time to process the words a second message came through. 

Quote

To Noctua, Yukiro

I know neither of you want to speak or talk to me again, but Tala is about to get herself killed. Meet me on the Sixth Floor. Please, you won't have to see me ever again.

From Koga

...Idiots! Both of them are idiots! 
Yukiro hopped off the rooftop and dashed toward the teleport platform. 

It was raining on floor six. Perfect. This was just turning out to be a wonderful day. 
Yukiro sprinted to where Koga was listed on the map. Noctua was already there. He skidded to a stop next to them. 
"Tell me where to go," he said hurriedly. If Tala was in danger everything else would have to wait. 

@Tala

"So you like mysterious songbirds. She's very likable. I've done a quest with her. To be honest I thought you were going to say Koga," Lonzo laughed, "I'm not sure why. All right I'll keep it a secret. I wish you the best of course, maybe she'd feel more attuned to you if you made her a gift yes, or perhaps if you got her some cute vanity item to symbolize your feelings towards her? Seriously though if you're going shopping I want to tag along. I love the past time however it's a moot point if you're by yourself. Maybe it's because I'm chatty. Based on her style though what would look good on her? Perhaps an elegant hair pin? A ring would be going a touch too far, so perhaps a necklace or earrings? If I had enough experience I'd make you a lunch for her. Heck maybe you can make your own lunch yes?" Lonzo asked Yukiro, "Or maybe an adornment she can place on her weapon or shield. Like a keychain in kingdom hearts or what phones use to have." he pointed out. 
Yukiro paused and started listening intently when Lonzo said he'd met NIGHT. 
Him like... Ko-- no, he wasn't even going to think that. 
A gift? Yeah, that was a good idea. 
As he thought about Lonzo's words he grabbed a couple of ores. 
"Hmm... You have a good idea there. I'll be sure to invite you along if I ever go shopping," he confirmed. 

@Lonzo

"YUKIRO!" Shior shouted a bit. What, had he said something wrong already? Before Yukiro could say anything Shior had already started to address the group. 
"Name Shior Kikenna, Or Azhoda. Level 21, So no worry about those useless guys." She started to turn to all the other players in succession. "I don't know you. I don't know you, and I don't know you. And I know this dumb ass Yukiro." 
"Owch." 
"Yet again I'm Shior and if you want to be formal as you kids seem to like you can call me Kikenna, Or if you want to keep names out of it Azhoda is also good. Take a seat you're all invited to this meeting I just made up, No no's just sit down now." 
One by one the players began to join her at the table. Yukiro sighed and sat down with them. He nodded as Cordelia reassured him. 
"Still, I should try to help for my sanity's sake," he told her. 
Turning to the unfamiliar players he gave a small bow. "I'm Yukiro, nice to meet you." 

@Cordelia @James_Hawke @Joanne @Azhoda

"Just get him a simple dog, man. We'll figure it out from there."

"Thank you for using the name."

 "Oh, I wasn't. Seriously, Simple Dog? I didn't even know you had a normal hot dog around here."

"Watch and learn, noob."

Yukiro watched the exchange, unable to decide whether it was entertaining or confusing. He snapped back to reality, though, when Apollo offered his a seat at a table. Once they'd both sat down Apollo started to give Yukiro a deep, steady gaze that was immediately recognizable. His sisters had called it his 'interrogation stare'.

"So. You're trapped in here too, huh? That sucks. How've you been holding up?" 

Yukiro was forced to take a short moment to consider the question. Ever since his decision to fight in this game he had avoided asking himself the question. It was second nature to avoid it, after all. But really... How was he holding up? 

"I've had a fairly rough go of it, but no rougher than everybody else, I imagine," he answered slowly, "How about you? You've been out fighting longer than I have." 

Cordelia Yukiro heard Cordelia stifle a laugh and stand up. 
That's a little rude. I don't see you stuck in a giant ball of snow. 
She also murmured something, but he didn't catch it. Ah, well, it must not have been important. 
"Alright, that's that, then, We should get going before it starts to get colder." Cordelia yawned, covering her mouth.
Oi, hold on, you seem to be forgetting something. 
"As for this... Can't be too hard to break!" she said excitedly, "Sorry if this hurts by the way." 
"Hey, um... what?" was all Yukiro had time to get out before Cordelia's leg smashed through the snowball, sending him flying out from the chunk of packed snow and into a pile of less-dense snow. 
Yukiro's head whipped back to see a beaming Cordelia. "Yep! Still got it!" 
Yukiro shook his head a bit and stood up. "Thanks, Cordelia." He smiled a bit and walked back over to her. 
"Anyway, let's start heading back to town," she said a little tiredly, "This place is starting to get boring." 
It struck Yukiro that her mood had gone from almost depressed back to bubbly in moments. Hm. He'd have to think about that. 
"Yeah, let's do that," he agreed with a slight nod. 

@Cordelia

"Hold up a second. You all have plans, remember? I promised to buy you all a good meal after this," Koga reminded them. Ah, that's not a good sign there. 
"Can't I--" 
"And no, you can't get out of it, just ask Yuki how that went for him last time. So what are you guys in the mood for?" 
Oh no. He'd forgotten that Koga wanted to 'pay him back' again. He had to figure something out, fast. 
"What did you do to Yukiro?" Noctua asked. 
No, don't ask that! It's nothing important! 
"Do tell," NIGHT agreed. "And I'm down for some hot pot! Give me that free flowing beef!" 
No, don't agree either! You'll get me roped into this! 
Yukiro took a moment tot think. He needed both a way to dodge the question and get out of the group activity. Come on, think... 
"It was nothing worth sharing," he told them, hoping that would avoid the question. And for the group... "I... can join for a little bit, but I'll have to leave early. I do have something to take care of." 
Yeah, that should do it. Good job, Yukiro. 

@Koga

"Ya know, you both suck at lying and distracting, Yes, that is a pond. So, which one of you wants to tell me the truth, hm?" Yukiro glanced at Koga, whose eyes moved between him and Tala.
I didn't think I did that bad... 
After what seemed like hours of silent glancing around Koga broke. 
"So, after we got the sword, I may or may not have kidnapped Yuki, tied him to a chair, and force fed him a meal in thanks..." he said, finishing with a poor attempt at a smile. 
Yukiro paused for a minute, mourning the loss of the man in advance before glancing pointedly away so Tala couldn't see his face. 
"...I have nothing to say," he said, hoping to conceal his nerves. To further advance this brilliant maneuver he wandered a few feet to the side and started to pick at the ground. He happened to find some good materials there, so he would use that as his excuse for doing that. 

@Tala

"So, what is it that the both of you are trying not to tell me about your meeting?" Tala asked, much to Yukiro's dismay. His mind spun, thinking up thousands of brilliant answers that all failed to stick long enough to be said. 
No, really, they were brilliant. I swear. 
At a loss for any audible reply he looked over at Koga. He had to have something, right? 
"Hmm, nothing! There's nothing else. Just two dudes, getting some food, ya know. Normal stuff!" Koga said way to quickly. "Oh look a material!" The man bent over to pick something up, shift all the pressure back over to Yukiro. 
That was horrible! I'll get you back for this one day! 
He looked around for anything, anything to change the topic too. There was only one thing he could find. 
"Um, well, you see. We also... did that other quest together, that one. Is anyone else noticing the small pond over there?" 

@Tala

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