Shay

Shay watched as Mari charged in leaping over her opponent with confidence and precision. It was pretty amazing, but she had more practice with the sword arts than Shay, or anyone she had met before. It was disheartening to know that she had absolutely no idea how to activate sword arts yet. As the overgrown bee fell to the ground and exploded into bits of code, the raven haired girl returned her sword to where it belonged and accepted the Stinger.

"Another consumable? I guess since you already have your own you wouldn't need this then. You really are a much nicer person than your cursor indicates. I feel like most orange players would, if not kill me, have taken anything they got for themselves." She said pocketing the stinger to her inventory. "I know this is a dumb question, but I have no idea how to activate and use sword arts. Would you be willing to teach me how to activate one? Seeing as how they are vital to my survival in the game, I want ample practice with someone who knows how it should be performed.

@Mari

The raven haired woman listened quietly as Mari explained her own view on these sort of things. Although she only said one thing on it, she could somewhat tell that the two of them had pretty much the same mentality on the matter. Shay was already bad enough at explaining her feelings or even just making simple small talk, so discussions like these went way over her head. She understood that Mari was saying that her killings, or at least some of them, were somewhat justifiable. Much better than just being a rabid murderer, or course.

"If the boss is soon to spawn, I'll stand back and keep my weapon ready in case something happens." The girl said quietly, taking her sword from its holster and taking a few steps back. Moments later, the wasp spawned just in front of Mari. It was massive compared to a regular sized wasp. Mari said she could handle it with no problem whatsoever, she hoped that was true.

@Mari

Shay coughed awkwardly. [censored], she hoped she didn’t strike a nerve with her companion.

”I-I apologize for asking such a question. I must admit that I am bad when it comes to touchy topics like this.” She said, scratching the back of her head. Even her callous tone couldn’t hide how genuine her apology came. “The Trolley Dilemma. I’ve heard of it before. It’s a moral/practical test that makes people judge who and how many people should die in a situation that cannot be avoided, am I wrong?”

She didn’t wait for much of a reply to continue her statement, however.

”No human being should have to endure a decision like. If you have been put in that situation, I sincerely apologize for the distress you’ve had overcome. Unfortunately, it happened. Im sure you made your decision and you have moved on, or you are attempting to move on. Swallow you decisions and keep walking forward for now, yeah?” Shay put her hand on Mari’s shoulder and offered the best attempt at a comforting smile, even though it was blatantly obvious just how awkward this was for her. She’d never had to comfort someone like this before.

@Mari

Shay raised an eyebrow at the statement of her wanting to make up for something she had done in the past. She looked back up at the orange crystal and couldn't help thinking that it had something to do with that. She wouldn't keep that orange crystal for very long if she had just robbed some NPC store, so it was becoming pretty clear to even her that Mari might have killed a player character. Was murder in this world really real in the real world though? No one here really had an answer for that, but since people didn't respawn, it was highly likely that Kayaba wasn't kidding about people's brains being melted.

"It feels insanely intrusive of me to ask such a question, but have you killed people? Is that what you are trying to atone for? I'm not the best with my words, so I'm sorry but I don't know how to ask that quest more softly." She admitted it was probably something she shouldn't even ask. She doubted Mari had intended to kill her then after that confession. She wasn't afraid of dying, but she still felt pretty relieved that it wouldn't be decided here and now.

@Mari

Accepted

Shay's mind was set on the numbers. It was certain that if the wasp were to attack, she would die instantaneously to the boss. She wasn't afraid of dying, but that didn't mean she was going to just dive into suicide. No. As much as she would need practice to become strong, this party was meant to give her a head start on her leveling. Enough so that she could survive on her own.

"As much as I would enjoy helping you fight the boss. I just don't have the ability to survive if it lands a hit on me. I despise feeling so useless, but in this world its just as simple as numbers meaning strength. My numbers are too low." She sighed feeling like she should at least give it a try, but she was sure even Mari knew that it could be way too dangerous for her to try. "I took a look through my skills when I ordered my gear and do have a stun in my available sword arts... but it seems it requires too much energy for me to activate. I wouldn't hesitate to make an attempt if only I could use that sword art. Seems like an oversight."

The raven haired woman's tone continued to grow strained, clearly annoyed that she couldn't do anything useful. "I apologize that I must lean so heavily on you for this quest. If I continue to grow stronger, I will find a way to repay you for all this. Um, somehow."

@Mari

Shay silently takes the crystals in her hand and inspects them carefully. They did look like they would be useful, however, she was sure they would be less useful than optimal for what they were fighting. It was just a simple matter of being too low a level for this quest in particular.

Even though she’d made no mention of seeing the orange crystal, Mari did notice the crimson-eyed girl peer up at it. She remained quiet on the matter for now. If Mari had intention to kill her, what could she really do about it? She wouldn't have a chance in hell taking on someone so much higher of a level. Even if she had a chance to retaliate, she was sure that natural regeneration could keep her alive though Shay's damage. She would just have to hope that Mari's intentions weren't malicious.

"I thank you for the help, both with the crystals and the quest. I should need them, I won't hesitate to use these crystals." Shay gave her a formal Japanese bow. "I am ready to get this started and finished when you are. Should I attempt to attack the boss? Chances are that if I get hit by it, it could kill me instantly. She said a little to plainly, almost as if she wasn't that worried about putting herself in mortal danger whatsoever.

@Mari

Shay quietly inspected the girl in front of her. Much taller than she had expected her to be. Her weapons and armor were well made, it was painfully obvious the difference in their strength.  When asked what weapon she used, she pulled Murasame out and presented the blade.

"I prefer to use curved swords. I intend to switch to a Katana in the future, unfortunate that the prerequisite for the weapon skill costs me extra skill points, but it cannot be helped." The quiet girl explained. After presenting her weapon enough for an explanation, she returned it to her side on her belt. "I must admit, I'm upset to say I'm too weak for this quest, so I'll have to lean on you the entire way through, but I don't think that's a problem for you if your intent is to help lower level players. I am Shay, nice to meet you."

Her tone continued in that hush. She either came off shy or unfeeling, it was hard to tell on the outside.

@Mari

Shay traveled through the second floor into the greens deciding to don her new gear. A curved sword she had named Murasame and little tie that brought her outfit together better than she thought it would. It was weird to get used to actually wielding the weapons for real, as opposed to what she was accustomed with - a keyboard and mouse. 

The raven-haired woman opened her HUD and scrolled through her messages to find the coordinates that she could find her upcoming partner. Mari was her name. She wondered if that was supposed to be a Japanese name. She didn't know anyone with the name Mari at home, but that wasn't saying much for her lack of friends. Sooner or later she came close enough to the coordinates listed in the message to see the orange figure.

"Oi, anatawa Maridesuka?" She called out, her voice sounded somewhat callous, but if it came off as actually cold that intent wasn't meant.

@Mari

Shay
Level: 1 | HP:  20 | Energy: 2

Stats
DMG: 3 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 1

Equipment
CS: Murasame ε [2 Bleed, 1 Damage]
Description: A Progeny blade designed to get one approximated to the use of a curved weapon, formed from a composite blood carbon and malachite/ebony alloy. The curve is low drawn, as to keep the edge relatively straightened. Paired with a matching red leather scabbard its an imposing looking weapon.
Trinket: Deep Red Tie [Recovery 2, Accuracy 1]
Description: A velvet soft red tie, although it appears linen in make from a distance. Adorned with a small brass button in the shape of shield, it really ties an outfit together.

Consumables
5) Starter Healing Potions(50HP)

I was thinking something more challenging. I have recently acquired my own gear and would like advice with combat. Would you be willing to accompany me on the quest named, <<Long Live the Queen>>? I understand the difficulty involved, or else I would not ask, of course. I, again, am looking forward to your response as soon as possible.

-Shay, to @Mari

Thanks!

I would prefer help with any quest that can help me level. There are a few I’ve glimpsed at but am afraid that my level and gear won’t suffice. I’m looking forward to hearing back from you as soon as possible.

-Shay

Shay

Real name: Inoue, Junko

Age: 24

Gender: Female

Height: 5’2

History

Junko was born to a privileged family in Japan. She grew up in an easy life, being home-schooled and getting just about anything she wanted thanks to her parents. However, as she continued to grow up, she began experiencing increasing depression and anxiety. With no reasonable explanation as to why, she assumed the cushy, silver spoon life had begun to suffocate her.

Eager to break free from her situation, she asked her parents if she could begin her own life when she reached that age, though they always found some way to dissuade her from leaving them alone. She was an only child and she was expected to take over her family’s work when they passed on. Politics. She wanted nothing to do with it.

As she reached her twenties, her parents passed on early and she inherited the family’s wealth almost entirely. She denounced her ‘duty’ to continue her family's business as politicians. Already enjoying video games growing up, she got her hands on a nerve gear and found herself trapped in Aincrad.

Personality

A first glance at Junko would make one think she was shrewd or somewhat devoid of sympathy for others. On the contrary she was really just a quiet person. She grew up with nearly zero friends and being spoon fed, making her social skills nearly non-existent. She is difficult to get along with because of her quirky, snark-like demeanor, but she knows how to work together and get a job done.

Virtues/Flaws

Smart - Thanks to being entirely home schooled, Junko was taught by some of the best teachers her parents could hire. She feels rather knowledeable about MMOs as well.She excelled, however, in English and Maths.

Strong-Willed - Junko’s resolve can’t be broken easily. Words hardly phase her and insults or teasing just get ignored. Because of this, she seems like an emotionless husk sometimes.

Fast Learner - If there’s one thing Junko was good at, it was analyzing information and applying it. Some people need several dozen attempts before they start to grasp a concept, but not her. If it’s doable, she can catch on to it after only being shown once or twice.

Socially Inept - Junko’s biggest flaw has to be her inability to understand others feelings or thoughts. She doesn’t know how to speak to anyone she hasn’t known for some time so she chooses to remain quiet as much as possible. They would describe her as callous without a second thought.

Blunt - When Junko finds words, they are few and direct. She hates people trying to beat around the bushes, and isn’t afraid to let them know through her own thoughts. She has her best intentions, however, just bad at communicating.

No Drive - If there’s a singular thing that Junko hates about herself, it’s her inept drive to accomplish almost anything. She doesn’t feel urgency to leave Aincrad, for example, because there’s nothing waiting for her if she makes it out alive. That being said, she hasn’t done much to improve her skills as a player yet.

Profession: Performer - The Silent Echo