Sam

Standard Recovery +4 EN, Recovery | 246665, CD: 7 (Rec proc +8 EN)

Watching everything start to be sucked inside a dark hole that was Freyd, she was trying to make sense of it. Maybe she was just thinking to much. This thing that remained was not moving, rather it was slowly being dragged by an unknown force toward the man. She quickly moves, jumping over a tipped over pillar. If it could, it would be crawling away and trying to scratch at the ground to save itself, but it couldn't. Sliding to a stops, twisting herself as she aims right for the head. Lining her shot to attempt to push this creature back enough be sucked in. Pulling that string back past her shoulder, she lets in flash before releasing what seemed like nothing at first. After a split moment a light arrow could be seen barely before crashing into the forehead. It stays stationary as rays of light are illuminating from it. A burst of light before it vanishes and the creature is five feet closer and counting from the void of a man. 

Post Action | [x18] AOE-II (14 - 2 [Stamina] + 2 [Shift] + (2 * 1 Targets = 2)) = 16 EN
Free Action |
ID: 246666 | BD: 7 + 7 = 14, Hit vs. Colru, The Amalgam Dealing 504 - 160 = 344 Damage

Players:
Morrighan | Nisahime | HP: 829/829 | EN: 92/92 | DMG: 1 | MIT:60 | ACC:1 | EVA:2 | LD:1
Raidou | HP: 829/829 | EN: 83/112 | DMG: 26 | MIT:177 | ACC:6 | AA | F-SPIRIT | EVA:6 | BH:46 | VAMP-D: 91 | REC: 8 | LD:6
Celeste | HP: 874/874 | EN: 66/112 | DMG: 29 | MIT:78 | ACC:8 | PHASE | EVA:3 | BH:35 | HLY: 16 | BRN: 56
Sam | HP: 829/829 | EN: 32/112 | DMG: 28 | MIT:40 | ACC:7 | AA | PHASE | EVA:3 | REC: 8 | LD:11 | PROSP:1 | QTY: 2
Setsuna | HP: 829/829 | EN: 86/112 | DMG: 29 | MIT:20 | ACC:7 | EVA:6 | BH:33 | RISK: 8 | FLN: 16 | FRB: 40 | FRZ: 64 | LD:1
Freyd | HP: 550/896 | EN: 50/112 | DMG: 27 | MIT:147 | ACC:8 | F-SPIRIT | EVA:4 (-1) | BH:49 | VAMP-D: 49 | HLY: 16 | FLN: 16 | TXV: 32 | LD:9 | PROSP: 3

Enemies:
[0,2,1,1,0,2] Colru, The Amalgam | HP: 276/2000| DMG: 360 | MIT: 160 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3{-3} | [Stunned]

    Critical (MD 9): Deals 400 DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals 240 DMG to every other player.
    Critical (MD 10): Deals 440 DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals 340 DMG to every other player.

6/28/25
Paragon Level 50 - (1) Gleaming Scale, (1) Demonic Shard, x3 Paragon Tier Up Tickets, Custom Skill**

Hearing that she missed a cord in the last song, Sam knew exactly which CC was referring to. Her hand was in the wrong position and she had to correct quickly or the entire song would have been messed up. Thinking about the question not actually answering, she felt as though it was rhetorical and not able to be answered through words but by the actions Sam displayed. Pulling down her hair tie, flipper her head and all that hair forward then back up. The song that was playing, this was a dual vocal and thank the lord she knew all the words to this one. Joining CC at the microphone as she puts the strap over her head, that girls voice echoed off the empty room. Clearing her throat softly, as she starts playing the moment the bass hit. When the second voice comes in Sam starts to sing, at first it was a little low. She knew that she had to do better. Closing her eyes, she knew that she didn't need to see to play the bass. The main focus was the vocals now, once she started doing that it was fine. Head was banging to the beat when she didn't have to sing, her feet was moving with the rhythm, Sam was having fun.

The song ends and wow was she out of breath. She was sure there was a few off key moments but she thought she did okay. The truth would be from the expert though. "That adrenaline rush is amazing," saying once she had an even voice again. "I was nervous at first mainly because the last time I actually sang was in my room back home, but that..." Taking a large inhale with a slow exhale, "That was something else entirely." Thinking about what CC said about the stage names, "Sam, Samantha Rose." This is what she was missing, all this. The stage, this feeling, it felt like home away from home. Sam couldn't keep that smile off her face as she was moving around stage looking around at the equipment. Finding another mic post, turning a lever and tapping the microphone for testing. Sam then takes two water bottles out of her bag and offers one to CC as she was already chugging the other.

Sam is on stage now, in the position that Candi put her in. She could feel something drip down the side of her face, is this was stage fright felt like. She knows the song, hell she wrote the lyrics and music notes down for bass. This was the worst time to be in shock. "Holy hell," saying as her chest was pounding, the lights blared in her eyes, yet there was nothing out there. "Uh, re-due please, I know the content I swear." Same gets down on her knees for a moment and starts digging through her inventory. A folder was taken out, she starts to dig through the sheets. Hearing the music go off behind her as she pulls the two pieces of paper out. Intently looking at it, she was refreshing her brain, to relearn what she already knew.

245121 | CD 1 EPIC FAIL On first attempt. This was only to see if Sam had stage fright at first.

After a few moments she gets back to her feet. This was her dream, she had to own that fear. Closing her eyes, she positions her finger where they needed to be. "I'm ready," this time she really was. It was near perfect playing, eventually Sam did open her eyes to see an empty room. The first bass solo came along and at this point she was getting into it. It almost felt natural, right. Hearing Candi sing so up close it was a god sent voice.

The music ends as the stage is quiet again. "OMG that was amazing," turning to her. There was a lot going in her head right now like would she let her join the band, was this an audition, what was she going to wear. "I'm S..." dropping off right there. This was already discussed with her friends. What her name would be if this ever actually happened. "I'm Raven," holding out a hand toward the very known female.

Listening to every word a few things come to mind. The first was that Freyd already knew about her friends death but it didn't click until the names were actually said. Saying them the first time should have triggered the knowledge but she assumed that Freyd just wanted her to say it out loud. Maybe that was because he wanted to make sure that she was actually trying to figure out stuff by herself, crossing the T's and dotting the I's type of thing. "My first thought goes to Lium but I really don't want him involved. He stayed out of this for a reason so I want to respect his wishes. I'll go have coffee or something with him to let him know I'm okay though, that I can do." Taking the last sip of that coffee in her hands, a yawn comes out of her face. "Great, been up for three days now the coffee isn't working." Setting it on the floor next to her, leaning a bit further onto the sofa. Thinking for a few minutes as the room falls silent at the fact that Rosaria's marker was green.

Sams eyes start to shut, the tiredness was winning. After a few more minutes pass by, "WAIT," jumping awake, she scared herself with the random outburst. Setting a hand on her chest as her heart was racing, "Damn Sam what the hell." Eventually calming down, "What if we bring death to her by her own hands. I know it sounds crazy but just hear me out," sitting up and crossing her legs in a criss-cross formation. "You would normally get an orange marker from moving a player that didn't give you permission to. It's the law of the land right?" Clearing her throat, "Get this, the other day something happened that made me have to move somebody out of view. Long story, but I was able to put a teleport crystal in her hand and force her hand to crush it without an orange marker being given." Getting up now, she starts to pace, papers stick to her feet as she walks around. "What if we paralyze her somehow or wait till she's sleeping and force herself to stab herself. Would the games see it as a suicide?" Sam knew that is was a long shot but it was more than Freyd had at the moment. Sam continued to pace as now she was stuck in her own head trying to figure out how to get the woman down long enough to do such an action.

"No I did not eat..." stopping as her eyes widen at the sudden half hug. Well that had never happened before. Freyd does something down there, as the water starts to rumble. Glancing down a door was opening inside the water slowly. It had apparently not been open for a while. The magical liquid started draining and after a few seconds they were all left standing in a foot of water. "Was sorta hoping it was going to rise not," gesturing her hands around. "Well into the unknown we go I guess," saying as she starts walking through the tunnel. This place was so weird, it was full of mystery, traps, and puzzles. She wasn't ever sure that she had ever been to a place like this, certainly it would have been remembered.

Traveling deeper in, there was a hint of plant life. Walking into a decent size room, there was herb patches layering the ground. She was officially confused, first strange pictures then small pond that turned into lake resulting in a room that was full of gathering material. "Okay either this is a preset place or these runes are bipolar," calling back toward the group. Getting a better look at these, hunching down. They looked like the white herbs that she had collect a time or two but that is not what they were. "Do either of you know what the hell these are," jerking back up, they start swaying by themselves, but there was no wind or breeze from any location. Stepping over the plants carefully afraid they were going to bite her or something. The continued tunnel had nothing coming from it either as she made that assessment while standing in the other side of the room in front of another path. "Uh guys, not to sound too alarming but there are moving plants over here with no winds," even saying it out loud sounded stupid. The only thing that could possibly be doing this was the water the poured into the room when that giant concrete door opened.

Staring at the instrument that was being held out to her, it was only a replica but damn did it look exactly the same. Taking the bass carefully, she didn't want this one to break. Eyes fixated on it, "Yamaha RBX-374," was all Sam could say. It was something that she looked up back then, one of the things that was marked on her favorites list on the computer back home. The one that she would of bought would have been a replica too because the real one was being used obviously. Her heart felt like it was going to jump out of her chest and she was trying so hard not to scream like a little girl. The last thing she wanted was to make CC deaf. "I uh... Thank you..." words fall to nothing, she never imagined in any life time that this would ever happen.

Flipping it into her hands, she starts to play the course of the song that was just being played. It sounded so much better than what she was working with originally. If felt almost untouched, the strings seemed rough with each strum. She stops playing, her eyes look down to CC. Face was still flustered, she was trying really hard not to say or do something stupid. -OMG SAM SAY SOMETHING- is all she thought. "Sorry for the interruption, I just thought it would sound fuller with bass." A deep breath, this was all so much. She felt like at any moment she would pass out. That could NOT happen, not now, that would make this day the worst. "If you don't mind me asking, what happened to the other Top Spot Harlot's?" She could feel the heat on her cheeks, she was talking to the famous Cotton Candi. Looking down she began to play again but this time a different song of her Idols band.

Appearing on floor 27 in the calm town of Ronbaru, Sam was starving. She had only been here a few times, some of the factions had amazing mouthwatering food. Glancing around, it was like a ghost town. Empty drawing boards and paper littered the sidewalks. Quickly she paces up to her destination, she was having a huge craving for steak that was filled with a thin layer of potato that was loaded with spices. When she made the request to Freya it was a hard pass, so now she comes to this large town for the crazy food. Her mouth started to water just from thinking about it. Stopping dead in her tracks, she could hear something familiar to her ears.

"No...No fucking way," saying as she rushed as fast as she could up the hill. "There is no chance in hell," standing at the top of the steep sidewalk looking in the distance. Seeing a fancy structure made of brick, she had to follow the music. Hopes and dreams started running through her head with a wide grin painted across her face. Crashing the doors open, she trails the echoing song that reverberates off the walls. Slowing opening another set doors to a large theater with rows of seats leading down to a huge platform. On that stage she sees a long pink haired woman playing a song that she listened on repeat back home. Rubbing her eyes to ensure that her vision wasn't playing tricks on her. It most certainly wasn't, she walks down one of the lanes toward the stage. This was the song that she had been practicing too, it was time to put it to the test. Pulling out her bass, she starts to play along with her idol. It was a bit nerve racking but she would try her best to match the pace.

Assisting CC
Level 1
Paragon 0
Tier 1
True Tier 9

Final EXP: +5%

Sam | HP: 20/20 | EN: 25/25 | DMG: 14 | MIT:20 | ACC:1 | EVA:1 | REC: 2 | BLD: 12  | ENV-O: 8 | FRB: 10 | STC: 10 | LD:9 | PROSP:1 | QTY: 2
 

Leaning against the counter listening as she takes a sip of the hot coffee. "I would of believed Lium if this memory wasn't shown to me by Nisahime." Setting the cup behind her, "That woman has not lied to us since we have known her." Thinking about everything Freyd had just told her. Freyd was leaning on the edge of cation which she was completely fine with, she would just have to start with the facts. "I did go to the monument after this memory was shown to me. Tak, Simon , and Luke were all killed by explosive maker of Hadgar. I got curious so I searched for his name too, Hadgar is also on the Monument. If that name is in your little journal under Rosaria's crew then that would be two facts." Pulling her hair up into a messy ponytail, "Lium mentions the Laughing coffin and saw a Redhead Female that seemed like their leader. Also said that the name started with an R." Taking the cup back in hand, taking a sip. "When I was getting intel from the player's in the Underdark it was said that the leader was a redhead that went by the name Rosaria. I can be really persuasive when I want to be." Realizing that she was talking really fast, Sam would try to bring it down a notch, main word being try.

Walking to the couch now she takes a seat. Sam was so hopped up on coffee that she couldn't stay still for too long. "I hope you can see where my trust is a little on edge with Lium right now. I know that he just didn't want me involve because he didn't want to see me hurt." Taking another sip as your could see her hands quivering a bit from the caffeine. "I know the dangers of PKer's, it is why I am here and not out there right now. I don't know if I could kill another player, I have never got put in that position before. I do know that I hate the thought of someone like Rosaria running around though." Freyd could see a painful expression painted on Sam's face right now. "Please just look those name up, if they are not part of her crew than I will drop this whole thing."

Putting her back against one of the structures, Sam could hear screaming coming from behind her. Stopping to listen, "SOMEONE PLEASE HELP HER."  With a quick turn, there was a female shaking on the ground. She honestly thought they were already gone like the other guy in the alley way. Running back, getting on her knees, that man was no where to be found. It was like they vanished... Eyes grow wide. There was something in the woman's hand, a vial and a note. Reading the content as she inhales softly. Taking another glance around, the man was gone. The first thing that had to be done was giving the girl the antidote. It was unknown how long she's been like this, proceeding on the edge of caution was probably for the best. Dropping a single drip in one eye before taking out a teleport crystal. Setting the coordinates to the guild hall as she remembers seeing the beak dude forcing the drunk guys hand shut and the man teleported out. Placing the crystal in the girls hand she softly closes it into a fist as it shatters, the girl disappears. Taking out another she teleports herself to the same location.

The girl was laying on the floor convulsing like a constant seizure. Shaking her head while looking at the woman. "Fuck," is all she said before setting a timer on her HUD to go off every 15 minutes, the first would be at 14. Glancing up at the time so a mental note could be taken for the three hour mark. Sitting on the chair, a note book is pulled. Sam adds that the man can vanish like her and that he could not be tracked with the tracking skill. Closing the note book, taking off the gas mask and her gloves, placing them on her lap. Pulling her hair down as it falls down her back, combing her bangs backwards. 

Scrolling through the HUD now, a message was sent out:

Quote

To Freyd, Kasumi, Setsuna
From: Sam

A new PKer has been discovered. He had a beaked mask on and he is a scary mother fucker. I have more info if needed at the Guild hall.

With a chime the message was sent. Sam could have followed the dude but then this player would have died. To Raven it wasn't a hard choice, save the girl. What if something like this happened with Rosaria too, could Sam make that tough choice. "DAM IT," slamming a fist against the red oak table top. Sitting there waiting for any response as she watched that timer closely, this player had to live.

Eyeing his intentions carefully, seeing guards frantically running around trying to find him. Surrounding himself in a crowd as to not be spotted. Watching him gesture to one or the other human, that was something Sam got wrong. His targets were everyone, who was this guy. If the law enforcement was looking for Vitreous than they were not looking for Sam. Pulling Bhafel out, pulling the string back as an arrow appears in that hand. Allowing it to charge before pointing slightly up letting lose. Four arrow fly up, seconds later they land on all four sides of the circling people. They scream in fear and scatter leaving the beak faced dude out in the open. Sam would vanish, maybe approaching the guy wasn't the right thing to do.

Silently getting off the roof, darting from building to building but only a few down. Staying in the shadowed alley way, peeking her head out around the corner to keep an eye on the man.

Pulling out her small note book writing down a few things:         

Quote

Beak Masked Man
               > Wears all leather, a dark brown color, has a hat that looks like something out of a Indiana Jones Movie
               > Has some form of gas mask or respirator under the mask, I could hear him breathing through it.
               > Saw a orange player come out of a building who was violently vomiting, moments later the masked beak orange player came out from the shadows and ties them up after the other man fell unconscious.
                  The masked man forced  the other player to crush something in his hand and the man was gone. This was a transparent bead the size of a marble that acted as a teleport crystal
               > A spherical container the size of a golf ball with yellow goop in it was tossed toward me. Seconds later what sounded like glass broke as it released a cloud of gas that filled the area around me and the man
                  who was standing approximately 10 feet away.           
               > A gas that made my skin burn and my eyes became blurred, eventually I had no vision at all. It was not until I jumped into the fountain naked that I felt any relief. It all happened so fast, I'm talking minutes.
               > The masked man walked through this mist, he didn't seem bothered by it
               > This Gas killed at least three others that I heard while running to the fountain.
               > How is he able to harm people with this method in the safe zone
               > Found him hiding in a crowd of people standing over a woman

Glancing around the corner again, the man was gone and so was the woman. "Shit" was all Sam says as she closes her book, placing it back in her new leather pocket. Sam hits the roof tops again looking for the man, staying out of side this time. It was clear that he hated being followed, maybe that was why Freyd had nothing on this dude. He couldn't be tracked, to confirm this Sam's skill flares up, there was no hit. Shaking her head, staying low and very quiet as she continues to look for the man. 

This is when Sam realized that she left her clothing with the gas on the ground. "Damn it," making her way quickly back to the fountain. That stuff killed people, Sam couldn't in her right mind leave that just laying there. Getting to the fountain, seeing someone reach for the stack "DON"T TOUCH THAT," in pure panic the person jumps back and looks to Sam. Tossing them in the pool of water, "If you watch these and don't allow anyone to touch these, not even yourself, I will pay you 1000 col." Excitingly the person nods their head as he turns to the clothing in the water and stares at it. Sam starts running through the alley way again trying to find this crazy man.          

It was clear that Freyd was total and utterly confused at the point. Maybe Sam didn't say the right words or give enough information, regardless the man seemed lost. Sam takes a slow deep breath before looking up at him. "Lium lied to me about what happened that day to our friends and him, then lied again about my friends hating me. Lium most likely did this to save me from myself because he knew what I would do if I knew the truth." Sam gestures to all the paper hanging and laying around on the floors and walls.

"Remember what Raidou always says, it's better to be fully prepared for anything and everything because you never know what could happen," standing up , walking to the kitchen. "All the papers laying on the guild hall table, every location with everything there is to know about them writing on paper. That was me with spread sheets on my computer back in the day. I was Raidou, well without the male aspect or the book." Setting the cup on the counter now and pulling a mirror out of her pocket. Standing to the side of him, "I got this from the -What we fight for- Quest. It is so more in depth then people lead on." Focusing on the memory shown to her by Nisahime. It starts playing as Sam allows Freyd to watch.

After it was done playing the mirror acts as a mirror should again. Placing it in her pocket, "I miss being a leader yes. That is not what I am stuck on right now. I overheard Lium mention the red heads name, Rosaria. I guess I am asking you did Lium tell you anything more from when he was being held, and did he mention that truth I just showed you." Crossing her arms across her chest, "If you don't know anything that is fine, if you do know something and don't want to tell me that is fine too.' Leaning against the counter, "I want Rosaria and everyone in her little group dead. That is what I want your help with but I will find her with or without you if I have to."

"She killed my friends Freyd and she will pay," turning and pouring another cup.

Yellow smoke starts fumigate the entire area around Sam, not inhaling holding her breath. Climbing the nearest building to get away from it, Sam felt her skin begin to burn. Glancing around trying to find the large fountain in the middle of town. Spotting it but her sight was beginning to blur. What the hell was this stuff, thinking as she jumps across the roof tops toward the water. Maybe if she could wash it off, it would be okay.

There was a few more to parkour onto, on the last her vision goes dark and she misses the edge of the building smashing against the side. How was this even possible in this game, this shouldn't be a thing. A small calming breath as she gets off her ass, holding the building. Being unable to see, Sam had to use her other senses to get to the fountain. Listening to her surrounding as people were chatting, dogs barking, and players running near her. Finally what sounded like a small waterfall, walking slowly as she felt something drip down the length of her mouth. It couldn't be blood right, they couldn't bleed in this game. Hands were out in from of her, hitting something, Sam feels around and finds liquid. Either this was her death sentence or this was actually water. Taking off her cloths quickly and hopping inside, she could already feel the relief upon her skin. Taking a breath Sam goes under, scratching her head and rinsing her hair. Moving slightly to a different area in the water, Sam begins to rinse her eyes out. 

After about 10 minutes she realized that everyone had left the area around her. "Shit," quickly getting out and equipping her long purple robe. The police of the city was starting to walk toward her but saw that Sam had put clothing back on and walked back the other way. Blinking a few times to make sure vision was back to normal, then looking around for a clothing store. There was 2 things that Raven noticed about that mysterious orange player, one he was wearing all leather and his breathing. It sounded like the man was breathing from a respirator or gas mask. Given that he walking right through the weird gas mineral, it was most likely the second option. 

-DING- as a door opens, clothes littered the walls and racks laying around. To the front counter, Sam is greeted by a female about 5ft. It looked like the desk was made for the height. "What can I do you for," with an accent unknown to Sam. "I need a leather long sleeve shirt, pants, boots, gloves the whole get up. Gas mask of the same content if its available." The girl opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out. It made Sam think that it just clicked what she was wearing to the girl. "I...I have a full body leather suit, black. The gloves and boots both leather come in a set of dark brown. I'm not sure I have the other thing though. Maybe try the artisan shop down the road?" Sam simple nods, "I'll take what you have, how much?" The girls cheeks began to redden as Sam realized there was a bit too much leg showing, covering it up quickly. The girl clears her throat, "No charge you seem like you need it, maybe instead a coffee sometime?" This made same blush now, "Uh sure, can you throw in some underwear," this made the girl covers her face now but could hear a mumble, "I only sell thongs here." "That's fine," as they both seemed to be embarrassed as all get up. The girl collects the items and set them across the counter and walks out of the room. Sam quickly puts everything on, they seemed to fit well. Sam walks out after putting 200 col on the counter.

Walking into the artisan building, it wasn't nearly as weird. Sam had to wait a little while after the request. When the man returned he had a full fledged gas mask that matched the color of what she was wearing. The thing that differed this from other gas mask though was it was more mask than anything. It was solid black leather that went over the head, the eye sockets were almost glass but could only be seem though in one way, the person looking out of them. Paying the man, as she swirls her hair into a flat bun and walks out with the mask in hand.

Going around the building, walking deeper into the alley way again, putting the mask on. Sam made sure she could breath and that her body was completely covered, it was. Crouching down now, Sam headed back to where that man was seen at first. Thinking back after the man tossed the gas cloud, he started walking more south. Sam hops on the nearest buildings, scaling them, keeping a close eye on the ground below looking for the mystery man.

Hearing the guy vomit once, Sam peeks her head around the corner. That man was coughing his lungs out on the streets. Another man, not the same, came out from seeming nowhere. Both icons above their head were orange, but why such violent bile. Sam couldn't help to think that this masked beak figure did this. Watching him tie the other player up, neither of them matched any descriptions on the board back home. That could mean two things, one no relation to Rosaria, or two, yes part of her group and Freyd doesn't know about them. It was very unlikely that the second was the case, that man was very good at what he did. Sam stands there behind the building weighing her options carefully.

This man was not marked by Firm Anima, not a mention of such actions or traps from the PKer's that were know of. Sam knows some orange icon players, her best friend has one. This dude was attacking another bad player, did it make him bad or just smart to chose the targets wisely. Taking a deep breath, eyes closed for only a moment before walking into clear view from the shadows of the building behind them. "You are not my target so I could care less about what this is. I'm only after a name, Rosaria, have you heard it." In this moment several things could happen. Instant death by a PK'er that was unknown or he would talk.

Was Sam stupid for doing this, fuck yea. Smart for giving away her location, hell no. The one thing Sam promised herself after starting this whole escapade was that she would do whatever it took to kill Rosaria, if that meant death then she would die trying. Freyd had no leads in weeks, Sam was getting tired of waiting.

Assisting:
Level 1
Paragon 0
True Tier 9

Final EXP reward 5%

Going from this stat block:
Sam | HP: 860/860 | EN: 124/124 | DMG: 23 | MIT:20 | ACC:1 | EVA:1 | REC: 8 | BLD: 48  | ENV-O: 32 | FRB: 40 | STC: 40 | LD:9 | PROSP:1 | QTY: 2

To this stat block:
Sam | HP: 20/20 | EN: 25/25 | DMG: 14 | MIT:20 | ACC:1 | EVA:1 | REC: 2 | BLD: 12  | ENV-O: 8 | FRB: 10 | STC: 10 | LD:9 | PROSP:1 | QTY: 2

-DING DONG DING DONG- Bells of the upper Cathedral makes note that the sun was beginning to set. Back against a large cobblestone building, seemed like a store front, Sam could hear townsfolk making a purchase. Staying low, all the intel she got lead to a location somewhere deep with the ally ways of the Grand City Taft. It was funny that Rosaria could be very well hiding in plain sight. A place well populated busy at all times of the day. To anyone, the woman would look like a normal foe. Darting between buildings carefully as to not be spotted.

"HEY YOU GET BACK HERE," slamming her back to the brick as Sam sees one, two, three shadows run past the little light between the huge structures. Wanting to help but that is not what she was here for. Glancing around the corner to make sure it was clear before moving forward. A man walks out one of the back doors, Sam darts across the dark roads. Eyeing the man, he was taking a drink of something and then throws the bottle on the ground causing it to shatter. A bag in the other hand, tossing it into the garbage can just outside. Made Sam wonder what the hell was going simple because anything that usually got empties disappears. How did he have a trash bag full of content. Shaking her head, holding it. Now was no the time, listening for the door to slam, Sam wonders further into the darkness trying to find any indication that her target resided here.

It was getting very dark, it would be easier for Sam to move around and harder for people to see her. That was if they didn't have the skill to do so, but as far as Sam was concerned no one knew she was even here.

Sam | HP: 860/860 | EN: 124/124 | DMG: 23 | MIT:20 | ACC:1 | EVA:1 | REC: 8 | BLD: 48  | ENV-O: 32 | FRB: 40 | STC: 40 | LD:9 | PROSP:1 | QTY: 2

Tearing out every piece of paper from the notebook, tossing them on the floor in front of her. When all the parchment that was written on was out, Sam closes in, tossing it aside and falls to her knees. Spreading it all out so it can be seen clearly. Tearing another sheet, grabbing a pen from her inner pocket, Sam writes Rosaria in big letters filling the page. Standing up, grabbing a tack, slamming a tack into the wall with the name hanging from it.
 
Picking up the paper that had Liums cave location on it, tacking this a foot down from that name. Taking another sheet of paper and writing -Confirmed past or present campsites-. Tacking this between the name and the cave location.

Curbie walks around the corner and opens his trap revealing a red spool of string. “Perfect, thank you boy,” grabbing it out, walking to the kitchen to get a pair of scissors. With that Sam began to make lines between what was fact and the unknown. Spending the better part of the 3 nights doing this.

When she was done there were sheets of paper everywhere in the living room. Some of them that lay upon the wall had a string connected to it and some didn’t, those were the places or people that she didn’t confirm were connected yet.

With this, the hunt begins!!

Thread Closure:
Nisahime | [Word Count: 7624/5 = 1524.8] * [True Tier: 7] * [Group Factor: 1]* [Exp Bonus: 0.11] = 11741 5924 EXP, Laurel Wreath: 1776 col
Sam | [Word Count: 7624/5 = 1524.8] * [True Tier: 8] * [Group Factor: 1]* [Exp Bonus: 0.01] = 12320 6160 EXP, Laurel Wreath: 1848 col                  

Quest Reward:
Sam 500 * 1.01 = 505 EXP
Glimpse of Before

Final Totals:
Nisahime:
11741 5924 EXP (11741-5924=5817 [EXP Correction])
1*Guild Token
1*Mon (Event)

Sam:
12320 6665 EXP (12320 - 6665 = 5655 [EXP Correction])
Glimpse of Before
1*Mon (Event)

Simmone (Guild Treasurer):
400 (Thread Closure) + 888 (Laurel/Nisahime) + 924 (Laurel/Sam) = 2212 Col (1776+1848+400=4024 - 2212 = 1812 [Col Correction])
1*Guild Token (Sam)

Turning, not sure if he was avoiding the redecorating of the room, stalling or just concerned, the question he asked seemed like a redirect almost but not completely off topic. "They made me Leader for my brains. The ability to plan accordingly and in depth to the task at hand. See what they could not regarding the tactics or gear needed. Evaluations of different raids or boss fights that they were terrified to walk into for the sake of being one shot." Taking a sip, it was all sorta weird to think back on, Sam remembered asking Lium the same question back in the day. "Lium once told me that I always knew what to say because I actually listened to them, the advice I gave put the group at ease." 

Walking to the couch now, taking a seat with her legs curled up, cup in both hands, looking to Freyd. "The vote was unanimous between the four of them. Not sure if they weren't up for it and didn't want that burden, hell wasn't even sure I wanted it at first." A pause to look down into the cup that she was swirling around. Watching the liquid make a tiny whirl pool as she continued, "Eventually my word to them became law, the didn't fight back or even disagree, I always managed to get them out alive, by killing the boss or completing the raid of course. Our team was in total sync sorta like Firm Anima is now." A inhale, thoughts were roaming now. 

After a long silence, "Ask and I will answer," was all Sam said, wondering if there was more Freyd wanted to know. Those eyes stay focused inside the cup. 

"Look, it's not like we died or whatever, beside its not that bad in here." Swimming with no other real thought, pulling her shirt down, stopping. Glancing around listening to what Nisa said, "If we find that and I mess with it what happens?" Glancing around seeing nothing of note. "Welp," taking a deep breath before she dives into the water. At first those eyes were closed, when hands hit the floor, they flashed open. Flipping herself right side up looking around. It was so weird to see the water so clear, usually there was like tiny floating bits but in here there was absolutely nothing. Swishing her hand around, it seemed a bit thicker than normal too. It had the texture of water but it felt really slow motion under here.

Sharply gazing the underbelly of these walls, Sam could feel her chest tighten. That was her loosing air, as she began to go up there was a the smallest glimmer of something on the wall at the very bottom of the 20 foot pool. Rushing up, gasping for breath, Sam started hacking. Pretty sure breathing of liquid happened. When Sam could finally rest normal again, "I thought I saw that thing that she described down there on the right wall. There is still that tunnel down there that leads god knows where at the very bottom too." Taking a deep breath, "Up to you this time bud, press the magical button or swim through the tunnel that leads to another crazy ass place." Eyes fixate on the man of the group.

The second Freyd's voice came to light, the bow went down. "For this to make sense I have to start from the beginning," turning, placing the Silver-ish White Masterpiece back on the wall mount. Walking to the kitchen to grab coffee, she would need it. The room itself may have looked like Sam was going crazy but it was very much the opposite. Grabbing another mug from the cabinet, she was unsure if Freyd drank coffee. It was not something that Sam ever payed attention to, it was time to start though. Leaving the glass on the counter then glancing to the man, signaling that it was there if he wanted it. Sitting on the sofa after pushing some things off. Curling her legs up holding the caffeine in both, taking a sip, Sam seemed oddly calm.

Thinking of how long she's actually of been gone, going through the events that brought her to this moment. Not looking at the man directly, "I was a Leader for 7 years to Lium and our friends," it was a start. "At first it was just me and Lium playing RPG games in the real world. Found me to be a bit bossy and then he had this great idea to bring his friends in. Tak, Simon, and Luke, from that point forward we were a team and I was their Leader," taking another sip of the coffee, thinking about all the fun times they had. "We beat every game that we played 100%." Combing her wet hair backwards, part of those bangs fell back against her forehead. "Even though I was going through a hard time in my life back then, they seemed to always make it better." There was a bit of sadness in her voice while she continued. "When SAO came out, it was going to be like every other game, beat it, have fun, move on. When I couldn't find them in the middle of the town of beginning I started thinking the worst." A pause as she got up from the sofa to make another cup.

Pouring, "A year went by and everything I knew and had was shattered. No more leading, no more friends coming to me for advice, tactics, planning for quests all gone. Thinking that maybe I was a bad leader and that they didn't want me any more. This was when Firm Anima found me." Another sip of that fresh black coffee as she leaned against the counter looking in Freyd direction trying to get a feel for what the man was thinking but the expression was blank. "A broken toy trying to find out where they belonged again." Tracing the rim of the glass with a finger, "Following every order, doing grunt work, calculating inventory, I felt empty. So when Katoka came along, I felt wanted again. Like I was needed, when she told me she was joining the front liners, I felt like that could be taken at any moment again and I was pissed, hurt, sad." Sam understood now why Kat made the decision she did. That thrill of being in a fight, to help, make a difference. It was what Sam felt when she was Leading the small group of four. "I did not mean to hurt Kat and I hope one day she can forgive me. I was with her for my own selfish reasons and that was on me. I was trying to fill a hole that was impossible to make full again." A look to Freyd, if he was paying attention he could see that sadness that held in Sam expression.

"That brings me to Lium," speaking as she finds a seat on the sofa again. "Coming back with the -I love you's and I'm so sorry's- then telling me how our friends died in an ambush in the fields at night. Started telling me that our friend didn't like me and they didn't want to find me, and that he's been in a cage all this time," anger rolled over her eyes saying this. The grip on her mug got tighter, "Made me start doubting myself even more, asking myself why Luke Tak and Simon didn't say something in the past." Taking a deep slow breath, "Nothing made sense anymore. SAO took everything from me, even the memory of who I really was. Threw it in the back of my head like it didn't matter and sent into the void so it was forgotten." Spoken as the truth, because for a very long while it was. "I went into the woods to find myself again, to think where it all went so wrong so fast. To figure out how to be actually happy again..." those words cut off as though Sam's mind fell elsewhere.

Setting the cup on the floor now, placing her feet on the floor, still no direct eye contact with Freyd, "In those said woods I found a mirror, fighting with myself, maybe a bit with Tuatha. Eventually I realized why I was not happy, simply put I was not leading anymore. That lead me to an open door of one true memory that to my surprise was a lie when it was first told to me BY Lium and what happened that night he got captured." This made Sam turn to meet Freyd's eyes now locked. "They went through stolen goods, a bomb went off. Tell me does that sound familiar?" Both hands on her knees looking at the wall, "You said it yourself, PK exterminator, Captain of O'I of Firm Anima. Lium is in his own little world, living on a ship enjoying his life. I know him, he wouldn't just let his captive go, unless..." dropping the sentence before looking back to Freyd, "Unless he told someone the truth so they could do it for him. Please for the love of god do not lie to me, I will do this with or without your help and that I can promise." Taking that cup off the floor, getting up and walking to the one name that mattered to her right now on the wall. Staring at Rosaria's name as she sips that coffee.

Without looking back, "To answer your first question, I have been doing better than I have been since coming into this hell." Sam knew Freyd would get the game reference. Everyone called it something different but for Sam this was her own personal hell.

Excitement ran through her system as she watches Nisa repair her bass. "That's so cool," watching the water ripples practically dance to the woman's whistle. Sam strums a note but nothing happens. "Hmm," listen to Nisa tell him to get into the water. Biting her bottom lip with a grin thinking. "If you get into the water then Nisa here will play us a song." Handing the fixed instrument toward the woman. "Besides I'm sorta wondering if you play this, if a tsunami will appear or something." Glancing to Freyd, "You can take the armor off if you feel like your gonna drown in 5 foot water." Sam knew that there was many things that Nisa could do, everything reacted differently to the woman too.

Sam started looking more carefully at the corner of this room. It truly was empty besides the pond that reacted to the fate. After a moment Sam finds a lever that was the same color as the walls, making it blend well together. "What does this do?" pulling it, the minute she does the entire floor vanishes from their feet. Falling about 20 feet down into a huge pool of water. This was deep but clear, a tunnel could be seen on the wall underneath. Gasping for air, looking up. "Crap," as she starts moving her arms to keep her afloat.

"What is that smell," sniffing around the kitchen, nothing then to under her arm. "OH my fuck," saying making a horrifying face. Setting the cup down, there was still no response from Freyd so a quick shower was very much next on her to do this. After a few minutes, a few clothing were chosen. It was rather warm so something simple for now. A black T-shirt and shorts. Walking out, grabbing her cup as a knife gets caught on her shirt and drops to the ground. Taking a breath, Sam was starting to feel the tired. Chugging the rest of the coffee in the cup, starting to brew more. This place was a mess, to be expected though, three days of non stop.

Sam suddenly stops seeing a figure in the darkened corner of her living room. Rubbing her eyes making sure it wasn't her vision fucking with her, blinking a few time then quickly scrabble to the front door, grabbing her bow from the wall mount. Aiming it toward the figure, "State your name, or this goes to your head." It was stern sounding, pulling an arrow back getting ready to shoot it. How did they find her already, Sam had not yet been to the under-dark place to ask questions. It was all very confusing.

Each wall in the living room covered in papers, red thread linking what she knew and no links to what she didn't. Some covered in words of possible locations, others with a giant question mark. A few parchments of names that may ore may not have been relevant, ones that were mentioned in the under-dark. With those names was the weapons they used and tactics that were used to murder another player. Torn notes littered the floor, with black sheets. Pens of different colors, and note books of assorted colors. 

Counter tops in the kitchen had coffee spills and stains that looked like they'd been there for days. Wrappers of granola bars and rations lay upon the marble as crumbs had since fallen to the floor.

Windows were covered with sheets on every front from every room you would walk into. Samantha had made her home into a dark room. The woman even went as far as placing multiple locks down the inside of her door.

Pouring another cup of coffee, pulling her long hair into a messy pony tail. Wearing a long sleeve black shirt with shorts. Nothing about her said a shower had been taken in days.

Now that prep for what Sam knew was done, it was time to get someone who knew more. Opening her HUD, sending a message to Freyd.

Quote

To: Freyd
From: Sam

My house now. Bring the book that R gave you.

With the chime of a send, if the man was smart he would know what she was talking about. Leaning against the counter staring back at the walls wondering what she could be missing, waiting for a response or knock as she sipped that coffee slowly.

Sam | HP: 800/800 | EN: 118/118 | DMG: 23 | MIT:20 | ACC:3 | AA  | PHASE | EVA:1 | REC: 8 | LD:9 | PROSP:1 | QTY: 2

'YEEEP,, HUUUU,"taking a deep breath, holding it... -SPLASH- as Nisahime pulls her in the tiny pool. Staying under for a moment as you could see that raven colored hair floating. Finally coming up with a gasp of air. Pushing her now glued hair out of her face with both hands in a combing motion backwards. Sam's feet was touching the bottom with a little lee way to stand fully up. The pond met just above her chest, leaning on the edge now to look at the duo. "I can say it's about 5 feet deep. And no, I landed on my knees thanks," as Sam starts to hop out of the pool realizing that she was wearing a white shirt and skirt. There would of been a time that this would have turned her face into a apple, these days to her, it didn't matter. Stripping leaving nothing but undergarments, Sam started ringing the cloths out. Placing them back on, white shirt still damp.

Glancing down, no shoes... Turning to the water seeing them just floating there. "I'll take those thanks," snagging the both with one swoop. Frantically eyeing the area, her bass guitar was sitting there with the arm broken off in the water... "Dam..." Picking it up, "All you have to do to deal with Gravity is put one foot in front of the other, rinse repeat." Smiling Sam starts walking down the hall. "Of course she's okay, she's fate remember," saying walking past Freyd. Stopping after thinking about what was just said turning to Nisa. "Can you fix this," showing the woman the broken arm of the bass.

Beginning to pace around the staircase that opens up, listening. "For all we know some of the kids here will turn out to be mass murderers. The rest of us will likely become cops to stop the destruction or shut in's because they are terrified of what they missed and just can't move on." This had always been on her mind, it was why she wasn't in a huge rush to get out, "For all we know the entire town could be on lock-down from a zombie outbreak or something. God I have played way to many games..." Scratching her head with her index finger trying to figure out if that was even possible in the real world, Zombies. The closest thing to that would be rabies...

Biting her lip trying to figure out the right words for what she was about to say. They were having so much fun, at least Sam and Nisa seemed to be. Tilting her head a bit, "I NOW know who I am and WHAT I'm after, I can say it not to get out of here," Sam made the Now and What in the statement more pronounce because a couple weeks ago she had no idea. 

Seeing Nisa walk backward down the stairs then tumbling the rest of the way. Glancing to Freyd, couldn't help but laugh. As soon as she was able to catch her breath, "I thought she had eyes or something on the back of her head." Clearing her throat. "I think your more of a mouse or cat with spidey senses. Did you land on your feet?" Yelling down the stairs, eyes turn to Freyd, "That will confirm if she is a feline or not." Sam starts to walk carefully down the stairs holding the wall with one hand. 

Looking to the room it was very open, one passage going to the right, and in the far left corner there was a pool of water. How??? Getting closer there was something moving inside of it but she couldn't tell what it was. "HEY FREYD THERE IS A POND DOWN HERE, GET DOWN HERE SLOW POKE," screaming up the stairs. Looking down at Nisa, "Confirmed not cat, could still be a mouse though." Sam was trying so hard to not burst out in laughter as she was ass over tea kettle face first on the ground. Standing in front of her now holding out a hand to held the poor woman up. "I though for sure you were going the land on your feet,  be hovering or something cool like that when I got down here."

A short jaunt around the corner of Firm Anima, Sam unlocks the door with a squeak at it opened. Closing it behind her, locking it. Heading straight for the bed room. Scooting her bed and getting to her knees. A floor board was lifted as a small chest came to light. Picking it up, with a creak the tiny booklets presented themselves. Leaning against her bed as the pages were carefully picked through. Taking out the book from her coat, writing a few things down as to more possible hideout's that the Pker's might of made a nest in.

After flipping through every notebook, Sam got up and started toward the kitchen. Was unsure the last time she had eaten was. Grabbing a banana from the counter, and started brewing some coffee. While that was going she ate the fruit and grabbed a cup. It was going to be a very long night. Mixing her coffee with cream, grabbing 2 containers from the cabinet. It was was caramel and chocolate syrup. Adding a few squeezes of each and began to stir. Taking a sip with a nod, setting it on the counter. 

Rushing now into her room, Sam grabs a hand full of sheets from the closet and tacks on the top shelf. Walking into the living room, she tacks up that cloth to cover every window, there was three. Pushing her couch against the back wall to make room. Turning now to face the space, trying to calculate if it was enough.