Katoka

The walk down to the floor where Acanthus' home was had been rather sobering. Kat felt herself grow embarrassed at her actions and simply placed a hand on her face and groaned. Once she had sufficiently gotten it out of her system she continued to walk next to her two companions. "I can understand wanting to share a floor with your shop. My house and shop are on the same floor as our guild hall. It was too convenient not to have everything in one place."

When the trio emerged from the winding staircase and into the bright lights, Katoka winced at he change in brightness. "You'd think they could have added windows so you didn't burn our eyeballs out of your skull."

Acanthus began to give them a tour of the home, it was honestly a gorgeous place. Kat felt her self begin to think about remodeling her own as she was led around. As they walked her eyes would continue to find themselves back on Mari, stealing a glace or watching her walk. What was it about the woman that pulled her in? The mention of the bedrooms and separate mother in low type suite sounded alluring to Kat, and she glanced once again at Mari while attempting to look uninterested.

The large open bath was what finally pulled Katoka's attention away from the orange haired woman. She had missed taking a dip in an onsen and felt herself getting giddy from the anticipation. "It's been so long since I bathed in a bath like this."

Slipping off out of view she unequipped her clothing and wrapped herself in a towel before navigating her way over to an area with various buckets, nozzles, and cleaning supplies. Taking a nearby stool she sat down and began to wet her body. Filling a wooden bucket and pouring the water over herself and then inspected the soups and shampoos the were present. As she started to lather herself up an idea flashed into her mind, one that may or may not backfire on her. Once she rinsed the soap from her body she called over to Mari.

"Could you wash my back for me?" she asked, unwrapping the towel from herself to expose her back while making sure to cover her front.

Worst case scenario she said no, best case Kat would have a beautiful woman in nothing but a towel washing her exposed back. What could go wrong?

As Emilia pulled Kat towards her she felt herself gasp, excitement rushing though her like a wave. And then it all came crashing down as she turned her attention to several messages that popped up. Katoka pouted, she wanted to be her focus right then. She wanted her to finish what she was saying, what Kat thought she was going to do.

Her frustration melted away ever so slightly as the woman traced her jawline. She nearly purred in response, looking up into her eyes with a longing that she hoped Emilia could read. Her back arched and Kat nodded, making a mental note to be in Ronbaru in a few days. She sucked in a breath when she whispered into her eat, her skin erupting in gooseflesh in response. It was more than obvious what she wanted, and her frustration would eat at her for days.

"I--" she felt herself breathing heavy, "I'll see you in a few days then."

She was putty in her hands. Katoka didn't care, she just wanted to be wanted. To be used if the situation called for it.

Katoka felt herself returning to the Town of Beginnings in a daze. Tonight she might have to find a way to let out some frustration.

----

Thread Closing:

Katoka receives:

4,965 EXP (Word Count [3,227/5*7] + 5% Guild Rank bonus [225] + 5% Player Assist [225])
781 col (0 page [0] + 15% P5 Reward [744] + 5% Guild Rank bonus [37])
1 Mon

Khione receives:

677 EXP (Word Count [3,227/5*1] + 5% Player Assist [32])
0 col (0 page [0])
1 Mon
 

The battlefront was heating up. Swords clashed, darkness plumed, the shouts and cries of players echoed through the area. As Belregor once again shifted his shape and covered the area in darkness, a flash of light pushed the dark back. Freyd had once again used his crystal to dispell the effect of their enemy's skill.

Katoka shouted her thanks to him as she raced forwards once again. Her feet a blur and her body not far behind, she was getting used to the sand under her feet. It was still not her ideal footing of choice, but she was at least getting a handle on how to shift her weight. Lighting crackled and thunder rumbled as the Cerulean Storm advanced on the floor boss, her sword moving in a clean arc at his leg.

Only for her foot to sink into the sand and her swing to go wide. The sword slash sailing off into the waves behind the knight.

"God damn sand."

----

Katoka recovers +6 EN
CD: 11 (Rec Proc ID#: 248702) +8 EN

Post Action: [x23] ST-B (20 EN + 2 Shift EN) = 2 EN - (Stamina) = 20 EN 2 EN
Free Action: None
Charge Cooldown: 1/3

ID#: 248703 | BD: 1 Miss

[H:7] Zajcica | HP: 1008/1008 | EN: 82/102 | DMG: 26 | MIT:319 | ACC:3 | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 | FL.AURA: 16 | FR.AURA: 16 | FR.THORNS: 8/16 | THORNS:112 | BH:55 | LD:5 | PROB:48 | WELL-RESTED: 0/3 | SQUEAKY CLEAN: 1/1
[H:4] Freyd | HP: 1674/1674 | EN: 161/168 (154+7) | DMG: 24 | MIT: 255 | ACC: 8 | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 4 | BH: 83 | VAMP-D: 83 | PROB: 36 | PARRY | DOTE: 3/3 | BLOODCLOT | ANTIFREEZE | PARA-IMM | THORNS 40 | HLY: 16 | FRZ: 64 | ENV-O: 32/4 | TXC-V: 32/3 | HELLSTORM | STINGER | LD: 9 | CD: 1 | WELL-RESTED: 3/3 | SQUEAKY CLEAN: 1/1 | MULTIPURPOSE: 1/1 
[H:0] Tricolor Mina | HP: 974/974 | EN: 102/118 | DMG: 14 | MIT:108 | ACC:7 | AA | PHASE | EVA:2 | THORNS: 40 | FRZ-IM | PARA-IM | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | HLY: 16 | LD: 8 | PTA [2/3]
[H:4] Oscar | HP: 940/980 | EN: 112/130 | DMG: 30 | MIT:127 | ACC:5 | PHASE | EVA:3 | BH:54 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:5 | DOTE: 3/3 | WELL-RESTED: 0/3 | SQUEAKY CLEAN: 1/1
[H:3] Ariel | HP: 1031/1053 | EN: 114/132 | DMG: 29 | MIT:0 | ACC:6 | AA | PHASE | EVA:3 | BH:58 | HB: 46 | REC: 8 | RISK: 8 | FLN: 16 | LD:8 | TXC-V: 32 | DOTE: 3/3 | SQUEAKY CLEAN: 1/1 | MULTIPURPOSE: 1/1
[H:3]Katoka | HP: 941/941 | EN: 97/118 (85+14-2) | DMG: 28 | MIT:38 | LD:3 | ACC:7 | EVA:3 | THORNS:40 | BH:52 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | WELL-RESTED: 1/3 | SQUEAKY CLEAN: 1/1

Belregor | DMG: 300 | MIT:200 | ACC:5 | PHASE | EVA:3 | BH:50 | HLY +300 | BLGT 4 [64/2]

"The routine helps." she smiled softly into her cup before taking another sip. "When things get too tough, when my thoughts are buzzing in my head like bees, I have to focus on something."

It was something that her therapist had taught her back in the real world. It's easier to get a hold on things if you can keep yourself grounded, and the easiest way to ground yourself is to set a routine. She had been younger then, and didn't take what she was told to heart. Now she was a bit older, and was able to see how these things were exactly what she needed.

Katoka's eyes widened at the mention of seeing someone. She looked at Sam and stammered, "N-No, it's not like that." before sighing. "I'm not... Dating. Not yet at least. But you know I don't like to lie, there have been some that have caught my eye."

She almost felt ashamed, she didn't want to really touch on this subject with Sam. The last thing she wanted to do was upset or hurt her. As she was pulled into a hug she was taken off guard. Her body felt as solid as a statue, unsure of how to react in this situation. But the warmth of Sam's body, her scent, it spread through her and she melted into the hug. The hurt was still there, but it was a dull throb now. Given time they would be fine, and this was the closure that they both needed.

"Thank you." Kat said, happy that Sam enjoyed the tea. "I didn't drink a lot of it before, but I started to so that I could add something else to my daily routine. Plus it reminds me a bit of home."

As Sam slipped away to the bathroom Kat exhaled loudly and pinched the bridge of her nose. This was hard, being so close to her. The way she talked, the way she dried her hair, the way she smelled. It was all bringing memories flooding back that she didn't want to sift through right then. She inhaled and exhaled slowly, trying to get her own breathing under control before Sam got back.

Katoka didn't know how much longer she could handle Sam being there before so had some sort of break down. When she had finally returned from the bathroom it seemed that she had gathered herself. Kat had also regained her composure enough to give her a small smile. "It's a weird quest to be honest. You said before you didn't want to, so don't force yourself. I had just happened to be able to tag along with a couple of new... Friends."

She had looked away from Sam when she had uttered the last part. That had only been half true. She had made fast friends with Acanthus, but she had felt something else for Mari. It made her feel a bit guilty bringing it up around Sam even though she didn't know what had happened. She sipped at her drink and looked at the floor in an attempt to find something else to talk about.

Her hand covered her mouth in a failed attempt to hide her embarrassment. The woman was pushing all the right buttons, and Katoka she knew she was doing it for her own amusement. After the quest with Mari and Acanthus she had decided she would be more honest with herself, that she would admit that she was lonely and wanted someone to pay attention to her. Emilia was doing just that currently. Kat enjoyed being told she was cute, she liked the teasing, the pushing. As long as she didn't let her self get hurt, it would be fine for now.

"My writing? It's nothing fancy. If I take my time it's nice and neat, but I'm almost always speed writing to get things done. I've always preferred to type. It's faster and I can go back later to adjust my notes as I see fit."

Kat picked a blade of grass and played with it, folding it, tying it in knots, all before it eventually shattered into fractured light like all broken things in Aincrad. She let Emilia play with her hair as her cheeks flushed. "I forget things here and there." she admitted, "But writing helps, that and repetition. Things that are important to me or that I enjoy are always easy to remember though."

Why was she doing this? Why was it easy for her to just talk about herself with this woman? There was something about her.

"Forget you?" she turned to Emilia with a confused look on her face, "I'm only just getting to know you but..." Katoka turned her body to face her, reaching out with a hand to cup her cheek and looking into her eyes, inspecting them before looking her over fully. She smiled warmly before finishing her sentence, "Nope, I don't think there could be much I could forget about you."

She could feel the tension in her shoulders slowly lessen. Kat always knew Sam loved music, so she wasn't surprised that she had started playing. Hearing that there was a famous musician trapped with them in Aincrad was certainly news to her. "Huh, it really makes you wonder who else is in this game with us."

"I think I will have a drink." Katoka stood up and rubbed her hands together. "But I think it will be something a bit less alcoholic."

With that she slipped into the kitchen and began preparing something for the both of them. Despite not having the cooking skill, Kat still loved to play around in the kitchen. A majority of the time things ended up burnt or inedible, but she tried her best. Maybe she would pick up cooking at some point in the future. There were plenty of places to get food to bring home, but nothing beat a nice home cooked meal.

Returning with a tray holding a teapot, two mugs, and other various extras like sugar and spoons, Kat placed the tray down on the coffee table. "Oh and before I forget." she pulled a towel from her inventory and tossed it onto Sam's head, "Dry hair or you'll get sick."

She sat down on the couch and began to prepare her drink. "You were my best friend too." she managed to get out. "I always wanted to come home and tell you about my day, and then I couldn't anymore. It made me feel so alone. And I know that wasn't what you intended, but when you go from having this person in your life that you can tell anything to, to having someone in your life that is like a ticking time bomb? It feels horrible."

She lifted her mug and sipped on the drink, it was a floral mixture that was sweet and warming. "It will take time." she told Sam. "Time for me to heal, and to move on from things. But I would like to be friends some day again."

Her face was beat red. She could absolutely be easily riled up.

"I... can't dispute that." she managed to get out.

She cleared her throat and looked own at her cup. Emilia was an interesting person for sure. She had already opened Katoka's eyes to a few new things to really think about. She had a beauty that was enthralling to her, an older woman aura that did things to the samurai's mind that she had not felt before. It made her want to talk to her more, get to know her, among other things. Stroking the rim of the cup she glanced at the woman next to her, as she spoke.

"I suppose I had never thought of things that way. If you wanted to remain anonymous in some way then using a different name would be the perfect way." she reached up with her hand and held her own chin as she thought out loud. "Remaining anonymous when gathering intel or attempting to travel without anyone picking up your trail is of course the ideal course of action in any information gathering situations..."

She had began to ramble. Talking mostly to her self out loud without realizing it. Setting down her drink between them, she swiped open her menu and opened a blank text document. She made a few notes for herself later that she wanted to go over while mumbling under her breath. After a moment she stiffened and looked to Emilia, an apologetic look on her face.

"Oh god, I'm so sorry. I just wanted to write that down before I forgot and get completely off track."

By the time she had finished her drink Katoka was feeling the effects of it. An indicator for the status effect popped up for her and she grinned. "Ohh yeahh, I deff. I deffurnatly can drunk get now."

She laughed and tipped her glass back to try and capture any remaining ice with her tongue. It was a messy task but she managed to get a piece to crunch down on, her face and chest not wet with water. She was having fun, the alcohol was helping her loosen up and she didn't really care about much now. She was in the company of two people that wanted to spend time with her. Normally if that thought had crossed her mind she would have felt a pang of longing, an ache of emptiness, and an unhealthy urge to wander off to be alone for a few days. This time she patted Acanthus on the back, probably a bit too hard, and laughed.

"Yesh! Hot girls party at Acanthushes pwace!" She danced about, jumping up and down while pumping her arms.

Kat's eyes fell on Mari and her heart sped up again. This time she walked over to her without hesitation, wrapping both her arms around the woman's right arm and nuzzled her cheek into it. One of her hands traced down the skin of the orange haired woman's arm and into her hand, where the blonde laced her fingers between Mari's. "Will you come?" she asked, giving her a confident look that pleaded for her to follow. Katoka pulled her towards the door, "Show us the wayyy Acanthushhh!"

She grimaced.

Would she find someone? Did she actually want to? She did. She missed flirting with someone, holding them, kissing them...

Katoka sighed, scratching her cheek awkwardly with a finger. "I just, don't think and react I guess. I see pretty lady, I flirt." she shrugged, "It's easier than having to think about it. I'm not good at it, most of the time I get too flustered if the other person is better at it than me. I fold really easy" she laughed.

Katoka followed Night, walking alongside her through the empty streets of Ilridge. The sounds of cheering filled the air on occasion, she had nearly forgotten that there was a tournament going on previously. It was like it almost never happened.

"I like tea, drinking booze here is kind of lame since it doesn't really do anything. But I don't mind joining you for whatever. Lunch, a drink, whatever." she glanced at the girl, flashing her a grin. "You can be a bit prickly, but you're rally cool Night. I'd like it if we could become friends some day."

She had meant that. She looked up to the woman, having heard about her for a long time through the grape vine. She was one of Aincrad's strongest, right up there with Freyd. Who knows, maybe she could learn a thing or two from her someday.

----

(OOC: Kat doesn't know about the drinking quest yet at this point.

She sat on the edge of her coffee table, looking down at the bass that Sam was now wiping down. She was feeling so many emotions swirling inside her now that it was difficult to think. What she needed was a stiff drink, but she also knew that getting drunk right now would probably cause her to do or say something stupid. For now she pinched the bridge of her nose in an attempt to stave the incoming migraine. She might have to take tomorrow off as well.

"I wish I could have met you when you were in a better state as well. Maybe then we would have... Things could have been different." she smiled, but it was weak. "But I suppose if it was going to work out, then it would have."

Instead of focusing on what could have been, Kat inhaled and began to talk about other things instead. "After things... After. Us. I went to the floor raid. As you can tell, it went fine. We fought a big stupid dragon. It had a lot of heads. Then the always fall floor opened up and all the pumpkin spice girlies got to enjoy everything."

She had to take a moment to think, there had been quite a bit that had happened recently. "We fought a big rotten bear at the next raid, the whole boss room was horridly smelly. Freyd had... A scrape with danger but everything worked out in the end." she didn't want to outright say that everyone there watched him die, she knew that would upset her, but she probably knew what happened by now.

"After that there was the hellscape that was floor 29. I don't know if you've been there yet or not, but it's fucking awful." she shuddered. "There's no safe zone, the monsters are abominations, and there are no NPCs anywhere. About the only good thing on that floor is a quest that lets you get drunk when you finish it."

She shrugged. "I've just been working mostly. I've only really started to take breaks recently. I had to get my mind off of things and putting my nose to the grindstone was the only way I could work through it."

It didn't take them long to unload their cargo. There were only three crates after all.

Once the girls had placed the boxes down Katoka brushed her hands off and turned to her companions. "Well? It's drink time right?"

She grinned and eagerly as she hunted for a set of stairs that led back up to the bar. Finding a set a bit farther in the back she called for Acanthus and Mari to hurry up. Kat nearly took the steps two at a time but she had to remind herself that most of the building on this floor were on the verge of collapse, this one was probably no different. She was humming to herself in a happy tune while ascending. The thought of finally being able to enjoy alcohol with the two of them was listing her mood immensely.

All thought of the creepy scarecrow, the smelly fishman, and the rest of the quest had completely left her mind when she practically exploded into the bar and saw a glass waiting for her at the bar. She approached, holding her hands in front of her as she wiggled her fingers like an excited child. There, resting on a cocktail napkin, was an ice cold drink that changed in hue from gold yellow at the top to a rich red at the bottom. Floating just at the top was a cherry waiting to be plucked out.

Katoka carefully picked up the glass and stirred it with the small straw already resting inside. Just as the others had entered the room she was taking a long sip, savoring the fruity taste. She grinned at Acanthus and Mari, picking the cherry out of the glass and chomping down on it. "Now I can finally join the party!" she placed the cherry stem in her mouth and wiggled it around a bit, making humorous faces as she went before pulling it back out with a neat little knot. She winked before taking another large sip.

----

ID#: 248289 | CD: 12 | A Fruity Cocktail

She let her talk.

Kat set out a pair of house slippers before slipping back into her own. She took a step into the living room and stopped. All of it reminded her of Sam, it always had. It was why she had trashed most of the house after she left. She brought new furniture and placed it all in slightly different spots but it still was the same. It was why she didn't stay at home as much, why she would distract herself with books and cleaning when she was here. She winced, not realizing she had been digging her nails into her palm. When Sam had almost said that she wanted to kill herself she whirled around, no longer able to hid the anger.

"Don't you dare." she pointed at her, "Don't you dare say that you were going to kill yourself. Don't put that on me."

She felt her hands shaking, her voice wavering, "I did everything for you. I gave everything to you. I loved you." tears began to build up in her eyes, spilling over. "So for you to come here and say that you were going to throw your life away like that? Don't you ever say that to me. I don't care who it is, your life is just as precious."

She stepped up to Sam and lightly shoved her, nothing that would make her fall over or stumble, just just enough to move her shoulders. "If I ever find out that you've killed yourself I swear to god Sam I will haul your ass back from whatever afterlife there may or may not be and kick the shit out of you."

She sobbed. She let her wobbling knees finally buckle and she wailed there in front of the woman she used to love.

When she had finally let it all out Kat, with shuddering breathes, stood back up. "Being around you right now, is painful." she admitted, reaching for a tissue on the nearby coffee table. "But I'm not opposed to trying to be friends again." She blew her nose loudly.

"Maybe just for now we can talk for a bit. Try and... catch up." the whole time she spoke she avoided eye contact. She didn't know if she could look at her without crying again, but that resolve didn't last long when she quickly stole a glance her way.

A day off.

For the past few months all Katoka was put her nose to the grind stone and work. She fought, she explored, she prepared for the next floor raid. Anything to keep herself from being alone with her thoughts for too long. The past couple of weeks she had taken more days to rest. A day here to clean up around the house, a day there to read a book and drink some tea on the back porch. She had even taken time to go do an odd quest with Acanthus and Mari in order to get drunk. Things had definitely gone off the rails with that one. Her cheeks flushed before she pushed that from her mind.

Now she was at home, having just finished cleaning up after dinner. By the sound of it outside rain had began to pour down in buckets and she had been happy that she decided to stay in today. "Time for a shower I think." she said to herself before taking the stairs two a time to get to the top. Flicking on the bedroom light she searched her wardrobe for some pajamas when she heard music from outside.

"What in the?" she walked over to the window and peaked down, her eyes falling on a figure on her front porch. "Who in the hell?"

It was difficult to see but the voice sounded familiar, something about it plucked at her heart the same way whoever it was plucked at their bass. Kat turned and hurried down the stairs, sliding to a stop just before the genkan at her front door. She stepped out of her house slippers and into a pair of sandals and pulled open the door. The girl standing there continued to sing, staring up at her window. She was completely oblivious to the fact that Kat had opened the front door. The blonde felt her chest tighten and heart beat begin to pound rapidly in her chest. Her voice caught in her throat as she attempted to tell her to stop, but the rain was too loud and she was too much of a coward to speak. She knew who this was.

When she finished singing she called up, apologizing. Kat felt her cheeks heat up. Something rumbled in her, an anger forming into something palpable. She knew it was the curse from her sword reacting to her feelings, wanting her to give in to the rage. She pushed it down instead, inhaling through her nose and exhaling through her mouth.

"Sam. Why are you here?" her tone was flat. She sighed, and motioned for her to come inside. "Get in here, out of the rain. You'll get sick."

----

GUILD RANK 5 (+5% col, +5% EXP)

-----

Katoka | HP: 840/840 | EN: 118/118 | DMG: 23 | MIT:78 | ACC:5 | EVA:1 | BH:46 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16

This woman made Katoka's brain scrambled.

It was like watching a cooking video, she would say something that caused her brain to whisk around in her skull before letting it rest for a moment, then mixing it up again. She attempted to hide her frazzled state by taking bites of her food and sips of her tea. It allowed her brain to catch up and process the information at hand.

"I can see what you mean, about the name thing." she took a another bite of croissant and chewed thoughtfully. "Using my username, it's like a mask for me. I can hide behind it. Become a different person than who I was out there." she gestured up in reference to the real world.

"I like it here for the most part. Despite being trapped here, I've worked hard to become a different person. To change and grow." she shrugged. "Don't get me wrong, I want out as much as the next person." she glanced at Emilia before taking another sip of tea. "Being stuck here has its perks."

Kat looked over to the Town of Beginnings and watched the flow of people. NPCs, players, they all moved in and out of the town at their own pace. "I never really stopped to watch people come and go before. I was always too focused on getting to and from somewhere." she smiled, "This is nice too."

An all encompassing darkness spread over them. Katoka felt her heart begin to race, her mind jumping to when she was swallowed by the Storm of Shadows. Anxiety, fear, failure. It all came rushing back as the grip on her sword weakened. But then there was a blinding light. A flash in the dark.

Freyd stood with a crystal in his hand, raised above him like a beacon in the night. It was gone. She was still standing. They all were.

Anger blossomed inside the samurai now. A hot fury that spread through her in an instant. Kat's hands tightened once again on her weapon as she surged forward, a roar erupting from her mouth. She would not go quietly into the night anymore.

Flash. Clang. Krakoom!

Her attack once again unleashed a lightning strike filled with dark fallen energy. This time she stood atop the shoulders of the knight, her katana having made the smallest of cracks in his armor.

"Never again." she whispered to him, hatred seething from her lips. "Me or anyone else. I won't let you drag us down."

----

 Katoka recovers +6 EN
CD: 3 (No Rec Proc ID#: 248232)
Katoka regains +52 HP via BH

Post Action: [x15] ST-I (12 EN + 2 Shift EN) = 14 EN - (Stamina) = 12 EN
Free Action: None
Charge Cooldown: 2/3

ID#: 248233 | BD: 7+7=14 Hit! | CD: 12 [ST-B Unlocked] | [Fallen Proc] | 38*15=570-200 MIT = 370 DMG vs. Belregor!

 [H:8] Zajcica | HP: 1008/1008 | EN: 97/102  | DMG: 26 | MIT:319 | ACC:3 | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 | FL.AURA: 16 | FR.AURA: 16 | FR.THORNS: 8/16 | THORNS:112 | BH:55 | LD:5 | PROB:48 | WELL-RESTED: 1/3 | SQUEAKY CLEAN: 1/1
[H:4] Freyd | HP: 1674/1674 | EN: 154/168 (+2[cap]-12)  | DMG: 24 | MIT: 255 | ACC: 8 | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 4 | BH: 83 | VAMP-D: 83 | PROB: 36 | PARRY | DOTE: 3/3 | BLOODCLOT | ANTIFREEZE | PARA-IMM | THORNS 40 | HLY: 16 | FRZ: 64 | ENV-O: 32/4 | TXC-V: 32/3 | HELLSTORM | STINGER | LD: 9 | CD: 1 | WELL-RESTED: 3/3 | SQUEAKY CLEAN: 1/1 | MULTIPURPOSE: 1/1 
[H:0] Tricolor Mina | HP: 974/974 | EN: 105/118 | DMG: 14 | MIT:108 | ACC:7 | AA | PHASE | EVA:2 | THORNS: 40 | FRZ-IM | PARA-IM | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | HLY: 16 | LD: 8 | PTA [1/3]
[H:4] Oscar | HP: 940/980 | EN: 112/130 | DMG: 30 | MIT:127 | ACC:5 | PHASE | EVA:3 | BH:54 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:5 | DOTE: 3/3 | WELL-RESTED: 0/3 | SQUEAKY CLEAN: 1/1
[H:3] Ariel | HP: 1031/1053 | EN: 114/132 | DMG: 29 | MIT:0 | ACC:6 | AA | PHASE | EVA:3 | BH:58 | HB: 46 | REC: 8 | RISK: 8 | FLN: 16 | LD:8 | TXC-V: 32 | DOTE: 3/3 | SQUEAKY CLEAN: 1/1 | MULTIPURPOSE: 1/1
[H:3]Katoka | HP: 849/941 (797+52) | EN: 85/118 (91+6-12) | DMG: 28 | MIT:38 | LD:3 | ACC:7 | EVA:3 | THORNS:40 | BH:52 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | WELL-RESTED: 1/3 | SQUEAKY CLEAN: 1/1

Belregor | DMG: 300 | MIT:200 | ACC:5 | BH:50 | FRB 4 [80/2] | BLD 4 [96/2] | BLGT 4 [64/2] | BRN 4 [112/2] | FRCT: 60 

She was tall. She was pretty. Not to mention she smelled quite nice.

She hadn't expected the woman to step up and stag one of the pastries, let alone feed it to her. Her brain felt like it was stuck buffering, however her body remembered what to do when food was present. Quickly chewing and swallowing she felt her brain catch up as her face flushed bright red. At her mention of how she smelled she attempted to smell herself, did she really smell like honey?

"I-I-I wouldn't p-poison someone I just met. But I can respect your c-caution." she managed to studder.

"My name is Katoka, well not my like real name. That's Katsumi. I guess I'm not used to going by my actual name here anymore." she had began to ramble, getting flustered as she went. "Most people call me Kat though. Do you mind if I sit down Emilia?"

She had been surprised she didn't know many players that used their real names that often. It almost felt taboo to do so. Katoka sat down on the grass and began to eat her remaining croissant, occasionally sipping at her drink. It was a nice morning, not too hot, not too cold. She could feel her previous tension beginning to melt away as the food and drink she consumed filled her. "So, what brings you around these parts?"

In an attempt to spice up her morning, Katoka decided that she would venture down to the first floor. It had been a while since she had changed up her morning routine. It usually consisted of drinking tea on her porch while reading or watching her familiar Hanami sun bathe. Today however, she had to drag herself out of bed and made the executive decision to find a cafe in or around the Town of Beginnings to enjoy. She was still rather sleepy as she wandered the streets, despite the time she had taken to shower and at try to look decent she still remained heavy lidded and drowsy.

Feeling herself become irritated at the early morning crowds, Kat groaned as yet another person bumped into her. Was it always this busy down here? It was fairly early, and most people were probably searching for breakfast. Not to mention a lot of lower level players had probably fled as low as they could to avoid combat with the Knights that had cropped up. She rolled her eyes, maybe breakfast at home would have been a better idea today after all.

After the third cafe had a similarly long line the blonde decided today would be better spent grabbing something from a food cart and sitting in the grass. She bobbed and weaved her way through the crowds and eventually slipped down a back alley and popped out into a side street that people didn't frequent as much. Most of the vendors here sold starting gear and items that were considered useless for the most part. Kat had liked it because there was a little coffee cart that had decent pastries.

There were a couple players that had similar ideas leaving with there prizes, they nodded to her knowingly as she passed. A few minutes later she had nice hot cup of green tea and two croissants in her hand and had slipped her way outside the town walls to the fields just nearby. The area was devoid of any monsters anymore, they had been hunted to the point where they no longer spawned in these parts. Kat was looking forward to plopping down in a field to enjoy the breeze and her breakfast in peace.

Instead she caught sight of a lone player instead.

Not wanting to sneak up in them she called out as she approached, "Wanted to get away from the morning rush as well?"

----

[Assist System Active]

Katoka | HP: 290/290 | EN: 51/51 | DMG: 14 | MIT:42 | ACC:5 | EVA:1 | BH:16 | REC: 2 | FLN: 4 | HLY: 4 [Assisting]

Opening the lids of various crates seemed to be the easiest way to find what they were looking for. It was odd though, considering most ships would have the lids of their cargo nailed down to keep things from breaking or falling out. This was a game though and that logic didn't always apply. Katoka felt relieved that Mari was keeping the odd fish man away from her while she searched. She still let her left hand rest on the hilt of her weapon just in case.

"Freyd is..." she opened another crate and smiled at the contents. Several bottles willed with an amber liquid. "He's not a bad person. A lot of people misjudge him based on first meetings or bad encounters in the past." The blonde hefted the crate up, tucking it awkwardly under one arm. "He's gone through a lot, he's grown and changed for the better. I witnessed him at a very low point and he witnessed me at more than one of mine."

She turned to face Mari, smiling at her warmly, "Being there to help someone up when they are at their lowest? That is someone that I can trust. Someone that I can call family, friend, or partner."

Kat watched as Acanthus hurried off the ship, she searched the room for anything that could have provoked her before following. As she passed Mari she reached out and grasped her hand, pulling her along with her. "Maybe one day you can add either of us to your list of people you trust."

Pulling the drunk woman along, Katoka was glad that she was ahead of her. The warmth of her hand made the samurai blush, but she didn't let go until they had made it off the ship. She checked on Acanthus, worried that something had happened. She claimed it had been sea sickness, though Kat didn't buy it. They were stationary for most of the time. She didn't push the subject, but she did rub her back slightly, "Take all the time you need. I'll load this on the carriage while you catch your breath."

Kat motioned for Mari to keep an eye on the woman while she approached the carriage. Glancing off in the distance she noticed a lone figure, perched on top of the hill with ragged clothes billowing in the wind. She squinted for a moment, attempting to make out what it could be. After a second she finally was able to put her finger on it. It was just a scarecrow. Chuckling to herself she went back to placing the cargo on the back of the carriage. There was a small area usually meant for bags or luggage that was a perfect spot. Once she had arranged the different cargo crates on the back she brushed off her hands and called over to the women.

"All arbored! Next stop, the bar!" she laughed. She stopped abruptly as she felt the hairs on the back of her neck bristle. Turning around and half drawing her sword she surveyed the area. There was nothing but the lone scarecrow half way down the hill.

She arched brow. Hadn't it been at the top of the hill initially? "Ok, lets get a move on. Something feels off."

Keeping her eyes on the scarecrow, she backed up and waited for the others to get inside the carriage. Once they had she hopped inside and slammed the door shut. "Let's move ghost horse!"

After a moment the carriage began to turn and head back the way it had came.

***

The entire trip back Katoka would see the scarecrow. Any time she looked away and back outside it was in a new location, the same tattered clothes and the same creepy face. She had barely noticed she was sitting next to Mari again until she had wrapped her arm around hers again and leaned against her. Her cheeks flushed but at this point she didn't care. That thing outside was giving her the creeps and she wanted some comfort. Burring her face into Mari's arm she reached out with her free hand and rested it on her thigh this time.

She stayed like that for as long as possible, taking in the warmth and touch of another for as long as she could. After all, she didn't know when she would get to again. With a lurch the cart came to halt and Kat peaked out of the window. They had made it back to town safe and sound. Now all that was left was to unload everything and they could have their drinks. Reluctantly the samurai unwrapped herself from the orange haired woman and exited the carriage. Looking around her eyes fell on the scarecrow once again, just down the street on the corner. She hurriedly grabbed a crate of alcohol and entered the cellar door that was propped open just outside the building. With a quick glance out the door again, the scarecrow was gone.

She sighed in relief and followed the steps down into the cold storage cellar.

----

ID#: 248097 | LD: 1

The second that Mari's hand had ended up on her thigh, Katoka had felt a heat run through her that she hadn't felt in a long time. At least with someone else.

Each time her thumb stroked the bare skin it was like an electric shock ran through her, making her brain melt into soup in her head. At he mention of attention feeling nice, Kat almost let out a sound that would have made a nun blush. Instead she bit her lip and attempted to look out the window of the carriage. The attention was, in fact, unbelievably nice. She had lost count of the days (on purpose) of how long it had been since someone had touched her, held her, kissed her. She barely knew Mari, she could be horrible for her for all she knew. When Mari's head rested once again on her shoulder she realized at this point that she didn't care how bad or good the woman was, there was an ember or desire that was beginning to spark.

Mari had reached out, grabbing Acanthus' waist to pull her back into the cart and Kat felt something rumble inside her. She pushed the roar of jealously down, surprised at the feeling. It had been a while since she felt that as well. It all melted away after the lighting had startled her of course, even more so when she felt Mari press her face into her head and breath her in. If she could have she would have evaporated right then and there, letting her breath in her everything.

"Thank god I'm not drunk right now, I would not have any self control." she thought.

Instead she asked aloud to Mari, "So you know Freyd huh? He's like a brother to me. Not like, actually, but like in the sense of found family if that makes sense?" she felt as though she was rambling.

The three of them exited the carriage and Katoka took a deep breath in order to calm herself down. If she wasn't careful, she would end up in Mari's lap before the day would end and she didn't want to do that just yet. That was a lie, of course she wanted to do that but she probably shouldn't just yet. They had just met after all.

Clearing her throat she turned to the two women and placed her hands on her hips, "Alright ladies, shall we investigate this haunted as hell ship and get some booze?"

***

Getting on to the ship had proved to be much easier than Katoka had anticipated. When they approached from the dock there had apparently already been a gangplank placed ready for them to board. Even the parts of the ship that had been hit by the lightning were seemingly out of the way. When the group had descended below deck, the light level was near darkness. Something did manage to stand out to her, a figure in the darkness, followed by a constant brushing sound. Kat approached, her hand on her sword as the figure came into view. It was a person... Or, a fish? It was something humanoid. A broom in it's hands as it swept the floor.

The creature looked up at the samurai, and cocked it's head to the side. Kat similarly mirrored the confused look and the thing simple continued sweeping. Her shoulders relaxed, but her hand never left it's place on her sword. "I guess it's not hostile." she said aloud.

She began to inspect the various cargo boxes while keeping an eye on the fish man that seemed to be a few steps behind her the entire time.

----

ID#: 248053 | LD: 4

Goosebumps spread over Katoka's body as music pumped its way across the battlefield. She felt a grin spread across her face, yeah this would work as a battle track. Her eyes narrowed as she watched the boss change in front of them. It's form shifting to Mina's, though slightly off. "Didn't anyone teach you that if you're going to change your shape you probably shouldn't do it right in front of everyone?"

She rushed in once again, her hair fluttering behind her. After a few steps she vanished, reappearing in front of Belregor as her katana once again struck the knight. The off sounding clang of metal on metal followed by black lighting striking the knight echoed through the area. Her sword bounced back, taking her off guard. It had hit some sort of barrier before hitting the knight. She had been surprised enough that the weapon cracked her right between the eyes, the samurai letting out an audible "Guh!" in response.

Kat retreated to her party once again, clicking her tongue in frustration. Her Fallen had procced again but she could tell it wasn't as effective. Not to mention whatever the hell that shield was that she had hit. "Stupid boss with its stupid barrier." she grumbled.

At least her team had Yuki. She had always heard of the tank from the other frontliners, hell she had heard about her from others too. The pink clad woman was probably one of the mist famous tanks on Aincrad. She grinned again, between her and Freyd this thing didn't stand a chance.

----

Katoka recovers +6 EN
CD: 4 (No Rec Proc ID#: 247868)

Post Action: [x18] ST-II (15 EN +2 ST Shift) 17 - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 14 EN
Free Action: None
Charge Cooldown: 3/3

ID#: 247869 | BD: 6+7=13 Hit! | Fallen Proc | 42*18=756-200 MIT = 576 - 25% = 432 DMG vs. Belregor!

Katoka takes 139 DMG via ENTROPIC WARD

[H:4] Zajcica | HP: 1008/1008 +(1) | EN: 95/102 -(4) | DMG: 26 30 [Press] | MIT:319 | ACC:3 | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 | FL.AURA: 16 | FR.AURA: 16 | FR.THORNS: 8/16 | THORNS:112 | BH:55 | LD:5 | PROB:48 | WELL-RESTED: 1/3 | SQUEAKY CLEAN: 1/1
[H:2] Freyd | HP: 1674/1674 | EN: 166/168 (159+7) | DMG: 24 28 [Press] | MIT: 255 | ACC: 8 | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 4 | BH: 83 | VAMP-D: 83 | PROB: 36 | PARRY | DOTE: 3/3 | BLOODCLOT | ANTIFREEZE | PARA-IMM | THORNS 40 | HLY: 16 | FRZ: 64 | ENV-O: 32/4 | TXC-V: 32/3 | HELLSTORM | STINGER | LD: 9 | CD: 1 | WELL-RESTED: 3/3 | SQUEAKY CLEAN: 1/1 | MULTIPURPOSE: 1/1 
[H:0] Tricolor Mina | HP: 974/974 | EN: 108/118 | DMG: 14 | MIT:108 | ACC:7 | AA | PHASE | EVA:2 | THORNS: 40 | FRZ-IM | PARA-IM | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | HLY: 16 | LD: 8 | PTA [0/3]
[H:3] Oscar | HP: 760/980 | EN: 116/130 | DMG: 30 34 [Press] | MIT:127 | ACC:5 | PHASE | EVA:3 | BH:54 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:5 | DOTE: 3/3 | WELL-RESTED: 3/3 | SQUEAKY CLEAN: 1/1
[H:2] Ariel | HP: 927/1053 | EN: 111/132 | DMG: 29 +8| MIT:0 | ACC:6 | AA | PHASE | EVA:3 | BH:58 | HB: 46 | REC: 8 | RISK: 8 | FLN: 16 | LD:8 | TXC-V: 32 | DOTE: 3/3 | WELL-RESTED: 1/3 | SQUEAKY CLEAN: 1/1 | MULTIPURPOSE: 1/1
[H:2] Katoka | HP: 797/941 (941-144) | EN: 91/118 (99+6-14) | DMG: 28 32 [Press] | MIT:38 | LD:3 | ACC:7 | EVA:3 | THORNS:40 | BH:52 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | WELL-RESTED: 3/3 | SQUEAKY CLEAN: 1/1

«Belregor, Guardian of the Sword» | DMG: 300 | MIT:200 180 | ACC:5 | AA | PHASE | EVA:3 0 | BH:50 | VAMP-O 2: 150 | BURN 56/1 | ENTROPIC WARD | HORRIFYING VISAGE

Despite it taking longer than usual to get to their destination, Katoka was enjoying the trip over all. Regardless of the shady bar they were currently sitting it, and the dirty glasses that she took a moment to wipe off just before drinking from it. She had friends. She had Freyd, and Elora, and Ciela. This felt different though. A toast before downing the drink, she slammed the glass back onto the table and laughed. A rich belly laugh that made her feel more happy than she had in a while.

As she listened to the two speak, she had forgotten that the game translated things for everyone. It had made sense of course, how else could everyone here speak Japanese? Or in this case, whatever language they spoke. Kat rested her chin on one hand as she poked and prodded the empty glass in front of her. She was thankful that whatever has stained the cup hadn't affected the taste of the drink she had, but now she felt herself wanting more. "Another?" she asked Acanthus, sticking out her lower lip in a pout.

" And you... Vennen min."

Katoka arched a brow, unsure as to why Cardinal hadn't translated that bit. "As you wish, Vennem min." she replied. Taking another drink, she wished that she could feel the alcohol now. Maybe then she could have the liquid courage to be a bit more forward. For now she simply stood and walked over to the bar, letting her hand trace a line along Mari's back as she passed. Her attention was pulled by a ledger on the counter, something about an order that was placed and needed picking up. A quest prompt flickered open in front of her and she grinned. "I suppose this is what we were looking for?"

***

With a quick tap on the display and a few party invitations sent later, the three were now riding in a wagon that was being pulled by nothing at all. Kat had been creeped out by the whole interaction and was pressed up against the two other women attempting to remain calm. It wasn't working. A chill ran down her spine as they rolled into the harbor, the cart bumping about as they rolled over a stone in the path. The sudden jostling caused Kat to grasp onto Mari's arm, holding it tightly. She closed her eyes tight for a moment before opening them to see a large ship sailing into the docks.

A bolt of lighting strikes the upper deck with a teeth shattering boom, making the samurai bury her face into her companion's arm. "A-A-Acanthus is that supposed to happen?!"

----

ID#: 247653 LD: 14

Katoka arched a brow at Acanthus as she seemed to talk someone that wasn't here. Looking around she hadn't noticed another person show up, which made her think that maybe the booze was starting to get to her more than she realized. Her thoughts were quickly scrambled at the nickname Kitty Kat. It had been something cute that she had been called in the past, but it had been a while. She attempted to cover her face to hid her once again reddened cheeks as she turned in a different direction.

"I have a feeling that I'll be herding the two of you like a sheep dog during this quest, but I wouldn't mind being able to join you properly for a drink afterwards. I think it'll be worth it." she reached down to grab onto Mari to pull her back up. Mari was only a little taller than Kat so it wasn't too awkward to get her back up. "Can you walk or do you need help?" she voice sounding concerned as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She brushed a bit of dirt off of the woman's leg, checking to see if she had hurt herself.

Turning to Acanthus she attempted to asses how drunk the knight was as well. "Do you need help walking as well? How screwed are we going to be doing this quest?"

***

The trip to the muddy disgusting place that was the 29th floor had gone much as expected. Lots of giggling, even more wandering off, and an abundance of tangents.

She had done it though. Katoka had managed to drag the two women together long enough for them to use teleport crystals since trying to get them both up several flights of stairs was out of the question. If this was how Mari had to travel all the time she felt a bit bad for her, she made a mental note to ask her when she was more sober why she hadn't tried to complete the quest to get rid of her marker.

She sighed at the sight when she took in the sight of the stating town, having been here far too many times and almost all of them were unpleasant. This time however, she at least had good company. "Well ladies, shall we hit the bar?"

Mari's mention of her clavicle made her cheeks turn pink yet again. Her hand reached up and traced her collarbone with a single finger. She hadn't paid much attention to that area of her chest, though she wasn't opposed to someone else doing so. She found herself wanting to get more attention from Mari. Katoka's eyes flicked to the woman, wanting to make sure she watched as she traced from her clavicle to her cleavage, "You do?" she didn't want to take advantage of someone while they were drunk, but she wasn't going to let the opportunity pass to at least flirt.

She laughed at the two women. As they both drank they seemed to loosen up, Acanthus more than Mari. It was entertaining to say the least. Kat listened though, sipping at her drink as Mari opened up, even just a little, about her status. She had killed someone. "The fact that you didn't want to do it and seem to regret that action speaks a lot. You turned yourself in, you served your time." she took another sip of her drink and grimaced, the last remnants of booze always tasted the worst. "If you continue to beat yourself up about it, you're making your mind a prison too."

The blonde looked around frantically, realizing she had been talking out loud. "Oh, god, um. I'm sorry, I'm spouting off advice like I know what I'm talking about." in a panic she held out her cup to accept more alcohol in order to do something else. At the mention of doing the quest to get drunk Katoka jumped at the opportunity.

"Yeah! It's no fun if you two are the only ones that can get drunk!" she jumped up and chugged her cup before setting it down. "Alright, where are we headed?"

When watching old kaiju movies, Katoka remembered always thinking the people that stood still and watched the monsters rise out of the ocean were idiots. They would be frozen, either in fear or confusion at whatever was happening that it was always too late for them to run away to safety. Now, after watching the massive knight clad in black armor do much of the same, Kat could honestly say she knew how they felt. There was no boss room, no entering a place to have a door shut behind you. They all stood on the beach and watched as this thing breeched the ocean's surface to face them.

"Holy hell."

A jolt of energy shot down Katoka's back as Mina's buff surged through her, knocking her out of her stupor. The samurai shook her head and set about doing what she did best, rushing in. Shooting off to the left, she surged forward as dark electricity snapped it's tendrils out from her body. The light from her sword art reflected off Belregor's armor as she leapt up and struck him with a lighting fast motion. The sound of metal striking metal gonged into the night, the echo bouncing off a building somewhere.

As Kat fell back to the beach and landed with a graceful thud. She rejoined her party with a look of confusion. "That should have done more." she cocked her head to the side. "I think he's a bit resistant to Fallen damage!"

She felt a pang of anger rise, but she pushed it back down. Now was not the time to get upset over resistances, this was a game after all.

----

Post Action: [x15] Charge + ST-I (12 EN +2 ST Shift) 14 + 8 (Charge) - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 19 EN
Free Action: None

ID#: 247486 | BD: 7+7-1-3=10 Hit! | 43*15=645-200 MIT = 445 DMG vs Belregor, Guardian of the Sword

[H:0] Zajcica | HP: 1008/1008 | EN: 102/102 | DMG: 26 30 [Press] | MIT:319 | ACC:3 | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 | FL.AURA: 16 | FR.AURA: 16 | FR.THORNS: 8/16 | THORNS:112 | BH:55 | LD:5 | PROB:48 | WELL-RESTED: 3/3 | SQUEAKY CLEAN: 1/1
[H:0] Freyd | HP: 1674/1674 | EN: 168/168 | DMG: 24 28 [Press] | MIT: 255 | ACC: 8 | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 4 | BH: 83 | VAMP-D: 83 | PROB: 36 | PARRY | DOTE: 3/3 | BLOODCLOT | ANTIFREEZE | PARA-IMM | THORNS 40 | HLY: 16 | FRZ: 64 | ENV-O: 32/4 | TXC-V: 32/3 | HELLSTORM | STINGER | LD: 9 | CD: 1 | WELL-RESTED: 3/3 | SQUEAKY CLEAN: 1/1 | MULTIPURPOSE: 1/1 
[H:0] Tricolor Mina | HP: 974/974 | EN: 108/118 | DMG: 14 | MIT:108 | ACC:7 | AA | PHASE | EVA:2 | THORNS: 40 | FRZ-IM | PARA-IM | MENDING: 2 | REC: 8 | HLY: 16 | LD: 8 | PTA [0/3]
[H:0] Oscar | HP: 980/980 | EN: 130/130 | DMG: 30 34 [Press] | MIT:127 | ACC:5 | PHASE | EVA:3 | BH:54 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20  | LD:5 | DOTE: 3/3 | WELL-RESTED: 3/3 | SQUEAKY CLEAN: 1/1
[H:0] Ariel | HP: 1053/1053 | EN: 132/132 | DMG: 29 33 [Press]|  MIT:0 | ACC:6 | AA  | PHASE | EVA:3 | BH:58 | HB: 46 | REC: 8 | RISK: 8 | FLN: 16 | LD:8 | TXC-V: 32 | DOTE: 3/3 | WELL-RESTED: 3/3 | SQUEAKY CLEAN: 1/1 | MULTIPURPOSE: 1/1 
[H:1] Katoka | HP: 941/941 | EN: 99/118 (118-19) | DMG: 28 32 [Press] | MIT:38 | LD:3 | ACC:7 | EVA:3 | THORNS:40 | BH:52 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | WELL-RESTED: 3/3 | SQUEAKY CLEAN: 1/1