Kekoa 0 Posted June 23, 2016 #1 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 It had been a week since his last quest. Kekoa was feeling anything but happy. He actually felt quite irritated for the past week, losing plenty of sleep and being generally grumpy while awake. He almost wished he never took that stupid <<Earning A Living>> quest, because seeing such familiar happiness now just plagued his mind with sad thoughts of home. He wanted to go home-- so, so bad. Everything felt like it was crumbling but he knew that he couldn't let it collapse on him. He was stuck between a rock and a deadly VRMMORPG. He never had serious thoughts of suicide, because he knows he just isn't that type of person, but he wondered if it would be more relieving to just be dead at this point. He hated feeling this useless. He couldn't even open up his own shop yet, so the stupid <<Alchemist>> title he had earned really meant nothing. Nevertheless, he decided he would do a little sightseeing today to possibly get his mind off his impending doom. He needed a shift in attitude. Link to post Share on other sites
Kekoa 0 Posted June 23, 2016 Author #2 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 He had decided that he was going to go see other floors to maybe start finding some sort of inspiration to keep fighting. There was a time when he got mad at himself for enjoying this game's layout, but now he kinda just grumbled at everything. He needed a pick-me-up, so to speak, and he wasn't going to deny himself one. He had closed his eyes and pointed his finger randomly on a paper he sketched on. Turned out he landed on the number six, so he was going to be visiting the sixth floor today. He wasn't positive if he really should be going to the sixth floor at his level, but he shrugged it off. For one, he wasn't very concerned with dying at the moment, feeling a little hard-headed. Two, he figured there couldn't be any deadly mobs on floor 6 that he wouldn't see coming. If push comes to shove, he would just flee. Link to post Share on other sites
Kekoa 0 Posted June 23, 2016 Author #3 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 After thirty minutes of walking and teleportation and the like, he had made it to the sixth floor. He wasn't familiar with it, of course, because this was his first time visiting, but he had read about it in a sketch journal he had purchased off an Information Broker NPC on the first floor. It isn't packed with information, of course-- nothing from the first floor would have something super top secret-- but it had little pictures and general information about beginner floors. Kekoa was interested by the Amazon concept it introduced. Most of the designing for Aincrad was based on medieval Europe and Asia, but this floor seemed to be densely saturated with African or maybe South American influence. It was interesting. The first thing he noticed were the tall woman NPCs strutting around, drenched in tribal wear and tattoos. They were actually quite beautiful. Kekoa blushed. Link to post Share on other sites
Kekoa 0 Posted June 23, 2016 Author #4 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 He began walking around, walking in open tents and speaking with tribe leader NPCs to learn more about the lore of the land. They mainly spoke of the defeat of this floor's level and how it must have taken strong warriors to defeat their terrain. Kekoa rolled his eyes at most of it. This is a low level floor and was taken over easily, he's pretty sure, although he does not quite remember the battle results of the Floor 2 boss battle. He didn't care. Kekoa was more annoyed that the dialogue is updated when a floor is defeated. It wasn't until he happened upon an Amazonian Princess of sorts, that he gained any real curiosity about the floor. She told him about the jungle-like forest on the floor, and how her father had traversed it and defeated mainly powerful enemies just to be with her mother and her. It was a touching story, although a little cliche; Kekoa took note of some of the monsters she gave more detail about and then left, unchanged. Link to post Share on other sites
Kekoa 0 Posted June 23, 2016 Author #5 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 He sighed. He thought he was beginning to feel something for this game again, but he was forcing it. His heart still beat plainly in his chest. There was no excitement in the high definition polish of this virtual universe anymore. Kekoa bit his lip. Was he actually like this all along? Maybe this game was just revealing that he's a truly negative person. He frowned as he navigated the rest of the floor's safe zones. Majority of the NPCs were monogamous in their dialogue about how powerful their land has made them and that they are protected by the all-powerful jungle that surrounds them. Whatever. What was more interesting was that because of the honesty of these people, it seemed there wasn't an NPC Information Broker on this floor. It was an interesting factor, and proved just how closely the gamemakers pay attention to detail. It actually... didn't frustrate him..? Link to post Share on other sites
Kekoa 0 Posted June 23, 2016 Author #6 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 Before Kekoa could develop the thought, there was a light tap on his shoulder. He spun around to an NPC about his height, wearing a white mask with just a crudely drawn smiley face etched on the front. He was wearing draping brown and white cloths, different from what most NPCs wore in this area. The NPC also appeared to have the physique of a man, although Kekoa was not one to place any gender norms on peopel. It was a slightly odd sight at first and threw him off, and he couldn't fully relax when the title <<Unknown NPC>> appeared above his head. Kekoa took a couple steps back. "Who are you?" Kekoa spoke defensively, although he didn't mean to. The character simply stood there. If it were going to attack him, it would have already done so, right? He hadn't heard of any kind of thief NPCs on lower levels like this one, but it was possible. Kekoa gritted his teeth. "What's your name?" Kekoa asked as politely as possible. It definitely came off more harsh than intended. Link to post Share on other sites
Kekoa 0 Posted June 23, 2016 Author #7 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 The NPC suddenly raised a lanky arm from under its robe. It pointed directly at Kekoa and tilted its head. "You remind me of someone..." The NPC chuckled. "...Someone I used to know... Let's duel," It suddenly proposed. Kekoa furrowed his eyebrows. "Don't worry-- it'll just be a friendly duel... A battle between familiar faces.." It chuckled its ugly chuckle again, and Kekoa was slightly thrown off by its words. Familiar faces? Kekoa supposedly reminded this NPC of someone, but Kekoa couldn't even see his face. He was about to politely decline when the window for a Friendly Duel popped up on his screen [Initiate Friendly Duel with <<Unknown>>? Yes ☐ No ☐]. "If you win, I'll give you a special reward... My personal earnings... Whaddya say?" The more the NPC spoke, the more familiar the cracking voice became. He just couldn't pinpoint who it sounded like. Kekoa thought for a moment and then shrugged. What could really be the harm? It's an NPC and it only wants a friendly duel. Even though it is a little scary to look at, Kekoa figured... "What the hell," Kekoa mumbled out loud, and then pressed the 'Yes' key. "Excellent..." The NPC chuckled as the 30 second countdown clock appeared above them. The chuckling didn't stop, however, as it made its way backwards away from Kekoa. Once it had created a distance of about thirty feet, it burst in to loud, giddy laughter. Kekoa's eyes widened. 'That's.... That's my laugh...' Kekoa thought; and just as he did, the NPC burst in to a show of brilliant blue and purple and white light. Its body contorted and shifted and its robes moved about its body quickly. Its mask seemed to sink in to its skin and then as the light burst forth and blinded Kekoa for a moment, it made its final transformation. Link to post Share on other sites
Kekoa 0 Posted June 23, 2016 Author #8 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 (edited) When Kekoa could open his eyes again, the <<Unknown>> title had been replaced by <<The Gemini>> and the awkward masked appearance of the NPC had changed. It now directly resembled Kekoa. His height, physique, weapon, clothing, and everything in between. Eleven... Ten... Kekoa's heart raced. He watched as the "Friendly Duel" marker above the ticking clock morphed in to "Death Match." He glanced back down at the mirror image of him standing all too close, drawing its spear and smiling wickedly. He never thought his own face could contort so evilly. Six....Five... Was this some kind of sick joke? There wasn't even anyone around. Even if there were, it's not like they could interfere with a PVP match. Kekoa had never heard of something like this before. A trap duel... and on the second floor, much less? He felt sick, but as he watched the murderous intent roll off the other him, he knew what he had to do. Two...One... He began to realize the significance of this battle. It was perfectly timed, really. He stared across the patch of open space at the dark reflection of all his negativity. This was karma for the negative emotions he had been carrying around. Kekoa drew his own spear, and shifted in to a battle stance. He was going to defeat himself. He was going to murder this version of himself and be free of these emotions that plagued his mind. Zero! Both Kekoa's lurched forward as fast as they could, ready to destroy the other. Let the games begin. Spoiler KEKOA // LVL: 4 // 16/16 HP // ENERGY: 4/4 // MIT: 0 // THORNS: 0 // DMG: 2 (1+1) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE GEMINI // LVL: 4 // 16/16 HP // ENERGY: ??/?? // MIT: 0 // THORNS: 0 // DMG: 2 (1+1) Edited June 23, 2016 by Kekoa Link to post Share on other sites
Kekoa 0 Posted June 23, 2016 Author #9 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 (edited) Kekoa felt the intensity of battle immediately rush through him. This would be the first time he actually engaged in face-to-face combat. This was one-on-one to-the-death fighting, and it was actually more so exhilarating than frightening. Kekoa would not let himself lose here; not the real him, at least. Both teens thrust their spear forward at the same moment, both shouting out a battle cry as they did so. The spears appeared to collide at exactly both spearheads, sending hundreds of sparks flying as the metals grind against each other. The two blew past each other, directing their attacks away from depleting either of their HP bars. They both stood with their backs to each other now, their spears extended outwards. Kekoa attempted to breathe evenly while the other him chuckled wildly, exaggerating his usual laugh. "You used to know who we are... Positive little Kekoa, right? Ha! Now you aren't even strong enough to land an attack!!" The Gemini laughed cruelly as he spun to make his next attack. Kekoa spun around as well. "You are not me!" Kekoa growled. Spoiler ID# 62084: BD: 3 <<FAIL>> MD: 1 <<CRITICAL FAIL>> KEKOA // LVL: 4 // 16/16 HP // ENERGY: 2/4 (-2) // MIT: 0 // THORNS: 0 // DMG: 2 (1+1) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE GEMINI // LVL: 4 // 16/16 HP // ENERGY: 2/4 (-2) // MIT: 0 // THORNS: 0 // DMG: 2 (1+1) Edited June 25, 2016 by Kekoa Link to post Share on other sites
Kekoa 0 Posted June 24, 2016 Author #10 Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 (edited) The Gemini swung his spear in the momentum of his turning, leaving Kekoa enough time to react and arch his back in a swift limbo to dodge the attack as he slid forward on his knees. He swiftly moved to a crouching position and his spear glowed a pale red as he readied his <<Snake Bite>> sword art. "And I am not you," Kekoa stated surely. He then shot himself forward, the game carrying him through the motion of the art as he jabbed two thick slices in to The Gemini's neck. He watched himself flinch backwards, angry but still smiling like a mad man. It made Kekoa's skin crawl. He stood there laughing at Kekoa-- loudly. "Now who can't land a hit?" Kekoa smirked, not losing his calm even in the face of his body double's madness. Spoiler ID# 62103 BD: 10 <<CRITICAL SUCCESS +2 DMG>> MD: 4 <<FAIL>> KEKOA // LVL: 4 // 16/16 HP // ENERGY: 1/4 (+ 1 -2) // MIT: 0 // THORNS: 0 // DMG: 2 (1+1) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE GEMINI // LVL: 4 // 10/16 HP (-6 HP) // ENERGY: 1/4 (+1 -2) // MIT: 0 // THORNS: 0 // DMG: 2 (1+1) Edited June 25, 2016 by Kekoa Link to post Share on other sites
Kekoa 0 Posted June 24, 2016 Author #11 Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 (edited) Kekoa jumped backwards so he was out of The Gemini's reach for now. He was coming down from his laughing fit when he stared a sinister stare at Kekoa. The teen felt a shiver run down his spine. Was this duel truly a manifestation of his emotion? Or was it just a conveniently timed trap? Kekoa even wanted to believe for a moment that he was having some sort of nightmare, but he knew this was real. This game is real. This game is his reality. He clenched his spear and darted forward. It glowed red again as he jumped forward and launched two new slices in to The Gemini's neck. He didn't even care. He didn't even flinch. He simply turned to Kekoa with a nasty smile. "We're such a fool. We'll never be strong, and we know it!" The Gemini spoke for them both, chuckling. Kekoa kept his face even. After a moment, he began staring at the corrupted mirror with... pity. The Gemini noticed and furrowed his eyebrows. "What are you looking at me-- erm-- us like that for?! We are both the same!" Kekoa scoffed, kicking some dirt in front of him. "Don't speak for me with your pathetic resolve. We are NOT the same person." Kekoa spoke sternly, sure of himself this time. This was his reality and he would just have to deal with that. He hadn't found his happiness in that moment, but he felt his purpose coming back. Kekoa likes the feeling of being in control. He wants to be powerful so he can finally feel in control of his life again. He wants comrades. He wants to serve and protect. He wants to feel the joyous side of this damn game again, and he knew it would take time, but he was going to become powerful. "I appreciate you for showing me something I could become..." Kekoa closed his eyes, a sheepish grin froming on his face. He tilted his head upwards at the warmth peeking through the clouds above. "But it's time to end you." Kekoa stated matter-of-factly as he lowered his head back to his opponent. He shifted in to a battle ready stance as the other him bit his lip hard to keep his rage from exploding. Spoiler ID# 62111 BD: 6 <<SUCCESS!>> MD: 3 <<FAIL NO ACTION>> KEKOA // LVL: 4 // 16/16 HP // ENERGY: 0/4 (+1 -2) // MIT: 0 // THORNS: 0 // DMG: 2 (1+1) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE GEMINI // LVL: 4 // 6/16 HP (-4 HP) // ENERGY: 2/4 (+1) // MIT: 0 // THORNS: 0 // DMG: 2 (1+1) Edited June 25, 2016 by Kekoa Link to post Share on other sites
Kekoa 0 Posted June 24, 2016 Author #12 Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 (edited) The Gemini was furious and trying to contain it, but Kekoa could tell easily when he's upset. He giggled at the notion, because this horrendous wannabe was surely not him, and he knew that now. He wasn't just trying to sound smug when he thanked the NPC, however, because he really was thankful for the experience. This was an idea he could firmly grasp to and carry with him. This game is not all good-- quite frankly, it's mostly bad from how Kekoa has seen it recently-- but it is important to never succumb to its darkness. It was such a cliche notion and yet Kekoa had let it go right over his head for weeks. Maybe that was the whole purpose of this mess... to teach people a lesson? Kekoa was interrupted by a screaming, charging Gemini. He thrust his spear forward at Kekoa alarmingly slow. The real teen was surprised at how easily he dodged the weapon. He moved slightly to the left, dodging the danger completely. As The Gemini passed by him in the air. He cried out furiously as he collided with the ground and lost grip of his spear. Spoiler ID# 62113 BD: 5 <<FAIL NO ACTION>> MD: 3 <<FAIL>> KEKOA // LVL: 4 // 16/16 HP // ENERGY: 1/4 (+1) // MIT: 0 // THORNS: 0 // DMG: 2 (1+1) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE GEMINI // LVL: 4 // 6/16 HP // ENERGY: 1/4 (+1 -2) // MIT: 0 // THORNS: 0 // DMG: 2 (1+1) Edited June 25, 2016 by Kekoa Link to post Share on other sites
Kekoa 0 Posted June 24, 2016 Author #13 Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 (edited) "I probably can't talk you in to surrendering... but I want you to tell me..." Kekoa stood over the NPC, his face cold and still, and pointed the head of his spear directly at The Gemini's eye. "...How many unknowing players have perished at the hands of your tricks... How many, Gemini!?" Kekoa's knuckles whitened as he gripped his spear intensely. He just watched as The Gemini's corrupted face fell in to a frown, horrified by the sight of the spear about to finish him. "We really aren't the same..." Kekoa mumbled. "I would never let someone make me look this weak." "SHUT UUUUP!" The Gemini howled, reaching out and grabbing hold of his spear to quickly launch it at Kekoa. Even at the short distance between the two, the spear simply grazed Kekoa's cheek without him even having to move. Kekoa's face didn't waver. He stared at The Gemini who in turn stared back at him with absolute disturbance morphing his face. Even though he held the mirrored form, Kekoa could no longer see any resemblance to himself. "If you won't answer me... die." Kekoa spoke softly but with a scarily serious tone. His spear glowed that familiar red for the final time, and he lowered his spear quickly without any other warning, jabbing quickly and fatally deep in to the NPC's throat. The Gemini clenched his throat and his eyes widened as he stared up at Kekoa with horror. He then broke in to a fit of laughter, cackling horribly up at the sky as his figure began to faze blue and then shatter in to a million pieces. Spoiler ID# 62117 BD: 10 <<CRITICAL SUCCESS!>> MD: 7 <<SUCCESS!>> KEKOA // LVL: 4 // 14/16 HP // ENERGY: 0/4 (+1 -2) // MIT: 0 // THORNS: 0 // DMG: 2 (1+1) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE GEMINI // LVL: 4 // 0/16 HP (-6 HP) // ENERGY: 1/4 (+1 -1) // MIT: 0 // THORNS: 0 // DMG: 2 (1+1) << COMBAT COMPLETED !! >> Edited June 25, 2016 by Kekoa Link to post Share on other sites
Kekoa 0 Posted June 24, 2016 Author #14 Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 << WINNER: KEKOA !! >> appeared in big white letters above the teen and the dissipating crystals. He put his spear back in his inventory and sighed. He lowered his head for a moment, seemingly contemplating something, but then jumped high in the air and shot his first upward. "Yeah! I won my first one-on-one duel!... Granted, it was against myself, but who cares!?" Kekoa cheered out loud, although he was talking to himself. This was just a small step towards getting back on track. This fight just proved his strength. He only hoped that he had nowhere but up to go, because this game could easily take people to new lows. Kekoa attached his spear on to his back and began walking back in to the safe village areas. Before he could take a few steps, however, a small window appeared in front of him. Link to post Share on other sites
Kekoa 0 Posted June 24, 2016 Author #15 Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 The small message read <<The Gemini: Completed !! >> and had a list of rewards below it that the copycat has promised. So, he wasn't a complete phony, it would seem. Kekoa was still a little surprised that the game could force traps on any player like that. It made him wonder what kind of things lie ahead for the players of SAO. When he clicked the "X" to close the window, a new window popped up that read << New Skill: Disguise Acquired !! >> Kekoa cocked a brow curiously. He swiped open his menu and clicked through to his skill page, where he scrolled to his <<Disguise>> skill. He read through its vague description and stroked his chin. It could come in handy, for sure. Spoiler ID #62117 LD: 19 <<DISGUISE EARNED !!>> Link to post Share on other sites
Kekoa 0 Posted June 24, 2016 Author #16 Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 Kekoa thought he wanted to head back to the floor gate, but when the image of the Town of Beginnings grazed his mind, he felt like throwing up. He thought of the alleys he stayed in and Casey's Cauldron and the people he's met there and just rolled his eyes. He couldn't go back there, yet. He wasn't ready. He decided he would just walk along the tree line, and maybe gather some materials if he wanted. He still had to sort out the thoughts scrambled about his head. He wasn't going to undo everything he learned here today by going right back to the place that started this mess. Link to post Share on other sites
Kekoa 0 Posted June 24, 2016 Author #17 Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 (edited) He eventually came upon a large group of tropical looking flowers bunched up by the trees. They were beautiful; breathtaking, actually, and Kekoa's eyes gleamed as he came across them. He ran over to them and took a large whiff (stupidly-- they could have been poisonous or cause paralysis), greeted by the smell of fresh greens and something sweet. He wanted to pick every single one successfully, but he knew that wasn't going to happen. He was still going to try, of course, if even it meant he only got one. He reached down and attempted to pick one bright pink and white one. It came up initially but then shattered in to pieces. Kekoa pouted but then immediately reached for the next one. Spoiler ID# 62127 LD: 3 <<FAILLLLL>> Edited June 24, 2016 by Kekoa Link to post Share on other sites
Kekoa 0 Posted June 24, 2016 Author #18 Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 (edited) Kekoa decided to be even more careful this time. He slipped his fingers around it extremely slowly and exhaled. "I want chu... I want chu pretty little flowers... I'm gonna make you in to a nice wittle potion..." Kekoa mumbled to himself. He delicately yanked up the flower with immense amounts of hope pouring out of his hazel eyes. The flower came up entirely with its one thick root and Kekoa gasped. <<SUCCESS>> appeared in big letters above the flower and Kekoa was so happy he could cry. The flower transferred to his inventory and he giggled to himself. He shifted his attention to the next flower. +1 Materials !! Spoiler ID# 62130: LD: 19 <<SUCCESS !!>> Edited June 24, 2016 by Kekoa Link to post Share on other sites
Kekoa 0 Posted June 24, 2016 Author #19 Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 (edited) Kekoa chewed his lip as he attempted to extract the next flower. It was a pretty baby blue and yellow mixture that had an odd gradient effect on the flower's petals. Kekoa wondered for a moment if these kind of flowers actually exist in real life. He shrugged. He didn't really care; he just wanted them all right now. He plucked the flower from its spot int he ground and it shattered in his hands. He pouted again for a moment before moving on to the next one. He was going to get at least two of these things. Spoiler ID #62131 LD: 13 <<FAIL>> Edited June 24, 2016 by Kekoa Link to post Share on other sites
Kekoa 0 Posted June 24, 2016 Author #20 Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 (edited) ~xXx~ It had been an hour now since Kekoa had initially laid down in the patch of flowers. It wasn't so much a patch any more so much as it was a gathering of severed stems. He had failed to gather every single flower, excluding the one he had gotten lucky with when he first laid down there. He was still smiling and picking away, however, just wanting one more for his collection. He would come back another time if need be-- actually, he would definitely come back another time. There were only a few chances left. He scooted over to an all blood red flower that seemed to emit an odd kind of misty glow. It was surely a rare material. He had to have it. Unfortunately, as soon as his fingers even came in the vicinity of the flower, it shriveled in to an ugly grey flower and then poofed from existence. Kekoa fell backwards on to his head. "Awwwwwwh man!" He pouted. Spoiler ID #62132 LD: 8 <<FAIL>> Edited June 24, 2016 by Kekoa Link to post Share on other sites
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