(F01/PP) Heh, I'm in danger

[Oscar 0]

Oscar needed no further invitation.

Quick as a flash, he had scooped Alinta into his harms and broke off into a sprint. He shot out like an arrow from a bow, leaving a trail of dust and sand in his wake. Oscar faulted nimbly over crates and wagons - even a building or two when he couldn't bother to move around them. The wind whipped up by his speedy forward dash was oddly soothing in the desert heat. Which was helpful as they left the safe environs of Fortaleza and struck out into the open desert. Oscar was moving based off of memory, surging through the sands until he found the tell-tale bloodstains upon the gold. He skidded to a stop, tilting his frame to the side to place Alinta's feet on the ground in the shade of the one random tree for miles. He didn't lose momentum, however as he grabbed hold of the trunk and used it to whip himself round to dash off in another direction.

"Shark!"

His voice rang out and a wave of force rippled out from all directions. It was hard to nail down exactly where the Quest Boss would be. But Focused Howl would do most of the work for him. Sure enough, he saw the sands begin to shift. With an explosion of dust, his quarry appeared - eyes set upon its prey.

 

Spoiler

Post Action F. Howl vs Terra Firma

H- Os5, Al0 Terra Firma | HP: 950/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4

Oscar | HP: 960/960 | EN: 128/128 | DMG: 26 | MIT:212 | ACC:5 | AA  | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 | BH:53 | VAMP-O: 158 | REC: 4 | LD:5                                                                                                                            

 

[Alinta 0]

Oscar scooped Alinta up and she had to wrap her arms around his neck to stop herself from falling. “H-Hey I know what carry means you don’t actually have to-” But it was too late. He moved, at a speed Alinta didn’t think was possible - then again, this was a game. She just…never bothered with any of the actual game mechanics. She didn’t know things like this were possible. She winced - burying her head into his collaarbone as sand and wind whipped at her face.

Builds fell, giving way to endless reaches of sand - as far as the eye could see. Alinta chanced a glance at their surroundings…nothing. They were surrounded by absolutely nothing, so then why…why did she feel so…excited?   “whoa…”

Finally Oscar stopped; allowing her to stand beneath a single solitary tree. How convenient. “Hey-”

"Shark!"

The beast emerged from the sands with a roar and Alinta backed up until she hit the tree. If she could have climbed it, she would have - although she doubted it’d do much. “T-Thats uhm…” It was giant.

 

She thought the richly dressed NPC mentioned something about a shark? But this…was different - its armour reflected the suns rays in harsh blinding light - and its giant maw could swallow her whole.

Fear.
Alinta was afraid.
Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to come out here with narry a weapon or armour.

[Oscar 0]

Terra Firma didn't take too kindly to being called out of its name. Or maybe it was Oscar's general presence in its vicinity. EIther way, Oscar quickly found the creature's razor-sharp teeth wrapping around his frame. It was a good thing that the leathers were only there for the aesthetic and his actual armor was a bit more substantial. Most of his fleshy bits were well protected against  the creature's snapping jaws. It was rather funny, how hard the beast was trying. It bit down, only to have its fangs denied by Oscar's harder-than-usual candy shell. Its tail and limbs whipped about as it flailed wildly. Its desperation could be felt as it tried so hard to turn Oscar into its next meal. Oscar mounted a counterattack, but he was busy laughing at the predicament that the Quest Boss was in.

He turned about to look at Alinta, the boss turning with him as it failed to pry its jaws off of him. "See Ali? Perfectly harmless!" He winced as a fang jabbed him in the side. "Mostly harmless."

Spoiler

Terra Firma Attack vs Oscar
ID: 244521 BD: 9, Deal 89 DMG

Post Action -> AOE-I vs Terra Firma
ID: 244522 BD: 3+6-4, miss

H- Os6, Al0 Terra Firma | HP: 950/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4


Oscar | HP: 924/960 | EN: 128/128 | DMG: 26 | MIT:212 | ACC:5 | AA  | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 | BH:53 | VAMP-O: 158 | REC: 4 | LD:5       

 

Edited 4 hours ago by Oscar

[Alinta 0]

Alinta covered her eyes, squealing when she watched the giant shark creature lunge at Oscar.  This wasn't even the frontlines! This was floor five! FIVE!? And things were this monstrous? How did anyone go beyond that? How did anyone have the guts to fight the actual floor bosses? She peered at him through her fingers - the beast was practically gnawing on him. But...he ...seemed fine? It was almost like a chihuahua fighting something 10 times its size.  

"Uhm..." Alinta pulled her hands fully away from her face -  then - she slowly stood. It was almost comical how Oscar fought with the beast. "D-Do I try....I don't know...punching it?" Alinta asked as she watched the large beast clench its jaws down harder on Oscars arm. Alinta winced. That sound...it was so graphic, but...she guessed pain wasn't really a thing here, right? That's why he was able to stand there with almost a jovial laugh and smile on his face.

"That doesn't look harmless to me!" She called out. Her eyes shifting up to his HP bar - It had gone down. Only a fraction, the tiniest bit - but it had still gone down. Just...how strong was he? If it tried to bite down on her, would she just instantly die? She didn't have any armour - and she was still only level one.

Oscar | HP: 924/960 | EN: 128/128 | DMG: 26 | MIT:212 | ACC:5 | AA  | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 | BH:53 | VAMP-O: 158 | REC: 4 | LD:5 
Alinta | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 
Terra Firma | HP: 950/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4

Edited 4 hours ago by Alinta

[Oscar 0]

"I mean," Oscar began. His voice was level, even as the creature's fangs dug into him. Almost as if he wasn't even in combat at all. At least, nothing that he considered to be combat. Bad as the thing looked and scary as the boss was, it didn't really amount to much in the grand scheme. It barely had enough damage to cut through Oscar's armor. The battle had barely begun and he was already back to full. It felt more like a game of tug-o'-war with a dog than fighting for his life.

"Did I not tell you that all you needed to do was stand there and look pretty?" Clearly he hadn't overstated the simplicity. But still, upon looking back and catching her worried expression, Oscar closed his eyes and gave her a bright smile. "This guy doesn't have any sorts of area-of-effect attacks. And I've got his attention so you're totally safe. And he could gnaw on me all day and I'm pretty sure he wouldn't get me much lower than this. So if you wanna jump in and get the feel for fighting, by all means. You are one hundred percent safe."

Spoiler

Terra Firma attack vs Oscar
ID: 244532 BD: 3+1-3, Miss

Post Action -> AOE-I vs Terra Firma
ID: 244533 | BD: 5+6-4, Deal 214 DMG

Oscar | HP: 960/960 | EN: 100/128 | DMG: 26 | MIT:212 | ACC:5 | AA  | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 | BH:53 | VAMP-O: 158 | REC: 4 | LD:5 
Alinta | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 
Terra Firma | HP: 736/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4

 

Edited 3 hours ago by Oscar

[Alinta 0]

Stand there and look pretty huh

Alinta sighed, feeling a pang of uselessness bubble up inside her core that she didn't like one bit. Here was a man who had been nothing but kind to her, even going as far as to offer her food - and she was just...standing there and looking pretty. Her lavender eyes cast downward at her perfectly manicured, perfectly painted nails - then down to her feet - stylish sneakers. Her entire appearance was comfy, but, was it an affront to people like Oscar who were fighting hard? 

Then...came the offer - she perked up, offering him a big smile. "Y-Yeh! Okay!" Alinta nodded her head. She could do this! SHE COULD DO THIS! All she had to do was run up and land a big ol' punch on its underbelly, right? She went to run toward the Terra Firma - a spark of fire twinkling in her eyes - exuberant, ready! Ready to FIGHT!

Unfortunately...one of her shoelaces were untied, and she tripped, falling flat on her face. Alinta groaned, and pushed herself back to her feet, dusting the sand off. Well...that was embarrassing.

Alinta shook her head and plastered a large smile on her face, well...if there was one thing she could do good, it was standing there and looking pretty. So, Alinta kicked up a foot, and gave Oscar a lil finger bang gesture with a wink. "C'mon Hotdog boy - you get this done soon and there'l be a sweet surprise for you." She crooned as she blew him a kiss.

 

 

 

244551  BD: 3 FAIL

Oscar | HP: 960/960 | EN: 100/128 | DMG: 26 | MIT:212 | ACC:5 | AA  | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 | BH:53 | VAMP-O: 158 | REC: 4 | LD:5 
Alinta | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 
Terra Firma | HP: 736/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4

Edited 3 hours ago by Alinta

[Oscar 0]

Watching Alinta faceplant brought back so many painful memories. It was what tended to happen when you were level 1 and didn't have a spec of Accuracy to your name. But, he had to give her credit where it was due - she absolutely gave it a shot. Maybe not her best shot. But a shot. Which, against a boss that could realistically kill her with the lightest of scrapes, that amounted to more than he could communicate. If she was serious about it, she definitely had the balls to get the job done.

Which he found just so insanely attractive.

Of course, it was hard to be suave and charming when there was a massive land shark chomping at your arm. But her words of encouragement still reached him. And, with a laugh, he grabbed the beast by the neck and swung it over his shoulder - slamming in into the ground. His weapon flashed to his hand and he brought it down upon the creature's flank, flaying it open with one precise strike. He looked up as he dealt the blow, a small huff of laughter escaping his lips. "I've never really had a cheerleader before. You're absolutely killin' it. But again, don't write checks you aren't willing to cash, Ali."

Spoiler

Terra Firma Attack vs Oscar
ID: 244552 | BD: 2, Miss

Post Action -> AOE-II vs Terra Firma
244553, BD 6+6-4-1, Deal 318 DMG

Oscar | HP: 960/960 | EN: 86/128 | DMG: 26 | MIT:212 | ACC:5 | AA  | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 | BH:53 | VAMP-O: 158 | REC: 4 | LD:5 
Alinta | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 
Os10, Al0 Terra Firma | HP: 418/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4 

 

Edited 2 hours ago by Oscar

[Alinta 0]

Her face was covered in sand; and her white crop stained. Her shoulders were tinged an angry glowing red- early signs of sunburn - for she did not have the survival skill. Still, Alinta laughed, a melodious and carefree laugh as she feebly tried to push sand out of her face. “This…is actually kind of fun.” She laughed.

So, Alinta - wanted to try again. She bent down and tied up her shoelace and hopped on one foot then the other to test them. “Okay. Okay. Let’s go Alinta.” And go - she did, this time, Alinta got closer now to the Shark like beast. Almost close enough to punch it, but as Oscar went to swing it over his neck Alinta was pushed back, landing this time on her butt.

“Ooff..”

It hurt, but not much - rather, it was a tingle telling her ‘this would have hurt’ but beyond that… Was pain really a non issue here?

Still sitting on the ground, covered in sand, Alinta looked up at Oscar - eyes wide in awe.

“Aww, but I’m just a widdle level 1 - sorry to say Hotdog boy, but I ain’t got all that much cash left.”

 

244554  BD: 2 FAIL

Oscar | HP: 960/960 | EN: 86/128 | DMG: 26 | MIT:212 | ACC:5 | AA  | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 | BH:53 | VAMP-O: 158 | REC: 4 | LD:5 
Alinta | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 
Os10, Al0 Terra Firma | HP: 418/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4 

Edited 2 hours ago by Alinta

[Oscar 0]

Oscar was glad that she was having fun. He'd brought many a low-level Player through either this quest or the other one and they almost always ran into issues. They almost always didn't give Oscar time to establish Hate. Hell, even against a simpler Quest Boss, Abellio had come so close to biting it. So he was happy to see someone actually having fun trying to level themselves up. But it did mean that the tutorial would very much be a slog. But that would be an issue for Alinta's future. 

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself," Oscar said brightly. "Most would be quaking in their sneakers by n- oh fuck!"

He'd allowed himself to get a little distracted. Terra Firma's flailing caught his ankle right as he was about to deliver yet another blow. His foot flew out from under him and he lost his balance. It had been quite some time since that had happened. Oscar contorted himself as gravity took over and seeing his trajectory, pivoted at the last moment. His hands and his knees took the impact. Better that than falling on top of Alinta with his full weight. But it did put them in quite the compromising position. Her back flat against the sand with Oscar looming over her. If there were any onlookers, they might get the wrong idea.

He looked down at her, eyes wide in shock for a moment. And then he smiled. Even when he fucked up, he still came out - quite literally - on top.

His head dropped down low, his lips just a hairsbreadth from her cheek. When he spoke, his voice was nothing but a whisper. "You're a smart girl. I'm sure figuring out payback wouldn't be all that hard."

Spoiler

Terra Firma Attack vs Oscar
ID: 244556 | BD: 2, miss

Post Action -> AOE-I vs Terra Firma
ID: 244557, BD1, miss

Oscar | HP: 960/960 | EN: 86/128 | DMG: 26 | MIT:212 | ACC:5 | AA  | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 | BH:53 | VAMP-O: 158 | REC: 4 | LD:5 
Alinta | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 
Os10, Al0 Terra Firma | HP: 418/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4

 

Edited 2 hours ago by Oscar

[Alinta 0]

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself,"

Alinta nodded. "Y-Yeh. I guess I am." Her eyes shifted behind him at the Terra Firma. It was...daunting this close. Scary. She shifted herself back 3 feet, still on her butt - ensuring she was far enough away that Oscar could essentially wrestle with it as much as he wanted to. Her chest heaved with heavy breaths - a mix of adrenaline and fear fighting for dominance within her. She was putting on a brave front but truth be told she was quaking in her sneakers. Literally. She was shaking. But - There was something about him that made her feel safe.

Alinta took a deep breath and was about to push herself up off the ground when it happened. Oscar wavered- tripping on a flailing fin. The Terra Firma boss broke free from munching on his arm and Oscar came tumbling forward.

BANG

Their foreheads collided, and Oscars weight pushed her right into the ground. Alinta’s heart was still beating fast and hard  as she looked up at him. Alinta could smell it even now- that same mix of lemon and mahogany, tinged with acrid sweat. Somehow, it was the fragrance of a safe place, a warm embrace, home. Without realizing her own actions Alinta closed her eyes and lifted her head, tilting it so she could sniff the crook of his neck.

She snapped out of it when she felt his weight shift. He was straddling her - and if Alinta wasn’t feeling a plethora of other things right now, she’d be embarrassed - and potentially freaking out. Instead the woman stared up at the man looming over her. Lavender eyes wide. He seemed just as shocked before a smile broke the moment.

Payback…figuring out…right….right she did say that, didn’t she?

Crap…why was he so close…why could she feel the tickle of his lips against her cheek? This was too much, this was way, way, way, way too much.

With a hard shove, Alinta managed to push Oscar off of her, but not before her lips - albeit accidentally - pressed up against his cheek.

“S-Sorry Sorry!” She immediately stammered. “Accident!”

[Oscar 0]

He felt the soft caress of her lips upon his cheek. And he knew that it was entirely accidental. He rolled off of her, quickly kicking their almost-forgotten Quest Target away as it went in for another attack. He calmly rose to his feet, grabbing the creature's tail as it whipped around. He reaffirmed his grip, fingers digging into its leathery hide. And with one herculean effort, slung the creature over his shoulder to slam it into the earth. The maneuver seemed to daze the creature. So much the better because Oscar was not even focused on the fight. He found himself distracted by the now beet-red Alinta clambering to her feet.

He was certain, of course, that her rosy colored cheeks were not entirely because of the sun.

Oscar gave her a smile, his fingers rising up to touch the spot that had just been graced by her lips. Of course, it was an accident. He knew that. But that didn't mean he wasn't going to strike while the iron was hot.

"My, Ali. Quite forward, aren't we?"

Spoiler

Terra Firma Attack vs Oscar
ID: 244560 | BD: 6+1-3, miss

Post Action -> AOE-I vs Terra Firma
ID: 244561, BD1, miss

Oscar | HP: 960/960 | EN: 92/128 | DMG: 26 | MIT:212 | ACC:5 | AA  | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 | BH:53 | VAMP-O: 158 | REC: 4 | LD:5 
Alinta | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 

Os10, Al0 Terra Firma | HP: 418/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4

 

 

Edited 2 hours ago by Oscar

[Alinta 0]

As Oscar rolled off her Alinta rolled to her side and pushed herself off the ground, her feet sunk into the loose sand - up to her ankles and she groaned, feeling the tiny grains filing all the crevices of her shoes..that’d be a pain to deal with later.

Still with her back facing him Alinta reached up and pressed her fingers to her lips. It was nothing more than an accident, but…it had all felt so real. She could really feel the tingling warmth of his skin. Really taste the salt of his sweat - and the granules of sand that clung to her lips. “It felt so real…” She whispered quietly, as though amazed. Alinta turned back to Oscar - watching as he dazed beast struggled to right itself after being tossed like a discarded toy.

“It…It felt so real.” Alinta said again, louder now. “I didn’t - think stuff like that would have even been coded into the game.”

"My, Ali. Quite forward, aren't we?"

Between one breath and the next; Alinta’s confident veneer returned. “O-only when I want to be.”

[Oscar 0]

"Oh Kayaba is an infamous freak, Ali," Oscar said. "Shit, what's it called? Disable Moral Code. It's literally an option in your menu." It was almost funny, but leave it to the mastermind behind the death game to also program in the sex button. He knew what he was doing. Shoving a bunch of horny assholes somewhere they could not physically leave. If the NerveGear didn't get you, the being pent up for years would.

Oscar had to pause to duck under the lunging Sand Shark. It sailed through the air over Alinta's head, aiming straight for Oscar like an arrow comprised of fangs and claws. Oscar was, thankfully able to dodge, but he wasn't able to mount a counterattack before the creature sailed out of his reach. So much the better, really. Oscar's heart just wasn't in the fight anymore. It was different when they constituted a threat. But now? He couldn't find the fucks to give.

Probably and especially because of Alinta's presence. What red-blooded man would choose nasty monster over a beautiful elf girl? "Only when you want to be? So that was you wanting to be forward?"

Spoiler

Terra Firma Attack vs Oscar
ID: 244562 | BD: 7+1-3, miss

Post Action -> AOE-I vs Terra Firma
ID: 244562, miss 

Oscar | HP: 960/960 | EN: 94/128 | DMG: 26 | MIT:212 | ACC:5 | AA  | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 | BH:53 | VAMP-O: 158 | REC: 4 | LD:5 
Alinta | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 

Os12, Al0 Terra Firma | HP: 418/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4

 

Edited 1 hour ago by Oscar

[Alinta 0]

"D-disable...what now!?" Alinta asked as she stared at him in disbelief, there was no way....  Alinta quickly opened her menu, trying to find anything in her settings ....was it even in the settings? No? Huh...was he... "OSCAR!" Alinta shouted in frustration. "Y-You're not supposed to lie to a woman you're trying to court!" Was he trying to do that? It very much seemed that way. She almost believed him for a second, because - it could have been very real. After all - PKers were a thing right? She had heard rumors of Chuckling Coffin was it? A whole group of people whose morals were very questionable.

"I...I actually believed you..." Alinta muttered as she slicked back her fringe. "There are so many questionable people here I almost...I thought it was a thing. I mean , why else would people be brazenly walking around with orange crystals above their heads?" 

Alinta ducked as the Terra Firma flew over her head and missed Oscar. Crashing into the sand, Alinta coughed - breathing in the debris. "Eurgh..."

Oscar questioned her, was that her being forward? Alinta shook her head, still coughing. "No. Trust me - if I want to be forward you will know it. You won't be prepared for it."

[Oscar 0]

"You didn't know?" That was surprising. They'd been stuck in the game for a while. He thought it was pretty much just common knowledge at this point. Common knowledge no one ever really spoke of, but common knowledge nonetheless. "It's not visible unless you're in a private area like an inn room or a house. But wait. Does that mean that you've never... you know. Since you got stuck here? I applaud your restraint."

He would have continued the conversation, but it was rather difficult to do so when Terra Firma chomped down on his head and slung Oscar over his back into the middle distance. Oscar landed on his feet, skidding to a halt just in time to see the boss wheel around and lock onto Alinta. It didn't get time to take a step. Oscar launched himself off of the ground, flying high into the air before crashing down onto the beast's head. He pivoted quickly, kicking the Quest Boss away like a rag doll.

"Damn, I think its mad because I've been rag dolling it," Oscar said, flipping his sword over the back of his hand. "But I'm just so good at it. I can't help myself." He turned his head to look back at Ali and gave her a cheeky wink before giving the boss his full attention.

Spoiler

 

Terra Firma Attack vs Oscar
ID: 244564 | BD: 10, Deal 90 Damage

Post Action -> AOE-I vs Terra Firma
ID: 244565, BD: 3 miss 

Oscar | HP: 923/960 | EN: 94/128 | DMG: 26 | MIT:212 | ACC:5 | AA  | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 | BH:53 | VAMP-O: 158 | REC: 4 | LD:5 
Alinta | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 

Os12, Al0 Terra Firma | HP: 418/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4

 

 

Edited 1 hour ago by Oscar

[Alinta 0]

His reply concerned her - but at the same time...confused her. "Wait...so it is a thing?" Alinta asked confused- and it was only available in...private areas.  She stared at Oscar, the gears slowly ticking in her head. He didn't mean morality... as in straight up morals he meant.... 

"Oh."

HIs follow up questions.... "But wait. Does that mean that you've never... you know...."  Never...what....He wasn't implying that, was he? He mentioned applauding her restraint, and suddenly it all began to click together. He meant...people would actually get down and dirty in this game? "A-Are you kidding me?" Alinta cried out, this time she was unable to hide the unabashed embarrassment she felt. "O-Of course I haven't done something like that here! its a GAME! I didn't even think you'd feel stuff like, kissing and you're telling me people BANG each other when there's monsters roaming around them?" It sounded completely and utterly ridiculous. 

A loud roar reverberatted around them, and Alinta had to remember they were in a battle. Her eyes snapped to the shark like creature.  "O...Oscar...." She whimpered when she saw its beady black eyes lock onto her - it began to charge at her and Alinta feebly shielded herself - but it barely took a single step before Oscar crashed into it, sending it spiraling into the floor.

This...was dangerous.

"D-Don't let it get the upper hand." She tried to stammer, but it was clear that the near encounter had scared her.
 

 

[Oscar 0]

"Well like I said, it's only done in Safe Zones."

Oscar found himself distracted by the topic at hand once more and noticed that Terra Firma had suddenly decided that Alinta was a far more appealing target. After all, she'd not landed a hit and Oscar had been brutalizing the poor bastard for the past five minutes. It leaped over Oscar's head trying to reach the easier meal. With practiced effort, Oscar decided to put an end to this. His weapon disappeared, replaced in the next moment by <<Divine Rancor>>. Quickly tapping his Battle-Ready Inventory, Oscar activated his Crystal of Divine Light. Divine Rancor's passive glow intensified into a blaze of white flame. Oscar stepped forward and struck, bisecting the creature. White flames ignited upon its model, searing the two segments of the creature as it slowly dissolved into Crystal Shards.

With the threat dealt with, Oscar finally put his weapon away. He stepped forward through the remnants of the flames, looking Ali over with a visibly worried expression. "Are you okay? The thing shouldn't have gone for you at all." He grabbed her by the shoulders, turning her left and right to make sure she was unharmed. "I'm very sorry," he said. "I should have been more careful."

Spoiler

Terra Firma Attack vs Oscar
ID: 244566 | BD: 10, Deal 90 Damage

Post Action -> AOE-I vs Terra Firma
Free Action -> Quick Change: Kyuketsuki -> Divine Rancor (-AA, - VAMP, +16 HLY +36 BLI)
Free Action -> Crystal of Divine Light
ID: 244567, BD: 10
26+2 (Crit) + 16 (Holy) + 8 (CoDL) = 52 Base Damage
52 * 14 =728 - 75 = 653 DMG

Oscar | HP: 923/960 | EN: 94/128 | DMG: 26 | MIT:212 | ACC:5 | AA  | PHASE | F-SPIRIT | EVA:3 | BH:53 | VAMP-O: 158 | REC: 4 | LD:5 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 36/2
Alinta | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 1 

Os12, Al0 Terra Firma | HP: 0/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4

 

 

Edited 1 hour ago by Oscar

[Alinta 0]

Again the thing went for her, and Alinta felt like she was going to throw up. Was this how she was going to die? All the excitement she felt earlier, the quips and jabs, flirtatious remarks - they all ran through her head - all of that - leading to her death - Alinta dropped to her knees and covered her head. What did it feel like to die here? Would it be instantaneous? Would it hurt? Would she wake up in the real world? No....that was just blissful ignorance. 

A whimper fell from her lips.

Then, the sound of metal carving flresh - clanging - and a rupture followed. Alinta chanced to peek - only to see the monster dead. "I...it's gone?" She asked, her voice shaky. Trembling with fear. For all the bravado she had earlier, it was like she was the complete opposite now. Oscar knelt beside her, a firm hand on each shoulder as he asked if she was okay. Alinta gave a timid nod. "Y-Yeh."

The bearded man apologized and thats when Alinta swung her arms around his shoulders. "That was scary." She mumbled, trying to calm her shaky breaths. She could feel her heart pound erratically against his chest as she squeezed him tighter. "I-I could've died, right?" She said. Slowly using him to help her stand. "I don't want that fear! I don't want that for me!" There was a pause. "I don't want that for you!"

Another pause as she refused to let him go. Her head resting against him. "Is...is that what you go through daily? You acted like it was nothing. Every time it bit into you - it was like it didn't even bother you." She shook her head. "Can we go back to the town?"

[Oscar 0]

Oscar merely allowed her to let it out. This, too, was normal. That first brush. The moment when your health is too low and everything is riding on a single attack. A coin flip that would mean you could see another day or you could go home in tragedy. Oscar never once faulted anyone for not wanting to confront it. People simply wanted to live. There was nothing wrong with that. Simply because courage was needed to fight on the front did not mean that those who didn't were cowards. They were simply normal.

"It is," Oscar admitted. "Or was. Back when I first started. I know enough now to know when to pick my battles." He paused, almost as if he'd read her mind. He turned around, hoisting her onto his back. He gripped her thighs, allowing her to hold onto his shoulders for support. He didn't make a mad dash back to town. More of a brisk walk. "At least, I thought I did. I've never seen a monster switch up like that."

He would be lying if he said his heart wasn't racing out of his chest as well. He had painted a lovely picture of an enemy he could keep well-in-hand. It so very nearly cost Alinta her life. Such a thing was enough to make Oscar second guess all of his bravado. Though, trying to flirt in the middle of a fight wasn't perhaps his smartest decision.

As they crossed the threshold back into Fortaleza, Oscar placed Mari down. With the Teleportation Platform so close, he realized that he felt gross. It was an easy enough thing not to notice in the middle of a fight. But now?

"I need a shower," Oscar said simply.

Edited 24 minutes ago by Oscar

[Alinta 0]

He was being comforting, and Alinta soaked it up. Each iota of warmth. She burried her face in the crook of his neck and took multiple deep breaths. She was so excited to fight, but it flickered away like a dying flame - and she was practically a mewling kitten in his warms. "Its okay." Alinta mumbled as he hefted her easily onto his back. Alinta Squeezed him tighter. "I wanna be better." She admitted as he carried her slowly back to the village.  

"You're....very warm." She mumbled. "And...even though I got scared - I enjoyed myself. And, it made me think maybe I could be a little bit better. Maybe...I could try to do something. Maybe...maybe not big monsters like that but I could gather things, people do that right?" She pressed her cheek fast against his. It was a close call, a terrifying experience - but she was still here, and still alive. It was thanks to Oscar.

"Don't apologize." Alinta said as they entered the town again. "I really enjoyed my time with you." She stepped closer, grabbing each one of his hands. “A shower? Hah..” she laughed gently, resting her forehead against his chest. “You don’t smell that bad to me, Oscar.” She squeezed his hands. “It reminds me of home. So - what did you want for that reward?”