Mari

They couldn't go to the chapel. well no shit sherlock. Mari gave an exasperated sigh, and realizing he wouldn't hear that, she crossed her arms over her chest. Tilting a beaked head to the side. For now - the two would have to keep playing charades till she had her voice back. Was this why he never spoke? Not because he couldn't - but because it hurt to? Considering how often he had been around all manner of chemicals and gases...it wouldn't surprise Mari. That...was kinda sad. So much could be misinterpreted that way. Just how many people had misinterpreted him? His actions? At least

OKay… He was okay. Good. After the first wave of guards had been felled the doctor came up to her, quickly wrapping her trembling form in more, thick material - and it wasn’t till he had that Mari realized her skin felt like it was stinging. She gave her head a small nod of acknowledgement, and thanks. The man beckoned her to follow and Mari obliged. She did not want to stay here. They may just be NPCs - but the longer they stayed, the more likely it was a player would fall into the frey and that’s the last thing Mari wanted. She was silent as he lead her through various different

It was two. Then three. Then five. “Fucking seriously?” Mari muttered. The NPCs were ruthless. She had to pause and sidestep the swing of a guards sword. Smash Mari heard the crackle of glass - and the hiss of smoke. She didn’t stop to look behind her till she heard the cries. “Huh?” A wave of smoke billowed - and its noxious plume headed toward her. Mari took several steps back, shifting her gaze to the side - would it be possible to jump into one of the nearby houses? She was already coughing - her chest heaving as her lungs burned. Her eyes burned. "Breathe."

“I’m sorry to bother you. Do you know of a man that lives out this way? His name is Baldur.” Mari had taken another long sip - then when the voice of another broke the silence she unceremoniously started to cough, and gag. So much so that her eyes watered, and whatever remnants of tea she had in her mouth had dribbled out the side of it. Mari held up one hand in a sign of pause to the woman. The other beat her chest two, three times. “S-Sorry…” Mari breathed. “I-cough- hang on.” Another series of coughs before Mari finally drew breath. Looking upon the one who had approached Mar

It didn’t take Mari long to complete her task. Mostly - because her task was a near impossible one without the correct tools and equipment - so all she really could do was offer suggestions. Why did he even give her this? Why give her more work? Another test? The dossier had been wrapped in a manila folder; and contained the following information Pathogen; Airbourne, contact, bloodborne? Airbourne pathogens in this case-would be preferred for fastest release and spread. A. Pheromones. The biology of humans has adapted well beyond base pheromones and whilst the use of them in

“What?” She was confused. Hadn’t it only been a day? “Of course I’m alive I-” Her eyes widened, oh. She forgot to message him back. He must have come looking. “Oh…oh Freyd…I’m sorry I didn’t message you back yesterday!” She began, to explain. “I got so distracted.” She carefully pushed herself to her feet, albeit she was a little wobbly. It was clear he was still concerned for her. Mari offered him a sheepish grin. Reaching out to run a reassuring hand up and down his upper arm. “Really, I’m okay.” She paused. “I mean…This floor is messing with my head a little - but - it does that

Mari blinked. That voice. She recognized that voice. Mari went to address him but paused, distracted by a strange giggle- “w-What the?” Mari went to glance under the table but the sudden shift of blade closer to her heart made Mari still. Her eyes shifted back up to the man she thought was Freyd. “- That should answer your question, Mari-I'm-Mari." It was Freyd. Relief flooded her system. “Freyd…” She breathed, but…then why was he looking at her like that. Steeled eyes staring accusatorial down at her. “W-what did I…” There was a pang of pain in her chest. She thought they were frien

FLOOR 24 It was nice…having finally been able to talk to Baldur and Macradon again…even running into Freyd on the 29th floor - and realizing that you can get drunk. Very drunk in Aincrad. God…where was that ability years ago? Ever since Mari’s return - things had been going…smoothly. Almost too smoothly, Mari kept expecting something to go awry. Someone to decry her - attack her. Or for her to slip up into old habits and push everyone away. But thus far…nothing of the sort had happened. Mari felt calm. Albeit a little lonely..but calm - and satisfied with where she was currently. That kin

Mari groaned, her head hurt. Her joints hurt. Her arm especially hurt. Fucking doctor…where was she? It took a moment for her eyes to focus - wherever she was, it was much darker than the practically blinding room she had been in. There was that familiar buzz hitting the back of her head. Ah She was on the 10th floor again. Why? A familiar scent hit her nose - the fresh smell of sulfur. It smelt like that very chemical that the doctor had doused her with. Why was it so strong now? Did he douse her again so she’d be safe? Odd. Mari still couldn’t get a read on him. He had taken her

"You don't smell that bad. But you could definitely use one. We both could." Mari glanced around, a small frown came upon her lips. "Raidou said he messaged Baldur too..." Her words were filled with concern. They were on his estate after all. If he was away from here...was he pushing himself somewhere? Fighting? Baldur...was someone Mari had really, truly wanted to message. She wanted him of all people to know what was happening, he was a fellow Pillar in Jacobs ladder - and Mari knew all too well the crushing pain one felt when a group - a guild - forms and then you're left as the lone

Mari shifted herself to a seated position, sitting cross legged on the floor. Her arms folded over her chest. She felt sick. The man undoubtedly deserved to die, but who was she to have made that call? And there was a stark difference between death - and torture. The method did not sit right with the woman. Still. She kept silent. He clapped for her, and Mari felt equal parts pride - and disgust. She wasn’t sure why a part of her craved the accolades of a madman, but it had - the disgust…because she seemingly played into the exact thing he so desired. Mari watched as he shifted; mov

The man gestured for her to take a look around and at that Mari took a step back. Fully taking in the scene around her. Blue eyes widened in a brilliant curiosity. “H-How…” She breathed. Mari had felt proud at her makeshift centrifuge back on the 10th floor… but this… This… “Amazing…” Completely crushed it into fine dust. The walls were filled with racks, filled with vials. Puffs of steam hissed every which way - tiny gears, shifts, cranks churned. Something like this…is what Aincrad so sorely missed, and so sorely was needed but - but… Her eyes shifted back to the Plague D

“Listen…” Mari began. “I…this has been…” She paused trying to find the right word. Fun? It had been, but not so much the jovial haha way, the intriguing way.. “An experience but I need to leave this floor before-” Leave? Are you insane? Isn’t this what you wanted? An opportunity to do things? Don’t you miss this? Mari drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She did…She missed researching. Learning. Adapting. But not like this. Not at the cost of her sanity. First she’d need to go back to her home - then, let Freyd know she was okay. Then sleep. What if you never see

Mari didn’t expect an answer, not outright at least. The man whom she thought was mute was simply was one of few words. Rather, the only word she had ever heard him say was Atan - one she had no idea the meaning behind. One of Mari’s professors in college had been Russian, one of her colleges, a real Casanova that one - but beyond that - she had never really studied the language. Never had a need to. Still. He answered her - and in a way she could tell his intention. Mari took another step closer to him, one that echoed in the cavern around them - it being the loudest sound shared betwee

Clap Clap Clap The muted sattico sound of accolades snapped Mari out of her rambling stupor. He was…clapping? Mari stared at him - brows furrowed in confusion. Why was he clapping? Still.. The action caused a sense of pride well within Mari’s chest. At least someone understood. There was a certain…je ne sais quoi when it came to discovering things - learning things. And there were few here who really understood. Instead of thanking him, Mari gave the plague doctor a curious nod of acknowledgement. He wasn’t being volatile… he hadn’t shown her any cause for alarm excep

Between the second and third day…. Mari had not slept. She was tired - near the point of exhaustion, and it was evident on her facial features. Dark circles lined erratic eyes as they kept glancing to and fro. Every now and again her head would lull forward and her eyes would close just that little bit slower - and if Mari hadn’t been using her polearm as a makeshift cane - she would have most definitely fallen over. Every now and again Mari would mutter something to herself, then get annoyed- and retaliate with a fuck you or a shut up. It was clear she had seen bett

Mari expected more questions, why she chose to admit herself - what Raidou had to do with it all. What the prison was like. But none came. Instead, the two sat by the lakeside - close enough that their arms almost touched. “I think….” Mari said quietly - her eyes watching as a bird dipped down into the water to catch a fish then fly back up to its nest. “What’s worse than the guilt - is…hmm…how do I word this…” She tilted her head - it was something she had talked to Beat about before, how he had never felt bad for his actions - because those people deserved it. Mari saw many similarities bet

Mari gives the following to Freyd Bunny Stamp - Increase the Rarity of a single item by one stage, up to Demonic, selecting a normal Enhancement in the process (Limit 1) 3 x Reroll Ticket - Reidentify a single slot on a single piece of gear at a merchant.

“You remember,” Mari nodded, swirling the amber liquid in her glass. Thinking it were like liquid gold. It kinda reminder her of Oikawa’s eyes. “Of course. The moment someone shares a name like that…its important. Personal. I’d try my best…to never forget a moment like that.” Mari paused to take two large gulps. She could definitely feel the buzz now. Her eyes felt heavy. “Memories…are so precious…even the painful ones.” Mari paid Freyd little attention as he shifted - that is - until he reached his hand out to her. “Huh?” Oh. He was going to take her to his home - Mari must h

Dawn of the third day…. Mari hadn’t slept. She was exhausted- but she wanted to come here a day early. She didn’t need the extra time. What she did need was to come early. Scout the area. Ensure there were no traps. With her spear out, dragging across the ground behind her Mari surveyed the area. Every so often poking a rock- an extra loamy patch of dirt. But nothing. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Right… Okay… Now, the cavern itself. Mari stepped into the cavern, cautious eyes scanning the area. Still nothing. The water - deadly quiet. Mushrooms, moss..nothing out of the ordin

Mari’s trek to the Stygian river was short - she knew where she was going, she knew the places to tread to avoid confrontation. This entire floor - before she bought a house, was her home, her playground. So now she stood at the riverside. Where just days before she had met the enigmatic man. Her hand outstretched, ready to just drop the vial in and be done with it. Her heart was beating hard and fast against her chest. But isn’t that a waste? Mari hesitated. It…would be a waste… think of the things she could do. What if you were able to apply it to mobs? Create a potent poison

Why? Why this? Why make it so obvious? Mari mentally kicked herself for being so blind. The man had given her the answer on a silver platter. But she is just too stubborn - too close minded to see it. She held the tiny square vial tightly in her hand. As though it was the most important thing in the world to her - every so often Mari would pause in her trek to glance down at the vial. Raising it to her eye, she’d tilt it to and fro. Entranced. Just…why? Of all the things in the world - why choose something so dangerous? Was it…because he truly wanted to use something like this? Or wa

“Just gotta get rid of it easy right?” Mari muttered to herself - she could feel herself struggling. The effects of the floor were more prominent than she remembered. A part of Mari felt it would be best if she had left for a day - and come back later - to save herself the mental anguish. Lest she lose herself on this floor. But she only had the one teleport crystal… and walking around from floor to floor was a pain. And there was something about that doctor…now Mari knew what was in the palm of her hand - she just had to know….why She had to send one final message; To: Freyd F

“Told you?” Mari asked. “Oscar…We don’t know each other that well.” And it was true, their run-ins with each other were few and far between. “I know Cordellia, I see her as like…a little sister- but you - I hadn’t even told Macradon where I was.” A small snort as she shook her head. “Ya can’t message people when you’re in there but-” Her words weren't meant to hurt him, she just wanted to make it clear that no one...no one had known where she was bar one. It was lonely...she was lonely This conversation…it didn’t quite suit them just standing there - by the monument. “Here.” Mari said wit

Mari paced back and forth in her small tent. It was so obvious now. She didnt need the fucking centrifuge. She didn’t need the makeshift magnifying glass. She just needed to use her brain. Heck the man colour coded the fucking thing. A lilac colour? Almost pink in its hue? It was so damn obvious. Mari just never came to that conclusion because why would she??? Why would anyone make something like this?? Was it a joke? “No that doesn’t make sense…it could be that, or it could be the Mahburg virus…either way its the Filoviridae family- those fucking… strings just…what would have happen