[PP-F1] Mondays. (Itzal & Esper) {COMPLETE}

[Esper 0]

Only half-mindedly paying attention to his words, and rather looking with her eyes, Esper did nod in affirmation. Only until the point of her notification interface proposing his friend request, did she turn to him again, offering a soft laugh and a wink."No problem! I'll keep in touch, so you do just the same if you need something! Anything, I'd be glad to be of assisstance, and company is never something I'd turn down." Playfully, she poked her tongue out to the side, bonking her head with a closed fist, ever so lightly, as if to show the thought hitting her head. Her personality was already different here than it was in reality. There were lots of reasons why, too. She felt this was somehow unreal, and because it wasn't she could be a little more of what she'd always wanted to be. At least while it lasted. It's not everyday you get to swing a sword at wildlife while nobody bats an eye. She really could go all out. Something seemed to strike her attention just after this, something shiny, on the ground. It caught her attention just before she might have stepped on it. "Any good?... Seems so!" Delighted with her find, Esper quickly accepted the item, and hid her smug smile. Victoryyyy.

ID# 66143 results: LD: 20 = Success

+1 MAT

Edited August 18, 2016 by Esper

[Itzal 0]

Itzal chuckled when he saw her funny expression.  Try as he might he could never be a funny guy.  Still, that's why he had people like Esper.  "Yeah don't worry.  I'll let you know if I need help."  As she bent down to pick up a certain item he felt Ulises stirring inside of him.  Curious about what he was thinking now he decided to pause and enter his mental conversation.  What's up Ulises?  Ulises was silent for a moment before responding.  Have you noticed that we've been around several girls already?  Itzal blushed from what he said.  W-What are you talking about Ulises?!  I mean, Kooh.  Kasier.  Alisa.  Now Esper.  Um....  Yeah?   Are we ever going to find someone we can love?  The question was so out of the blue and so uncomfortable that Itzal left the mind for Ulises to ponder by himself.  His face was flushing quickly now and he quickly scanned the forest for something to distract him.  He spotted a crystal inside poison ivy and dived his hand in without thinking, ignoring the itch as his mind was now filled with thoughts.

ID#  66145

LD:  14 + 4

+1 MAT

Edited August 18, 2016 by Itzal

[Esper 0]

Now contented with the way the conversation was going, cheery, that is, Esper walked with a smile planted on her cheeks. She hadn't smiled genuinely since the start of the game, so the feeling she was sporting was uplifting and appreciated. She couldn't really put a tab on what she wanted to say next, so she left him be for a moment, and kept looking. She wasn't seeing much in the dark, but she got glimpses here and there. And if it were brighter, maybe she would have questioned his flustered appearance. But since she could only really make out the shade of his skin, it was hard to notice any drastic changes. She didn't approach with any verbal speaking, so she wouldn't have the chance to hear nervousness. But keep in mind, one of Esper's virtues, and perhaps her strongest, is perception." Another glint of light emitted from a few steps away, which pulled Esper's attention quite easily. "Aha, there you are....Mm, nope, just junk." She concluded, after a little examination, finding clearly that it was only remnants of what it held potential for. Perhaps used, and this was the mere leftover.

ID# 66147 results: LD: 5 = Failure

No Materials Found

Edited August 18, 2016 by Esper

[Itzal 0]

Itzal worked on calming himself down but Ulises began to emerge and speak to Itzal.

Your such a baby  No I'm not, it's just embarrassing to talk about this when we're alone with a girl!  Bah.  Grow a backbone Felix.  Learn some manners Ulises.  Hmm.  Nice comeback.  He was silent for a moment, which pleased Itzal.  Until he talked again.  But seriously.  I'm based on your raw passions.  I know that you want someone to love intimately-  Don't say it like that!  he replied, having to stop moving entirely as he was beginning to shake from nerves driven by this conversation.  Can we just talk about this later?  Ulises grunted.  If we do I'll make you as embarrassed as possible understand?  Itzal glanced at Esper as she searched for anything she could use.  Deal you monster.  Ulises chuckled before subsiding.  Itzal shook his head and worked to overcome his nerves.

"Hey Esper.  What games have you played before SAO?"

ID#  66152

BD:  10

LD:  9

MD:  2

OOC- once again I get a perfect combat roll outside combat.  Figures XD

Edited August 18, 2016 by Itzal

[Esper 0]

After dropping the rock, Esper perked up at his question. Her eyes widened a little, as she found she was presented with a question that she knew the answer to. "Oh, what games? Well, lots, I'd say. I couldn't possibly name all of them, but the most memorable finds were Diablo, Metal Gear, and most of the Halo series, for that matter, Heehh." Her eyes closed meekly, as she rubbed the back of her neck with a weak laugh. It was true, she enjoyed mmorpg games, but she also very much enjoyed first person shooters. "See, I've always sort of liked guns. I'd never have use for one in real life, but it's so much fun in video games! Ah, if we could only have been stuck in a Halo world. I'd shred every one of 'em, and you can believe that! Ahahahah!"

Esper laughed yet again, the same evil scientist kind of laugh she was only capable of making. She seemed to be having too much fun with the subject, seeing as she was flailing her arms with a nostalgic look on her face, as if she was reliving the fun moments she had in past experiences. "What about you?" She ended with, bending over to pick something up. Only a split second saved her from touching the object only hardly noticeable. A dead critter. Yuck. Esper's hand recoiled, the rest of her body jolting back at the sight. "Gh! Eww!"

ID# 66154 results: LD: 2 = Failure

No Materials Found

Edited August 18, 2016 by Esper

[Itzal 0]

Itzal had relaxed now and listened to Esper talk about how she loved shooting games and how she would have decimated her opponents in a halo based world.  He knew she wouldn't kill players but he could respect the carnage she could bring with such skill.  Ulises could definitely destroy opponent's by himself in this world.  As it was he also liked shooting games, though he found more fun with magic than anything else.

"I've played a couple shooting games as well.  I played halo splitscreen whenever I visited my friends house but never played the campaign.  Battlefront II was my second favorite shooting game since it had galactic conquest.  That's mainly the reason I wasn't interested in battlefront III when it came out.  It had no campaign, no galactic conquest.  Just endless rivalry between players.  Can you imagine though what it would be like to have an immersive star wars galactic conquest virtual reality game?  I think that would top them all!  I must admit that I prefer magic above everything else.  I was hoping SAO would have it as I've always wanted to shoot a fireball from my hand," he said with a grin.  "Skyrim was my all time favorite game."  Itzal heard a sound and froze.  When he scanned the area he spotted a rabbit and smiled widely.  He lifted Retributor silently and made a sudden dash at the creature, shattering it in a second.  He placed the meat in his inventory.

ID#  66155

LD:  15 + 4

+1 MAT

Edited August 18, 2016 by Itzal

[Esper 0]

"Skyrim, huh? I've played that game too, though not for too long. I got to level 18 or something, nothing special, but I think I just lost interest after a while. But I could totally vouch for a Star Wars vrmmo. The aerial battles would be out of this world. I can almost feel it. Hah, virtual flight lessons, yeah?" Slightly startled by his quick execution of the animal, she noted how it shattered like it did. Which brought a little thought to mind. Wait.....if when a critter dies, it shatters like usual NPCs, then why was the one I saw back there still laying there?....That's it! That clever thing must've been playing dead the whole time! And it's too dark to go back there...Kayaba spent too much time, didn't he? It's amazing. "Hey, could I ask you something? It's kind of personal, so I don't expect you to answer under any means if you feel uncomfortable....I was just curious." 

She waited cautiously for his reply, her eyes focused on the ground. And as if on cue, something came in between her and the wait, thus being another piece of ore. "Usable..." She whispered, picking it up, brushing off the surface dirt and placing it in her inventory.

ID# 66156 results: LD: 17 = Success!

+1 MAT

Edited August 18, 2016 by Esper

[Itzal 0]

As she mentioned the aerial battles his mind clicked, instantly thinking of the strategies he would need to make.  He would first prefer two lightsabers over anything else.  As for combat his best call would be constant motion, continuously moving around and at his target to keep them from attacking or hitting him.  He usually relied on speed and agility but most other players would rely on this as well.  Force power was a definite need in that sort of world so he would definitely shoot for that.  He wasn't sure if the game could develop the feeling jedi get when drawn to the dark side, or tempted to, but he didn't doubt that it could.  Look at Ulises for crying out loud.  His thoughts were interrupted when a lightning bug flew by him.  Itzal was curious and tried to seize it but it evaded him.  He frowned and chased after it until he was victorious and placed it in his inventory.  Then she asked if she could ask something personal.  While he would freely give information he wasn't usually comfortable giving away too much personal info but he wouldn't back down.  He nodded to her.

"What is it you want to know?" 

ID#  66157

LD:  16 + 4

+1 MAT

Edited August 18, 2016 by Itzal

[Esper 0]

For a brief moment, the look on her face was almost saddening. Perhaps she was thinking about a sensitive subject. One she'd been striving to stay alive for, just as he was, possibly. "Well, what I wanted to ask, was...do you have family, waiting for you on the other side? A brother, or sister? See, I have a dad. And he's the best thing I have in life. I want to stay alive so I can see him again.... And, I'll share a little of my past with you, because I feel comfortable doing so." She stopped walking, thus putting perhaps a few feet between the two of them. Her eyes focused on the ground, her hands at her sides, still and relaxed. 

"I lost my parents, both in a four week timeframe. My father died in a car crash, and my mother committed suicide because she couldn't handle the grief and pain. So I was left alone, and orphaned at the age of twelve. For three years, I was teased just for being under the family name. Some said that I deserved what happened to me, and for the longest time, I accepted this. But a man, my father now, chose to adopt me, and care for me with all his heart. I owe the same in return. That's why I'm going to live until this is over. I promise that..."

 ID# 66158 results: LD: 14 = Failure 

No Materials Found

Edited August 18, 2016 by Esper

[Itzal 0]

Itzal stopped the moment she said her parent's died.  He turned to her in the moonlight, a sad smile of understanding showing clearly in the moonlight.  What are the odds? 

"My parent's were murdered when I was around five years of age.  I only recall flashes of the memory but what I'll never forget was the day they caught the man.  When they questioned him they found out he killed my parent's because he could, and that their belongings were just a bonus.  Which he burned later on.  I know that I was born in America but that's all I know about my past.  We were in Japan for who knows why when it happened, and one of the police officers took pity on me and adopted me.  They're the only real family I've ever known.  Mom, dad, and my sister Aimi.  That flower I gave you?  Those were her favorites.  So yes, I'm fighting to return to her.  But I'm doing so with a restriction:  Aimi would hate it if I fought my way out of anger and hatred.  She would want me to get through this while having fun.  She was so spirited and sweet.  She would never do anything to harm others, even if it meant sacrificing herself.  I'm glad I got trapped in here and not her.  And don't let anyone else define who you are.  I got good at running because I was always bullied at school.  The difference was that while they could physically hurt me, they rarely managed to hurt me mentally."

ID#  66159

LD:  8 + 4

Nothing

Edited August 18, 2016 by Itzal

[Esper 0]

Esper bent her head down, scolding herself mentally for her selfishness. She regretted even bringing the topic up, even. But in the end, it had already happened, and thus she could only really do one thing. Accept it. "Guess we aren't so different, then. I'm sorry. I do hope we both live to see our families again. I'll help you get out." She didn't completely believe herself as the sentence came out, but she planned to stick to it, and make it happen. The world doesn't change for anyone. You have to will yourself to do it, an drive to succeed. You know, the inspirational poster stuff, minus the cute kitten pictures. "How about we do something after this? In town, say? I don't see why we can't enjoy ourselves while we're here." It's not like our bodies are unconscious and dying, anyway...Ehheh.

With the harsh part of the conversation passed, Esper seemed to quickly lighten up, such to the point of a little smile, a mere curve at the corners of her lips. She kept herself occupied on the purpose of finding materials, which became easier and less time consuming than earlier. "I've come out myself before to search for materials before. It wasn't any better than what we're finding now. But I'll be saving these materials to buy equipment, I think. I'll need it when my level increases."

 ID# 66166 results: LD: 6 = Failure

No Materials Found 

Edited August 18, 2016 by Esper

[Itzal 0]

Itzal smiled at Esper despite that she could barely see.  "Don't be.  Honestly it's amazing that I have someone who can understand me in this world.  Not only that but you're a very intelligent woman.  Don't worry about your past, just push forward.  And don't worry, we'll get out of here."  When she asked if they could do something in the town he nodded.  "Sure we could do that.  I actually don't hang out in the towns that much and I've never really explored the first town.  If I had to bring it to percentage, I've probably seen..  0.001 percent of the town.  It is the biggest one after all."  As they walked she was talking about using the materials to purchase some gear.  He nodded with approval.  "That's probably the best move you can make.  Get armor and shield first would be my recommendation.  I don't know much about tanking but I do know that they defend others more than attack.  That's a dps' job."  As they walked to the town he noticed a large flower and picked it before placing it in his inventory.

ID#  66167

LD:  11 + 4

+1 MAT

Edited August 18, 2016 by Itzal

[Esper 0]

"Being a tank can be challenging. You have to be on your toes constantly, expecting retaliation depending on how angered the enemy is, or even how much more powerful they get when they're in a low health, vulnerable state. That, and you have to make sure it's focusing on you, and never has the chance to hit other squad mates. So in effect, us tanks are like distractions, essentially. DPS are glass cannons, a term used to describe someone that deals more damage at the sacrifice of less protection, and then, healers, obviously is self explanatory. I've collected this knowledge from Diablo III. No demon hunters in this game though, sadly. Crossbows would have been nice." 

Falling silent once more, Esper began to ponder on thoughts. Such the important ones, she left aside for when she was alone. It was easier to concentrate then. No, she simply put together a few things in her mind, as such being what she intended to do back at the capital. She hadn't the faintest clue, honestly. She just thought to propose some time together to walk around and observe shops, maybe sit on a bench somewhere, lay under a tree and take a well needed nap. Of course, she didn't really need him present for that. I drool when I sleep anyway. I can't let him see that! 

Esper looked away from his view, lowering herself to the ground to search for something, whatever was fortunate enough to be laying around. Sadly, things didn't just poof into existence when trying to hide a flustered face. Boo-hoo!

 ID# 66171 results: LD: 9 = Failure

No Materials Found

Edited August 18, 2016 by Esper

[Itzal 0]

Itzal nodded as he listened to Esper explain what she had learned, absorbing the knowledge into his vast mental library of strategies, tactics and techniques.  Ulises took the information and stored it away properly, knowing where it was when they'd need it.  Glass cannons huh?  Interesting yet accurate name.  Since he'd be using stealth when they reached the frontlines however, Itzal believed himself to be an obsidian cannon but it didn't sound as cool and let the matter drop.

"Don't forget scouts, informants and supporters.  They may not take part in the battles but they are an important category.  I call shopkeepers supporters as they supply equipment for players."  In truth he was going to be a combination of scout, dps and supporter, all in one.  He had a long way to go but he was a fast trainer.  As they approached the city gates Itzal narrowed his eyes and stopped Esper, pointing to what he saw.  He couldn't believe it.  There were two shady looking npcs exiting the city as they spoke.  Both of them wore brown cloaks with hoods over their face, and wore normal npc clothing under that.  They each had a mace slung on their hips and an ax on their backs.  As they walked out they seemed to be glancing back and forth as if they believed they were being followed.

"Looks like the rumor was partially right," he whispered.  "But they could be innocent after all.  Talk in a friendly tone k?  If they turn out to be a higher level let me handle them."

OOC- you decide whether they're a danger or not ^^

[Esper 0]

Esper caught on quick, snapping to attention almost simultaneously. Her eyes surveyed the NPCs, gathering information of her own, along with the general looks on the outside. The way they carried themselves was suspicious enough. The hoods were open for interpretation, since a lot of players wore hoods for cosmetic needs too. Still, if they were in fact innocent, then it was all just the way she and Itzal were looking at it, nothing more. "You want me to talk to them? I don't know about that, approaching them at such a close distance sounds a little reckless. Then again, they can't hurt us in the safe zone, and it'd be suicide to attack us even outside of it, considering that other players would mow them down. Not to mention yourself, included."

Wordlessly, Esper nodded, and accepted the notion that interaction would be useful. Especially if she could manage to read their expressions, tone, and posture in the process of being acquainted. Hoping Itzal wasn't too far behind her, she began to walk, until she met only a few meters from the two men, at least six feet in height, dwarfing her effectively. A mental gulp would be a sufficient way to express what she was feeling right at the moment, as she opened the greeting. "Hello gentlemen." Amazingly, on the outside, Esper was completely unphased. Her eyes were relaxed and half-lidded, her hands tucked into the pockets on her pants. Her lips were as flat as a board, expressing no shock or other emotion. She was stoic.

( OOC- Make 'em dangerous, that's alright! I enjoy action wherever it's possible!)

Edited August 18, 2016 by Esper

[Itzal 0]

Itzal nodded at her and as she moved forward he whispered "I'm right here."  With that he took to the shadows and made his way around.  As he walked around Esper will have noticed that she could not see inside their hoods, as the shadows blocked their faces.  Had she not put on a show of stubbornness they would have shoved past her.  However they now stopped dead in their tracks, eyes glued on the much smaller figure in front of them.  The figure to the left was about to speak when the person to the right placed a hand on their shoulder.

"Hello there miss," the figure said.  By the voice Esper can easily tell that it is a woman's voice.  Everything about the woman's voice was silky smooth and very calming.  For any player who was frightened the voice would force them to relax from the sound.  "A lovely night, is it not?"  The woman let go of her companion who shuffled uncomfortably.  Whoever this other character was, it would seem the woman was in charge.  Itzal, watching from a distance, had his hand on Retributor's hilt, ready to charge at a moment's notice.  He sat there watching the other person in great detail, noticing how the figure seemed anxious and perhaps a bit nervous.  Fear could lead to mistakes, and that was what he was looking out for.

[Esper 0]

The woman's words seemed to echo, with no reply from Esper. In fact, Esper wasn't even paying attention to the woman figure. She seemed composed and calm, however, on the other hand, the one with a build that seemed male, was nervous. It was almost the definition for the term, his actions. For some reason, while it seemed rather obvious to the cause, the lady hardly acknowledged her ally's gestures. This was another clue. It wasn't easily dismissed, not yet. The man was panicking, and unless he was a baby in a stocky, tall body, he knew that their cover was at the chance of being breached. 

"A nice night, indeed. It's rather calm out here, despite some warnings from an anonymous source. According to said source, there's a few rogue NPCs around, hunting players when they leave the safety of the capital. You wouldn't have happened to hear that too, hm? See, we've been watching rather closely. Any information regarding the situation would be useful." Carefully balancing her tone, Esper beat around the bush with her wording, but for a reason. She was trying to see if she could get a reaction from the man, rather than the woman. If there was a chance that they were the NPCs, this would be how she found out. 

[Itzal 0]

The man stiffened at first.  The rumor in fact hadn't been specific to player killing, simply that npc's were causing trouble.  Something else that caught him off guard and confused him was her using the word npcs.  Being programmed with the belief that they were real people he assumed it was an insult.

"Listen girl," the man said in a failed attempt of intimidation and the woman shook her head.

"Now now is that any way to respond to a lady asking for help?"  When the man hesitated, but shut up after he relaxed a bit.  She turned back to Esper and in the same voice answered Esper's question.  "I heard a rumor or two about npcs causing a bit of panic with a prank or two they cleverly pulled off but I haven't heard of players being killed.  And I can't tell you if I had seen someone shady recently as that would greatly depend on our different views on shady.  You might think shady is concealing your face with a hood.  Kind of like your friend over there."  She pointed behind her without turning and the man turned to where she indicated.  He didn't see anything but Itzal could clearly tell that the woman had spotted him somehow.  He stayed hidden though as he didn't want the man to know his location.  "So unless you're going to be a hypocrite, maybe you should ask someone else yes?"  If Esper could see well in the moonlight she would spot the faint smile hidden under the shade of the hood.

[Esper 0]

A hypocrite? Esper didn't really consider the term. Sure, if Itzal had a hood on, it could be seen as shady. Especially since he was hiding. But that held no regards in her standpoint. There wasn't a hood on Esper's head, now was there? You could see her face as plain as day, much unlike the pair before her. "Hypocritical, you say? I don't think you know what you're talking about. If I were you, I wouldn't snap back with such accusing words. Of course, you wouldn't listen to me, would you?....And besides, I never said anything about killing. You made that assumption on your own, lady."

Despite the bitterness laced into her tone, Esper showed little anger, or irritation. Her reaction displayed quite differently, in fact. There was no fear, because she had a certain someone laying in wait if things got nasty. So the woman discovered, too. Maybe it wasn't a bad thing. She knew Esper was protected, this way. And thus following her later on would be a lousy thing to do, without more men. Bring an army, for all it's worth. A small smirk traced the edge of Esper's lips, as she retracted her hands from her pockets, and crossed her arms along her chest. She was taunting them.

[Itzal 0]

The woman gave off a very friendly and humorous giggle.  "Well well, I must admit you are intelligent for such a young lady!  In my defense the way you transferred the information gave off the impression that these npcs have killed players.  And perhaps you are correct.  Maybe I was a bit too hasty in my observations.  Nonetheless we have business somewhere far from here.  Unless you'd like to join us for the long trek I recommend you let us through.  We do not wish for any trouble and the road is days long.  How would you like to have been interrupted from a long trip?"  The entire time she was talking she smiled and her posture was relaxed as if she were talking with a friend.  The man however was looking back and forth between the two as they talked.  It was clear he was either getting impatient or nervous.  But of who?  Itzal thought.  The woman obviously had more authority than him but a woman like this he thought would have no issue fighting.  So why the brute?  Then he narrowed his eyes and noticed that the ax and mace hanging on the woman's back and hip weren't real.  They were fake, probably some pathetic material.  Then what weapon did she have?