[F06 | SP] The Girl from the Other Side | <<The Gemini>>

[Acanthus 0]

“I’m sorry to bother you, but I really like your name. How did you get it?”

Acanthus stopped mid-sip as she eyed the stranger that made herself comfortable in the seat across from her. Was she supposed to know her? Something about her voice was familiar, but she couldn’t place it.

Warily, Acanthus set her mug down. “Asking about player names can be a breach of etiquette, as I understand it.” She took a moment to observe the stranger. She was tall, about as tall as Acanthus, but with just enough of a slouch that made it hard to tell. And her voice—Acanthus couldn’t see a face, but she was definitely a she. And she’s an NPC. There was no player icon above the girl’s head. But her behavior seemed abnormal.

“I understand if you don’t want to share. I was just curious. It seems like such a unique name.”

Acanthus relented. “It’s not really unique at all. It’s a common herb. You can brew the leaves into a medicinal tea. I used to... I used to drink a lot of it when I was little.”

 “Your garden looks beautiful, Haru.” Now it was her turn to look puzzled. “Mama, that’s your garden.”

 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lvl 34 (33/1) T4 | HP: 700/700 | EN: 84/84 | DMG: 21 | MIT:78 | ACC:5 | REC: 4 | BLD: 48  | PARA | LD:5

    

Equipment (Again, I'm RPing using Meteor and In Noctem bc it makes sense) Ajisai | T4 Bastard Sword | BLD 1 | PARA 2 Resilient Thistle | T4 Light Armor | MIT 2 | REC 1 Vow of Return | Trinket | ACC 3	Skills Straight Sword R5 Addon: Focus Addon: Precision Light Armor R5 Addon: Resolve Mod: Meticulous Searching R5 Mod: Night Vision Hiding R4 First Aid R1 Combat Mastery: Damage R3 TECH Shift
Battle-Ready Inventory Sudden Sonata (Instant HP Recovery 1 | 224389, 226486, 226487) Pinball Tango, II. Lights Out (Instant Hypnosis 1 | 227792) Ambient Aria (Instant Lullaby 1) | 225989) Consumables Used None.

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

The hooded figure seemed to accept Acanthus’ answer, but continued waiting at her table. Acanthus raised her drink slowly. “Did you need something else?”

“Yes. I’d like to challenge you to a duel.” Acanthus choked on her drink as the stranger patted her back. Recovering from her coughing fit, Acanthus gave her an incredulous stare. “I’m not really sure why I should risk my life to duel someone I don’t know?”

As if in response, a dialog box opened up in front of her. [Would you like to start <<The Gemini>>? Y/N] Huh. A quest. She quickly scanned the info broker’s guide for details. As it turned out, the quest was not lethal. Whoever lost would be spared. To be more specific, Acanthus would be spared. She would have the choice to kill her opponent.

She hadn’t gotten entirely used to fighting the more humanoid characters. Killing them was emotionally taxing. Except… She thought back to the bandits, both from the <<Captured>> quest, as well as the ones in <<The Traveler>>. Those were both necessities. It can be avoided on this quest. If I can avoid violence, I will—but if I worry about “killing” NPCs constantly, then I’ll be removing half the quests in this game as an option.

[Acanthus 0]

“Alright. I’ll fight you.”

“Excellent.” The stranger spoke softly but with a tinge of excitement. “Follow me, I know just the place for a duel.”

“Wouldn’t it make more sense to just head outside and fight?” But the figure exited the tavern without acknowledging her. I suppose it's scripted to fight in a specific area. She followed the stranger into the damp, chilly air.

The weather was uncharacteristic for the sixth floor. Not that she frequented floor six often—she found the Amazonians unpleasant to be around. But as a floor modeled after the jungles of the amazon, it typically maintained its warm, humid climate. Today, it was frigid. Acanthus checked her system menu. Eight degrees celsius. Grey clouds choked out what little sunlight made it through the canopy, and the threat of cold rain loomed. Just like the time NIGHT and I went to find my familiar together. She pulled the cloak around her tightly. It had been a gift from her to weather the rain, and she cherished its warmth.

[Acanthus 0]

“How far do we have to walk?”

The figure ignored her. Not talkative for a quest object that wanted to fight out of the blue. Normally, she would have enjoyed the quiet, but she knew so little about the quest. Further, the info broker’s guide was unhelpful on the matter. Aside from the rough mechanics of the fight, it appeared that nearly every written account differed in some way or another. Most depicted the Gemini as a mocking, cruel figure that taunted the player as they fought. But the person that had met her in Krycim…

 “I’ve been following your progress for some time. I’m eager to see how much you’ve improved since you left Tolbana.” Acanthus slowed her walk for a moment. It was an oddly specific way to phrase the comment. “I’m proud of all the steps you’ve taken to get this far. You’ve really gone above and beyond, and I’m looking forward to our test together.”

[Acanthus 0]

She weighed whether she wanted to let the matter go before deciding to press her. “You seem to know more about my time in this game than you’re letting on.” The cloaked figure nodded faintly. “I’ve spent a while watching you as you grew in power. I don’t mean to sound off-putting. In fact, you’re my hero. I look up to you.” This quest is starting to creep me out. “How were you watching me?” No answer from the mysterious figure.

Acanthus considered her options. It’s not too late to just leave. Turn around, maybe scout the quest a little more before you take it on. No. The old me would have begged out, or would have waited until every last possibility was finalized. There’s no risk of death, so what am I afraid of? Resolved to see the quest through, she followed the Gemini in silence.

[Acanthus 0]

The weather continued to worsen. The skies grew darker, and small drops of cold rain peppered her head. Drawing up her cloak, she tried to weather the worst of it. But the wind, even through the massive jungle trees, bit mercilessly. Acanthus winced as another gust rushed through the jungle, causing her to shiver. The weather did not belong on this floor. For some inexplicable reason, it unnerved her. It was like seeing an elephant downtown. It likely wasn’t dangerous, but felt like an omen that something was amiss. Something was about to happen.

You’re being ridiculous. It’s weather in a video game. She chided herself. What you should be worried about is the person in front of you. Acanthus peered out from her cloak to the person in front of her. She walked with a calm purpose, carefully avoiding rocks, roots, and anything else in their way. The stranger had not looked back since they started walking.

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Lost in thought, Acanthus’ mind turned to her last few months in the game. She’d come a long way in a short time. She had finally conquered her fear of moving forward. Acanthus felt a small swell of pride.

“We’re here.”

Acanthus looked around her with surprise. While she had been lost in thought, she had walked into a dream. 

Acanthus and the stranger stood in the middle of a snowy field that stretched further than she could see. Tall, thin, leafless trees stretched up and into the sky, making neat columns and rows that stretched into the infinite white. A placid lake of black water stood so still that Acanthus swore it was ice. Even from a few meters away, Acanthus saw her reflection clearly. That can’t be water, Acanthus thought, if all of this is snow. Then again, none of this is real.

“I’m ready to fight whenever you are.” The figure dropped its cowl. And for a moment, time froze.

[Acanthus 0]

 

(Have a little background music, as a treat. YouTube Link to AERIAL REBUILD - Takashi Ohmama) Acanthus took in her own form, stunned. Despite identical physical features—tall, skinny, with coppery hair—Acanthus knew she was a different person the moment she looked into the stranger’s light brown eyes. Those eyes. They were the same color as Acanthus’, but they were not hers. The ones that faced her seemed only faintly familiar. They brimmed with gentle emotions, unlike the ones Acanthus had noticed in the mirror as of late. Acanthus’ jaw tightened. “Who are you.” “I’m you. Somewhat.” “So you’re Haru. Say it.” The Gemini offered a soft smile. “I am who you think I am.” Acanthus drew Meteor. “I think you’re a cheap trick offered up by Cardinal for some emotional flair in an otherwise dull quest.” The Gemini mimicked Acanthus, drawing Wormwood. “If that's all you are willing to see, then that's all there is to it.” Of all the opponents she could have faced, Acanthus never expected herself.

 

Edited September 15 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Unsettled by her own appearance, Acanthus hesitated. The Gemini stepped confidently toward Acanthus, charging a familiar sword art. Rather than fall back, Acanthus held her ground and attempted to parry the figure. The Gemini's approach had been too slow to truly catch her off guard. Acanthus snapped to attention, deflecting each part of the combo.

“I won’t indulge this.” Acanthus launched herself into combat, eager to exploit any opening she could find. “This—this navel-gazing philosophy handed down by some programmer. You’re nothing but a quest objective.”

Haru parried the first strokes effortlessly. “Then why are you talking? You were never one for unnecessary words.” Acanthus feinted and launched a right hook, but Haru was prepared and ducked underneath. “The game has forced me to change. It’s molded me into someone else. That’s how I know you’re not me, not Acanthus—the way you carry yourself, the way you talk… you’re the girl from the other side.”

Haru managed a brief grin. “‘The other side?’ You were never this dramatic before.”

“Were you listening?” Acanthus fumed. “I’m not Haru anymore. She was passive, demure. A waste of space.” With a quick swipe, she forced Haru’s sword up high before pivoting to a fierce kick. It connected with Haru’s ribs, and Acanthus followed up with another firm kick to the chest. Snow flew up as the kick forced Haru backwards, winded. “You are being unkind to yourself.” Haru frowned as Acanthus approached. “No. I’m being unkind to Haru.”
 

Spoiler

 

Combat Begins!

Acanthus | Lvl 34 (33/1) T4 | HP: 700/700 | EN: 84/84 | DMG: 21 | MIT:78 | ACC:5 | REC: 4 | BLD: 48  | PARA | LD:5
Gemini | HP 990 | DMG 264 | MIT 66 | ACC 5

Surprise Round: Gemini -> Acanthus
231458 | MD 1. Critical Miss!

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Locked in battle, the two versions of herself struggled to break through each other’s defenses.

“What about all the good she did? Was none of her kindness worth your pain?”

“It never was. Never.” Acanthus cried. She pressed the attack, desperate for an opening, some way to hurt Haru.  She fought ferociously, greedily unleashing sword art after sword art, with no regard for her energy bar. Haru’s stance remained strong. “I know you don’t believe that.”

Acanthus channeled all her frustration into stamping out this twisted version of herself. No, it wasn’t herself—it was Cardinal. The warden itself had come down here to personally taunt her with this hollow replica. Every blow she landed felt like a victory against the prison she’d been afraid of for so long. Acanthus flowed from swing to punch to slash, doing her best to never give it an opening. On the receiving end of her wrath, Haru bided her time, striking out with unerring accuracy. Acanthus felt the unfamiliar buzz of her pain indicators. Rather than ignoring them, she relished them.

She recalled her very first quest, timidly fighting one boar at a time, careful to avoid attacks that would open her up to counters. Fuck that. Moving into a wide open stance, she grinned as Haru took the bait. Haru stabbed her with glancing blows; nothing that registered as HP loss. In response, Acanthus released her sword art early, catching the unexpecting Haru completely off guard with a stunning strike.

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lvl 34 (33/1) T4 | HP: 700/700 | EN: 84/84 | DMG: 21 | MIT:78 | ACC:5 | REC: 4 | BLD: 48  | PARA | LD:5
Gemini | HP 640/990 | DMG 264 | MIT 66 | ACC 5 Stun Imm. [0/3] BLD 48 [1/2]

Post Action: TECH-A -> Gemini
231459 | BD 10. Major Critical! 23 * 16 = 368 - 66 = 302 damage. Stunned! Bleed Applied.

Gemini is stunned. No action taken. Gemini bleeds for 48 damage.

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Haru struck her again. “Your defenses are sloppy. You never would have let yourself get hit before.”

“I didn’t take a hit for two years, Haru. And that was because I never left the safe zone.” Acanthus threw her body into Haru, looking to unbalance her. Haru carefully readjusted her weight instead, pushing back against Acanthus.

“You know that’s not what I mean.” Haru sidestepped, letting Acanthus tumble past her. “You’re losing control of yourself. It’s—”

“—unbecoming?” Acanthus choked out a half-laugh. “Never heard that one before. It was Dad’s favorite word to chastise me with. It somehow meant enough to hurt, but never meant enough to tell me what to fix.”

Haru held her defensive position. “There is nothing to fix.” Recovering from her fall, Acanthus closed in on Haru. “Then why are you fighting me?” 

“Because you won’t stop. All you have to do is stop fighting yourself.” Acanthus’ eyes glinted with mirth as she took Meteor in both hands, preparing another sword art. “Is the quest object begging for a reprieve from its own script?” She smiled at her own joke. “I’ll stop fighting when you stop holding me back.”

She was no longer hearing Haru from the lips of the Gemini. She had invaded her thoughts directly. I wish you didn’t see it that way.
 

Spoiler

+4 EN (forgot my rec roll q.q)

Acanthus | Lvl 34 (33/1) T4 | HP: 700/700 | EN: 54/84 | DMG: 21 | MIT:78 | ACC:5 | REC: 4 | BLD: 48  | PARA | LD:5
Gemini | HP 370/990 | DMG 264 | MIT 66 | ACC 5 Stun Imm. [1/3] BLD 48 [1/2]

Post Action: TECH-B -> Gemini
231460 | BD 8. Focus Critical! 21 * 16 = 336 - 66 = 270 damage. Stunned! Paralysis Applied. Bleed refreshed. Delay applied.

Gemini is paralyzed. No action taken. Gemini bleeds for 48 damage.

 

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

“What I see?” Acanthus spit out. “Let’s talk about what I see.” She cornered Haru against a tree. “I see a girl—no, a mirror made of code. She’s designed to reflect the person that entered this game, but not the person created by the game. No, Cardinal’s failure was creating a person that doesn’t reflect the person it *actually* created.” Acanthus swept Haru’s feet, then jumped on top of her. She could hear each of the imitation’s exerted breaths as she forced Meteor down to her throat. “Cardinal made us both, Gemini. But it made me better.” With a grunt, Haru brought her knee up and threw Acanthus back behind her. Haru rose, snow falling off her cloak. Her face was set in a mixture of pity and resolution. It’s not about who is better. You’re not better than me. I’m not better than you. We’re two halves of a whole.

 

Spoiler

Recovery Roll
231461 | CD 9 +8 EN

Acanthus | Lvl 34 (33/1) T4 | HP: 700/700 | EN: 47/84 | DMG: 21 | MIT:78 | ACC:5 | REC: 4 | BLD: 48  | PARA | LD:5
Haru | HP 52/990 | DMG 264 | MIT 66 | ACC 5 Stun Imm. [2/3] BLD 48 [2/2]

Post Action: TECH-B -> Gemini
231462 | BD 4 + 5 = 9. Hit! 21 * 16 = 336 - 66 = 270 damage. Delay applied.

Haru's Turn
231462 | MD 6 + 5 - 1 = 10. Hit! 264 - 78 = 186 damage. Gemini Haru bleeds for 48 damage.

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

The measured response infuriated Acanthus. “What did you ever do for me?! All those years of calm, quiet submission. What did being quiet and kind ever earn me?!” Her face streamed with hot, furious tears as she struck blow after blow. “Nothing! It. was. NOTHING!” Acanthus punctuated each word with a vicious swing. Haru was doing her best, but began to relent under the onslaught. It was just like her.

Go on, give up, she sneered. That’s all you’ve ever done. You gave up caring for Koji when you moved. You gave up ever confronting your dad when he dug his heels in about college and about family. And the moment you arrived in Aincrad, you gave up. For two years! You. gave. up. YOU never worked up the courage. I did.

Haru’s gaze was steely, but she did not match Acanthus’ stare. That’s not true. She did her best to hold her ground, but her health decreased, hit after hit. You didn’t—urk—you didn’t spring up from the ground fully formed. Cardinal didn’t create Acanthus; she is a product of so much more. Haru squared off against herself. And that includes me.

 

Spoiler

 

Recovery Roll
231463 | CD 1 +4 EN

Acanthus | Lvl 34 (33/1) T4 | HP: 700/700 | EN: 47/84 | DMG: 21 | MIT:78 | ACC:5 | REC: 4 | BLD: 48  | PARA | LD:5
Haru | HP 0/990 | DMG 264 | MIT 66 | ACC 5 Stun Imm. [2/3] BLD 48 [2/2]

Post Action: TECH-B -> Gemini
231462 | BD 8 + 5 = 13. Hit! 21 * 16 = 336 - 66 = 270 damage.

Looting
ID: 2311148 | LD: 3+5=8 | CD:3+0=3 | Col:3960, Mats:4, [2311148a] T4 Uncommon Consumable

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Lectured?! Am I being lectured by a cardboard cutout of myself? She cackled maniacally. This is rich. Acanthus ducked under a measured sweep, shoulder rushing Haru off the ground and into the snow. She landed with a dull cry before rolling quickly onto her feet. Try and lecture me with the wind knocked out of you, fake.

Acanthus brandished her blade menacingly. Why don’t you educate me, Cardinal? Tell me more about myself. Her voice dripped with HATRED. Does that little scanner on my head tell you about the responsibilities I left back home? How I was forced to be my mother’s mother, how I was forced to be my brother’s father? My father’s son? She pressed Haru back to the black waterline, swinging Meteor like an executioner’s axe. Does my brainwave read like a book to you? I hope my suffering is amusing. I’d hate for it all to be for nothing.

Spoiler

Note: combat is continuing for narrative purpose. No more rolls because the fight finished (much faster than I anticipated)

 

[Acanthus 0]

I’m just glad the game has given me the opportunity to *literally* cut you out of me.

You can’t. Cut me out, and you’ll only be half a person.

Then I’ll be half of a happy person.

…Are you happy? With this?

Acanthus faltered. Haru’s sword lit up and struck her in a vicious, pointed combo. Acanthus landed on her back in the snow, sword landing just out of her reach. She rolled as Haru stabbed the ground, pinning her cloak; Acanthus quickly tore away, leaving the gift from NIGHT in tatters.

Haru closed in again as Acanthus scrambled to her feet. But this time, Acanthus was prepared. Haru was methodical—and methodical meant predictable. As Haru attempted the same pointed combo, Acanthus stepped around her, narrowly avoiding the blade. A flash of recognition shot through Haru’s eyes, but it was too late. Acanthus wound up a punch, and released it full force into her stomach, twisting as she followed through. Haru gasped in pain.

Edited September 15 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

I’m not happy with this. But those are the thoughts that slow me down. Acanthus brought her fist down, aiming for the back of Haru’s neck. Haru shifted, and the fist bounced off her armor instead. As Haru stumbled away, Acanthus walked over to collect her own sword, shaking off the snow. I’m not happy to be doing this to you. But it’s not about what makes me happy. It’s about what I have to do.

Then you’re just like me. Every time I gave up my own happiness for others.

Acanthus merely approached, flourishing Meteor. You think it’s different now. I know what’s happening. You’re terrified, trapped in a death game, and desperate for some way to rationalize the killing. You, the person that could barely stand to pull up weeds in your garden.

Mom’s garden. Haru shook her head. It stopped being her garden when it became your responsibility. Stop that! She screamed. Stop trying to lecture me about my own life! You have *no* right.
 

[Acanthus 0]

As the fight wore on, Acanthus chipped away Haru’s health.

This isn’t the answer, Acanthus, Haru pleaded with her. To her surprise, Acanthus found herself begging back. Then give me one. Give me an out. Tell me how to beat this game with kindness. Her onslaught slowed. Tell me how, and I’ll do it. I don’t want to leave you behind… I’m scared to leave you behind.

Haru remained silent. Locked in battle, the weariness was showing in both of their movements. But little by little, Acanthus was gaining the upper hand. "If this isn’t the answer, and you don’t have the answer, then what am I supposed to do?" I don’t know, but it will take time. And we can figure it out together.

Together. Was that even possible? Acanthus and Haru seemed like two different people. Maybe even different species. She barely recognized the person she’d become in the last few weeks, for better or for worse. Those eyes. Those quiet eyes, filled with mirth and understanding. The fight was draining Acanthus; she needed to end it soon.

While Acanthus pondered the compromise, Haru snuck in a fierce strike that pierced her side. Acanthus reeled from the buzzing, but it cleared her mind. Her path became clear.

[Acanthus 0]

Planting her feet firmly, Acanthus summoned all of her remaining energy. One strike was all she would need. The sword art felt familiar as always, until she refused to release when the system demanded it. The pleasant hum turned into a buzz, then a vibration, then a SCREAM. When she felt like the energy she held would kill her, she released the sword art. Meteor collided with Wormwood, and light erupted in the snowy meadow. The concussion caused Acanthus to lose her hearing for a brief moment, and the snow exploded out from under the two, revealing the plain digital grid underneath.

Acanthus pushed, focusing all of her remaining energy, strength, and drive into the blow. Haru fought back, her face rigid with pain and concentration. But Wormwood began to give, cracking along the hilt, ending at the tip of the blade. With an explosion of splinters, Wormwood vanished, and Haru flew into the snow.

Edited September 15 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Haru lay on the ground, exhausted and defeated. “You’ve bested me. Make your choice.” 

Acanthus rested the tip of Meteor’s blade on Haru’s neck. She fought for the right words. “I… You’re right. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without all the kindness I’ve shown. I’m only here because you’re here.”

“Part of me clings to it. You’ve made me into who I am. And what’s my purpose if I’m not providing for others? Part of me resents those that encouraged me to fill that role. After this fight, I think… I think that resentment runs deeper than I thought.”

“But that resentment… Right now, it’s driving me. It’s all I have to move forward.” Desperation edged into her voice. “When I was first trapped here, my kindness… I went nowhere. Kindness didn’t encourage me to break the boulder, or scale the floors, or fight my first boss. Kindness didn’t give me the follow-through to face… whatever it was that came between me and that demonic shard.”

[Acanthus 0]

The Gemini stared up at her blankly, waiting for a decision. Acanthus knew she wasn’t talking to it. She was using the fragment of Cardinal to talk to herself. To Haru.

“It isn’t fair to you, to be trapped in this game.” Her eyes welled up with tears. “You deserve to be home. You deserve happiness, despite the cruel things you say to yourself.” The sword dangled loosely from her fingers, nearly tumbling into the snow. “Haru, you deserve so much more than I can give you right now.” Acanthus blinked, fighting back the urge to cry. “But the only thing I can do is get you to the frontlines, make a difference, and bring you home that much faster. And every minute I worry about preserving you is a minute I lose getting home.”

She adjusted her feet in the snow. Her energy bar was full, but the sword felt heavier than it ever did.

“You know, I just realized,” she laughed sadly, wiping her eyes with her thumb. “Remember when I said ‘I’m only here because you’re here?’ That’s a little on the nose, isn’t it? The only reason we’re here is because of your kindness. Koji was so sad when you left for work. You were willing to do anything to see him smile. You’d never played a video game in your life. You didn’t care about video games, but you cared about your brother. You pulled strings, fought tooth and nail, all to get one of the 10,000 copies of this damn game. You were willing to do anything to get this game. But now,” her grip tightened around the sword’s handle, “I’ll do anything to get home.” She lifted Meteor up. “Anything.”

“Part of me is sorry. But maybe it’s the part of me that’s under the blade.” Having found her resolve, Acanthus swung without hesitation.