[SP-F6] A Ripple in the Heart <<The Gemini>>

[Sorun 0]

                      Sorun had heard about this floor through the word other players, and that a strange entity was said to be found within the main settlement. He intended to investigate safely within the confines of the safe zone, as going beyond the borders would be a huge mistake at his level...without a carry, that is.

          Regardless, he was now in the floor's main settlement of Krycim. The first thing he noticed, and did not expect, was that the settlement's residents happened to be all-female. It took some fair amount of time for him to process the visual information his mind was receiving, but then he noticed how most of the NPCs around were considerably fit and/or had some great muscle to them. A few seconds later and it all made sense.
      Amazons. Female Jungle Warriors. 
   But now, there was a different question...Why was Sorun still here, not confronted by any of the residents here? Were travelers given a free pass as long as they were respectful? It was a wild yet educated and hopeful guess, seeing that a guy in an all-female settlement would stick out like a sore thumb.

 

    Stats and Equipment:

Spoiler

Level: 1

HP: 20
Energy: 20
Base Damage: 7(BA Rank 1[3], Slayer Axe[3])
Mitigation: 6(Nomad's Garb)
Accuracy: 3(Amber)
Evasion: 2(Nomad's Garb)

 

Additional conditions:

[None Yet]

 

 

Skills:

Battle Axe Rank 1(4 SP)

 

Equipment:

[T1]Slayer Axe(Axe, 3 DMG)[Equipped]

[T1]Nomad's Garb(Cloth Armor, Mitigation, 2 Evasion)[Equipped]

[T1]Amber(3 ACC)[Equipped]

 

[Sorun 0]

                            Well, now that Sorun was here, he might as well begin his investigation. He would start by wandering the town and looking for anything suspicious.
       Nearly an hour passed, no dice.
   So he then considered asking a few NPCs and see if they knew anything.
     He got nothing but weird looks from the ones he asked...save for one. "Every once in a while, Travelers are seen with a cloaked figure. No one seems to know who or what the figure is, but one thing is certain...strange things happen when the cloaked one is seen in town, I wouldn't recommend looking for them, whoever they may be." The one NPC explained. Sorun nodded his head. "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind." He said. 

           Well, he had a clue, and that, at least, was a mild lead. Look for a cloaked figure...Should be easier than it currently looks. A cloaked figure would stick out with all that contrast...unless it was hiding? Yeah, that would make sense.

[Sorun 0]

                              Cloaked figures normally hide in taverns, right? Maybe he should start there!
               An hour and a half of looking around and waiting around in tavern-looking and inn-looking structures, he realized he might be looking in the wrong places, due to the fact that there were no cloaked figures to be found anywhere within them. Even waiting for one to show up seemed to fail.
      So he considered looking around in the darker corners, behind structures, and possible "alleyways".
   Half an hour later, he'd realize this was the wrong train of thought to be following as he came up empty once again.
         Hiding somewhere, like in a bush or a tree?
       Another fruitless hour and a half followed by the realization that this was going nowhere. Couldn't say he wasn't trying, though. "Maybe the rumors were wrong and I was just played for a fool..." He thought aloud. "...Or maybe, I'm going about this the wrong way...?" He continued, wondering why all his attempts so far have failed.

[Sorun 0]

                       Sorun made his way back to the central plaza and found a note. He didn't know who it was for, but investigating it might help reveal the answer to that. He opened up the note to read it.

Spoiler

                    Looking for trouble, are you?
              Tsk tsk, you're not supposed to be looking for me, it's supposed to be the other way around! ...But if you insist, you'll need to work for it.

                    Bring to the pedestal on the plaza:
                     -A Pink Flower
                     -A Dagger
                     -A Panther Fang(you know what I mean by that!)
                     -A Bolt-shaped Lapis Gemstone

         Happy Hunting.
         -You know who

             Sorun's eyes widened as he not only realized the note was for him, but also learned that who he was looking for had become aware of his actions...and had devised a little fetching task to keep Sorun busy for whatever reason.

 

      The Flower should be the easy part. This was a jungle floor, how could there not be one around?
   Apparently not. The only pink flowers he saw were still buds that hadn't bloomed yet. At some point though, he nearly bumped into an NPC with a Peony. "Oh! Sorry if I scared you, I..."
    He then noticed the Peony. The NPC noticed he was suddenly staring at the Peony flower in the jar she was holding. "...Um...why are you looking at my flower?" She asked. This NPC didn't look like most of the other NPCs in the settlement. She looked shorter and less muscular. She looked cuter, too, but it didn't change the fact that she looked ready for a scrap in case things ever went south. Sorun attempted to pull his thoughts together. "Could I have it? I kind of need a pink flower for a favor I was tasked with." He asked.
           The NPC looked at Sorun as if he'd said something insane. "...You're lucky you gave the context, you don't just ask for someone's Flower Gift around here!" She responded. "No, I can't give you this, I'm saving it for someone...a traveler, similar to yourself, come Spring..." She explained.
                    "Ah, so sorry, forgive me, I admit I currently don't know much about your culture..." Sorun apologized. "Is there perhaps somewhere you could point me to, miss...?"
            "Peony. My name is Peony." The NPC responded. "Could you, by any chance, tell me why you were tasked with such an odd favor, though?" She asked.

Edited September 18 by Sorun

[Sorun 0]

                                    Sorun would hand the note to Peony, and she would read it. "...You've gotten yourself into quite the pitcher..." She remarked as she read. She looked to Sorun. "I think I know where we can find the blossom you're looking for." She noted.
             Sorun's eyes lit up with hope. "Really? That's great, where should we go?" He asked. "A traveler came by and gifted us with a sapling, not too long after, it started blooming with countless pink blossoms. Follow me if you want to know more." Peony answered.

                 As Sorun followed the NPC, she would explain how the sapling seemed to be exotic in nature, and while it must not have been native to this jungle floor, it was growing well with what care it was being given. She also revealed that the sapling was given to her in memory of her grandmother, who did not survive the mysterious dark storm, so Peony had also seen fit to grow some Crocus in pots and position some around the tree. She mentioned that her grandmother was the best alchemist in Krycim, and since Peony was following closely in her footsteps, that she had to take her place upon her passing, but she seemed to speak as if it were only temporary, as if she had other plans.

Edited September 18 by Sorun

[Sorun 0]

                            Soon, Peony came to a stop and turned to look at Sorun. "I'm going to have to ask you to wait here. Earlier this year, this district used to just be open as the rest of the city to travelers, but now men are forbidden from entering it unless it is springtime, regardless of whether they are travelers or not." She revealed. Sorun nodded his head. "I understand. I'll wait here." 
              Peony would pass the two guards with no problem, and the two guards would look to Sorun, as if waiting to see if he'd try anything stupid. Thankfully for them, he knew better, and just sat down a fair distance from the forbidden district's entryway. 

                    Sorun began to wonder why the cloaked figure he was looking for was putting him up to this. What did they have to gain from this? A recipe? A ritual? A game? Just messing with Sorun? Who knows...

[Sorun 0]

                               Soon, Peony came out of the district, and Sorun got up to meet back up with her. Peony handed Sorun what was unmistakably a Cherry Blossom. "There, that should help. Up next is a dagger, correct? I think I can convince our only blacksmith to give you one." She noted.

     Thus Sorun would follow Peony once again. Peony explained how resources such as iron were a rare commodity, as the thick expanse of the jungle made it difficult to find ore, not to mention that the chunks of ore found in the swamps and bogs of the jungle are far too close to Senimoh, the village opposite of Krycim...quite literally opposite, based on the impression Sorun was getting from how she said it.

      Once the two arrived at their destination, Peony would initiate the interaction. "Sylvia, this traveler is in need of a dagger. He's been asked to bring one to the plaza by a strange figure." She explained. Sylvia would look to the two. "I'm going to need more than that explanation for me to give up something like that." She stated flatly. "Peony, could you get me one of your signature substances? I could use that 'flame powder' of yours for the forge."
                    Peony agreed and took off, leaving Sorun to have to deal with Sylvia on his own.

[Sorun 0]

                  Sylvia looked at Sorun skeptically. "Now that she's off doing a quick errand, we can get this sorted out properly without her protesting my reluctance to help you. Hold still."
             Sylvia began to seemingly frisk Sorun, and move the cloth on his arms, as if checking for something. "To start, I need to know you're not one of them." She noted. Sorun blinked, confused. "Who?" Sorun asked. "The Kabulos." She revealed. "Ever since one traveler caused problems for one of our hunting parties, a group of individuals from Senimoh thought they should abandon culture and tradition to follow his example. They've been banished from Senimoh for that of course, but they've managed to establish their own tribe somewhere in the swamp. They're nothing but bad news, from what I hear..." She explained. "Thankfully, it seems you bear no association with them." She decided, satisfied with the results of her search. "Now then, give me more details about this figure and why you need to bring a dagger to the plaza." 

   Ah, this was a mild interrogation. Makes sense.

[Sorun 0]

                 Sorun handed Sylvia the note. She didn't look very amused. "I've seen what happens when an adventurer is seen with a cloaked figure a few times. They disappear for a while, then they may come back...though there have been several instances where only the adventurer returns." She noted. "Are you sure you want to get involved with...whatever it is they do? Who knows what it could be, You're better off playing it safe...but if you're insistent on it...I suppose I could loan you a dagger...you'll have to return it, or pay back in some form. Understand?"
      Sorun nodded. "I understand." Sylvia pulled out a dagger that looked kind of out of place. "This was found out in the wilds, whoever once owned it is either lost or dead." She remarked.

     The dagger held a slight familiarity to it in terms of color and design. Little else, however. Peony returned to see the dagger in Sorun's hand. "Oh, you got the dagger already?" She asked. She then looked over to Sylvia and thanked her for her help. Sylvia then thanked Peony for her assistance. Peony then looked back to Sorun. "So, up next is a Fang from a panthera...I think I might know where to look." She thought aloud.

[Sorun 0]

                              Peony and Sorun walked as the situation was explained. "So, I do believe what you'll be needing is either a Tiger Fang or a Leopard Fang. Hunting one is an option, the other would be to challenge Viper for it. Viper's an expert hunter who specializes in hunting carnivores and she mixes her own poisons. She takes the fangs of every predator she kills as spoils of battle, and she's got quite the impressive collection. She's willing to give up a fang to whoever can best her in a friendly duel." She explained. "The problem, however..." She began as she stopped. She then looked at Sorun as if analyzing him. "You don't look up to either task..." She pointed out. 
              "Right, I'm underleveled for this floor...now how am I gonna get this done?" Sorun thought.
      "So I'll have to fight in your stead." Peony decided. "What?" Sorun asked, confused. Peony crossed her arms while looking at Sorun thoughtfully. "You're not exactly properly prepared to fight for your life against major carnivores, let alone contend with Viper. So, I'll be challenging Viper, since I know she can spare my life if I lose. It's worth a try, I'd say." She explained. "Besides, I'm sure Viper and I could benefit from sparring together. 'Iron sharpens iron', I've heard you travelers say, right?"

       So the plan was to have Peony fight this Viper person in Sorun's place since he's underleveled...yeah, makes sense, but Peony's being awfully generous here...why was that?

[Sorun 0]

                         Sorun followed Peony once again, over to a considerably fit NPC that must have been Viper, given how Peony stopped and then approached her. "Viper," Peony began.
                         "Peony? What are you here for?" Viper asked as she was taking a look at her own weapon.
                     "I am here to challenge you for a Tiger Fang." Peony said, standing firm. Viper chuckled. "Wait...wait, you?"
          Peony nodded. Viper must have been in disbelief. "Out of all people who could challenge me, I never expected it to be you." She remarked. "But if you really want a beating that badly, who am I to turn down such an offer? I suppose I'll accept your challenge and see how long you last. I'm eager to see the strength you must claim to have since you're challenging me."

     Peony and Viper took position, each one pulling out their weapon. Peony's polearm looked nearly immaculate, however. Did a player craft it? If so, why would a player crafted item be in the hands of this NPC? Viper's weapon looked like what one could expect from a floor like this, but it looked to be just as good as Peony's in terms of individual quality.

    Sorun stood a fair distance away, so he could safely watch the coming fight. He didn't know much about either NPC, so perhaps the Cardinal might consider it anyone's battle via stats, though the odds currently looked to be in Viper's favor.

[Sorun 0]

                                   It began with a standoff. The two combatants slowly circled their cleared area as they waited to see who would strike first. Sorun watched, looking for anything he could. Honestly, it was easier to pay attention to people's movements in combat when he wasn't a participant filled with adrenaline. Soon, Peony advanced. Viper deflected her advance with impressive speed, and attempted a counterattack. Peony dodged just in time, it was quite the near miss.
                   Sorun theorized that Viper kept her position because she was used to her enemies attacking first. If Viper really did specialize in hunting carnivores, then perhaps her battle style made sense...it was a form both aggressive and defensive, designed for dangerous foes and first strikers...both of which were traits of predators. Viper was the huntress that hunts the hunters, so developing a combat style meant to counter them seemed like the best choice for her. He began to wonder if there was a way to counter Viper's form...

     The fight continued, regardless of whether or not Sorun processed it. The two deflected each others' blows for about five seconds, before Peony attempted a more advanced tactic. Viper countered the attack, and knocked Peony back a few meters. She then rushed for Peony with her own more advanced attack. Peony sidestepped the attack and took the opportunity to strike from behind.

   Sorun took a few steps closer. "I've gotta see this..." He thought.

[Sorun 0]

                                Sorun watched, as Peony wasn't done yet. As Viper was getting back up with impressive speed, Peony was quickly applying some kind of substance to her weapon while stepping back. When Viper dashed in, Peony threw the empty container, which was easily deflected. Turns out, this was the intention, as it left Viper open for the split-second window of time that Peony spent immediately getting another attack in. While this hit was successful, Viper was able to strike back pretty easily. Viper's spear and Peony's polearm were practically dancing as they kept deflecting each others' attacks for the next ten seconds. Viper then managed to dislodge Peony's polearm from her grasp, and it flew out of her hands. Instead of dashing for the fallen weapon, Peony pulled out a dagger and kept fighting. She dashed in close and applied force against Viper's spear. She didn't manage to disarm her, but she was at least able to close the gap and deal a few blows before delivering a kick that knocked Viper to the ground. Peony then lunged before Viper could position her spear, and Peony's dagger was now only a centimeter away from Viper's neck.

      The combatants were panting from the exhaustion of the battle, otherwise it would have been silence for six seconds before Viper started chuckling, as Piper gave off a few exhausted attempts at chuckling. Peony got off of Viper and the two got on their feet. "You've gotten stronger." Viper complimented. "And if it weren't for those quick reactions, I would have bested you easily. It's good to be on even footing with someone for once." Viper...looked happy, despite her loss. Maybe she was waiting for someone to finally be on her level? Regardless, Viper handed over the fang. "Victory is yours, you may do with it whatever you wish."

    Viper then looked to notice Sorun, who had seen the whole fight. "Who might you be, traveler?" She asked.

[Sorun 0]

                       "Nobody special." Sorun answered, based on his level. "Yet." He thought.
            "I've been helping him out with a few things. He's already gotten into something, but he doesn't seem to be very strong." Peony added. "Adventurers tend to be pretty talented, so I think he's just starting out." She remarked. "Talented? I think I'll be the judge of that." Viper commented. "Over here." She said, gesturing for Sorun to approach. Well, there's only one way this could end...a beatdown. At least he might be able to walk out of this alive, right? Just a little humiliation from a strong, athletic amazon with the muscles needed to crush his bones like paper.

      "Alright, now show me what you can do." Viper ordered, as she readied her spear. Yep, beatdown it is, then.
    Sorun pulled out his axe, and took a few cautious steps as the two circled each other, waiting for any sudden movement. Sorun lunged, and attempted a feint in hopes of creating an opening. This did not go as planned.
        Sorun nearly stumbled and Viper took advantage of it, knocking him over with the side of her spear. He rolled to the side to dodge her spear and made the attempt to get up. Viper swatted him with the spear in attempt to keep him down. It was half effective but everything was nearly a blur by this point, until he tried to use his axe to disarm her and ended up getting disarmed himself before getting sent flying by a kick to his torso.

Edited September 18 by Sorun

[Sorun 0]

            Sorun was nearly dazed as he struggled to get back on his feet. "He's got potential, he just lacks training and experience." Viper commented. 
   Peony looked to Sorun, concerned for his well-being in this moment. Sorun had now gotten up, though he was having a hard time maintaining his footing. Had this been a real fight, he'd have been dead in seconds. 

      "He certainly had the right idea in that fight." Spoke another voice. Peony and Viper looked to see the newcomer to the situation emerge from the bushes she was hiding within. "Kiera?" Peony looked slightly shocked. "What are you doing here?" She asked. "Investigating some rumors." Kiera answered. "Including the one here. You've been poking your nose around, asking questions." She added, turning her gaze towards Sorun. "I saw both fights. That was a feint you were trying, yes? Despite your failure, that was the correct tactic for your decision." She remarked. She then looked to Peony. "I'm more impressed with you, of course. You've been getting better ever since that one traveler showed up. I suppose you have your reasons for holding such a high regard for him?" She noted. Peony nodded. Kiera patted Peony on the shoulder. "I'll handle the situation from here for now, I need you to make some more of that balm when you can." 
      Peony nodded. "I have some in storage, I'll bring them over to your place immediately." She said. She rushed over to Sorun, and the Tiger Fang, as well as the strange note, were now planted in his inventory. Peony then ran off to handle the task given to her. Kiera then looked to Viper. "We need you at the front guard, Byakko's been sighted nearby." She revealed. Viper left at once.

     Alone with a stranger again. Sorun had a feeling that interrogations like this should be expected at this point.

[Sorun 0]

                              Sorun mentally braced himself as Kiera approached him. She wasn't that much taller than Viper, but she had an air of both strength and authority, so she must have been high on the ladder. "Tell me, what's going on that has you ask so many odd questions?" She questioned.
        "Rumors of a strange figure. Ended up getting involved in it after a search. What I'm dealing with now is all in this note." Sorun answered, as he pulled the note out of his inventory. Kiera took the note and examined it. "..." She didn't look very pleased.
                       "I can't guarantee your safety if you don't meet these demands, by the looks of it. You're lucky you're getting our help, however, 'cause we've been keeping the last item you seek within a district you're not exactly permitted to enter...what's more, we were trying to figure out the item's properties, and the reason for its shape, so without proper reasoning we wouldn't have handed it over anyway." She explained. She the took hold of him by the shoulder and the two began moving. "With me, now."

[Sorun 0]

                                 Kiera would bring Sorun over to a spot near the forbidden district's entrance. She would say to the two guards positioned, "Watch this one for me, new matters have arisen and he's gotten himself knee-deep into it." She commanded. The guards would let Kiera through and proceed to keep their eyes on Sorun as he just waited there, again. He let his mind drift off for a short while as to avoid boredom, but at least he managed to snap himself back to reality when he heard voices. Sorun looked to see Kiera and one other come out, and they would both approach Sorun. The newcomer to the scenario would grab hold of him by the shoulders and stare into his eyes. Awkward. She then let go of one shoulder, and looked to Kiera. "He's the one involved?" She asked. Kiera nodded. Apparently this did not bring a positive response. She suddenly applied some force, which Sorun did not expect, thus nearly shoving Sorun into the ground. While this was not the intention, this particular woman did not seem to care. "Next time, you better know your place." She whispered to his ear. She handed over the last item Sorun needed, but she handed it to Kiera, then stormed off, back into the district.
               Sorun got back up, and shook himself off. "What'd I do?" Sorun muttered, confused. "Exist in our borders outside of springtime." Kiera answered. "Our traditions have been well-kept for generations, but not all the women among the few elder generations approve of the decision to let travelers pass through unhindered regardless of gender." She explained. "Don't worry too much about it though, Zeta's the only one who's aggressively adamant about it. Just keep your distance from those who disapprove, including her, and you should be fine as long as you respect our other rulings." 
       Sorun nodded. "Understood."

Edited September 18 by Sorun

[Sorun 0]

             "Just curious...this traveler that Peony holds in high regard, did he have to put up with Zeta or anyone similar?" Sorun asked. Kiera shook her head. "Lucky for the boy, they never met." She answered. Sorun nodded. "Is there a problem with him, though? Do you distrust him?" He asked. "No, I don't distrust him, he helped out those among our people in their time of need, Peony herself included...twice." Kiera explained. "Are you worried if he might leave an impression on her you might dislike?" Sorun wondered, starting to become a bit concerned. "No, but I do worry for a different reason." Kiera began, looking to the ground as she did so. "I've noticed she's started preparing a Flower Gift...She hasn't done that before." She took a deep breath. "Some of us like to use the gift of a personally grown flower in the springtime, for one, for a particular."
    Sorun's expression was solemn. He was starting to catch on. "...You're worried that Peony might have a crush on this person, is that what I'm getting?" He guessed respectfully. Kiera nodded. "In the end, what good could come from it? We have our traditions, and you travelers...have a completely different manner of dealing with such feelings." She revealed. "Unless he was willing to handle it our way, which might be harmful to him in the long run..."
    Footsteps could be heard. "I've said more than enough, you know all you need to. I only ask that you keep quiet about it." She softly commanded. Sorun nodded. "Understood."

                  Peony came running over, looking a bit panicked. She stopped at the scene and took a few seconds to catch her breath. "Kiera, why'd you lie to me? You still had a full balm!" She asked. "I placed the balms I brought over anyway, but still..." She then looked rather upset. "You were investigating him, weren't you?"
       Kiera took a deep breath. "We're falling on hard times, Peony, you can't blame me for being skeptical sometimes in days like these." She noted. "Besides, it's not like I'd try to aggressively test him like Zeta did." She added, while picking up a live tarantula from Sorun's torso, and setting it on the ground, where it scuttled away towards the nearest place it could hide. Sorun blinked. "I didn't even notice..." He thought. "It must have been a friendly one, seeing that this is a safe zone..."
          Peony shook her head, nearly angered. "Why would you even let her near travelers?" She questioned. Kiera crossed her arms. "Because she demanded to know who needed this." She answered as she pulled out the bolt lapis. Peony facepalmed. "Right, she was the one guarding the oddities today..."

    Kiera half-smiled and shook her head. "Nobody's perfect." She reassured. "Now then, let's bring these to the spot so this traveler can be on his way."

Edited September 18 by Sorun

[Sorun 0]

                          The three would find a pedestal, and Sorun would place the items upon it. The three waited, then as Sorun looked to Peony, about to ask a question, he was poked from behind. "Boo." Spoke a male voice. Sorun turned suddenly to see a figure cloaked head to toe in black, with a cowl, to boot. "Looking for trouble isn't exactly the smartest thing to do, you know..." The figure said with a smirk, shaking his head with crossed arms as he did so. Kiera held her arm out to stop Peony from doing or saying anything. "I have everything you asked for right here." Sorun stated. "Oh, those things? Yeah, I didn't really need them, I just wanted to make things a bit more interesting and encourage you to put a bit more effort in. Regardless, do whatever with them. Use them, give them back, whatever, only on one condition though...Understand their significance. You'll know in due time, but you gotta be able to see them to do that." The figure explained.
        Sorun walked over to the pedestal, saw all four items laying on it...and took a screenshot.
   He turned around to face the figure. "I've made a mental image of them within my mind, I no longer need the physical forms, and can look upon them whenever I wish." He declared, trying to keep to the lore instead of breaking World Order with the mention of Screenshots.

[Sorun 0]

                    The two amazons present seemed content to know that Sorun had no intention of keeping the items to himself.
         The figure nodded. "I see...I see what you did there...Alright fine, I'll allow it. Now, come with me, your capabilities should be properly tested, as you've done enough to catch my interest." He decided. Peony wasn't sure about this. "Traveler, I don't think you should-" Kiera held her arm out to signal Peony to stop.
             Sorun would begin to follow the figure. He waved goodbye to the two amazons, Peony would reluctantly wave back, and her expression would show that she was clearly concerned.

   Once Sorun was out of earshot, Peony looked to Kiera. "Are you sure we should just let him go alone like that? We both saw how he did when Viper tested him." She questioned. Kiera didn't seem to bothered by Peony's words. In fact, she seemed more concerned with the situation. "He'll be fine." She insisted. "I suspect it's just another one of those..."
                      Peony was both shocked and confused. "Wait, what do you mean?" She asked. 
      "When you notice a pattern, you begin looking for other signs something might be off. This is not the first time a strange figure has come to Krycim because of an adventurer." She revealed. "These things...'Geminis', I believe one traveler called them...They come, searching for one traveler in particular...sometimes the traveler comes back looking devastated, other times the traveler comes back appearing triumphant, sometimes with the figure...the travelers always come back..."
                       Kiera watched as the figure and Sorun left her field of vision. "What concerns me, is that it's stopped being a rare occurrence."