[OP-F1] Brave New World

[Locke 0]

It was funny, he had thought. The very notion that it was the birds, rather than the players (of which there were many, most of whom likely paid little to no attention to the quality of his sleep), which had woken him from his slumber. He rolled onto his side in order to face the busy streets, then rubbed wearily at his eyes. Locke watched the people as they steadily poured past him like a rushing stream, though none paid any attention to the man on the bench.

He clenched his fists tight and stretched his limbs as far out as they would go without risking permanent injury, then twisted his upper body so that the gentle pops and cracks of his spine could be heard as every vertebrae snapped into place. He swept a hand up to cover his mouth as a shuddering yawn racked his body from head to toe.

There's that dream again. He found himself shivering, but he knew this place wasn't cold. A smattering of images danced in his minds eye. Danced their terrifying, but prophetic dance. He saw flashes of this place, and of people he'd never seen or met before, yet these things alone shouldn't have given him the pause that they did. Relating it to a bad trip would be a simple falsehood. No, there was something more to it all. But whatever it was, it'd have to wait for another day...

Grudgingly, he swung his legs from the relative comfort of his bench and onto the cold hard concrete below. "What was I thinking?" he mumbled, shifting his stiff body upright. He banged a fist against one of the wooden slats on which he had slept. "This thing is nearly as solid as the cement. And as comfortable, as well."

Now seated properly, he swiped his hand through the space in front of him as if it were a giant touchscreen. After scrolling through the resulting menu, he confirmed that he was, in fact, broke. He frowned, though the curve of his lips soon returned to a more jovial form. "Looks like some things never change," he grumbled, showing a faint hint of a smile.

Rather than prolong the inevitable, he dismissed the screen and pushed off of the bench with his palms, then straightened himself up. After dusting himself off, he glanced around and sought out the weaker looking players, figuring he would likely be able to find a starting point through them. There's no harm in following the tide, although they very well might be just as lost as I am.

Having all the time in the world, Locke abandoned the safety of his bench and merged into the crowd. It was final. Any hope of a miraculous rescue from outside forces now seemed unlikely, and he would actually have to go strike it out in this world on his own. But that was fine with him. Living is living, after all. It makes no difference where it's done.

[Jynx 0]

I followed Psyche who had taken over the job of making her way through the streets to point of interesting things... and boys too.

 

Him, him him, him, not him and gross.

 

The girl with black and pink hair pointed each time she spoke and said the last one with a grimace and turned her head to me.

 

Your turn.

 

I rolled my brown eyes but continued with the game of course. There was no doubt I would play because I thought it was enjoyable just disgraceful and rude in my opinion. I pointed to many people as I find myself thinking just about everybody is good looking. Psyche made fun of almost every boy I pointed to just like she did.

 

You have no taste.

 

I retorted and bumped her with my hip to the side causing a little commotion among the players moved around.

 

Neither do you.

 

Psyche spit back and squeezed my shoulder which made me cringe. That was my weak spot and she knew it. My eyes caught another boy but I didn't say anything just... stared. He looked tired like Psyche had when she first started the game.

 

What's wrong dork?

 

I only pointed to him as he passed by and she frowned and went after him, I grabbed her arm and tried to pull her back but it didn't work for once she was stronger than myself. She had to be really motivated or really angry though either worked for me. I followed in pursuit. Psyche took her red gloved arm and shoved his shoulder a little so a little circle formed around them in the moving crowd. I awkwardly looked to my feet.

 

Eh, what's wrong with your face? You're bringing the rest of our morals down ya know. Is something wrong?

 

Psyche's teal eyes squinted and searched his face for something. Anything. I just smiled weakly and continued my gaze at the pavement. Hopefully this would be quick.

 

H-He was kind of smiling though Psyche...

 

I quickly added accidentally stuttering.

 

It's your eyes she's talking about.

 

(OOC: Psyche = pink Jynx (Me) = purple)

[Locke 0]

The stream traveled with both the speed and conviction of a dying fish. And yet despite moving along at a pace best described as agonizing, Locke found that it suited him just fine. No rush, no worries. After all, he was off to nowhere in particular today. Rather, the fact that he was moving with any sort of purpose at all was an improvement in and of itself. His eyes darted from side to side and took in the views that were afforded to them. From the players parading about in flamboyant outfits to the gentle jays taking flight in the skies, even every luscious leaf which rendered at the end of every twig and tree in the city- he wanted to own these sights for himself. 
 

Though he was sorely lacking in anything stronger, the world as a whole intoxicated him. For all of its faults and flaws, it was nonetheless a labor of love. I wonder how Kayaba felt when finally finished this world? He recalled a certain popular myth of the world's creation, leading his mind to conjure up an image of Akihito sitting atop his throne in the heavens. Did he rest on the seventh day? I wonde_r if it ever occurred to him that he had experienced a feeling previously only felt by god himself. 

 

Among others, these were the things that he had been contemplating when he was suddenly jolted back to reality with a simple push from behind. Having nearly stumbled over his own two feet, he steadied himself against a passing player, but paid the boy no attention. "Huh?" he asked absentmindedly; he whipped himself around and singled out a pair of girls among the crowd. The one in the forefront stood her ground with mischievous eyes and a condescending sneer across her lip, while the other's smile was worn with regret, rather than pride. 

 

"My, you're quite the looker," he replied offhandedly, wearing a mirthless grin which masqueraded as being truer than it really was. He raised a brow and met the gaze of the one who'd initially called out to him. "What I mean to say, is that you have a memorable face. One that easily stands out from the crowd." He watched her eyes as he spoke his words, and traced the shadows that flickered across them as they registered in her mind. "Is that what you meant to say? Hmm?" he asked, resisting a chortle that had threatened to escape his lips.

[Jynx 0]

Psyche tilted her head in confusion and raised an eyebrow before clenching her fists in anger. 

 

What the hell is that supposed to mean? Ugh... Don't confuse me! This is making me angry.

 

She stepped forward and I grabbed her holding the squirming girl in my arms though it was almost impossible to escape my grasp. Psyche was always mean around boys but now she was angry and I wondered if she was taking all her anger out now through this. How long had she been holding this in? Hopefully Psyche wouldn't turn to me because we both knew who was stronger, meaner, and capable of controlling the other. Me of course.

 

Calm down dingus I think he was just flirting or something like that.

 

I waved it off like it was no big deal and Psyche shot a death glare at me with her dangerous teal eyes. Yeah I knew how she was about this kind of stuff. I probably just gave her a reason to be angry with me instead of the boy.

 

That's what I don't like about this! I already knew I looked pretty awesome but he didn't need to say anything.

 

It seemed she had calmed down judging by her voice and the way her body leaned against mine now instead of struggling to get away from me so I let go. Psyche stood up fully and crossed her arms turning her head away from the boy. I smiled at her act and turned to him.

 

She's just an idiot so don't worry. Probably just thinks your cute so she got all defensive and stuff.

 

Whatever! He's ehhh. I'm just annoyed is all.

 

Psyche turned her head to me and punched me hard in the ribs so I pulled her fluffy hair back.

 

I'm Jynx and she's Psyche. We thought you looked a little sad and Psyche tends to get a little sensitive around the edges when people aren't feeling their best. We just wanted to know if everything was alright since... ya know... we're stuck in a damn game and a lot of players commit suicide an-

 

Blah blah blah. Shut up Jynx. What she was trying to say was this. Are. You. Okay?

 

Psyche covered my mouth with her hand and I blushed out of embarrassment. I always talked a lot and never really noticed. What really got me was the way she made hand motions while saying blah blah blah. When she removed her hand I stayed silent.

[Locke 0]

"Heh," vocalized the dark-haired player. It wasn't even a proper word, and yet it carried his sentiments all the same. "I didn't mean to get you all flustered," he retorted with a slight tilt of his head. Locke crossed his arms arms together and eyed Psyche briefly before breaking his stoic impression with a grin that was a tad too smug to be classified as warm.

 

He tossed his arms out to the side so that the crooks of his elbows leaned toward the more obtuse side of ninety degrees. "Let's not let a rocky start get the best of us," Locke began, "so let's start this over, shall we?" He took a few steady strides forward, as if dragging out the moment for just a little longer. Locke stopped short of walking into the pair altogether, but he had managed to trim the distance between them by an amount that was not insignificant.
 

"So, Jynx and Psycho?" he cooed. As with his earlier steps, his last words took their time in departing from between his lips. The manner in which he had spoken them had left them hanging in the air for longer than they should have, and they lingered spores of a poisonous mushroom drifting by in a passing breeze. He moved both hands to his hips and leaned forward so as to put himself within arm's length of the pink-haired girl. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I answer to many names, but you may call me Locke." 

He turned the gaze of his eyes to Jynx, whose mouth was now covered by her apparent friend. These two have quite the fun dynamic. "Who said anything about flirting?" he asked. He reached forward and poked the girl's forehead softly with a slender finger and the gentlest of nudges. Just enough pressure to draw her full attention. "You know what they say about assuming," said Locke. He waved a curled hand in front of their faces, as if dusting off an unseen shelf. "But in any case, I think you'll find I'm just fine. Maybe it should be me asking that of the two of you."

 

Locke took half a step back, but maintained the very same expression he had worn throughout their exchange.

[Jynx 0]

Psyche. It's Psyche not psycho.

 

Psyche growled and stepped back with disgust as Locke got closer even if it wasn't by much. I couldn't tell if she liked him or not it was safe to say she was sending mixed signals.

 

U-Uh

 

I muttered when he touched my forehead. I put a hand over the spot and frowned.

 

I didn't assume I just know. 

 

I pulled my hand away from my forehead and crossed my arms over my chest while Psyche stood with one hand on her hip, the other shoved in a pocket.

 

You seem fine but I guess we don't know if you're just really good at hiding your feelings or something.

 

Yeah yeah. That sounds right good job Jynx. It's true ya know a lot of dudes like to be tough and stuff but aren't on the inside. And then they hold it in and it builds up on the inside.

 

Psyche held her hands over her stomach.

 

Oh oh and then they explode because it's too much!

 

We both used hand signals and pretended something blew up.

 

Kapeww!

 

Locke was the bestest man I ever knew. He was like a human and whatever. We will all miss him rest in peace dear boy.

 

I put my hands together as if I were praying and bowed.

 

Amen.

 

Amen.

 

And that's what happens when you hold feelings in.

 

Psyche poked Locke's chest. I giggled and fixed my glasses, a grin painted onto my face. That was the most fun we'd had in a while so it must mean that Psyche and I were best friends again.

 

We weren't fine before but I'm sure we are now.

 

I nodded at her.

 

So having trouble starting out or do you enjoy being in a video game?

 

I crossed my hands in front of me. It took me of course to change the subject that'd turned out to be almost a complete disaster from the beginning. Maybe he'd comply and we could go hunting for the first time. I was itching to use the battle axe just waiting in my inventory. The strap that was supposed to go across my chest that I'd move to around my waist like a belt always empty.

[Locke 0]

Locke flashed a devilish grin that revealed a mouth full of pearly whites. Even a life of crime shouldn't get in the way of good dental hygiene, after all. "What difference does it make, really?" he asked pointedly. "You know what they say, 'A rose by any other name...'" He didn't finish the thought, but the implications had already been planted. 

 

The crossing of her arms had not escaped him. Or rather, what he assumed the gesture signified; the contextual meanings were not lost on Locke. "The more you learn, the less you know," he countered, and returned his arms to a position which reflected that of the brown-haired girl's. It was a conscious decision, though he took great care to ensure that his mirroring was always done in the most natural manner. 

 

At their next accusations, he simply dispelled the notion with a wag of his finger. "Eh?" he asked. "If you were hoping to hear a sob story, you won't be getting one from me," said the dark-haired player. He feigned a frown, but the slight upturn of his lips made a quick return. "In any case, this guy isn't going anywhere anytime soon." He arched back his thumb so that it now pointed at him. "Not from explosions, at least." 

He lowered his pointing hand and slid it into his pocket, shaking his head at the two. "There's nothing to enjoy about being stuck in a video game, but I don't exactly have any qualms about it like the rest of you." He slid his other hand down to his hip and decided to relent for just a moment. "On the other hand, I think we can all be of use to each other." He smiled affectedly, yet convincingly. "Take me to the best hunting spot you know, and we can talk more on the way." 

In truth, he loathed the idea of grinding through mobs for a few col thrown his way. Even so, I'll just have to put up with it. For now, at least. He was briefly carried back to a specific day from years upon years ago, but regained his hold on the present before the memory could progress.

[Jynx 0]

Stop saying you know what 'they say'! It's really getting on my nerves of course we don't know what they say... or what it means. Who the hell is they?

 

Psyche turned to me and I shrugged so she only rolled her eyes. She had spoken my exact thoughts but maybe in a ruder fashion and different way.

 

Hmm I was wanting to hear a story.

 

I muttered and chewed on a thumb nail while Locke made what i thought seemed like a joke. The part where he mentioned not dying from explosion that is. I laughed quietly and attempted to awkwardly cover it with a cough which of course failed. 

 

You think we're afraid of this stupid game? I'll show you.

 

Psyche growled at Locke angrily trying to seem tougher than she really was. I shook my head in disapproval. Please this was far from herself she just loved showing off. I hated this Psyche.

 

I'll lead the way.

 

I brought up the belt around my waist and made it so the strap went across my chest and torso instead. Like those one-strapped bookbags for school. Then I swiped my finger in front of me to open my inventory and equip the large battle axe for beginners. The handle loomed over my head and taunted me as I stared up at it and the blade rested near my thighs. Psyche opened her inventory as well and her dagger attached to one of the chains on her pants. I thought that was pretty cool.

 

Sweet.

 

I know.

 

We did our own little handshake and I began walking while motioning for both to follow. I had never been to the outside or edge of the city before but had studied the map enough to know my own way around. Yep. I had no life out and in of the game.

 

So is your name related to that sob story you mentioned? Or just something random thrown together at last minute?

 

I asked Locke wondering where he got the name.

 

Mine's from a character I love.

 

Psyche mentioned.

 

Same.

 

I spoke after while keeping my brown eyes focused on the path ahead. It wouldn't be long before we finally entered the field but maybe I could get to know Locke better. He was like... one of those people you knew wouldn't ever probably be friends with you but you wanted to be their friend badly anyways.

[Reusririasuir 0]

Reu saw people making their way towards the gate. He had been looking for a party to do some light adventuring with. He waved them down with a friendly smile.

 

"Heading out into the field? If so, you'll want a bigger party then what you have; it can be really dangerous out there. I'd be willing to come along, if you'd like. I'm Reusririasuir, independent adventurer. I'm built like one too, search and detection skills, battle healing...I'll even fight on the front-lines for you if you'd like. All I ask is for 1 out of every 3 Materials found. Would you like me to come with you?"

[Locke 0]

He shrugged and turned a sly eye to the pink-haired girl. "As they say," Locke chimed, giving an exaggerated bow, "your wish is my command." He straightened himself back up and chuckled at their reactions.

 

As fun as charm could be to conjure up, sometimes it was just more fun to piss people off. After all, how likely was it for him to see them again? Not very, as he'd found out. And if worst comes to worst, I'll make do. In this case, it was clear these girls posed no real threat to him. Outwardly, it was likely that his abrasiveness would grind their gears. But more importantly, he could feel other elements that underlined the more obvious ones. Such was his gift.

 

The brown-haired one's paltry attempts at throwing him off did not escape him. He turned his head in her her direction and winked, before mouthing a few words to the girl. In reality, what he'd said had been nothing more than gibberish, but he knew most people would make an attempt to read into it. They were curious, naturally- and that gave him leverage. In any case, it was just one more thing for him to work with. Always play to your strengths, he'd learned. 

 

He gave a silent tilt of his head as the other girl aimed a half-hearted threat toward him. With an incredulous look, he felt no need to entertain her reply with any words. His expression would speak for itself. Really now? it said, as if challenging her to follow through. 

 

Before long, the pair had simmered down, and he insisted on walking in between them as they made their way to wherever their destination was. 

"Tch," he replied, at the mention of a sob story. "I have no sob story, sorry to disappoint you. Besides, I'd rather hear your own stories- really." He layered his sentiments with false sincerity, though it approached reality with such precision that it would be nearly indistinguishable from the truth. He was, after all, a showman. "But if you're really that curious, I threw my name together without much thought. Maybe you recognize the name 'John Locke'." He threw his hands out in front of him and shook them wildly, as if performing jazz hands. "Surprise surprise, that's where I got it." With a sideways glance at both girls, he added, "But I like both of your names much better. They're beautiful, and they suit you."

 

Up ahead, he spotted another man waving at them. The man's talk flew over his head- Locke wasn't exactly privy on all of the technical details of the game. He simply waved back before gesturing him over. "All aboard, Reusrijfsdolwi." The guy's name name sounded like absolute nonsense in his ears, but his presence would be appreciated.

[Zeri 0]

Zeri was walking around town with a million and one things racing across his mind. "I guess I should look for a profession in order in make a living since I'm basically stuck here. Also I do need better equipment, but who here even makes broadswords?"

He stopped and pondered on that for a little bit and continued walking. Then Zeri had said in a very sad tone,"Also, I guess it for the best that I find a...guild to go to." Zeri wasn't used to working along with other people, he was barely getting used to being with other as well. But Zeri knew his limits and try to advance in this game alone was a death sentence. ("I doubt that even my hidden power could help me in the long run...") he thought to himself."But I guess I'll just take things one at a time I suppose."

Then out of the corner of his eye, Zeri sees some familiar faces, as well as a new one as well. He approached the group and said, "Hey Jynx how's it been!" Then he turned to Psyche and said, "My challenge is still on the table if you want to take it 'prey'." Then he turned to the unfamiliar person, and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you! My name is Zeri! What's yours? Also if Psyce, a.k.a the crazy stuck-up one, is giving you any trouble..." He turned and glared at Psyche while continuing to talk to his new friend, "...just let me know and I'll take care of her."

[Zeri 0]

Zeri was walking around town with a million and one things racing across his mind. "I guess I should look for a profession in order in make a living since I'm basically stuck here. Also I do need better equipment, but who here even makes broadswords?"

He stopped and pondered on that for a little bit and continued walking. Then Zeri had said in a very sad tone,"Also, I guess it for the best that I find a...guild to go to." Zeri wasn't used to working along with other people, he was barely getting used to being with other as well. But Zeri knew his limits and try to advance in this game alone was a death sentence. ("I doubt that even my hidden power could help me in the long run...") he thought to himself."But I guess I'll just take things one at a time I suppose."

Then out of the corner of his eye, Zeri sees some familiar faces, as well as a new one as well. He approached the group and said, "Hey Jynx how's it been!" Then he turned to Psyche and said, "My challenge is still on the table of you want to take 'prey'." Then he turned to the unfamiliar person, and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you! My name is Zeri! What's yours? Also if Psyche, a.k.a the crazy stuck-up one, is giving you any trouble..." He turned and glared at Psyche while continuing to talk to his new friend, "...just let me know and I'll take care of her."

(OOC: Ignore this one please, I have no idea why it posted the same thing twice, I'll try to delete it later in if I can)

[Jynx 0]

When seeing another player come towards our group and he waved I of course waved back.

 

Hi there!

 

Ugh...

 

I said excitedly while Psyche groaned out of annoyance. 

 

We don't need any other players!

 

She spit at the newcomer so I stomped on her foot which made the girl stay silent.

 

It should go to me and Psyche, then Locke, and if we kill any more animals then you'll get a material too since we were here first.

 

I replied to his request for 1/3 materials which seemed fair but my proposal was the final thing I was going to agree with and anything other than that would make me leave. Probably not Psyche since she just wanted to get out and fight.

 

When Locke attempted to say the new guy's name Psyche and I looked at each other before breaking out into laughter. I hung onto her for support and bent over while she stood and tried to hold me up.

 

Y-You think our name's are beautiful?

 

After the final moments of our laughing I began blushing realizing what Locke had said. Psyche waved the comment off like it was nothing but it really got to me. Compliments always got to me to be honest. I stood there blushing like a fool while Psyche leaned against me with her elbow propped on my shoulder, other hand on her hip.

 

We goin-

 

Hey Jynx how's it been!

 

The voice of someone interrupted Psyche which made a vein in her forehead pop or at least that's what it looked like. I turned and waved once again to Zeri, a somewhat friend of mine. Psyche growled at him.

 

Hi hi~

 

I cooed to welcome Zeri to our small group.

 

I'm not stuck-up! Just because I don't like you and you want me to doesn't mean you need to lie about my personality.

 

She's right.

 

I nodded my head at Psyche and grabbed her arm to snuggle against it.

 

Brookey here loves people and I'm sure in due time she'll get used to your presence and calm down. But if anybody were to ever hurt her I'd kill them.

 

I kept a smile on my face but flashed an evil glare towards Zeri. I liked him, he was super nice, but what I said was true. 

 

Don't jinx yourself.

 

(OOC: That's alright, happens all the time no need to delete it we'll just ignore the post since I'm sure only GM's can do things like that.)

[Reusririasuir 0]

Reu laughed at the obvious mispronunciation of his name. "You can just call me Reu." he said with a wink. Accepting the party invite, Reu watched their names and health-bars appear.

 

"Hmmm...let's see who we have here." Turning to each in kind, Reu went through their names, and hp stats. He was doing it more for his own benefit then for theirs. Saying it out loud now would help him recall later when in the midst of battle. "Locke, level 2 7hp, Zeri, also level 2 with 7hp. Psyche & Jinx, both level 4, 11 hp. And, I'm level 6, with 15hp. I think we're going to do well today! I'll be happy to fight on the front-lines today so Zeri and Locke can get an understanding for combat, Psyche and Jinx, what do you say to being the flank team? You two...certainly seem to get along!" Reu tried to frame that in the nicest way possible, Psyche and Jinx certainly got along; now whether it was 'got along' or 'got along like cats and dogs', it was hard to tell.

 

Exuberantly and with an enthusiastic fist-bump Reu declared, "I'm all ready to go as soon as everyone else is! Oohrah!"

[Zeri 0]

Zeri started laughing and then said, "I didn't make you accept my friend request, you 'choose' to do so that qualifies you as my friend." Then Zeri had stared coldly at Psyche and then said, "Well it's not my fault that all you care about is Jynx. You just hate the fact when ANYONE comes to talk to her. You probably scared that someone might take her away from you and she abandon you, leaving you all my yourself in this world, and we both know you can't stand for that to happen. Am I right Brooke?"

Then he turned to Jynx which said it'll take time for her to get just to me but has a hard time believing that. Then she said that she'll kill anyone who harms who and told him to not get jinxed. Then Zeri came and whispered this to her, "I'll do my best not to get on your bad side. Also... I believe its safe to say you should take your own advice as well."

Then he heard an unfamiliar sound calling his name and he said confusingly, "Huh? How do you know my name?" Then he said something about Locke and him getting used to combat and now even more confused he said, "Umm...what's exactly going on here?"

[Locke 0]

A voice called out from up ahead, drawing his attention to yet another player. Despite considering himself a people person, in a twisted sort of way, he loathed the idea of their group expanding to a grand total of five- just like that. The larger pool of personalities meant his influence in the established dynamic would be challenged. This in itself didn't seem like too big of a deal, as there was no doubt in his mind that he would ultimately win the day, no matter how many people fell out of the sky today. But it was an annoyance.

 

"Locke," he offered, giving the new arrival a practiced grin. "And should she prove more than a handful, you'll be the first person I turn to." He patted the player on the shoulder in the way a coach might do with his star player right before a game. "But I'm sure she's actually quite sweet, when you get to know her," he added, giving Psyche a knowing glance. In spite of any misgivings he personally felt, it would be stupid not to take advantage of the networking opportunities that'd simple leapt right into his lap.

 

Hearing the two females of the group burst out in laughter, he turned and focused his attention on Jynx, who seemed considerably more receptive to antics. Openly, at least, he thought, with a quick sideways glance at her disagreeable friend. "Of course I do," he replied coyly, twirling a strand of his dark hair. He'd answered as if his confidence had faltered for a moment, but in fact, it had not. 

 

"Why would I say it if I didn't mean it? And they're not the only things..." he added, letting his eyes dart away for the briefest moment. A smile returned to his face. He was not above playing characters when the situation called for it.

 

Locke spun on his heels so that Reusririasuir was once again in his sights. "You know what? I'm just gonna call you R," he remarked, giving a sly wink in return.

 

Once again, the player's technical babbling went straight over his head, and he simply nodded and smiled. He didn't really care- all that mattered were the connections this would bring, and possibly the col. After all, pickpocketing and outright theft hadn't exactly been programmed into this game, which was crime in itself (in his humble opinion). But at the same time, social engineering? That was something that would always exist- intentionally, or not.

 

Wherever there's a human...

[Jynx 0]

I didn't know how to feel about Reu's comment. Of course we got along but then again he didn't sound so serious. I only nodded my head slowly with a confused expression and gave him a thumbs up. Psyche looked at me and we both shrugged in sync.

 

Jynx can be friends with idiots if she wants and leave too! But we do need each other. She's my rock and I'm her roll. 

 

Psyche made me smile at that dumb but sincere and sweet comment. She had her moments though right now Psyche was appearing and sounding to be pretty serious. 

 

When did I ever give you permission to use my real name?!

 

I patted Psyche's head to calm her down. She sighed and turned her head away from Zeri and slouched, taking her arms off her hip and my shoulder to cross them over her chest.

 

J-Just don't mess with Psyche anymore.

 

I stuttered in reply to Zeri who was a little close to me than most people except for Psyche got. Psyche noticed this and pinched the back of my neck but I was still blushing and grinning awkwardly. Once a habit always a habit. And my habit was getting flustered like a fool at the smallest of things.

 

She is! Psyche's the funniest girl I know plus is really popular.

 

The girl gave me and gentle nudge instead of a rough one to let me know that she enjoyed the compliment. I was dead on because Psyche was extremely popular and always had more friends than I did. They just needed to understand how she took a while to get used to other players. She was especially hostile in this game out of fear of me getting hurt and dying. If she died Psyche knew nobody would be there to comfort or protect me. 

 

Locke's comment made my whole face turn red. I was really liking the words he said though. Psyche could care less but not because she didn't like compliments or because she was tough it was because Psyche just couldn't care less. I bet on the inside she was thinking 'Awww' for me but for her Psyche wasn't interested in any males. Though if I placed a boy she liked in Locke's place she'd be as red as I could ever get which always looked silly on her light skin.

 

Reu can see our name's now we're working together.

 

I answered to Zeri who seemed nervous because the player knew our names and levels.

 

Can we go now?

 

Psyche moaned.

 

This is boring~