SP - F6 Frozen Redux <<Calming the Soul>> (Completed)

[Calrex 0]

"Should I be coming here?"

 

It was starting to grow late in the afternoon in the Amazon settlement when a bright blue light appeared in front of the portal. As the light died a young man appeared out of it, landing on the ground. He was of fair skin with dark blue hair, wearing a red top underneath a blue jacket with black pants. On his wrists were a pair of wristguards possibly made out of stone with a sword sitting on the back of his hip, the handle pointing out from his right side.

 

Calrex gave a deep breath as he looked around the settlement. Since it was getting close to the evening time many of the players were beginning to return to the settlement. It was getting close to the time when the lack of light would become a hindrance in battle. Plus supposedly more deadly monsters would start spawning.

 

"Alright, going from the information that I was told I'm supposed to look for a location called the Waterfall of the Sage. Guess I'd best get moving before it gets too late."

 

With that Calrex left the gates of Amazon as he headed for the treeline. As he did he paused for a second as he recognized a specific area, walking over to it.

 

It was the piece of field where he had dueled <<Gemini>>, the clone of him that provided him with the Disguise ability upon its defeat. He stared at the area for a few seconds, remembering some of the words that it said as they exchanged blows.

 

A lot of self-analyzing, figuring out how to respond...I might be a copy but I feel I'm more genuine that you've even been...

 

Contemplating your next action? Man you are meticulous. Does every step you take have to have some plan in mind?

 

I guess we've really gotten lost as to who we are now aren't we?

 

Come on, aren't you the one that should be the most in tune with yourself? All that time trying to suppress your emotions, so handle the situation as calmly as you could, to respond with the correct answer in order to achieve the most suitable outcome, what do you think it'll come to? Look at yourself, you don't even know what your normal emotion is!

 

"Gh!"

 

Calrex reached up and put a hand against his head as he felt the memories standing to flood his conscious, taking a few breaths to calm himself.

 

"It's been only a short period of time since the battle, no doubt the memories are still fresh. Nonetheless I need to keep moving."

 

With that he made his way towards the edge of the forest.

[Calrex 0]

As Calrex made his way through the forest he kept his sword in a reverse grip. He knew that the monsters in this area had a rainforest theme to them, and he wanted to avoid any conflict before he reached the waterfall. Especially the spiders, for reasons he had pointed out to himself before.

 

"Alright, so the only thing I didn't get from what I've found out is the exact location of the waterfall. Is it some kind of special event or something like that?"

 

Right after that thought went through his mind Calrex turned his head towards something he had sensed. It was distant, but it seemed to beckon to him.

 

"Could be a trap for all I know, but I don't really have a choice at this point. I've gotta find out if this might be it?"

 

He gave a calming breath as he oriented his stance so that he was facing towards the area he was feeling the pull from, beginning to slowly make his way over. He checked his left and right as he continued stepping over large tree roots, small puddles of water, and the like. He would pause occasionally to avoid drawing the attention of the occasional creature, hiding behind a tree or crouching and laying low to the ground.

 

Eventually after some time winding his way forward the trees seemed part and form a kind of shrine, encapsulating the edge of the area in a half circle. At the other end was a fairly large yet skinny waterfall which had a large pool of water at its base. Floating on the water were a series of flat rocks that appeared to not have been even worn down by the passage of time.

 

"Is this where I need to be?"

 

Calrex sheathed his sword as he approached the rocks, looking left and right. The sight was definitely a serene setting, once that made it almost to appear to be a safe zone. He moved over to the water's edge, carefully stepping onto one of the many rocks that were floating around. Even when he put his weight on it the rock didn't seem to be influenced by it, remaining completely stable.

 

"Alright, well supposedly I'm supposed to meditate and focus on the waterfall. Well, here it goes."

 

He sat down in a cross legged position, resting his hands on his thighs, looking over at the waterfall.

 

"Some said there you will face your demons during this quest. Not sure how much that will apply to me since I can't think of any demons I would have."

[Calrex 0]

Calrex gave a calming breath as he slowly closed his eyes, trying to focus on the waterfall as he continued to think.

 

"Dangit, why can't I focus?"

 

I guess we've really gotten lost as to who we are now aren't we?

 

"Gh..."

 

As he tried to focus his memories continued to pass through of when he fought <<Gemini>>. As he continued to try and put those memories to the side a shadow could be seen in the waterfall being formed. It seemed to be progressing at a slow rate, at this current point and time just a small ball.

 

"Why is it these memories are coming back now? I thought I had properly dealt with them after completing the fi...gh!"

 

Now his focus had transitioned from the <<Gemini>> battle to when he first found Teayre after her first attempt at finding a familiar. He could recall the tears streaming out of her eyes from the fear of being killed, how she gently took out her anger at him for almost being killed in his battle. How she made him promise to never die on her, and how he made her promise not to die on him. He could recall one main point, the fear and worry he had felt during that time, and how it seemed to almost douse any hope he had in him.

 

At this point the shadow's progress seemed to speed up slightly as it began to take in more and more mass, now a large oval that was beginning to take a shape.

 

"These memories too...why?..."

 

The next set of memories came in, these ones now recalling his battle with the stone golem in order to obtain his martial arts skill. It seemed to focus from a different perspective though, a perspective on him rather than through his eyes. It showed him when his eyes were dimmed, and his eerily calm breathing came out, how to seemed to give him the strength to keep fighting.

 

At this point the shadow had taken a more human form, forming arms and legs and even a head. At this point Calrex's eyes were partially open, but they were not seeing the scenery. They were still focused on his memories

 

"That was me...but still why..."

[Calrex 0]

The next vision didn't come from Calrex's memories. It seemed to be almost like a premonition, coming to him from his own perspective. It seemed to be a boss raid, as there were tons of players to both his left and right as he looked around. He had apparently been knocked down as he was slowly getting to his feet, his vision hazy from some kind of shell shock. As he got to his feet someone was running up to him to help him to his feet.

 

It was Oikawa, and he seemed to be clad in even stronger armor than he remembered him wearing before. He had a brave face on as he pulled Calrex up, but looked in surprise as he all of a sudden was hit from the side and sent flying. As he flew Calrex saw the familiar signs of death as his avatar disappeared into a series of crystals.

 

"Why..."

 

As if that were some kind of cue all of a sudden crystals seemed to disperse from all sides of him, players dying left and right around him at an alarming rate. It was as if all of them were struck by a single attack that had killed them on the spot. A loud roar could be heard as he tried to look upwards at the boss creature, but his vision was blurry and he could only make out the looming shadow. His vision redirected as he saw a single pair of footsteps coming towards him.

 

As his eyes fell straight ahead he could make out one figure. Teayre...she was limping towards him. She was also clad in armor that appeared to be from much higher floors than he was accustomed to, and her broken weapon in her hand appeared to be a katana. Calrex extended a hand as if to try and reach her as she fell to her knees, looking up at him before giving him a smile and some words.

 

"So...close..."

 

Behind her Calrex saw a shadow closing in, an attack that seemed to be aiming at killing them.

 

"Why...why am I seeing this?..."

 

At this moment the shadow had seemed to solidify in its form as it appeared to begin moving towards the outside of the waterfall, as if someone were on the other side crossing underneath the beating rapids.

 

"Just what are you trying to show me?..."

 

Calrex's eyes shifted back to where he was in front of the waterfall as he regained control of his senses. He could feel his cheek was wet as he reached up with his hands, wiping off what appeared to be a stream of tears.

[Calrex 0]

"Oh, we finally get to see a little behind the mask! What a treat!"

 

"What?"

 

Calrex got to his feet as he looked over towards the waterfall. The shadow seemed to emerge from underneath, its features now becoming visible. It looked exactly like him, only its hair was jet black and seemed to have a large smirk on his face.

 

"What in the world are you..."

 

"You don't seem to remember, and even with all that you've been though. It's kind of a shame actually."

 

"...Another clone..."

 

"Tsk tsk tsk, close but no cigar Calrex. You might be right, I am another generated 'copy' just like the one you fought recently, but me, well, I'm different. You see I'm the embodiment of everything you fear, everything that you try to keep hidden."

 

As the clone spread its arms the scenery drastically changed. The waterfall seemed to freeze over as a wave shot out from hit, turning the entirety of the immediate area into a frozen wasteland. Calrex drew his sword, preparing for a fight.

 

"Well if you're anything like the last one I'll take you just like before."

 

"Oh I'm sure you're gonna try to do that, don't worry."

 

"Why does he seem to confident? It seems even more so than <<Gemini>> was."

 

"Let's spice things up shall we?"

 

Calrex watched as the black haired clone of him reached down and picked up a small piece of ice, crushing it in his hands and blowing it towards him, the ice crystals forming a small cloud that traveled over to him.

 

Queue Mortal Danger Theme

 

All of a sudden a quick movement came from the cloud that forced Calrex to block, feeling the force of an impact as he looked at the thing that had just attacked him. As the cloud began to clear he was able to make out bits of the figure. First was the ice blue sword that had crossed his as it trailed back, revealing hands, then arms, chest, then a head. The person standing across from him had fair skin and dark blue hair, and as he raised his head to look at Calrex it gave an eerily calm breath. It's eyes were dimmed out, as if they had lost all hope, all light. Calrex was looking at himself when he had fought the golem.

 

He quickly leapt back, righting himself as he faced the two opponents. The black haired Calrex gave a smirk as he drew a sword of his own, the "cold" Calrex pointing his sword at Calrex as if to mirror Calrex's own stance.

 

"Now, let the dance begin."

 

Battle Start

 

HP List

Calrex: 19/19

 

Enemies:

Mirror Calrex: 10/10

Dark Calrex: 1010

[Calrex 0]

Note: Order will be Mirror Calrex, then Calrex, then Dark Calrex. IDs will be made in pairs. The first will be the Mob Dice for Mirror Calrex, then the second ID will be for Calrex and Dark Calrex

 

ID: 12463

Mob Dice: 3 (Evasion +1) = 2

 

ID: 12464

Battle Dice: 7

Mob Dice: 9 (Evasion +1) = 8 (+1 Damage)

 

Immediately after Dark Calrex stopped talking Mirror Calrex rushed in to try and get a strike on Calrex, leaping forward to perform a similar leaping vertical slash as the one he had used from behind the cover of the cloud. As he got into striking distance Calrex immediately responded by blocking it with a horizontal block angled to the side to disperse the momentum to the side. As the two swords clashed Mirror Calrex's slash was carried to the side. At that time Calrex too the opportunity to follow up with a slash of his own. He closed in and managed to connect, his blade slamming into Mirror Calrex's gut. He stepped forward, preparing to follow through and deliver a devastating slash.

 

Unfortunately right as he stepped he saw Dark Calrex already in front of him, stepping to the side and performing a similar attack on Calrex, slamming his blade into his stomach. However, this blow immediately redirected all momentum Calrex had built up and threw it against him as Dark Calrex completed the swing, sending him flying back.

 

"Guah!"

 

Calrex rolled for a second before he kicked up onto his feet, pointing his blade at the two clones of him. He gave a calming breath as he focused. At the same time the Mirror Calrex righted itself, maintaining the same eerily calm breath as if it were on a tape recorder. Dark Calrex kept the same smirk as he readied his blade.

 

HP List

Calrex: 17/19

 

Enemies:

Mirror Calrex: 6/10

Dark Calrex: 10/10

[Calrex 0]

The battle continued on as Calrex went on the defensive against Mirror Calrex and Dark Calrex began their combined attack on him. He was surprised as their attacks seemed to flow into each other, at points the two clones leaping over each other as they built momentum to try and overwhelm his guard. A few times Calrex tried to get a counter strike in with a quick jab or stab, but each one was quickly flicked out of the way by another strike from the two clones.

 

The entire time Mirror Calrex was continuing its eerily calm breathing, even when it began to perform highly taxing maneuvers like rolling over Dark Calrex's back as he brought his sword around. Eventually after some time the two both did a quick 360 rotation in different directions, crossing their swords as they tried an X slash on Calrex. Calrex quickly flipped his sword in reverse as he pointed the blade towards the ground, reinforcing the guard with his free hand. The X slash crashed into his guard as Calrex held the guard as hard as he could. Eventually the three swords locked as he stabbed his sword tip into the ground to reinforce the guard.

 

"So Calrex, do you know what it is you fear?"

 

"What are you talking about?"

 

"Your darkest fear, you mean you don't know?"

 

Calrex kicked his sword forward, knocking both of the clone's swords upwards as he leapt back, "I don't know what you mean. Of course I have fears just like anyone else."

 

Dark Calrex gave a smirk as he pointed his sword at Calrex, "Yes of course, do you know your darkest fear?"

 

"What?"

 

Calrex looked over as Mirror Calrex rushed in, delivering a quick slash as he dodged to the side, standing up after sliding a few feet. As Mirror Calrex continued to try and strike Calrex, Dark Calrex continued to to speak, "Come on think man! Think! Why do you put on those masks of emotion? Why do you plan your every step? Why do you control yourself like a puppet?!"

 

Calrex deflected another strike from Mirror Calrex only to see another strike come from Dark Calrex, who locked swords with him, "You my friend are afraid what you are capable of."

 

Calrex gave a smirk as he knocked Dark Calrex back, "Just what nonsense are you spouting out? Who wouldn't be afraid of that?"

 

"Oh no, you are most correct, so let me ask then, why is it YOUR greatest fear?"

[Calrex 0]

ID: 12496

Mob Dice: 6 (Evasion +1) = 5

 

ID: 12497

Battle Dice: 10 (+2 Damage)

Mob Dice: 7 (Evasion +1) = 6

 

Calrex gave a calming breath as he kept his eyes on both Mirror Calrex and Dark Calrex as he prepared himself for any attacks. Mirror Calrex rushed in first, trying to deliver a spiraling strike. Luckily enough Calrex saw the attack's windup, deflecting the incoming strike while sidestepping the rest of the attack, leaping to the side. As he got clear he turned and saw Dark Calrex come at him, delivering a diagonal cut towards his left shoulder. The attack left a shallow cut across Calrex. At the same time Calrex quickly executed a Plum Blossom flourish, delivering a series of cuts on Dark Calrex, who were gave a smirk as he leapt back.

 

"Let me ask you Calrex, what would you do should Teayre fall into danger?"

 

"I'd protect her, simple."

 

"A simple answer, then how about this?"

 

Dark Calrex gave a wave of his hand towards a random chunk of ice. Within a few seconds the ice began to shift and crack, forming into a statue, or more accurately a scene. It was Teayre falling under attack by a random player, the attacker's blade about to fall.

 

"Simple, I'd do what was necessary, and if it came to it I'd end that players life..."

 

"Just what is this guy getting at? Why would he think this to be my greatest fear?"

 

As if in response to Calrex's question the ice sculpture of the player reacted as if it took a critical blow, dissipating into ice crystals. Dark Calrex gave a smirk, as if expecting his answer. At the same time he moved his hand once again, this time even more sculptures appearing around the Teayre statue.

 

"And this?"

 

"My answer does not change."

 

This exchange seemed to continue on, with Dark Calrex adding more and more ice sculptures to the equation, with Calrex simply confirming his answer from before. Each time Dark Calrex's smirk seemed to grow a little bit bigger and bigger.

 

"Are we finished?"

 

"Just one more question. What would you do here?"

 

This time the Teayre statue got to her feet, her falchion in hand, as if ready to fight. The ice sculpture formed once again, but this time if formed into a sculpture...of himself. Even though the figure was made of ice Calrex could make out the details of what he saw. His sword was at the ready, his mouth positioned as if to breath calmly, his eyes merely shadows. Calrex clenched his teeth as he looked at the scene.

 

HP List

Calrex: 16/19

 

Enemies:

Mirror Calrex: 6/10

Dark Calrex: 4/10

[Calrex 0]

"Well Calrex, what's your answer? Would you be able to protect Teayre from yourself?"

 

As if frozen in time Calrex remained still as he tried to get a grip on himself.

 

"Why is this bugging me? I should have an answer to this..."

 

Dark Calrex continued to give his smirk as he walked over to the scene, leaning on the Calrex statue, "You see Calrex, you are right. You have a strange, almost inhuman control over your emotions. Like you've said before you put up masks and plan out your every step in order to survive. But..."

 

"That situation will never happen..."

 

"What?"

 

Queue Frozen Over Theme (Not exactly the correct situation, but it applies better here than the normal theme)

 

Calrex gave a calming breath as he felt his thoughts come together. As if something clicked in his head he began to understand why Dark Calrex and Mirror Calrex were here, why this quest existed.

 

"Calming the Soul, of course that why they're here. Tch well then in all honesty I feel like I finally found a quest that was actually a bad match for me, even if the reward seems to fall in line with my particular methods.

 

"Now I understand why this is happening. Now I know why you're coming up with my 'greatest fear'...Why that fear doesn't seem to add up in my head."

 

Calrex looked up at Dark Calrex, now with a smirk on his face.

 

"This is supposed to be some way of picking my brain isn't it? A way of 'confronting my fears' and emerging a better person. Trust me, I've seen this more than enough times in my experience to recognize it. To be honest, I feel like my fight with <<Gemini>> had a lot more development on my character than this one."

 

As if confused and partially irritated at this new development Dark Calrex's smirk disappeared, the ice sculptures dissipating as he drew his sword once again. His eyes squinted as the irises seemed to glow redder and redder. Mirror Calrex looked over at Dark Calrex before pointing his sword at Calrex as well.

 

Calrex flipped his sword into reverse as he partially sheathed it into its scabbard, stepping back into his modified iaido stance, giving a few calming breaths as he focused on the two of them.

[Calrex 0]

ID: 12541

Mob Dice: 3 (Evasion +1) = 2

 

ID: 12542

Battle Dice: 8

Mob Dice: 1 (Evasion +1) = 0

Loot Dice: 7 (Search and Detect +1) = 8

 

Calrex gave a few calming breaths as he kept his eyes on both of the clones, his leg muscles coiled like a spring ready to shoot out. Mirror Calrex was the first to rush at him, performing a leaping strike to try and take advantage of the fact that both of Calrex's arms were on his lower body. The clone cleared five feet as it's flight path drew it closer and closer. However right as it brought its blade down Calrex did his familiar side step, the blade slamming into the ice where he was.

 

At the same Calrex drew his sword, slamming it into Mirror Calrex once more like a baseball swing. As he did he stepped forward, hurling Mirror Calrex back towards Dark Calrex, "Get lost you copy..."

 

Mirror Calrex few a few feet and rolled across the ground before stopping a few feet away from Dark Calrex, dissipating into crystals. Calrex was expecting the crystals to disperse like a mist, but instead they seemed to flow into Dark Calrex, who responded by giving a smirk, his sword pointed at Calrex. He brought his sword back as he rushed forward, now apparently moving even faster than he did before. Luckily the ice seemed to make him lose control as he slipped and slid across the frozen ground. Calrex stood up straight and stepped to the side as Dark Calrex slid past him.

 

"I'm not some kid trying to find himself and needing to find the answers to any questions I have. I found the answers myself a long time ago. I never had need for something like you."

 

Calrex turned, twirling his sword in a Plum Blossom flourish before pointing it down at Dark Calrex. Dark turned and got to his feet, standing up straight before crossing his sword with Calrex's, the two appearing as if they were preparing to duel. Calrex gave a calming breath as the two turned their swords upwards, forming an X.

 

"You used this landscape to try and reflect what's in my mind right? Then perfect, because then this wasteland will be your final resting place."

 

Loot List:

40 Col

1 Material

 

HP List

Calrex: 16/19

 

Enemies:

Mirror Calrex: 0/10

Dark Calrex: 9/10 (Healed 5 HP after Mirror Calrex's defeat)

[Calrex 0]

After a few seconds of stunning silence the two fighters began their attacks. Calrex broke the lock by jumping back while Dark Calrex decided to go in for an attack, thrusting forward from below to strike at Calrex's head. Calrex followed the momentum of his land by handspring flipping backwards, landing and leaping forward, slamming his sword into Dark Calrex's. Dark Calrex smirkedas he leapt back, using a Raiz kick followed by a moon kick to gain some distance between himself and Calrex before he rushed forward again.

 

Calrex flipped his sword into reverse as Dark Calrex approached, bringing it across his body, point facing back towards the same side as his sword arm. His free hand came underneath and rested on the hilt just above the sword hand. As Dark Calrex threw his slash Calrex threw his body forward, his sword impacting Dark Calrex's. Using the momentum of the strike to keep the sword interlocked he rotated his sword around so that the point was facing towards his free arm. At the same time he stepped forward past Dark Calrex's sword. During this step he brought his sword across his body and back towards his free side, the sword weaving around Dark Calrex's sword and coming down at his throat.

 

Dark watched at the strike came, leaning back before going into a back ground roll, kicking out and getting to his feet. He turned to face Calrex, stepping back a few feet to be out of striking distance, "So...is that it Calrex? Nothing left to say?"

 

"A few years ago, maybe, not now. I don't need to discover anything new about myself and I'm not afraid to face and understand whatever things that come my way."

 

Calrex rasied his sword, stepping into a horizontal stance, his sword arm across his body with the point aimed towards Dark Calrex, "If there was any darkness in my heart, I've confronted it a long time ago..."

[Calrex 0]

ID: 12550

Battle Dice: 9 (+1 Damage)

Mob Dice: 8 (Evasion +1) = 7

 

Calrex rushed forward, taking small steps to maintain control while building momentum as he rushed at Dark Calrex, who remained still, sword at the ready. As Calrex drew into striking range he did a quick jabbing slash, cutting Calrex's arm while Calrex did a full force stab, piecing Dark Calrex in the shoulder. After connecting with it he stepped to the side, reinforcing his grip with his free hand as he pulled his sword out to the side, doing a full 180 spin so that he was facing Dark Calrex once again.

 

At this point something strange began to happen. As Dark Calrex recovered from the blow it seemed like his form was starting to distort and become clouded, as if whatever he was using to remain in his form was beginning to wear down. "So...you said you confronted your darkness...how do you know you defeated it?..."

 

Calrex gave a calming sigh as he straightened himself, "I didn't defeat it. There's no way for me to fully conquer the darkness in my heart, it will always try to take hold again and again. I know it will always be there. But..."

 

He moved into a different stance this time, with his back partially facing forward. As he did he raised his sword in a reverse grip, his free hand at the base of the hilt. The sword's tip pointed to the side, with Calrex looking over at Dark Calrex from the side of his vision, "...that doesn't mean I can't keep it in check. Every time it comes back I will beat it down again."

 

HP List

Calrex: 15/19

 

Enemies:

Dark Calrex: 4/10

[Calrex 0]

Calrex gave a calming breath in his new stance before he rushed forward. He dropped his body low as he got into striking range, the sword point trained on Dark Calrex's head as he thrust upwards, aiding the attack's momentum with his free hand pushed against the pommel. As his blade was just about to strike Dark Calrex he batted the strike aside with his own sword, preparing a thrust toward's Calrex's head.

 

Since he was still partially facing backwards Calrex dropped his body, rolling away before getting to his feet, prepared for a followup attack. Dark Calrex had rushed forward to try and deliver a barrage of slashes, but each slash was easily parried by Calrex as he weaved his sword side to side, knocking each strike to the side with a strike of his own. Afterwards Calred knocked Dark Calrex's sword upwards as he flipped his sword into a hammer grip, aiming to stab at Dark Calrex's exposed chest. However Dark Calrex followed the momentum of the parry, going into a backflip as he landed a few feet away.

 

"How interesting, you believe that you can keep your darkness under control as well. How long do you believe you will be able to keep that up? Months? Years? Centuries? You won't be the same person. You won't be as strong down the line. Everyone eventually caves. Eventually, everyone gives in..."

 

Calrex gave a silent nod, "You're right, there may come a day when that happens I'll address that as well. Until then I won't concern myself with unknown variables. I'll only do what I can where I am, and that starts with defeating you."

[Calrex 0]

ID: 12561

Battle Dice: 4

Mob Dice: 5 (Evasion +1) = 4

 

The two Calrexs rushed in at each other once again, connecting blow after blow on each others' blades, with neither seeming to gain an upper hands. At one point it looked like Dark Calrex was going to score a hit when he managed to slam Calrex's sword point into the ice, but as he prepared to a followup strike Calrex quickly grasped his sword and retrieved it while leaping to the side, rolling a few times to gain some distance between him and Dark Calrex before recovering and resuming his assault.

 

At the same time Calrex almost got in an attack when he successfully knocked Dark Calrex's blade out of his hands and into the air. However as Calrex readied to strike Dark Calrex leapt up into the air, front flipping as he caught his sword and landing a few feet away. Dark Calrex turned to face Calrex, his blade pointed at him while lowering his stance.

 

"Well, it seems that you've really found your own answer."

 

"And it seems like you're still talking."

 

"Then I guess there is really nothing left to say then..."

 

The two fighters readied themselves once again, a brief silence occurring before they rushed forward once again.

 

HP List

Calrex: 15/19

 

Enemies:

Dark Calrex: 4/10

[Calrex 0]

Calrex rushed forward, executing a front flip as he brought his sword around in a downward slash at Dark Calrex. As the strike came down Dark Calrex easily stepped to the side, dodging the blow as Calrex's blade slammed into the ice. Immediately after making the attack Calrex leapt back to help bring his sword out of the ground as Dark Calrex tried to quickly slash him. As Calrex landed on his feet after gaining some distance between the two of them he gave a couple of breaths of air to try and calm himself.

 

"Darn it. I forgot the fact that even though I've got more strength now these things are still computer generated and have no need for stamina. Meanwhile I'm still going to be winded after a certain amount of time."

 

As if he noticed Calrex's exhaustion Dark Calrex's smirk returned to his face, although some of it was hidden by the black flamelike mist that surrounded him. Calrex righted himself as he pointed his sword at Dark Calrex, giving another calming breath.

 

"So...getting worn out are we?"

 

"I thought you said there was nothing left to say."

 

"You kidding? I'll always have something to say. It juuust depends on whether you're going to listen."

 

"Tch."

 

Dark Calrex flicked his sword in a circle before he rushed forward, slamming his blade into Calrex's, locking them together. Calrex tried to shift his sword left or right to try and break the lock, but Dark Calrex's attack seemed to have him temporarily frozen in place.

 

"Of come now, I'm a part of you too. Why don't you listen to this part of yourself?"

 

"Simple, because I don't have and don't want to. Thank you very much."

 

"Very well..."

 

Dark Calrex released the blade lock as he stepped back a few paces before fully turning around and walking back until he was the same distance from Calrex as before. He lowered his stance as he faced Calrex, his sword arm across to his free arm's side, his free hand on top of the blade. His legs coiled up like springs. It was some version of an iaido stance, much like the one Calrex usually uses.

 

"I'll just force you to listen then..."

 

Calrex flipped his sword into reverse as he partially sheathed it, lowering his stance in response, going into his modified iaido stance.

[Calrex 0]

ID: 12569

Battle Dice: 3

Mob Dice: 8 (Evasion +1) = 7

 

The two Calrexs remained still for a few moments before they rushed at each other, both drawing their swords at the same time. Unfortunately the result did not fall in Calrex's favor. As he drew his blade, Dark Calrex already had managed to make a shallow cut across his body, the moving past each other and stepping a few paces before stopping.

 

"Gh..."

 

Dark Calrex gave a smirk as he turned himself around, "What was all that talk about this place going to be my grave? It seems like a fairly even match now."

 

Calrex quickly turned pointed his sword at Dark Calrex, "Don't get cocky. This fight isn't over yet. I will finish you off and complete this quest."

 

"Hm? Very well then, see if you can."

 

HP List

Calrex: 14/19

 

Enemies:

Dark Calrex: 4/10

[Calrex 0]

It seemed like the battle had taken a shift in terms of type. Now instead of constantly rushing at each other in an attempt to overwhelm the other the two Calrex's began performing a series of quick draw clashes as they dashed left and right across the ice, their attacks slamming into each other without either beginning to gain the upper hand. Calrex had continued to use his modified iaido stance, his draw attacks mainly coming from his sheath in a reverse grip. Meanwhile Dark Calrex had continued to use his own version of it, his free hand resting about halfway down the blade, the sword point aimed behind him.

 

After about ten clashes Calrex stepped back, taking a calming breath as he focused on Dark Calrex, "Just stay focused and this guy will go down."

 

His eyes quickly scanned Dark Calrex's stance, searching for an opening. He was using his right hand, his free hand fr...

 

Calrex realized an opening that he had yet to exploit, resheathing his sword once again, stepping back into an iaido stance. Only this time he had twisted his body slightly so that his left hand could reach his sword hilt from the front. He coiled his leg muscles once again, preparing for Dark Calrex's move

 

"Just one more hit. That's all I need..."

[Calrex 0]

ID: 12572

Battle Dice: 8

Mob Dice: 1 (Evasion +1) = 0

Loot Dice: 2 (Search and Detect +1) = 3

 

There was a chilling silence between the two Calrexs as they remained crouched in their particular fighting stances. Calrex gave a calming breath as he steeled his senses, his eyes remaining locked on Dark Calrex's movements. Dark Calrex appeared to do the same, his black flamelike mist seeming to rage as he moved. What felt like minutes passed as the two stared each other down, an icy mist blowing across the frozen wasteland.

 

The silence was broken by Dark Calrex, who had decided to strike first as he rushed forward, giving a smirk as he speedily moved across the frozen ground. Unfortunately this action would be the mark of his downfall, as the speed he had built up resulted in him slipping once again, sliding speedily towards Calrex.

 

Calrex watched as this happened, switching his sword hand from his left back to his right as Dark Calrex slid closer and closer to him. Finally when he got into striking range Calrex drew his sword in a reverse grip, lifting it up high and coming down, stabbing through Dark Calrex. After that Calrex retracted his sword, flicking it before returning it to his sheath, "Like I said, this place will be your grave."

 

"Gh...like I said before, you can fight back the darkness forever...I'll look forward to...the next time we meet...heh..."

 

With that Dark Calrex dissolved into the black mist as it dispersed through the area, returning Calrex back from the wasteland to the Waterfall of the Sage. In front of him he watched as a loot screen appeared in front of him, showing that he had obtained the <<Meditation>> skill. Calrex nodded as he accepted the drop, giving a sigh of relief.

 

"Alright, now it's time to head back to the Amazon settlement."

 

Loot List:

Meditation Skill Unlocked

15 Col

1 Material

 

HP List

Calrex: 14/19

 

Enemies:

Dark Calrex: 0/10

[Calrex 0]

Calrex righted himself and made sure all of his equipment was secure before he gave one last look at the Waterfall of the Sage, giving a small sigh to himself.

 

"It seems like this would definitely be a good place to come and meditate when I need it, but man that psychological junk was kind of annoying. You'd think after the Gemini quest people might be a little bored of it. Nonetheless it made for a good self-reflection type of thing. I hope anyone else that takes it find the journey useful."

 

He turned and went back into the forest, making sure to keep his body crouched to not attract any unwanted attention from other creatures within the trees. He continued making his way, stepping over enlarged roots and small puddles of water just like before as he navigated his way back through to the forest clearing. As he emerged he dusted himself off of any leaves and other things that might have gotten stuck on him during the trip.

 

"The darkness inside me...I guess I'll never really fully understand what kind of darkness he was referring to. I can't really say that I have no darkness inside me, but as to what I can't really say. Maybe the game was having trouble figuring that out as well."

 

As he continued across the field just outside of the Amazon settlement he made his way to the gate. The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, meaning that Calrex had been locked in combat all of the night. At the least the monsters didn't get a chance to attack him during that time. As he reached the gate however he stopped and turned, looking back at the spot where he had fought <<Gemini>>. Calrex looked away for a second before giving a sigh, walking over to the patch of ground.

[Calrex 0]

Calrex stopped as he reached the patch of grass where <<Gemini>> had fallen in their battle, kneeling down and placing a hand on it.

 

"Guess I have something to thank this game for after all. If it hadn't been for this battle I might've actually fallen for the tricks in that quest and possibly been killed."

 

He gave a sigh as he looked around the area. The sun had finally come out from the horizon, beginning its ascent towards the middle of the sky. Because of that the light was now filling the field, shining through the edge of the trees as it illuminated the outer edges of the forest. As it rose slightly further it began to illuminate the gates of the Amazon settlement. It was the beginning of a new day within Aincrad, and Calrex was ready for it.

 

He got to his feet, dusting off his pants as he gave one last look at the resting place of <<Gemini>> before he turned and proceeded through the Amazon settlement, making straight for the portal. As he arrived he pulled down his menu, calling up the first floor as he entered it.

 

"Alright, let's get moving..."

 

With that he disappeared in a flash of blue light.