[PP-F1] Confusion and Parties (Flints, Emerath) - Complete!

[Endilix 0]

Endilix couldn't help but smile in response to Flints ending up behind him, axe at his throat. He took his hammer, and pushed away the blade with the head of it, "No, I won't fight you. Not at this level. Maybe later." He did a turn after giving himself just enough room to maneuver so that he was face to face with the smaller woman, the curves of the axe now on the back of his neck. Endilix had no intention of pulling away, but that didn't mean he couldn't turn around. He looked Flints over, still crouched on the table. He looked deep into the woman's eyes with a bit of a glare.

In the heat of it all, Endilix failed to note how close they were, but he was registering it now. Was it a rush of adrenaline, or a rush of passion that the man was feeling as he crouched low on the table, axe blade at his back, hammer in his hand, mere inches away from a woman he hardly knew and wasn't sure what to think of. "What do you want exactly?" he found himself asking, though the words rang in his ears from far away. Blood pumped through his body and he realized that if this were anywhere outside of the safe zone, he could actually be dead. A few images flashed through his mind of his brother, of Teion, of the life they all lead in real life. A life they may never get back. A life he couldn't get back if he died here.

This was Endilix's new life. This danger. This world. People like her, like Flints. People he could make real friends with, real connections. Real people in a fantasy world. Real people who could actually end his life. Endilix thought he should pull away. It was a safe zone, her axe wouldn't hurt him. But he found that he didn't want to. Nobody else had ever challenged Endilix in this way. Not even his brother. His brother would always eventually give in. Endilix was a bit scared of the knowledge that he could have died here. But it was a good life lesson. There will always be someone faster. Someone bigger. Someone smarter. Endilix had not expected any of those things from Flints.

After an what felt like an eternity of staring at the woman who threatened his life, Endilix eventually came forward, placing an arm on Flints and positioning her with just enough room to climb off the table. As his feet hit the ground, he dropped his hammer and smiled at the woman, before saying, "You win. I'm dead. But I get one wish before I die." And then Endilix gave Flints a hug.

[Flints 0]

"Did you not think I would defend myself?" She snarled from the other end of her Axe. "I'm no kitten, Endilix. I'm a lion." Flints watched as her turned to face her, her eyes locked onto his and she did not faulter in her stance. Her body taut, waiting for his next move. A pose any warrior would be proud of. But suddenly he rested his hand amongst her shoulder, and lead himself off of the counter, it wobbled from the sudden removal of stress on its old oak body.

"A wish? Okay, what do you wi-" but before she could finish the thought his arms were around her, until that moment Flints hadn't actually let herself look clearly at Endilix, his warm scent enveloped her as he pulled her into him she suddenly realized how small she was against him. How silly it must have looked that she challenged such a stronger human. She felt his muscular frame in the embrace realizing even more that she was probably too feisty for her own good. She pulled him closer letting her ridged frame relax. She dropped her axe and it clanged loudly against the ground.

"This is how I die" she thought as she finally closed her eyes for the first time in Sao.

[Endilix 0]

Endilix had expected Flints to fight him. To growl, snarl and pull away. But she didn't, instead her axe clattered to the floor with a clang and her arms were wrapped around Endilix in a return of the hug. He was a bit stunned, but that quickly subsided as a bit of redness came to his cheeks. I can't believe this actually worked. he thought to himself with a bit of astonishment. That was about when he realized that he could feel her warmth, smell a scent that wasn't his own. "I have no idea what led me to you." Endilix said, still holding the woman, "But in this kind of a world, we have to stick together. Are you all that eager to die? I won't let that happen. I wouldn't let that happen as soon as I saw you in the field, ready to fight something that could have killed you in one lucky strike. My heart skipped when I saw you stalking the boar. That was why I came to your aid."

[Flints 0]

Flints stood motionless in his arms yet the world around her spun. She listened quietly to the words he spoke but the sudden realization of her actions and the consequences they had on not only her life but the lives around her. She remembered. This wasn't a game anymore. She felt sick. The fact that her mind had rationalized killing anyone who challenged her, or rationalized the idea of harming others for self gain started to set in, for once in her life her body trembled. The weight of SAO Came crashing down on her. She could have died. She looked up at Endilix and held him tighter and he body became weaker she steadied herself trying to keep composure. 

"Maybe you're here to save me from myself.." Flints whispered, she didn't have to speak loudly since they were near eachother, she was glad because her voice gave out on her. She didn't know why she held onto him as long as she did. But he didn't seem to be letting go either. 

"Thank you Endilix. For saving me. I'll return the favor one day." The room finally stopped spinning she looked up from their little world they made between eachother and starred at the NPC. She remembered their joking about his strength and him being able to end them and suddenly she she tensed and growled at the NPC and blushed realizing he had been watching the whole affair. 

[Endilix 0]

Endilix pulled away from her only slightly to look down at her as she spoke. As she talked about saving her, Endilix turned an even brighter red. "I, no, that isn't it! I just..." but wasn't it true? He wouldn't have stepped in if the woman wasn't about to do something brash that could have a real impact on not only this world, but the real one. After staring at Flints for a moment, even as she looked at the NPC and growled, he realized something. "Just, make it up to me by staying alive. When we escape this place, you can make it up to me then, in the real world." Endilix looked over at the NPC, who had honestly just been staring at them waiting for input. He then looked back to Flints. "He means no harm," Endilix said with a chuckle."

Then Endilix's smile turned a bit devious, "By the way. I'm pretty sure I've killed you at least once during that exchange. You have to pick a wish this time. I got mine."

[Flints 0]

Flints looked up at Endilix and smirked."Fine fine. Whatever you say Endilix!" she finally broke the embrace and picked up her Axe and  placed it back on her back with its blades resting on her shoulder blades like sharp wicked little wings. She turned to the NPC once more and looking him over before ignoring him completely again. "My wish? Hm..take me to meet your brother! So I can scare him like I scared you!" She laughed jokingly but the darkening sky didn't bade the amount of people in the city, if anything the place grew loud. She became as rigid as she was before, Flints watched shadows as they passed the windows and doors of the shop and suddenly she felt closed in. "I don't think we can hide in an armory all night..the town is bustling.." She backed herself against the counter wondering what exactly the darkness brought into town. 

[Endilix 0]

Endilix sighed a bit as he looked out the window, "Dark already?" He bent over and picked up his hammer, placing it in his straps and this time keeping a hand on it instinctively while he was around Flints. He turned and looked at her, "Alright, you can meet my brother. Though I don't make any promises as to how either of you will get along with the other." He could hear the hustle and bustle outside. The town usually was more lively at night. It just made Endilix think of his bar. He should've been working on stocking it and running it, but he was just too busy with all this other stuff. He gave a shrug as he looked over at Flints, "The town is coming back from exploring now that night has settled. But it's not like anything changes at night, as far as I know. The darkness can make it harder to fight I suppose, but it's not like the monsters get tougher."

[Flints 0]

"You make him sound like a horrible person!" She hissed playfully. Flints tip-toed to the door and opened it staring outside at the well lit town, loud noises of players and their parties settling in at bars, and homes, she thought about how wonderful a drink would be right now but better yet she should probably refrain. She wasn't very well at handling her liquor, she became more dangerous the more flushed she got. It was just a terrible mess. "To speak honesty I'd feel safer amongst the monsters than the players" she laughed nervously whilst trying to back away slowly from the door to kept from being noticed. 

Edited September 21, 2015 by Flints

[Endilix 0]

Endilix sighed, "He isn't a horrible person. He's just. Well, he's Emerath. It's hard to explain to people who don't know him. He's a bit stuck up, he does anything to get what he wants, and him and I argue a lot." Endilix watched as Flints looked outside and then came back from the door. Finally, Endilix came up behind her and then moved past her out the door. He saw the hustle and bustle around him of players going this way and that, but nothing dangerous. He turned back to Flints inside, "C'mon, nothing to worry about. If it's outside the city you want, then let's go. Just don't do anything silly." He held out a hand for the woman and pointed to a nearby city gate.

[Flints 0]

Flints cocked her head wondering more and more about Emerath. Knowing herself too well she would probably end up fighting with him. But curiosity had its strong grip on her. "Me silly? Why whatever do you mean!" flints took Endilix's hand and followed him blindly into the city. She wasn't sure why she wanted to leave, but she wasn't one to fight her instincts. 

She watched as the city's night glow danced before her, surprisingly a lot of shops opened up more at night. As if to tempt the players into them. "It's a trap" she whispered to herself almost laughing at the thought of a safe zone being as dangerous as she made it out to be. But at least she was with Endilix and that made her feel a little more at ease. 

[Endilix 0]

Endilix held onto Flints hand as he made his way to the nearby gate in a bit of a hurry. As he did so, he opened his menu with his free hand and popped up a message from his brother. He took a read and saw that Emerath was wondering where he was. Endilix quickly set out to sending a one handed reply, "I'm going to the north gate. I have a friend. Meet me there. And don't screw this up." 

As Endilix sent off the message he looked back to Flints who was nervously eyeing the city lights and shops. The girl was so very curious to Endilix. "Everything ok? My brother is going to meet us at the North Gate we're headed towards. At least I hope he will."

Edited September 22, 2015 by Endilix

[Emerath 0]

Emerath was sitting in the park reading, as usual when his brother decided to run off without him. He was busy as of late, and more likely probably forgot about Emerath entirely. No doubt Endilix had a full day of doing all kinds of things, and all Emerath did was read. Not that there was anything wrong with that. The sun had begun to go down and Emerath had begun using the light of a nearby shop to read as players made their way back into the city.

That was when Emerath got a message from his brother, and it was about time. Emerath closed the book he was reading and looked at the message with a bit of a frown. "Just what is he implying?" He asked nobody in particular, but upon thinking about it he realized, "Oh wait. He probably found a girl. Of course."

Emerath sighed. He was close enough to the North Gate he supposed, as he began to make his way towards it. After a bit of shuffling through the crowd coming in he stood at the gate. He looked at the clock in the game and wondered just how long it would actually take his brother and his "friend" to show up.

Edited September 22, 2015 by Emerath

[Flints 0]

Flints let Endilix lead for once, she relaxed a bit more as the shops became fewer and the gates were just within reach. "I'm glad to be finally getting out of this place!" She laughed as Endilix questioned her. "I'm fine I'm just not used to this place yet." Her eyes gleamed with bottled Excitement at his brief mention of his brother. She had to admit he had her more than curious about the mysterious Emerath. 

[Endilix 0]

Endilix was within sight of the gate when he stopped abruptly upon seeing the familiar red hair and suit of his brother. He was a bit surprised that Emerath had made it here faster, but he shrugged it off. Endilix turned to Flints and pointed at his twin. "That's my brother. My twin brother Emerath."

Thankfully since he had only just sent the message, he knew his brother couldn't have been waiting long, so at least he wouldn't be upset about that. He then realized that he was still holding Flints' hand and let go with a blush creeping up on his face. "Well then, uh, shall we?"

Edited September 22, 2015 by Endilix

[Flints 0]

As they approached the gate Flints had an odd feeling creep up on her. She felt the analytical  glare from the distance, her hair bristled and she tensed a little, she knew Endilix. But not Emerath. This was new and didn't feel welcoming even though they hadn't approached him. Flints took her eyes off of Endilix and he released her hand, which until then she hadn't realized she was holding. It stung but she pushed the thought aside as her mind suddenly went for a loop seeing What she assumed was Emerath. They were twins. Although she was forewarned she couldn't fathom it until there he stood before them. They both dressed very differently and even though their identical frame and face threw her off she realized Endilix's eyes were warmer to her. Before she could stop herself the low growl began to resonate inside her throat. She quickly stopped herself before either of the two picked up on her uneasiness as she walked Infront of Endilix, right up to Emerath, her eyes never leaving his.

 "You must be Emerath." she said stated. "my name is flints. Now I finally get to meet the man Endilix never stops talking about." her tone stayed low and protective of herself and Endilix oddly enough, why was she trying to protect him from his own kin, was a mystery even to herself. 

[Emerath 0]

Emerath regarded the two as they approached. He gave them a thin smile and thought to himself, Yes, as expected. It was a girl. Emerath couldn't help but notice the woman's defensive nature and was that a small growl he heard? It wasn't like Endilix to be into a feral woman. He never took his brother for that kind of a man, but he shrugged it off.

Endilix extended a hand to the woman for a polite handshake, "Why yes, I am indeed Emerath. I do hope he has only said good things about me."

Edited September 22, 2015 by Emerath

[Flints 0]

Flints calmed herself and reached out for Emerath's hand and smiled warmly, still a little confused, the way he looked at her made her uneasy but for now she was to behave. "He's said many things. it seems he has a great deal of respect for you." she distanced herself from Emerath before speaking again. "I heard you're an alchemist of sorts?" She asked. Not sure how to approach him to be in control. 

[Emerath 0]

Emerath gave the girl's hand a firm and polite shake and then let go so that she could distance herself and go back to his brother's side. They have become close. I wonder, has he known her what, a day? Two? Even in the face of severe danger and insurmountable odds, he still has more time for the ladies than he does his brother. I suppose I should not have been surprised.

Emerath gave Flints a bit of a raised eyebrow, "Ah, respect? Now I know he has said nothing but bad things about me. That was a horrible lie." Emerath gave a chuckle and his eyes lit up a bit at the mention of alchemy. "Yes, that would be correct. I have an alchemy shop on the fourth floor, though I am but a fledgling alchemist." He motioned out to the fields, "But, seeing as you both came from inside the city, I must only assume that I was called here for us to go out of the city. Though why either of you would want to go gallivanting in the fields at night I have no idea." He gave a shrug and began to walk out towards the hills, "In any case, shall we?" he asked, with a flourish of his hand, beckoning the two to follow him.

Edited September 22, 2015 by Emerath

[Endilix 0]

Endilix crossed his arms at the exchange. His brother was being more flippant than usual, though this was usually how he got when Endilix brought a girl around. This was why he wanted to avoid this meeting. As Emerath walked off, Endilix leaned closer to Flints and whispered into her ear, "This was what you wanted? It's not too late to go a different direction. My brother isn't usually like this when it's just me and him..." Endilix wasn't sure he liked the idea of Flints and Emerath being outside of the save zone. Especially considering his brother was of a higher level and could fight bare handed. All he would need to do is disarm Flints and he would have the upper hand. As these thoughts ran through Endilix's mind, he asked Flints one more time, "Are you sure?"

[Flints 0]

Flints chuckled at Emerath's obvious insecurity. "Yeah, you can really tell he loves you." She scoffed but as he turned to beckon them to walk Endilix stopped her, and asked as if he himself didn't trust his own brother. 

"I'm not sure. But I know one things for sure. His attitude won't cut it with me" as she muttered the last words she picked up pace and walked in time with Emerath. "It is a worthy craft. For those who cannot fight." Flints could sense the man was stronger than she. She also knew this was the wrong approach for the wrong person. But she needed his full attention. "Its worth a shot." She thought.