yamaboshi | « link start

Entry tags:

« link start » ( closed )

[Truth be told, she was honestly not sure if she should have accepted his invitation to join «ALfheim Online», but it was worth a shot. She had never played a VRMMO before, yet she knew that it would be very different from the other games she played back in middle school when she was a hikkikomori. Character creation was the thing that probably took the most out of her. There were just so many choices to choose. . .

But if she was going to use this account as her main (she could always make another, for trolling purposes) it would be for the best to keep things simple -- which is why she decided that her avatar should look similarly enough to her actual self. It would probably help him find her easier when she logged in.

The only exception to the rule was the race— choosing a Cait Sith, which meant that she had an additional cat ears and tail that matched the color of her raven colored hair. And the name she chose for her avatar was also rather simple; she took the first character of her last name and switch to katakana to type out the two characters for her intended handle: Ine.

Now all she had to do was wait for the idiot to show up in the first town that she was spawned in. Just because she was familiar with games didn't necessarily mean that she didn't need help, especially in something that caused her to be fully immersed in the game like this. Letting out a self-deprecating sigh, fingers ran through her hair as she crossed her arms over her chest, taking quick glances around as the cat ears that rested atop her head twitched in anticipation.]

Geez. He better not take too long, or else I'll kick his ass into the next world!

[As if that were possible, considering that in this world, she would be considered a level one newbie and would barely be able to defeat him. He had experience, after all...]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Oh, he had experience alright. Considering a large part of the playerbase knew him as "Kuro-sensei," he was something of a little celebrity. That was sort of hard on him since, despite his penchant for being a little showy at times, he really didn't like the attention. He was too awkward and embarrassed to be some sort of gaming icon. No, he just wanted to play the game and make his own little story in peace and with a small group of friends.

One such friend was Inaba. It had taken a bit, but he'd finally convinced her to try out the game. She had apparently played games in the past, but this would be her first VRMMO. Kirito was eager to see what she would think about it. Besides, he really did want a partner to quest around with even if he didn't say that out loud.

He had waited until the agreed upon time before logging in. Knowing where she would be in the starter town, he had flown there with his Spriggan avatar and spent some time tasting all the food in the market square because that was the important thing: the food. Then he had used his leveled up « Searching » skill to find the newest players. It was as simple as looking for the one that resembled Inaba after that.

With a creampuff in his mouth, he tapped her on the shoulder a few minutes after she materialized into the world. Then he pulled it out of his mouth as he smiled.]

Hahhh, Cait Sith-san, I'm looking for a friend of mine. She's about your height and sometimes has a foul personality~

Who are you saying has a foul personality?

[Her words come off as harsh as her tail swished back and forth, fingers pressing tightly onto the sleeves of her outfit as she glowered at him in frustration.

Did he really have to say it like that? How annoying. Admittedly, she was rather impressed by the fact at how this game felt. At how realistic everything looked. It was a really gorgeous world indeed - one that any normal person would want to live in.]

[Since he knew it was her, he wasn't really surprised. He still acted like he was, however, eyes going wide as he lifted his hands in surrender. There was a sheepish smile on his face as he laughed nervously and took a step back.]

Ahhhh, Ina-- [He paused as he saw her name appear in his view.] ... Ine-san? Hahah, well, I didn't expect to find you so quickly.

[Except he did.

In any case, he glanced over his shoulder at the rest of the starting area before looking back.]

In any case, what do you think?

You didn't?

[She throws him an incredulous look, shifting her weight as she lifted her heels, taking a quick glance at him as she placed her hands on her hips, deciding to shrug it off for the meantime. At least he wasn't messing with her for the time being, so she'll forgive him.

This time.]

Well, whatever. [An easy shrug comes off her shoulders, but it's only there for a fraction of a second before she manages a soft, easy smile, swinging her arms over her head.] It's really nice here... It seems almost peaceful, even for a VRMMO.

[Kirito watches as she relaxes some and swings her arms over her head. Her observation is close to the same one he made when he first signed in to ALO, but as an experienced player, he knew that wasn't the whole truth. There was a lot more than meets the eye. For instance, the different races were still uneasy with one another. Most players liked to PvP against the races they worked against. On top of that, there were so many story quests that had to deal with strife in the world.

All in all, it was still a game, and conflict in a game is part of what keeps it interesting.]

Mh, maybe. [After holding his chin in thought for a moment, he gives her a little bow and smiles.]

I'm Kirito in this world, and now we've been introduced. I guess we should get you some starting equipment.

[With that, he turns and starts to walk away without waiting on her.]

[Well, Inaba knew that not everything was to be peaceful in a game such as this. She's read the manuals and basic information before entering the game, so she knew at the very least that her first impressions did not necessary reflect on how the game worked. But that was fine, too. She would find out more by experiencing things for herself rather than reading the manual.

But when he introduces himself, she rests her hand under her own chin, humming inquisitively. It was slightly embarrassing how he bowed and caused her cheeks to flush a little uncomfortably as she scratched the side of her cheek idly.]

Kirito, huh... [She couldn't help but chuckle a little as she began to follow in his footsteps without hesitation.] That's a cute name.

E-Eh? It's not meant to be...

[His shoulders droop a little. While some people shuddered at the name of the Black Swordsman, Inaba thought it was a cute one. Well, that's only because she knew how he really was. He was a dork and a nerd who was addicted to videogames, not the dark and mysterious unbeatable swordsman that some people thought he was because of his loner reputation.

Looking over his shoulder at her, he sighs some, cheeks reddening a little as he quickens his pace to one of the low-level shops.]

A-Anyways, what sort of weapon are you looking for?

Just because you didn't intend to make it cute doesn't mean that it isn't, Kirito-kun.

[Even though her words were a half-hearted joke, that didn't make it less true in her eyes. But when he speeds his pace, she goes ahead to match it, making sure that she's right next to him as she redoubles her smile, having it broaden a little.

Of course she knew his true nature. Even though she knew that he was hard to read sometimes, she knew that he was honestly a good person through and through. But maybe it was a girl's instinct that made her to believe that.]

Hmm. I was thinking that maybe I should get a long ranged weapon, like maybe a bow... Or maybe I could end up using a staff. [She nods to herself, looking rather pleased.] Because with a staff I'd be able to use magic, right? And then outside of battle I could use it to whack certain idiots in the head, yeah.

[Nnnhhhghh. There was a little wince when she used his name in a cute tone again, even adding an honorific to it. That wouldn't do well for his reputation at all. Hopefully too many people didn't pay much attention to the Black Swordsman walking along with the new, cute Cait Sith character. If they were paying attention to the conversation, his reputation would definitely be ruined. It would be impossible to salvage anything cool out of it...

He quickly changes topics, going along with her talk about weapons.]

Hahh, you could do that, yeah. Certain idiots would appreciate if you didn't, however...

[Mumbling some, he leads her quickly to a NPC storekeeper. Then he steps aside and motions for her to move closer.]

If Ine-san wants a staff to use magic, then that would be a good choice. So would a bow. Cait Sith aren't really suited for melee and close-range, so either of those styles would do well. You should be able to get something decent with the money you start with.

Then... that's too bad. Because I plan on doing that.

[She gives him a wide shrug of her shoulders as she steps right next to him, her gaze shifting left and right as she looks through all of the weaponry.]

Do you have any recommendations, Kirito? I want to get started right away.

[She cracks her knuckles and lets out a rather mischievous grin, readying herself for anything. At the very least, she wants to do a little questing to get some items to upgrade her weaponry.]

[At least she's eager, though he's not too eager about being whacked in the head. He's tempted to tell her to get a bow just so she can't, but then she'll probably shoot him in the rear or something when he's not paying attention. In the end, he just can't win when it comes to her. He'll just have to try and be on his best behavior... somewhat. There are times when he just can't help himself, and those are the times he'll probably get whacked.

Looking at the list of wares, he points to two particular items, a bow and a staff. They're both low-level, but they're in her price range and some of the best materials to start with.]

These two have higher crit chances than their counterparts at the expense of lower durability. At this level, however, the durability doesn't really matter since you'll probably find a new weapon in one or two quests.

[If it were Aincrad, he'd say the opposite. Durability was the most important. If you were caught with a weakened or broken weapon, it could mean your life.]

At the cost of durability?

[There's a curious look in her eyes, humming to herself as she thinks it over. Although it's true that she's rather picky when it comes to buying objects with her own money, if she's just going to get a better weapon later on, then. . .]

Well, I guess it's fine if I can manage to get another one quickly. Do you have to buy arrows separately from the bows, by the way? I'm thinking about maybe trying both weapons when I earn more money.

[Mostly because she does plan on making a second account in the future. She has to know everything she can about this world.]

When you equip a bow, you have access to basic arrows indefinitely. However, you can buy special arrows -- such as elemental or heavier arrows -- that are in limited supply.

[He holds up a finger as he explains, nodding a few times. If there was one thing he was comfortable talking about and could do easily, it's game mechanics. That always put him at ease even if he was speaking to an admittedly cute girl. In any case, that doesn't really matter right now. He feels pretty good for the moment now that he has a potential partner. It might take awhile to get her leveled up, but it would be worth it, especially if she plays as a ranged support character.]

In the end, maybe Ine-san will excel in both styles like she does in school? Heh?

Interesting.

[Her smile widens for a moment, nodding in understanding. Having an infinite amount of regular arrows was definitely nice. She would have to get used to actually firing the arrow physically herself rather than pressing a button to do things. Oh, well.

That fact alone made things more intriguing. It would definitely be a challenge, and it was one that she had wholeheartedly accepted.

But--]

Wait, Kirito, what do you mean by that?!

[She's getting a little flustered, but at the same time, she wants to know.]

[Maybe his teasing was revenge for her calling his name cute. Whatever it is, he looks completely innocent as he shrugs and acts like he has no clue what she's talking about.]

Mh? Once you make your decision, I'll be waiting over there. I still have to teach you the flight mechanics, after all.

[Then he gives her a warm smile and a little salute before turning and quickly moving away. His retreat is a tactical one so that he doesn't have to explain himself, but he really does mean it when he says he still has to teach her how to fly. That was the best part of ALO, the one thing that was unique above all other VRMMOs. He wonders if she'll catch on to how it works quickly and if she'll like it.

Once he's a good distance away, he leans against a wall and watches her, still smiling and giving her a little wave from his spot.]

[There's a frustrated grunt that leaves her as she narrows her eyes at him. She'll get her revenge soon enough and find out exactly what he meant. She'll do it for certain.

Getting exactly what she wanted -- she decided to get the staff after all; she'll get the bow on a later date, like she said earlier. Once she's done with that, she takes big steps in stride, grinning from ear to ear as she reveals the new staff from her inventory, twirling it around idly with a cheeky grin and laugh.]

Alright, so you said you were going to teach me how to fly, right?

[He suddenly feels very wary and wonders if he should invest in any helmets as she twirls that staff. A hand reaches up to unconsciously rub at his head some before he stands up straighter and pushes off of the wall he's been leaning on. His eyes move to the staff as he speaks.]

Ah, right. The best place to learn would be somewhere high. There's something like a launch pad -- that large tower over there.

[Since it would be quicker to tug her in that direction, he debated grabbing her hand. In the end, he decides to just leave it alone. Anybody could see them! Nodding some, he moves to the street and motions for her to follow. It's just a short trip up the tower's stairs before they're out on the large patio/rooftop area.]

[Her gaze follows his words as she stares at the large tower. It sounds like the perfect place to fly, but a part of her is rather apprehensive considering that they're planning on jumping from such a high place. She's not afraid of heights, but it's still kind of scary...

Not that it shows on her face.]

Alright then, Kirito. I'll make sure I'll master the art of flying so fast that you'll be surprised!

[She plans on following him, but isn't going to run unless he ends up speeding up himself.]

[Nah, he won't run. That would attract too much attention. All he does is lock his hands behind his head and walk normally, heading towards the tower once he's sure she's following. Then they're heading up the stairs several flights, up and up until the glare of the sun peeks through the exit and they're walking out onto the open-air roof. Nobody is around, so they have the area to themselves at least.

Walking towards the edge, he looks down and whistles before grinning over his shoulder at Inaba.]

Long way down. [Without warning, he tips over the edge and disappears in a "whoosh". A few moments later, he reappears as he floats upwards, his black wings spread out behind him. Despite his desire to not attract attention, he can't help but be showy at times.]

Hahhh, first you should try using the assist controller. [As he speaks, he points to a spot in front of him where the menu would be for her, motioning for her to pull up her menu to find the flight stick.]

It really is...

[Placing her hands on her hips, she peers down, whistling to herself. She wouldn't want to fall. But when he suddenly disappears and flies up, Inaba can't help but grimace at what a show-off he is. But it's also kind of cool, so she'll forgive him.

Noting his gestures with an easy nod, she raises her hand, sifting through the menu before finding the controller, popping into her hand.]

Okay, I got it. What are the controls? [Should be easy enough, considering that she's more used to doing control-based things over actual actions.]

Mh, it's kind of-- [He makes a little gesture, raising his hand as if raising his own flight controller if he had it. Then he flies up some with his wings before giving her a shrug.

Then a sheepish smile.]

Hahhh, to be honest, I didn't do very well with the controller when I first started, so I've sort of forgotten. There's probably a help file, right? I'm more accustomed to the natural way of flying...

[There's a little wince as he remembers his first few attempts at flying and how the hardest part was learning how to land. It was much easier when he just gave up the controller and worked on flying normally.]

Everything in life is an experience, so the best way to find out is to just try.

... Oi. Are you an idiot? You're an idiot, right?

[Inaba is giving him the most judgmental look right now before sighing, shrugging her shoulders for a moment, mulling it over. But it's only for a moment before a mental lightbulb appeared, grinning wide.]

In that case then, you'll catch me if I fall, won't you? [She purses her lips, lifting her heels near the edge as a soft blush reaches her cheeks, spelling out his name in syllables in a sickeningly sweet tone.] Kirito-kun?

Nh--?

[Since she calls him an idiot and teases him once more, he figures he has the perfect comeback. All he does, once the redness in his cheeks disappears, is give her a flat look as he strokes his chin.]

Actually, I don't know if even I could fly fast enough if you were to trip and fall. Even so, you would just splat on the ground with something like a sickening sound, but you'd respawn shorty after that.

[Then his face turns to a smile as he claps his hands together.]

So go right ahead, Ine-sannnn! I want to see you try.

[The truth was, however, he would definitely catch her.]

[If he was graded for trolling, Inaba would give him an A+ for Asshole.]

You want to die, don't you? You really want to die? I'll kill you right now if that's what you want!

[There's a death glare thrown his way -- whether she's being serious or not, well, it's hard to tell. Especially given the fact that she seems to be chuckling evilly under her breath, as if she's up to something.

But fine, she'll play it his way. Taking another quick glance at the controller and then at him, she steels herself, ready for anything as she began moving the controller. If it's like a joystick, it should work like she believes it works...probably. Tilting it slowly, she starts to hover, her lips forming a small circle in awe, surprised.]

Ooh, not bad, not bad. So that's how it works.

[Sometimes she could be scary, but his look doesn't falter too much. He just smiles some more as she threatens him. At least he was safe for as long as they were logged in. Then again, in the real world he might have to answer for his trolling. He can't help himself, however. She's too easy to mess with sometimes. Besides, she does a fair bit of trolling herself!

Still floating off the edge of the launch tower, he watches as she messes with her flight controller. Then he smiles a little more as she starts to rise some.]

Heh? See? It's sort of second nature. Intuitive, don't you think? I haven't played many flight simulators, but I imagine it's sort of the same thing.

[Nodding a few times, he backs further from the ledge and holds out a hand.]

Can you make it over here? Don't look down, Ine-san.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject