[CENTER][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/210130/e0cb160ca3d86f8cb8540be25e5665b5.png[/img][/CENTER] [indent][indent][indent][color=gray][sub][right][color=#98A9B1][b]Location:[/b][/color] The Dungeon -- The City of Thorinn, Aetheria[/right][/sub][/color] [hr] The way out was clear. [color=98A9B1]“We should…”[/color] Benkei heaved, kneeling over his sword. His spell had taken a lot out of him, but even worse was the mental strain of everything he’d seen. It was too much. He could barely stay standing. [color=98A9B1]“They don’t deserve to stay in this horrible place.”[/color] He meant the fallen. The dead. The people they’d lost. All the hopes, the dreams, everything they hoped to share. And then his heart erupted in pain. His lungs screamed out. Benkei grasped his chest, heaving and wheezing as the world spun. He fell to his knees. His vision shifted into darkness. He couldn’t see. He couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t do anything as the world began to cover into darkness. The darkness of his failure. He’d been too slow, too weak, not good enough. And now three people were dead. [color=plum]“Kazuma!”[/color] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Nj4j-q1D_Q][i]Static.[/i][/url] [color=D2D586]“Hey, Benkei, what do you think of this dungeon?”[/color] Aaginim was pouring over a map, whilst other members of the guild went about their day. But over the few months he’d been admitted into Mystic Prophecy, Benkei had proven that he deserved his place at the table. He’d been a reliable member, and had become a good friend with the other players. He belonged, for the first time in his life. [color=D2D586]“Hey, I heard your brother has another concert tomorrow at Toraenis. We should all show up and support him.”[/color] [color=98A9B1]“I don’t know if he even needs our support anymore. He’s one of the most popular in-game musicians now. He might be worth more than the entire guild.”[/color] The two laughed. [color=D2D586]“Hey, Benkei, I was wondering…”[/color] [color=98A9B1]“What’s up?”[/color] [color=D2D586]“Well, you know...the big day for Luci and me is coming up.”[/color] [color=98A9B1]“It’s exciting! I wish Kazuki and I could make it, but we’ll attend virtually!”[/color] [color=D2D586]“Yeah. With the honeymoon and things, I won’t be on much. Priscilica will be leading of course, but we’ll need someone to be a leader in the dungeons, someone to look after the other players. You’re the guy I can trust with that.”[/color] [color=98A9B1]“You’re joking right? I’m the new guy!”[/color] [color=D2D586]“And you’re a good player. Everyone agrees. People thought you were going to be a stuck-up punk when we invited you, but as we got to know you, we all learned you were a good dude. I don’t think anyone is against the idea.”[/color] [color=98A9B1]“Aag, I-”[/color] [i]Static.[/i] [color=DD9C00]“Come on! Let me open it!”[/color] [color=98A9B1]“Not yet. We need to wait for Sif to disable the trap.”[/color] [color=DD9C00]“But it could be some sweet loot!”[/color] [color=98A9B1]“Just wait!”[/color] Siegfried did not wait. The floor around the chest began to spin, and suddenly a torrent of flame erupted around Benkei and Siegfried. Siegfried screamed and ran around the room, causing the blaze to expand more. [color=DD9C00]“Aaahhh! Hot hot hot hot!”[/color] As Sif chased him with a bucket of water. Atlas just stood staring at the group, shaking his head quietly. [i]Static[/i] “C’mon Benkei! It’s a hot springs! You’re Japanese! You know all about them!” [color=98A9B1]“I grew up in Tokyo. I’ve never even been to a hot springs.”[/color] “But the ladies!” Enos poked at the younger boy. “All the ladies soaking their gorgeous bodies in warm wat-” [color=98A9B1]“Please stop.”[/color] “What, are you interested in guys?” [color=98A9B1]“No, it’s not that! I’ve...never had any girls interested in me.”[/color] “What? There’s tons of young girls that are interested in you. Do you need your old pal Enos to hook you up?” [color=98A9B1]“I’d rather not.”[/color] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pECQK8ImFeQ][i]Static.[/i][/url] [color=378E75]“Aaginim and I just got the results today and we wanted to share it with you guys. We’re having a girl!”[/color] Everyone in the guild hall shouted and cheered. They wanted to know the name, the date, all the details. New life. Something beautiful. [i]Static.[/i] [color=98A9B1]“You can call me Kazuma. That’s my real name.”[/color] [color=tan]“And your brother’s name is Kazuki? That’s a little too close!”[/color] [color=98A9B1]“It’s okay. Our parents weren’t the best.”[/color] [color=tan]“You shouldn’t let your parents make you feel bad.”[/color] The girl smiled at him and poked him square in the chest. [color=tan]“You are you. And you’re great the way you are.”[/color] [i]Static.[/i] [color=87c735]“I think you’re pretty cool, Kazuma.”[/color] [i]Static.[/i] [color=D1FFFC]“I can trust you Kazuma.”[/color] [i]Static.[/i] [color=dc143c]”You’re my friend, Kazuma.”[/color] [i]Static.[/i] [color=92278f]“You’re a reliable guy, Kazuma.”[/color] [i]Static.[/i] [color=F9FF22]“Thanks for helping me out, Kazuma.”[/color] [i]Static[/i] [color=A84B5E]“I guess you’re okay, Kazuma.”[/color] [i]Static.[/i] [color=plum]“I’m proud you’re my brother.”[/color] [i]Static.[/i] “Okay guys, gather around!” It was funny to see them all in normal clothes. No one was decked out in armor, no one was carrying weapons. How could they? This was the first time they’d all met up in real life. They’d all chatted and made plans, and finally they’d saved up money, used vacation time and wheeled and dealed so that Mystic Prophecy could all come together for real. They’d settled on holding it in New York; it helped the non-American members to fly in to an international airport. Kazuma and Kazuki had been excited to see America for the first time; and it was an even more important day for Kazuki. He’d been asked to interview with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. This [i]would[/i] be his big break. Kazuma knew it. His brother was incredible at the piano, and this would be the final leap to free them from their parents. Maybe with time, Kazuma could join his brother in America. Here, he could start over, free from all the stresses of his life in Japan. [color=A84B5E]“It is really pretty here, isn’t it?”[/color] The feminine voice came from behind them as they left the landing platform. Rael had traveled with them; she looked like her in-game self, only dressed more like a college girl her age, and with glasses. She matched the brother’s looks of wonderment, when suddenly they heard a voice. [color=D1FFFC]“Over here you guys!”[/color] Alja stood among the crowd, waving excitedly for them to join her. [color=D1FFFC]“The rest of the guild is waiting for you slowpokes!”[/color] They all took a cab; one of those big yellow New York taxi cabs that were in every movie about America. They drove around the city, taking pictures with their phones, excitedly chatting with each other about their trips. Everything was exciting. As the latecomers arrived, Leaves smiled and beckoned them over.[color=00FF00] "We've been waiting for you guys!"[/color] She said, rushing over to give Alja a hug. They arrived at Central Park to find the guild all talking near a large fountain. Aaginim waved them over, wearing a colorful tropical shirt. The outfit contrasted with his cool and kind exterior, but Kazuma liked it. He was truly embracing being a father. Luci stood by a stroller with a baby nestled inside. Her hair was tied up and she wore a knit sweater. And Kazuma could see how different she’d become after marrying Aag. Her smile was so warm and vibrant. Prisilica was busy talking to Luci, laughing and smiling. Seele was carrying a picnic basket in her arms, looking bashful. Enos was busy hitting on women in the park, and getting slapped. All with a happy face. Alex sat on the stones of the fountain, smiling at the others, looking distinguished and handsome in a suit. Everyone was there, smiling and happy. As they approached, a figure grabbed Kazuma, getting him in a headlock. [color=DD9C00]“Did you think I’d pass up a chance to get one up on you, punk?”[/color] Siegfried said, laughing as Sif smacked her brother with a rolled up paper. They all laughed. [color=C4407A]“Everyone, let’s get together for a photo!”[/color] Priscilica called the group over. [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWooB4tpQ9I]Each of them[/url] knelt in close with one another, basking in each other’s company. The guild began as players working together to clear content, but now they’d all grown as friends. As family. As they all gathered around, looking at the photo, Kazuma knew this was something he would frame. He would place it somewhere that he could gaze at it every day, and enjoy looking at the people he loved with all of his heart. It was the final good dream Kazuma had. [/indent][/indent][/indent]