Scout

Digital or Real?

Loved your post :) good to see you're still around.

Far From Home

Nero's gaze held steadfast on the ground as he felt Suto's hand on his shoulder. He didn't falter in the slightest, though his eyes remained wide open in terror. He waited... and waited... and finally, he looked at the boy, opened his mouth as if he were about to speak, and then thought better of it. His head turned away again and he rose to his feet, reclaiming his sword before slicing the air and slipping it back into its sheath. Kazaro, who had been furious moments before, softened slightly as he stood there, silent as a rock. Nero strode directly past him and as Alphard rallied herself he didn't reply. The indicator above his head was a vibrant green, but it may as well have been red, the way he saw it. He never should have invited them to join him - he could have lived and died alone. That would have been fine. But no, he had to have the power over this game... The squads, the parties, the clans, the guilds... whatever it was, he swallowed it up and left nothing but suffering behind him. That was what it was, right? Yari, Kenshin... who was next? Yuna? Kimi? Suto? He shoved those thoughts deeper and exhaled very slowly, gradually cutting each of those cords which the held him, a puppet to his conscience.

Meanwhile, Kimi was catching her breath from the most recent of fights. They weren't the most difficult of enemies - or they wouldn't have been, had they been able to actually fight. Sadly, Nero refused to fight back, and so the others had to double their efforts to finish the AI before it could kill him. Her rapier was long-since sheathed back at her hip as she puzzled over the reactions... The boy had seemed familiar, if only the very slightest amount... But the girl was absolutely a mystery to her. She had such a profound effect on Nero, and even Suto for a few moments. She thought back to when she had first encountered their group and wondered if she had been the one they were grieving that day... Even beyond the game's distortion of her, Kimi could tell that she was a very pretty girl, and Suto had spoken so highly of her before. She sighed and let her eyes scan over the entire group. Everybody wore their scars beneath their coats and their armours, but those old wounds seemed quite sensitive still, to her, as they were all shaken in their own ways by what just happened and the effects showed after. Save for Kazaro and Kimi, the entire group was incredibly rattled - but then, they were the only two who hadn't recognized the shapes that came forth from the sarcophagi.

Nero paused as eyes fell on him. When Yari had died - he was there. But he hadn't frozen, not like Fitch had. He fought all the harder for it. When Kenshin died, it was even his mission. But again, he was only fueled by it... So why, under this pressure, did he lock up? Everybody was still regrouping for themselves, but there was no denying what had happened against Yari. The hair on the back of Nero's neck pricked at him slightly and he knew that Suto was still behind him. He turned, keeping his voice low, "I very well can blame myself, Suto," He said, his voice almost venomous. Even his mind was telling him to shut the hell up and let it go, but his mouth had other ideas... He knew how much Suto had endured from the others in the past couple of months, but... He couldn't stop himself.

"Do you know why?" Lightning sparked between their eyes as Nero squared off, his gaze mere inches from Suto's as he spoke slowly. "Because... I wasn't their friend," He said flatly, swallowing as he worked to maintain his composure. "I'm not yours... and I'm not seeking your forgiveness for their deaths. Unless you and either of them were the exact same person, you don't have the authority to forgive me for it. Nobody does. We were business partners and it was on my watch that Kenshin died. I wasn't paying attention because I was busy trying to bolster my coffers. I didn't give them anything but suffering and danger... I haven't given that to any of you," He pointed out. "And in case you've forgotten, it was my inability to convince Kazaro otherwise that caused you to feel a need to stick your neck out for him."

His jaw set as he stopped talking for several moments, his eyes fishing for any kind of reaction in Suto's before, shakily, he continued, "Do you have any idea... what it's like..? You can try to think of it, Suto, to spend every night... every single god-forsaken night thinking about two people that you don't even know... or more... who have lost their lives due to your selfishness." His lip twitched slightly in contempt... but it wasn't for the boy in front of him, not even a little bit, it was all hatred toward himself. "To know that you've caused more tears... more sorrow... than you have smiles or gazes of hope. People who look at Kazaro? They see a leader... They see hope. People who look at you? They see a party - a way to escape from the horrible reality of this place. They look at... at Alphard, or Jason, or Kimi, or Sasayaku... And they see... something. They see a person. I've become nothing to the people of this world. They don't see a murderer. But I do. They don't need to see it because they see a greedy, self-righteous know-it-all with no sense of limitation." Nero's voice was void of emotion, despite the very occasional stutter or glance away. "So I have one question for you, Suto..."

The boy took a single, solitary step back, his brow furrowed deeply over his tired eyes. "What do you see... when you look at me?"

Far From Home

Kazaro easily sheathed his blade as they finished off the floor of the castle, his breathing had barely faltered once since they began. The discipline was incredible, but not surprising. He seemed almost bored in a business as usual sort of way as he looked to Suto and quirked an eyebrow. "Uh... Whenever you want, I guess. I figured we were all watching each other's backs, but you're right in a way... In case things do get out of hand, it'd be good to have somebody specific watching over you..." He trailed off slightly, finally seeing Suto's predicament. He would certainly be with Nero and Alphard with Jason... leaving Suto and Kimi, who, at this point, had slipped into the conversation. Being the only solo player there had made it obvious that very few of them even shot her a glance during the fighting, but if they were going to find a mini-boss on this floor she'd need somebody watching out.

The topic was barely up for debate before she cleared her throat and tapped Suto's shoulder from behind. "You're with me," She said matter-of-factly, her gaze daring him to argue. "Those two," She started, pointing to Alphard and Jason, "Clearly aren't going to be running with anybody but each other. And these two are so self-absorbed that they're unlikely to even watch anybody else. Leaves us. Was the question even necessary?" She asked with a roll of her eyes, knowing precisely why he had asked about partnering up; he didn't want to pair up with her. It was likely that he didn't want to pair up with anybody here, but having a partner was better than not having one. After that point, the three pairs seemed to split up, and Kimi was rather impressed with Suto's power - there were almost no unarmed fighters left in Aincrad by now, let alone clearers who used the skill. It didn't deal a lot of damage, but he definitely kept enemies busy and stunned enough for her. His combos lasted long enough too that she could get in with even two skills of her own before the opponent could retaliate. It took a little while, but they finally found their rhythm.

"I don't know if I ever got a chance..." She said a bit awkwardly as they made their way from one floor to another, "To thank you properly... Back when we first met, I was a bit out of sorts. It's no excuse for how I acted, but I just wanted to apologize seriously and say thanks - since then, I've been working really hard to get along on my own." The girl took a deep breath and let it out, "I was hoping to talk to those two over there... Uh... Jason? And Alphard? Might not be the best at pronouncing it, but I mean them... See if I could join 'em - I heard quite a bit about them over the past few weeks and I wanted to see how they worked in combat... Wondering if they'll let me join 'em," She muse, finding herself talking on without actually realizing it.

---

On the penultimate floor, they all watched with bated breath as the two sarcophogi opened, and Nero looked at the two emerging figures in absolute horror. Would it ever stop chasing him..? It could have been anybody... He was sure that these two weren't the only two lost for the few people around them... So why them? Why not any other figure but those two? They haunted him every night... every time he closed his eyes... And now here they were, physically facing him. The entire group mobilized, it seemed. Alphard was unexpectedly ready for the fight, but it wasn't something to question now. Kimi didn't know Yari at all, nor did Kazaro, and they both moved in simultaneously for her. Nero didn't see Suto at all, but that's because he started to spots. Of course, he was the one targeted... right away. The spear used slipped beyond the incoming attackers and made a move for Nero, who took the pointed staff straight through his heart as he met the dilapidated figure's eyes.

"I won't..." He growled, his brow furrowing violently through the tears as he let his blade fall to the floor and took a slash to the abdomen, his health dropping off significantly as blow after blow was delivered mercilessly to his non-resisting form. It wanted him to fight? The thing couldn't speak... couldn't feel... It was just a shadow of what he saw in it, but the feeling was so real. "I'm not... going to... kill you again," He gasped as his breathing grew more and more difficult. He was knocked to his ass as the reflection of Yari was attacked by multiple blades from different directions.

Kazaro shouted something to the boy who stared up at Yari without so much as a flinch, simply refusing to fight back. The boy blinked and glanced over to Kazaro... His lips were moving... But everything sounded like it was underwater and his ears rang. No... that wasn't ringing - itw as the warning sound for his quickly depleting health. Hmph... He always pictured his death more dramatic... The shattering sound filled the room and he looked around. No, it wasn't him... But Yari was gone. And Kazaro looked furious. Nero didn't sob or make a single sound... or even move for that matter. For some reason, however, he couldn't stop the tears that fell over his face as he tried his very best to shove the thoughts of guilt and blame from his head. He pinched the bridge of his nose silently, shut his eyes, and looked down, hiding his face... What the fuck just happened..?

Digital or Real?

Yeah, I didn't really care for the opening credits. I really, really like Clara, but I also think she's insanely hot and I'm a guy, so... really, it's quite biased. I hated Rose and Donna more than anybody, so really, I won't take Clara for granted. I can see where one might be a bit apprehensive about her, seeing as she took the regeneration differently than the past few companions would have. Or she's just the first to see him regenerate who wasn't Rose... Which makes a lot of difference.

I loved Eccleston, but he didn't have but one season, so... Really, there's only so much I can say about him. Gotta say, I loved the way he said "Fantastic!" But he didn't have as much development.

I really like that Capaldi is absolutely rocking that Scottish accent. XD "Why do you all sound different?! Stop talking that way!" "We aren't talking any differently..." "Yes you are!" XD My god, so many good lines. I like Clara, but I think she's only got one season left in her, maybe two. I'm curious to see who Capaldi will have after her. I think a really good story for Clara, which none of the companions have had, would be falling in love with somebody from a different time, and choosing to stay there... or something. Dunno. XD This last episode was the first one that I watched with the rest of the world after finally getting all caught up. Still, it took a few episodes for me to get used to Tennant after he came on, so I'm finally used to the regen. Maybe I WANT to like Capaldi, so I do. XD I dunno. I thought it was neat the way they gave us one last goodbye from Eleven without forcing it. I was wondering where he had been when Clara first went into the TARDIS on Trensilor.

As a side note, I don't think anybody wanted Eccleston to go either... Nine was an excellent Doctor and I'd have loved to see him grow and change the way the others have. But didn't Eccleston leave of his own choice? He didn't even make an appearance in Day of the Doctor - that was clearly a pre-recorded scene they pulled from an early episode of the new series. I mean, they only used like... one. XD He couldn't appear for one scene to be shot? I don't really know his story, so I don't blame him, it's just that he could have done so much more and didn't. /: But my god did I hate Rose more than any other companion. Even more than early Donna (Doctor-Donna was kind of a neat idea), which is saying a lot. XD

Digital or Real?

Well, I hope you enjoy it. I loved it. I think Capaldi did a bang-up job in his debut and I think he'll be fantastic. Very funny, but you've seen his face so you know his serious acting will be excellent too. All in all, his playing in this episode makes me excited to see more of him. It's relieving. ^^ Didn't wanna spend three years wading through his Doctorship. I think he'll do fine. ^_^

Digital or Real?

I can't believe I finished before the new episode came on :o hope it's good enough and not too obvious how distracted I was with Time of the Doctor XD

Digital or Real?

Valentine's Day...? James furrowed his brow, the words not really registering at first. What was- Oh! Valentine's Day his mind clicked and he instantly felt like an idiot for forgetting. He physically facepalmed as she explained herself nervously. He groaned, "I'm so sorry, Sash... I completely forgot... My mom even mentioned it the other day, I was barely listening... I hope it's not too late," He said quickly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm sure if it was, she'd have said something already or tried to remind me..." As he rambled on about God-knows-what, he was packing up the mostly-finished lunch.

"... so, anyway, my mom realized a few days ago that we were going on vacation during Valentine's Day... And she mentioned that it wouldn't really be fair to separate us because it's our first one y'know... uh... with somebody... Anyway, she said I could invite you... If you parents said it was okay. I mean, we'd miss school on Monday, and we leave Friday night, so we really won't even be gone for a full vacation, but it was the first weekend in a long time that my aunt and uncle could have us over." He paused, taking a breath, "Oh, duh, I didn't even... Sorry. They live in Princeton, out in New Jersey... Uh... Eastern? I think it's Eastern America... I don't honestly know, I always forget when my mom tells me..." He shrugged, trying to stop rambling. "So... Y-yeah, I mean, we always have a lot of fun, even when we can't go out to the beach 'cause it's so cold," He explained. "She hasn't asked your parents, but she could talk to them, Mum's always so convincing... Plus, I'm sure your parents trust her almost as much as they do themselves with us," The boy gave a small laugh, clearing his throat nervously. Finally, he felt able to actually stop talking, though he wanted to keep going for fear of rejection.

His fingers fiddled with one another in his lap as he waited for an answer. It was astounding that the ground wasn't wet or covered in snow, but it would likely snow an obscene amount over the next few days. Or freezing rain. Or hail... Really, the air was quite brisk, but it was one of the few nice days they'd had since Winter started. Despite the cold over early February, the air still smelled slightly of Springtime, as it crept closer with each passing week. Flowers weren't quite blooming, at least not those flowers which filled the fields when the dreary grey of overcast skies cleared, but the scent in the air still held that faint anticipation of the season's arrival. Perhaps it was simple nostalgia. James gently rubbed his hands together before breathing into them, and finally hugging himself, tucking his hands under his arms. A lot of students were out today, simply because it had any semblance of warmth and nobody wanted to be the first guy to say it was 'too cold' outside. James knew that nearly every one of his friends, himself included, would sooner catch hypothermia than complain about the cold.

Digital or Real?

Sorry it's taking me so long :( I'm such a bad partner sometimes. Really hope I can get my posting back on track.

As a side note, tomorrow marks the new season and the first episode of the Twelfth Doctor - are you excited? :D

Far From Home

Business. Nero's face didn't so much as twitch as he spotted the approaching Alphard and her American charge. As the two groups gave their explanations, he was still running over the information he'd been given and had collected on his own. In fact, he had insisted to Kazaro that the expedition be run by the three strongest knights, save for Heathcliffe, and anybody else they felt a need to recruit. Kimi was more of an accidental invite; it was disgusting to him how close his information broker was to her sword-for-hire. It meant he was no longer the only one getting her outrageous player-based information. Kimi, however, got it for free merely because the girl called "whisper" couldn't keep her mouth shut around her new best friend. He still wasn't quite sure how she talked such a big circle around him, but somehow she tricked him into having Kimi along. She was certainly strong, but god was she a pain in his ass.

He pulled the scimitar from his hip, the back edge of it softly shimmering in jade. As the group began to move, as usual, it was impossible to tell whether Nero was focused or completely distracted. His mind was always working in a multitude of impossible-to-follow paths. Finally, after practicing their group dynamics a bit against the monsters on the way to the Tower, the entire party stood outside the menacing structure, breaking for a short bit to prepare. Nero swiped his free hand through the air passively, scrolled through his options, and selected... something. Moments later, it materialized in his hands and his eyes lit up for the first expression he'd shown since the group actually connected. In his hand was a mere sandwich, but he had been looking forward to eating it specifically. While his material hunting was what caused his amassed fortune, any new ingredient he got that was of high-level would go to him first, then he would sell any after it. This one held a particularly strange combination of ingredients... In all honesty, he had just handed over the stuff that he got from a job and Yuna looked at the details. Apparently, whatever it was that he had taken to her, it was going to make at least one extremely good meal. She sent it with him today, and a single bite later, he froze and stared into the Void. He could taste it in the very core of his tongue, the savory flavoring and delicate mixing of ingredients was spectacular. He didn't even care that several pairs of eyes looked at him as he involuntarily groaned; it was so delicious, he nearly swallowed the sandwich whole within the next several bites. He tried to taste every crumb, every succulent bite... But it was funny how things that tasted good never lasted very long...

Kazaro laughed and shook his head, "Oh dear god, how do you do that? Absolutely nothing outside of town - not even your smart-ass comments - and you pull out food and suddenly you're Enlightened. It's impressive," He teased with a sigh.

Kimi rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath, "You don't hear the smart-ass comments... But you were late," Her voice was full of pseudo-venom and Kazaro didn't hear a word of it.

Nero cleared his throat, letting out one final sigh of relief, wiping his mouth before looking to his Vice Commander, an eyebrow quirked. "Eh? Oh. I suppose so," He said, pretending as though he hadn't even done anything. "it was a good sandwich," He added flatly with a shrug.

Kimi interjected in irritation, "Can we get on with this?" Kazaro only laughed against as they pushed into the Tower.

The young solo-girl barely participated in any group-related combat. She zoned everybody else out while she focused on the opponent in front of her, her rapier swiftly driving through the AI and pulling back out. She struck with absolute precision, dancing around each <<Dark Reflection>> as though they were mere toys. She even appeared to be having fun, despite how they spawned almost-human. She spent less time with her feet on the ground than she did in air. Her jumping height was outrageous, giving her strong advantage. At one point, she sprung into the air over a reflection, using a single-strike sword skill to hit with efficiently before yanking her blade out, letting gravity carry her feet down into the Reflection's head, and kicking herself off of it. The moment her small feet hit the ground, kicking up a tiny cloud of dust, she was off again, her blade shining in pink as she struck the same opponent directly in the chest once, twice, thrice in the shape of a triangle. It exploded around her rapier and she elegantly landed just beyond the glimmering shards.

Kazaro's fighting style used less acrobatics and almost seemed to be more of an actual dance. There was a complicated number of circles in his movements as the momentum of his katana didn't stop for a moment, even when he fought the same enemy. It was clear to tell that he had spent countless hours since the start of the game learning how to connect any sword skill he could to provide the most fluid set of attacks. It wouldn't have taken Suto long after their duel to realize how lightly he had fought during the altercation, but he was happy to guide the young boy to what he was now. Suto had turned into a Grade A fighter since then, and it was stunning, even to Nero, the way that he took up his own growth. Blue, green, yellow, and nearly any other colour you could think of flashed around his blade as he moved from single-strike moves seamlessly into his strongest five-hit combos. It was almost humiliating to the AI the way that he would strike, carry to a sidestep, and let his blade hit yet again while slipping in a seamless sidestep and not stopping his blade. It was quite obvious that he unconsciously made the most noise, seeing as he had the most offensive blocks, striking away his enemy's weapon, the clangs echoing off of every wall with every connection.

Nero fought more efficiently than Kimi and Kazaro, every move clearly seeming planned out and with every ounce of force he could muster. It was simply a purposed way of combating his foes. When he drew his blade, just as when he raised his voice or did so much as take a step, every single movement held determination and certainty. As opposed to Kimi's constant jumping around and strike-dodge techniques, comparable almost to Jason, and Kazaro's constant motion, Nero would strike, block, strike, block in an extremely structured and clearly strategic method.

Digital or Real?

I thought it was excellent ^_^ Did you have any ideas for what exactly you wanted to do, or is there something you want to bounce around or anything first?