"I will train..." Sean started to talk to himself, forgetting about the other person in the conversation. "I must train. I must brush up on my skills so I can survive." He started to walk through the crowd of people either panicking or preparing. "I will make sure I can hold my own." He started to repeat the same phrases over and over, before eventually reaching one of the walls. He turned around with a flame in his eye even brighter than before. "I will protect." He seemed to get triggered at the mention of the word strawman. "I'm not weak... I'll show you all."

 

Alric had been watching the scene unfold as members of the crowd talked amongst themselves after hearing what the princess had to say. It was hard to believe only a few days had passed since he first logged in and now he would be involved with a full blown war of all things. The politics of this world was still something he was trying to grasp, but from what he was able to gather thus far it was easy to tell the situation between these two nations wasn't going to improve with just words alone. All of a sudden it felt like there was much more at stake than he had realized during his brief time in the game so far.

“Honestly, why did I even bother coming...”

Of course he knew the answer already. This was important. The outcome of this war would surely serve in shaping the future of this world and even if he couldn't contribute much, being a witness to these events would be just as interesting when all was said and done. Especially since it seemed things were getting interesting. King Astor had already been captured, so it was only a matter of time now before enemy troops were knocking down their doors. Just what were they all going to do now?

“So this is what war is like. Pretty scary.” He said, but not really targeted toward anyone in particular.

 

Gilgamesh had headed into Astorea looking for a nice, relaxing time away from all his training and all the crazy adventures he had been having recently in the world of TerraSphere. However, as usual luck did not seem to favor him as there seemed to be quite a crowd surrounding a young woman who seemed like royalty. The woman had been addressing the crowd gathered around her, so he decided to slip in and see what was the issue at hand. Thankfully, his Rogue skills allowed him to make his way through without disturbing too many people, but it was still hard to do since there were just so many bodies pressed together in this giant ocean of people.

He kept silent, wanting to glean as much information as he could without having to ask questions to the young, regal looking woman. At the same time, he looked about to see if he could spot some familiar faces, and that he did, for he saw Seto Kurama as well as Oz whom he had seen during the Azog boss fight and during the hot springs trip after that. Apart from them, there were few others he noticed, but since this did not seem like the appropriate time for small talk, he stayed his hand and instead focused all his energy and brain power on listening to what the young woman addressing them all had to say. Soon, he found out that the great King Astor had been captured and that there was apparently an titanic enemy army which was headed their way in order to try to conquer the fair city of Astorea. Hearing this he sighed as he saw his longer for vacation time slip away like dust before a strong wind

“Curses…and here I was thinking I would able to kick back, relax, and enjoy sightseeing in great city…oh well, I guess I should be used to this by now…well, it’s not all bad…at least it will keep me from getting bored, and I might even get my name out there as a freelance mercenary…”

As he thought of the possibilities, his thin, firm lips twisted into a smirk and he continued to listen to the woman, making sure to not miss anything.

 

A predatory gaze cast itself upon the silken blonde locks and sun-kissed skin familiar to the wolf. She swam amidst the sea of strangers, her discolored eyes frantically looking for whatever prey she had set her sights upon – probably Carlson as well, although Yuichi had no idea how she would know about such a thing when he was sure that he was the only one with information on the merchant’s whereabouts. He would most likely have a little ‘talk’ with his personal informant to set some rules after this little excursion was up and done with, just so he would know that if he were selling out tidbits to any other person besides him, there would be hell to pay.

Of course, it might have just been sheer dumb luck that the beast-kin had found herself among the roughest bunch of mercenaries and sell-swords on this side of Astoria, but the young man would not stand for it. Whatever the case may be, as it stood, Anabelle had picked a very bad day to practice her stealth skills, or how Yuichi saw it. If by some chance Conrad or any of his goons were to chance upon her bumbling attempts at stalking, the entire plan would be ruined. He needed to prevent that before she would cause irreparable damage.

With that single thought in mind, Yuichi discreetly left his hiding spot and once again immersed himself among the emotionally-charged masses who were riling up for a daring rescue. The news of the king’s capture was ignored; unwanted fluff, as far as the young man was concerned, just to add spice into the event to make it more interesting. It worked like a charm for the most part as men and women of all shapes and sizes pined for subterfuge, or a full-frontal assault, or other such plans as if they had the luxury to decide the course of the event. In the end, they would all follow the tune set by their leaders – sheep ambling towards the sound of their shepherd’s voice. Their ideas and thoughts were simply immaterial.

Having managed to drown out the noise from the other participants, the fighter reached out and grabbed hold of Anabelle’s eyes and mouth to pull the Felin closer to him. “What in the world are you doing here?” he asked in a whispered toned so only the beast-kin would hear his voice. “Did you follow McMillan’s information, too? Did you come here for Carlson? If you have, he is not yet here, and neither are his goons.” Yuichi grunted in exasperation. “Either way, follow me for now. You are going to give yourself away with your horrible sneaking.”

Just as he finished briefly explaining the situation to the Felin, he loosened his grip on her person and motioned for her to follow him, guiding her by the hand to where he had been observing the meeting. Once there, he planned on accosting Anabelle for information.

@Anabelle Zhang

 

Just believe you’re good.

The words circled around Savannah’s head and pinned themselves to the inner walls of her skull. She stood a little straight and smirked at the blond male only to see him poke his tongue out at her in reply. How rude! How childish! Her mouth popped open in what was part awe, part anger before she snapped it closed and crossed her arms over her chest.

“Thank you, Miss,” Savannah said, her comment directed toward the black haired female while cutting her eyes at the male. “You wouldda known that had you read the little text information boxes during character creation.” This was a very small thing to hold pride over, but pride flowed from every pore on her artificial body. Savannah read everything that crossed her screen all the time and while this wasn’t her first mmo experience, this was her first full-dive.

You couldn’t be too prepared in a situation like this.

“I’m not young! Not like it’s ANY of your business in the first place, but I can take care of myself and I can definitely take care of people in a time of war.” Her voice was part growl, part huff. Glancing away from the two she was currently conversing with, she scoffed and shook her head.

“Someone suggested something about getting the common people together and protecting them. That’s a good idea. Plus the farm animals and probably hauling water, just in case we come under siege…or something.” She didn’t honestly know what the hell she was talking about, but these were all words she had heard before and sounded like they fit the theme and tension of the moment.

Her lavender eyes were quick to narrow in Mint’s direction again. “Though I hope we don’t see each other on the battle field, I’m Savannah. I’ll be sure to let you get hit with any stray arrows that come over the castle walls.”
@Mint Chip @Lucia Mierz ​

 

Suddenly, something blocked her vision, as well as her lips, that temporarily paralyzed her in fear, neglecting to take notice of other things a Felis would ordinarily and easily take note such as scent. Images of being kidnapped by the hulking Conrad Carlson and being taken back to Druuk Island for another round of forced sensual rendezvous plagued Anabelle's mind. She trembled. Her throat immediately went dry as she could feel the pounding in her chest while losing breath, mind going blank while a prickling sensation took over her entirety.

Then whoever had his hands on her spoke in a hushed tone. She could clearly hear it despite the cacophony of voices around them, as in her perception the familiar baritone voice drowned them all. "Yuichi!" she mentally exclaimed; relieved. There was a feeling that the tightening in her throat that made her stop breathing was loosened; the thumping in her chest suddenly begone. It was funny how she did not need to look for him any further as it was him who approached her. Though, he has let out some information she did not expect to hear.

Her hands found their way atop Yuichi's own, holding it tightly before pulling it down. Leaning to him as she was pulled too close, she turned her head and have their eyes meet, bewilderment evident in her visage, before asking. "Who's Mcmillan? What do you mean Conrad Carlson is here?" She grabbed his arm and tugged it to demand answers before the brown-haired pretty boy could take one step. "Wait, is that why you're here? Are you looking after Carlson? Why didn't you tell me?" Then again, she was not given any definite answers. Instead, Yuichi wanted her to follow him somewhere. His hands slipped hers as he took strides towards where he seemed to be quietly observing the crowd. Anabelle sighed and groaned due to her impatience. But, she indeed followed the brawler...

Distracted.

She would take a quick glance of Yuchi as she walked behind him, then look around to see if somewhere mingled with the crowd was Conrad Carlson. She would then look again at Yuichi only to repeat what she has done, turning ever so often to have a quick view of her full surroundings...

Until...

'THUMP'

As she was not fully paying attention to where she was heading, Anabelle suddenly smacked into a black tiger male Felis. She quickly shot her hands onto her nose as it was the first thing that hit the lean and tall man. Unconsciously, she took a few steps back, stepping on her own foot after the last one, and losing her balance.



tags: @Yuichi Ichinose , @Gilgamesh Ougami

 

Gilgamesh had been listening intently to what the regal looking woman in the center of the crowd had been saying to them when all of a sudden, he felt someone run smack into his broad, muscular back. So, out of curiosity, he turned on his heel rather lazily just in time to see a fellow Felis, this one female and hella sexy, but at the moment, who seemed to be stumbling backward after apparently having ran into him, literally. So he activated one of his favorite Rogue skills, muttering

"Art of Rogue: Swift Step - Heavenly Striding Speed!"

With that he disappeared in a seeming blur of motion only to reappear behind the female Felis and caught her in both arms gently, thus preventing her from a meet and greet with the ground. He spoke, his voice as usual having that same thunderous baritone, but yet somehow melodious tone to it

"Careful now, miss...are you okay? I apologize for being in your way, but really, you should pay more attention to your surroundings no matter what you're engrossed in, especially seeing how you are apparently a fellow Felis..."

He chuckled a little, the sound ringing through the air like the peals of thunder from a distant storm as his keen green eyes transfixed the woman with his warm, gentle gaze, with equal parts curiosity and amusement filling it

@Anabelle Zhang

 

Mint narrowed his eyes and, in one deft movement, reached out to give the little brat a playful noogie. An exaggerated version of a cruel smirk stretched across his face as he moved to try and put Savannah in a headlock, ruffling through her hair with a despicable laugh. "You remind me of my little siblings back in D.C.," Mint muttered as he continued to affectionately annoy the kid. "They're always up to something and they think they're bigger than they really are. Once, I had to get little Jules' finger out of a toaster oven. I'm definitely not letting you get out of my sight."

And then he held up a peace sign and, with his pointer and middle finger (emphasis on the middle finger) pointed outwards, he leveled and pointed it at his eyes before slowly moving it to face Savannah. The universal I'm watching you sign. "And if there are arrows heading towards my lovely butt here, then I'm sure you'd be tall enough to cover me, right? Thank you in advance, my little fairy meat-shield."

Finally, Mint flicked on his UI and, after a few minutes of careful searching, hurrahed as he sent a nifty invite to both Lucia and Savannah.

Invite

Mint Chip has invited you to their party. Accept?

"So Lucia, right? Just going by what the screen says. Nice name. And Savannah. Would you two do me the pleasure of partying up with me?" he winked, drawing closer to the purple-skinned fairy's screen. Of course, he had no intention of there ever being a choice in the first place. He had to keep his eye out on Savannah and, with the girl being as short as she was, he doubted he'd be able to pick her out without additional assistance amidst a battlefield. He had no doubt that, with her spunk, she'd participate in the oncoming fight and, regardless of her words, he had no intention of letting her fight alone. Someone's gotta protect the little brats, right? And, even if he didn't have any offensive abilities whatsoever, someone's gotta make sure she runs when it's time to run and she's properly shielded and healed and fed and all that.

He resisted the urge to groan. This was just like when his Ma roped him into babysitting service and he spent the next week-and-a-half making sure all those vicious, quick-footed brats stayed alive.

He shook himself clear of those thoughts and, with a sly grin, reached over to grab Savannah's hand and attempted to guide her to the green button on her screen. "Just kidding. Like I said, I'm not letting my eyes off of you. I'd gouge them out and stick them to your body if I have to."

Inwardly, he gulped. Maybe he could distract those numerous, trained soldiers with a bit of heavy metal and funky rock.

@Savannah Reed @Lucia Mierz

 

Once he got close to the two woman, Jace just smiled that @Aria still knew him from the last quest they were in. In fact, being with the ones he previously worked with was the best way for him to make friends without the boundaries of his status in real life. "Hey yourself. It's been a while, huh?" As he saw @Stelluna with the Felis, he showed a simple, yet gentle smile as he bowed to her. "It's nice to meet you, Ms. Stelluna. I hope we can work together in the near future." He hoped so because based on her appearance, he can tell how strong she was despite not knowing if she was a player or not.

However, these warm greetings were overshadowed with the declaration that this King Astor and his army was captured. If that was true, that means that this attack was inevitable. This was never a good sign, considering his equipment was ill prepared for this. "Still, that would mean many of the new p- I mean adventurers would have higher chances to be killed from those elites. We might not even know how severe will this raid would be for Stokborn or any other areas in this country. At any case, we can't treat this as a casual rare encounter."

This was still a game for him, but dying in it would just traumatize him a little. So dying as a low-leveled player was not on his list of his goals on playing this game.

 

It seemed like the ones with the authority to get things done were beginning to organize themselves, although Mizuki overheard how the princess believed that without King Astor Astorea couldn't do anything... which indeed was a rather traditionalistic perspective. Mizuki didn't want to get into the way of immersion or the way this world worked, but she still didn't think that the players were going to follow the rules as closely as the NPCs. While power and influence was going to have an effect on how people behaved Mizuki wouldn't be surprised if, as long as King Astor wasn't available, the other players would cheerfully go ahead and do all kinds of things of their own volition, which is exactly why she hoped that Seto would be able to organize things a bit. PCs were more independent and likely to do their own thing than NPCs, but they should still pay attention to a more experienced and powerful player in a big event, especially if they were taking the threat of annihilation serious and weren't willing to risk having an entire nation be burned to the ground for the sake of not listening to another.

Mizuki herself, however, didn't have too much to do right now. She wasn't going to be a hypocrite and go do things on her own while the people in charge still were trying to figure out what to do, but she wasn't exactly influential enough that she could get involved in that. Instead she just had to stick around and try to get as much information as possible so when they did get a plan sorted out she could do her part without constantly being uncertain about what to do next. Given her own masteries and specialization she should function as a kind of scout, trapper and guerilla fighter, but for that to work she would need more information about the lay of the land. The princess believed that the Falderen armies would arrive from the south and the east, which made sense considering their geographic location. However that wasn't enough information to formulate a good strategy...

Mizuki looked around at the people who had chosen to answer the princess's call, looking at what each one of them was doing. Most of them seemed to be more busy with talking and greeting one another than thinking about what to do next. Maybe they were treating it more like an event and not worrying too much. Maybe Mizuki was once more overthinking things and she should try and enjoy it a bit more? She had to admit that there was something exciting and exhilarating about the idea of being part of an actual invasion, but at the same time she couldn't help but also worry, since if things went wrong an entire nation would be slaughtered... At least, if the princess was honest and correct about the king's true intentions. And for the NPCs it wasn't just an event, for them it was reality, that their home was being attacked and that they might be killed.

Walking off to a side Mizuki placed one hand underneath her chin and grabbed her upper arm with her other hand, watching the people in the room even as she thought of something she could do while the higher ups did their thing.

 

"Hmm, I see~" The green-haired Felis listened to the redhead with a gingerly mood mixed with thrilled excitement. This was a definitely game-wide event, one every single player in Terrasphere should come and participate! Not only warriors and combat mages, the ones who were interested in domestic play could help the war effort.

Constructing armor, growing food for the troops, building forward bases, and lots of other things that didn't involve sticking a blade to the enemy's gut. As for Aria herself, she would be interested to join the Recon division, scouting the enemy and providing reconnaissance. Knowing the enemy was an important half of winning a battle after all.

Stelluna was a warrior through and through, her mannerisms, speech, and skills were much too obvious. Aria suspected the spearwoman would be diving into the frontlines. "I think they are discussing the plans at this very moment, things look real busy with the Princess and all."

"I think you two will be great together!" The Felis said to both of her conversation partners, "Stelluna is really good at fighting at the front and Jace at flinging purple magic stuff from the back." Forgive her for not knowing the exact names of arcane masteries, she admitted, she was rather overwhelmed by how much reading required to do even the novice spells. That was the last time she tried to read a grimoire without any magical mastery, not like she'd take one anyway.

"Hmmm... we just have to make our moves right, Jace. I won't be joining the soldiers, not my game. My skills are best suited as a scout or a recon or whatever they call the information gatherers." She lightly shrugged, "Nevertheless, this could be our chance to do something big!"

@Stelluna @Jace Vale

 

For the first time of his life, he can't make a critical explanation about his views on her father's views and the flawed politics in this world. In fact, everything she said actually made sense. If he was in the King's shoes, living your whole life with corruption and leadership with promises along with a target to your head would lessen your sanity and the trust to an outsider leading their own country. Regardless, he can understand what she was saying as he frowned at this thought. "You may have a point there. I'm sorry for that question."

He then bowed before he was on his way out of the crowd regardless of whether she answered his apology or not. However, he didn't leave the main hall completely as he started to wonder where he will go from here. If he left this alone, then he will be in grave danger the next time he logged in here. But if he joined the battle, then there will be a higher chance of death with his current strength. For now, he had to continue watching as an observer before he makes a decision to this.

@Raid Master (Princess)

 

"None of this is your fault," the Felis said, shaking his head in acknowledgement of the Princess's words, "I'll admit that our actions throughout recent circumstances were probably not made with the best judgements. Yes, it's rough and we haven't progress in developments too far, but we still plan on taking responsibility for any problems we may have caused." Leaving the mountain turned out to be both a good and bad idea. He was clueless as to who remained in that territory, turning his back and resting a couple fingers on his chin. While this was part ruse, since this was a thinking position common to this world as well, the large man's thought process was, in fact, going through his options.

In addition, he began sending out a couple private mails to Amane. Getting a response was simple enough. For now the Marchioness was safe, and that was more than enough for now. Glancing at Seto, the bearish cat man considered his options of whether or not the Duke was sending out his own messages. Better to find out now rather than later. Distractions with Alonso's private mail continued, nodding as he took note of the Marchioness's responses. Composed and precise to the best of her ability. Or at least, that was what the man can gather without witnessing other bits of evidence.

Much as he wanted to plan now, however, Alonso gained the uncanny feeling their time was way too short for sitting down and planning.

Closing his inbox, the man turned back to the conversation at hand. He gazed down at Duke Kurama, sighing as he spoke, "Unfortunately my presence in the war room is not a good idea. Our time is cut short as it is, and if I know these situations by now, we don't have many options." Pausing, the Marquees bent lower to whisper in the noble player's ear, "I'll send you messages on the way to rescue Astor. This way it'll be easier for me to send information in more precise detail if I can. I got in contact with Amane, and so far she's doing fine. Just keep us in the loop as to Astorea's current status."

Standing up to his full height, Alonso turned his attention towards Princess D'Vangelline, "I'm ready to set out when you are, Princess. My presence with you should help in my informing you of any others who are aligned with Astorea by some means."

@Seto Kurama @Raid Master

 

The thought of Carlson and one of his thugs immediately came to mind as soon as the human felt tension in Anabelle’s hand and the hulking mass of flesh that belonged to an unknown man who had caught his companion in his arms. The way the stranger moved told Yuichi all he knew, but the speed by which he did so likewise gave the young man everything he needed to act without needing anything else. His speed and power were apparent, but everything else was highly suspect. Not even the other’s seemingly amicable mien allowed the pretty-boy to rest his laurels without thinking of his prey or any one of his lackeys. As far as Yuichi was concerned, caution trumped complacency, as Anabelle’s would-be savior would find out soon enough.

Using his superior mobility (Trained) and mastery in Rogue (Proficient), the fighter slithered his way into the male Felin’s blind spot; an easy feat considering he was also distracted by the pixelated perfection of the tanned cat-girl he had just saved. He even had some choice lines to say to Anabelle as if honeyed words were enough to dull the Felin’s trauma for the male’s assumed employer. It mattered little to Yuichi though, and soon, even the larger male, as a brass-knuckled fist, hidden behind the mass of the muscular Felin, gently rested on the fleshy wall that was the beast-kin’s back. It was nothing but a light threat, to be sure, but one which demanded that the words of whomever the owner of the fist was be heeded lest unsavory things happen.

Discreetly tucked to make the contact of fist and firm physique look like the human merely leaned against the larger player-character for support, Yuichi reckoned he would not need much room to heft his fist and deliver a blow to the larger man’s spine before the latter could do anything to him. The stranger might have well been a Rogue as well with his gallant display of his skills when he had caught Anabelle, but Yuichi noted that his move sets were slower and less polished than his own. If he insisted on making any further actions of any kind, the male Felin would not get away unscathed – the human would make damn well sure of that.

“I think you should take your own advice, friend,” he whispered in an arctic monotone, with every syllable dripping with calm fury that radiated murderous intent, kept in check only by the oblivious masses who had no idea of the tension they ignored amidst their frenzied state. “They say curiosity killed the cat; would you like to know if the adage holds true?”

The cold brass pressed deeper into the male Felin’s vertebrae; not painfully, but enough to send a clear message across without unnecessary sugar-coating. “I have no idea who you are or what you do, but I would humbly like to ask that you let go of my friend before I respectfully smash your spine to pieces.”

@Anabelle Zhang | @Gilgamesh Ougami

 

"Will do Marquess, I bid you farewell, may your fists strike true and hit righteously just as our cause is." bowing his head slightly in respect for Alonso, Seto stepped away and took his place at the top of the stairs in the main hall where Lady Cessia and the princess were now at. It was now time to start the preparations, there was no time to waste, clearing his throat, he looked down the stairs and into the main hall with the countess players within, it was time to make a speech. Raising his voice, he howled at the people within the main hall at first to get them to be silent.

"ENOUGH OF THIS CHATTER AND GOSSIP!.....SILENCE!"​

As If that wasn't enough, He drew his Odachi from it's saya on his back and stabbed the blade into the large cracks on the stairs and laid his hand's on the hilt of his Odachi. Clearing his voice again, he spook once more in his regular tone, cold and serious as he stood their emotionless.

"People and Players of Astorea, due to the current situation at hand Astorea lays in now, I Seto Kurama, The Black Duke of Astorea is now assuming command of Astorea and her defenses until his majesty, King Astor the First returns to us. THIS is not a grab for power, I have no intentions of running this nation myself so I will hear no objections, there is little time to waste and I will not have it be wasted to bickering. Now when Princess D'vangelline leaves with her Knights with the Aid of Marquess Alonso who has volunteered bravely to save our King from certain death, All those who wish to leave under Marquess Alonso's command to help rescue the King alongside Princess D'vangelline , prepare to depart immediately, I will leave Marquess Alonso to organize the unit, know though there may be a chance you may not return alive. For those who wish to stay and defend Astorea from the invasion, I will have Lady Cessia organize a few recruiters who you will contact, you will tell them your masteries and abilities and depending on your trade, you will be put in one of the many companies I plan on forming in Defense of Astorea. For myself, I will begin at once formulating the defense of Astorea and Castle Dormont for the worse. For those who have not interest in defending Astorea, leave this place as once, Astorea will become a battlefield once more as it did only a short time ago. Also any Astorea nobles and a few nobles from foreign lands whom are Astorea's ally's may participate in the formation of Astorea's defenses and it's forces in the war room with me. That is all for now people and players of Astorea, I must make my withdraw at once to start the planning of defenses while Marquess Alonso departs to smash through the enemy ranks and save our King."

@Alonso Thorlion @Raid Master ​