Jukebox was enjoying his ride, the rumble of the engine lulling him into a relaxed slumbering state, the landscape a coloured blur as his music echoed throughout. Vaguely paying attention Jukebox noticed a figure in front of him, but didn’t care too much. Until the figure hurled a globe of wind at his bike, shredding the tyres making him fishtail uncontrollably.

Instantly shocked back to reality, Jukebox tried to maintain control until he noticed the flames. Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit! leaping off the bike he tumbled to a halt a few meters away from the man who destroyed his bike as the music cut out with a cartoonish sounding record scratch. Getting shakily to his feet, Jukebox took wheezed and took in a ragged breath as he looked up at his assailant, his hands still on his knees, before recognising him, Verdant Grin.

“Phew, well at least your not an outlaw my liege.” wincing as the motorbike exploded into a massive purple firework that reached high into the sky, rather big as far as exploding bikes went bigger than any of his others that's for certain, a few stray sparks landed on his clothes, thankfully not setting him alight.
“I think this is the second bike in as many days that you’ve ruined while I was riding it. If I weren’t a member of the Fanged Rangers I would think you wanted to kill me or something~♪” dusting himself off he started checking his status screen, noticing no adverse effects from his crash, Grin’s magic or the firework explosion
“And yeah, I was in a good mood, but then I was attacked and I crashed. It kinda killed my mood. Enough about me my liege, how can I help you. If you want a ride, sorry, but someone ruined mine~♪” with a grin and a wink he indicated there were no hard feelings, even if there were, what could he do about it? Make a grumpy face at him? Kings were Kings for a reason afterall.

@TheWindel

Cassandra was beginning to wonder if this was a mistake. If she shouldn't have branched out on her own. She thought about what she would be doing back home, maybe making dinner for her siblings, or doing homework. Or just staying in her room doing nothing. Even here, even if she wasn't noticed, she was still doing this, still being...independent. She could do what she wanted, and not worry about it. She didn't have to be the one making sure the oven was off, damn it.

She stood there thinking, and wondered if she should get a part time job. She needed to be able to support herself, and wouldn't it be cool to be able to have her own money? Maybe she could even have a chance to do some of the things she'd wanted to do.

Why did she always have to talk herself into things? Why did it all have to be so hard, for her, why did she have to worry about her family? Because that was the kind of person that she was. She pursed her lips, and looked about again, realising that she was just standing around, and jolted when the girl she recognised from school came up.

"Thank you, I'd like the company" She said, following the girl, Eris to the table. She blinked at the extended hand, before taking it, "Cassandra O'Shera, but I prefer Cassie" she said, "A pleasure to meet you. Thank you, again for inviting me to join you. It's my first night away from home, and I don't really know this place. And that makes me seem like a weak little girl" She was babbling. She knew she was, and it took a lot of effort to stop herself.

She looked down, feeling like she wasn't making a good impression on Eris, hadn't been making any good impression on anyone in school. And that had to stop, damn it, she had to start...showing herself. "Sorry, you problem don't want to listen to me babble. A habbit I am tying to break. Ah, you're doing homework?"
@KoL

Nao was at the same place she always was, home she was face down in keyboard with loud music in the background and a game in front of her, in her small home away from home she had several screens, keyboards and a crazy amount of controllers on the floor and near her keyboard, at almost hand's reach away from Nao were a stacks of video games that were about 4 feet tall in height and emerging from the corner, was face deep in keyboard keys as a television show played on the screens in the room, Nao let out soft snores as she slept in the middle of the day, her small snores echoed through the container.

Suddenly knock was at her door, Nao instantly jumped up with great speed and drool on her chin, she was glad she had a rubber flex keyboard, she then noticed she had a note pinned to her chest along with some money, she pulled the note off herself and began to read it aloud." Nao, this a note from you in the past, we ordered food almost an hour ago. P.S I put the money for it on your chest so you wouldn't buy candy with it or do something stupid with like buying a bottle cap opener that you don't need. P.S.S drink more milk for bigger breast." Suddenly there was another knock at her door.

Nao counted the money quickly and went to the door before the delivery boy would think that he's in the wrong place, she paid him and took her pizza telling him that his pizza place sucked and they should work faster to get her a pizza, when she got it into her home, Nao ripped the lid of the box off and began tearing the pizza apart with her hands eating it quickly, she didn't bother taking off each slice she just got hands fulls of the pizza and just shoved it into her mouth like she didn't eat for several years and she just got her favorite food, or a zombie digging into a human.

The heterochromatic girl had pizza on her face as she leaned back into her gaming chair and just relaxed for a while, she took a while to digest the food that she had before she went back into her games, she was having a lazy moment after eating an entire pizza on her own, she patted her stomach as her guts digested the pizza and chilled out before she would get back into Deep ground.

Collab with Windel

The Green King shrugged to Jukebox's rather annoying upbeat response. True, a King had the right to do what they wanted to their subjects but there was a difference between proving a point and being a dick about it. Grin grinned as he helped to haul Jukebox back to a standing position, crossing his arms as he gave the lower Player a good look over.

"From your health I can only assume you visited the Black Kingdom, right? So mind telling me what I sent there for in the first place? You didn't forget your assigned mission from me, did you?"

Jukebox always felt nervous in the presence of a King. sure he had only met the Green King, but the spur of the moment nature he seemed to have unsettled Jukebox. As he was helped he could only think of how close he was to this powerful figure, he was a King and with a swipe of his hand he would be respawning without knowing what happened.

"No, no I didn't forget. I was to get information. I was hoping to spend more time there, but a level 5 Dissolution showed up and then it was announced that an army of Sweepers now make up the bulk of the new Black Guild. I'm just a lowly level 3 and I don't think the Sweepers would appreciate another guild member being in their turf. Lynching would be an awful way to go..."

Reluctantly crouched at the starting line, engines pumping and thumping in time."

"Oh I'm sure of it," Verdant Grin said with such an enthusiasm that didn't seem to be too healthy for any sane being. Flicking his knife out, he casually twirled it deftly between his fingers as he sized up Jukebox. Of course, he didn't ask about the Ebony Strykers, now did he? As he recalled, the mission was on another subject entirely.

"See, that's all fine and dandy Jukey, but you didn't tell me about Moon Bitch. Mind speeding up to that part before I let the Sweepers handle your corpse?"

The green light flashes, the flags go up, churning and burning, they yearn for the cup.

All of a sudden Jukebox understood, he had been a bit too preoccupied with the Guild and didn't pay enoguh attention to the King, thinking fast Jukebox wracked his brain for important information as he slightly panicked.

"Th-there was a high level Sweeper that the Black King had do the announcements after her. The relationship can't be a brand new one if such a level of trust is between them. It was rather far, so I didn't catch her full name, but she looked to be a Warlock going by the equipment she had. Dark... Wrath? Wraith? Something like that. There wasn't an opportunity for me to walk up and introduce my self, sorry."

The sun has gone down and the moon has come up, and long ago somebody left with the cup.

"Oh? Well I suppose that does count as dirt on the Black King. And I suppose any other leader would be satisfied with that kind of answer...right?"

Tsking to himself, the Green King snapped his fingers as thick, crimson tendrils of energy suddenly sprang from the ground, holding Jukebox in place. That's right. The Green King was a Mage, specifically of the Warlock breed who specialized in black magics and demonic attacks. That meant only something truly gruesome could come out of this situation.

"Well Jukey old buddy, I do sincerely appreciate your willingness in becoming both a spy and a hefty sacrifice! No hard feelings friend, but I just lost a bet to the old Red King, know what I'm saying? Just have to blow off some steam, yeah? Nothing personal-seriously, what the hell is that noise?"

Grin's grin momentarily subsided, the knife held down as he listened to the sound getting louder and louder. He had assumed it was just Jukebox's ability again but the other Player shouldn't be playing something like this when his life was about to be ended by a hissy King. So where the-

But she's driving and striving and hugging the turns, and thinking of someone for whom she still burns.

The ground rumbled underfoot and Verdant Grin turned to see the source of the obnoxious music. What he saw made him sigh in annoyance because yet another person had come to ruin his life. Oh well. Just someone more to trample upon. For Jukebox, it was a sign of hope from this situation he had gotten himself in. And that beacon of hope came in the form of a giant blue tank.

Mercury Titania grinned, spinning the wheel as her battle tank flipped on its side and seemed to be driving upside down. It continued moving forward as it drove above them and she hung down to give Jukebox a high five. All with the music from her speakers blaring out as she landed back on the tank's treads with a skid.

She's going the distance. She's going for speed. He's all alone, all alone, in his time of need.

Jukebox's heart fell as soon as the words "any other King" left Verdant Grin's mouth. Then he felt as if his body had turned into jelly as the red tendrils held him in place.

"C-cmon Grin! Is killing a level 3 really gonna satisfy you? Dammit man! I worked real hard for this EXP! My abilities are bullshit! I have to throw people off buildings!"

As he complained in vain the music grew louder, before realising it wasn't him. Turning his head, Jukebox saw a giant blue tank and the Blue King riding in like the cavalry. He was surprised when he saw the tank actually flip and Titania gave him a high-five given his suspended state. When the tank skidded to a halt it was silent apart from the song blaring out of speakers.

"Ummm, hello Blue King. I would bow, but I'm a little... tied up~?" unable to stop himself he started giggling like mad at the awful joke, fear, hope and surprise mixing withing him.

"Oh Jukey, have you been leaking our private activities to the other Kings~?" the Blue King replied, taking in his bound state. With a flick of her finger, she cut the power to the music, leaving the area in silence. Verdant Grin watched with an annoyed expression as she stepped out, hauling her massive gunblade and pointing it at him.

"What's up Green King? Been a while, am I right? Mind letting my new friend go before I have to really get ugly?"

"Ugly? I assume you mean something out of the ordinary because the mere sight of you makes me want to hurl," he said with a smirk. "What, he your new boyfriend or something?"

"Nah. I sort of kicked his ass in DDR IRL so he kind of owes me. Can't have you go around breaking my toys~"

Jukebox silently listened to the Kings argue as he fell to the ground after Titania freed him. Their history obviously causing animosity. However he really couldn't stay quiet.

"I'm sorry, you kicked my ass at DDR? I had to go easy on you as soon as I saw you falling asleep on the pad! How could I maintain any sort of rep at the game if I humiliated a girl who obviously couldn't dance to save their life~♪"

Getting to his feet, Jukebox wisely took a few steps back. Not wanting to be accidentally hit by Titania's blade.

"Oh hush you," the Blue King said as she lightly kicked him back down. Just to ensure that he was her property now, she gently placed a booted foot on his chest while grinning at the master of grinning. The Green King never wavered in his expression, although his smirk did twitch.

"Well isn't this a nice development. Honestly Jukey, I never thought you'd openly betray me in this manner. But I suppose it now all makes sense! The late arrivals to every game, the fact that you're never logged on...it's cause you went up and betrayed me! Am I getting this right?"

Jukebox was stunned as he was kicked back to the ground and was pinned by Titania. He really just wanted to get away before the situation became explosive, but that seemed impossible. Especially since he was now being accused of betrayal.

"Me? Betray? Are you crazy?! How could I do that? I'm late? I'm a student! I don't play? Well that’s because I can’t level up! Not without a rediculous amount of effort or being babysitted! Fanged Rangers help players level up? Don’t make me laugh! I haven’t leveled up at all! My dumbass abilities make others look down and see me as not worth the effort! To even leave the damn city it has to be for some ‘mission’. You think I like being weak?!”

Exhausted, Jukebox just rested under Titania’s boot, strangely comforted by the fact a King was actually protecting him instead of trying to kill him.That comfort would soon be compromised as a knife landed near his head, almost hitting Mercury's boot. For once the Blue King frowned as she swung her blade outward, ready to challenge the Green King. But Verdant Grin was already turning away, sheathing his other knife away and out of sight.

"Screw it, you know? I'll let you slide this time Jukey. But if you hang around that bitch any longer, I might really start to consider you a traitor. Until next time losers."

With that, Verdant Green promptly logged out, the urge to stomp Jukebox's face in practically seeping out of his motions. Mercury Titania watched him go before hefting her mighty blade to the side. A heavy sigh escaped as she moved off of Jukebox, looking down at him.

"I hate it when he does that...you alright Jukey?"

Surprised that Verdant Grin just walked away Jukebox got to his feet and looked at Mercury Titania with a thankful grin before jumping into her arms.

"Well, aren't you my hero? I'm certain I would have been killed. A Knight in shining blue armour. I should reward you somehow, but I'm not all that strong and have little assets to speak of..." with a sigh Jukebox rested his head on Titania's shoulder

"Name your prize brave knight~♪"

"Heh, assets are only for those who can't rely on their own strength. Or...something like that," Titania said with a playful shrug. "But seriously, it's not good for anyone's health to go around picking fights with the Green King. What'd you do to piss him off?"

"Well no one gets strong on their own... well, that 's me the weak guy who goes around picking fights with Kings. I pissed him off by talking to him on a day he lost a bet to the Red King. It is truly awful of me to use my telepathic skills to know that he lost a bet~♪” With a quick peck on her cheek, Jukebox leaped out of her arms and span on his heel to face Titania.

“So, will this be a continuation of the date? Or am I just a a guy whose ass you kicked at DDR~?”

"Hmm, that all depends on how much paper work I have for you to do," she answered with a wink, blowing him a mock g him a mock kiss before logging out. Well then. That certainly held promise for the future.

Catching the mock kiss as it was blown he jokingly held it to his heart as Titania logged out. With a sigh Jukebox looked around and couldn't see anything else to do so he
followed the Kings example and logged out.

"It is not a problem," Eris said rather dryly when Cassandra began to ramble about her insecurities. "However, I would prefer to use your full name, if you do not mind. I am not much off a fan of nicknames, to say the truth."

Shortly after they sat on the table and their orders arrived, Eris replied to Cassandra's other question "Indeed I am, though I question the practicality of such chores. After all, if our fates are ultimately decided by our achievements within a game, what is the use for such knowledge?"

"Moreover", Eris said as she lent her history textbook to Cassandra, "how can we be sure that they are not feeding us with lies about how the world used to be?" Indeed, once someone said 'history is written by the winners' and nothing can prove this better than the dystopic estate in which the world is.

---

@Caits

Cassandra sighed, resigning herself to having to bear her full name. Cassandra was a good name, but Cassie didn't like being called by it, not when it was her grandothers name, and great things were expected of her because of that. But she wasn't going to explain that, however, so she just nodded. This girl seemed rather uptight, so Cassandra waited until she had finished speaking, before saying, "Because when we graduate, even if our achievements are based on a game, we still have to be able to use the knowledge we gained in school to function in the world. Homework enables us to know if we understand something or not, and if we need more learning. The game just gets us a spot in the world. School work, and home work keep us there" Well, that was what it seemed like to her.

Cassandra took the history book, feeling like this was were a lot of Eris's...disgust of home work came from right then. Perhaps Eris simply wasn't good at History, "As for history books, you're right. They are biased. No one wants to read history from the losers point of view in battles and in the world, however, I think that most of the achievements, advancement wise, are correct. Why lie about it, when with a little digging, we can find the truth? It is not like they are saying there was flying cars hundreds of years ago, because that simply wouldn't be true."" She said, "However, that's just my opinion. I find History fascinating, and enjoy figuring out were a half truth might or might not be" She shrugged, handing Eris back her history book.

"As for the game itself...It might not be the best way at testing each of our particularly skills, abilities and strengths, however, it has worked for many, many years. is it broken? Maybe. I think school should have more of an impact in our standing. Can we do anything to change it? probably not, but that doesn't mean we can't try. So, do you're biased history, do well in the game, and then have the power to do something about the flaws"

Cassandra leaned back in the chair, wondering if she had said something wrong, or not. If, before she even got a chance, she was going to alienate someone else. Right then though, Cassie decided she didn't care. She felt like Eris was just toying with her, tolerating her, and that made Cassie a tad ticked off. She didn't need to be pitied, or put up with.
@KoL

”On your left!" Paper Moon barked back as rounds whizzed past him and burrowed into the concrete foundations to his behind. Just about ten minutes prior, he was finishing up with classes, but then two of his classmates he was fairly acquainted with begged him to help them out with a mission. It was a generic capture the cache task, the drops were decent, but nothing he’d really find viable at his current level. Though the preemptive Paper Moon wasn’t expecting this much of a resistance. A quick glance to his rear confirmed that both of his comrades were still moving on their own accord, the minimized names Starry-eyed and Catalyst popped up on his UI and gradually increased in size as they caught up to the rogue.

The former a female warrior, while the latter a male healer, their roles complemented his own, together they formed a complete fireteam, albeit it would be a short-lived one. Starry-eyed noted the call out and fixated her marksman rifle up at the third story of a building to their 10 o’ clock and adeptly dispatched an assailant. Their competition wasn’t anything special. The NPCs were still utilizing uniforms rather than combat armor, so even a novice could make quick work of them. It’s just that the number that the trio was facing was the pressing matter at hand. Both of his comrades and the enemies were level two, so for all intents and purposes, he was there to carry his classmates. Paper Moon raised the rifle before his eye and dropped a few NPCs whilst they paved their way through a decrepit route consisting of the remains of what used to be infrastructure.

The landscape usually stumped a newby, but since this wasn’t his first time running through this mission, he led his teammates with prime charisma emanating from all angles and a grin on stretched widely across his face. ”There should be ten up ahead. Get ready!” As he said this, his rifle’s magazine suddenly began to vibrantly glow with blue flames seeping out of the feeding port. The notification FAIRY BLUE displayed itself on his interface, accompanied by a counter of bullets under the ability’s effect. "27? Got’cha." As soon as they rounded the corner, a maelstrom of cerulean fire ignited the area, incinerating all which stood in its path.

---

”So, got what you were looking for?” Paper Moon queried as he bagged a few magazines compatible with his Harvest Carbine. The loot was randomized, so it’s not like everybody got outstanding drops, but his classmates seem to have been sufficed with their haul. Catalyst gave a deft nod in response and finished tapping away at his inventory screen. ”As agreed, we’ll help you out with this week’s math homework. Although, I don’t think Ayako here will be of much help.” Paper Moon let out a thin line of air as he staved off a chuckle, proceeded by Starry-eyed jamming the butt of her firearm into Catalyst's side. He waved off his comrade’s words and smiled at the two, ”Don’t worry about it. Really. This was just an excuse to loosen up my metaphorical muscles. Been a while since I’ve been in DGO.” He gave a sheepish smile as he loaded a full magazine.

Paper Moon, or more precisely, Shiro had to take a two week leave of absence due to some medical issues, but now that he was back in action, he had fully delved into school life and DGO. Fourteen days felt like a millennium, but now that he had returned to his everyday life, it was time to make up lost work. ”Well, you have fallen a bit behind in classwork. I’m sure Ayako will offer you help whether you want it or not. She doesn’t exactly take no as an answer.” The girl continued to jab the rifle’s stock into his side. Catalyst’s HP bar was dropping slightly, which just added to the comical relief. ”Well, I can’t deny determination. Catch you guys after classes tomorrow. I got an arrangement on my agenda.” Paper Moon simultaneously disbanded the party and opened up his messages, ”G’luck getting back to the Cobalt Bruisers’ territory. Just take the route I mapped out, and you should be just fine. Have a good one.” The rogue spun around and waved at the two as he walked off, sending a message towards another player on his friends list.

---

To: Leviathan
From: Paper Moon
Subject - Back In Action

”Yo! Back in the field. Got any missions from the higher-ups?”

---

Paper Moon pressed the digitalized sent button and took in a deep breathe. The smell of air laced with dust was almost addictive. ”Feels good to be back.” Just like that, another ability activated, UNDER THE MOON’S SHADOW. The boy’s body was suddenly enveloped in a faint shimmer, and just like that, he disappeared into the shadows, on his way to whatever laid in wait.

"And here's your iced latte, and the ice cream parfait!" A cheerful and enthusiastic voice could be heard in the establishment. The Internet cafe carried a warm, cozy, and relaxing atmosphere, naturally drawing attention to the obviously foreign girl in the place. "One lemon tea coming up!" While moving around, her long ponytail trailed after her, the lustrous yellow color mingling into a strawberry pink at the ends, her bright blue eyes glittered with excitement as she moved to and fro.

However, her Japanese was quite fluent for a foreigner, although that may be attributed to her early settlement. After finishing up a few more orders, she glanced at the clock on the wall, noting that her shift was just about over. "Okay! Time to get to work!" Casually brushing off the several requests to bring her to dinner, the American ran to the back rooms, finding a seat to sit, and a table to rest her head on. Sitting herself down, Lina joyfully dove into the world of Deep Ground Online.



Blinking her eyes open quickly, as she felt the change in her surroundings. No longer was she at the cafe, wearing the maid-like uniform of hers. Now, she was in DGO, where data flows just as air flows in the real world. "Now, let's see what happened while I was at work..." Mumbling those words softly to herself, Lina, now as Leviathan, searched through the news.

However, a flashing icon at the corner of her vision alerted her to an unread message. "Ara, Ara, I wonder who would send me a message?" Once again seeming speaking towards herself, she opened up the message, before scanning through the minimalistic content. Smiling slightly, she glanced back at the news.

---

To: Paper Moon
From: Leviathan
Subject: Re:Back in Action

Glad to have you back! From the looks of it, it seems Dark Wraith wants all the Sweepers to group up together at the Black City. Meet you there!

P.S.: Drop by the cafe again some time! We have delicious ice latte and desserts still~!

---

Sending off her message, Levi looked around. "Now...to find my way there..." Wandering about, she slowly made her way towards the Black City, although her travels was sped up slightly thanks to hitch hiking off another player after trading a few wares as a price.

He had missed the dilapidated scenery far too much. A grin stretched widely at either end of his face as he whizzed his way off of a ridge into the remaining story of a languidly deteriorating building. The rogue broke forward into a flip, then jutted his legs out to optimize acceleration and lessen air resistance with the momentum UNDER THE MOON’S SHADOW had built up. He gracefully landed on the rusted metal surface, just in case the beam was on the brink of falling apart. Paper Moon peered behind him, estimating which level of the building he was on based off of his height. A fall from there wouldn’t be fatal, but it would definitely leave him incapacitated for some time.

Just to stay on the safe side, he treaded lightly as he expanded a map screen, displaying his current distance from Black City. The region could already be seen over the horizon of decrepit terrain, a diamond in the rough. A beacon of hope, even though it had such a dreary name. The player quickly patted himself down to make sure that all of his bearings were still in check, then without skipping a beat, continued his sprint towards the city.

”When was the last time I stopped by the cafe…?” The boy’s train of thought deviated from its tracks, he wracked through his memory in an attempt to pinpoint a fragment of any sort. It must have been three weeks at the least. Shiro felt a tinge of guilt, since he practically fell off the radar for nearly a month, it must have posed a bit of a concern that an avid patron suddenly disappeared. To him, the cafe was a relaxing place where he could wage the against homework with a constant supply of sugar-induced energy. He would probably have to buy some elaborate and overpriced parfait upon his next visit. Well, at least Angelina’s spirits didn’t seem to drop in the slightest during his absence.

Chances are, Shiro was probably one of the few people who knew both of her identities, but made it a point to not call her by her actual name within DGO unless the two were alone. And since stake outs were regular activities within the Sweepers, that was a decent amount of time.

Paper Moon continued to glance in all directions, just to make sure there weren’t any marauders trailing him. He kept his left arm close to the Harvest Carbine at all times, so in the case of an ambush, at least he would be prepared to return fire at a moment’s notice. But the rogue anticlimactically arrived at the city unscathed. Already he could hear the bustling of the scape right after his first few steps through the gate. If oxygen was a prevalent factor in DGO, all of it would have been exchanged with carbon dioxide because of how many people there were. Paper Moon straightened his jacket with a deft tug, then opened up his messages.

---

To: Leviathan
From: Paper Moon
Subject: Re:Re: Back in Action

”I’m here. In one piece, as well. Currently waiting by the gates. Feel free to fill me in once you’re here.”

---

With that, Paper Moon hit sent and swiped at the UI, leaving nothing to obstruct his vision. The city seemed to never sleep, especially with the hints of sudden changes he’s been hearing about.

---

After dealing with the Sweepers in the Black City, Dark Wraith quickly made an exit from Deep Ground. She may return later to mediate any disputes as the Sweepers relocate themselves into the city, but first she needed to speak with Yoshino. What she had to say must have been important if she couldn't simply message it over to Retsu in Deep Ground. Once out of Deep Ground Retsu looked around her room. It was the same as she left it. "So Yoshino wants to talk huh..."

Retsu dressed herself casually. She didn't have anything fancy, so she just put on some tights, a skirt, and a hoodie. She slipped on some converses and headed over to Yoshino's dorm, careful to make sure no one followed her. Wouldn't do her or Yoshino any good if anyone saw her go to the school president's room. On her way she sent Yoshino a message that she was coming.

"I'll knock five times. It should be me."

However, Yoshino herself wasn't at her dorm. In fact, she was just now rushing out of the Student Council room after staying in late to file some paperwork. As she crossed the streets that led from campus into the dorms darkness, she expressed mild annoyance. Really, did it have to be right now? She could see how that sort of plan might have backfired on her but it was in the past at this point.

It wouldn't look good if the Student President had been late to her own meeting, though most of the blame could be pinned on Moon Rider for that one. Well whatever. Soon enough, she slipped from the darkness and towards her solitary dorm room, only to freeze when she saw Retsu standing outside her door from a distance.

She frowned, walking slowly and out of sight. All sorts of embarrassing scenarios could be bred from this one mistake alone and she immediately went to planning out methods to get into the room without Retsu noticing.

Retsu waited. And waited. And waited. And waited. And waited. She was counting the seconds. When five minutes had passed after she knocked, Retsu knocked again. When another five minutes passed Retsu decided to go for a little walk. Perhaps Yoshino was in the bathroom. Maybe she had taken a quick nap. Retsu didn't get a message from her yet, so she must have some reason to be missing.

As Retsu turned the corner she was debating breaking into Yoshino's room herself. Normally one needs a key to access it but Retsu could easily snap the lock. Though that would look suspicious. Retsu also made a mental note to make a copy of Yoshino's key, on the off chance she needs to get inside of her room.

Likewise, Yoshino waited. And waited. And waited. And waited. And waited. When it finally looked like Retsu was moving away from her front door, the Student President adjusted her glasses and released a sigh. Honestly, how determined was this girl? Still, at least now she had a chance of proceeding forward.

Checking Retsu one last time only to find her pacing alone, Yoshino walked with what she hoped to be the utmost silence towards her door. She crossed the stairs, eventually reaching her room on the higher most level. With key in hand, she carefully unlocked the door and slipped inside, hoping she wasn't seen.

Retsu stopped by her room and pick up a little gadget called the Skeleton Key. Unlike traditional keys, Retsu just needed to wiggle this one around the lock of her choice and she'd get an exact copy of the key needed to open the lock. Unfortunately, it was only good for once. She was going to use it to break into Yoshino's room, but first she would knock one more time. Retsu tucked her skeleton key into her shirt as she knocked on Yoshino's door once more.

At the sound of the knocking, Yoshino sighed. Well, she should have expected Retsu to be as persistent as ever. Dressed in simple purple pajamas, she walked over to the door and opened it to greet the other girl.

"Apologies. I was in the shower," she lied while adjusting her glasses. "Let me guess, Moon Rider sent you, right?"

Retsu nodded her heard and took a quick whiff. Either Yoshino had a very drab shampoo or she was lying. She didn't smell wet at all. But Retsu would ignore the white lie and nodded her head. "May I enter?"

Yoshino narrowed her eyes at Retsu's whiff but said nothing about it. Either she could believe her or not. It wasn't going to make much difference any way. So instead, she merely nodded, allowing Retsu access into her dorm room much like before. Pulling up a chair for Retsu while putting some lights on, Yoshino sat across from the other girl in a poised manner.

"Right then. I suppose we should get down to business, yes? Moon Rider has already informed me of the events in DGO. All of them, except of course your battle with the White King. Seeing as you came out of it alive, I assume you either escaped or she spared you."

Taking a seat, Retsu began to recount her battle with the White King. "She did spare me. I arrived to the Red Asphalt District alone, as she said, and battled with her. I had initial difficulties and did my best to duel her, considering my abilities, but ultimately I was at her mercy. The White King intended to use the spar as a pretense to insult you, as she revealed many intimate details about your relationship with her." Retsu paused and looked at Yoshino. She wanted to know what the Student President's reaction to the fact the White King revealed so much personal information about her would be.

Retsu would not be disappointed. To those words, Yoshino tensed up, her hands slowly curling into fists. Personal information? That could mean a wide array of things, especially with her position as Student Body President. She adjusted her glasses just once before staring at the other girl with a dark look.

"What did she tell you Retsu?"

"She taunted me about what you and her did while dating. Your faults and weaknesses, mistakes you've made, and many things you confined in with her. It seems like she was trying to point out your flaws. The White King was also quite frustrated and intended to kill me while she ranted at me. I had to use your advice to survive." Retsu said nonchalantly. Frankly, Retsu couldn't care less about Yoshino and Chiyo's old romance. There was slightly more pressing concerns.

"I believe she intends to use this alliance as a pretense to get close to you again, this time from the angle of a rival. After I used your advice, she seemed hesitant to continue the fight. I questioned her about her motives and what she intended to do with this alliance. She spoke in circles claiming to simply uphold the purpose of the White Guild. A very tsundere reaction. I believe she still has feelings for you, Tsugumi-San."

Yoshino listened to all of this, her expression not changing. She could tell that Retsu didn't really seem to care all too much, simply relaying orders like a soldier. So too would Yoshino resolve and spare the other girl any signs of regret concerning her past actions. The Student President took a few moments to collect herself, her eyes focused more on Retsu's shoulder than her directly.

"I see. She's still as much of a nuisance of ever," she finally said with the utmost calm. "Well then, it's obvious she still has mixed feelings on the matter as a whole. Though it's laughable to think she was telling the complete truth Goroshi-san. I believe you fell for one of her lies. But regardless of what she thinks she feels, the fact remains that we have an alliance with the White Guild."

Yoshino adjusted her glasses while moving out of her seat to turn away. She figured Retsu might want to get home at this point considering how dark it was out. Besides, she had fulfilled her role so far and there was no other reason to keep her here.

"If that's all you have to say Retsu, I'll see you off now. Hearing about Kuroke-san has...dampened my mood. I expect you of all people would take annoyance in hearing my drabbles anyway so have a good night."

Retsu wouldn't admit that she was somewhat curious. After all, she wasn't a gossip...that being said, the White King's emotions were certainly something that Retsu could manipulate. Perhaps without Yoshino's permission...though Retsu was going to need to know more about Yoshino if Retsu was supposed to pose as her.

"I understand. However there is something else that concerns me, Tsugumi-san. As you know, the Sweepers have made an alliance with the Black Guild. I do not intend to make many public appearances, but I will be fairly active in Deep Ground now that the Sweepers have played their hand. With that in mind, the chances that I'll have to deal with the White King, under the impression that she is speaking to you, will also increase. For the sake in maintaining my disguise, I would like to know more about you. So I know how to pretend to be like you."

To say that Yoshino was surprised would not be appropriate to the situation. In fact, she had suspected something like this would eventually come along in her interactions with Retsu and she soon turned a sharp glare onto the other girl.

"Is that so? Forgive me for being suspicious Goroshi-san, but it seems a little contrived for you to learn yet more about me. After all, we've only known each other for how many hours now? Less than a day I would assume."

It was unclear why Yoshino was being hostile at this moment and to this notion of all things. Perhaps Chiyo's actions had affected her in more ways than she would care to admit. Still, she really didn't feel like dealing with Retsu now and hoped that her body language would get the point across. What right did this complete stranger have in knowing anything about her?

"Retsu. You may call me Retsu." Retsu said with a certain air of authority. Despite Yoshino's temper, Retsu didn't seem like she intended to back down either. In fact she stepped closer to Yoshino. "I will admit that we’ve learned much about each other in a short time. But considering the circumstances what I know isn't enough. You know as well as I do that White Sun intends to seek you out, both in real life and more importantly in Deep Ground. If you wish for me to continue to keep up this facade on your behalf, you will have to work with me. It's only thanks to Chiyo's emotions that she hasn't seen through me. Even with my tasks with the Sweepers I have no doubts she'll seek me out with the intent of finding you. Unless you'll face her yourself, I'm going to need to know more about you so this alliance with her holds."

"What's there to learn? Surely you can copy my mannerisms just by observing me," Yoshino pointed out dryly. "Furthermore, you seem to have played my part perfectly so far. There's not much else to know about me Goros-...Retsu. Pardon me for saying this, but leaning about me only puts you more in a position to betray me," she finished, finally revealing the source of her mistrust.

[colro=black]"Heh..."[/color] Retsu put her hand to her mouth, trying to stifle a chuckle. She was failing. "Heh heh. Ah ah ha ha ha ha! That's what you're worried about? Aaaah, Tsugumi-san, you have every right to distrust me." Retsu stepped away from Yoshino and walked towards the door, stopping when she put her hand on the doorknob.

"In my line of work, paranoia is survival. If you do not trust me, then I will take my leave. However I do want to make one thing clear: Chiyo will not be fooled for long. I may have your mannerisms, but Chiyo was exploiting your memories. Memories I do not have. Unless you expect me to weave some sort of tale of amnesia, even Chiyo will begin to see the threads. If you do not trust me with your personal information, I'm more than willing to trade parts of my life for parts of yours."

Retsu turned towards Yoshino and gave her a smile. It reeked of evil. "Consider it insurance by mutually assured betrayal. Think about it, Tsugumi-san. We will speak again tomorrow. Goodnight."

"Bold words. Alright, you've impressed me," Yoshino said with a sigh. "If it were up to me, I'd have nothing to do with you Goroshi Retsu. But unfortunately we are only bound to each other's fate due to Moon Rider. And whatever Moon Rider wants, Moon Rider gets. Someone like you, who crawls in the shadows, can't understand the ambition we have. We will sacrifice anything to achieve our goals."

Yoshino's eyes practically gleamed behind her glasses as she stared Retsu down. Really, she didn't think this would conclude with a contest of will power alone. But she met what she said behind her words.

"Unlike you, we have nothing to lose. But I'm wasting my words, aren't I? Someone like you can never understand me. It's just the way this world is. Now then. You can have your biography tomorrow," Yoshino said, fumbling with her glasses as she watched for Retsu's reaction. In this world, the only one she could ever rely on was herself. That was the case back then and it shall continue to be so even now. Someone like Retsu could never understand.

"Glad that we've come to an agreement. And lastly, Tsugumi-san...you are right. I can play your part quite well. Heh. See you tomorrow." For a brief moment, there was a look of sadness in Retsu's eye. It was quickly replaced by a look of arrogance. Retsu opened Yoshino's door and left, though not before slipping her skeleton key into the lock after she closed the door. Five seconds later and Retsu had a copy of Yoshino's room key.

Eris lifted an eyebrow as she closed her history and gazed straight at Cassandra's eyes. Sure, the girl was an idealist, however, her words weren't spoken with the same sophistry present in the adults who had already been corrupted by the rottenness of the World Interface. She was an intriguing figure to Eris, one that succeeded in doing what most others couldn't up to now, that is catch the interest of the cold hearted fräulein "Your opinions intrigue me, Cassandra O'Shera. Do you really believe that good intentions can change the world? In this day and age?"

The blonde silently took some of her milkshake, twisting it slowly as she assessed Cassadra's reaction, before she finally said "Thou shalt not have any other gods before me... Isn't that how it's supposed to be? And now, look. What have we done if not create a god of silicon and set it on a shining throne high up in the skies?" To further her point, Eris touched the approximate place where the microchip that connected her to the World Interface was implanted. Eris probably didn't even needed to say what it was about, if Cassandra had at least a passing knowledge of religion, even though, all of this was but an anecdote.

Sure, Eris could see the same patterns as any fanatic on the streets, but she wasn't that much worried about the fact that the chip that was forced inside of everyone's head if they wished to have decent life was pretty much 'The Mark of the Beast', or that the World Interface was a digital Anti-Christ. No, nothing of these things mattered to Eris, but they sure were useful means of evaluating someone's morals and so Eris liked to go back to them every now and then. What really mattered is the revenge that she swore to get, for the fact that the Interface ruined her life and destroyed her family all because of what? A mere game?

"A joke," Eris thought, "A damned, bitter joke... all of this is nothing but rubbish."

However, Cassandra spoke the truth, for the most part. What was it that students like they could do when even the world most wanted digital terrorists never achieved to do any real damage to the system? But Eris knew it, that somewhere on Deep Ground an answer to her questions must exist. Why else would it be a game so odd?

"Nevertheless, you are mostly right, yet I won't give up until the last minute, no the last second, I have within that world. There must be a way to reach my goal from there. How else do you explain it being a game that follows so many strange rules? It's almost as if..." Eris clenched her fist in a challenging move, before finishing her monologue with "they were so confident in their omnipotence that they are challenging us to find it. And, just this once, I'm more than happy to oblige..."

---

@Caits

Cassandra took a few moments to answer. It seemed that something had changed in Eris's view of her. She pondered what she wanted to say, to address Eris's questions and opinions. There seemed to be a lot she wanted to say, but it was how it was said, that would make an impact with this girl, at least to Cassandra's view. "Good intentions build the world. So do bad. More often, it's good intentions that succeed. Can bad come from good intentions? Yes, but does that make the intentions bad? I don't think so. I think that good intentions can change the world, that with the will, the strength to do it, then you can change anything. You just have to want to try" Was she babbling? She didn't think she was. Was she making sense? God, she hoped so.

As Eris quoted religion, Cassandra frowned, just slightly. While she believed there had to be some sort of higher power out there, did it have to be a god? That was her own personal...dilema with religion, but Eris had a point. Still..."I think it is human nature to be afraid. To be terrified of choice, as if we stick with the religion aspect, choice is what threw down Adam and Eve from paradise. Perhaps the thought of a silcon machine taking choice away from us, is a relief for some people. It doesn't make them weak, it just shows how fragile the human physique is, doesn't it?" Cassandra shrugged.

After a moment more of thought, she leaned forward, and she smiled, just slightly, "Oh, they are challenging us. Perhaps wondering how long it will take for someone to step up, and do something. I'm more than sure there is a way to take it all down. Nothing is full proof, nothing is impossible. You want to know how to defeat it? Take down the hierarchy. Take it down so that they don't even know you are doing it. Weaken those considered in power, just enough, so that it will come tumbling down. Do that...and the game is yours" Again, a shrug as she leaned back, "At least, that's what I'd do. You just have to figure out how"@KoL

"Ten rounds of incendiary type explosive projectiles, as agreed." Finalizing the trade, Levi dismounted from the motorbike. Thanking the driver as she walked off, her blue eyes almost glittering with anticipation. To think that the Black King would be coming out, and even the Sweepers are aligning themselves with the king. This was definitely the antithesis of boredom! "Through the wake of chaos that the change brings about, many will be swept up in new and exciting adventures! Now, if this translated to the real world, even better!" Her smile of excitement ran with deep contrast against her extremely dark hopes, causing her to gain a few stares of curiosity, as she walked towards the entrance of the city.

Brushing the gazes as easily as she brushed her hair from her face, she looked around, trying to find her 'one-eyed coworker and patron'. Oh, how amusing it was when Shiro realized who he was ordering sugary delights from. While she could probably use certain methods to locate a player, she wasn't trying to hunt someone at the moment. Besides, it lacked a certain...sensation of enjoyment when you find someone who wasn't trying to hide.

"I, Leviathan, have arrived!" Once more ignoring odd looks, she called out loudly.

"Well, quite the entrance. Though I wouldn't expect anything less from a member of the Drama Club." A voice commented a cleft in the crowd began to form as an individual pushed through the mass. The person made sure to give each player has passed a hurried "Excuse me" until he finally squeezed his way into the open. Paper Moon stumbled after being coughed up by the crowd. He patted himself down and fix his jacket. "Though I guess playing dead could come in handy sometimes. They do that in the Drama Club, right?" The boy tilted his head and shrugged, then shot a quick glance at the passerbys furiously typing away at their menus. Feeding info brokers false information was something he got a kick out of, though he would do anything to keep his and his friends' tracks clean. And besides, sometimes people just needed to venture on a wild goose chase.

"But drama is about immersing yourself in your role!" Understanding what Paper Moon was attempting, Levi continued to add onto the false information. The boy grinned and gave a slight shrug, "Well, whatever floats your thespian boat." Lines of players edging to sign up for the newly opened guild contorted around the entrance. Things had definitely taken quite the turn. "So, anyways, shall we?" Paper Moon motioned at a break in the streaks of players. Those who were drawn to the duo had lost interest and went off to continue on with their days.

Levi nodded in agreement, answering with a cheerful "We shall~!", her hands held behind her back. While moving towards the opened guild doors, Levi gave the boy a sideways glance. "How's it feel? To delve back into the world where data flows just like the air in the real world?" While smiling, she easily started up the conversation, before a mischevious glint appeared in her eyes, which was followed by a few teasing words. "While away, did you get to meet a beautiful maiden in nurse clothes~?"

Paper Moon's smile widened at the mention of the women tasked with tending to him in the hospital, "Let's just say their appearances alone had an apphrodisiac effect. I just went through a few tests, so it's not like they were around 24/7. Though most of them made you wounder 'Wow, how isn't she married?' I actually ended up asking one of them just that, but she laughed it off and proceeded to stick a needle into me." The boy held the door open for his higher-up, then continued shadowing the girl as the doors shut behind them.

"I'll admit it, my muscles are a bit sore. Can't say I fancy the city though. I'm more fond of the rural parts, rather than this place chock full of flashing lights and mobs of players." By countryside, he was of course referring to the outer parts of the Faded City, the long dead remnants of what used to be lively metropolises. It was also a place where he could find some R&R. A secluded haven where he could kick back and maintain his belongings. He quickly checked the two in at the front desk and paced further down the hall. "So, you got the slightest idea why we're being called here? Thought we were more discrete about these kind of things?"

"While, here's a theory that's a conjecture layered upon a hypothesis." Raising one finger, she started to explain. "One, the Dark Wraith might have some connection with the Black King.". A second finger was lifted, as she continued. "Two, the Black King has information we require to find a priority target.", before calmly lifting her third finger. "Or the third and most likely option. That the Black King's return coincides well with the rumors of how there was a player who stole from all other Colored Guilds."

However, she suddenly laughed before tilting her head slightly, as she looked at Paper Moon, a smirk evident on her face. "Still...they have an aphrodisiac effect, huh~? Does that mean seeing me in a waitress uniform does the same thing~? Or perhaps you would like to see something more tantilizing~?" Unable to help herself, she poked slightly at her companion's previous words.

Paper Moon directed a majority of his brainpower to envisioning Lina in a slew of different outfits while striking poses, rather than evaluating her estimations as to why the Sweepers were gathering. The orange-haired rogue rubbed his chin, putting more effort than really necessary into the internal debate. "Maid. Maid outfit. Hands down. I believe that is every man's dying wish." He wasn't playing around in the slightest. These topics were as delicate as they were crucial. The boy held up his own finger, "Or fourth, maybe we're getting together for a tea party, and promotions are being handed out." A light chuckle sounded from the boy, accompanied by his emblematic witty smile. He threw his hands up in the air, giving up on trying to find a clear answer to his original inquiry, "Welp, whatever it is, they're probably organizing everybody by rank again. Enjoy your champagne, while I indulge myself in convience store grade sake."

Levi laughed as she got an adamant answer in regards to what a man would want to see a girl wear. "Maid, is it? You know, there are plenty of different...options, when it comes to maid uniforms~! Ranging from a traditional Victorian era style, to a more deliciously bared skin from a revealing variety~!" However, she suddenly tilted her head, as an unusual thought struck her. "Wait, since we're in DGO right now...it would be with these avatars. And there may be some odd Dissolutions in certain dungeons...perhaps a dying wish of a man here would be to see a girl get grabbed by the mythical tendrils~!" Her laughter at the thought made it clear that she found the idea more entertaining than worrisome, considering her gender.

Nearing the entrance to the guild hall, Levi patted Shiro's back. "Don't worry, if you get something cheap, make up for it by coming over to the cafe and ordering something big. I may even feed you if you pay a nice tip~"

How laid-back the girl was about such topics was a bit disconcerting, at least that's how a person only initially meeting Levi would feel, yet Paper Moon wasn't really fazed by her... unique temperament. "Eh, that tentacle stuff doesn't strike my fancy. I may be only in the middle of adolescence, but even I've developed a certain palette." Well, it wouldn't be a sight he'd stop and ogle at. He only offered up a calm smile as he gave his friend a quick wave, "Catch you afterwards, Boss. If you're not issued any missions to pass onto me, I'll meet you at the cafe." The thought of being spoonfed wasn't an occasion he would miss out on.

Waving back in response, Levi quickly made her way deeper into the guild hall, to meet up with her fellow Erasers.

"Your point of view is admirable, indeed. I can not say that I can deny it completely, still such idealism is the driving force behind most of the worst tragedies of humanity's history." Eris replied to Cassandra's rebuttal quite calmly. All things considered, Eris enjoyed the conversation up to this point, however, the night was waning fast and soon enough the time to part ways would come. Nevertheless, Eris decided to indulge herself, just a little more.

"I see that you are someone open to possibilities, and thus someone worthy of my respect, even if our moral onsets are as far apart as the Sun and the Moon..." Eris said to Cassandra once she had finished her talk about what the perceived challenge within Deep Ground. "However, even the Sun and the Moon come together during an Eclipse, right? If that's the case, we might as well become friends on both sides."

With this last cryptic message, Eris got back to her feet and said "I guess that it's here that we part our ways for tonight. 'Five seconds with your hand on the oven feel like five minutes, but five minutes admiring a gorgeous woman feel like five seconds.' This night was much more enjoyable than I thought." After that, Eris made a brief pause, to allow Cassandra to say anything that she might wish to, before turning around and leaving.

"Farewell, Cassandra O'Shera. I'm looking forward for our next encounter."

@Caits



Once Eris was back to her dormitory, she removed her school uniform and placed it on a hanger quite cautiously, so that it wouldn't get any wrinkles, before taking a shower and dropping on her bed in naught but a white nightshirt.

"Hahaha, I never thought that I could find something that would amuse me in a place such as this. Cassandra O'shera, I'll keep my eyes on you from now, even as I try to make the world burn..." Eris said to herself, just before the drowsiness got the best of her and she finally fell asleep.

Student President Yoshino Tsugumi blinked open her eyes groggily as she saw the small rays of sunlight filter through her window. Stretching upon her single bed, she sat up and rested back against the bed headboard, reaching out on the small stand next to her to retrieve her glasses. With a new day came a refreshed mind and body, the Student President ready to begin her day.

Certainly, she was in a much better mood than she was in last night. However, thinking of her confrontation with Retsu made her frown and she furrowed her eyes in thought. Perhaps she had come across as a little unbearable last night. After all, Retsu had no way of knowing about her life’s details and only now after thinking it through did Yoshino see how advantageous that could be.

Frowning, the Student President opened up her mental link in the preparation to apologize to the other girl and perhaps negotiate some things Retsu should know about her. However, Yoshino blinked in surprise when she found a message already in preparation for her instead. Reading it over, her eyes widened as she noted the sender.

Sighing, she shifted out of bed and moved off to get prepared for the vigorous day ahead. She had slipped up in front of Retsu, had shown rash emotion; she could admit that now. Still, she would have to make amends quickly considering this new development. Besides, she would expect the Sweeper to be interested in what she had to say.

Soon enough, Yoshino was dressed in her black school uniform, adjusting the glasses perched on her face, before heading out the door. As she walked, she sent two messages simultaneously. One to Retsu stating for the other girl to meet her in the Student Council office as soon as possible. Another was sent as a mass email to all of the students attending Purple Crown.

They were to have a morning assembly.

Nao wanted to hook back into Deep ground online, but she was just getting shut out for playing too long, it was what she got for playing the game for too long so she began to watch something on one of her televisions and had a game on another screen, she watched a crazy anime show on the television, while the game on the other screen loaded into an online match.

Nao leaned back into her ultimate gaming chair with her game's controller just at arm's reach, she was playing some type of First person shooter game that had a bunch of American children swearing at each other and boasting about their ranks and saying that they'd teabag someone the first chance they'd get so they could look cool over the internet.

Nao stood up and began moving around not wanting to just sit in her chair waiting, she didn't want to fall asleep, so the heterochromia girl began doing some exercises to stay active, her eyes were glued to the anime on the television, but her mismatched colored eyes also glanced over to digital wall clock, when she saw the time on it Nao swore as loud as she could followed by a number of other swears.

" DAMN IT ! Fucking Real Life and school getting in the way of my videogames and Anime I swear to god if I didn't have to go to school I'd just play fucking games all day, Fuck school I know everything I need to know and have a fucking job why the fuck do I always gotta go when I'm in the fucking middle of some shit that I want to do, I fucking hate going to fucking school."

She let out a plethora of F-bombs and swears feeling angry, she ran over to a small dresser she had and threw her clothes onto her bed that she hardly used, she grabbed her uniform and began putting it on feeling even more angry to see that the match had loaded up and people were killing each other, Nao became fuming angry when she saw her avatar be slaughter since she was away from her controller.

Her anime character printed controller started to vibrate uncontrollably, and the controller nearly fell off her gaming desk." I'll remember each and everyone of your Gamer tag names and I'll hunt each one of you squeakers down and end you with an epic kill streak !!" Nao yelled at the screens.

The heterochromic girl threw on her school pack, powered down her screens, grabbed the lock to the container she lived in and locked up the giant yellow container, before she threw the lock on she made sure she had the key and everything she needed, she didn't want to get to school and need something or lock herself out, it would be embarrassing to get a locksmith out to her to unlock a container.

Nao began running to school forgetting she had a bike right next to the container, she may have been somewhat a couch potato but she was willing to move when she needed to most." Fucking Real life getting in the way of my actual life, always trying to make me fucking go outside and do things like going outside and talking to people, fuck real life !" She said angrily.

"I can't believe I'm looking forward to class for once." Kosuke said, straightening his tie.

The previous few days had been eventful to say the least. The Black King, Dunk Master, the giant dissolution... so much crazy stuff happened in two days, and nothing else had even come close within his last three years of Deep Ground Online. But it wasn't so much he was looking forward to the downtime from Deep Ground, rather he was looking forward to taking a rest and coming back to Deep Ground again.

He had English first and he would be rather go to hell before visibly showing effort in English.

Anyway, all these events felt like they were leading up to something big, and whatever it was going to be, he wanted to be in the middle of it no matter what. Suddenly, his mail popped up with a new notification.

"An e-mail from the student council president?" He said.

It said there was a student assembly up first. Then he got a second e-mail, this time from his mother?

(Grand)mother wants to know how you've been doing :^)

Since the advent of neural uplinks had been in her time, she still typed like she was younger. Well, she wasn't exactly getting old or anything but still. They had a sort of game where she'd check in occasionally and Kosuke had to write one sentence that was interesting. It was sort of a challenge because nothing usually happened, but there was plenty going so he didn't have to think very hard. He thought of a good sentence to summarize everything and wrote it out.

I'm being pulled into trouble by the women in my life.

He hit send. Then he realized he'd made a tactical error.

Eris's attitude seemed to have changed towards Cassandra, but she wasn't sure why. Why would Cassandra's opinion change her, in Eris's view? This seemed to be the case, revealing that Eris was more a logical and restricted person. As Eris continued to talk, Cassandra listened, thoughtful. "The sun and the moon are different sides of the same coin. Without one, you wouldn't have the other" She responded, rising when Eris did. With the last message, Cassandra frowned. 'Five seconds with your hand on the oven feel like five minutes, but five minutes admiring a gorgeous woman feel like five seconds. What was that meant to me? Had Eris just, in some way or form, hit on her? Paid her a compliment?

"Farewell, Eris"

@KoL

Cassandra stayed at the table for a time, pondering the nights event, unwilling to admit to herself that she was terrified of going home, going to her new dorm room. She stayed, nibbling at her food, letting it grow cold, before she rose, and headed back to the dorm rooms.

Unable to sleep, she sat at her desk, staring at some paper. She picked up her pen. And began to write. Began to plan. Did anyone even notice her in the game? She didn't really think so. How easy had Jukebox just left her? And what about Static? The only person she was sure even noticed she was alive was the Green King, and he or she probably knew who everyone was in the pack.

And she agreed that the game was...not necessarily wrong, just...it shouldn't decide their future. She worked late into the night, falling asleep at the desk. She woke only when light fell on her, and fell out of the chair with a jolt. She hit her head on the edge of the desk and gave a cry out, laying a moment.

Then she realised she was running late, and began to move, bolting into the shower, and then out, not seeming to notice the blood trailing from her forehead. She dressed, and grabbed her bag, darting out of the dorm room, only just reading the message for an assembly, cursing under her breath and changing directions.

When he logged out of DGO Alex had been exhausted and immediately fell asleep, between DGO and Maribel he simply had no energy left. This turned out to maybe be a poor choice. When he finally woke up in the morning he found that he couldn’t get his hands off his face... they were stuck there... by duct-tape. A muffled scream echoed through his dorm room and he blindly thrashed and collapsed to the carpeted floor.

Alex quickly scrambled unsteadily to his feet and used his memory to stumble into the bathroom and then the shower, using his elbows to have the hottest shower he could bare, using the heat and steam to melt the adhesive of the tape. Peeling the tape off he had red marks on his face, stripping the wet clothes off he did his best to get rid of any traces of tape from him.

Feeling unbelievably better after the shower Alex went put on a fresh uniform and started on breakfast. Scrambled eggs and bacon, that will make me feel better. As he started cooking Alex felt weird... he was worried about who would tape his hands to his face, especially since he did his best to avoid antagonising people in the real world, hell interacting with people was kept to a minimum...

...Maribel? Would she really do this? Curious Alex opened up his messager and wrote.

To: Maribel Harper
From: Alex Coleman
Subject: Duct Tape?
-------
Hi Bel

Did you duct tape my hands to my face? I only ask because you’re really the only person I’ve had contact with recently. It also means that you’ve watched me sleep... which is a little weird... Did I sleep talk? I didn’t say anything embarrassing did I?

Kindest Regards,
Alex Coleman
♪
-------
@TheWindel

Hitting send he received a general message about there being a school assembly Well, alright then, I better get sorted After cleaning up after himself Alex grabbed his old music player and the pink headphones Bel brought him and headed out.

As he walked he realised that he had forgotten Nies! She could be in Verdant’s sights! Plus he ditched her! Embarrassed he quickly drafted a message.

To: Nies Hellum
From: Unrelenting Jukebox
Subject: Sorry about yesterday
-------
Hi Nies

Sorry about yesterday, I ditched you and that was awful of me. You might recall that we were supposed to be scouting Black City? Well our King wanted a report and he isn’t very patient... I realise that it isn’t an excuse, but I do hope it explains why I left without a trace.

Just in case you might want to not go looking for our Green King for a while. He wasn’t to pleased with what I had to say...

Sorry again and Kindest Regards,
Unrelenting Jukebox
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@Caits

Sending one more time, Alex walked to Purple Crown for the assembly enjoying his music and ignoring those around him.