[IC] Pariah Online: A Voyage into the Intangible Aether

[mickilennial]

Location: The Laughing Worg Tavern -- The City-State of Thorinn, Aetheria

---

Rael sighed, “Yeah, sure, I guess.”

Not everybody’s you. The words cut like a knife, even if it wasn’t the intention. Rael, or rather Hanako’s own mind worked against her. Not every person in Pariah was a sociopathic monster with no friends. Not everyone was happy to be here. Not afraid. Not broken. It was a thought she kept coming back to, and it was hard to combat it. She had no friends, even if they called her one at the table, and sometimes made her felt needed.

Rael took a drink of some watered down wine, listening to others engage with the conversation. The noise in her head didn’t help, but she didn’t act like she was shut down or hurt by it.

“Maybe, people just need to realize the situation they are in. I dunno. Your idea about changing vocation is something, though. Pretty smart, if people want to hire wayfarers for denizen work.”

[Mcmolly]

Location:The City of Thorinn, Aetheria

---

Seele couldn’t help but wince when Rael entered the conversation with, well, about as much tact as could be expected of her. Graves, to his credit, took it in stride. They seemed to be at least somewhat used to each other, bristles and all, so hey at least they had that going for them. Baby steps.

Still, even if things didn’t seem on the immediate cusp of violence like they had been the last time, she figured it was probably best to try focusing their efforts. She cleared her throat, which wasn’t particularly loud, so she stood up as well and held up her hand like she was answering a teacher’s question.

“Pardon, sorry. I just wanted to say, I think this is a very fruitful discussion and I’m really proud of the way you’re all handling it. I’d like to offer another couple cents, if that’s alright? It might be that there’s something we could do to satisfy all parties.”

As she moved around the table, Seele placed a mug of water down in front of Kazuki and patted his arm gently. “Here sweetie, some of this,” she said cheerily, and called out to the bar as well. “Alja~! Whenever you’re ready we’d love you to come back over!”

With a bit of effort and some rearranging, she gathered her armful of papers and set them down in her chair. Among them was a sizable stack of documents, a modestly-sized map of the city, and a few rolls of trace-paper each bearing scribbles in different colors. First, she unfurled the map across the table, using some of the empty mugs to pin down its corners. It was a loan from the fraternity, and so its detail was impeccable, even down to the smallest streets and alleys. Cumbersome to some, but for this, it was exactly what she’d needed.

“Some of you may know, some of you may not, but there’s been a string of disappearances lately. This—” she held up a thinner stack of papers. “Is the list of recently missing denizens. And this—” and she hefted a thicker stack, before setting it back down on the chair. “Is the list of wayfarers. Graves, you want to get people together? Many of these missing people are in guilds, who would likely be very pleased to have their friends back safe and sound. And if the disappearances of the denizens is related—which I believe it is—then getting to the bottom of this would certainly go a long way towards mending our relationship with them.”

“Now, Alex and I have worked quite hard on this. I believe there’s a real chance we can do something here—something good, for everyone. It might not be a dungeon, but it is work and it will help people. I even believe I have a plan. So, if you’re interested, I’ll just need a few more minutes of your time.”

[DruSM157]

Location: The Laughing Worg Tavern-- The City of Thorinn, Aetheria

---

Rael and Graves’ back and forth had not been helpful, especially with Graves’ insinuation that the Denizens were something less than human still. He’d taken his worries to Sif, and whilst she didn’t completely agree with him; they still knew something had changed. And Rael was right, in Japan, those that could not contribute to society were stigmatized and branded as something like parasites. Hikikomori, NEETs, Ronins, each of those titles hung behind him as he struggled through school. ”Don’t expect to live like a hikikomori like some of those worthless drop-outs. If you can’t make it in school, I’ll have you on the streets bringing in money some way or the other, you lazy brat." At least here in this world the only person harassing him was himself.

And even Kazuki stood up and made great points that they had to stick together. Everyone was joining in, bringing information to the table, all without his input. It was probably better that he remained quiet and let the others talk now. And then, a quiet voice broke the constant back and forth to bring everyone in the room together again.

Finally. He’d been waiting for everyone to come together and discuss things, and Seele took the initiative to bring them together again. Benkei nodded at the girl. “Right.” She’d told him that she’d been working on her own project, and this was it. He and Sif had heard a little bit of the same rumors; people disappearing as well, and not just those traveling to attempt dungeons.

Benkei grabbed a few documents and carried it with him to Seele’s table. He’d taken a few notes from some of the Denizens and a few wayfarers in the past day, and he’d bring whatever information to bear alongside her. ”Sif and I heard a little about this too. I think whatever is happening is probably very important beyond bringing other groups together. Even if it’s just to keep us all safe.”

[Lemons]

---

Alja sighed, resting her cheek against the bar as she lost herself in thought. The gods, huh? If only. it would make things a lot simpler, wouldn't it? But no matter the heart-to-heart they were having, she couldn't explain to her that she'd been coming to this world as an avatar in a video game locked into her dreams. Trailing her finger along the edge of the flagon almost meditatively, she found herself stuck in her thoughts. Didn't fail anyone, hmm? Well, that was a flat-out lie. The only job of the wayfarers was to clear the dungeons and keep the world of Aetheria safe. They hadn't. Failing that, the purpose of wayfarers was to protect the denizens in more clean-cut ways; escorting them from city to city as guards, searching the wilderness for a plant that was needed to cure a sick elder from a terrible cough. They hadn't They had shirked everything that a Wayfarer was. And so they had failed. And ain't their fault they couldn't go back? That was true enough, she supposed, but it was still their fault they were here to begin with. They'd made a conscious decision to put that headset on each and every time they played. Nobody was forcing them. They'd become part of this world by choice. But now that their choice had been taken away, they were supposed to be able to pull away from the world, and it was all supposed to be okay? Something about it didn't sit right with her.

She was afraid of dying. It was why she hadn't gone with the group to clear the dungeon in the Western Marshes instead of rat hunting in the sewers. That it had turned into a dungeon wasn't relevant. She was afraid, and that was understandable, she thought. On earth, in Edinburgh, life-or-death situations were the exception, not the rule. But if she let that fear stop her from doing what she needed to do...that was less understandable. And yet still, she felt it. Shout at her friends about protecting the denizens—the people—under their care all she wanted, that didn't change that she was scared. But clearly, this world had a need for wayfarers. It ran under the assumption that there would be wayfarers to clear the dungeons. But now there weren't. And so the world's needs were not met. Only they could purge them. So if not them, who?

So they couldn't pull away from the world. If they were trapped here, then they couldn't treat it like the game it was rapidly ceasing to be. If they were trapped here with these people, then it didn't matter that they might have been code, might still be code. They were still people now for all intents and purposes. To stop clearing the dungeons would be to break a fundamental part of the world. And if the world went, then so did they, right? The world needed them. Perhaps the thought came to her out of egotism. But she didn't think so.

But on one thing, Dariel was right. The best that they could do was handle it the best they could. For some, that might mean doing the jobs that needed doing in the cities. For some, it might mean hiding, doing their best to ignore the situation entirely. She didn't think any less of them. A part of her wanted to do that too. But it was the lesser part of her, born of that primal fear. For her, 'doing the best she could' meant going out and doing what wayfarers did. Because if wayfarer's didn't...

...Then who would?

Her face cleared. Set now in her resolve—do what must be done, remain calm, always be a presence to fall back to, protect as best she could—she sat up straighter, shooting a loose salute at Dariel with as a quick grin came to her face. "Well, you've given me a lot to think about, haven't you? And it's stuff that needed thinkin' 'bout. You ever need anythin', you just let me know."

She sighed again as Seele called her over, but a different kind of sigh, and her grin blossomed into a full smile. She lifted the flagon, and with a quick "Cheers!" drained the orange juice in one long draught.Good goddamn, that's good—before tilting her head at Dariel. "Guess that's my cue, huh?" As she rose from the seat where she'd been slumped, her brow was clear, and so were her thoughts. Truly, she needed to be better than she had. Taking the first step towards the table, she shot one final glance back to the tavern keeper, smile still bright on her face. "...And thanks, Dariel. Thanks a lot. Seriously, I owe ya one, hey?"

Then she clomped over to the table and slung herself down in a chair sideways, pitching her legs over an arm and laying her own arm casually on the table. "Sorry 'bout all that, not very Guard of my Frost." She winked at Artemis and turned the full force of her smile straight at her, determined now to be a comforting presence. "So, what'd I miss?"

[HokumPocus]

---

Alex looked up from his sprawling mess of documents for what felt like the hundredth time, his eyebrows either widening or tensing based on what words got speared across the tavern. Despite the amount of effort he placed in his investigations, the conclusions were no longer inside his head, as it instead thrummed with an entirely different set of mysteries.

He'd come to a realization not too long ago, one that made him audibly laugh and had continued to morbidly entertain him since. He'd spent his life living as a passive, even hedonistic man with a reckless streak and a desire to stay out of any trouble that wasn't his, followed by the undercurrent of a desire to divert from that, to be something more, a hero on the times he allowed himself to use such an immature word. And it came true. The opportunity that couldn't have possibly been granted in the world of reality had reared its head and crashed into him at full speed.

He empathized with anyone feeling weak or scared. The phrase "be careful what you wish for" had been a particularly reocurring intrusive thought of his, and he definitely struggled with regrets and fear. But they were going to solve this fucking mystery if no one else would. He cleared his throat, and the mechanical horse wheeze of a noise seemed to have at least gotten some people's attention.

"Well, uh, back when this was a game everyone had their own reasons for playing. The people not fighting might just be doing other things. And that could help us. Like right now," he made a broad sweep of his arms towards the documents laid out in front of him. "pla- way-people are disappearing and I have my suspicions."

It was tempting to blurt out his own ideas, but forcing answers onto people was what he decided on intentionally avoiding. If he interviewed people separately then they'd give better information than if he were to fill them in on what any other wayfarer or denizen answered. Likewise, he wanted his party members to draw their own conclusions first. "Seele's right, but I'm also thinking a little more long-term. The reason why this is even an incident in the first place is because people haven't banded together tightly enough. We approach the right people, we talk, we network, and something like this becomes harder for everyone involved."

[mickilennial]

Location: The Laughing Worg Tavern, The City-State of Thorinn, Aetheria

---

“How many of us are gonna be needed for this investigation stuff, anyway? Kalie’s feeling sick after the dungeon, so she’s resting. Gonna be up to us to get done what we need to get done.”

Siegfried was worried, but he decided not to show it. Kalie had come back from the dungeon with Rael, Graves, and Alja well enough but it seemed like she needed a rest day, so after a quick chat in the marketplace Siegfried felt the need to remind himself to mention she wasn’t doing so good to the group. He doubted Kazuki needed to go heal her up or anything, she was still dealing with stuff that Siegfried didn’t feel like prying about.

“I’m not keen on playing Batman with you guys, so you can do that while I help with anything we need back here. There's a forge at me and Sif's place, anyway.” He looked at Kazuki, “I’m gonna need to start raking in the dough if I’m going to keep our house. I hope your plan to get through to the queen works, but if it doesn't I need to do what I do.”

His sister nodded, “To summarize, based on the information discussed we need to work on this investigation, network with other wayfarer guilds and people we know, collect world quests, communicate with craftsman organizations in the city, and try to talk with the queen. I’d also suggest helping Artemis here with anything she needs as well as meeting up with Mystic Prophecy and checking up on Priscilica and the others. I suppose we should figure out who is doing what and in what order?”

[Hero]

---

---

Graves didn't seem all too happy. Kazuki wasn't really surprised at that, though he wasn't going to argue on it any longer. He would never uphold a real, actual life over some data, but he recognized when he needed not to cause a fuss. They had to be practical, but the overly emotional Graves acted on...well, emotion, and often without thinking. He let out a small sigh at the thought; he'd rather avoid any future fights, but if Graves was going to be stubborn, it'd likely present a problem. He should've just gone with Robin, this was giving him a headache.

The mug Seele offered him went ignored as Kazuki shuffled to the bar. He fished out some coin, placing it gently on the bar. "One ale, please," He requested politely, giving the man a bow once he got the mug. Shuffling back to his seat, Kazuki took an eager swig, letting out a hiccup as he plopped down into his seat. His eyes landed on the mug of water, and he gently pushed it back with the other mug.

"I'm okay, thank you," Kazuki said (likely to Seele, but it seems more like outloud), tilting his head back as he drank the rest of the mug. It tasted terrible, it smelled terrible, but he was really, really feeling good after the matter. He watched Alex for a second, lightly swaying in his seat with a frown on his face.

"Missing wayfarers...it would be bad if other wayfarers were behind that," He mumbled. "Not that I'd be surprised. Griefers are the worst."

He had a solemn silence after that, although he leaned to his right. He kept leaning, and leaning, and leaning, and then he slowly lowered his head to the table. The brunet slid right off, remaining on the floor and staring up at the ceiling. "ゼーレさん、もう一杯必要です。" He grumbled, closing his eyes. "天井が回転している…エールだったと思う。気が変わったので、エールはもうやめてください。" He hiccuped.

At Siegfried's words, Kazuki rolled his eyes. カズマ、なぜ私たちは別の見知らぬ人をサポートしなければならないのですか？人々はあまりにも信頼しています。." He muttered in displeasure, shooting 'Artemis' a look resembling disdain. "女の子は迷惑です。でもグレイブスさんは私が何か言うと怒鳴りますので、これを処理させていただきます..."

---

---

[Supermaxx]

Location: Laughing Worg Tavern -- City-State of Thorinn, Aetheria

---

Graves gave a smug grin when the conversation changed gears, sure that meant he'd convinced them of his side of things. Even Rael- with a sigh of defeat on her lips- had to admit his plan was smart. It was nice to know he was more than just muscles and a pretty face. And it laid many of his worries to rest knowing that they'd try to help their fellow stranded players. For all his blustering about not giving a shit, there was some part of him that cared about what happened to them. They shouldn't have to suffer needlessly when changes could be made, so long as they weren't at the party's expense.

Alja made her way back to the table at Seele's beckoning, clearly in better spirits after taking a moment to cool off. She must've felt good if she was willing to make eyes so flagrantly at their new arrival. He was glad there weren't any hard feelings. He had shared some things with Kelly when they were stranded in the sewers that he hadn't told another soul; and she'd bared her soul to him in return. It embarrassed him how much he cared about how she thought of him.

Once everyone was back together the debrief began. Graves had heard rumors of recent disappearances but he had no idea the extent of the problem. It was almost an epidemic; there wasn't anyway they were unconnected. Back in Indiana kidnappings were relatively rare, except in areas known for having organized trafficking rings. He remembered a whole string of news stories about a major bust in South Bend. Could that he happening in Thorinn?

"I think I can help with this," he nodded, looking between Seele and Alex, who seemed to be taking the initiative this time around. "Back before the Glitch my main profession was bounty hunting. I'd track down all sorts of people and monsters. Got real good at it, too, if I say so myself. Even got magic that'll let me exactly where a person is- only issue bein' they gotta be within a thousand feet of me n' I gotta have access to their blood. Doubt any of the victims left a vial of that behind before they got snatched or else we could solve this thing right now."

It seemed like the best way he could use his time, seeing as how they were between major excursions. It wasn't like he could go smack metal around and make money off it like Siegfried or Alja.

He was considering what else he could add to the discussion when he noticed Kazuki's head getting lower and lower to the table, words slurring worse than a drunken racist in china town. "You okay there, little guy?"

The bard kept on going down until he'd slid right out of his chair and ended up on the floor, sprawled out like a rug and muttering in a language Graves didn't recognize. He stood up, unsure if he should be concerned or amused. "Kazy had, what, two drinks? Jesus, talk about a lightweight. We oughtta get him to bed."

[JessieTargaryen]

---

---

Location: The Laughing Worg Tavern -- The City of Thorinn, Aetheria

Missing Wayfarers? She swore she had heard rumors about that, the boys had been uneasy and insisting on traveling in groups as of late due to said rumors. As the woman, Seele? brought up a possible investigation, Artemis turned her attention towards the subject. After all, she didn't feel that she had much input on the argument between Graves and Rael... she was still an outsider to this group. Missing wayfarers, however, she could definitely try to help with that. The idea of others out there losing friends as she had, but not even knowing what actually happened to them... sounded even worse than her own situation. With a small sigh, she tried to find the strength to join in on the conversation. To find a way to contribute, but her attention was quickly stolen by Siegfried as he mentioned helping her with anything she needed.

A blush quickly formed on Artemis' features as she shook her head towards Siegfried. "A-ah, there's no need to help me with anything, really. I'd prefer to earn any assistance I get, be it with the investigation or clearing dungeons." She said softly, trying to ward off any potential for charity. Regardless of what she'd been through, the others would've wanted to earn their keep; so she would be doing the same. "I'm not certain Griefers are behind the disappearances, I've not heard much about the rumors but... I doubt griefers would be able to avoid leaving this little evidence behind. There would've been something by now, surely?" The girl, asked, before shaking her head as if to dismiss her own thoughts. Seele had said she knew more about the whole situation, so trying to make any guesses now would be rather dumb.

"A-ah, sorry. You said there was more about the disappearances?" Artemis asked Seele, seeming to jump on this particular thread rather eagerly. She didn't like to leave her mind idle, thoughts about the guild would frequent those idle thoughts once more. So focusing on anything, even a problem as heavy as disappearances, would be a notable improvement. Artemis hoped they wouldn't have too much of an issue with her trying to be involved. Maybe things could get just a bit better... Though immediately after, she cast a look over towards Kazuki as Graves pointed out how much a lightweight the guy happened to be. She had noticed his look of disdain but wasn't certain what he had said after.

"He does seem... a bit drunk, doesn't he? Artemis asked, looking over Kazuki with a bit of concern on her features.

[mickilennial]

Location: The Laughing Worg Tavern -- The City-State of Thorinn, Aetheria

---

“畜生.” Rael muttered under her breath. “まるでまるで.”

The red-haired tank looked across the table to the other two Japanese members of the group, letting out a half-laugh.

She understood where Kazuki was coming from though, even in his drunken stupor. Graves was being real cozy with the new girl and it was annoying. Her eyes moved over to the girl in question, an unimpressed look on the Japanese girl’s face. Help her with anything she needed? Her friends were dead, there was nothing they could do except waste their time looking for their half-digested bodies and burying them in the grass. A waste of time. They were dead and she was going to have to get over it like Luci and Pris had to get over Enos and Aaginim. A whisper in her head, she was laughing at her again. Why did she care? Why was she thinking such cruel thoughts? Perhaps it was a Japanese thing. Kazuki didn’t want to deal with it either and now he was ushering Benkei to handle it.

Discarding the thought as Graves commented on how drunk Kazuki was, she probably figured Benkei would let the conversation slide over for another time or make it worse. She stood up, deciding to do something to get away from the energy she was feeling.

“I guess I’ll handle leading a group to deal with the other busy work. Maybe we can head up Mystic.” She moved over to Kazuki and Benkei, “C’mon, let’s get your brother some air.”

Rael was happy to pair up with Benkei and Kazuki since so many people were pairing up for the investigative work. Plus, it allowed her to avoid Benkei from trying to murder Graves on accident again. Well, on purpose, but accidentally on purpose.

[DruSM157]

Location: The Laughing Worg Tavern-- The City of Thorinn, Aetheria

---

Benkei sighed at the sight of his brother acting like a lush and continuing to ramble on in their mother tongue. At least no one save Rael could understand him.”これが私が飲まない理由です” He muttered, helping shoulder his older brother to lead him outside. As they led Kazuki outside, Benkei’s thoughts chased around the idea of approaching Mystic Prophecy again.

”I’m not sure my brother and I should go to Mystic Prophecy. Not yet, anyways.”

We don’t have the luxury of following the moderator’s orders. We have to complete this dungeon. How ignorant he had been! If he could just go back to their preparations, to go back before the dungeon. He'd slap every single one of them, he'd cave the main room in. Anything to keep them from progressing a step further into that nightmare. He'd make them all sign off at once. Whatever it took to save them, instead of what had transpired.

He’d missed Luci’s admonitions against him and his brother; by the time the rest of Mystic Prophecy had met up with them, he’d long since lost consciousness. But his brother’s face the next day, the looks given to him, he knew what the looks meant. He’d seen them every day of his life at home.

His gaze moved over to Kazuki, still drunk like a salaryman after work.”I wonder what would have happened had things been different. If I’d not been so obsessed with trying to be the best at something. If I’d stopped trying to be like Kazuki.”

[mickilennial]

Location: City Streets, The City-State of Thorinn, Aetheria

---

The morning air was hot and dry, but at least it was air.

She missed Theremia. The cool air would’ve felt a lot nicer. Of all the places she picked in the world to do some dungeons she had picked Thorinn. Her reputation in Theremia and Khatia was behind her, but she also wanted to explore all of the factions. Her fault for being curious, she supposed.

“Well, we probably would’ve had some losses in the dungeon, I guess.” Rael remarked as Benkei moaned about Mystic Prophecy and then what would’ve happened if he had not put his everything into the game, trying to be the best. “You’re thinking a lot lately about it, aren’t you? Replaying it in your head.”

“Dunno if what if’s and should have’s are gonna help you. And you gotta stop bein’ afraid of Mystic. Kazuki was there and save for Luci saying some mean words he was fine. Pris doesn’t hold anything against us. Unless you think that’s a problem. Do you want them to, or somethin’?”

[Hero]

---

---

Kazuki had no idea why he was being taken outside, only making a weak grab for the mug of water before getting dragged out. Admittedly, the fresh air did do him a little good as he took in a deep breath, and it was only then that he realized it was his brother that had been the one to take him outside. He was sincerely grateful for the help, figuring that if he was the one that took him outside, it was probably for the better. He definitely should have taken the water, though.

"私はあなたを愛しています、弟..." He mumbled.

He half-listened to the conversation, brow furrowing at the mention of Mystic Prophecy. If that was where the group wanted to go, he'd rather put his energy elsewhere. He was more than happy to continue his self-appointed studies and practice his magic. Brushing up on his skills and spells was much more time-worthy than going somewhere and awkwardly standing around and avoiding Luci.

His frown deepened as he caught his name, though it was like a splash of cold water hit his face as he stared at his brother. "Don't say that," He couldn't help but scoff as he leaned back against the building. He hated it when his parents compared him, he hated it when their relatives did it--he wasn't about to accept it hearing it from Kazuma, either. "Plenty of things you can do that I can't."

Like talk to people, for one. He thought as he let himself slide down to the ground, readjusting so that he had his arms resting on his knees. "I dunno where you've been looking, Rael, but there's resentment there. They lost more than we did while we made it out alive. Even if they don't admit it, there are feelings to be had over that."

Bad feelings, of course.

---

---

[DruSM157]

Location: Outside, The City of Thorinn, Aetheria

---

“Dunno if what if’s and should have’s are gonna help you. And you gotta stop bein’ afraid of Mystic. Kazuki was there and save for Luci saying some mean words he was fine. Pris doesn’t hold anything against us. Unless you think that’s a problem. Do you want them to, or somethin’?”

"I mean, I'm used to disapointing people," Benkei grumbled.

Kazuki's own drunken affections were embarassing, but then his brother seemed to sober up the more Benkei struck into their shared issues at home. Benkei just frowned and looked towards the ground as Kazuki tried to build his brother back up, but the acknowledgement of Luci's resentment, much less the resentment of others, was still there as well.

"It's not even the fact that I'm not as smart, or as talented, or as handsome as you," Benkei grumbled. "Even here, you're always so amazing. We need money, you have it. We need a place to stay, you have it. With all the time I've put into this game, the only thing I had to show about it was my place on the leaderboard." He closed his eyes. "And now that's not even a thing. Everything's changed, and I'm the odd one out again."

"There's lots of stuff you can do!"

"Catching a rare fish is useless compared to being able to make simple potions, or smithing armor, or mining."

His eyes moved from Rael to Kazuki. "I can't pretend like I'm the leader everyone wants me to be. The best thing I can do is finally accept what mom and her friend said to me. If I can't be naturally talented, the best I can do is at least work and help bring in some money for the rest of you."

[Hero]

---

---

Smart? Talented? What the hell was Kazuma going on about? The last one didn't make sense either--they were brothers, every time they went out together people thought they were twins. He was only 'smart' because he got good grades, any schmuck could do that if they put their nose to the grind. And even then, it was only because of how pathetic Kazuki was. He had all the time in the world to study and play piano because he didn't have anyone to hang out with, no one to talk to. That was just the logical conclusion.

But Kazuki's blood boiled nonetheless. He wasn't sure if it was the alcohol, truthfully; he genuinely hated anything coming out of his mother's mouth. But hearing Kazuma put himself down just flipped a switch in him.

"Don't you ever talk like that!" Kazuki's response was so fast that he surprised himself. He took a second to focus on standing up, ignoring the swaying world as he marched up to his brother. "The only thing that's left to do is survive. It doesn't matter how you do it, you use everything at your disposal to look out for yourself. If you don't have the skill, then you do everything to get it."

He didn't intend to go on a ramble, but it came out anyway. "If there is any saving grace in this godforsaken world, it's that we don't have to deal with that woman while we're in here. Nothing she says matters; we deal with her when we get out, and until then, you forget everything she says."

---

---

[mickilennial]

Location: City Streets, The City-State of Thorinn, Aetheria

---

Had Kazuki ever yelled at anyone before?

It was a thing that occurred to Rael as she leaned back against a nearby fencepost. Family issues. She hated when people talked about ‘family’. Benkei was seen as a disappointment and didn’t feel like he was talented or smart enough, how his mother would put him down, and how Kazuki was the successful one. It all reminded her of home in Kōriyama before she left for university. Her fists curled into her tunic as her face remained unchanged. Kazuki yelled at Benkei like her father. Benkei talked about his mother like a sympathetic version of Rael’s own. Hanako’s own.

You’re such a disappointment. You don’t have any talent.

A Moriyama expects better. What will Akihiro think of you when he meets you?

“When we get out.” Rael mused, as she gathered her resolve. “Tch.”

An internal scream filled her mind and she jumped off the fencepost she had been leaning back on, moving down the street with her hands dug into her pockets of her longcoat. She didn't want to hear about their familial issues. As if their problems were worse than hers. At least Benkei's mother wanted him to be productive to society. She wished her mother spoke to her like that, even half of that. Whatever. it wasn't productive to think about. There was places to go. Things to do.

She thought about the prospect of a way out. If such a thing ever became possible. Only one conclusion came to mind.

“I’m never going back. I’d rather die here.”

[DruSM157]

Location: City Streets, The City of Thorinn, Aetheria

---

It wasn't worth arguing with his brother when he got so headed. Benkei just solemnly looked at the ground and nodded. "Right." He sighed. Was surviving even worth it? He'd seen the broken spirits and dead eyes of several Wayfairers in the city by now. How much more could his spirit endure? Could he even survive? Anything was better than this. And nothing Luci or any of Mystic Prophecy could do could beat the shame he felt being fussed at by his brother for letting his own broken family continue to break his spirit.

He simply followed behind Rael. "I'm not sure what I want," he muttered. "But for now, let's just rip off the bandage and meet with Mystic Prophecy."

[Lemons]

---

Alja was...concerned.

Not so much about the missing wayfarers and denizens—though she was. No, she was more worried about Benkei. As disaffected as he seemed, she couldn't help but worry, as a vivid recollection played through her mind.

I thought for just one second, that maybe we could make this place better. That we could stick together and build a world for ourselves here. But then the moment I turn around everyone’s fighting, and then I start fighting too. It’s hopeless if this is how it’s going to be.

Words that Benkei had spoken to her as she sat behind him, his eyes pitched down to the river. The sheer, utter hopelessness in his voice. That had happened after she'd yelled at Rael, and after Kazuki had gone after Kalie. Now she'd yelled at all of them, and from the way he'd glared, Kazuki wasn't overfond of Artemis. A sick feeling of dread began to build in her stomach. Things were too similar. And though the circumstances were vastly different, that fact did nothing to assuage her growing anxiety. But Rael could handle it. Rael could keep them safe as Alja discussed with the rest of the party, right? She didn't need to go to Prophecy that badly. She didn't want to blunder into whatever was happening out there, make it worse. So as they left, she remained silent. Her head began to pound.

Not long afterwards, she shook her head distractedly. She was too worried. She couldn't focus. She was nothing but a detriment to this conversation as of now, not paying enough attention. She stood up with a sharp movement, nearly knocking the chair over as she shoved it back all at once. She couldn't quite hide the worry in her voice as she spoke. "I'm gonna go check on them outside, make sure they're alright." Kicking herself, she strode to the door—You should have gone with them at the start, stupid—then threw it open just in time to hear Benkei following Rael, talking about visiting Prophecy. Well, it looked like everyone was okay. Nobody was yelling. Benkei didn't have that same droning, dead voice as he had that day by the river. But still, that powerful urge to keep them safe screamed through her, so she stepped forwards, throwing a cheeky grin up on her face and trying to avoid showing that terrible, irrational fear.

"Not without me, you're not."

[mickilennial]

Location: City Streets, The City-State of Thorinn, Aetheria

---

As long as subjects of families and Japan could stay off the table the Japanese girl figured she could handle things. She had a long stride for someone her height, certainly, keeping ahead of Benkei. The echoes of her family chittered in her brain like a looped video, designed in an algorithm to manipulate her anxiety and rage. She tried her best to keep it all buried; she tried her best. She hadn’t realized yet, but the length of time it had been since her last appointment with her therapist was wearing on her. Even when the game was “normal” she needed those appointments. Where was she going to find them now? How long until she was an unstable mess and everyone turned on her? How long until she was alone and spit on once again? Her hands grabbed the clothline of her pockets tighter, almost ready to tear it from its seams.

A loud voice cracked the silence in her head. Alja, in her infinite wisdom, had decided to join the Japanese Study Group on their venture through Thorinn. Her voice was like a trip to an onsen, warm and inviting. It softened her anxieties, even though they were still very much bothering her. She smiled, a half-laugh leaving her lips.

“どうも.” She muttered, so quiet nobody could hear.

Rael stopped at a fruit stand not far down the street. It was on the way, and it’d give enough time for Kazuki to get his bearings, Alja to catch up properly, and Benkei to muse over the vendors as well if he felt the need to. Rael threw a few coins down, grabbing an apple.

“What else do you guys wanna do? Not gonna be at Mystic all day.”

[DruSM157]

Location: City Streets, The City of Thorinn, Aetheria

---

Benkei smiled as Alja caught up and gave her a respectful nod. "It will be good having you with us." Of all the people in their little group, Alja was the one who could change the mood of a room--for good or bad--but if she wasn't agitated like before hopefully she'd keep the members of Mystic Prophecy in better spirits than if Benkei and Kazuki hung around like gloomy specters.

“What else do you guys wanna do? Not gonna be at Mystic all day.”

"Look for work or apprenticeships that'll take me," Benkei nodded. "Mining, tanning, carpentry..." he thought of a list of skills he could do. "Even if it's just manual labor. If there's anyone looking for help, I want to help." He'd make himself useful, even if it was in a minuscule way. It was the best he could do for the group now.