Asahi and his friends were booted off Deep Ground at the same time. They snapped awake and cursed up a storm. Eventually Asahi had to calm them down.
"Hey. Guys. GUYS! Shut the fuck up. Calm yo tits." Rubbing his head Asahi was trying to log back into Deep Ground, but he kept getting error messages. Looks like Deep Ground was going to be shutdown for the night. It was getting late too, and Asahi didn't intend to hold a sleep over.
"Alright, party's over. That raid didn't go out very well, but ya know, fuck it. See you guys tomorrow." Asahi's friends gathered their things, took bits of food, and left his house. Soon they all received a message from the Black King and he was contemplating following it. He didn't really get a chance to talk to the Black King, or Queen as it where, himself. As far as they knew he was just a player who took the chance to fight some of the Outlaws. He supposed that as a Sweeper, it was only his job to do that. He wondered if he'd get a request to do some clean up by the Sweepers tomorrow. He wondered if Yoshino was a Sweeper herself.
Walking around his home Asahi was lost in thought. Most of the servants were off asleep, and even the ones he did find he didn't pay attention to. He was debating what to do tomorrow. He couldn't get his guys from the other guilds to raid the Black City and give Arms Slave all the glory, not if the full force of the Black Guild was going to be there. He supposed he could just have them pose as Outlaws but he didn't want to harm their KDR anymore then necessary. He was still wondering if he should join the Ebon Strykers. Shrugging his shoulders he figured that it was something he could worry about tomorrow. Grabbing a bite to eat from the leftovers, Asahi went to bed. He had to call up some people tomorrow but hopefully it won't be too boring with Deep Ground down.
Laying in bed Retsu pondered her recent actions. She had just opened her doors to a complete stranger. She has no clue what Moon Rider was like. She had guesses and speculations as to who she was, but until she meets them there wasn't really much she could confirm.
Sitting up in her bed Retsu debated what she could do. She's already dressed for bed, but frankly, she wasn't that tired. She was actually hoping to fall asleep playing Deep Ground. It was late in the afternoon and she didn't feel like eating anything. She finished most of her school work that's due soon, though she suppose she could work on some due later. But that was boring. Crawling underneath her bedsheets Retsu was going to go to bed when she felt a ping in her head. She had an Email.
To: Retsu Goroshi
From: Yoshino Tsugumi
Subject: Your Offer
-------
Greetings Dark Wraith. This is your School President. I understand that you made contact with my client in Deep Ground Online and would like to meet with me. If you can at the moment, please make your way to my office immediately so that we may discuss our next step forward regarding your involvement with the Black Guild. My client is very interested in the services you can provide for the Ebony Strykers. I await your arrival.
Sincrely,
President of Purple Crown Academy, Yoshino Tsugumi.
Sighing Retsu shot a quick message back.
To: Yoshino Tsugumi
From: Retsu Goroshi
Subject: Re: Your Offer
-------
I'm going to bed. You can come wake me up or wait until tomorrow.
Goodnight.
Retsu didn't think that Yoshino would actually come to her dorm. And given who Retsu was, it would be risky if Yoshino did arrive. Who knows what she could do, knowing that Retsu was an Eraser. She might send someone to take her out while she was asleep. Not that Retsu wasn't used to that sort of thing...
Back in the Student Council office, Yoshino narrowed her eyes. If her suspicions about this girl wasn't high already, it certainly was now. Going over to some stranger's dorm in the middle of the night...the Student President was much too cautious and paranoid for that kind of behavior. As the sole spokesperson for the Black King, Yoshino had enough enemies to deal with as a public figure.
Still, to lose this chance now would ensure a waiting period that her client could not afford to endure. Perhaps a different tactic was needed? Something to draw this girl out and somewhere where there could be witnesses...and yet, somewhere that they could discuss their topic in private.
To: Retsu GoroshiFrom: Yoshino TsugumiSubject: Re: Your Offer-------
Apologies if I sound blunt, but that will not do. As I recall, you came to my client first; therefor, it is only sensible that you do not keep her waiting Retsu Goroshi. Meet me at Cafe Nowhere in thirty minutes and we will discuss your offer there. I will be expecting you.
Sincerely,
President of Purple Crown Academy, Yoshino Tsugumi.Another ping.
"This girl..." Retsu didn't have to read it. She could guess that Yoshino still wanted to meet Retsu. Since she wasn't going to be sleeping any time soon Retsu figured she might as well get dressed. She changed into some casual wear instead of her usual uniform. red jeans, a white-t-shirt with a cartoon broom on it, and a black-white zipper hoodie. She put on some shoes, grabbed her wallet, and headed out.
It wasn't until she was on her bike that Retsu actually looked at the email. She knew were Cafe Nowhere was at and could make it there in ten minutes. It was getting late however, and Retsu knew creepers liked being out at this hour. She supposed she wouldn't really accept letting someone like Yoshino get harassed by stalkers or perverts either. Sighing the red-haired young woman rode to the cafe as quickly as she could. Before she arrived, she did send a curt message.
To: Yoshino Tsugumi
From: Retsu Goroshi
Subject: Re: Your Offer
-------
Fine. You're paying.
Yoshino saw the message and instantly suppressed the urge to send one right back. No, the Student President couldn't be seen getting her feathers riled up. Letting out a sigh of her own, she got up from her seat, locked the door to her office, and headed out to their picked location on foot.
Retsu arrived at the cafe quickly. Locking her bike on the bike rack she entered the little cafe. There weren't many people around and the barrister looked like a bored twenty-something. Walking over to this person Retsu got his attention.
"I'm waiting for my friend here. She might try to pay for our drinks, so I'd like to pay in advance instead. Don't tell her I did this." Retsu made a forward payment for the drinks and snacks that might be ordered. A bit unusual, but Retsu said it with such confidence that it seemed like something she was used to doing. The barrister seemed to know what he was doing as well, accepting Retsu's money and offering her a cup of coffee for her purchase.
Getting herself a small joe, Retsu sat at a booth the furthest away from the entrance. Not only would it make it easy for Retsu to be spotted, but also ensure that Yoshino would have to take the longest route to get to her. Unless she decides to break through the window or something.
Retsu's predictions were correct. When Yoshino walked in she spotted the girl sitting at the very back. Really, could she make herself any more obvious? Still, she had chosen the location and Retsu had every right to pick their sitting arrangements considering that she had arrived first. Walking through the rows of booths, she sat down across from Retsu with a stoic expression.
When the server came up to her, Yoshino ordered a simple coffee, black with just sugar. She was about to ask for the check right then and there given that Retsu had apparently already placed her order, only to blink in surprise when the server told her that their meal had already been taken care of.
"Do you this often?" she asked Retsu, finally turning to talk to the redhead. "Or did you just pay because of my status?"
Retsu said nothing, simply sipping her coffee. It was kinda of hot, so she reached for one of the glasses of water which was given to them amongst the other drinks. She took a ice cube out and put it in her coffee.
"Not often that I get to use your money. I decided to splurge." Once her coffee had cooled down, Retsu gulped down her coffee in one go. She wiped her mouth, rubbed her eyes, and looked at Yoshino.
"Now what would the enigmatic Tsugumi-san want with the likes of me?" While it was obvious that Yoshino was here to talk to Retsu about her deal back in Deep Ground, but that still didn't answer what exactly she wanted.
Yoshino shrugged as she took a sip of her own coffee once it had arrived. If she was concerned about the heat radiating off of the black liquid, she didn't show it. Even so, something about this girl made her curious, curious enough to disregard the temperature of her beverage and study her. Adjusting her glasses, Yoshino clasped both hands together, interlacing her fingers, and rested her chin.
"It's as I said in my message Goroshi-san. I came here on behalf of my client, the Black King. You two met in Deep Ground and you spoke to her about your desire to assist the Ebony Strykers. You already know what we want. Now it's my turn to listen to what you have to offer."
"Simply an alliance."Getting herself a new cup of coffee Retsu seemed more interested in eating and drinking. The server came back with an arrangement of snack food from the display, a bit old but still fresh from today. And cheap too. Retsu helped herself to various macaroons. The coffee was a bit plain, and looking at the menu she was thinking that maybe she should try something cooler. They had this rainbow soda with flavored ice, but she wasn't certain they would make something this extravagant so late. She noticed an eye catching drink known as "The Azure" which says it can be made during open hours. And it was open hour right now.
""Mhmm...""For someone who wants to fight for the Black King, you seem awfully calm about the whole situation," Yoshino commented evenly. She only took a small helping of macaroons while Retsu seemed to be enjoying herself. That was fine with the Student President since right now, she had all the time in the world.
"Well I'm not going to turn down your offer. In fact, your judgement is sharper than most Goroshi-san. Assistance from the Erasers would prove most beneficial for both of our parties. Though I am concerned. Don't you only lead the Erasers in title?"
"The Erasers have no leader. Least of all me."Which is true to an extent. Retsu did lead the Erasers before, more so then their actual leader. But she did so from behind the scene, under the table, behind the man. Retsu wasn't one for the spot light. That's why she wasn't a guild leader, or even a well known student. Her only reputation at school is "Is part of the programming club and tends to clean after the class". No, she didn't lead the Erasers. That's what Moon Rider was suppose to be for. The others Erasers knew that: they need a face for their operations that will take the brunt of their actions.
"This alliance will bring them together. It will show them... Purpose. I trust that the black king will use them responsibly."Of course just because Retsu doesn't have as great of authority over the Erasers as she used to, doesn't mean they would actually follow the black king. Most were still allied to the other colored kings after all. This alliance would actually help solidify her own authority amongst the kings. She was the first, and only, person to actually communicate to her directly in Deep Ground. At least as far as she knows... Perhaps she needs to clean house a bit first.
"The black king knows who the Erasers are. They... Could contend for king themselves, if they wanted the responsibility. With that in mind she should take care of her court... Or allow me to sort them out.""Are you questioning the abilities of my client?" Yoshino asked as her eyes sharpened just slightly as she processed Retsu's words. "Hmm...even so, I can understand your concerns. Your help will be much appreciated, but you will also be kept close to the Black King. It'll be easier to keep an eye on you that way. That being said, I assume you hope to gain the Eraser's loyalty once again by pledging an allegiance to my client?"
"Simply an alliance."The server came back to pick up the empty cups and plates. Retsu ordered The Azure and was told it would take a few minutes to prepare. Retsu was willing to wait and when the server left, she turned her eyes back at Yoshino.
"Is she keeping her allies close..." A smirk appeared on Retsu's lips.
"Or her enemies closer?" Retsu continued to smile but something was wrong. It was as if she was laughing at Yoshino without letting a breath out.
"The Erasers do not care for Deep Ground. I do not care myself. That is why they have not become kings or even well-renowned players. They... Will tell you more themselves. Have you tried The Azure? It looks interesting."Yoshino frowned at the silent laughing, keeping her eyes on Retsu even as the server picked up their dishes. Seriously, what was with this girl? Maybe it was an Eraser thing? The question did catch her momentarily off guard but she brushed it off simply to Retsu being as enigmatic as herself.
"No, I've never tried it. Though if I'm paying, I suppose now would be the best time to do so, right? Also...may I ask why you're trying not to laugh at me?"
Her smile growing wider, Retsu crossed her hands together and scanned Yoshino.
"I am imagining how the black king is like when she isn't Moon Rider. My character in Deep Ground is much like myself. I dislike wearing masks. And what about you, Tsugumi-san? Do you wear a mask in Deep Ground, to hide your feelings and desires... Or do you wear your mask now?" Retsu's smiled faded a little, looking more sad and contemplative.
"There are so many rumors about the black king. Who is she? What is her name? Why has she been so reclusive? People are attracted to that mysteriousness. They see the unknown and think of the potential. I find this funny... Because to me, I simply see loneliness. Someone who has to stand by themselves because it's expected of them. And I do not even know why she would do this to herself. It's... Sad."Yoshino was silent, only moving to adjust her glasses but doing nothing more. Her eyes were trained on Retsu, staring right through her. The Student President did not expect their conversation to take this kind of route though she supposed she should have seen it coming. As Retsu had just stated, people were naturally aroused by the aloofness that was Moon Rider. It was basic human curiosity and with her acting as the only link to that mystery, it was understandable for this topic to come up.
"But isn't that the fate of all Kings Goroshi-san? All people who are placed in power are alone in some way. To say that my client is lonely is simply admitting the truth to all great men and women in history. Besides, why would you care about the feelings of my client anyway? I thought you were only here to help, not get sentimental."
Her voice was harsher than it should have been and she immediately regretted acting defensively. She couldn't help it if she saw Retsu's words as just another ploy to lower her guard, earn her trust, and get to the Black King.
"Apologies. I misspoke," Yoshino remedied, shifting her eyes away. "And you of all people should know that I only play Deep Ground minimally. It's required after all. I can't stand the program you know. As Student President, I need to keep some form of contact with the rest of the world."
"No offense taken." Retsu also looked away, staring outside. A few cars passed in the night. Retsu contemplated how she was taking this conversation with Yoshino. Most of it was just rambling, but she also knew she could prod some more information out of her. She just needed to... Chose her words wisely.
"As for your first question, you do raise a point. Many kings are raised on a pedestal. But you're wrong about everything afterwards. Mostly. I am only here to help, but I am capable of feeling emotions as well, Tsugumi-san. It's why I feel... Pity for the black king. She sits not on a throne, but a prize. There are those who would throw her away to obtain the vanity she posses. I understand her position, and here I sit, wondering how and what I could do to help her escape such a fate."The idea of being nothing more then the wrapping for something "greater" rubbed Retsu the wrong way. She hated the idea that Moon Rider's only purpose was to serve as some final boss to ruling or dominating the Ebon Strykers. She's a person too, and frankly, Retsu wanted to know her more as a person. She wanted to feel like she could care about Moon Rider. And the only person who actually knows who she is is Yoshino.
"That's what I despise about Deep Ground. All the fighting I do, the efforts I put into it, and it is nothing more then a mindless grind. No many how many Dissolutions I slay, there's always more to fight. No matter how many players I kill, they will always be fools. The act of playing Deep Ground means nothing, and the only reason why anyone would participate is the reward. They say life is not about the destination, but the journey... With Deep Ground there is neither. Because of Deep Ground you cannot chose your destination in life. Because of Deep Ground, your journey does not matter. Because of Deep Ground, all you can do is follow their directions, and pray that they lead you to your goal. Such a thing disgusts me."Soon the server arrived with
The Azure. It was a mysterious blue drink, somewhat gelatinous, with a cherry. It was glowing. Somehow. Retsu amused herself by tapping the side of the cup, watching the cherry float aimlessly around. It's movements were sluggish due to the consistency of the liquid, but it floated nonetheless.
"But there's not much to do about it, is there?""For someone who was once a member of the Erasers, you talk a lot like a pacifist," Yoshino commented; she immediately cursed herself yet again, becoming aware of how harsh that sounded. "But you're wrong too Goroshi-san. Because through my client, there is a way to change Deep Ground. Maybe even a way to liberate and...destroy it."
Yoshino let out a sigh. If they were to get anywhere at this point, she figured she would have to reveal some of Moon Rider's plans. After all, Retsu was much too valuable to lose now and she needed to ensure the Eraser could be relied on. That meant making herself appear the same way. Receiving her own Azure drink, Yoshino took a long sip, features cringing at the raw sweetness of it, before fiddling with her glasses.
"Moon Rider's ultimate goal is to tear down Deep Ground Online," she sound bluntly. "Frankly, my client feels the same way towards the program. It's nothing short of an insurance program governed by the World Interface, giving us a world where people have to rely on a video game rather than their real world accomplishments. As a Colored King, you might be surprised to hear such a bold proclamation from my client. I suppose...that's why we need your help, Retsu Goroshi."
Retsu chuckled lightly as she drank from her Azure, taking in the overly sweet nectar and pulpy texture.
"To be a pacifist would mean that I would not fight for what I believe is right. No... I fight even if there is no hope or victory to be had. That is what faith is. To believe so strongly for something, without and against evidence. That is why I've come to seek the alliance of the Ebony Strykers."But now this was an interesting development. "Liberating and destroying Deep Ground". This was what Retsu wanted to hear. But question is, did Yoshino already know this and is simply leading her on? But if what Yoshino said is true, then their goals are aligned. Retsu's and Moon Rider's anyways. It would be more difficult leading the new recruits, and some of the Erasers... But the Sweepers as a whole, and those who would soon become the Ebon Strykers? They just need to play their part. Retsu swiped the cherry out of Yoshino's Azure, popping the whole fruit into her mouth.
"No... I'm not too surprised. Because before she was a king she is also human. The game goes to great lengths to make us seem like more, but it's an illusion of granduer. I'm glad to hear that the black king can see past those delusions. Heh he, but do not worry. Your alliance with the Erasers have been sealed. You have their support, Yoshino Tsugumi. But a question still lingers in me mind...""And what question would that be, Goroshi-san?"
She had a faint clue of what the question was but whether she would answer truthfully had yet to be seen. So many things were developing all at once and it was getting pretty late outside. She could sense that their conversation was coming to a close. It seemed that the Black King had gained more than just an ally in this chance encountering.
"Whatever it is, just know that from now on, Dark Wraith will be working as the Black King's Deputy in-game. Furthermore, you will also be working close to my side as well. With an Eraser by Moon Rider's side in Deep Ground and you working beside the Student President in the real world, there's no doubt that the other Guilds will become intimidated by our joint alliance. Soon, people will start to doubt their own standings and flock to join the true side. The winning side."
"One question that I'm still wondering, is if you'd be willing to join me for coffee tomorrow. It's a force of habit, but I always make too much for just myself. It'll be nice to actually finish a pot before I have to throw it out by the end of the day." Not the actual question Retsu wanted to ask, but it was getting late. Besides, this way would allow more interpersonal interaction between herself and Yoshino, which will be necessary to maintain communication between their real lives and Deep Ground.
Finishing her drink Retsu stood up and bowed her head towards Yoshino.
"No need to actually give me an answer. No doubt you already know where my dormitory is. Should you be willing to take me up on my offer feel free to knock. It's quite late now, we should return to our rooms. We have a long day ahead of us. Would you like to accompany me?"Yoshino widened her eyes, quickly finishing her drink as well. Okay, so she wasn't expecting
that question to arise. Didn't Retsu know that the Student President wasn't known for small outings or even interacting with the other students? Her work simply didn't allow for such a luxury. Still, the girl was willing to offer so she might as well accept it.
"If it's alright with you," she answered to both questions, standing up and leaving her empty glass for the servers to handle. "And there's no need for formalities like bowing. We're both students of Purple Crown Academy and despite my status and title, I'm just the same as you."
Truthfully, Yoshino didn't know if she should feel happy that Retsu had bothered to stay with her for this long or not. All of this was just a little too new for her and it left her feeling confused. Friends did this, right? Friends offered each other coffee and wanted to walk home together...right? Yoshino assured herself that it would be beneficial for them both given that they were both school girls walking out in the middle of the night.
"Thank you Goroshi-san," she said with a little more emotion than she was used to.
"Please, call me Retsu. I live at the student dormitories, I assume you do as well?"Together the two girls walked out of the cafe. Retsu unlocked her bike from the rack and walked alongside of it instead of riding. She could let Yoshino ride on her bike as well, it was somewhat large enough, but also a bit dangerous.
Again, Yoshino raised an eye at how forward this girl was being. They had just met and now they were on a first name basis? Well she could accept that but she wouldn't be riding the bike. Things were happening too fast for her to process.
"Yes, I live in the dorms. It's easier on my job that way. Anything else you'd like to ask?"
"Nothing in particular, Tsugumi-san. Anything you have to ask of me?""Not particularly," Yoshino replied. "Though I really have to wonder if you're this straight forward with all the people you buy coffee for. Apologies if I sound blunt, but don't you think this is a little much? We just met each other an hour ago. Unless you just want to appease my client by getting close to me?"
As they two girls chatted, the school dorms became easier to see with the distance closing between them. Soon enough, they reached Purple Crown's dormitories.
"Apology accepted. And not typically. Times are changing... I'm hoping to do a little changing myself. If you think it's a bit much, I can stop. I'm... A bit new to this whole "nice" thing. " Frankly, if Retsu wanted to get closer to the Black King, she would pour more resources into finding out who the Black King was. But if there was one thing that she's learned to do from her family, it's to respect one's subordinates.
Eventually the two girls reached the dormitories. Retsu's dorm was a bit up and she'd still need to walk her bike all the way, so she figured she should go on ahead.
"Goodnight Tsugumi-san. We'll have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.""Yes. You too....Retsu," Yoshino said back, already heading for her dorm. She wasn't expecting the night to end like this but it wasn't too far off from her predictions. Still, it could have much worse. But at least her client was satisfied with the meeting.
Night passed by with little effort or event. The Student President woke up and immediately set to her own routine of getting ready for her meeting with Retsiu. Then she remembered that it was much more informal than that. Sighing, she sent a message over to the school letting her know that both her and Retsu would be late today before getting about her business. Being the Student President did have its perks after all.
Outside of the life of Student President Yoshino Tsugumi, life carried as always. Granted, there were a plethora of students upset over the fact that Deep Ground wouldn't be up until later in the afternoon, but the teachers saw that as an opportunity to cram the joys of learning into their heads. One could tell how they missed DGO themselves with their "enthusiasm".
There was still some time before classes began so students were free to converse with each other and socialize. After all, these were teenagers and not Avatars. As much as the World Interface wanted everyone to believe, life did not revolve around Deep Ground Online. At least, not yet. These would be the last few years of freedom for many of today's youth, given how their past choices would ultimately dictate their future selves.
They were to enjoy it while they could.
