Private Isulus Bard and Hero

[Seigi Ling Ling]

Seigi wasn't sure how much time had passed since she hadn't seen him. But the lack of @Cain Darlite was concerning. And with each hour that passed, Seigi's conviction to approach and talk grew thinner and thinner. Replaced by images of what the Red Fever had done to her before. Fears, that the only reason he hung out with her in this fight was in the heat of the moment. That now, she was a relict of the past. That now, she had been replaced by those that suited him better.

In a way, Cain was as much a close ally as he was a stranger. They didn't know each other outside the game. And whatever feelings lingered, heck, even back then she couldn't be sure what she was feeling. And then, he had been gone. And now? Old wounds opened up again. For now, Seigi could still hold on. For now, she just sought clarification. To talk. To communicate. Before her mind turned her more and more into a depressive slob again that would make her run away and just punch more things until she'd feel better. Her mind was aware, that Cain had likely just logged out. That Cain was smiling at her with the same intentions as back then. That they were still on good terms. She knew all that, yet, her heart felt otherwise. At unease. Growing darkness. Silence.

A silence that, with each passing hour, grew darker and darker as she sought the Flagbearer of Miracles through Camp Isulus.

@Cain Darlite

 

[Cain Darlite]

Day broke and day fell, Danielle gliding through her life with a present focus. There was shopping to do, cleaning to do, cooking to do, and work to do. Her freelancer's schedule gave her the flexibility to occasionally spend inordinate amounts of time in Terrasphere, but that didn't mean that her deadlines could be delayed forever. Scheduling with clients for their photoshoots, replying to magazines that wanted her for shoots, and even slicing out a bit of time to go for a run. Slowly, work was picking up. Her name was getting out there in the industry. She was getting cooler and fitter by the day, pierced ears and a winning smile catching the eyes of all those who she directed her weapons towards.

Closing the gap, between herself and himself. But all the distractions did not stop her from tending to the roses by her windowsill. And nothing would stop her from sliding on that visor once more, putting on her pajamas, and logging into Terrasphere to end her night.

...

Cain opened his eyes to mud and dirt. Made sense, after all. He had logged off while lying in the swamp-like crater left from the Broodmother's transformation, and during the day that had elapsed, mud hardened to dirt, half-encrusting him into the ground. It took no effort to rise from it though, and only a small application of magic to shake off what dirt still clung onto him. Nighttime in Isulus had become a familiar thing, but the stars remained fascinating, perhaps the one thing that still surpassed the beauty of reality. He let out a sigh, one hand moving up to adjust his hat, but his hand pressed against hair instead.

Right. He'll have to think about that, eventually.

But he had something to attend to immediately.

The Camp was a bit of a walk away, but with neither Red Fever nor demonic insects plaguing jungle, travel was a breeze even for a solo player. His Battle-Banner became a walking stick as Cain journeyed back to the only semblance of civilization within a week's travel, fire-scorched shadows growing stronger and stronger as bonfires chased away the buzzing dark, until finally, the chatter of those exhausted and exhilarated sounded as freely as the meats and drinks being passed around. There were those who suffered in the camp infirmaries, and those who remained inconsolable within their private shelters, but for the ones who had fought, had survived, and had won, it was a time to celebrate victory and heroism, to inscribe moments of valor and greatness unto those who had passed.

Certainly, there was a mood budding in his heart, but it wasn't festive.

It yearned. Poured out. Overflowing his heart. An outburst genuine, and outburst unfettered. As if tensions had finally loosened enough for him to snap them in half!

"Raina!"

The name itself became music, harmonizing with his soul to offer him a haste swifter than spring winds blowing away the winter frost! And in the breadth of one instance, Danielle embraced her friend, her partner, twirling her in a jubilance that was almost mad, before losing her balance and falling down on his back.

Cain laughed all the same, utterly unbothered by all the gazes that he drew, and his hands reached up to press against the sides of her face. One of her eyes was different than he remembered, but the warmth and elasticity of her skin was the same, no matter how many trials she must have endured in the last four years!

So, really, what could she say?

"I'm glad you're still here. Really."

Could feel her heartbeat, even in her cheeks.

"Really."

 

[Seigi Ling Ling]

As Seigi kept searching, she suddenly heard a name. It wasn't like she was the only 'Raina' in the whole world, yet it was certainly a rare enough occurrence that it made her turn around and— "Wah...!?" It was too sudden. Too much. Too many implications, as Cain quite happily twirled her around like a puppy.

Raina.
Raina.
Raina.

A million thoughts raced through Seigi's head at first, but they all stopped at this one, accursed name. As Cain treated her like a ragdoll, she thought to herself: How did he know? Did she ever mention it to him? Did he hear her mention it to N earlier? Have they met in reality?

...

Yet, at the same time, seeing Cain so happy, had all of Seigi's worries slowly melt away. Like an insidious poison that she didn't even notice. Why was she even laughing, too!? She was supposed to think and not... have fun like this! There was so much to unpack and so much to just... just do that!

But Seigi couldn't help herself, wishing that moment to not pass, the two eventually found themselves crashing against the soft mud ground below. Or at least one of them, as her own fall was cushioned by the taller bard.

"Aai yu hafin fuen?" Seigi spoke between squished cheeks as she looked down on him. Slowly realizing the position they were in and, instead, burying her flushed face deep in his chest. Seigi must have looked like a tomato right now! Cain's heartbeat, however, was calming and very very warm. It somewhat reminded her of the same feeling she'd get when listening to his song and voice on the battlefield.

"I'm not that easily dying again..." Her muffled voice spoke, only now realizing just how tired she actually felt. Now, that she knew Cain was safe and sound. Now, that she knew he did not abandon her. Could she, for just a moment, be a little bit selfish? "I'm happy you're here too... but why do you know that name, dummy?"

@Cain Darlite

 

[Cain Darlite]

He widened his eyes as she buried her face against his chest, the softness of her hair felt even through his swallowtail suit, and Cain wrapped his arms around her once more, closing his eyes as well. They were both tired, weren't they? But they were both alive still, and though this was still a virtual world for one of them, the warmth they shared was real. Through the noose that bound him to the world. Through the Dissonance that corroded her ideals.

Four years passed, and through all the meditations, all the adventures, all professional successes and all material acquisitions, this was what calmed him the most. Seigi still alive. Raina still smiling. Miracles beyond miracles, enough to quell whatever worries he had in the moment. Joy melted away into contentment, and though he could feel the bugs crawling beneath his backs, Cain didn't mind it at all in this moment.

"You didn't, yeah." His hand pressed against her head, stroking it gently. "We both lived this time."

At the cost of others.

And then, his hand slipped over her forehead, thumb pressing against it just enough to nudge her face off of him. Just enough so she could see her smile, perfect teeth flashing as the mouth curved upwards into a cheeky crescent and the eyes lit up with mischief.

"And I found out from a mutual friend. Don't know if you remember this, but we actually met like, way back. In Boston. While it was snowing. Crazy coincidence, huh?" Cain sat up, propping his palms against the ground. "I'm Danielle. Wasn't a passing connection or a one night tryst after all, was it, princess?"

 

[Seigi Ling Ling]

Seigi's safe space, which was entirely made up of Cain's chest and served as the perfect shield to hide her face, was invaded the moment the blush on her face ceased somewhat. Just in time, as her different-colored eyes stared directly at those of Cain. Half her head still buried in his flamboyant getup.

His hand was warm, or maybe Seigi was simply getting a fever. "H-Hey!" She complained just a bit as he forced Seigi's head up more. A slight complaint, but ultimately she still couldn't help smiling. It was just so... so nice. And mundane.

4 years had passed, and she still felt most at home in his proximity. 4 years had passed, and her feelings had only grown stronger. A part of Seigi, deeper in her mind, wondered if she wasn't seeing this all through rose-tainted glasses. Living out a fantasy she had played up through the lack of his presence.

Back then, they had just barely admitted to... what even? Like each other? Go on a first, or second, date? And now this was all... lovey dovey?

The hero started blushing again, gosh, she wasn't good with this stuff at all! Punching things was way easier.

"Eh...?" Changing colors once again, Seigi tilted her head as @Cain Darlite explained how he knew Seigi's name. Her real name.

"EEeehh...?" She stared at him with big, round eyes. It took a moment to process what he had just said. To, actually remember, four years later. A meeting that had only happened once. Was it that memorable? Or was it because Seigi still held on to her most recent happy memories on her last days on earth? Did it even matter?

"So, you're..." And then, the second wave of shock. Her blush was now mostly gone. Cain was a guy. Danielle was a woman. And Raina Raythean had little to no experience in what she actually wanted. Was this confirmation? Confusion? ... Did it, for now, even matter?

"I..." She stammered, remembering back. It wasn't romantic at all, yet a happy and precious moment that had saved her from one of her otherwise worst evenings. "I refuse to believe in fate!!!" She pouted.

"But... still... yes! That... that is super crazy!" And who was their mutual friend? "And... sad, too. We never really got to meet, more, back there then." Her eyes were now cast down, though she quickly forced herself to smile again.

"And you... you're going to keep playing this crazy people-killing game...?"

By now, Seigi's neck started to hurt a little bit. So instead, she simply shifted her head and weight a little, escaping Cain's one-finger-lift and instead used her own bandaged arms now as support. That way, he at least could see her smile, though Seigi didn't seem to have any intention to get off her Cain blanket anytime soon.

 

[Cain Darlite]

"But we're still able to meet here."

Though she was nothing like the Danielle from four years past. Probably wouldn't have used her words nearly so well these days, not when she packed a stungun in her purse and a chip in her shoulder.

"So it's worth it, isn't it?" No matter the struggle, no matter the pain, no matter the time. As long as they survived, it was fine. He had one life left to spare. Maybe even two. More than enough, if he took care of himself. And he would. So Seigi didn't have to make that sort of face. So Raina had something still to tie herself to reality with. "I'll be here so long as you are, so get it through your thick head already."

The Flagbearer rapped the Sage's head playfully. Fought the desire to hug her again and suddenly became much too aware of the warmth radiating from both their bodies. He swallowed tightly, then pushed himself up and away as well, springing up to his feet in one smooth movement. His hand extended, offering her opportunity to stand up as well.

"I'm here to stay, Seigi. Now, let's get some food and talk for real. Four years have passed, so surely you've punched some gods in the face by now? Lemme listen to a story or two

 

[Seigi Ling Ling]

"So it's worth it, isn't it?"

Was it, really? Because what? They were able to meet? Wasn't it more like, Seigi's selfish desire imposed upon the Flagbearer of Miracles? Wouldn't the heroic thing be to cast Cain aside, make him feel unwanted? Hurt him. So that he may forever turn his back to TS?

"Urgh..." Seigi closed her eyes for a moment. Why did she keep thinking like that so often!? "You're right. It's worth it. And we'll stay alive even if it kills us! Both you, and me. But don't you dare die on me or I'll kill you. Hmpf." With these words, Seigi too got up as Cain made it clear he no longer wanted to be a blanket. "Sounds good! Do you like alcohol?" After all, meat and booze were the only things that could sustain her nowadays...

"Four years pass by faster than you think. For the better half of it, I was just... kinda lost, you know. But..." She could tell him, trust him, couldn't she? Or maybe some secrets were better kept hidden... for the time being.

(Lemme know if you want more input or if it a good moment to finish)

 

[Cain Darlite]

"That's a lotta killing and dying," Cain laughed, bringing her to one of the unattended fires. The two of them sat on the stumps as he pulled out some spiced wine from his inventory, as well as parcels of bamboo-leaf-wrapped rice and some cured, skewered fish. "And I've got plenty of drinks. Just give it a bit to warm up, alright?"

He watched the flames, poked at it occasionally, all while musing to himself about what he could say, when Seigi herself looked to be struggling with how much she'd share. Four years was a long time, made longer by how neither of them even heard of each other during then, and for Seigi in particular, she must have been all the more lonely, her memories of Earth like a dream.

Cain held back a sigh. Gave her both time and space to think about what she wanted to say, as he uncorked the bottle of warm wine and poured her a small drink. It had a spicy, refreshing taste, gotten from a brewery just south of the Knife's Edge, and the lowered alcohol content made it easy to drink plenty of. The sort of bottle to encourage conversation and wet the tongue, rather than to reduce everything into a drunken haze.

Tonight, they needed clarity alongside warmth.

 

[Seigi Ling Ling]

As Seigi sat down beside Cain, gladly taking on the offer to share a drink that was seemingly not part of her incredible booze collection, she gave a small sigh. "This inventory sure is handy..." She nodded, eyeing the fish. "I..." Right, Cain seemed to expect some... or a lot? Taking a good chuck from the spicy wine, she sighed once again. This time however out of comfort.

"Remember when I won the lottery?" Which kinda made her one of the richest Characters in Terrasphere? As far as lore went, anyway. "My father kept nagging me about how our business and economics are important and all! Never would I have thought I'd actually get to use it here of all places." The rice could probably go with the fish, no?

"That is to say, I've been investing!" And thus the implication that Seigi technically wouldn't need to do any of this dangerous stuff and just... retire? Alas. "Though a portable storage device is something I wanted to look into..." She gave Cain a nod, and the fish a bite. "That is to say, I'm not becoming like my dad... there's an orphanage. That I am supporting financially. There are a bunch of UI-locked kiddos there..." Was this the kind of stuff Cain wanted to hear? Or was he wondering, more after Titanius?

Seigi really wasn't that good at this.

@Cain Darlite

 

[Cain Darlite]

"Investing?"

Somehow, that sounded like the most unheroic thing that Seigi had ever done, and yet in line as well with what Raina's upraising was like. There wasn't much need to speculate upon it why she had gotten into it, however. A portable storage device would be useful for everyone involved, except perhaps for carriage drivers, and an orphanage for the UI-locked children...god, he didn't even really want to think about the implications of a statement as heavy as that. Even one death was a nasty enough scenario, whether you had pain turned on or off. For children to die three times in a world as innocently unforgiving as Terrasphere?

"Cool as hell that you're using the power of money for good," Cain said, pointing a skewer towards her. "You trying to integrate them into Lander society then? Or are the kiddos over there still raring to become, I dunno, adventurers?"

He leaned back, sipping at his own mug, chewing on the gristle of a fried fish until the flavour was all but gone. Trust Raina to get back on her feet quick, no? Made him want to lean over and pat her on the head. The fire between them, though, dissuaded that.

 

[Seigi Ling Ling]

"I don't know," Seigi replied upon Cain's inquiry into the behavior of her children. "Some wanna be like me, most can't deal with being UI-locked. I... want them to be happy." Clearly, this wasn't something particularly happy for Seigi to talk about in more detail. "As happy as they can be anyway." Seigi shook her head.

"I still haven't given up." She clarified. "On returning, you know. There must be a way. And while the past four years have been without any strong leads, you only lost once you stop searching!" She shook her head again, taking a big gulp herself. It was clear Seigi was a steadfast drinker. A drunken midget or something.

"What about you, then!? Why would you even play? I don't want you to throw away your life for me!" She tried to change the conversation topic from her to him, seeing how she mostly talked about herself so far!

 

[Cain Darlite]

Except even if there was a way to return, there was no body to return to.

Cain sipped at his own drink, watching the flames. He wasn't stupid, after all. It was easy to tell that Seigi had things she didn't want to talk about, easy to sense a forceful swapping of topics. They were closer, four years ago, but even then, theirs was a relationship built upon what they wanted to be, rather than what they were. And now, four years later, even though Seigi was doubtlessly realizing her goal of becoming a hero, one that could not only punch villains but also make a place within society for the downtrodden, Cain himself had drifted away from being a 'bard'. After all, for him, he had simply sought something new. Sights that were wonderous, that could be experienced for free. No need to buy tickets, no need to spend money.

And then, things got out of hand.

"I've lives to spare," Cain replied. One life, to be specific, but that was many more than what she had. "And I won't have opportunities to throw those lives away, Seigi, if you didn't do the same. Oh, but really, there's nothing to worry about here."

Shadows licked at the openings left by firelight.

"I'm not playing."