by David Petrie
“What the hell is that?” Farn blurted out mid-snort.
“Kira’s our mascot. We have to make sure everyone knows it.” Ginger smirked.
“Ha ha, very funny. I have a heart on my butt. Let’s all have a nice laugh about it.” Kira spun back around.
“Sorry.” Farn calmed down, letting out a few more chuckles, partly to hide how interested she was to see a little more of Kira.
The mage planted herself back on to the couch. “You know what, I’m fine with it. It may not cover much, but this has the same stats as my gown from the party. So I have an extra thousand mana stored on my ass. Wearing this might be embarrassing, but it’s worth it.” She dropped her voice to a low grumble. “Although, I don’t love the implication of the keyhole back there.”
“Oh, that’s the best part.” Ginger threw herself back down on the chaise. “It’s like an invitation.”
“Don’t remind me.” Kira slouched into a pose that could only be described as unladylike.
The room quieted down as the pressure of the mission settled in. They had already come so far, mostly thanks to Berwyn’s interest in Kira, who had proved to be more than little distracting. Now, the question was how long could they keep the charade going and what Kira might have to do to keep their cover.
Farn shuddered, not wanting to think about it.
The question had been weighing on her mind all day. If it was Ginger, she wouldn’t have worried. Seduction was a way of life for the Coin, but putting Kira in that position was something else entirely. The thought turned Farn’s stomach. She had pined for her for months, so of course she wasn’t comfortable with the situation. Even if there was no hope of being with Kira, Farn couldn’t stand the idea of letting Berwyn lay a finger on her.
She shoved the thought down before it took her over. Then as if sensing the tension in the room, Ginger brought it all to the surface.
“Sorry to bring this up,” the Coin gave Kira a weak smile, “but are you okay with everything?”
“Like what?”
“Like being thrown into this honeypot. Things have gone well so far, but it’s mostly been flirting and dancing so far. I know none of us want to think about it, but what if things go further?”
“We don’t need to talk about this.” Farn squeezed the couch cushion. “It won’t come to that.”
“But what if it does?”
“It won’t.”
“I’m sorry for starting all this,” Ginger’s voice grew quiet, “but there’s only so much we can do to stall without blowing our cover. It is possible that we’ll run out of options, and we all know where this road ends. So the question is, do we quit the mission if that happens or do we stand aside?” She let her eyes fall to Kira. “Would you actually want to go through with it?”
The question hung in the air. The meaning of the word ‘it’ was clear, even if Ginger didn’t spell it out. Farn wanted to cover her ears so that she didn’t have to listen to the conversation.
Kira sat up straight and rested her hands in her lap, staring at the floor. “Would I go through with it?” She sat silently for a moment. “Well, I am a guy, sort of. So thinking about it from that perspective, the choice is obvious.”
“Well, yeah,” Farn took solace in the other fact that she had tried her best to ignore, “obviously you wouldn’t sleep with him.”
“I would,” Kira stated without hesitation, with a tone of finality in her voice.
“What?” Farn flinched as if she’d been struck by the words. It certainly wasn’t the response that she expected.
Ginger’s mouth fell open. “Really?”
“I’d be an idiot not to. If I’m gonna be a man about this, then this is just an avatar. Placing that much importance on my body would be crazy. It doesn’t matter what happens to it. It’s not me.”
Farn’s heart nearly broke from the way the fairy spoke so cavalier about herself, like the woman she had fallen for was worthless. She dropped into a chair, her legs giving out from the shock.
“Look, it’s a lot of money.” Kira shrugged, clearly forcing a laugh.” I’m not so delusional to think that I don’t have a price. And nine million in hard is one hell of a payout. That’s plenty for each of us. It’s the kind of money that can change our lives. It would be selfish of me not to do whatever it takes to make sure we all win.”
Farn covered her mouth. She would have thrown up if the system had allowed it. The thought that Kira would leap into the fire for the sake of her friends was too much. What’s worse, she was right. Farn hadn’t valued herself any more. She’d done plenty of things she regretted, back when she was still trying to pretend to be something she wasn’t.
“I guess I’ve done more for less.” Ginger sat up a little. “I’m comfortable with my choices, but I understand where you’re coming from.”
Farn’s clenched her teeth until her jaw hurt. Then she closed her eyes and took a breath, struggling to remain reasonable. “But what if you…” she hesitated, “what if the you here is more than just an avatar? What if you think of things as Kira?”
The fairy fell silent, and for a moment, her eyes welled up. “I don’t know.” Her gaze fell the floor as she fidgeted in her seat, her legs pressed together. “Thinking as myself, it’s just so personal. Letting someone…” She trailed off and shook her head. “I don’t want to, but I’m not sure which me is right.”
Farn couldn’t help but feel that there was something more honest about that answer. Maybe it was just wishful thinking. Ginger stood from her seat, signaling that the uncomfortable conversation had gone on long enough.
“Whatever you decide, don’t push yourself. It’s your decision. Everyone will support you no matter what you do. Okay?”
Kira nodded but said nothing.
“And if you want to get out of this, all you have to do is ask.” Farn leaned on the sofa behind her to make sure she didn’t feel alone. “I’ll stab the first person I see. That should really put a damper on the mood.”
“It’s nice to know that you have such violent tendencies.” The fairy snorted. “Thanks.”
Ginger tied a thin piece of fabric around her waist like a skirt and made her way to the door. “I guess we should let Max back in. He has been surprisingly quiet, waiting in the hall.” She adjusted her swimsuit top. “I almost want to reward him for being so patient.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
- New Message -
From: Larkin
To: MaxDamage24
Subject: An interesting canvas indeed
I honestly can’t believe what you brought me last night. That ratty old cloth was more of a challenge to work with than you might think. There were so many tears and holes, not to mention it had been worn thin all over. Not much of it was even salvageable.
But you’re in luck.
You’ve got me.
I treated it with several different recipes to reinforce it to the point that I could work with it and ended up with just enough to craft a scarf. However, it was too basic for the system and wouldn’t accept it as an equipable item as it was, so I had to get creative.
I dyed it black with the ink from a mind flayer, and yes, that was hard to get. I tracked the monster down in the ice caverns near Rend. I could have gone somewhere else, but I wanted this item to mean something for you. It had to be Rend. Long story short, I got sprayed by the damn things multiple times and ended up with an insanity ailment that messed with my vision and hearing for almost an hour. During that time, I either killed a number of ice poplos on my way back through Rend or a couple dozen low-level players.
I fear it was the latter judging by the fact that a few of the poplos I killed dropped human bones. But that is the price we pay for art, and I was able to grind the bones into a powder that made a pretty nice ink. I used it to add a subtle design that I think fits the item. I topped it all off with a pin to keep it from falling off.
All in all, I am quite proud of this item. It is one of the most interesting pie
ces that I’ve crafted. I will let you see it for yourself, though. I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise, but after reading the description, there may be more to this item than just a unique drop. I’m not sure how, but it may have been meant for you.
-Larkin
Message Attachment,
Accessory - slot, neck.
Accept?
Max stood in the hall of the palace while Ginger and the rest got ready for the beach. His pen hovered over the word 'accept'.
Larkin had done it. He’d actually made something of Death’s robe. Max had carried the thing around for the last year, unable to figure out what to do with it. Crafting had never been his strength, so meeting Larkin had been a godsend. That man was a treasure, worth his weight in hard to be sure.
Max drew a check mark on the page, feeling a sense of anticipation swell as his pen scratched across the paper.
Out of nowhere, a system chime sounded in his ear, somehow different from any other. It was deeper, as if filled with power. The message text faded away only to be replaced by a flood of system messages.
Max’s hand shook, almost dropping his journal.
NEW ITEM RECEIVED: THE MANTLE OF DEATH
Description: Death is coming for us all. Thus, the world must have a Reaper. By defeating the Nightmare of Death, you have agreed to take on its mantle.
This item grants the wearer a unique sub-class that may be activated by wearing this item in its active state. While active, all main class skills will deactivate and be replaced by any unlocked sub-class skills. Main-class weapons will remain effective, however, new weapons may become available as they are unlocked.
REAPER SUB-CLASS DISCOVERED!
Class Description: Wield the power of Death. This sub-class will consume HP while in use.
NEW SKILL UNLOCKED: UNBREAKABLE DEFENSE
Call forth the blades of Death to deflect any incoming projectile attack. Does not guard against area of effect abilities, non-physical, or magic attacks. Activated by holding one’s breath.
NEW TITLE ACQUIRED: PALE RIDER
Max gasped as the black fabric materialized in his hands. A subtle, gray pattern of bones and teeth flowed across the scarf, one end holding a silver pin bearing a skeletal hand.
He stared at it for a solid minute, admiring the craftsmanship. Then he ripped off his necktie and threw it in one of the potted plants that lined the hall. Good riddance, he thought as he wrapped the scarf around his neck. The pin on the end shifted to grip the rest of the scarf in its boney fingers.
Larkin may not have been able to salvage much of the original material, but there was still more than enough to cover his neck and shoulders. He waited for the item to activate, excited to try out his new sub-class.
Then nothing happened.
“Any time now.” Max tugged on the garment. Still nothing. “Well, crap, leave it to me to get the most badass item in Noctem and not know how to use it.” He leaned back against the door of the suite and folded his arms.
“At least I look cool– oh no!” he shouted as the door he leaned on opened.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Max spilled into the suite, hitting the floor with a cartoonish thud. Ginger stood over him, dressed in a green bikini with a piece of fabric tied around her waist. The view felt like he was looking up her skirt.
He shut his eyes tight out of respect.
“You know I’m wearing a bathing suit right? You can look at me.”
He peeked out from under one eyelid. “Yeah, but it’s, um, a revealing angle.”
“I don’t mind.” She made no motion to move, staring down at him with a playful smile. “Nice scarf. Is it everything you hoped it would be.”
“Yes and no.” He opened his eyes and tried to ignore the view altogether.
“Why so vague.”
“Because…”
“Because why?”
“I don’t know how to use it.”
“That sounds about right.”
“Yeah, well, I take it y’all are ready to go?” Max pushed himself up off the floor.
Kira and Farn got up from the couch, answering his question by walking toward the door. The Shield picked up her sword and held it at her side, apparently still acting as the fairy’s guard. It looked entirely out of place alongside the tall woman’s simple one piece.
“You might as well store your sword in your inventory. There’s no need for both of us to stand guard. I doubt anyone is going to start anything with us, and I’ll be ready just in case.” Max made an attempt at sounding cool. In truth, he was trying to be a good wingman by giving the pair an opening to spend time at the beach. Maybe something might click.
“Thanks.” Farn tapped a few options on her stat-sleeve, and the sword vanished.
“We should be on our way then.” Ginger threw her new coat over her shoulders.
“Wish I had a nice, big coat to hide under,” Kira grumbled, holding her arms in an awkward self-embrace. Before she had a chance to complain further, Farn draped her cape across the fairy’s shoulders like a gentleman on a date.
“Ompf!” Kira immediately fell to the floor with a crash.
“Oh, sorry!” Farn dropped to her knees to help. “I forgot how much the scale armor weighs.”
“I’m fine. I’m fine.” Kira shifted around under the cape, hoisted herself back up, and pulled the cape around her shoulders. “I appreciate the gesture. Just wasn’t expecting it is all. Thanks.”
“Sorry.” Farn cringed and covered her face.
Max shook his head, then glanced to Ginger as if to say 'see what I mean?'. The Coin gave him a somewhat frustrated nod, then stepped out the door without any further comment.
The sound of waves met Max’s ears as soon as they entered the pyramid below. He took up a position at the rear so that he could keep an eye on the party as they made their way across the patio area.
Fire pots and torches lined the beach, blanketing the sand in a warm, inviting glow. Flickering light glistened across the water’s surface as a relaxed atmosphere settled in, unlike the night before. Max couldn’t help but notice the others glancing at the spot where Luka had been executed.
Kira leaned close to Ginger. “So, how do I go about luring Berwyn?”
The Coin hesitated. “You know, you're a little different than most women.”
“Obviously,” Max commented.
Ginger glowered back at him before continuing, “I think your appeal is just as much about who you are as it is about how you look. So just have fun. That’s really when you shine. If Berwyn stops to watch, then we’ll know he’s hooked. And probably show off that sparkling butt of yours.”
Max arched an eyebrow, wondering what the Coin meant by sparkling.
Suddenly, a voice called from a distance behind. He looked back to find Nix running toward them, swinging a small bag and wearing a frilly two-piece under a short, hooded robe that looked like part of a Venom Mage’s starter set. It obviously didn’t match her class, but it functioned well enough as a coverup.
Once she arrived on the patio, Nix took a full thirty seconds to catch her breath. The ridiculous reynard bent over panting and held up one hand as if to say 'hang on a sec'. “You going swimming?” she got out between breaths. “Mind if I come?” Her ears stuck straight up in a way that seemed hopeful.
Max deferred to the Lady of House Lockheart for her decision.
Ginger’s eye twitched for an instant before answering, “Sure, we’d be glad to have you. Will Aawil be coming too?”
“Nah, she’s doesn’t really like water. Which is probably why I don’t get many chances to swim. It’s weird to play on the beach alone. That’s why, when I saw you guys from the window, I threw on a suit to catch up.” Without saying anything further, she tapped her stat-sleeve a couple times, materializing a multi-colored, leather ball. She tucked it under her arm and stepped into the group next to Kira.
Max kept the reynard in his peripheral, still wary of the woman. It could be just t
hat she wanted to make friends and have fun at the beach, like she said, but he wasn’t so sure. It would also make sense if she was, in fact, keeping an eye on them to make sure they weren’t up to anything. Her presence would make sure they couldn’t act on anything or do any planning. Combined with the realization from the night before that her pistol was a contract item, Max was almost sure she was dangerous.
That was when she dropped the ball she carried and proceeded chase after it like a child, dropping her bag in the process. The simple pouch hit the stone of the patio with a heavy clank as her pistol fell out of it. Her eyes went wide as she looked back and forth between the ball and her weapon, like she couldn’t decide which was more important. A low whimper emanated from her chest combined with an annoyed growl.
“That’s awkward,” she commented, sounding less embarrassed than she should have been.
“I can carry this for you if you want.” Farn picked up the ball from where it had come to rest a few feet away.
“Thanks.” Nix stuffed her M-9 back into her bag and continued walking as if she hadn’t just made a fool of herself. Her tail wagged as she went.
Max kept his eye on her, just in case.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Kira smiled as soon as her toes touched the sand. It was soft and warm under the light of the fire pots that surround the beach. She breathed in the salty air, almost forgetting she was still inside.
An NPC manned a small bar at the edge of the patio while a few of the palace guests and Berwyn’s Serpents roamed about. Other than that, the place felt somewhat private. It made Kira feel a little better about what she was wearing underneath Farn’s heavy cape.
Honestly, how is a cape this heavy?
She smiled, feeling the weight of the armor on her body. There was something strangely comforting about it. She shrugged off the cape, catching it before it fell. She didn’t want to return it covered in sand, so she gently folded it over the patio railing.