Sword Art Online: A New Beginning

[Zarkon90]

Eve followed behind Kaiaga. The young girl never understood what her 'companion' got from bars or why he always enjoyed meeting there but she honestly didn't care enough to question it.

Eve stopped short as she exited the smoky establishment, her eyes falling on the seemingly burning lake. A soft sigh escaped her lips, though it was quickly replaced by an irritated frown as her vision cleared and she saw Kaiaga leaning against the railing.

"You really know how to ruin a beautiful scene, you know that?" Eve sighed, shaking her head which caused her long blonde hair to go flying.

"So what is it you wanted to talk to me about that you couldn't say in that cancer hive?" The girls voice was irritated but not openly hostile as she walked to join the tall teen by the lakes railing.  

[Mega90]

Kaiyaga’s shoulders shook as he laughed openly about Eve’s description of the relatively high society establishment that they had spent the afternoon in.

“Wow, you really know how to weave art with your words, kiddo. You know that?” He turned his head slightly to cast another glance over the river. “I wanted to ask you a question, and I didn’t want a lot of prying ears around to hear what you had to say.” He paused for a moment and took a short breath. “Actually there are a few things that I wanted to ask you.” He pushed off the stone railing and turned around to look properly over the lake and the bustling lives on the other side. He leaned with his left forearm on the stone and waved her over with his right hand, gesturing to a spot next to him. “Call it random curiosity, but why did you join Caveat in the first place? I mean a guild like that… it’s some pretty heavy stuff. Keeping your affiliations secret, not being known…someone with your strength could easily make one of the top guilds if you wanted to. Transvaal, Crestfallen, heck, even Heaven Spire would be lucky to have you.” He paused for a moment. On the other side of the river, a couple chased one another playfully, laughing in the late evening sun.

When he spoke again, his voice was somehow distant, and a sad smile had affixed itself to his expression. “It’s kind of a lonely life, to be honest.”  

[Zarkon90]

Eve looked surprised, clearly taken aback by the question though she did her best to hide it. The young girl looked down at the rippling water, taking note of her frowning reflection as she did.

"I.. don't know. What kind of question is that anyway?" Her tone seemed to transition from unsure to arrogant in almost a second, though is was fairly obvious she was dodging the question for some reason.

"I mean, the same could be said of you. Why haven't you fully committed and joined master Shiro yet? It's far past time that you did you know."  

[Mega90]

Kaiyaga let out a soft laugh.

“Things are often more complicated than they seem, kiddo.” His expression grew distant and he looked out over the water. “In any case, the second question I wanted to ask you was about the Gloria in Delora. I was wondering if you had picked a partner yet, or if you even intended on joining?”  

[Zarkon90]

Eve frowned, glancing at the taller teen.

"What kind of question is that? It's obvious we can't exactly join even if we wanted. We who belong to Caveat can't risk putting Master Shiro in danger. Thus the guild must remain hidden."

As she finished, she glanced out over burning lake once more.

"I doubt many of them would be much of a challenge anyway.." The young girl muttered.  

[Mega90]

Kaiyaga looked at Eve with a slightly confused glance.

“Just don’t register under the name of Caveat and you’ll be fine. You don’t have to be a part of a guild to enter, at least not as far as I’m aware. The event hasn’t even been officially announced yet, though. So who knows what the final ruling will be.” He ran his hands through his hair and turned his back to the water once again, leaning against the railing. “I say go for it if you want to do it. Heck, I’ll even team up with you, if you want.”  

[Zarkon90]

Eve looked over at the teen, surprise evident on her face.

"You?! Team up with me? What is this another of your tests?" Something Master Shiro put you up to? Or is it that you just want to try to humiliate me in front of everyone?"

Eve's tone was more surprised and confused then angry.  

[Mega90]

Kaiyaga held up his hands defensively.

“Maybe I just wanted to spend some time with you, kiddo. Though we could use it as a test if you wanted to, I suppose. My intention was just to team up with a competent player that I know I can count on and trust. Besides…” he nudged her shoulder gently and flashed her a toothy smile. “I kind of enjoy your company.”  

[Zarkon90]

Eve looked away, blushing brightly.

"Don't be stupid..saying that kind of stuff..."

The young girl cleared her throat, puffing her chest out slightly and looking to the sky.

"But I suppose if you want to do it, I can be your partner. It will be a good way to bring glory to master Shiro and test his enemies strength."  

[Mega90]

Kaiyaga laughed.

“Great, then it’s settled. We’ll team up.” He looked out at the evening that was playing out behind them. “So how high are you hoping to go in Caveat? Is your goal to become one of the Nine Rings of Hell?”  

[Zarkon90]

Eve hesitated for a moment before finally nodding.

"Yes. I aim to advance to claim the position of one the nine rings so that I can be of more use to everyone and thank master Shiro for everything he has done for me. Why do you ask?"

Eve asked as she glanced warily over at her companion.  

[Mega90]

Kaiyaga sighed and looked away.

“Just curious, I guess.” There was clearly something bothering him, but he said nothing further on the matter. “Well, anyway…you’ve had a tough day. Best you get to bed early and rest up. There will be more tasks tomorrow.” A moment of silence fell between them before he looked back over at her with a devious, dark smile on his lips. ‘That, or we could forgo doing the responsible thing and head into the heart of town. I hear they are putting on a big festival tonight. Some big to do about a lunar calendar, or some crap like that. The important thing is that there is going to be food, festivities, and drinks. Sound like a good time?” He asked, playfully nudging her shoulder.  

[Zarkon90]

"Just curious huh?" Eve bit her cheek slightly as she looked at her companion, disbelief evident on her face.

The young teen hesitated for a moment before looking down at the water when Kaiyaga mentioned the festival.

"Hmm. Alright, fine. I will go with you, but your buying." She said turning, her long golden blowing slightly as she began to walk toward the center of town.  

[Mega90]

Kaiyaga laughed lightly before following after her.

“But of course, my lady.” He teased. Together they headed for the festival.

……

Yamen walked back into the Crestfallen guild hall and collapsed into the first chair that he saw. Even though he had been victorious, he had taken serious damage in the process of fighting the leaders of the Transvaal guild. His head was throbbing and his body ached.

A low groan escaped his throat involuntarily when he saw Amara walk in front of him. He knew that he was going to have to talk with her sooner or later, and now was as good a time as any.

“Amara…” he called out. “Got a second?”  

[Zarkon90]

Amara stopped as she was called, turning to face Yamen and her eyes widened slightly.

"What happened to you? You look like you decided to try and solo a floor boss."