Rim Elm
1:31 AM
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Raive - Age 23
Seru: (None)
Combat: Acrobatics, twin knives, spear
http://i.imgur.com/985ep.jpg
GOOD KARMA: 12
THINKING KARMA: 6
EVIL KARMA: 4
Elena - Age 20
Seru: Rika (Theeder)
Combat: Ranged thunderbolts and fists
http://i.imgur.com/iC551.jpg
GOOD KARMA: 14
REFLECTIVE KARMA: 1
EVIL KARMA: 3
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Rika was in Elena's arms, slowly patting her arm with its tentacles. The bond between the two was odd to those who didn't
understand Elena's past or current emotions, but it was perfect for the way she was currently feeling. It was a partnership
unmatched by almost any in the Drake Kingdom. For most, it was touching.
"Elena?" a girl's voice called from behind.
Elena relaxed her hug on Rika, but still kept her Cyber Seru close. The girl was Orimeh, the innkeeper's daughter. She had
a very round, full figure, but was very overrated by the....eager teenagers in Rim Elm. There were much better fish in the
sea. Ones with a personality.
"Oh, hi Orimeh," said Elena, wiping tears from her eyes. "Sorry that I'm-"
"It's no big deal," replied the innkeeper's daughter. Before taking a seat next to her friend, she grabbed Elena from behind
in a hug tighter than the one Elena had given Rika. The Theeder noticed this, and lightly slapped Orimeh on her arms, motioning
for her to let go. As she did so, Rika snuck into the spot between them.
"You okay?"
Elena shrugged. "Yeah, it's nothing big I guess. Just...I didn't want....I didn't want to find out my father was someone like..."
"Yeah," Orimeh replied. "But, you know..."
"What?"
"You don't
have to be like him, you know. You're nothing like him now, and you haven't been since we met. That doesn't
have to change..."
Elena turned to Rika, who was slowly swinging its tentacles up and down, as if bored enough to be fascinated by the action.
She smiled, then nodded. "You're right, Orimeh...Thanks!"
The two embraced, with Rika squished in between. As they released, Elena jumped to her feet. "Well, I guess I'm gonna go with
Raive. I'll see you later Orimeh!"
* * *
"YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH!" yelled Uthma, glaring at Redollow outside the inn, arms crossed.
"The similarities cannot be denied!" roared Redollow, his belly slightly shaking as he tried to prove his point, albeit horribly. "Combining
the slot machines with the Muscle Dome would be an awesome combination and you know it!"
"LIAR! THAT IS THE WORST IDEA I HAVE EVER HEARD!" Uthma replied, his fists tightening. "THE MUSCLE DOME IS FOR FIGHTING, NOT FOR
STUPID SLOT MACHINES!"
"I don't care tadpole," replied Redollow. "I-"
A swift punch from Uthma to the jaw shut him up. It knocked him out, actually.
Elena approached the group, smiling at the exchange between the young man and Redollow. "Um...Raive?"
The redhaired man smiled and nodded. "You coming with us?"
Elena nodded. "If it's not a bother."
"Not at all," Uthma replied, dusting his hands clean with a cocky smile on his face. "The more the merrier."
"Did you really have to punch him?" Wendy asked, rolling her eyes.
"Yes, yes I did," said Uthma. "He wouldn't shut up."
"Where are you guys going again? The Zalan Tower?" Elena asked.
K and Raive both nodded in response, but only Raive replied verbally. "Yes. The one to the north of the Usha Research Center."
Wendy shook her head. "I can't believe you didn't notice how close his name is to Redhollow."
Uthma's eyes widened and he turned to the unconscious man on the ground. "He - what?!? Redollow....REDHOLLOW! Holy crap!"
"Before we go," Raive said, stepping closer to Elena. "I think we need to head to the Hunter's Forest first."
"What's there?" asked Uthma. "Any monsters worth-"
"Oh. You're not going, Uthma," said Raive. "It'l just be me and Elena. Only we're allowed in."
"Into what?" asked K73SK.
"You mean the spring?" asked Elena. "What are we gonna do in there?"
"Pick up an old book," said Raive, winking at Uthma. "And I know you don't read, right kid?"
Uthma narrowed his eyes. Wendy giggled. K tousled his hair.
"So you ready to go?" asked Raive, resting his spear over his shoulder. Elena nodded. "Wait, where are we
going again? I just forgot for some reason..."
* * *
The surrounding woods around the Hunter's Spring had grown considerably in size since Vahn had originally left Rim Elm
on his adventures long ago, expanding into the Hunter's Forest. It was filled with monsters that the hunters used for training
when they felt the need to. Deep in the heart of the forest was the Hunter's Spring - a haven of skilled hunters, paradise, and
an exclusive club only accessible to those the hunters accept - including Raive and Elena.
The pair arrived at the Hunter's Forest not too long after leaving Rim Elm - a testament to how much the forest and village had
expanded since then. As they did, Raive drew his spear and motioned to Elena to stand equal to him a few yards to his right.
"Wait why do I-?" Elena began.
Before she could finish, a massive monster stormed from within the trees. It had the appearance of a giant, rocky bug with crab-
like appendages. It seemed to be a mother bug with stone skin. It screeched at the two and prepared to attack.
---------- RAIVE DECISION -----------
A) Wait for the monster to make the first attack so that you can counter it
B) Continue to watch for a pattern you can take advantage of
C) Throw your spear at the beast's chest and begin the attack
---------- ELENA DECISION -----------
A) Ask Raive for his strategy
A DECISION CANNOT BE MADE FOR THIS KARMA SELECTION
C) Shoot lightning at the monster
