ｆｉｒｓｔ ♔

[eldork]

Characters: Elsword and you. Yes, you over there.
Setting: Room 3-08, Floor 1, Floor 25 and any floors with monsters (nighttime).
Format: Whichever floats your boat
Summary: A not!shonen protag roams around the place.
Warnings: Idk, dorkiness with a tinge of angst?

[ Room 3-08 ]

[Okay, Elsword can barely process all of this in his mind. His world was destroyed without any plausible reason and all that, yet he survived and instead he was taken into this place by some weirdo who wrote this blasted letter. How the world did this sicko expected him to go 'Let's all be happy here' where he is left alone. Without Aisha... Without Rena... Without Raven... Without Eve... Without Chung...

Without Elsa to chase after. He have never even reached her back yet. And now... this.

It is rather unlikely of him, but here, in the emptiness of his assigned room, Elsword clenchs his hand before letting out the sign of weakness trail down his eyes, wetting his black-red outfit. Those crystal tears of anguish.]

[ Floor 1 ]

[Ah, the inescapable first oatmeal time. Sat on one of the chair, Elsword doesn't seem to be taking the food positively, just like most of you guys out there.]

...Food made by Raven was still even better than this.

[His tone is empty and barely audible, coming very close to what they would call as mumbling. He is still trying to cope with his current predicament. Losing those who he treasured so much is very hard, eh?

Alas, may I interest you in saying hi to a weird sadpanda over here, no? Poke, disturb, troll, and all those things?]

[ Floor 25 ]

[This floor is probably the one floor that struck Elsword as one of the most reasonable floor, for the season in this site actually calms his inside. Thus, it won't be long before he positions himself on one of the grassiest site, lying comfortably as he stares at the sky (ceiling?). The floor's beauty captivated him, for the place actually resembles one of those more peaceful places in Elrios.

But let's just skip all those dramatic aside because it won't be long before he falls into a peaceful nap there. Don't blame him for this, okay. It's clearly a logical move. The only thing wrong with that is just because he sleeps without anything to protect him.

Or mainly because his sword is wrecked into two. But anyway! A random person napping in this place is not going to end up well, right? That's where you come in to wake him up!]

[ Floor with monsters | Nighttime ]

[Okay that's enough bullshitting and angsting for today! Even though he's not exactly with his perfect weapon, he still have his magical attacks. And because this is this dork we're talking about, he's always up for some challenge.

Soooo yeah, if you're lurking around those floors at this hour, you'll be more than likely to encounter a teen with a flaming red hair, trying his best to burn whatever he encounters with those fireballs coming magically from his hand. He still knows his battle, though. Elsword won't approach anything that seems to pose a serious threat to him. But as time passes, it's painfully obvious that he's going to need a helping hand or two.

Or if you just want to watch the world burn and let this kid die... It's all in your hands, really. But why you do that you cruel person.]

Comments

[Floor 1]

[raichung]

[Chung is on his way to breakfast, armour, cannon and all when... he sees....!!! It can't be! But-But it is!!

Elsword can definitely hear the clanking of his armour from a mile away as he runs over to hug him!]

ELSWOOOOOORRRRDDDDD!!!!!

[Part 2 of strangling Elsword with a hug!]

1/2

[eldork]

[Quite the wrong situation you're coming in eh, Chung? At that moment, Elsword is still pulling his emo card and he does not bode well with his surrounding. The realization of suddenly having Elrios destroyed is more than enough to defrost his warrior-esque instinct.

It suddenly rang by his earshots, though. The-ever-so-familiar noisy clanking armor of a dear friend of his. Curiously, the red haired teen pauses his oatmeal (and he's rather thankful by the way, the taste is not exactly the friendliest) to whirl his head around to the source of the sound-]

2/2

[eldork]

[-which apparently crashes onto him. No sooner than when he turns his head around. This, of course, renders Elsword's reaction to the sudden appearance of his best friend negatively. Instead of returning the hug like Chung expected, Elsword is officially being strangled by the other teen.

Mind you, he's only able to voice his objection through suffocated gasp. ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED YET, CHUNG.]

[raichung]

Elsword, you're alive!!

[Sorry, he's much too happy right now to realize that he's killing you! He's going to lift his bestest friend up because you so small and scrawny, Els! and swing him around a bit.]

Thank goodness you're alright! Where have you been though?

[eldork]

[But the oatmeal, Chung! He haven't even swallowed 'em up- WOW WOW WOW STOP RIGHT THERE, YOU BRIGAND.

Still, that actually put Els into his sane state. And as he stares at him... Never been Elsword is happier than this one.]

Chung!? It's you, right!?

[This is his call to retaliate a bit to land on his feet, before he gives the broest jab ever at Chung's shoulder. He doesn't attempt any hug at all, but don't tempt him. Because he's definitely not against it.]

That is my question, you dummy! Where have you been!?

[raichung]

[Eww! Don't throw up or anything! He's going to stop spinning him but is still lifting him up.]

Of course, it's me!

[And he sets the other back down on the ground. Come on, Els, give your good friend a hug!]

I've been here! With Eve and Raven and Rena! [Then he remembers the most important thing ever and looks around.] Is Aisha-noona with you?

[eldork]

[ That's how it should be, bro. ]

Really? Really!? [ The flash of happiness reflected in his eyes are very clear. Although it's fading a little at the mention of a certain female friend's name. ] Aisha? No, I haven't seen her anywhere.

[ ...

No, don't tell him. No. NO. He won't even go there. ]

[raichung]

Really!! [he smiles brightly~! then that smile fades quickly as he takes in the other's reaction...] You... haven't...?

[No! It's not fair! How could Aisha not have been saved as well!?] I.. [No, he mustn't give up hope just yet!] Maybe she's just a little late like you've been!

[eldork]

[ k he can't do any big smiles right now. BUUUT have a grin. A grim one, obviously. Underlying that is the faintest of a false hope expression. Not that it's visible. ]

Hey, Chung. [ YUP, going to put an arm around your shoulder now. Probably clenching it a little harshly, even. ] Tell me what kind of sick bastard destroyed Elrios.

[ No beating around the bush, Chung. He's not all happy-go-lucky at the moment. ]

Nighttime; Floor 93

[unkindnessof]

[As of late, Raven has taken more often to killing monsters at night while he wanders the floors. This hallway is one of the last legs of a trip back to the dormitories, the rest being staircase. When it's apparent that there's someone on the floor who's struggling, he doesn't think much before engaging, nearly entirely on autopilot. The flashes of long red hair- perhaps Luke fon Fabre, or some other occupant of the Tower he hadn't yet met.

Elsword might recognize the howl of the summoned void that drags and immobilizes any nearby monsters, or the shadow that darts past him to shred the gathered enemies with Hypersonic Stab. When the immediate area can be considered 'safe,' Raven doesn't relax his stance, not just for the continued threat of monsters.

In fact, he seems just as likely to turn his blade on the redhead, having now gotten a good look at him. The light in his eyes is something dangerous.

This is not the friendly welcome you were looking for.]

...If you truly are who you appear to be, prove it.

[For all Raven's concerned, he's speaking to a shapeshifter of some sort, an illusion, a monster, or someone else in the Tower. Even so...

He's giving you a chance here, Elsword, against better judgment. Don't muck it up.]

Re: Nighttime; Floor 93

[eldork]

[At first, he thought he was delusional and all-imaginary, but when a certain roar of a warrior that made the monsters stop, it was actually more than enough to assure Elsword that this one person that he stumbled to was Raven. A wave of relief quickly swept his inside, and Elsword was about to just storm to his 'big brother''side to vent that out, even if it was just a little.

However, the obvious guard that Raven kept around his figure doubted Elsword's will. It was as if-- No, he was definitely not playing the generous card over here. The raised blade just before him made it even clearer.]

...Raven.

[His tone has the slight, unfamiliar hurt frequency in it. To put that Elsword was hurt by Raven's exclamation is an utter understatement. He misses him a lot and the first thing he got after they both stumbled into each other is this?

Not that it's not understandable, however. This is Raven. This is exactly the Raven he's always looked up to. Raven is certainly a person with most paranoia and careful nature, and exactly why...

...If he is to erase Raven's doubt on him this way, Elsword is definitely more than content. No sooner after Raven's done speaking, the young teen's hand is quickly enveloped by a single layer of fire. Elsword soon follows it up by extending his arm at the direction of the bigger man and soon, the fire in his hand ignites a huge round and red-colored glyph just before Elsword's figure.

Raven would probably be very familiar with it. It is the rune that he always casted whenever Elsword fought in Elrios. It would do Raven good if he's to dodge it first, though. Because the rune didn't have the patience to hold its explosion for long.]

[unkindnessof]

[And so he does, ghosting out of the rune's explosion range with a quick backstep.

There is a long moment where the only thing Raven does is study Elsword critically, expression inscrutable. Then, suddenly, he's moving, sword gleaming brightly-

-as it tears into a Neoshadow behind Els, the laser along its edge activating in a flash in attempt to stave off further attacks.]

Don't get careless.

[His voice is quiet and even, and very tightly controlled, but still one can tell that there's... something, there. Worry? Disbelief? Relief? Who knows, especially when his face isn't visible, having not yet turned around. He can't be sure Elsword wouldn't have noticed the shadow on his own, but still, he... didn't want to risk it. Especially not considering the teen's current state.

When Raven turns, he tugs lightly at Elsword's wrist with his left arm as he walks past toward the stairs ascending, the gesture having a note of urgency to it.]

...Come on, Elsword.

[There's no reason for them to linger in this hallway any longer than they already have.

Three words, but it's his acceptance all the same.]

[eldork]

[The swift dodge that Raven attempted just assured further that this is indeed the Raven he knew. At first, Els was concentrating on planning his next move against Raven and he was almost caught off-guard when the Blade Master suddenly lunged at him

...And yeah, he was letting his guards off, indeed. Not merely against Raven, but against a monster that the other man just slashed. Also now that he looked at him again, Raven's sword was... unique, pretty different than anything that he ever witnessed.

Elsword, again, rarely pay much attention to other's words, not even his friends'. He is almost always follow his natural instinct about where and when to charge head-on. But this time, Elsword's being docile and instead of walking the different path with Raven's, the red-haired teen manages the tiniest of nod as a confirmation when Raven gestured him to go.]

Aah.

[And slowly, Elsword's steps would beat together with Raven's, for he's now tailing the Blade Master.]

[unkindnessof]

[The Blade Master sets a brisk pace up the stairs. They'll make the rest of the trip up to the dorm room- Raven's, not Elsword's; he doesn't know where Elsword's is yet, even if it may be closer- in silence, unless the Rune Slayer has something to say in that time.

Except for one thing:]

Eve made it. Mine was broken on arrival.

[...to preclude any questions the redhead might have about his sword.]

[eldork]

[Now that they are by the stairs and the place guarantees their safety... As they walks, Elsword's serious face seems to be gradually softening.]

Seriously, Raven. [Elsword lets out an audible sigh. No, sigh is an understatement. It's a scoff, with the faintest tone of condescending.] The first thing you say is bragging about your sword. Not even a hug or something?

[Well, he knew pretty well that Raven definitely wouldn't attempt such a thing, but... Could he at least show his relief or something where Elsword is terrifically happy after he found the familiar face.

Also... Eve?]

[unkindnessof]

[That makes Raven pause for a moment to look back over his shoulder. The harshness from earlier is mostly gone now, and as such the man breathes out a sigh, posture relaxing slightly along with the motion.]

...bragging? I didn't know a statement of fact counted as such.

[But he was planning to be in a safe room before anything substantial actually happened. Right now, it hasn't entirely sunken in.

They arrive at Raven's room on the top floor after a bit more walking, anyway, the Blade Master waving Elsword over to the bed when they enter. He himself takes to searching through his trunk, having raided the infirmary for basic first aid supplies some time previous.]

Are you all right?

[eldork]

[Ah, cynical as ever. Enough to trigger Elsword's tiny grin for Raven's words. Honestly, he was about to ask further question, but again... That could wait.

The moment they reached Raven's room, Elsword did nothing more wiser than to obey Raven and quickly find his position on the corner of the bed.]

I just found that Elrios was destroyed today and you expect me to be all a-ok? [His sarcasm was rather cynical as well, rather unlikely of him. But he's still not over with the fact. Earlier, Chung told him about the El gang, but he still couldn't take his words completely before meeting them face-to-face. He have encountered Eve, and now...]

Physically, I'm still fine, regardless.

Floor 25

[spearsurfing]

[He's left undisturbed for quite awhile, though not undetected. One of Eve's many Nasod Scouts arrives on floor 25 to perform its assigned surveying duties some time after he falls asleep. It skitters quietly across the grassy meadow, scanning the area for changes, monsters, entities of interest...

It stops when it reaches Elsword, taking a long pause to properly scan the dozing boy. It completes its analysis, swivels itself around, and heads straight for the staircase.

Approximately twelve and a half minutes later, he's awoken abruptly by a FLOP—despite what it looks like, that is in fact the sound of the most powerful slap ever performed by Nasod or human alike. It's the kind of slap that could knock a man's jaw out. There's pretty much no way he's getting out of this without at least a bruise.]

You idiot BOY! How dare you! [Oh yeah, also Eve is screaming at him and practically sitting on his chest. She's already pulling back for another slap, too overwhelmed with conflicting emotional responses to wait for him to respond. Only violence can soothe her rage.]

[eldork]

[This world may not be all positive, but at the very least, in his dream, Elrios is still there, all green and healthy. Clearly more than enough for Elsword to keep on dreaming. In his dream, everyone is there in front of him, chatting random things and such, and it easily brought a smile to the Rune Slayer's lips. No soon though, one of them, who goes by the name Eve, turn around before approaching him in her own, unique face.

And then she slaps him. Out of nowhere. And it was goddamn painful.

...Okay, but the pain is just too real for a dream. Eve's voice rings in his ears all too clear, and his body feels pretty heavy. As if something is sitting on him. Cue Elsword opening his eyes slowly-

-Before yet another slap welcomes him. Excuse him while he mutters incoherent groans as Eve's onslaught continues. He's awake, alive and kicking indeed. But he clearly will die if Eve's to continue her combos. This is clearly the best dream ever for Elsword.]

[spearsurfing]

You are late! [FLOP yep there's our slap #2, good morning Els]

And instead of assuring Eve that you are alive, you take a nap?! Unacceptable!! [FLOP #3]

Everyone was worried about you! I was worried about you!

[Her hand is still raised up high, but... perhaps she realizes that continuing to hit Elsword would end badly. Or maybe her hand is starting to hurt. Could go either way.

Even if the hitting has stopped, she's still glaring at him furiously. It's a stare that demands an explanation, an excuse, anything. That hand is still up in the slap-ready position, after all.]

[eldork]

[gdit Eve, he was about to get into the best part where you and Aisha went for his D- Okay, no. The third slap was more than enough for Els to regain his sense. Although his sense is just all about painful stings by his cheeks.]

You're killing me. [His tone is... weak, but the relief is plainly obvious there.] Eve.

[And his gaze slowly darts over to her eyes, where Elsword's eyes only reflects the subtle happiness of actually being able to see his friend again. He... cannot process everything as fast, being an idiot he is. In fact, he's about to create a radiant smile of his if not for the fact that there's still a part of him that think he is actually still dreaming.

Also what's with that staring. Wakarimasen lol.]

[spearsurfing]

[She stares back, her hand lowering ever so slightly. Could she really stay mad at him right now?

... well, okay, that's not really a good question to ask. Could she really keep hitting him, though?]

Elsword...

[She finally, finally puts down the slapping pose, instead leaning forward to gently cup the sides of his face with both hands. She holds him there like that for a moment, meeting his gaze.]

... Analysis complete. You are not dying.

However... Eve would like to be sure she has not broken you somehow. Are you alright? [how does he not have brain damage already anyway]

[eldork]

[Well, this is certainly Eve. The one Eve that he have always known for the longest time. She's alive. She's here. The red haired teen slowly moves a hand over to his cheek, where he gradually let it rest over Eve's.]

I've had worse. [A small smile is forming by his lips, which eventually upgrades into a huge, dorky yet confident grin of him.]

You're heavy, by the way. [One cannot suffer from a brain damage when he has no brain, right? Yup, that's Els.]

[spearsurfing]

Do not call Eve heavy! [If she hadn't already hit him three times in a row she'd probably be hitting him again now.

For all her shouting, there's... something oddly calming, about this scenario. The familiarity of it. It's almost as if they're still in Elrios, as if they'd never been separated, or brought to this tower, or...

Ah, that's right.

Wordlessly, she steps back from him and dusts herself off, suddenly back to being her calm and unemotional self. There were important matters that still needed discussing, this wasn't a time for fooling around.]

Elsword, what do you know about the tower so far? Eve will try to summarize the data she has collected.

[eldork]

[Typical Eve, trying her best to cover everything up. That triggered Els's amused grin, along with the small chuckles that followed soon.]

[As Eve's returned to her normal spot, the young teen brushes the spot where Eve sat for a moment, before he seems to come into a small thoughtful stature.]

Hmm... [Well, how does he say this.] Not much. Chung only told me a little; Elrios is destroyed, but everyone's here. [A small pause as he grit his teeth in regret.] Except Aisha.

[As he said that, his smile seems to be fading into nothingness, only leaving the sad smile intact.]