An Idol's Worries

Justice opened her eyes back in the world of Relian, her eyes no longer swollen or wet. She stretched slightly, though her mind wasn't fully on the game.

"Justice!"

A sudden body tackled Justice, knocking her backwards. She looked up, a smiling Symphony in her lap.

"I ate and now I'm full of energy! How bout... are you okay?"

Justice shrugged, then lightly patted Symphony on the head.

"Stuff on my mind. I'm alright."

"Oh. Well, do you wanna get distracted or talk about it?"

"Distract me."

Symphony tapped her chin, though she never got off of Justice.

"Umm... did you know what Rook did?"

The automaton seemed to reflexively zoom her eyes in on Justice.

"Tell me. That idiot does a lot. I'm just hoping it's fixable."

"He killed me. Before I could reach town initially, he attacked me."

Symphony's eyes seemed to grow colder, her system appearing before her eyes.

"Ugh... bastard is offline. I'll deal with him later, for now... let's go fight something! We don't have any Bugs to take care of afterall, so let's get you stronger!"

Justice gave a friendly smile, following after Symphony now that she had gotten off of her lap.

"So what are you up for? Gear farming, EXP grinding? We can even hunt materials! I do happen to be a crafter with my subclass."

Symphony was smug, eliciting a soft giggle from Justice.

"Do you happen to know how to craft the uh... Vengeance Blade?"

Symphony's eyes seemed to light up more than ever.

'Oh boy... lit her excitement.'

"Yes! So you need... what were they?"

Her system appeared before her eyes again, the pair sliding across the interface quickly.

"Five Spectral Ingots, three Enchanted Souls, a Vengeance Crystal, as well as a Counter Blade. Not too hard, specially since I'm max level in crafting as well. Hardest thing would be the crystal, never seen one."

Justice tossed her Vengeance Crystal into the air, catching it and showing the beautiful gem to Symphony.

"Well I'll be damned. A.I. really likes you. Tool forever to get my gear and I'm still having trouble finding the last gem core for my gun."

"Maybe I'll ask for help the next time I die."

Rolling her eyes, Symphony began to lead the way once again.

"Most of these materials are in higher level zones, so I suggest training you on the way towards them. Sound good?"

Justice nodded, ready to get even stronger.

"Maybe get some... better gear first? Most of my stuff is fur based, from twenty levels ago."

Symphony giggled.

"Kay! Let's go hunt something more durable then! You're... Hey wait. Why not become a Defender? You're almost ready to hit Champion as well, though it'll take some time to get over there. We could rent a horse... yea let's go with that."

Justice raised an eyebrow, curious as to why Symphony suddenly busted out all of her words. Her calm and fun self was suddenly replaced by someone on a mission, yet the mission wasn't certain.

"Hey, Symphony. It took me a bit to notice, but aren't you kinda tense? You're so focused on me, but something just feels wrong."

"Don't worry. Let's just get started. I looked it up, you need to head closer to the capital to upgrade your class. Let's-"

Justice grabbed Symphony's hand, the automaton spinning and nearly trying to get her hand free when she finally looked into Justice's eyes. She sighed deeply, gripping her hand and leading her to a bench nearby.

"You know I'm popular, right? Like, super popular to the point I'm hounded for being an Admin as well as a powerful and cute character. It's honestly pissing me off, especially when the most annoying fans come out of the woodwork. In here, I can handle their bull... but..."

Her face grew grim, making Justice lean close and touch her cheek.

"You have a stalker. Don't you? Someone figured out your actual identity..."

"A Bug. I was killed by one, a long time ago. I don't meet up with the A.I. regularly, but I guess my info got leaked back then. It's part of why I try my best to stop Bugs from killing others. It's so stressful! I turn one way, this guy is just watching me! I glance again, he's gone. I'm either haunted, or yea... a stalker."

Symphony leaned back, her eyes closing.

"Do you get it? At all?"

"Heh. Not at all. I'm not that popular. My character may be cute, but I'm not. Sure, I'm at least half decent... but I'm not like me or you in here. Though... I guess my old friends keep bugging me. I'm not popular, but I'm actually pretty strong. I used to get in stupid fights, shoplift and other stupid crap. Those guys want me to lead them again, but I'm done with that. I've been enjoying my current life... besides the heartbreak."

Symphony stared at Justice, her eyes seemingly concerned.

"Was your life before being a delinquent bad?"

Justice nodded.

"My mom... she raised me alone for such a long time. Eventually she remarried, but he was a monster. He changed her, a lot. I escaped, but it's been pretty hard. My apartment itself is something I got lucky with. You?"

"Not hard, just boring. Strict parents, stricter schedule. When Relian was released, I had to play in secret. After a while, they let me move out. Still live near them, but yea... fun."

"Honestly, we are both just depressed messes right now. Aren't we?"

Symphony stared at Justice, shifting a little closer. She nearly got closer when a sudden pop-up appeared for both girls.

[Marriage not detected, intimacy not permitted.]

Both girls blushed wildly, Symphony even more so.

"S-sorry. I got ahead of myself there. Hehe... I'm gonna go-"

Justice grabbed Symphony's hand, squeezing it. She turned away, her eyes on the ground.

"Honestly, I wouldn't have resisted. Instead of forgetting, let's take a rain check... though I can't see myself in a relationship without knowing the real person behind the character."

"Yea... I mean, you could even be my stalker. Honestly, I just don't know why I feel so comfortable with you. It's scary, but I like it."

Symphony smiled, though her eyes had become wary.

"Easy way is to meet, but I'm pretty sure that might be dangerous for you. That stalker might even try to get to you somehow... though I'm not helping my case here."

Symphony began to laugh, hopping to her feet.

"For now, let's go get you stronger. The next town can upgrade your class, too!"

--

Thank you,

JScott, croix and Tech!