Azrael and his group wandered through of one to instances that lead further down underground in the most dangerous part of the Richland district. Having gotten them to level fifteen now, and even got himself to level twenty-one from all they have been doing. As they come out from the exit having completed the run. Twilight and the others cheer and bounce about at how far they had come in an hour. Six levels in an hour isn’t too bad for this group of newbs.

“We kicked some serious butt in there!”

Shouted Lightning as she fist pumps, a cocky grin on her face.

“Gunshy was really into it as well. Funny how a quiet and timid girl has such a lust for guns and murder. It is always the quiet ones you wanna watch out for.”

He said giving her a playfully poke in the side of her ribs. This making Gunshy jump a bit and hide her face in her hair.

“I don’t know what it is..but when I am here in this world, I feel like I can let loose all the frustrations I keep to myself from the real world.”

Azrael reaches up and pets her on the head gently.

“Don’t worry about it Shy, I am not judging you for it at all. It’s just the pony I know back in the other world just seems so gentle and caring. But the woman here...well, let’s just say I don’t want to piss her off. Or any of you for that matter. Pretty soon you three will be heading to the international district, which is my second favorite area of Mega City”

“And what is your favorite?”

Twilight asks as she approaches his side.

“Downtown. Your kind of place actually Twi. Libraries out the wazzu, restaurants, all kinds of fun establishments. Even a few easter eggs from the movies. Good for roleplaying grounds as well. I certainly do miss those days.”

Twilight’s eyes widen as she learns this, oddly not about the library.

“You roleplay?!”

Azrael leans back a bit, but nods.

“I do actually, I am a veteran roleplayer of fourteen years. I have gone from forums, to MMOs, even to D&D. Though you already know my backstory here don’t you?”

“I have looked at your profile and read it. Though i knew about the tri organization you have told me about. I am curious though. Do you plan on rebuilding it?”

Twilight asked as she looked up at him with hopeful eyes. This making Azrael grin.

“Awww, does little Twi wanna be the leader of the Zion branch?”

She lowers her head a bit and circles her foot around on the sidewalk.

“Well I- I mean..we wanted to serve under the machine branch actually. Me, Gunshy and Lightning. We talked it over before you came by to help us. We know what the machines truly stand for. Order and safety of those within the matrix. And they work together with Zion now. And after all...you have become our group’s leader when we venture out into the field. It is kind of a nice break from being a princess outside of here.”

Azrael looks up from Twilight and to the others.

“And are you both onboard with this idea as well?”

They both nod, determined gazes pointing towards him. He looks back down at Twilight and shakes his head, but offers a light smile.

“Very well, once we gather leaders for the Zion and Merovingian branches, I shall create the faction. And Exemplar Tribune will be once more. We will show everyone here that we can look beyond the organization differences and work together. I did it back then, I know I can do it again.”

The three cheer and jump and bounce around, moved by his speech and adamant attitude to bringing unity. It made Twilight especially happy seeing someone else who shared her and her friend’s beliefs. But what about the player behind the character? Was he like this outside of the game? So far, how she knows him,he seems rather distant. A bit of a flirt sure, but out of all the time he has stayed in the castle. When he came out the other night to eat, that is all he did. She tried to engage in conversation with him, but he just remained quiet. There had to be a way she could get him to open up to her. Just as she was thinking this, a voice came from behind them.

“So, you are starting it back up after all, huh?”

The group looked to the source of the voice, Moonbeam has made her way back into the game it seems. Azrael nods to her question.

“Indeed I am.”

“Then I ask you of this, put me in charge of the Zion branch. I already have my own group as well.”

She walks up to him and whispers in his ear.

“Me and a few of my closest guards do enjoy the game and the movies very much. So we would be a perfect fit for the branch don’t you think?”

Before she could step back, Azrael grabbed her shoulder and whispers back

“Thanks for the rig Moony, this is definitely a good start. However, we will need to form a Merovingian branch as well. Finding a group that is trustworthy is going to be quite the task. My last branch was only loyal simply because it was a group of friends I had met over the net. Here in your world is different.”

“We will find a way Azrael, you mustn’t lose hope.”

They both step away from each other, Azrael nodding to Moonbeam.

“Very well, I will assign you as the head of the Zion branch once I get the faction underway and all accounted for. I will give the formal welcomings to all once it is officially created.”

Azrael extends his hand to Moonbeam.

“To future partnership.”

She is a bit taken back by his..professionalism, but is impressed nonetheless. She takes his hand and shakes it firmly.

“Agreed. And may our future endeavors be prosperous.”

“Now then, I believe you ladies are ready to take a trip to the international district. Moonbeam, you want to come?”

“Thank you for the invitation, Azrael. But I am afraid I must make sure my group is up to par. We are actually heading into the instance you came out of. I also see you are still five levels ahead me still. I will catch up to you sooner or later…”

“Still clinging to the spy tree I see.”

He said with a toothy grin.

“You would have a better chance as a martial artist if you ever wanted to go toe to toe with me again. The spy tree really isn’t meant for close combat. Guns and martial arts are for that area.”

He said in a as a matter of factly way, showing his superior knowledge of the game he has enjoyed above all. Moonbeam on the other hands just crossed her arms under her bust.

“I will play how I want to, thank you.”

“I was only throwing out suggestions..”

He said as he lifted his hands up defensively, turning away to look at the others.

“Alright ladies, time to hit the subway, the train will take us to the International District. Luckily the agents allow us there in the square without an access card. Which I will have to hunt down for you all. Which is no problem, I know the enemy that spawns them and where they spawn.”

“Yay!”

They shouted in sync. He grinned and motioned them to follow him.

“See you around then Moonbeam.”

“See you soon, Azrael.”

The two departed, Azrael and his group venture down into the subway and await for the train to pull up. Luckily they actually get there in time for the train to release its current passengers. Some npc, some actual players.

“So,you actually have trains underground in your world, Azrael?”

And here came the billion questions from the bookworm herself.

“Yes Twi, we have them all over in the main cities. We also have all the streets, cars, buses, bikes. We have all that kind of stuff. This city is either modeled after New York or Chicago. I can’t remember one of which.”

“Wooow...I certainly would like to see it one day. It sounds so informative!”

“No Two, you don’t want to see what my real world is. This world is a simulation of a timeline when things used to be decent. Nowadays it is something far worse. Nothing but wars, political squabbles. And all around humans hating each other’s guts.”

He said as he squeezes his fists.

“And people who will stab you in the back...people you thought you could count on. Even your own god damned family. Who needs’em?!”

He said as he kicks over a nearby metal trash can. The timid pink haired girl coming over to lightly place a hand on his shoulder, gently rubbing it.

“Azrael…”

He stops and inhales, then exhales slowly. Closing his eyes.

“Sorry Shy...I...saw red for a moment.”

“It’s alright Azrael, just know I will be here for you should you ever want to talk.”

She said in that adorable soft voice of hers. It really did help him calm down. He forgot that she was a gun-wielding killer in here for a moment even. They take a step onto the train after the passengers get off, Azrael takes a seat from across the other and smiles warmly to them, as they still have a worried look on their faces.

“Girls...I’m fine, promise.”

“Well...we are just worried that’s all, we don’t want a repeat of what happened last time you got upset.”

Lightning said as she rubs the back of her neck.

“Yeah...about that...sorry..”

“Baaah, no biggie! It really didn’t hurt all that much anyways!”

Aaah Dashy, the ever tough tomgirl.

The ride for Azrael was silent, but the girls talked about real world stuff since they were the only players on the train. Azrael remembered it was just a quick teleportation to the other districts, but they wanted a bit more realism it seemed. Which he didn’t mind.He had always wanted to ride on a subway. The experience was pretty cool. After what was about thirty minutes, the train came to a stop. Azrael stood up, as did the others. They walked out of the train and up the stairs. Coming to what looked to be a very oriental area of the city..

"Welcome ladies, to the International District. Home to good food and dojos. And Seraph's Tea House which I have to take you to."

He said as he began to walk through the flowing crowds of people. This district was usually full of hustling and bustling NPCs. Heading to work or the market. It was a beautiful district to be in, that is for sure.

“Why do you ladies have a look around? I need to go pick up something for us.”

“Oooh okay, we will go and check out the district!”

Twilight said as she prepares to run off, Azrael grabs her shoulder to stop her.

“NO! Do NOT leave this area! Do you understand Twi? For the moment, please stay here till I return. I promise I won’t be long.”

“B-but, there are so many new things to-”

He places a finger on her lips gently, this making her blush in and out of the game.

“Please Twi...for me.”

She lets out a sigh, but nods.

“Make it quick,you.”

He laughs lightly., but nods, seeing her make that pouty face with her arms crossed. He looks over to the other two.

“May sure miss bookworm here doesn’t run off please?”

They both laugh and nod, Twilight puffing her cheeks with a glare..not as adorable when she is a pony.

“On it!”

They both shouted as they jumped at their friends side and grabs hold of her arms. Azrael nods in approval and chuckles.

“See you all soon.”

He said as he turned and jumped….fifty feet into the air, soaring across neighborhoods and building. Holy fuck was it different when you are the one doing it. Zeref’s heart was beating rapidly outside the game as he leaps over and over. It was truly amazing to do. Almost like flying, but having to land every few seconds. He was now in a restricted area. But he knew this is where the local gang boss spawned in. he had to get four access cards, and he had to do it fast.

After about half an hour of killing off the boss NPC. he had all the access cards he needed. But he wasn’t done yet. He still had to get to the access node which was on the other side of the district.

“Mr. Schwarzwald.’

“Shit…”

“You are back again? Do you have the access card required, and have you gone through the access node?”

He asked as he drew his gun and pointed it at Azrael.

“I was just on my way there, Agent Taylor…”

“Then until you slide that card through the console...you know what I must do.”

Azrael reacts quickly turning around and jumping into the direction of the node. Unfortunately as he landed on the other side of the bridge, he was out of inner strength, which was like an MP gage. He had no choice but to run now, Agent Taylor hot on his heels.

“Just like old times huh, Agent Taylor?!”

“Indeed, Mr. Schwarzwald!”

They bantered on as they ran.Azrael leaping over and under obstacles, Agent taylor just..bashing his way through them.. Back in the area where he had left the others, They were sitting inside a shop, waiting patiently.

“He has been gone for nearly an hour!”

Well, all but Twilight anyways..

“Oh don’t worry Twilight, he is fiiiine.”

Lightning says as she looks around the store, just as she says that, anyone looking out the shop’s window would see the commotion, but couldn’t hear it. Another shop’s window shatters with him flying through it, and the agent attempting to pin him down, be he scrambles to his feet and continues running.

“Yeah...you are probably right, he is a veteran player after all.”

The chase continued. Azrael leaps over a wall, the node coming into sight as he makes a final dash for it. Luckily the agent decided to take the long way around. This gave Azrael just enough time to punch in the code, and swipe the card through the console, just as Agent Taylor aimed right for him. But lowered his gun afterwards.

“Out by the skin of your teeth again, Mr. Schwarzwald.”

“What can I say? I am good.”

He said between panting, falling on his back and letting out a sigh of relief.

“Now...I will just have to get those three here...but first...a little break…”

Author's Note

I laughed so hard close at the end, like in the movies, a character will say "Baaah, they are fine." and in the window or camera shit is going down with the other character and the person chasing them. Always fun. :)

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May the darkness grant you peace.