Ty: Ty hunched his shoulders over the table, hidden in the back corner of the bar. He was trying his best to go unnoticed, lest somebody accost him for a quest. That one with Josh was already bad enough. And when he saw what was happening with the citadel? Even more reason to get the hell out of there. Nothing that was going down was even remotely safe, and he wanted no part in it.
Luke: Luke looked around the room skeptically, eyes scanning over the usual crowd when he spotted something unusual. Ty. Sticking out like a sore thumb with how hard he tried not to be seen. A sly smile flickered over his features as he made his way over to the younger man, careful to make sure his expression seemed friendly rather than vicious before he sat down opposite of him. "Well hello, stranger. Not out on an adventure like everybody else?"
Ty: Ty flinched and looked up, only relaxing minimally when he saw who it was. Seems he wasn't as invisible as he'd hoped. "Luke. Hey." he tried not to sound as unenthusiastic as he felt. "Er, no. I'll pass on that, thanks. No interest."
Luke: "You know, you could at least pretend to be happy to see me," he mumbled, rolling his eyes to hide the teasing nature of his words behind what seemed to be actual offense. "How come? Everyone else seems to jump at every opportunity to gain some levels."
Ty: "I mean, it's not that I don't want to see you...." Ty immediately tried to backtrack. "It's just that I don't really want to see anyone..." Well now that he said it aloud, that just sounded bad. Clearing his throat awkwardly, he powered on. "I guess I just value my life more than them? Sidelines is fine with me. Does this really look like a powerful monster hunting machine?" He gestured vaguely towards himself.
Luke: Luke gave Ty another smile, looking genuine and almost relieved for a moment before his expression shifted to something that was a carbon copy of worry. "Now that sounds awfully grim. Did something happen?" He gave Ty a long look, making sure he noticed that he was giving him a once over before he hummed. "Not really. But it looks like someone who has potential. If you're willing to put in some effort, at least."
Ty: He could feel the heat rise to his face but he attempted to ignore it. "Well no. Not yet." he was sure to emphasize. "But that's only because I've been being careful. You sound just like Josh." he grumbled.
Luke: Lucas couldn't help but chuckle at the unusual comparsion. "I sound like Josh? That's a new one." His eyes still rested on Ty, watching. "You can be careful and put an actual effort into raising your odds at survival, you know."
Ty: His eyebrows rose. "Do you even know who I'm talking about? There's gotta be a million Joshes stuck in the game." At the advice, Ty simply shrugged. "I think my odds are pretty high if I just stay in town all the time."
Luke: "I've only met one so far. Blond, annoying rich brat? Werewolf?", he asked, actually acknowledging that Ty did have a point. "That is until the psychopathic player killers show up." He sounded almost worried, really trying to sell his point. "What if you could go on a quest with close to no risk of something happening to you?"
Ty: His lip curled up at the description. "Stubborn as hell? Yeah, that's him. Took it upon himself to be my 'werewolf mentor' or something of the like." But the words were said fondly, as annoyed as he was. Mentions of pkers had him paling, though. "I was hoping to just... fly under the radar?" he tried weakly. "And I don't really think that's possible. There's always risk."
Luke: Luke chuckled as he shook his head, almost amazed by how serious some of the werewolves seemed to take their pack mentality. "I doubt that will work. I mean, sure. You can try. But I wouldn't want to take that risk if I were you." He said those words so casually, even pulling up his shoulders in a light shrug as if trial and error was a legitimate option when trying to find a way to survive this. "Not if the right person has your back," he replied, a smirk pulling on the corners of his mouth as he leaned in, resting his elbows on the table.
Ty: Luke's words had him doubting. He was more knowledgeable in this kind of thing than Ty, to be quite frank. As Luke leaned in, Ty shifted back ever so slightly, intimidated. "... I assume you mean yourself?"
Luke: Luke nodded, giving Ty a smile so sweet he was worried it might actually seem as fake as it was. "I do. So what do you say?"
Ty: Ty shifted, unsure. He didn't want to commit to anything too hastily. "Um, what is it exactly that we'd be doing?"
Luke: "Nothing too dramatic. A trip to the Baroness' fortress. All we have to do is find a way into her throne room. From what I've heard her castle is pretty big, so finding the right room might take some time." He carefully chose to leave out the part about fighting ghost soldiers without making it seem too perfect to be true. "I could really use your help."
Ty: "Nothing too dramatic." Ty repeated flatly. "Isn't the shadow baroness the one who started all this chaos? Why the hell would we go there!" The sweet talking didn't sway him for a second, for once. "You just need my help because you need two people for the quest."
Luke: "Because someone has to end it." This time he tried to his compassion. He really was a lot more steadfast than Luke would have expected. "True. But that doesn't change the fact that I could have asked anyone. I wanted to ask you."
Ty: That was all it took for Ty to crumble. As stubborn as he was, he had no defense for that. Going red, he tentatively nodded. "Well, alright... if it's not going to be that bad..."
Luke: "I promise you'll be fine," Luke said softly, smiling. It took a lot of self control for Luke to not let his Cheshire cat grin break through. Getting up, he looked at Ty demandingly. "Let's go then?"
Ty: He quickly stumbled to his feet. "Right now?" Ty couldn't help but ask. It all just seemed a bit... rushed. Shrugging it off, he shifted awkwardly. "I mean, I guess that's fine. Why wait, right?"
Luke: "Right," Lucas agreed, waiting for the other before he made his way out of the tavern and down the road towards the port. "First thing we have to do is find a boat to take us to the island."
Ty: Ty trailed after him, trusting that Luke had more information on this than him. "Awesome. That sounds expensive." he deadpanned.
Luke: "If we would pay for it, it would be," Luke added with a wink as he determinedly led the way to the port. "Are you always this positive?"
Ty: He decided not to think about what Luke could be talking about. He would feel better that way. "Life has taught me that everything that can go wrong, will. I prefer not to be disappointed."
Luke: "Not this time." Somehow Luke hoped that at least some of his confidence would rub off on the little werewolf. When they reached the docks, he quickly picked out a boat. Placing a hand against Ty's chest to stop him, he gave another smile. "Let me take care of this," he offered, casually walking over to the captain and using his vampire powers to convince the man to give them a ride before waving Ty over. "After you."
Ty: Ty's eyes darted down to the hand on his chest, a confused look on his face. He hung awkwardly by the side and watched in fascination - and some worry - as Luke had the captain wrapped around his finger. Doubt started to creep up - what if Luke used that on him? It wasn't a pleasant thought. Shaking that off, he trotted over to the boat. "Well that sure was... something. I feel kind of bad for tricking him like that."
Luke: "I wouldn't call it tricking," Luke said with a shrug as he followed Ty onto the boat. "I prefer the word persuasion." His eyes rested on werewolf for another moment, a hint of a frown on his features. "You should stop worrying so much."
Ty: Ty fiddled with his fingers. "It's kind of what I do." he replied helplessly, only half joking. Usually he had set methods to keep the worry at bay. That's what kept him grounded for the past years. Everything tidy and written out in neat lines. Pre planned. Check if the oven is on. Double check. Lock the door three times as he left. Routine. Order.
Luke: The frown grew deeper now as he watched Ty, the expression on his face resembling worry. "I see," he said with a small nod. He came a little closer, careful not too invade his personal space. Careful not to touch him. "There's no need to worry about this." He chose his words carefully. He didn't want to tell him not to worry, hoping that just implying that he'd keep him safe would be enough.
Ty: Ty blinked in surprise before smiling softly. "Alright. Thanks." His words were sincere, if a little faint. Attempting to relax, he wandered over to peer over the edge. "How long is this going to take anyway?"
Luke: Luke just smiled softly, only looking back at Ty when he spoke up again. "I don't know. It is kind of a long way, so you might want to get comfortable."
Ty: He tried to restrain another sarcastic comment. It wasn't like it was Luke's fault. Sighing, he crossed the deck to flop down against the nets of the rigging. "I'll just be here then I guess. If I nod off just give me a nudge and we can head off."
Luke: "Sounds like a plan. Get some rest." With that, Luke walked off. Spending the boat ride in the company of the sailors, he still kept his promise to wake Ty up as they reached the coast. Placing a hand on the werewolves shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. "Hey, sleeping beauty. Time to get going."
Ty: Ty blinked his eyes open, groggily looking around. "You sure it isn't too late to change my mind? I could just stay cozy here and nap, and you could do the ass kicking part?" Luke seemed enthusiastic enough about the quest. He could probably do it.
Luke: Luke hummed to himself as he pretended to think about the plan, before quickly deciding "No. I'm afraid it's too late for that now." Holding out his hand to help Ty up, he managed an encouraging smile. "Come on, it won't be that bad. We'll be in and out again in no time."
Ty: Ty grabbed Luke's hand with a reluctant scowl. "I'm holding you to that. This better not take all night." That would just be great. Alone all night in a creepy castle.
Luke: Luke smirked as he pulled Ty to his feet. "Don't worry sweetheart, it won't. There will be plenty of time for other things after that." He lingered for another second, just a little longer than necessary before making his way towards the fortress, simply expecting Ty to tag along.
Ty: Ty flushed brightly when Luke pulled him up and paused slightly. When he finally pulled back, Ty coughed lightly, fiddling with his sleeves and resolutely not looking at the other man. When he finally looked up Luke had already wandered off, and he quickly jogged to catch up. "What class are you anyway? I kind of forgot to ask..."
Luke: Looking at Ty from the corner of his eye, Luke immediately noticed the obvious red tint on his cheeks, earning a smug smirk. "I'm a black mage." The casual town of voice was a vast contrast to the innuendo just seconds ago and he didn't even bother to turn his head and actually face the other as he spoke. "How about you?"
Ty: Ty was immediately jealous. A class that allowed him to stay back from the fighting? Ty would kill for that. "Fighter." he managed to mutter, kicking at the stone beneath their feet. His tone betrayed his displeasure with his choice.
Luke: Luke knitted his brows, again barely giving Ty a sideway glance. "You don't seem to be too happy about that?"
Ty: Ty raised his brows. "You've known me for a few days now. Has anything about me screamed fighter?"
Luke: "No. But so far I assumed you'd be someone who actually thinks before making a decisions," he said with a dismissive shrug.
Ty: He felt his hackles rise. "Well, it's not like I expected to have to actually live it."
Luke: "It's augmented reality. You'd still have to deal with it."
Ty: "It's a hell of a lot easier to throw yourself head first into the fighting when you're not actually going to die." Ty retorted.
Luke: "You don't strike me like the kind of person that throws themselves head first into anything." By now, he sounded something between amused and annoyed. "But hey, I might be wrong." Lie. He was never wrong.
Ty: Ty immediately deflated. He wasn't wrong. Ty had a plan for everything. Everything. He was almost obsessively organized. "You're...not wrong." he reluctantly admitted. "But I'm stuck with it now. So there's not much else to do but accept it."
Luke: "This is exactly my point," Luke nodded, finally caving in just enough to actually look at Ty as he spoke. You made that decision. So there is no point in complaining about it when you could use that energy to deal with it." Despite the obvious accusation in his words, he still managed a small smile, almost proud that the werewolf had come to that conclusion (almost) on his own.
Ty: "My way of dealing with it is just avoiding fighting all together." Ty half teased. He knew Luke well enough to know he would be less than impressed by that solution.
Luke: : "Because that sure is a fool proof plan that will definitely keep you alive through all of this," Luke smirked with a shake of his head, amazed by how naive Ty was.
Ty: "I mean, less of a chance to take damage, right?" While he did actually kind of think this, now he was just trying to rile Luke up.
Luke: "Less of a chance to keep up with other players. Less of a chance to survive if some higher level player decides to ask you to be his quest partner to lure you into a trap and get a level up and some loot out of you," he agreed. Or, almost agreed. This was as close to agreeing as it got for him.
Ty: "That sounds... oddly specific...." Ty replied weakly. Before could continue, he was distracted by the imposing figure of the fortress. Without meaning to, he took a slight step back.
Luke: Luke smiled with genuine amusement, a truly rare sight. "Well, it's possible." He took a couple more steps before he noticed that Ty fell behind, turning around to face him, concern clear on his face and in his voice. "What's wrong?"
Ty: "Just... didn't expect it to be so...." So what? Evil? Imposing? Terrifying? "....big." Ty finished lamely.
Luke: "Hey. Tyler. It's just a building." Despite his best efforts, he probably ended up sounding more condescending than reassuring. "You'll be okay," he added, a lot softer this time, even going so far as to reach out for his hand but hesitating just before he touched him, pulling back. There were lines and Luke understood not to cross them.
Ty: Suitably chastised, Ty ducked his head. Right. It was just a building. It would be fine. Squaring his shoulders, he forged onwards. The sooner they went inside, the sooner they could get the hell out of here. "Let's just get this over with."
Luke: Ty's new found determination was a nice change, so much that Luke didn't even mind when the other man took the lead. Following him to the castles main entrance, he gave him another look instead of just storming in. "You ready?"
Ty: Ty met his gaze squarely before looking back at the huge doors. "Ready as I'll ever be." he muttered before pushing through the entry way. If he waited any longer chances were that he'd high tail it out of there.
Luke: He was almost amazed by how blindly Ty just stormed in. Luke hesitated for a moment, watching quietly aa he waited for Ty to attract enemies or fall into traps. After he made it through the entrance hall unscathed, the vampire finally followed. "We should try checking upstairs," he suggested, walking towards the staircase.
Ty: He didn't even notice Luke's hesitance, too focused on taking in his surroundings. Ty followed after him cautiously. "You suuuuure we want to do that? If there is anything in here, it's probably hiding up there."
Luke: : "Doesn't really change the fact that upstairs is where we need to go," he replied, walking up the stairs determinedly. "It's just ghosts, Tyler. Nothing I couldn't handle."
Ty: "Ah. Just ghosts. Comforting." But regardless, he trotted after Luke, carefully staying behind him and peeking around.
Luke: "Just stay back and let me do the dirty work." He rolled his eyes heavily. How could one look at Luke in all his greatness and still doubt him? "Try not to get yourself killed or do I have to make sure of that, too?"
Ty: Ty narrowed his eyes slightly. Maybe this hadn't been such a good idea after all. "I'll take care of myself, thanks. But the concern is appreciated." Luke had seemed a lot nicer when there wasn't imminent danger around.
Luke: Luke opened his mouth to talk, but then quickly fell quiet again, his eyebrows knitting. "Shh," he hissed, peaking around the next corner. He could hear them, almost feel their presence and yet they were nowhere to be seen. This was unsettling.
Ty: Ty came to an abrupt halt, bracing himself against Luke's back to keep from toppling over. Slowly, he followed the vampires gaze, poking his head around the corner. "I... don't see anything." he whispered softly.
Luke: "Didn't you hear that?" For a quick second, Luke almost questioned his own sanity. That was until one of the ghosts suddenly appeared out of thin air not too far down the hallway. Of course they couldn't just make their way to the throne room without at least one fight. That would have been way too easy. "Stay back, I'll handle this."
Ty: "You don't have to tell me twice." Ty replied quickly. He felt bad for not helping but hey, if Luke was offering, might as well take him up on the offer. "Just, be careful, okay?"
Luke: "Oh please," Luke said nonchalantly, voice dripping with confidence. Stepping around the corner and into the hallway, he whistled just to get the ghost's attention. It was flying towards him fast before the first blast of magic hit it, slowing it down. The second attack sent it flying back a few feet, only stalling it for a short moment before it was coming at him again. The third spell set its cloak on fire, turning it into ash before whatever remains exploded into pixel dust.
Ty: Ty just watched with wide eyes as Luke easily took apart the monster. How did he make it look so easy? "Wow. My hero." he said dryly before stepping out completely from the corner. "How will I ever repay you."
Luke: A wolfish grin spread over his face. "Why don't you hold on to that thought? I'm sure I can come up with something when this is all over." He knew he wasn't supposed to take Ty's words even remotely serious. But that didn't stop him from trying. "For now, let's concentrate on finding the throne room."
Ty: He rolled his eyes. "You're going to be sorely disappointed. I have little to no gold." The intention was totally lost on him. Ty looking around, he pointed down the hall. "The statues seem to get more ornate in that direction. There must be something down there."
Luke: "No worries. I'll think of something that doesn't require gold." Lucas was almost baffled by how oblivious Ty seemed to be. His observation seemed to be as good of a plan as basically anything else, so he followed it with a nod. The hallway was a lot longer than he expected, the statues and paintings covering the walls becoming more and more expensive looking the further down they made it, eventually coming to a halt in front of a huge wooden door. "This should be it. Do you want to do the honours?"
Ty: Ty honestly wanted to say that he was good, but considering he was pretty much useless this quest, he figured he should at least do this. "I'd love to." he managed to say, not at all convincingly. Looking to Luke for confirmation briefly, he heaved the door open. All he got was a glimpse of a women, darkness pooling at her feet, before the door slammed shut again of its own accord. Ty was sent sprawling, falling down with a thump. It was silent for a moment. "Well... that wasn't so bad, was it?"
