Kuraku smiled as Tenshi attacked. The battle may have been a few days late, but it was still as predictable as always. Except of course, that Tenshi's speed had increased considerably; apparently that was what the other player had been working on. Moving back a few steps more than he had to, Kuraku dodged the strikes, and noted the blue glow around the other player's fist. He didn't recognise the spell, which was a bad sign. It was best not to let that hit or he might actually loose. Waiting until Tenshi's next blow went past, he then moved forward suddenly, slamming his hands against the other player's arm, catching him off guard, and jamming the arm against Tenshi's chest. The move took the other player by surprise and allowed Kuraku to slip his arm up and around the other's throat, securing the grip and tightening. He could hear Tenshi growl and he pulled back so that the other player's centre of gravity was too high for him to move away.
Of course, there were ways out of this simple lock, but fortunately for him Tenshi didn't appear to know any of them. "Shall we wait for the count Tenshi, or will you give up now?" The only response was another growl and he sighed, tightening his hold so that the computer would begin the count. It reached about five before Tenshi sighed and tapped against his arm. With a laugh Kuraku let go and the computer ended the match. "Winner: Kuraku Natte Kara."
Tenshi was sitting on the floor coughing and Kuraku sighed, sitting beside him and patting his shoulder consolingly. For the first time, he took a look at the figure the other player had chosen, smiling at the elfin ears and glowing blue eyes. His skin was a lighter blue, but all in all it was a very attractive form. It was odd that he hadn't noticed it before, but it was hard to appreciate someone who was constantly trying to beat you up, even if it was only in a computer game.
"Damn it!" Tenshi swore as he got his breath back.
"I suppose this means I can expect the pleasure of your company again in a few days." Kuraku said with a grin and Tenshi scowled at him.
"Don't sound so smug."
"Don't I have the right to be?" He didn't get a response. "Really though Tenshi, you are aware that you have exceeded the limit for challenges in a five month period."
"So?"
"So, if I wanted, I could put and end to this in an instant and then you would be forced to leave me only for that long."
"Then why don't you?"
He thought about it, then laughed. "I don't really know, but I am beginning to get bored with this. I will admit that you are the most determined opponent I've ever met, but you are certainly not the only one I have to face. I am getting tired with this repetitive nonsense."
"Then why log into the Realm?"
"There is more to this world than just the game level Tenshi, or don't you know that?"
"What are you talking about?"
"You really don't know? Have you never left it?"
"All I've ever heard about are the games." He appeared interested now. "What else is there?"
"What do you think? Really Tenshi, you should be able to guess."
"Guess? Why can't you just -- "
"Tokumei no Tenshi, two hour limit has been reached. Shut down in five seconds."
Kuraku laughed. "A time limit? How old are you?"
"Oh shut up." Tenshi muttered, and then the computer counted five and his figure vanished from the Realm.
"Tokumei no Tenshi is offline." The computer informed him and he sighed. While he understood the need for the notices, they were a little redundant when the other player vanished from right in front of your eyes. He looked around the arena for a few moments and then sighed, again before shutting his own connection down.
"Kuraku Natte Kara is offline." The computer chimed as Xellos took off his gear and shut down the computer. He wondered why he had been teasing Tenshi about the lower levels of the Realm. He knew that not many people found them, which was a good thing in most cases. It didn't really matter, but it was probably that he was a little frustrated. Standing up and stretching he left the room, heading for the kitchen, intent of finding something to eat.
"Ah, Xellos, I've been looking for you. Have you had a chance to run the tests on the upgrades to the personal levels?"
Xellos looked up at his mother as he fished some ice cream out of the freezer and wondered again is she was actually serious about revoking his access. Still, it was best not to tempt fate, especially when he had such an easy out. "I have, there still a program error, it can't support more than one of two perimeters before it causes a complete failure, I still don't know why you don't just stick with the structure you already have."
"It can't support the volume we need if we're going to start opening up the lower levels to the public."
Xellos choked on his ice cream. "You're going to do that? Do you realise how much trouble that will cause? There's enough lobby groups demanding the shut down of the Realm as it is."
"I know, I know, but we can deal with that. Children will still be banned from the lower levels and security will be tighter."
"Mother the only reason they aren't in there now is because their existence isn't public knowledge. I don't care what kind of security you develop, a smart and determined individual will get through it no matter how young."
"Are you judging others by your own scale again?"
"Simply by observation of the other players mother. Are you sure you've thought this through? You have a habit of jumping on ideas before you've proven them sound."
"Oh relax a little Xellos, you worry far too much for someone your age. Now then, am I to assume that we'll be having a guest for dinner this Friday?"
"Of course, you really didn't leave me much of a choice now did you?"
She just smiled. "So, who will be joining us?"
"His name is Zelgadiss. You met him the other day; he works with Professor Akahoushi."
"Oh really?" She gave him a suspicious look. "And you two just hit it off?"
Xellos put on an innocent look on his face. "He's also in my English class and is somewhat fascinated with the Realm. I was actually surprised to find out that he worked in the Mech lab since he's not a grad student yet."
"Why do I feel like I'm getting scammed here?"
"I have no idea mother."
"Hmm." She shook her head and then walked back towards her office. "Don't stay up too late Xellos, you have class tomorrow morning."
He sighed and took his ice cream back to his room. Class, sure, whatever. Mathematics at a level he'd passed four years ago, science he'd known even sooner than that, and English with the undeclared Saint. Well, okay, Zelgadiss was in that last class so there was at least a little bonus. Especially since the other boy had begun to sit beside him instead of in front. And talk to him. And just pay attention to him. And invite him to go to coffee.
He sighed and pushed the ice cream away. He'd turned down the offer, but he'd been regretting it. At least the other boy hadn't taken the rejection too bad, and he'd accepted the excuse Xellos had offered. That settled, Xellos was now left to wonder why he'd said no in the first place. He just seemed to freeze in situations like that. At least Friday's dinner would be low stress; Zelgadiss would be too busy asking questions about the Realm to pay any attention to him.