SAO: Strawberry Bunny

The Mishap

The bustling marketplace of Flora was alive with activity as Quinella led Strawberry from stall to stall, her silver hair catching the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy above. Strawberry trailed behind reluctantly, her new jacket now a little more comfortable as she adjusted to its fit. Muffin, perched happily on her shoulder, chirped occasionally, either in approval or mild disinterest at Quinella's running commentary on various goods.

"Hold still for a second," Quinella suddenly said, her voice laced with a hint of concern.

Strawberry turned, her pink hair catching the light as she frowned. "What now?"

Quinella stepped closer, her violet eyes narrowing slightly as she reached for a button on Strawberry's collar. "This is stuck in your hair. If you keep moving, it'll pull."

Strawberry sighed and stopped fidgeting, but the proximity was quickly becoming awkward. Quinella leaned in, her fingers brushing against Strawberry's collar as she tried to carefully untangle the button from a strand of pink hair.

"Hold still," Quinella murmured, her focus entirely on the task at hand.

"I am still," Strawberry replied, though her tone was teasing.

As Quinella gave the button one last careful tug, her foot caught on a slightly uneven stone in the cobbled street. She let out a soft yelp as she lost her balance, and before either of them knew it, Quinella toppled forward, colliding with Strawberry. They landed in a tangle of limbs on the ground, Muffin hopping off Strawberry's shoulder with an indignant squeak.

"Ugh," Strawberry groaned, blinking up at Quinella, who now hovered inches above her. "Are you okay?"

Quinella's violet eyes widened as she realized how close their faces were. Her cheeks flushed a deep pink, her usual composure faltering for the first time in recent memory. Her gaze involuntarily lingered on Strawberry's face, now mere inches away. For the first time, she noticed the finer details: the sharp line of her jaw, the soft curve of her cheekbones, and the faint freckles dusted across her nose and cheeks. Her pink hair, slightly messy from the morning, framed her face like a pastel halo. Her lips, slightly parted in confusion, had a natural softness to them. But what struck Quinella the most were Strawberry's eyes—a vivid, piercing blue that seemed to hold a quiet intensity beneath the confusion that now flickered in them.

Quinella swallowed hard, her heart pounding in a way she couldn't explain. How have I never noticed how beautiful she is?

"I-I'm fine," she stammered, her voice unusually high-pitched, as she quickly tore her gaze away. Her cheeks burned even hotter as she realized she was flustered, something she prided herself on never being.

Strawberry, meanwhile, frowned slightly, her expression shifting to one of mild confusion. "Are you sure? You're looking a little red there." She tilted her head, genuinely puzzled. "Did I do something?"

That only made Quinella's embarrassment worse. She could see the genuine cluelessness in Strawberry's eyes, the girl utterly oblivious to the effect she was having. Quinella stood abruptly, brushing herself off as if that would somehow help her regain control of the situation.

"No, you didn't," she said quickly, waving her hand in dismissal. "Just, uh, lost my balance. Let's keep moving, shall we?"

Strawberry blinked, still confused, but shrugged and stood as well. "If you say so."

Muffin, meanwhile, let out an amused chirp from his perch, as if he'd witnessed the whole ordeal and was judging them both. Quinella shot the bunny a halfhearted glare before leading the way to their next stop.

The trio eventually found their way to Sweet Haven, the dessert café Quinella had mentioned earlier. As soon as they stepped inside, Strawberry's eyes lit up at the sight of the display case filled with cakes, pies, and other confections. Muffin perked up as well, his little nose twitching eagerly.

They settled at a table near the window, the sunlight filtering through to highlight the charming interior. After placing their orders—strawberry shortcake for Strawberry, a mini banana cream pie with vanilla ice cream for Quinella, and a small strawberry muffin for Muffin—they relaxed into their seats, the tension of the morning dissipating.

As they waited for their desserts, Quinella watched Muffin poke his head out from under Strawberry's hood, the little bunny chirping softly. She chuckled, shaking her head. "You really spoil him, you know."

Strawberry smirked, scratching behind Muffin's ears. "Of course I do. He's earned it."

When their food arrived, Strawberry wasted no time digging into her shortcake. Quinella, meanwhile, savored her pie with more restraint, though she couldn't help but smile at the sheer delight on Strawberry's face as she ate. Muffin, happily nibbling his namesake treat, looked equally content.

The peaceful moment was interrupted by the sound of the café door opening, followed by a familiar voice. "Well, well, if it isn't Strawberry and... company."

Strawberry looked up sharply, her eyes narrowing as she spotted the auburn-haired player striding toward their table. "Argo," she said, her tone neutral.

Quinella raised an eyebrow, glancing between them. "You know her?"

Strawberry nodded, setting her fork down. "We were both beta testers. Argo's the one who told me about the Martial Arts quest."

Argo grinned, her whiskered face lighting up with mischief. "Guilty as charged. I was wondering if you'd remember me."

"Hard to forget," Strawberry replied dryly, though there was no malice in her tone. "You're the one who tried to charge me extra for the location of the quest NPC."

"Business is business," Argo said with a shrug, sliding into the seat across from them uninvited. "And speaking of business, word on the street is that you've been making quite the name for yourself, Strawberry. Clearing floors solo? That's impressive."

Strawberry frowned, her posture stiffening. "I'd rather not be the center of attention."

"Too late for that," Argo replied with a smirk. "People talk, and your name comes up a lot. Especially after that stunt you pulled with the first-floor boss."

Quinella's gaze sharpened as she studied Argo. "And why exactly are you here?"

"Relax," Argo said, holding up her hands. "I'm not here to cause trouble. Just thought I'd drop by and say hi. Maybe offer my services if you're interested."

"What kind of services?" Quinella asked, her tone skeptical.

"Information," Argo said smoothly. "Anything you want to know—locations, strategies, NPC secrets—you name it. For a price, of course."

Strawberry crossed her arms, her expression guarded. "And what's the catch?"

"No catch," Argo said, leaning back in her chair. "I don't give out names of beta testers, if that's what you're worried about. That's one line I don't cross."

Strawberry studied Argo for a moment, her blue eyes narrowing slightly as she considered the offer. Then, instead of brushing it off, she leaned forward and asked, "Do you know of any new quests? Something worth our time?"

Argo's smirk widened, her whiskers twitching slightly. "As a matter of fact, I do. I just caught wind of something that might interest you two." She glanced between Strawberry and Quinella, clearly gauging their interest. "Ever heard of the Search for the Hoya quest?"

Quinella raised an elegant eyebrow, curiosity flickering in her violet eyes. "The Hoya?"

Argo nodded, leaning closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "It's a quest tied to some Faune legends. Supposedly, there's a labyrinth in the Forest of Wavering Mist that houses two powerful minotaurs. The locals say these minotaurs were once hunted by the legendary hero Hoya, a Faune warrior known for his skill and strength. But here's the catch—they were never fully defeated. They've been lingering there ever since, causing trouble for anyone who dares to enter the labyrinth."

Strawberry's eyes lit up with interest, her previous reservations about Argo momentarily forgotten. "What's the reward?"

Argo shrugged, her grin never faltering. "That's the tricky part. No one's managed to clear the quest yet, so it's anyone's guess. But if the legends are true, there might be something valuable waiting in that labyrinth. Maybe even gear or artifacts tied to Hoya himself."

Quinella tapped her chin thoughtfully. "And what do we need to know about this Forest of Wavering Mist?"

"It's exactly what it sounds like," Argo replied. "The place is shrouded in a thick mist that makes navigation a nightmare. Visibility's not bad enough to affect combat, but finding your way through the forest? That's a whole different story. You'll need sharp instincts, or a really good map—preferably both."

Strawberry exchanged a glance with Quinella, and the two of them nodded in silent agreement. It sounded like exactly the kind of challenge they were looking for.

"All right," Strawberry said, her tone decisive. "We'll take it. Where do we start?"

Argo leaned back, clearly pleased. "You'll want to head to Aruyt first. There's an NPC near the entrance who'll give you the details. He's a bit of an oddball—looks like he might be part of a mercenary company. Big guy, carries a huge axe. You can't miss him."

Strawberry smirked. "Thanks. We'll check it out."

"Anytime," Argo said, standing and brushing off her cloak. "And if you find anything interesting in that labyrinth, I wouldn't mind a little info in return. For a price, of course."

Quinella gave her a small, polite smile. "We'll see."

Argo winked and turned to leave, her auburn curls bouncing as she sauntered out of the café. Once she was gone, Strawberry and Quinella finished their desserts in thoughtful silence, each of them turning over the new information in their minds.

After paying their bill and collecting Muffin, who had finished his strawberry muffin and was happily dozing in Strawberry's hood, the two players left the café and began their preparations for the journey ahead. They restocked their supplies, made sure their weapons and armor were in good condition, and double-checked their maps for the best route to Aruyt.

Strawberry adjusted her mask as they approached the gate, the sleek obsidian accessory obscuring her identity and player name. The faint designs of fuchsia and white glinted subtly in the light filtering through the canopy, blending seamlessly with her dark armor. With Muffin perched on her shoulder, chirping softly, and Quinella walking beside her, the trio cut an impressive figure as they neared their destination.

At the gate, the NPC Argo had described was impossible to miss. The man, towering at an imposing 6'2", stood like a stone sentinel against the graceful backdrop of the Faune village. His leather armor bore scars from countless battles, and a massive, single-headed battle axe rested against his shoulder, its polished blade gleaming ominously. His muscular frame and the fierce intensity in his eyes radiated an energy that felt almost out of place among the serene, harmonious Faune.

Larbrook.

Even from a distance, it was clear why the Faune and Fae in Aruyt regarded him with uncertainty. His very presence seemed to vibrate with agitation and an untamed thirst for combat—a stark contrast to the peaceful, nature-bound existence the Faune held dear.

As Strawberry and Quinella approached, Larbrook's sharp gaze snapped to them, sizing them up in an instant. His expression shifted slightly as he took in the masked figure of Strawberry, the poised Quinella, and the small horned bunny perched on Strawberry's shoulder.

"You two here for the Hoya?" Larbrook's deep voice rumbled like distant thunder, direct and to the point.

Strawberry nodded, her masked visage giving nothing away. "We are."

Larbrook studied her for a moment longer, then shifted his focus to Quinella, who met his gaze with calm resolve. "Good," he said at last. "You'll need every ounce of determination you've got. The Forest of Wavering Mist is no place for hesitation."

"Tell us what we're up against," Quinella said evenly, tucking a stray strand of silver hair behind her ear.

Larbrook gestured toward a worn map pinned to the gate, though he didn't bother to look at it. "The forest's paths twist and shift in the mist. If you're not careful, you'll find yourself wandering in circles. The labyrinth is hidden deep within, and the minotaurs that guard it are no ordinary beasts. They've torn through entire hunting parties."

"And the rewards?" Strawberry asked, her voice steady and masked.

Larbrook smirked, a glint of approval in his steely eyes. "No one's lived to collect them yet. But if the Faune legends are true, the Hoya's legacy is tied to that labyrinth. That means gear, weapons—maybe even something more."

Quinella tilted her head, her violet eyes narrowing slightly. "What's your role in this?"

"I've seen my share of battles," Larbrook said with a shrug, his grip tightening slightly on his axe. "And I have no love for sitting still. The Faune don't trust me, but I've got no interest in their peace and quiet. My interest lies in the fight. If you're heading into the labyrinth, I'm coming with you."

Strawberry exchanged a glance with Quinella, and the two silently debated the offer. Muffin chirped softly, breaking the moment.

"We could use the extra strength," Quinella said at last, her tone thoughtful.

Strawberry nodded once. "Fine. But if you're coming, you follow our lead."

Larbrook chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "You've got spirit, masked one. Let's see if it holds up in the thick of it."

With Larbrook now part of their group, the trio—and Muffin—set out toward the Forest of Wavering Mist. The air grew cooler as they left the relative safety of Aruyt, and the mist began to creep around them like ghostly tendrils.

The Forest of Wavering Mist was an imposing labyrinth of towering trees that seemed to vanish into the thick, rolling fog. The air grew colder the moment Strawberry, Quinella, Larbrook, and Muffin stepped beneath the forest's shadowed canopy. The temperature was sharp enough to cut through their gear, a chilling reminder that this wasn't just another walk in the woods. The heavy mist swirled like a living entity, curling around the ancient trunks and dampening any sound beyond their immediate area.

Each tree looked as if it had stood for millennia, their massive roots twisting and sprawling across the forest floor, creating natural obstacles and treacherous footing. Their thick, gnarled branches wove together to form a canopy so dense that barely any light filtered through, casting the forest in a perpetual twilight. The mist seemed to glow faintly in places, its ethereal hues shifting from silver to blue to green, as though it had a life and intelligence of its own.

"It's like walking into a dream—or a nightmare," Quinella murmured, her violet eyes darting warily to the shifting shadows within the mist. The eerie silence was broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves or the distant sound of dripping water.

"Nightmare seems more accurate," Larbrook muttered, his voice low as his hand tightened on the handle of his massive axe. His battle-hardened demeanor was unshaken, but even he seemed to respect the unsettling atmosphere.

Muffin chirped softly from Strawberry's hood, his tiny body tense. He sniffed at the air, his little nose twitching as though trying to catch a scent beneath the overwhelming dampness of the mist.

"This place is meant to confuse us," Strawberry said, her voice steady as she adjusted her grip on the Radiant Scythe of the Rose Moon. Her mask hid her expression, but her sharp blue eyes flickered behind it, scanning their surroundings. "We stick together. No splitting up. No wandering off."

As they advanced, the treacherous nature of the forest became more apparent. The paths beneath their feet twisted and shifted almost imperceptibly, as though the forest itself was alive and determined to mislead them. Every so often, the ground would become uneven, forcing them to climb over massive roots or carefully navigate narrow, winding trails. Occasionally, a branch would snap or a stone would roll, the sound amplified in the eerie quiet, making all of them freeze in place.

The mist clung to them, dampening their clothes and chilling their skin. Quinella glanced around uneasily. "This doesn't feel natural," she said. "It's almost like the mist is trying to lead us somewhere—or keep us from going where we need to go."

"Wouldn't surprise me," Larbrook grunted, his sharp eyes sweeping the dense foliage. "If those Fae are around, they're probably enjoying this."

As if summoned by his words, a faint, melodic laughter echoed through the forest. It was soft and distant, more haunting than playful. Muffin let out a distressed squeak, burying himself deeper into Strawberry's hood.

Quinella's hand tightened on her rapier, and she turned toward the sound. "Fae?"

"Could be," Strawberry said quietly, her voice calm but alert. "They won't attack directly, but don't let them lure you off the path."

The laughter faded, leaving an even heavier silence in its wake. As they moved deeper into the forest, they began to notice other signs of the Fae's presence. Strange carvings appeared on some of the trees, glowing faintly with a dim, pulsating light. Small, delicate-looking flowers bloomed in impossible colors, their petals trembling as though touched by an invisible breeze.

At one point, they came across a pool of water that seemed to glow from within, its surface perfectly still and reflecting the misty canopy above. Quinella paused, staring at the water with a strange expression.

"Don't," Strawberry said sharply, her voice cutting through the quiet. Quinella blinked, snapping out of whatever trance had momentarily gripped her. She nodded, stepping away from the pool without a word.

As they pressed on, the forest's hostility became more tangible. Shadows moved at the edges of their vision, and the air grew heavier, almost oppressive. The path ahead seemed to twist unnaturally, forcing them to double back more than once.

The first attack came without warning. A high-pitched screech tore through the silence, and a massive insect burst from the mist—a Giant Cicada with shimmering wings and mandibles that clicked ominously.

"Move!" Larbrook shouted, swinging his axe in a wide arc. The blade connected with the creature's body, sending it crashing to the ground.

Before they could catch their breath, more creatures emerged from the mist. Giant Ants with armored exoskeletons and powerful mandibles, Beetles with glistening shells that reflected the faint light, and even a pair of Windwasps, their green-striped bodies buzzing furiously as they darted toward the group.

Strawberry leapt into action, her scythe spinning in a deadly arc. The glowing blade cleaved through the nearest ant, its legs twitching as it collapsed. Quinella moved with precision, her rapier finding the weak points in the insects' armor and striking with deadly efficiency.

Larbrook, true to his reputation, fought with unrelenting power. His axe tore through the creatures with brutal force, each swing accompanied by a resounding crack as it met chitin and shell.

Muffin, meanwhile, chirped nervously but stayed tucked safely in Strawberry's hood, his small body pressed against her for comfort.

The Windwasps proved to be the most challenging, their quick movements making them difficult to hit. One of them dove toward Quinella, its stinger aimed for her chest. She twisted out of the way, her rapier flashing as she countered with a precise strike that clipped one of its wings.

Strawberry turned her attention to the second wasp, using her wires to trap it mid-dive. The thin, nearly invisible strands wrapped around its body, pinning its wings and leaving it vulnerable. With a swift motion, she brought her scythe down, severing its head.

When the last creature fell, the group stood in the eerie silence once more, their breaths coming in sharp bursts. The mist closed in around them again, erasing any trace of the battle.

"Well," Larbrook said, his voice rough but steady, "that was fun."

Quinella shot him a look but didn't comment, instead turning to Strawberry. "Are you okay?"

Strawberry nodded, adjusting her grip on her scythe. "Let's keep moving. The longer we stay here, the more of those things we'll attract."

As they pressed on, the forest seemed to grow darker, the mist thicker and more suffocating. The path twisted unpredictably, and the faint laughter of the Fae echoed once more, sending chills down their spines.