4124/Imp and Impish

Imp and Impish
Date of Scene:	18 May 2016
Location:	Alfheim Online <ALO>
Synopsis:	The greatest Earthbender meets the greatest VR duellist.
Cast of Characters:	20, Yuuki Konno

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Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    It wasn't something she had counted on doing today, really. But the blind girl had decided to log into ALO after a less than stellar morning in the field. A mission that nearly went wrong. And with the report being done in a somewhat rushed manner, she had headed home and gotten cleaned up before she rested. Though honestly, she found herself restless. So restless that she had opted to log into the game in order to put her mind on something else.

    Still sticking to the Gnome starting area, Toph is still hesitant in leaving the place before she's finished up the starting quests. And since Tony isn't with her today, she's instead opted to work on her skills some more, something she can do without Tony and without having to use her eyes too much. So for now the earthbender turned Gnome is busy by some training dummies, working on hitting them with her bare hands to train her martial arts skill. Plus it's easier and comes more natural than swords fighting, especially when she's keeping her eyes closed.

Yuuki Konno has posed:
    While Yuuki rarely goes to any home-city other than that of the Imps, it's not unheard-of. She's not exactly afraid to travel. Anyone who attacks her, thinking she's an easy victim, will shortly learn otherwise. Any group that tries it, well, she's relatively sure to be able to run away faster than they can pursue. One of her guildmates is a Gnome however, making this one of the cities she actually has reason to visit. Tecchi invited her, offering her an introduction to a mining guild he knows. Introducing friends to other friends, as a matter of fact. Also helping with what the Knights are plotting against Yuuki. They're taking turns distracting her, so she has no chance to discover what they're plotting in a few short days, and if possible so she has no time to even think about it.

    Yuuki's naturally curious however, and even after business is done she has reason to poke her pointy nose in at the steady sound of THWACKing. Maybe not good reason, but enough reason for her. She likes to move, likes to fight, and hasn't seen many Gnome fighters since her challenge several months back.

    Among the Gnomes, most being massive and bulky and with earth-tone outfits, Yuuki stands out head and shoulders below everyone else. It's not just a racial difference, but also her boldly-colored outfit that makes her distinct. Still, Toph's not a very visual person and might not immediately notice Yuuki while busy with the target.

    "That's an amazing tribute." Yuuki says when Toph finally pauses in her one-girl assault on the targets. She's genuine saying so, apparently without a trace of mockery. "Totally looks like her, and of course it's a Gnome! It's great!"

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    Most Gnomes are on the larger side, but the Avatar that's punching the training dummies is just a little over five feet tall. Her gear is obviously pretty much starter gear with the exception of a few items that's gotten from a starter quest, and well... the way she fights might suggest she's not a pro by far. Yet, her punches do have some other underlying elegance and control to them, albeit slightly clumsy in the way they're performed.

    The concentration the girl was having is interrupted when Yuuki speaks up, and the Gnome girl turns her head towards the source of the sound, unable to ignore it. "Huh? Tribute to what?" the girl asks in a familiar voice that Yuuki might have heard on the radio a few times. "Wait, /your/ voice is familiar..." she mumbles, her eyes fluttering open slightly, though it doesn't seem like she's able to focus on the Imp girl just yet.

Yuuki Konno has posed:
    Yuuki does recognize the voice of course. Or at least, Toph sounds familiar. It's not like Yuuki's a voice expert, so she can't say for sure if the voice belongs to Toph or it just sounds like her. It's a young, slightly squeaky voice. There must be millions of people with similar voices. But... well, it makes sense that a tribute would also sound like Toph Beifong, right?

    Yuuki studies the gnome girl. They're pretty close in height, though Toph's a little shorter and stockier. "Tribute." she repeats. "You customized the character to look almost exactly like her! That must've taken hours and cost a small fortune!" she grins mischeviously. "I'm kinda a fan too, but I've never done any cosplay or anything. Being myself's enough for me. But hey, I'm just saying I love the look!" she says, still smiling but with somewhat less mischief.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    It doesn't look like the Gnome girl is clear on what's going on at first, standing there with a confused look on her face. Her eyes are unfocused as she peers at Yuuki, blinking her brilliant green eyes and squinting a bit as if trying to make out what the other person looks like.

    Then suddenly it seems to hit her, and Toph arches her eyebrows. "Oh... you think I'm /pretending/ to be me?" she asks, pointing at herself. "But yeah, it cost a small fortune. Good thing I'm rich then. Well, my dad's rich. Scanning only took a minute, and preloading the scan didn't take long either. I gotta agree, why be anybody but me?"

    Then suddenly Toph snaps her fingers. "Oh right! You're that Zekken girl, aren't you? I recognise your voice! From the radio channels."

    For now the training dummy gets a little break as the Gnome girl turns her full focus to Yuuki.

Yuuki Konno has posed:
    Yuuki blinks, surprised at Toph's assertion. Then she laughs, freely and delightedly. "You almost convinced me!" she says, once able to control herself. "But Alfheim Online starts from random characters, not preloaded. Not unless you transferred from somewhere else!" she insists. It's not that she's taking pleasure in contradicting Toph's claim. She's delighted at the cleverness, but is making it clear she's not fooled.

    "Besides. The Blind Bandit is blind. She couldn't play a game like this!" Yuuki claims. Not unless she had special gear at least. It wouldn't take a Medicuboid, though Yuuki's sure such a device would work even for the blind. But it'd take more than just an Amusphere... wouldn't it? If there were blind people suddenly able to see because of off-the-shelf hardware, wouldn't she have heard about it? Well... no, not necessarily. And of course there are different kinds of blindness. But Yuuki's sticking to her original guess here! As long as it's not completely contradicted.

    She offers a slight bow when her name's stated. Not cluing in that if she'd been heard on channels, this girl before her suddenly has a lot more legitimacy than she'd had before. "Look, it's okay. I won't tell anyone you're not the real one. I think your tribute's really awesome! But ... I mean really. Why would she come into this game for real? And how? I mean, it's not like she could fight here like she's used to right?"

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    The laugh, that makes Toph arch an eyebrow. What does she mean, she almost convinced her? A huff leaves Toph, and she pouts. "That's why we did some advanced scanning before we entered the registration setup, dunderhead," the Gnome girl points out. "And so what, you know one of my nick names. Big freaking whoop. It's not like my bending transfers into this silly game either, and well... joke's on you, Princess, because it pretty much looks like I'm playing, doesn't it? I can't really tell just yet, it takes several minutes before it stops being fuzzy.

    Man, this girl doesn't seem to believe that it's really her, does she? Toph refuses to refer to herself in third person in a serious manner anyway, that just sounds way too pretentious. "Why do you think I'm practicing on these training dummies anyway?" Duuuuh. "Anyway, Kirito mentioned on the Union channel that you're awesome at fighting. Since I'm obviously not good enough at this game yet, then how about we meet up in real life and do some sparring in the Ring at Njorun? I might not be super quick, but there are few people who manage to get past my defenses!" she offers with a bit grin. Why wouldn't she grab a chance for a fun spar when she 'sees' one?

Yuuki Konno has posed:
    Yuuki's expression goes from amused enjoyment to confusion, and then to dismay. At some point in Toph's assertions, Yuuki begins to believe. After she mentions Kirito, the Imp is sure. And Kirito said she's awesome at fighting? Really? Well okay, Yuuki has little false modesty. She IS awesome at fighting. "I'm undefeated in Alfheim Online." she agrees. "Kirito couldn't beat me. And Asuna... well, we chose not to complete the match. Also I'm the Northern Deva." Yuuki admits. "If you want to challenge me, I wouldn't refuse. But if you just want a fun duel... I wouldn't refuse that either!" the purple-haired girl grins. "It wouldn't be fair in-game either. I mean, even if I took off my armor and used a beginner sword I've built up a lot of stats. Soo... hm."

    After a moment, Yuuki's expression returns to dismay. "Uh... can you pretend you didn't hear me say I'm a big fan?" the Imp pleads. "It's kind of embarassing. I mean, saying that right to you like you're an idol or something...."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    Even as Yuuki speaks, Toph carefully leans closer, squinting up at her a bit. What's with those expressions? Ugh, so weird and something that will take some serious time getting used to.

    "Yeah, he said that. And that you had more time in VR than even the beta players or whoever those are. And Kirito is supposed to be really good, so that means that you have some serious skill in this game. You can take our avatar out of the game, right?" Or is she just as skilled at fighting in real life?

    As for whether she wants a real challenge or real fun, Toph shrugs. "I'm not out for blood, not my style. I just love fighting," she responds. "And I just started this game, Goldie and I want to try some of that PvP stuff later and troll people. I can't play this game for long periods of time though, it messes with my head. Not used to all of the stuff this game feeds it." And damaging her brain would be a big nono.

    Oh, this is rich. When Yuuki shows dismay, Toph... shows amusement, leaning in even closer. There, Yuuki's face is less fuzzy now. "Ah, it's okay. I have tons of fans from before, and you're not like those silly paparazzis in Malibu. I /am/ the greatest earthbender of all time, and as Goldie loves to say," she adds with an eyeroll, "I'm a Stark now, I should be used to being a celebrity or something."

Yuuki Konno has posed:
    Yuuki's fairly expressive, and her voice matches her expressions. She should be good practice for Toph to learn to associate expression with emotion. Like right now, for example. Mention of Yuuki's extended time in VR has her showing worry, even dismay, which only fades once Toph mentions fighting and challenges.

    She nods. "I can leave the game, yes." she agrees. "I'm even attending classes like this now!" she grins impishly. "And yes, fighting's fun! Though I wish you wouldn't make a big deal out of it like that. I don't care about your earthbending, you know. It's too much like magic to me, and I prefer really getting moving and fighting! I mean sure, you're really good at fighting. It's just..." she pauses, shrugs. "I don't automatically prefer someone just because they're skilled. But when I *do* like someone, chances are good they're good fighters too..." she says. She seems a bit confused, like she hasn't quite thought this through to the final argument. It seems right to her, but there's more to it.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    She's attending classes with her avatar...? Weird. What catches Toph's attention more is what Yuuki says next, however. "Wait... making a big deal of it? I'm just teasing. There's nothing more magical about my earthbending than you using a sword if you ask me," Toph says with a shrug. "And it's fun meeting other people who fight, getting to spar and have fun like that while you hone your skills." Trust Toph to think about it in a practical way.

    "Anyway," the Gnome girl continues and gesturing to the training dummy. "I was working on levelling up my martial arts skill a bit, I'm not gonna run off just yet and do other quests since I'm kinda playing along with Goldie. Got any tips for levelling and such?" Hey, might as well ask her, right? She's skilled in the game, and she should probably know it better than most considering how much she's been playing it.

Yuuki Konno has posed:
    Yuuki's easy enough to tease, and so long as it doesn't touch on a sensitive topic she takes it with good grace. Witness the return of her grin. So she embarrassed herself. So what? She nods. "Well, no point being ashamed about being myself! If I'm a fan then I'm PROUD to be a fan, because it's what I am!" she says emphatically, holding her arm up with fingers spread in a V. Weird girl.

    She puts the hand down, considering Toph's question. "I know a bunch of people just starting out here." she says. "Really, I'm not sure. When I started out I was garbage. Hadn't fought a day in my life! It took a long time before I got any good. A bunch of you have a lot of advantages, having learned to fight before you got involved in the game. So.... um, I don't really have any low-level tips! By the time I came here, I was way beyond the low-level stuff and my guild and I leveled up really quick!"

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    Well, it appears that Yuuki is a positive person! It's better than a negative person, and well... after her day today she could use some positivity. Toph finds herself grinning where she stands, resting her hands on her hips, though she closes her eyes again at this point for some reason as Yuuki talks.

    It's a bit weird to hear that the other girl hadn't fought before she began playing the game, and she nods her head a bit to show that yes, she's paying attention. "So... you just really played the game intensely and learned how to fight? Huh. And yeah, I guess you have a point. It's just a bit hard for me, I'm not used to being without my bending, and well... having to shout out words to move the earth with Earth magic, well... it's not as easy nor as effective as bending, if you ask me!" There is something though... "Wait," Toph begins, holding up a hand, "What do you mean, 'by the time you came here' you were already beyond low-level stuff?"

Yuuki Konno has posed:
    "Not THIS game." Yuuki clarifies. "I've played just about everything that came out after SAO closed down. And a few things started before that! Before VR worlds were used as multiplayer games!" she grins. "You could say VR gaming's been my only real life for years!" she claims brightly.

    Yuuki's brightness, however, is a brittle mask. Toph, with her eyes closed, might well hear it in her voice. Hear that she's making a joke, but she's aware of something very not-funny behind it. She doesn't dwell on that though, moving on quickly. "I mostly learned to fight in a samurai VR game. Katana and hand to hand. But I've fought in a lot of different games. When I came to this game ... what was it, about nine months ago? Well, we came here because we agreed Alfheim Online was the best game. The prettiest. The one most worth making an eternal mark in. Eventually we managed it. The seven of us are on the Monument of Heroes." she smiles in pride and playful delight. Though of course, the Monument of Heroes is in Aincrad, far above the beginner lands of Alfheim. Nothing Toph would have reason to know or care about, no matter how proud Yuuki seems.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    It's a bit weird... the words Yuuki says are cheerful, but the way she says them... Perhaps Yuuki can see it on Toph's face, maybe not. Even if her hearing isn't as sharp in this game as it is in real life, she can still pick up nuances due to many years of experience listening to people's voices.

    Instead she listens some more. Because when you're not entirely sure, then listening is the best choice of action, waiting for the right time to respond. "So you played in other VR games and got better through them, then you and your friends began playing here," she concludes. Though she looks confused at something, arching a questioning eyebrow. "Monument of Heroes? Did you do something heroic?" It sounds big by the name, but also by the way Yuuki speaks of it. Obviously it means a great deal to her for some reason. And hey, maybe she can learn something more about the game while also asking.

Yuuki Konno has posed:
    Yuuki's cheer turns a bit more genuine at that. She grins cheesily, flashing another victory pose. "We were the first to beat the 27th floor." she boasts. "The Sleeping Knights and Asuna together." she claims.

    After a moment, Yuuki blinks, seeming to realize. "Mmm, it's not really 'heroic'. We're not really heroes. We're more champions. People like Kirito and Asuna are the real-life heroes. But you can face a floor boss with 49 players at once. We did it with seven." she shrugs. "There's only seven spots on the monument for each floor. For each party leader. Fighting with just seven players was the only way we could be sure to leave our mark!" she grins triumphantly.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    It's a good thing that Yuuki elaborates further for the poor little n00b. And as Yuuki does explain just why it's such a big deal, Toph... actually looks impressed where she stands. "So you and six others did something that usually requires nearly 50 people. Each doing the job of seven people... Huh! Not bad!" she grins. "You got some serious guts there! Kirito said that some of those bosses can be big and tough."

    It does help when you have somebody whom Kirito seems to think of as the best fighter in the whole game though, and well... Yuuki seems like a real nice person, doesn't she? Even if she spends so much time in a video game. "Don't you get tired from playing so much though?" Toph finally asks, looking honestly curious.

Yuuki Konno has posed:
    "Since then, I've met a few people that could've done the same thing." Yuuki claims magnanimously. Karian, Kirito and Tomoe could've substituted for any of them, and many others have the skill in real life as well. But that doesn't discount what they did. "But yes. AND we did it before anyone else could!" she adds, "Though a guild tried to beat it by spying on us and learning all the boss's patterns the easy way. AGAIN." she says, halfway between pissed off and amused. Pissed off they were almost successful, and amused because they were only almost successful.

    She seems confused by Toph's question though. Quite confused. Then abruptly she laughs. "Oh! I sleep when I'm tired." she explains. "I mean, outside the game I'm nothing special. Just a relatively normal girl." she says. Of course when Yuuki sleeps she doesn't actually leave VR. The Medicuboid is always on, because it only blocks her ceaseless pain when it's on. She sleeps in VR just like a player of Sword Art Online slept. She's just done it for far longer than even the most avid Sword Art Online gamer. That's not exactly something she'd boast about, though Kirito's inferred as much.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    "Eh, there are always dunderheads who try to cheat instead of working for themselves," Toph snorts, crossing her arms in front of her chest where she stands. "At least you managed to beat the boss first and get your names on the monument for bragging rights!" Ah, if only she knew...

    So... Yuuki sleeps, then logs back into ALO when she wakes up? Huh, that sounds a bit excessive, but if that's what she wants, who's she to judge? "Ah, gotcha. Speaking of getting tired, I should log off now before I get a killer headache. I don't wanna worry Goldie and Pepper too much. Anyway, I'll catch you around on the Union channels. Let's get to do that sparring soon!" Toph grins, then moves to sit down before she opens the menu. And Yuuki might notice that she's still got her eyes closed, and well... she's moving her fingers a bit weirdly, as if tracing the letters on her menu with her fingers.

Yuuki Konno has posed:
    Yuuki nods agreeably, but then shakes her head. "Aaah, I'm not actually in the Union." she says. Not even unofficially. "You can get me on the Gatecrashers frequency though, any time I'm awake!" she offers. And of course, in the meantime, someone from the Sleeping Knights might just contact Toph and offer her a secret mission. If she chooses to accept it. And then the mysterious offerer would disavow all knowledge...

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    "Oh, right. Kinda assumed since Kirito's in the Union, but yeah, I'll catch you on that frequency," Toph grins, then opens her eyes briefly as she looks up at Yuuki, offering a brief salute. "Catch you later, I'm gonna go to bed in not too long. Sleep well when you do!" And then, the earthbender logs off.