Lillian
She sat cross-legged on her humble bed, eating her sandwich and going over the note that was slipped into her water bottle case.
The script was written in haste. Each word was barely legible. Even so, it was a rough list of character stats. She suspected the stats were related to the slanderous woman in the cafeteria.
Samantha (avatar Elaina)
High Elven Archer
LVL 89
Tier 2 evolution
At the bottom of the note, there was a short list of names. Chelsea's name was one of them. Samantha's victims.
Lillian almost pitied Samantha. Almost. It was only a matter of time before Samantha's toxic behavior affects some other unsuspecting victim. There was also the issue of her threat. Even if the archer had more power than herself, Samantha didn't know anything about Phoenix's second-tier evolution or her higher level. In this regard, Lillian had the upper hand.
Perhaps it was better to nip it in the bud now before any more damage was done. Lillian sent out two messages. One a challenge summons to Samantha signing it with her character's initial. The other to Mark informing him of her plan to set a trap.
By the time Lillian finished her meal, both messages were answered with confirmation. Tonight will decide who will be the hunter and who is the prey.
Phoenix
The moon shined full and bright over forest, painting all that the light touched in a silver hue. Among the dense trees in the forest, a woman with pointed ears and long auburn hair tied in a braid stood silently. From head to toe, she was adorned in intricate elven armor that showed off her body's natural curve. The elegant sturdy long bow she carried in one hand was notched with the arrow in her other. Every muscle coiled tight. Every jerk of her head conveyed alertness. Gone was the arrogance Samantha displayed just this afternoon.
Phoenix watched, concealed by the long coat she crafted using the Umbra Savage Stalker's leather. Matching boots protected her feet, designed to keep her movement undetectable. Her new cargo pants were made with mobility and quick access storage in mind.
She howled. Not a call to arms or an authoritative summons. This time, it was akin to gently drifting snow. An invitation to watch.
Phoenix's small starry furred fire fox bound toward her, then jumped on to her shoulder in greeting. She put a finger to her lips, a gesture to remain quiet. Opal nodded. Her tiny cheek nuzzled against Phoenix's before she hopped down onto one of many tree roots. Other beasts were gathering, creating a ring around the chosen battlefield until moonsilver wolves great stags, comet fire foxes, primal cats, Ursa Majors and Ursa Minors encompassed the area. Shocking of all, the lagoon drakes left their watery home to join them.
Phoenix watched the blood drain from the elf's face as all the creatures gathered. Elaina raised her bow, string pulled taut. Her hands trembled, her sapphire eyes darting around in panic.
When Phoenix spoke her voice was too calm. Too quiet. Yet carried throughout the battlefield. "Scared? They're just here for the show."
"W-what are you?" Elaina stuttered, gripped in panic. She moved her bow from side to side, trying to find her target.
Phoenix's eyes flashed with a silvery-blue glow from underneath her hood. Her form slowly revealed itself from the dancing mist veil manifested by her coat's cloaking ability. In that same still small voice that came from everywhere all at once she replied. "Take a wild guess."
Elaina loosed her arrow, but it passed through vapors. An afterimage formed from frost and light.
Phoenix darted between trees faster than the eye could see, leaving more and more mirror illusions in her wake.
Elaina couldn't keep up. Seeing firing single shots would be futile, she aimed her bow straight up.
Recognizing this move to be an AoE attack, Phoenix threw a ice shard right where wooden bow and arrow shaft met. Both bow and arrow splintered apart on impact.
Elaina gritted her teeth, discarding her weapon. She pulled a hunting knife from her armor's sheath.
Phoenix had anticipated this possibility. Her frost already crept up Elaina's legs, keeping the elven archer rooted in place. She quickly coaxed the frost up elf's torso then along her arms, immobilizing her opponent. Only the elf's head was left untouched.
The shifter took slow deliberate steps as she approached the elf. Like a phantom, she moved without sound. With each step Elaina's scent changed. Frustration to fear. Fear to desperation. Phoenix stopped. Close enough to swipe her claw, ending this fight. Instead, she simply stated, "Checkmate."
Pure rage melted away Elaina's desperation. She shouted profanity and threats to Phoenix's face. "You only have that kind of power because you've sleeping with your rep, you b.."
The rest was muffled behind lips sealed in frost. Phoenix had heard enough.
Suddenly, men clad in black clothes surrounded the shifter and elf. Each shirt sported a mod emblem on the chest. One more man in GM attire teleported to Phoenix's side.
"Excellent work." It was Mark.
He raised the arm closest to her for a back handed fist bump. Phoenix obliged, maintaining her composure. Elaina's eyes widened, face paling.
"Samantha, you have violated the terms of the company's policies through slander, aggravated assault, and modifying your player account through hacking. Your contract is hereby terminated, you will be permanently banned from this game, and your avatar will be deleted. Mark placed his hand on Elaina's forehead. "Force log out."
With that, the elf vanished. The mods followed. Mark in GM mode stayed beside Phoenix. "The rumors should die down soon now that the original instigator has been dealt with."
"That's good. Should make getting back in Ms. Steele's good graces easier." Phoenix gave him a half smile.
Despite most of his face being covered, she saw Mark's face fall. "About having to keep my distance.."
Phoenix shhed him. "I'll be fine. Go. Before they find another reason to question our relationship."
Mark exhaled and nodded. He vanished just as quickly as he came.
Phoenix logged out soon after, ready for a long night's sleep.