Reunion

After a final small explosion, all the sounds in the area become quiet, giving way to the distant sound conversation of the group ahead of her.

Quickly glancing at ben, Astaria lowers her hood and walks over to her friends.

Approaching the group, Astaria is not exactly sure how to open up the conversation, an issue that has been plaguing her mind for a while. Finally coming into view, Astaria can make out 4 familiar people who are all wearing quite fashionable equipment obtained from the Cosmetic Outfit Box.

The first one in view was Roxanne who is wearing a red dress that matches the colour of her hair. The dress features a seductive slit alongside the left side, the hem reaching down to her calves showing the top of her sleek black boots with a thick 1-inch heel. Above her dress she is wearing a pure black cloak with the hood down, giving of the impression of a mysterious beauty.

Tyrell is wearing a fairly compact set of white plate armour with a layer of chainmail visible between the gaps. Each plate has a black trim around the edge, accentuating the shape of each plate. By his side is a large one-handed hammer, a spike protruding from the end of the handle. On his arm is a Kite shield of similar design to his plate armour, that while relatively small in size, its sturdy frame suggests how reliable it is for withstanding heavy attacks.

Russel is donning similar attire as Tyrell, however his plate armour is made from a slightly darker shade of steel with blue trim. He is equipped with a longsword featuring a dragon's head pummel while his shield is a round Greek styled aspis that in a similar to his sword, featured a relief of a dragon's head.

Astaria finally has the chance to meet Ash in person since he was away on an expedition in the Amazon Rainforest. His looks are fairly average with his shaggy long hair roughly covering his forehead. His face is quite long with a sparse growth of facial hair on his chin. Silently thinking to herself, Astaria would not think him out of place searching the crackers section of the supermarket for Scooby Snacks.

Ash is also wearing heavy equipment, however his set is far lighter than either Russel and Tyrell. He is wearing a simple chest plate covering his upper torso that is a light steel colour with a blue trim, greaves, and armguards. Under his armour is a blue coloured shirt that looked to be quite expensive, and loose-fitting black trousers that are tucked into his leather boots.

With her thoughts preoccupied from checking out everyone's equipment, Astaria's previous worries of how to start the conversation are quickly answered by a loud exclamation from Roxanne who is the first to spot her and come jogging over.

"Chester, my god, I was worried about you!"

Throwing her arms around Astaria who is slightly bewildered but still reflexively returns the hug, Roxanne continues to express her relief.

"We were worried hearing all that absurd stuff from that so called goddess, then you didn't show up to the meeting spot!"

Taking a breath, she pulls away, holding Astaria by the shoulders while the other 3 walk over, continuing in her rush to express her worries.

"We then got a message from Ben saying that you were seriously struggling mentally with everything happening and went on a rage filled rampage yesterday."

Shooting a glare at Ben, Roxanne once again hugs Astaria who has regained her composure.

Returning the new hug and rubbing her back, Astaria speaks up, interrupting Roxanne before she can start gushing again.

"It's alright Roxanne, I'm doing better than when Ben found me. Last night's rampage was just an explosive outburst of stress, worry, and anger, but I am much calmer now."

Sending a glance over to Ben who is watching this all unfold, Astaria questions Roxanne.

"I guess Ben sent you through a barely comprehendible message and didn't reply to you afterwards?"

With a nod from Roxanne who is resting her head on her shoulder, Astaria lets out a deep sigh.

Hearing the slight pause in the conversation, Tyrell decides to sarcastically speak up.

"Damn Ben, that was smooth. Playing hard to get, such a ladies' man."

Hearing a few chuckles at the comment, Ben just shrugs.

"Hey man, you know I'm not great with messaging, at least you have learned how to translate what I write."

Letting out a stifled laugh, Astaria pulls away from Roxanne who has now calmed down.

Roxanne, while she usually has a cheeky personality happily teasing those around her, at times like this when she is worried or understands that someone else is unhappy, her kind side comes out.

"So… I guess you all know the general gist of what I have been through recently, right?"

Hearing Astaria, Tyrell speaks up.

"Ayy boss, we got the general gist from Fortuna and Ben. I was thinking it was a complete madness, but after some time things made sense."

With a nod Tyrell crosses his arms.

"Let's see, you got capped by some random dudes, sent back in time by 2 years, entered a game and got mugged by a goddess for your manhood. That bout right?"

Hearing Tyrell's short, questionably worded but completely accurate retelling of the last few weeks, Roxanne shook her head in exasperation while the others try to hold in their laughter.

Astaria hearing this just puts her head in her hand, exasperated that she had spent time worrying that everyone would act all weird.

Seeing Astaria's reaction, Tyrell walks over and gives Astaria a pat on the shoulder.

"Hey man, getting all serious, gods be gods. While I can't fully believe all this, I know shits real. Before coming onto the game, I scoured the internet for quite literally anything related to Caelus. But there was absolutely nothing. I did have my suspicions you got duped but didn't stress it since we get to chill and play games again."

Giving the others a brief glance, Tyrell continues.

"Like the others here, while creating my character, that Fortuna dropped in, speaking all aloof like, and started chattin' some stuff about you time travelling and you needing a remodel. I was a bit suspicious, but she was talking about our plans, stuff no in game Goddess should know about."

Seeing a few nods from the others, Tyrell folds his arms again.

"Well, that got me thinking, and it did explain how you knew so much about the game. Then, after getting into Caelus, bam, everything is exactly as you had said. After meeting up with Ben, we all had a serious chat and he explained a lot of what you told him. Like damn bro, shits crazy."

Hearing Tyrell, Roxanne speaks up next.

"He is right, I think all of us had some doubts to begin with and would be crazy not to, but here we are, everything happening as you told us down to the letter. The circumstances may be quite strange, but I have known you, and you don't lie to friends."

Ash, stepping forward finally gets involved in the conversation.

"I'm still quite perplexed by all this, but honestly don't care. I can clearly tell it's Chester inside, definitely a little different, and more confident, but still the guy I used to run duos with. Everything else is whatever."

With a slight pause, Ash continues.

"The voice will be hard to get used to, I'm sure someone will ask you to do some ASMR stuff, but in time we will find our new normal."

Letting out a snort of laughter at Ash's comment, Tyrell jokingly leans back while checking Ash out.

"Damn, look at you, getting all philosophical on us."

After some of the group let out a chuckle, Russel takes this moment to give his input.

"Hey man, everything I want to say has already been said. I just appreciate you were looking out for us and gave us a mad head start, even if you baited us with high paying contracts and the promise of making millions off the game."

Raising his hands with a satisfied nod, Russel goes back to listening.

Hearing that nobody actually seems to care that much and were all just their usual selves, Astaria couldn't help but feel relieved while inwardly sighing that the human mind's tenancy to lean towards negative thoughts really is quite unpleasant.

Astaria can feel herself starting to feel sentimental again, thinking back to various moments over the time she had known them, but pushes it down, not wanting to make this whole scene all soppy.

Turning to Astaria, Roxanne asks a question.

"So, do you have a female name yet?"

With a happier expression on her face, Astaria starts to explain the details.

"Well, my character name is Astaria as you can see…"

Pointing above her head, she continues

"… While my real name is to become Aurora. Apparently, Fortuna has set everything up so that I can live in the real world as Chester's sister. I'm not entirely sure what she has done, but apparently I will have died in a car crash."

Seeing the awkward expression on Astaria's face, Roxanne makes a guess.

"I assume you are feeling weird that you will have to attend your own funeral?"

"That's messed up." Tyrell comments

Shaking his head, Ben also speaks up.

"Not to mention having to act sad even though the person is still alive… yeah, it's going to be a weird time."

Roxanne sensing the mood becoming strange, claps her hands.

"Well, on the plus side, everything is set for Aurora here, so we can focus on the game for now. Besides, as Russel mentioned, this game has an impact on the outside world, right? We should make the most of the fact Aurora has given us so much knowledge."

Shaking her head, Astaria sighs.

"I'm still getting used to being called Astaria… I forgot that I have a second new name waiting for me."

Looking at Astaria's expression of exasperation, Roxanne clasps her hand.

"It will take some time, but I will help you get accustomed. If you don't mind, can I keep calling you Aurora?"

Appreciating Roxanne's idea, Astaria affirms.

"It would be appreciated."

With a smile, Roxanne happily nods.

Seeing that everything seems to have concluded quite nicely, Ben interjects.

"We are currently burning sunlight here, so you should probably all add Astaria and figure out how we should grind now all 6 of us are here."

Hearing Ben, Tyrell adds.

"He has a point. We can all talk about the rest of this through later over some beer in a tavern. Shame that's all there is though."

Everyone giving Tyrell a knowing glance, all turn to Astaria to receive their tasks.