Ice Flower

Chapter 23

"Right on time," Varis noted as Glacier landed on the roof in front of him. "I'm surprised that you actually showed."

"I didn't have a reason not to." She shrugged. "Besides, it's not like I had anything better to do."

The message she was sending was rather clear. The only reason she came was because she was bored and wanted to. She did not think that this meeting was important. If not for those two reasons, he would still be waiting.

"To start off, I would like to thank you for assisting Playmaker and his friends in saving me," He began.

"Wow, you must want something really badly if you're willing to start off by thanking me." Glacier raised an eyebrow. "Minus well tell me what it is."

"I would like you to join the Knights of Hanoi."

Glacier stared.

Usually he wasn't uncomfortable with being watched, but the way she was looking at him was like she was trying to peer into his heart and soul. He shifted and cleared his throat once or twice before she finally answered.

"Riiight." She said. "So, mind sharing what you really want from me? Otherwise I think I'm gonna go..."

"I know that you think I'm crazy, but there are three reasons why I think that you- and Snow- should join. One: The Knights of Hanoi is a group that can provide you with protection from those who wish to do you harm, both in the real and virtual world. Two: We have many experienced and skilled hackers and duelists, so you all would no longer be working alone and can move ahead with whatever projects that you are working on much quicker than you currently are. We could also use your assistance as well, seeing as our numbers have been greatly depleted as of late. And three: SOL Tech is still not very happy with you, even though you helped me. But if you join us, I can convince them that you are no longer a threat. If I do not, it is only a matter of time before they send bounty hunters after you all, and you won't ever have a single moment of peace again in Link VRAINS." He held up a finger with each number.

"So... you're half asking me to help you, and half threatening me?" Glacier tilted her head sideways at him as if to observe him from a better angle.

"You can look at it whatever way you want. It doesn't change my offer."

"I... don't know," She said. To his surprise she looked almost sad. "I got on the wrong side of some really powerful people, and I don't want to put you in danger like that. There's no way that I can stop Snow from helping me, but most people don't mess with her since she's such a great hacker. They assume that she's an excellent duelist as well, but I still..."

"You still worry about her," Varis finished. 

Glacier nodded. "Yeah. I do. I'd like to discus it with her first, if you don't mind. It's a decision that involves the both of us." 

"Of course. I would be worried if you readily agreed to join us. This is not a decision to be made without thought beforehand. Take as long as you need. I'll be ready for you either way." Then he logged out, leaving Glacier standing on the roof by herself where she stayed thinking for a long, long time.