Author Notes: I wasn't kidding about irregular updates, but still hanging onto this story. Hope you enjoy. Beta'd by my love, as usual.

The title is a phrase from The Lord of the Rings: "Home is behind, the world ahead, and there are many paths to tread,"


Kirito watched the clouds above rolling past as he allowed his back to relax against the lush grass below him. It probably wasn't the best decision to choose to nap outside where anyone could pass, but Kirito didn't plan on staying long. His last conversation with Klein continued to play in his head.

'That's why you have to join us. Hell, we need you...'

There were benefits to being a part of a group, Kirito could not deny that, but it would mean an entire shift in his routine. He would have many more 'backs' to look after.

'They could look after me too,' the thought swirled in his mind. It was tempting but also terrifying. He liked Klein, he thought he could trust him, but he also didn't want to be let down when things became dire. Plus, what if he didn't get along with Klein's friends?

Kirito turned over onto his side, running his fingers through the blades of grass. He supposed if he didn't get along with the guild, he could just leave them. It would be a clean, easy break. Klein didn't seem like the type to hold grudges anyway. Coming to a decision, Kirito lifted his hand in a practiced motion to bring up the message system. He eyed Klein's name blinking in the sender box and began to type a short message.

"That offer still on the table?"

His hand drifted over the send button. Kirito shook his head at his own indecision and pressed send before he could change his mind. He guessed it wouldn't take long before Klein came calling. He just hoped the others hadn't formed any opinions about the Beaters everyone seemed to hate.

A ping to his right ear alerted Kirito to a message in his inbox.

"Come to « Urbus » Kirito! You won't regret it, my friend!"

With a tired smile, Kirito leapt up from the ground and pulled up his inventory, fingers deftly navigating to select a teleport crystal. He soon held the eight-sided crystal in the palm of his hand and watched the brilliant blue sparkle.

Kirito took a deep breath and spoke, "Teleport Urbus."


World Ahead

By Gia Pang

Chapter Two: Many Meetings


Klein shook his head frantically, raising a finger to his lips as he motioned the others to follow behind him quietly. Their target was sitting beside the water fountain; a stroke of luck as the sounds of the moving water would mask their footsteps.

"That bastard told me he was buying milk, milk!"

"Let me get the first punch in, Klein. Let me at 'im!"

Greatly amused, Klein looked ahead of the group and judged the amount of steps it would take to circle the fountain.

"Dynamm, Harry One," Klein whispered, "Move to the target's left. Make sure he's not getting away."

The two named individuals nodded, stealthily moving forward. They paused by a building with an awning covering stacked crates. It was a good place to hide behind.

"Issin, Kunimittz, let's wait until he makes his move."

The three moved to the right of the fountain, spotting a table that allowed an unobstructed view of the fountain. The three seated themselves and waited for their 'target' to reveal the reasons for his mysterious behavior.

The 'target' in question remained seated, occasionally glancing to his left and right, but entirely unaware of the five pairs of eyes regarding his position.

"Dale~!"

At the sound of his name, Dale perked up and looked towards the sound of the feminine voice calling his name. A brunette girl came forward, a basket looped over one arm while her other arm was waving excitedly. She joined Dale on the water fountain, sitting fairly close and oblivious to Dale's red face.

"I hope you're not too hungry," she teased as she opened the basket in her lap, "I just brought bread and cream but it's really delicious!"

"Uh, no, not at all." Dale stammered. "I mean, I am hungry but not too hungry."

She held out bread with a generous portion of cream on top towards him. Dale accepted the food carefully and bit into it when he saw her waiting for him to take a bite.

"It's good," Dale agreed after swallowing, "You should eat some too instead of watching me."

"It's more entertaining watching you eat," she teased again as she prepared her own food.

The pair lapsed into a comfortable silence until Dale cleared his throat. "So how have you been doing, Shelley?"

Shelley finished off the last bite before turning to speak, "Okay, I suppose. Hana and Ira leveled yesterday, but it's getting harder on our own."

"Are you joining any guilds then?"

"Hana mentioned Aincraft Liberation Party. A lot of people are talking about it now. Have you heard of them?"

Dale nodded slowly, "A little. I don't know much."

"There were a lot of people talking about them today. We'll see if it catches on." Shelley shrugged, "It's a new guild so maybe I'll wait until they get some more members, huh? Unless you and your friends are thinking of starting a guild, huh?" She nudged Dale in the side, repeating the action until the other smiled back at her.

Appeased, she looked at him closely, "So when are you going to let me meet your friends?"

Dale's smile became a little strained. "Uh…"

"Are they going to tease you or something?"

"Well, no…"

"You worried they'll tell me embarrassing things about you?" Shelley continued questioning.

"I-It's not that," Dale protested.

"You keeping me to yourself then? Should I feel honored?" Shelley leaned forward, delighting in Dale's expression. He was fun to tease.

"Well, well, well," came the slow drawl of a very familiar voice, "shopping for milk, huh, Dale?"

Shelley turned around at the sound of the voice while Dale blanched when he took in the sight of his smirking friends stepping into view.

"H-Hey, guys," Dale stood up quickly, glancing uncertainly between Shelley and the others. "I was going to meet up with you later."

"I can see why," Issin called, sending a friendly wink in Shelley's direction, "who's your friend?"

"I'm Shelley," she waved, "I didn't mean to hold up your friend if you guys were expecting him."

"Oh no," Klein walked over, throwing an arm across Dale's shoulders, "We were just worried Dale was having trouble finding his way back to us. But we can see he was in good hands."

Klein's teasing grin was matched perfectly by Shelley's twinkling eyes.

The teasing continued over Dale's head for the next 10 minutes. It seemed Shelley and his friends had found a common interest: teasing Dale.


Asuna walked into a busy cafe and found a table towards the back. Lunch with Argo was the highlight of the day. Not only did she get useful information but she considered the mysterious player a reliable friend. She looked around at the other tables. Every table was filled with other players. It made Asuna painfully aware that she had no close knit group. She slid down in her seat, tugging her hood forward.

After some time had passed, a small hooded figure hopped on top of the bench to have a sit. Although her face was mostly concealed, Asuna noted the telltale whiskers poking out of the hood. The hooded person bowed her head in greeting.

"Fencer-san."

"You're late," Asuna said, dryly.

Argo leaned forward, grinning sheepishly.

"Oh yes, sorry about that. I just had to get the latest news on Taran village quests."

Asuna rested her cheek on her palm, smiling mischievously.

"You know, I had a lot of time to think while waiting for you," she trailed off, waiting for Argo to respond.

Argo sighed, "Yes, and what would you like to know this time?"

"Those whiskers you have, do you have them in real life too?"

A pause. "Wouldn't that be interesting?"

Asuna resisted the urge to stick her tongue out.

Argo and Asuna met often, most times out of love for good food. Argo would find the spots and Asuna would tag along. Argo would probably never know how much she needed these meetups. They kept her sane. She enjoyed being able to talk to another girl for once.

Argo insisted on paying for their meals. Asuna relented, mostly because she figured Argo was rolling in col. Information paid well. Today's meal had been a little on the pricey end but worth every bite.

They found themselves blending in the bustling crowds of the town center as they made their way through the streets. The current street was cobblestoned and slanted downward, occupied with an open marketplace, allowing players to sell their wares or herald their up and coming guilds.

"High level blacksmith looking for work!—Divine Dragons!—Knights of the Blood!" were some of the louder ones among the mingled voices.

A lanky looking boy ran up to them with a stack of fliers in hand. Despite his slim appearance, he had chubby cheeks and clear eyes; it was the kind of face that was unfamiliar to the troubles of struggle or responsibility. Despite their protests, he shoved paper into both of their hands.

"Aincraft Liberation Party!" the boy yelled, "led by the hero who slew Illfang!"

Asuna gave a discrete look toward Argo and was just about to protest when the boy quickly ran to another group of players. She skimmed the page and rolled her eyes.

"It seems Nibaou, the great hero of the 1st floor's dungeon, is requesting courageous recruits for his new guild," she scoffed in disbelief, "No beaters allowed though."

"You mean you don't remember him jumping to the rescue in there?" Argo replied, pretending to give a sincere look.

Asuna chuckled, "I must have forgotten that part."

She hadn't seen Agil or Kirito for some time, the two who had played the biggest roles in the Illfang fight.

"What have Agil-san and Kirito-kun been up to? I haven't seen them at the frontline meetings lately." Asuna asked, being careful not to show too much interest to the game's gossip queen.

"Oh? I know quite a bit. How much would you like to know?" Argo teased, then with a knowing smile, "Any specific interest? If I recall, this is the second time you've asked about Kir-"

"Just how both of them are doing," Asuna interrupted, twirling her fingers nervously, "No interest! And no, before you ask, I'm not paying any col, just curious!"

Argo laughed, "No need to get flustered. Agil-san has been working on his blacksmithing, told me he'll be back on the frontlines soon enough."

Argo glanced around casually, something she did when she was worried about eavesdroppers. Asuna always did wonder if those actions were obvious, but then again, she wasn't an information broker, much less "The Rat". Argo leaned in closer. Asuna could smell a hint of orange blossoms wafting from her friend. She made a mental note to ask Argo if they sold perfumes in-game.

"Meanwhile, Beater-san," Argo continued quietly, "has been keeping low. He's gotten quite a few death threats."

Asuna clenched her teeth slightly. How stupid could people get? Who knows how many more would have died without Kirito. They weren't there. They didn't risk their lives. The rumors had gotten outrageous, the latest being that the black swordsman killed Diabel with a slash to the back and stole the finishing blow.

"You should be careful too," Argo said seriously, "Just in case."

Asuna raised an eyebrow.

"You've partied with him and defended him," Argo explained.

"You should be the one taking care," Asuna pointed out, "Some people don't feel too kindly towards 'The Rat'."

Argo nodded in agreement.

"I do have many enemies," Argo confessed, then turning her head slightly to throw a wink, "but I'm not reckless like our black swordsman friend."

Asuna parted ways with Argo promising to bring her to a better restaurant. She watched her scurry away into the shadows, probably to chase after the latest intel. Though she found herself in the crowd, she frowned, feeling a tad lonely with the departure of her friend.

Asuna crossed her arms as she perused the marketplace. Thinking about Argo's warning made her subconsciously start rubbing her arm. She had never considered that she would have enemies. She hadn't done anything wrong, but she was smart enough to take Argo seriously.

Tugging her hood more tightly over her head, she continued briskly toward the NPC potion merchant location. She'd have to restock before heading back to the field. If she could find a good area, she'd be able to get a couple levels.


Kirito checked Klein's message again. Urbus park center. Clocktower. 6:00pm Gametime Baby!

He looked up at the proposed structure. As far as clock towers went, this clocktower was unlike anything Kirito would have imagined. Four obsidian pillars rose into the sky; the remaining sunlight that fell on pillars revealed a violet tinge in the rock. Kirito knew at night, the violet lines, like veins, would glow under the moonlight. Due to its dreary appearance, most people were reluctant to congregate around the area. It would afford Kirito and Klein's friends some privacy.

Since it appeared as though Kirito had arrived first, he settled down with his back to the tower and waited. He briefly considered making a quick stop at a vendor but the sound of people approaching changed his mind. He stood up just as Klein and his friends came into view.

"Yo, Kirito!"

Kirito smiled and raised his hand in greeting. He could see five other players talking animatedly while walking alongside Klein. Kirito resisted the urge to fidget as, one by one, five pairs of eyes focused on him. He still wasn't wearing the « Coat of Midnight » due to its recognizability. Kirito hoped that he would be able to don the item later on without too much trouble.

Klein urged his friends forward, "Kirito these are my buddies in arms. Issin—" A thin-faced man with spiky brown hair raised his hand, "—Harry One—" The jarring sound of metal was heard as the tallest player, dressed in full armor, raised his hand, "—Dynamm—" A bandana-wearing, goatee-faced player smiled in greeting, "—Kunimitz—" A blue-haired player holding a spear wiggled his eyebrows and raised his hand, "and lastly, our resident Romeo, Dale."

The remaining player, Dale, turned red while the others snickered behind their hands. Kirito could see a broadsword strapped across Dale's back. They seemed friendly.

"Hi, I'm Kirito," Kirito bowed, "Nice to meet you."

"Ease up, Kirito, you're too formal!" Klein groaned. He looked at his friends and then back to Kirito. It was easy to forget that Kirito was just a teenager with the way he spoke; Klein figured the kid was nervous about meeting his friends.

'Acting tough but still a kiddo. Guess I'll have to ease him in.'

Kirito shrugged. "So, 'Romeo', huh?" The question was directed at Dale and punctuated with a small smirk.

Kunimitz and Issin broke into explosive laughter as Dale began to splutter. Harry One came over, clapping Kirito heavily on the shoulder. Kirito nearly buckled under the weight of the armor but managed to stand tall and meet the other's smile.

"You're alright, Kirito, looking forward to hanging out."

Dynamm echoed Harry One's words, holding a thumbs up before patting Dale consolingly.

Klein decided to take back his previous assessment. Kirito was going to do just fine.


At one of the intersections in the city center of Urbus, there lay what the players referred to as the « Fountain of Dreams ». Kibaou stared idly into its shallow pool, counting the glimmering coins which filled the fountain's base. He decided against adding his own col. Lady Luck had already put him into this death trap. He didn't need to see what she'd do next.

A blue haired player approached and saluted.

Kibaou returned the gesture to his second-in-command, "How goes it, Sarda?"

"Great so far! We have nearly forty members now and surely more on the way," Sarda reported, beaming.

Kibaou smiled. Not bad after only the second day since the guild's formation.

"Yes, good work Sarda," he replied, "We're well on our way. We'll have a good showing at the next boss."

"And then home," Sarda added wistfully.

Kibaou's thoughts wandered once more to the fountain.

"Yeah."

He motioned for Sarda to follow him as he headed to meet the new members.

The sun had begun to set at their backs. They moved with their shadows leading the way, feet drumming against the dusty cobblestone street. Kibaou was silent. Sarda whistled a cheerful tune, arms swinging at his side.

Kibaou eyed Sarda in the corner of his eye. The blue hair framing Sarda's face reminded Kibaou strongly of Diabel; yet the similarity ended there as Sarda's wide brown eyes revealed a marked innocence that Diabel's lacked. There wasn't even a whiff of facial hair to be seen.

"How old are you Sarda?"

Players didn't usually ask each other about real world life. Something about etiquette. But who really cared now? Kibaou wondered if Sarda would even take offense.

"Seventeen," Sarda replied, then looking Kibaou once over, "Thirty?"

Kibaou scoffed, "Twenty-five, kid."

Sarda held both hands up in apology, while Kibaou grunted an acceptance.

"What're you going to do when you finally log out?"

Sarda looked up thoughtfully.

"I'm gonna ask out my crush. She's the prettiest girl in school. I don't know why I didn't before all this..." Sarda trailed off, but then remembered himself as they approached a group of people who had begun to stand as they approached.

"We're here."

The group threw clumsy salutes to which Kibaou replied crisply.

Kibaou approached the group, and went down the line to meet each recruit. He made a point of shaking each hand, trying to remember every face. Some were young. A few older. But all of them determined. They looked at him expectantly.

"I am Kibaou," he started slowly, "I am the commander here. I'm glad you could make it. We could definitely use you here."

Kibaou met the eyes of his recruits, but glanced off to the side as he struggled to find his words. He thought of Diabel again, the dull ache returning. Not now.

"When we stood in that courtyard, there were 10,000 of us. That seemed so long ago. And we all have someone we've lost... But here we all are, together now. I don't know what that madman has planned for us, but we'll make him pay."


Kirito walked with Klein and his friends as they made their way to a tavern in the city. A wooden sign swung from a lamppost above the building, bearing the words « Iron Pony ». They ducked through the low doorway and felt the immediate shift in the atmosphere. Hot gusts of air swept against their faces a they walked further in. There was a large, iron oven where a fire was crackling amongst large wooden logs. Two NPCs were taking out cast iron trays bearing food from the edge of the oven and placing them on thick towels on the bar.

Miraculously, they found a table sequestered to the back of the tavern. Kirito found himself sitting across Klein, and sandwiched between Dale and Kunimitz. It was only after they had ordered soups and bread that Klein leaned forward to speak.

"What do you guys think about forming a guild together? Maybe not right now but in the future, if we get others to hang with us?"

"Could we handle that, our own guild?" Harry One asked.

"Trying a dungeon as a guild or leading a large group of people, both of them seem pretty hard."

"Yeah, Dynamm here can't tie his own shoes without me showing him how to every morning. A guild might be too much for him."

Kirito watched avidly as Dynamm turned red and punched Kunimitz in the shoulder. The action jostled the table but luckily didn't attract the attention of others. Dale leaned forward, "Shelley mentioned Aincraft Liberation Party, word of that group is spreading."

Kirito shifted in his seat but made no comment. Klein eyed him speculatively before making an aborted gesture, "Yeah, I heard of them. They've supposedly got plans for tackling the bulbous bow blocking Taran village."

"How do you know about that," Dynamm asked, "And do they have that many people already?"

"I ran into Kibaou recently. He's got big plans." Klein's tone showed no interest in going into further detail.

Kirito looked up at Klein's face but the other was looking at an approaching NPC bearing a large wooden tray with seven steaming bowls. He placed them in front of each player and returned a moment later with a basket of bread. When he leaned over, Kirito realized the NPC was humming as he worked. The small detail was impressive if a little unnerving.

For a moment, the table was silent as they began eating. Kirito kept brushing elbows with the two on either side of him, but neither seemed to mind. Kirito was glad it wasn't always all boisterous talking. He didn't think he could offer anything more anyway since the mention of Kibaou triggered mixed feelings. He hadn't known Klein and Kibaou were even on speaking terms.

A loud bang interrupted Kirito's thoughts. Someone was standing in the doorway, gesturing frantically to two people seated nearby.

"What's going on over there?"

"What's wrong with him?"

Kirito narrowed his eyes at the scene. Not only did the two closest to the door rise, but three others stood up as well. They hurried out of the door.

"I'm going to—"

"Let's check—"

Kirito looked at Klein, surprised. The other had a hand on his arm, keeping him from leaping from the table over Kunimitz.

"Let's check it out then," Klein repeated with a meaningful look at Kirito, "I think Dynamm here is just about to burst from curiosity."

Dynamm rolled his eyes but nodded. Kirito nodded stiffly and waited for Kunimitz to slide out of the bench first. He was relieved when no one called him out on his knee jerk reaction. He didn't intend to be a hero, he just thought he might be able to do something.

The seven of them quickly headed outside the tavern. There was distant yelling from outside the safe premises of the town which prompted all of them into a run. Kirito kept his pace alongside Dynamm who looked pretty eager to get involved in whatever they were running towards.

There was a person standing near one of the large trees outside of Urbus, gesturing frantically to those gathering around him.

"He's going to die! He told me to get help. I didn't want to leave..."

As Kirito and the others approached, it became clear that it was another boy who looked to be younger than Kirito.

"My big brother. Please someone...someone help us!"

It was clear the boy was ready to give into hysterics. As Kirito made a move to approach the boy, another player with blue hair stepped forward to grab the boy's shoulder.

"Hold on, you gotta speak slower. Just tell us where you guys were separated and we'll save your brother."

The boy wiped his nose with his arm, sniffing to hold back tears. With his other hand, he pointed weakly into the forest.

The blue haired player nodded.

"That's good. Your name is Kai, right?"

The younger player nodded silently.

"We'll get your brother, Kai, you can count on us. Why don't you come with us so that your brother will know it's alright to trust us."

He turned around to address the group, "Everyone! We, the Aincraft Liberation Party, will lead the way. You are all welcome to join."

Without waiting for a response, they quickly made their way into the forest and disappeared.

Kirito and Klein traded glances. Klein just shrugged as if to say, what were the odds?

Kirito didn't mind another group taking the lead. Aincraft Liberation Party. Klein mentioned Kibaou was their guild leader. He wasn't looking forward to running into that guy again or rather, he preferred it if he never met Kibaou again. Kirito didn't recall if he had seen Kibaou in the small group that ran ahead, but it didn't rule out the possibility of Kibaou joining them later on.

"Well, well. Looks like we're gonna get some action, boys," Klein remarked, unsheathing his sword, "Just think Dale, you'll have a nice story to tell your new girlfriend!"

The others cheered with their weapons raised. Kirito shook his head in amusement as Dale grew red from embarrassment.

Klein ran forward to lead them along the same path that the young player had led the previous group. Kirito moved alongside Klein and glanced at the others keeping pace with them. The group had fallen silent, only the sound of quick footsteps over leaves could be heard. Moving off the main roads meant they'd run into a few monsters on the way. Stopping wasn't an option and the monsters would naturally chase them. Kirito just hoped there wouldn't be a long train of monsters trailing behind them by the time they reached their destination.

As they moved deeper into the forest, Kirito pulled his inventory up to double-check that he had a good stock of health potions. It was always best to be prepared.

"Hold on," Klein called, stopping abruptly at a fork in the path.

"Which way did they go?" Dynamm asked, turning to look down each path. He shuffled a foot across the ground but the little moonlight that filtered through the trees provided little illumination.

Kirito stepped beside Dynamm to peer ahead into the rightmost path. His gut instinct was telling him that that path was the most likely one but he couldn't see any obvious signs in the road to back it up. He turned back to the others, more than a little amused to see Issin drop to his knees and put his ear to the ground. There was no way—

"They took the right path," Issin said, pushing himself up and dusting off his knees.

Kirito blinked and looked to see how the others took this call. No one else looked as surprised as he felt.

"Could you really hear something," Kirito blurted out, stiffening when the entire group turned to look at him, "I just… haven't tried that before."

Not looking at all offended, Issin waved away Kirito's words. "Not hearing anything really, just feeling the vibrations on the ground. You think it only happens in the movies, and it probably does, but the psycho that made this game must've made it possible for any amateur to figure it out."

Harry One walked over and slung an arm across Issin's shoulders. "It's not a useful skill most of the time since you can't pick up monsters nearby but it works for other players."

"That's an interesting skill," Kirito commented, before turning to face Klein, "Ready to keep going?"

Klein looked pensive as he regarded the forked area.

"What's wrong Klein?"

"Just strange that we got separated from the people ahead of us so quickly."

The others were quiet for a moment, unsure about how to respond to the implications. Since they were no longer running, the eerie silence from the forest became more pronounced. Klein jerked his head to the left and the group, suddenly more alert, shifted further away from the fork and towards the bushes. It was only until they were crouched among the thick leaves that Klein deemed it safe enough to whisper.

"Something's wrong," Klein began, pausing once to check the path they left was still clear, "I think we should stay off the path but move alongside the right path to see what's going on up ahead."

"In pairs," inserted Dale, his face grim but determined.

"Good idea, I'll take the front with Issin. Form up as we move."

"We're an odd number," Kirito pointed out, "but I can take the rear."

"Shoot, I forgot for a second," Klein frowned, "How about I take it?"

"It's fine," Kirito shrugged, looking back towards the still empty road, "I'm used to doing it on my own anyway."

Since his tone was devoid of bitterness or sarcasm, the others made no comment. But Kirito missed the meaningful glances that were shared amongst the group. Dale mouthed the words 'later' and the others nodded in agreement.

"Let's go guys."


Sarda gripped his sword tighter as he scanned the group in front of him. There were eight of them, just two more than his own group. He didn't think they were outmanned but there was a distinct bloodlust in the air that caused the hair on the back of his neck to stand. This wasn't just a battle with people trying to be a nuisance.

"Player killers," the words were practically spat on the ground. Sarda couldn't blame the other player for being unable to reign in his distaste. He had his own feelings to grapple with after all.

'I practically led them into this trap,' Sarda thought, eyes narrowing when he caught the eyes of the boy that had led them here. It was a small consolation but the boy did appear guilty. However, the player standing next to him with a hand on his shoulder showed who was the real mastermind behind this plan. 'He looks like his older brother.'

"Now, now, no need to throw names around," admonished their supposed leader. "Kai did a good job rounding you fools up. It's your own fault for falling for it."

The other players in his group snickered while Kai seemed to shrink.

"The name's Tano," he jerked a finger to his chest, "and you've met Kai. I'd name the rest but I don't think it matters for soon-to-be dead players anyway."

"Why are you doing this?!"

"Why?" Tano produced a dagger and tapped it against his chin in thought. "I'm just doing a public service. Getting rid of the riffraff while I bide my time in the game."

"You have no right!" Sarda yelled, pointing his sword at Tano. "Don't you understand what you're doing here?!"

"Oh yes, of course I do." Tano grinned meanly. "Player killers. Can't be much more direct than that."

Sarda gave a wordless snarl, knowing it was futile to argue with someone that had no empathy. He took a half-step back until he was pressed back against another player. They had all formed a defensive circle so they could face any attack coming from the outside. It was a solid plan but Sarda couldn't ignore the probability of throwing daggers, especially since Tano was twirling his own dagger with a predatory gleam in his eye.

"Time to play gentlemen."

Sarda raised his sword before the phrase was finished, smiling grimly at the dagger that lodged itself into the ground in front of him. Similar sounds of clashing metal on either side of him meant the battle had begun.

There was a glint to his right.

"You're quick," the words were casually spoken, but Sarda ignored them in favor of holding his sword against Tano's heavier one.

Tano jumped back and the two began to circle each other as the rest of the players engaged in their own fights.

"Hope you're not too angry at Kai," Tano began, diving forward to thrust his sword but jumping back again to avoid Sarda's answering swipe, "He's still young."

"You're scum for using him," Sarda bit out, feinting to his right before swinging his sword at Tano's unprotected middle. He felt dark satisfaction at seeing some of Tano's health deplete.

To his credit, Tano didn't react with more than a wince before jumping back at a safer distance. They circled each other once more before Sarda lunged forward with his sword out. Tano blocked the thrust with his sword and pushed forward. Sparks flashed from the swords scraping together.

Sarda was sliding back, slowly getting pushed by Tano's brute strength. With a cry, he tore his sword away and threw his body to the side, narrowly dodging the sword that came down where his torso was moments before.

He only managed to rise to one knee before he had to block Tano's sword.

"Trash should stay on the ground," Tano growled, pressing down with all his might.

Sarda grit his teeth against the weight. As his mind raced with ways to turn the fight in his favor, a loud rustling to his left gave way to several battle cries.

"Chaaaaaaaarge!"

And suddenly a body flew into Tano's side, knocking him down to the ground and his sword a few feet away. Sarda could only blink in amazement as six other players erupted into the scene to help subdue the other PKers.

"Get off me you trash! I'll kill—"

Kirito held his sword under the other's neck to silence him.

"Just give me a reason." Kirito muttered, staring down at the other until his eyes were lowered.

Sarda rose to his feet and looked around. Everyone in his party were still standing, not to mention the health potions that were trading hands. He finally spotted Kai who was on his knees, staring at his brother in fear and worry. Sarda was torn between annoyance and sympathy for the younger player. He couldn't imagine that Kai was simply following his older brother's orders without more coercion involved. Walking over, he laid a gentle hand on the other's head.

"It's going to be alright."

Kai kept his eyes trained on his brother, but the head underneath Sarda's hand slowly nodded.

"I'm sorry," Kai whispered, "but please don't—don't hurt him. He's still my brother."

Sarda hummed noncommittally before turning to look at where Tano had been tackled. The black-haired player certainly looked serious enough to kill. But to take revenge on other players by killing them just didn't sit right in Sarda's book.

He cautiously approached the pair, eyes trained more on the sword at Tano's neck than the player's face.

"Hey there," Sarda started, "Thanks for getting him off me. It was a little too close there."

"You're welcome."

Sarda almost sighed at the simple reply.

"I'm Sarda. And you are?"

The black-haired player didn't respond right away, but after a short pause, he stepped back and pulled his sword from Tano. Two of Sarda's comrades came forward, one holding a length of rope and the other pointing his sword at the PK leader.

"It's Kirito."

When Sarda grasped the other's hand, he was struck by how young the other appeared. 'Young but… he's strong.'

"Since we've tied up the last of them, we could take over for now," Sarda began, "do you want to help us bring them back to town?"

Kirito opened his mouth to respond before another voice cut in.

"Kirito! Come on!"

Kirito looked past Sarda's shoulder before turning back to him.

"Maybe. Depends on the boss." The last word was uttered with a strange lilt, as if it was a joke but one that Sarda wasn't privy to. Kirito nodded respectfully to Sarda before jogging over to the group he came with.

"W-Wait, what guild are you guys from?" Sarda yelled.

Kirito had stopped next to a player with a red and gold bandana across his forehead. They were far enough away that Sarda couldn't hear the words exchanged between them. Kirito frowned and made to punch the other player's shoulder. It was skillfully dodged.

Just as Sarda was about to yell again, another player from his own guild came up to him.

"Sir, how should we explain this back at town? They're not going to be all that friendly to PKers."

Sarda huffed. "We can't have a lynching mob on our hands."

He glanced back to where Kirito had gone only to find that the group was well off into the distance.

"Damn, didn't get their guild name…"

"Sir?

Sarda eyed the other group until they vanished from his sight, then he turned back to his friend.

"We'll just have to wing it when we get back. We can't hang around in this forest too long or we'll be battling monsters and keeping them in check. Let's move out."

"Yes sir!"

As Sarda rallied the others to form a group around the captive PKers, his mind drifted back to the black-haired player.

'If he's not in any guild, he could join ours…'