Well, things from here are where the AU gets really AU.

I hope you are all enjoying it so far, and I do apologize for the slow update schedule.

Link start!

"So, what do you want?" Leafa demanded. "A thank you? Some sort of reward? Or do you want to fight me?" Her hand hadn't strayed from her sword hilt since the Salamanders had left. I recognized the way she stood as a stance that would give quick movement if needed.

I sighed and waved a hand dismissively. "Nah, nothing like that," I said, seeing Kirito come up beside me and drape an arm over my shoulder. "We were just passing by and didn't like the look of things."

"So you're just a pair of good Samaritans," she said, her posture relaxing somewhat. "But I'm going to admit, seeing a spriggan and a leprechaun journeying together is weird. Normally your races are fighting."

"We know each other IRL," Kirito said. "So we don't really feed into meta game drama."

"Well," the blonde mused. "I guess I can buy you drinks in return for helping me out." She walked out from under the tree and spread her wings. "There's a neutral town north from here though it's a bit of a trek."

She went to take off and winced, her wings disappearing instantly.

"Are you ok?" I asked.

"Flew too long and the damage marker is also affecting my wings," Leafa said. "It'll be a few minutes before I can fly again."

"Isn't there somewhere closer we could head to?" I asked.

"Well, there's Sylvain," the blonde replied. "But that's Sylph territory."

"So?" Kirito interjected.

"So, you're not Sylphs," Leafa answered. "You go into another races territory and you can't attack them, but they can attack you just fine."

"I think Yui and I can keep Mr. Excitable here out lf trouble," I said, reaching up and clasping his hand in mine, feeling the smooth metal of our rings touching. Leafa saw this as well.

"You two are married in game?" She seemed like the prospect intrigued her, but she kept from delving too deep. "That patch is still pretty new, I'm surprised you already have the Yuld to pay for it."

She turned away to gaze at the moon and I pulled up my menu quickly and looked at the shared currency pane. All the Col we had from SAO was still there along with an extra 200, all in this Yuld. I shot a look at Kirito and he just shrugged. I closed the menu as Leafa began to turn back our way.

"I was also wondering if we'd be able to purchase some upgraded equipment and gear while we're there," I said. "I've got a decent blacksmithing skill and could do some upgrades if I had access to a forge."

She leaned against a tree trunk and thought. "I may know a weapons merchant that might give you a good deal on some gear," she sighed. "But it's probably going to be closed by the time we get there. How fast can you two fly?"

"I'm still working out landings," Kirito said, rubbing the back of his head. Sliding my hand up, I felt the lump forming.

"I think I figured out the controller," I said. "But it seems a little clunky."

Brushing her hands, she came over, a small smile forming. "I know a little trick to make it easier," she said, stepping behind us.

I felt a hand on my back, between my shoulder blades.

"Feel where my hand is?" She asked. "Picture there being virtual muscles and bones there."

I extended my wings and focused just on the spot she indicated. I could almost feel the connection she referred to. I heard a hissing chitter from beside me and saw Kirito's wings twitching rapidly as he closed his eyes in concentration.

Overachiever.

When I felt my wings start twitching, I heard a clap from behind us.

"Good!" Leafa exclaimed. "Now to fly, just do it harder."

It was easier every time, and then suddenly I felt a hand shove me forward. I dropped to the ground as my concentration was broken, but Kirito shot up through the same tree he had crashed through in his landing.

The Sylph started giggling, then I realized he wasn't coming back down. I glanced at Leafa, then we shot through the canopy.

"Kirito!" I called out, glancing around. I heard Yui call out as well when I heard a familiar voice shout.

"How do I get them to stop?" called the Black Swordsman.

I turned, seeing him flying in loops and figure eights as he tried to control his flight and burst into laughter, followed soon by Yui and Leafa.

"I'm sorry," I said as he finally managed to slow down and settle in the air near us. "But that was just too funny." I wiped some tears of mirth from my face before leaning forward to kiss him on the cheek.

"Ok," Leafa said. "Let's try going a little slower for a bit, hmm?"

A green tinged glow came into view as we flew on, managing to keep pace with Leafa despite some bursts of speed early on in our travel. Up ahead was a glowing city, the emerald color of the stonework and the lights made it a beautiful sight. I gasped in awe at the growing city, especially the sheer size of the central tower.

"Is that Sylvain?" I asked quietly. "It's beautiful."

"Isn't it?" Leafa sighed, a strange look in her eyes. She shook her head and turned slightly. "We're going to land at the base of the tower, ok?"

I nodded, and we started to slow slightly, but Kirito flew past us, still gazing in awe at the spectacular view.

"Kirito!" I shouted. "We're going to land!"

Leafa sighed hard. "Ah crap," she said, dropping fast.

I watched as Kirito tried to slow down and crashed into the side of the tower.

"Daddy doesn't seem to understand landings," Yui said.

I rubbed her cheek with a single fingertip.

"Let's keep that comment to ourselves, sweetheart," I whispered as I went to land by my husband.