Sword Art Online: The Ghost

Chapter 4: Reluctance

Walking along, Nobu whistled a faint but sweet tune. The pebbles winded out before him like a carpet. A stone brick fence stood on the right, like a line of guards at attention.

With every click of his boot, Nobu breathed in and out softly, trying to inhale and exhale the fresh air. It was as stimulating and as refreshing to his mind as real air, if not more. It made him wonder how Kayaba achieved this. Even if he constantly scorned, swore and shouted at the injustice of his circumstances, he couldn't deny the impressiveness of it all.

If only Kayaba had included a 'Logout' option apart from dying that was nonlethal. He would've been renowned as a pioneer, or maybe even a hero amongst men.

Drifting his mind back to the dreaded town meeting, he remembered something.

The mirror.

Everyone else had instantly used theirs, but Nobu never bothered because all it did was change your avatar to what you looked like in real life. And considering this was how he looked in real life, it didn't matter.

But now that mirror was a symbol of his reluctance to look back. Whilst many had been quick to use it, to get it over and done with, Nobu didn't.

Funny how things like that happen. He noticed that those who like him, didn't use it all eventually did. Perhaps it was Kayaba's way to inserting people into his world. That was the beauty of the internet.

You could hide behind a screen or a Nervegear and never get discovered. Until now, of course. Kayaba stripped people of the anonymity so many were familiar with online. And now, we were all locked in this. But why drag their real persons into this?

Was it to give this world another layer of depth? To encourage people to be their real selves? To encourage people to give up all their secrets and become dedicated to this world instead of the real one?

Asuna had mentioned it in passing, but less and less people were eager to sign up and participate in boss raids nowadays. People would always say that they wished a certain movie or a video game were real.

Well, this is what it would be like. Not exactly the ideal paradise many craved. Nobu wouldn't be surprised if this incident turned people off VR forever.

To be robbed of one's rights to choose their life, to be thrust into a merciless world of numbers and code. Was Kayaba really a bad guy? Or just a guy who got what he wanted and accidentally created 10000 lives worth of collateral damage. Nobu wondered what he could possibly be doing.

Maybe he was playing as a character, or an NPC. That'd be kinda weird. Maybe he could be in the real world, being prosecuted or arrested for what he had done. Maybe he was using a Nervegear himself. That would be weird. To be so dedicated to your own dream you would imbue your own life to see it come to life.

Talk about dedication.

Unfortunately, life was never as black and white as people wanted it to be. But then again, if it were, why bother at all? The grey was the spice we call 'opportunity' or 'fate'. When you put it like that, it sounds adventurous, this thing we call 'life'.

To live and to keep moving on. To keep on taking that next step even if it means it's one closer to your death.

Nobu realised the extreme tangents he had just gone off on. His mind was as disorganised and in as much disarray as his bedroom. Well, provided no one came in. Most likely his family had and he was lying in a hospital bed.

But he couldn't worry about the real world now. He had to worry about getting out of this one first.

Cracking his knuckles, he sighed confusedly. Thanks to that weird philosophical blank, he had unknowingly ended up in a forest. Great going, Nobu. Great freakin' going.

Tilting his head to the side, he opened up the map of floor 27. Out of the corner of his eye, he had a glance at the time. Hmm… He had about 5 days until he would return to the gang and they would have their clearer's guild tryouts. Being the Fuurinkazan, they were most likely grinding or training for that.

If Nobu were there, he would most likely be battling someone, with sweat pouring down his forehead, gripping his Tanto and shield. Nah. He'd much prefer walking through a completely unknown forest and zoning out to contemplate life.

Hey, no one's perfect, alright?

Hm… April 12th, 2024. Currently, the front lines were at the 59th floor. Not a bad rate of progression. If they were to keep that up, they'd be out of the game by the end of the year, maybe a few months before.

However, according to Asuna, apparently, the difficulty curve of the game had increased exponentially. And, unfortunately for the clearers, that was not good.

It was among the reasons as to why there were roughly only a few hundred people in the clearer's guild at maximum.

Well, hopefully by the end of this week, they'd have a few more in the Fuurinkazan, but they'd have to wait and see.

The thick forest's air wasn't as light as the fields was. It was more humid, slightly heavier and felt a bit denser.

Thanks to his hearing sense, he swiftly turned around to spot a… Rabbit.

Yay.

Despite its lack of impressiveness and the anticlimax of the situation, it still zipped around the forest, pretending he wasn't there. From tree, to tree. Jumping up, and down and using its bouncy feet to support itself. The white coat of fur was thin yet firm.

Nobu noticed how it sprung from side to side, left to right as if it were trying to confuse him.

Honestly, it was kinda working, he was getting a bit dizzy and a bit of pain from turning his neck side to side quickly.

Oh well, he may as well hunt it. Not like he had any plans for dinner… Oh wait. Yes, he did. Ah, shit.

Shrugging, he equipped a steel kunai (Courtesy of his connections in the Fuurinkazan). And with the grace of a ballerina, brought his hand down in a single motion, like a tennis serve.

This rabbit was fast, no doubt about it. But Nobu was faster. As it emerged from behind its tree, it stopped a few yards away, before bouncing at him, from left to right, like a zigzag.

His first throw missed easily, judging by the clanging from the kunai. But Nobu squinted his eyes straight at the rabbit. Noticing the pattern, he once again drew a Kunai.

Throwing it firmly, not at the rabbit, but straight down the middle as the rabbit just jumped into the air. By the time it realised where the knife was going, it was too late.

As it flew straight into the path of the knife, the cold steel left a gaping cut. Exploding into polygons, he walked over and glanced down at the ingredient. Ugh. Only B-Class. Unfortunately, his [Animal Recognition] Skill wasn't high enough to full categorise this animal, but it did add the name [Gnashing Hare] to his database of animals.

Oh well, he could probably get a hundred Col for something like this. Or just keep it in storage and use it at a later date. Provided it didn't expire.

It disappeared into his inventory in a flash of polygons as he continued on his way, to the town behind the forest.

Walking onward, he spotted a sunray breaking apart the trees, prying its way on to the forest path. What a sight. Holding an arm up to block out the sun, he emerged into the town of Ronbaru.

Ah, Ronbaru. Unfortunately, this floor wasn't chock full of facilities or places to loot, so it was quickly cleared out, used as a camp for a few days before they moved on once again. Sandwiched in between floor 26, which housed the base of the K.O.B and the 28th floor renowned for its Blood Wolf hunting ground. It was like being the middle child of one really successful older sibling and a really attractive younger sibling.

But, Nobu found Ronbaru charming. Something about it, whether it was the dark elf theme or the homey vibe it gave off, something about Ronbaru was just attractive.

It was here where he would, uh… Pay off his tab to a friend.

Yeah. That'll do.

Pressing a hand against the wooden inn door, he walked inside before talking to the NPC at the desk.

"Hey, how much would it cost for a room here?" He asked, his hand scratching the back of his neck. He didn't wanna go back to the guild house just yet. He'd probably get a lot of questions and he wasn't ready for that. Perhaps he'd time his arrival on the night before they went to trials so they wouldn't have the time to pester him.

The NPC smiled back, albeit forcefully and said cheerfully, "It's 25 Col per night, sweetie. How many nights did you intend on staying?"

The white menu came up with a number-scroller. "Please choose the amount of nights you would like to spend here."

Pressing firmly on 1, he coughed up his tab and walked back outside for a good stroll before his friend got here.

Walking around, there were quite a few inhabitants here. Not a lot of soldiers or guards, but it was busy enough to be considered a large town. Most likely due to the lack of threat in this area, it would be a good place to settle down.

But now, Nobu had to think of a game plan. How to survive a date with Argo The Rat.

Truly, a courageous feat.

Anyway, he wandered around the city, looking for a suitable place to enter. Finally, he found a quiet restaurant. 'Taffy's'. Okay, simple and looks quite welcoming. A healthy glow came from the stained- glass windows as wooden panelling graced the sides, with a very 'homey' feeling. Rubbing his boots on the mat, even though that would have no effect, he opened as a chime rang throughout the building.

"Welcome, traveller! How many are we expecting tonight?" Greeted a polite waiter with a bow. Dressed in a black tuxedo and white shirt, he looked a bit out of place at somewhere as casual as this.

A simple hand gesture whilst muttering "Two, please." Was he all needed before Nobu sat down at a table close to the back. The oak seats creaked under his sudden intrusion of their space but he ignored the sounds and groans coming from the furniture.

Taking off his hood and cloak, he sat back into his chair. As a few minutes passed by, he quickly jolted up in his chair.

He forgot to message Argo the place.

For god's sake, alright. Flicking open to his messages, he noticed he actually didn't have any from Argo. She was probably busy with some deal. But he typed to her quickly, 'Meet me on the 27th floor. I'll come pick you up at the teleport gate, okay?'

Honestly, he wasn't expecting a reply, but he'd still wait there. So, he waited. In the cold of the night. Even if it was April. But that didn't matter.

That didn't matter to Nobu one bit.

"Agh! Which thingy do I wear? The red one or the yellow one?" With panic on her face, she rifled once again through her wardrobe. Nope, not that one, not that one, definitely not that one…

Perking her ears up again, she remembered. It's just Nobu. Not like it's a date. It's just a very, very casual dinner. Okay… Very casual.

Finally, she decided that her attire would be left up to fate.

With the poise and stance of a ballerina, she closed her eyes lifted her chin up to point towards to the sky and spun around twice.

With a sudden stop, she opened her eyes and glanced down at her messy, tattered green robe in front of her. Well, it wasn't exactly tattered, but it had definitely seen much better days.

But, such was fate that decreed it. And by the word of… whatever was up there, she was destined to wear… Her worst garment.

Oh well, it's Nobu. He'll forgive her.

He's not one to overcomplicate things. Wait… Never mind.

Despite its condition, it felt snug and trapped warmth in the back of her neck. She hadn't realised how cold it had been back there. With her robe of choice, she looked battered, worn out and like she had run 400 miles nonstop.

She liked it. Even if it didn't look the most appropriate for a dinner, it was the most appropriate for Argo. To hell, or the SAO equivalent with conduct. She was going to enjoy the completely and utterly free dinner provided by Nobusaki. Hmm… What was his first name? She highly doubted Nobusaki was his real name.

Nah, she'll ask him later.

Okay, so that's her clothes sorted. Now, where exactly is this dinner of theirs?

Swiping down, she didn't see any messages. Oh. Maybe he forgot? Oh, for fucks sake Nobu. You're not exactly one to be forgetful, but if you forgot her dinner… Well, she'd break him the way she broke her opponents.

With the ferocity of a tiger and the aggression of a rhino. When something is kept from Argo, she will tear down any wall, leap over any fence and slay any being to get what she deserves. Nobu better watch his back, because Argo will get her dinner through brute force if he doesn't reply in the next 10 minutes.

Well, she waited for 10 minutes.

And… Nothing. Sighing dramatically, she packed a knife and some throwing pins. Even if he was sleeping, she would find out where he lived and demanded her payment. Your time is up Nobu. It was nice knowing you, but if he didn't honour his debts, she wouldn't honour his privacy.

There was no corner of Aincrad she couldn't slip into, no fortress solid enough to keep her out.

You're going down… Oh wait, no. She just got a message from him. Never mind.

You got lucky this time, Nobu… Pausing a while, she read over the short message. Alright. Floor 27.

Hmm… Floor 27. Nothing too interesting there. Except for maybe… Ronbaru? Yeah. That was the only town she could think of as of right now. So, Ronbaru. Okay, but where?

Doesn't matter, she'll find out anyway. Usually she has all the information in SAO, but it was nice for a change to be surprised.

Springing in her step, she skips along the path, a bit more brightly than usual. If a person who recognised her were to see her like this in the street, they would most likely be extremely confused. Most likely they'd point and laugh at Argo's antics, realise who it was, and laugh harder.

Such was human nature.

Thankfully, however, she didn't come across anyone who she recognised and those who did see her merely waved her off as an excitable girl roaming the streets.

But as she warped into the familiar town, she looks around for her debtor. Seriously, though, where was he? Being late was Kii-bou's thing, after all.

Suddenly, something bumped into her. Something small and powerful… Like…

Oh. Nobu. Of course.

Unfortunately, she wasn't quick enough this time and ended up falling on the ground, face first.

"Ow..." A moan was all she responded with as Nobu stared down at her, wearing a small smile.

"I suppose, if we're paying off debts today, there you go. Now we're even." Seriously? He said all that with a straight face, hands in pockets and everything? Cold. Colder than the snow she pushed him into.

Glancing back up, she noticed, well he wasn't exactly dressed for the occasion. Oh, thank god.

So she wasn't out of place. Hopefully the place he had chosen wasn't exactly that fancy either, but she supposed that if it was, at least she'd get a good meal. Even if she would stick out like a sore thumb.

Dusting herself off, she stood up against Nobu and swatted his arm forcefully. "You're a butt, you know that?" Now this was the Argo that Nobu knew. Immature, childish and kinda all-round adorable.

She crossed her arms and looked up with a pout, like a 6-year-old being told she couldn't get ice-cream.

Honestly, that look did suit her quite well. What with the cat whiskers and ears. Nobu wondered whether or not those cat ears were an item of clothing or some sort of in-game trait. After all, it's not like anyone would actually have cat ears in real life.

Then again, it was Argo. Either seemed plausible now that Nobu thought about it. She was pretty random when she was in casual mode.

It was funny how Argo could phase in and out of moods with the blink of an eye. From a businesswoman with the world in her palm to a 6-year-old in a matter of seconds. She changed so frequently and so expertly Nobu often wondered who was the real Argo?

Logically, it would seem that the childish personality was Argo's true persona, but maybe even that was just a front to make her seem defenceless and weak. She was so good at acting, even Nobu didn't know.

Act like a queen, and people will hand you the throne. Good old Argo knew this better than anyone.

The sky was at this point, terribly dark. Nobu was anxious to get to bed. After all, rooms did expire. So, he waved her over to the gateway of the street and began to move along the deserted pathway.

Silence greeted them as he glanced at his in-game clock. Hmm… Wait, it's nearly midnight?

Sure enough, the numbers definitely read 11:56. And it sure wasn't AM considering the lack of sunlight.

"So, Nobby? Where're you taking me? Not like there's much places open at this time, if any. Ooh! Are you cooking for me? How high is your cooking skill? It better be pretty high, or else I'm not accepting anything you make!" Fussy as always, that Argo was.

Good on you, Nobusaki, for getting into this mess.

Alright, looks like he was cooking. Not like his cooking skill was low. Actually, because no one in the guild wanted to eat takeout or at restaurants every day, Klein demanded that everyone have at least a 'basic' foundation for cooking.

And of course, that meant grinding until it was 50% full. Well, everyone except Klein. Typical manipulative guild leader. That also meant he had an excuse to never, ever make dinner. Typical manipulative and extremely cunning guild leader.

Glancing down at his skills, well it was 664/1000.

"How's 66%? That good enough for you?" Nobu asks curiously.

Argo ponders it for a moment. With a hand rubbing her chin, she taps her foot for a good few seconds. The light really made her face stand out, and those whiskers contrasted nicely against her skin tone, Nobu thought.

Wait… Woah, back off Nobu. Take a step back. That's dangerous territory you're walking into. More dangerous than any boss room on Aincrad. Alright.

Now that he had successfully reined in his thoughts, he set sights on his guild house and raised a crystal before he suddenly stopped himself.

Nope. Can't return just yet. Hmm… Oh. Well, I suppose I don't really have any other option. Actually, I could treat her to breakfast or something? I mean, I don't really wanna ask her back to there. After all, that'd be kinda awkward and make me seem shallow…

"Hey Argo… So, uh… Can I cook back at your place?"

The question smashed into Argo like a train. Boom. Her mind was officially blown. Seriously? He had resorted, to that. If he wanted to get in her pants, for god's sake!

Oop. Yeah, he was afraid this was going to happen.

"Or, or if you like, I can treat you to breakfast or lunch tomorrow morning? I'll get out as soon as I'm done. Hehe…" A nervous chuckle simply slipped out as he nervously scratched the back of his head. Honestly, who could blame him? He had tripped his way straight into the world's most dangerous minefield. Yay.

For god's sake, Nobusaki watch your words next time. It was at that moment he realised that Argo had gone deadly silent. Like, silent as in a viper silent, not an awkward silence.

The tension you feel when you're walking down an alleyway, as opposed to walking alongside an ex-girlfriend. Trust me, he's done that before. And boy, was it laying it on thick. If Nobu drew [Dark Harbinger] right now, he could probably slice the tension into bits like butter. Except much less delicious.

At that moment, he decided to bravely turned around to face his colleague. And, to his somewhat curiosity, he only saw the stoneless business expression she reserved for her clients. Wow. He really had messed up, huh?

Finally, she let out a sigh.

And so did Nobu, but much less exasperation and much more relief. Least he hadn't been chopped into little bits with [Dark Harbinger]. Something greater than relief jumped off his shoulders.

It was gratitude. Gratitude to Argo for understanding how he had gotten himself into this shit-fest. Truly, a greater feeling of gratitude had yet to be felt by the human race.

But Nobu still kept up his somewhat awkward dialect with staccato and quick speeches with addons and sentences tacked on at the end to justify his words.

The two slowly walked towards the gate before Argo grabbed Nobu's hand. Without another word, she quietly whispered "Teleport Home." Before they vanished into the air.

Seriously… Nobu. Get your head in the freakin' game.

A/N: Bit of a shorter chapter here, mainly used as filler because I didn't want to have the dinner too early in the story.

Also, one thing I will note is the whole arc with Kirito joining the Black Cats and Sachi dying with him going off for the rare item, that's going to be placed after the whole Black Swordsman Arc. You'll see what I mean, but I've done this so that I can adjust it to my timeline and plan. How do I plan to justify it?

Uh… AU? I dunno.

Anyway, thanks for understanding and feel free to R&R.

Cheers,

SecondComing02.