[Alternate Entry: The Prince of Swords]


It was strange.

[Players, welcome to my world.]

I had heard this before.

[My name is Kayaba Akihiko. Right now, I am the only person who can control this world.]

I thought it was done.

[I think that most of you have discovered the fact that the [Log Out] button has disappeared from the main menu. This is not a bug; it is a feature of «Sword Art Online»]

Months had passed since that had been first discovered.

[Until you get to the top of this castle, you will not be able to log out]

So why was I here again?

[...also, the disruption or dismantling of the Nerve Gear from the outside is strictly forbidden. If these things are attempted...]

I had accepted that fact. Grown accustomed to it.

[...the signal sensors in your Nerve Gear will emit a strong electromagnetic pulse, destroying your brain and stopping all of your basic functions]

Yes, I knew that. And the hand mirror item, I had used it once before. Again, my gray eyes stared back at me. My dark brown hair pulled to one side. I was shocked, just like everyone around me. But not for the same reasons.

[You will all most probably be wondering, 'Why?' Why am I - the creator of both the Nerve Gear and SAO, Kayaba Akihiko- doing something like this? Is this a sort of terrorist attack? Is he doing this to ransom us?]

No, I knew why. A prodigy like you... the world was empty as well, wasn't it?

[None of these is the reason I am doing this. Not only that, but now for me, there is no longer a reason or a purpose in doing this. The reason is because... this situation itself was my purpose in doing this. To create and watch this world is the only reason I have created the Nerve Gear and SAO. And now, everything has been realized]

Yes, that's right. Your life had no purpose except this. That was not your reality... this was.

[...Now, I have finished the official tutorial for «Sword Art Online». Players- I wish you luck.]

Those words sparked the chaos, just as I remembered it. Screams of disbelief, of despair. None of acceptance. Around me, the players acted out against the declaration of their fate.

I sighed and walked away from the crowd. "I swear, the [System] has it in for me..."

xXxXx

Two weeks had passed since then. I had determined two things. One, I had somehow ended back up at the start of this [Death Game]. Whether it was through a quantum quirk, quite possible considering the proximity of the [NerveGear] with my brain, that sent my consciousness back in time or a miracle, I had no idea. It didn't matter. Either way, it was doubtful that I could return to where and when I was before.

The second thing I learned was that I had kept [Cursed Seal]. Even being sent across time, it seemed that I was doomed to carry that skill with me. Unfortunately, that was the only thing that had carried over with my... journey. Fortunately, I could disable the skills when I didn't want to use them. At least there were some small fortunes to be gained from this journey.

I had regained my initial equipment set for this floor, selling my armor to buy a [Copper Sword] to be used in tandem with the initial [Small Sword], and began hunting immediately after leaving the crowd. [Cursed Seal] helped a lot in that regard with [Cursed Fate] forcing monsters to attack me.

My copper sword cleaved through the last enemy, a [Greater Boar], and I let out a sigh in relief. I lowered my blades and opened my menu to deactivate my skills. I did not want to be attacked on my way back to town. The [System] knows how many times that has occurred and I definitely did not want to add to that count while I could avoid it.

"Amazing..."

I spun towards the voice, hands palmed on my blades. I had assumed there was no one in the area. Curses, I should have known better. Now, to fight or flight? It is doubtful that there would be a player with as much experience as myself at this point, so fight would end in my favor. On the other hand, forcing an encounter would likely trigger [Deathmatch] and cause me to kill...

As I was contemplating my course of action, I realized who I was facing.

A black haired swordsman, effeminate and yet carrying an air of confidence around him. He, like myself, wore two blades. He stood protectively in front of a cloaked figure, who wore a rapier by their side.

"Eh? Kirito? Cousin? What are you doing out here?"

I was surprised at their presence and spoke out of turn. I realized my mistake, but the words had already been said.

Kirito narrowed his eyes. "Who are you? And how do you know my name?" He paused. "Wait, cousin?"

"Ah, sorry. You looked like somebody I know." I rubbed the back of my head and gave the two a sheepish grin, acting a fool. Inwardly, I cringed. How could I have forgotten? And I was supposed to be a prodigy... hah. I suppose it can be excused. Anybody would have slipped up if they were sent back in time. I was sure that even Kayaba would have if he was sent back to before he made this realm.

"The name's Kisen. Er, I'm glad you found my battle exciting, but if there's nothing else, I'd like to go. I'm a bit tired after all of that fighting."

I moved past them and started to walk away. This should not have happened. At this rate, things will be changed irrevocably... ah, who am I jesting? I had already changed things when I chose to wait those extra days to fight. And I hadn't encountered that cactus head or his friends either. Also, Kirito wore two blades... Two blades?

I took a glance back at the swordsman. He was... different than I was used to. More confident and less haunted. Also more... relaxed? Unfortunately, I did not have much time to contemplate the fact as he met my eyes and spoke.

"Wait, you're heading back to town right?"

I gave a hesitant nod. "Yes, I am. Is something the matter?"

He cast a glance at Asuna and looked like he wanted to say something, but then he shook his head. "Er, never mind. Stay safe, alright? You might be skilled, but attacking a horde of monsters like that is a bit reckless, you know?"

I laughed. If he knew what kind of situations I had gotten into... "Yeah, I got it. Take care Kirito, Asuna."

I realized that I had slipped up again. This whole situation would take some getting used to...

"Eh?!"

That was definitely Asuna. I hadn't realized it earlier since I was still tense from combat, but there was no mistaking her feminine voice. I sprinted off before either of them could respond.

"Ah. My life is never easy, is it...?"

xXxXx

I unequipped my blades as I entered the town. Hopefully, not too many people had seen me fight. Hopefully.

I sighed. At this point, I was only deluding myself. I had been fighting for over an hour. Of course someone would have seen me. But maybe if I hid my blades–

"Ah, there you are!"

Another familiar voice. Feminine with a slight tease behind that tone. That could be only one person.

I turned and gave a small smile to Argo. She looked the same as ever, whiskers and all.

"Um, do I know you?" I had to be careful. Argo would definitely catch any mistakes I make. While it was doubtful that she'd jump to the conclusion I was a time traveler (at least, that's what I thought I was), it was still not a good idea to give her any unnecessary information.

She looked affronted. "You don't know who I am? Geez, were you under a rock this whole time?"

I scratched my head and laughed. "Ehe, kinda. I was holed up in an inn for the past few weeks." Avoiding the first and answering the second question. Misdirection and deflection.

Argo sighed. "Whatever. Anyway, you're Kisen right?"

"Yes?"

She gave me a scrutinizing look. "You don't look like someone who could wipe out a horde of high class monsters... Anyway, Ki-bou, er Kirito, wanted me to pass on a message to you. The first boss information meeting will take place tomorrow morning outside the city of beginnings by the large pond near the southern gates." She grinned. "That'll be 500 col."

Interesting, so Kirito was more of a leader this time around. I would definitely go to that meeting, if only to see how different the swordsman was. Perhaps I had not gone back in time after all, but rather to an alternate dimension. That was a very intriguing thought.

"Ahem. My pay?" Argo tapped her foot impatiently and had her hand out. Well, if she wanted to act like that, I think it would be fair play if I did the same.

"Your pay? Miss, I don't know what you've been told but you should be paying me."

Argo was taken aback, obviously unused to this reaction. Good, all the more fun.

"E-excuse me? I'm the one who gave you that information!"

I laughed. "Excuse you? I'm afraid that'll be 100 col my dear."

"100 col- What are you playing at?!"

I gave her a blank look. "Isn't it obvious? I'm a host." I made a dramatic pose. "Look at this face, this well sculpted body..." I flexed my muscles and noticed Argo following my motions with a small blush. Yes, misdirection tactics are working splendidly.

"You should be paying me for being in your very presence. Of course, since you didn't know that I'll be willing to let it slide this time."

I sidled closer to her and cupped her chin. "But I can make it worth your while... for 300 col."

I leaned back and dodged the incoming slap.

Argo was furious and a dangerous shade of red. "You... you...!"

I held up my hands. "Haha, just kidding Argo. Here you go, 1500 col. 500 for the info and 1000 for your reaction. It was definitely worth it."

I opened a trade menu and sent the funds, confirming the offer straightaway. Argo looked conflicted, stuck between rage and shock at how much I was willing to give her.

"You should accept you know, I'm a busy man."

She growled and then let out a sigh, all her tension gone. It seemed the prospect of profit overrode her anger.

"You're no fun. I'm telling Ki-bou!"

I received the notice that the transaction was completed and walked away. "Go ahead, I'm sure it'll be an amusing conversation."

"Stupid show-off..."

I laughed at her parting words and made my way towards the inn. These were interesting times, much better than my first experience. Tomorrow should be even better.

xXxXx

I woke early the next morning and headed to the meeting spot, taking a place within the crowd of players after enough arrived.

As I had thought, the information meeting was very interesting indeed. Kirito was vastly different in this timeline, or dimension. He had organized forty two players, including myself. It was a good amount, if not less than the forty four originally present. There were quite a few unfamiliar faces though, and even some unexpected ones. I could see Lisbeth, Asuna and Argo in the crowd. There was a small girl as well, with her hair in twin tails. Yes, it was vastly different than last time.

In any case, his speech began somewhat similar to Diabel's had been, thanking everyone for their arrival and stating the purpose of the meeting. Of course, things heavily diverged from there.

That cactus haired player that I disliked (I really should get rid of him soon) called Kirito out on his qualifications. Surprisingly, he didn't shirk or flinch back at the challenge. He even revealed his status as a beta tester preemptively. But what truly impressed me was his words after that.

"Pathetic," he had called them. And then he went on to state a position similar to my own, reprimanding the players for shifting the blame on the testers and not looking at themselves.

A grin never left my face, even after the players dispersed. In fact, it grew even wider as I saw no less than three girls approach him after the meeting to give him words of encouragement.

Argo, Lisbeth, and the small girl whose name turned out to be Silica.

I stepped forward to congratulate him on a job well done, but someone else beat me to him. A familiar cloaked figure bearing a rapier. For a moment, I wondered what Asuna had to say to Kirito. And then she spoke.

"Please take responsibility."

"KIRITO, WHAT DID YOU DO WITH MY COUSIN?"

That was it. While I approved of their relationship, this was too far and most definitely too early. A duel, yes that would do it. Death match might be a bit extreme, but it wouldn't be too troublesome in this case...

"Eh?!"

Four voices echoed in surprise, one louder than the others. "Cousin...? Do I know you?"

I dropped my hands. "...What?"

xXxXx

A round table. The four girls, along with Kirito and I, were seated around it. We had come here, to this cafe, to sort out the situation between us. At the moment, Kirito tried his best to avoid eye contact with any of us. The girls took turns glaring at Kirito and looking at me in wonder. Asuna even more so.

Argo rubbed her forehead and looked at me. "Let me get this straight Ki-kun. You think Asuna here is your cousin?"

She had taken to calling me that like she used to. It seemed that my little scene earlier had endeared me to her.

I nodded. "I don't think so, I know so. It's quite hard to mistake members from our family. We're quite distinguished."

"Asuna-chan, is this true?"

My cousin gave a meek nod, keeping her eyes on me as she did.

"Yes. But..."

The arrival of the waitress brought the conversation to a halt as we each grabbed our refreshments.

I took a sip from my glass. Tangy juice, yet somehow both sweet and sour at the same time. Unidentifiable taste, but uniquely flavored. I wondered for a moment if I could recreate it later on. There was a fruit that had similar properties somewhere on the fifth floor I believed...

Asuna took a sip from her drink before continuing. "You can't be my cousin."

I raised my brow. "What do you mean Asuna? It's me. Sen. The heir to the family line? Gem of our enterprise?"

She shook her head.

I turned and looked at the other girls. "You all know who I am, right? It is hard to miss me."

I had slipped into my formal way of speech without realizing it. Despite that, each shook their head. It was strange. Usually, I was identified on the spot by females. Granted, I had done my best to hide my face before so it had not occurred quite as frequently. Still, there should have been at least a flash of recognition.

"You can't be my cousin." Asuna spoke and turned her head to the side. "You look like him... but you can't be. Sen... he committed suicide three years ago."

Everyone at the table snapped their heads toward me at those words.

I gave them a blank look. "Well, this is unexpected."

"...I'll say." Kirito spoke up from his side of the table. "But, er. Just to be clear, I didn't do... that with Asuna. I just helped her out a bit."

At that point, the conversation shifted back towards Kirito, but Asuna's words still echoed in my mind.

He committed suicide three years ago.

But that must be false. I still exist here. I think, therefore I am. I clearly remember being alive three years ago. The fact that I was present here meant that I did not commit suicide. Yet, the fact remained that Asuna paled as if she had seen a ghost every time she turned my way.

Was it possible that I did not exist here?

Perhaps. While taking my life would be an extreme course of action, my life had been quite dull three years ago. If I recalled correctly, that had been around the time that I realized I was missing something in life. I eventually got over it by throwing myself into various projects, but what if I hadn't?

What if I gave up?

The name of my skill, the sole reminder of my original time came to mind. [Cursed Seal]... and a sub skill, [Cursed Fate]. Perhaps it was not chance that I came upon that blade and skill. Perhaps... I really was cursed. And perhaps I am dead here.

But then, what am I?

"Sen."

A phantom? An imprint of a mind left in stasis?

"Ki-kun!"

Or perhaps this is all a dream, and I still exist in my timeline.

"Kisen!"

Perhaps... no, there were too many scenarios. And it mattered not in any case.

"Oi, Ki-kun! Stop spacing out!"

I looked up and realized that everyone was staring at me with various degrees of concern. It was... touching.

I grinned at Argo. "Sorry, I was busy imagining the wonderful evening I could have with Argo-chan tonight."

That brought a round of laughter from the others and a blush from Argo.

"You... not again!" She crossed her arms and pouted. "You owe me for that Ki-kun! It's not fair!"

"Fine, fine. Don't worry about it Argo, I'll make it up to you later."

Another round of laughter ensued as the implications of my words settled in. Argo's blush deepened, but she nodded. "You'd better! ...Meanie."

"Anyway, what were you guys talking about? I didn't catch it."

"Ah." Lisbeth answered me. "We were wondering if you would help out in the boss fight with us. With you here, we have a full party..."

I smiled. "Is that all? Of course I'll help. It's my duty after all."

Kirito quirked his eyebrow. "Duty?"

"Why of course. I'm a knight and knights protect fair ladies like these. Ah, I'll make an exception for you Kirito since you're close enough."

The black swordsman covered his face with his hand and sighed while the girls laughed at his dismay.

Ah. It was strange... I would not be acting like this before. And I did not have the obsessive need for strength that I was accustomed to. Was this what it meant to have companions?

I felt a true smile cross my face. It was comforting and quite enjoyable having companions. I decided then. It did not matter how I arrived here or if I existed. As long as I could keep smiling like this, the answer to the question of my being did not matter. I did not care. For once, I did not have to be the blood knight. I could simply be a knight. A knight for my companions, the prince and his fair ladies...


A/N: So I was bored and saw that someone had written a spin off of ToumaFF's Prince of Swords. That got me thinking along the wild lines of what it would be like if Kisen appeared there and voila. Hopefully, this was enjoyable and somewhat believable.

Not too much except the intro, but I hope it was at least somewhat fun to read. No news on the next installment of this yet, although I have started on a Saber Kirito fic where Kirito is summoned as a Servant in the Fifth Holy Grail War in Fate/Stay Night. The Black Cats fic got shelved, apologies on that but other things caught my eye.

Don't expect any more extra chapters to this story, this is probably a one time thing.

In any case, if you're looking for more stories to read in the meantime, I would recommend these following, in no particular order:

The Prince of Swords by ToumaFF. A must read, though you likely already know about it. Apparently, it's been recommended on Tvtropes.

Artificial Mirror by Victory3144. Formerly known as TAIC, it's a quite good read that follows Kirito and an OC that appears to be a female version of him. Kayaba is doing even more plotting and it's overall quite mysterious.

Swords of the Living Dead by Nanaya88. Zombies and SAO. I assure you, it's better than it sounds. Check it out. It even features Sinon!

Wings of Seraph by Liexi. I'll admit, I'm a bit partial to this story since I beta it, but I think it's quite good. An alternate universe story where there are Elves, Humans and Half-elves. It follows Kirito and the guild he's in, the Wings of Seraph primarily.

Conflict by Ourania Aella. An interesting story where Kayaba thought bigger and created an even more in depth and expanded VRMMORPG. At least, that's the basic premise.

Fairy Dance of Death by Catsy. Another fic that's also been recommended on TVtropes. The first actually in the SAO section. Anyway, it's an AU reboot where Kayaba focused more on Fantasy elements and the first VRMMORPG was an expanded Alfheim Online.

Also, check out the SAO Fandom Nexus if you haven't already. There are quite a few interesting discussions there, along with other would be writers of the SAO fandom.