Shield And Swords

Chapter 29— An Evening with the Rat

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Original Title: Sword Art Online(ソードアート・オンライン)

Original Concept by: Kawahara Reki

written by: wrathie


Author's Notes: Actually I find it more than a little ironic that Fate Revelation Online would touch on the quests like how I wish to do. Would that count as plagiarism I wonder?

Thank you, bowpurity for the beta!


'A quest... huh? I didn't know we can even get quests like that.'

The Knights of the Blood member, a player named Kuradeel wondered to himself even as he and Argo continued on with their quest to actually secure assistance from the guards.

The quest that had been offered was a 'tracking' quest, which basically meant that they had to track down a few NPCs within the floor and bring them back to the head guard.

It was just a fetch quest, only with NPCs instead of items.

'You learn new things every day, right? Besides it's a good thing you have Argo with you, eh? I'll get the location of these five wanted men in no time. It'll help if you ask some of your guys look around too. This town isn't really big, but there are many alleyways. I'll ask my contact to cover the shops while you guys cover the streets, alright?'

Argo chirped cheerfully while the two of them took to the roofs instead. The young man, Kuradeel was looking at Argo weirdly before he sighed and nodded her head.

'We did receive our orders from the Commander to follow your lead, Argo-san. But what about our prisoners?'

'Hey hey, didn't you remember? They have guards out there looking after them right now. We were negotiating how to actually keep them longer after the system generated imprisonment time due to their Orange Player status. For all we know it could be hours but I'm pretty sure it's for days at least. They almost killed a player you know? Anyway-'

'Sachi-san killed someone too, Argo-san. Why is she not locked up?'

Kuradeel's question made Argo's good mood evaporate and she crossed her arms while raising an eyebrow at him.

'You know, Heathcliff killed some one too. I killed someone too actually, so why aren't we locked up.'

Kuradeel didn't flinch away from this argument, he had heard the same defence before and he shook his head in reply.

'That's different. The commander has his reasons for doing what he did, you too, Argo-san. Both of you are trusted members of the Knights of the Blood, reputable and I am sure that the two of you have your reasons for deciding that killing them was the right choice to make.'

Kuradeel paused before continuing, his eyes narrowing slightly even as Argo waited patiently for him. She was aware of what he was trying to say here, but frankly, she didn't really care. Well, that was wrong, she did care for the conversation as she didn't dismiss it just yet. It's just that it's a little difficult to argue a never-ending debate, really that was such a chore to do... and she wasn't getting paid for this. Time was money, and if not for the reputation of Sachi, and her own guild, Argo might truly not care about this issue.

He could complain and raise this up all he wants, but the simple truth was that he just did not trust Sachi at all.

Or was just resentful that he got his ass kicked by her, that sounds about right.

'And Sachi is different, huh?'

'Correct. Guild leader Sachi might be the leader of the [Black Cats of the Full Moon] but we do not have any clear picture of what her intentions are in killing the other players. For all we know, she is the one that started this attempt in the first place. It's a blatant attempt to usurp power from the [Knights of the Blood] by trying to attack our guild leaders.'

Kuradeel finished while looking a little smug and determined at the same time. It would be one thing to declare this amongst the midst of their own guild mates, but with a member of said guild? Really?

'Argo-san, if you are being compelled to assist her in her attempt, please do not fear. I would vouch for you, that is a promise from a knight.'

And there Argo actually found him quite likeable at the start, no wonder Asuna dismissed him so easily. Was he the kind that tried to impress the ladies with the 'hero saving the damsel in distress' gig? She admits that it'll really take quite a bit of courage, gall and lack of shame to do the same thing to woman who obviously had seen his antics before.

Or perhaps Argo should be flattered that he was taking an interest in her? He was decent looking enough and was smart, wait, was he implying that she was being threatened by Sachi and she couldn't get out of this situation?! Why that little-

'Nope she didn't. Why would she, she's a friend. And besides, if that's really the case right now and I knew about it. Sachi'll be the leader of the Knights of the Blood, or at least Asuna would be... for a while at least. I can think of several ways I could do that, seeing how the two guilds are very much allies. It's much easier to hide a knife when you know the other party trust you.'

Kuradeel's face paled as a wicked grin appeared on Argo's face and she even drew a few throwing knives and twirled them in her hands.

'But honestly, all that cloak and dagger stuff is so not me. Now listen here, Kuradeel-san.'

Argo's eyes narrowed even more as she pulled her cloak back, standing ominously with her knives drawn as she faced Kuradeel on the top of roof. If she needed the scene to be be a little more dramatic, she'll definitely go with a dash and sprinkle of cherry blossoms and stronger wind to blow her hair back a little more.

..

'I'll let this drop, again, because obviously you didn't get the message the first time. If anything, you guys should thank Sachi for holding the fort as long as she did. Even if she did kill a player, I support her decision to do so.'

Argo suddenly threw a dagger at him, it landing between his legs to interrupt his attempt to speak again. She snarled, causing him to look at her warily as she raised two fingers at him.

'One, she guarded our backs. There were more of them than there were us. As good as Kii-bou, Heathcliff and Asuna were, the few of them who had attacked Sachi and the rest that we captured would have killed us. Well, I could have gotten away but the other three would have died. These guys were no joke... if Sachi was part of the plan, we'll all be dead. Me included and no one will ever know what happened.'

It was the truth. If Arinori had been able to spring his trap like he did with Sachi on them, together with their 'prisoners' they would be more than capable of cutting down her and Asuna first, and then Kirito before ganging up and finishing off Heathcliff.

It was one thing to be good, but since they were good players, and with many of them, even the Paladin would be wiped out if enough of them attacked him.

Sachi had saved them as due to her struggles, and her stubbornness to not stay down, she had allowed the rest of them to be aware that something was wrong.

Sure it would be best if she could give a warning or two, but from what Argo remembered of her status screen, Sachi was in a bad, bad way. She almost died if not for the backup provided by Heathcliff.

'Two, she's my guild leader and I know Sachi more than you do. You know nothing about her, and will never do. Sachi has seen players been killed before and her biggest regret was not being able to save them. You saw what she did in the Field Boss raid against the Behemoth. She's the same person who took so many hits for you guys and you're saying she's dangerous?'

Argo sighed before relaxing, scratching her head and subsequently shrugging in disbelief.

'Ah, what the heck... if you'll believe me, you'll believe me. If not, then it's your business. I thought that you'll be a pretty swell guy to see in the KoB, guess I was wrong. I guess I'll stick with the girls, guys are always a handful.'

Argo mumbled the last bit even as she dismissed Kuradeel, the member of the Knights of the Blood looking first outraged at the dismissal before scratching his head awkwardly.

'A-Argo-san.'

He called out hesitantly while the Rat paused in her preparations to leave, she turning to look back at him with a disinterested expression on her face. Remembering that she had to pull her cloak down as well, the Rat did so while Kuradeel spoke awkwardly.

'Could I still accompany you to fulfil the quest? Our orders are to assist you after all... I'm grateful to you in dropping my last outburst but...'

'Awkward, isn't it?'

Argo cut him off while giving a lazy grin back, the Rat had a point to prove and an axe to grind on this stuck-up, probably self-centred individual in trying to curry favors.

'A-Awkward? I-I mean, yes... very.'

At least he had the grace to admit it and Argo found herself smirking a little mischievously as her mind whirled, finding a way to milk this as much as she could.

'Tough luck, you've got your shot and you've ruined it. I think that the Commander would be very interested in knowing about this. It's akin to treason I think, I mean, you are accusing one of the guild's trusted allies right?'

The [Black Cats of the Full Moon] had an official alliance with the [Knights of the Blood] and even if that wasn't so, it was heavily implied when Heathcliff himself had stated that Sachi, the leader, would be working together with him while his lieutenant would doing the same with Kirito.

Kuradeel would have known all that, perhaps that was his ploy to get Sachi uncredited so he could try to fill in the void? Whatever his ambitions here, Argo was here to nip it at the bud, and to ensure it doesn't affect her friends and allies.

'A-Argo-san?'

Kuradeel was no fool, he could pick up on what Argo meant as the Rat smiled serenely at him.

'Well, what about it?'

'I-I'll... be in your care...'

Kuradeel grimaced as he lowered his head in defeat and Argo called that message received. She had worked with many informants before, but one that was being blackmailed had never came under her purview at all. She'll have to take note of this one, and sadly, one that she'll still have to report it to Heathcliff privately. It just wouldn't be fair to him if she didn't do so, and besides being honest with the commander, which was a good thing, it would help earn his trust as well.

'Aha~ oh you will be... you will be. Anyway, get the guys to actually start looking for those NPCs of theirs. I hope to get back before dinner at least.'

Argo grinned before making the leap to the next building, and the next, one hand fiddling on her display while keeping a careful look out for Kuradeel behind her. Such a pity too, she was looking forward to actually giving a few pointers to some of the more capable and aspiring leaders in KoB. It'll help lessen the load on her shoulders, that much she was sure about.


'This is the last of them... Good job Kuradeel! That was a nice move there at the end.'

Argo commented happily even as she rubbed the sweat of her forehead. It had been a wild goose chase, running around the entire city looking for five wanted NPCs that were armed and willing to attack the players back. Thankfully due to the activation of the quest, the other members of KoB was able to actually strike back and defend themselves as they captured the NPCs, or at least detained them for Argo and Kuradeel to deliver to the head guard.

It was a terribly boring job, seeing Argo had to relay information that might be outdated the moment they received it to another party.

In particular, one of the NPCs, a pickpocket, had them chase him around half the city before Kuradeel had tackled him from the building, almost killing himself in the process. Argo wasn't sure if he did that out of desperation, a means to impress her or to try to make amends for what he had accused her guild leader of. Either way, she was at least happy to see him not sulking and doing his best to help out. At least, she optimistically hoped that was the case. One could never really tell what a blackmailed individual was thinking anyway. Even for her, someone who had to master how to have intricate dealings with others, was unable to truly map the behaviours of every person.

Which was understandable really, seeing how everyone reacts differently to every thing. Argo was hoping that she hadn't misread Kuradeel and the member of KoB would not build up a grudge against her or Sachi.

'T-Thank you, Argo-san. We've got all of them now.'

The characters that they had to arrest were quite exotic themselves, the one that they had currently in custody and was being escorted to the head guard was a vandal who had vandalized several monuments in the town.

The others included the pickpocket that they had mentioned earlier, a stalker that was apparently stalking one of the female NPCs of the town. A rouge guard that was trying to extort money from the villagers and finally a kidnapper to round out the list of criminals.

'Yep, let's go get our reward... and it beats hunting real players, right? It was hard enough getting those few guys to surrender...'

Argo shook her head and sighed, causing Kuradeel to frown and comment that it didn't seem so hard to him, especially seeing how most of the NPCs when they were cornered just surrendered.

'Aww you're such an innocent young man. I'll give you a hug, but no.'

Argo chirped happily back before acknowledging his point as it was easy for them to take in the NPCs even if they struggled a little.

'It's easy if they know that they can't escape, it's another thing when they know they could possibly run away from their crime and get away with it. I'm willing to bet that even if the 'orange player' status could only be removed if they spent their mandatory prison time, players still wouldn't surrender themselves and would stay out of towns forever.'

'Isn't it easier to face a short punishment than to spend time on the run forever?'

Argo chuckled while the two of them made their way back to the prison, Kuradeel keeping a firm hand on the NPC while Argo elaborated.

'Despite everything, you're an honest guy, Kuradeel-kun. And you're quite honorable too, you're a knight after all. That's dandy, and that's really cool since we know some of the guys in the Army whose words aren't worth any time at all. But even for the honest people, who didn't do anything wrong, there's still a stigma of admitting one's mistakes.'

Argo paused as she pointed a finger to him.

'What if I told you to that you need to tell Heathcliff that you suspected Sachi was the one behind the PK-Players getting close to all of us?'

'I... I wouldn't... want to do so.'

'Well that's understandable, I mean, I've more or less proven that you're wrong, right? But let's change the scenario okay? You told me what you suspected just now right? What if you wished to tell me that you're sorry for even coming up with that theory in the first place? Assuming I don't even know about it.'

'I... I don't follow.'

'Geez.. I thought that I made it quite clear already... guess not. Anyway, the main thing is that it's much harder to admit that one is wrong. Since you didn't know whether your theory was right, or wrong, you were brave enough to confront me about that. You're stupid doing so, but I like your guts.'

Argo winked while Kuradeel sighed, rubbing a hand through his hair and looking generally down at his foolishness. At least Argo hoped it was that way, it'll be bad if he was feeling resentful. Argo tried, she tried, but if the olive leaf wasn't accepted by him, there was nothing much that Argo could do for him in the end.

'Guts notwithstanding, but you wouldn't tell just outright apologize to me for suspecting Sachi, would you? I mean, I know that we've spoken before... heck, I thought you were a pretty swell guy with potential. I don't see anything wrong with praising people with talent, okay?'

Argo pouted and subsequently grinned when Kuradeel smiled sheepishly and maybe a little proudly at her praise.

'But I'm still a stranger to you, Kuradeel-kun. We've not really friends... I guess we can be called friends now... but that's beside the point. Would you really have the courage to apologize to me about that? Saying that you're wrong and you're sorry for suspecting Sachi?'

Argo pressed as Kuradeel considered, the young knight in KoB considering his own emotions before finally shaking his head.

'I... I wouldn't have... it's difficult to say that to a stranger. Especially if it's to apologize for something. I get your point, Argo-san.'

Argo gave a non-committed sound with her nose before grinning and reaching out to slap his back.

'As long as you understand, alright? You've made a mistake... but learning from it is the most, yes the most, important part. I... forgive you, kay? We'll keep it a secret... between us.'

Even if Argo had felt that it was best to tell Heathcliff about the traitorous thought of one of his lieutenants, perhaps it wasn't the right move to make after all. He was loyal to a fault and there was nothing wrong with him, he was just acting genuinely on a threat that he felt was worth commenting on.

Yes, his methods needed work, but at least he was brave enough to try and make up for it.

Earning some points with this man would also help bolster his trust in the Black Cats as well.

'Shake on it?'

Argo spoke absent-mindedly, making it seem not like a big deal when it actually was quite a big one. So she was relieved when Kuradeel reached out to grasp her hand and shook it firmly.

'Thank you, Argo-san. For the second chance... as well as an opportunity to know you more.'

Ohh, smooth, she did like this boy a little more than usual as Argo couldn't help but blush just a little before she chuckled and shook her head.

'Well, it's better for business anyway.'

Argo managed to comment even as Kuradeel gave his own lop-sided grin before he frowned at Argo, wondering why she could discuss such sensitive topics in front of a prisoner.

'Well, besides the fact that he's an NPC... this guy is going to prison for a long, long time. He tried to vandalize the teleport crystal, I mean that's serious business there. And NPCs can't offer information that they don't really know about.'

Argo dismissed his worry before leaping onto the rooftop, causing Kuradeel to call out at her to ask what she was doing.

'I'm heading there first to finalize the deal! I'll see you there!'

The Rat took off, leaving the KoB Knight to shake his head while pushing the NPC forward, his own thoughts a whirl as he got a first hand taste of how complex the politics that was dealt by Argo on a very frequent basis.


'Great, so you got all the stuff ready? We're almost done on our end... the guards are willing to help us hold the prisoners for awhile. mm.. yep, I've found out how to do that... and it's extended to other floors as well. Yeah, yeah, I'll tell you more about it when I get back.'

Argo hung up the conversation she had with Heathcliff, looking a little impatient before turning to look at her fellow KoB members and members of the Intelligence Division.

'Good job guys, we're done for today! The guards will take charge of our prisoners and won't let them escape till we know what to deal with these guys. Now remember that we still need you guys to help with the shift system, but I think we're good with just one person keeping guard. I've also explained to the head guard that you would need to check with him, and verify with me that you are the person for the shift.'

Argo looked around for any questions before continuing.

'As part of the detail, you'll be allowed to attack them with your sword skills. It's a privilege that's given to us by the guards and a huge concession on our part. However, if you leave the prison premises, that right won't work. Only in the prison, kay? So no matter what, you have to keep these guys in the prison compound. If you kill them, you kill them so don't go overboard.'

Argo finally sighed as she got to the part that she dread the most.

'Naturally you guys will be compensated accordingly. I've worked out a reasonable sum for your services and would transfer the funds to you after each shift. Any questions?'

Seeing that there were none, Argo nodded before dismissing them.

'Thanks for the hard work guys! You'll be famous in the Aincrad Times tomorrow!'

Argo couldn't help adding and she giggled seeing some of the guys wince and shook their head at the news.

'Well, not everyone's for fame... and what's wrong, don't you have a date tonight?'

Argo teased Kuradeel as he looked awkwardly at her, being the only member of KoB still remaining, or any player really.

'I have to say first, I'm in love with Kii-bou and you can't change that.'

Argo teased with a faint shade of pink on her face as she thought about the Black Swordsman. He was cute, deadly cute but trying to get him was very very dangerous. She wouldn't want to be in the crosshairs of the two strongest female players in the game.

Amusingly though Argo was the most influential female player in the game after Ashley, who affects the social life and fashion scene of Aincrad and the two above mentioned players due to their strength and influence.

'N-No.. it's not... well, maybe it is.. I was thinking if I could, ask you out for dinner today.'

Argo froze for a second before she giggled, batting her eyelids at him as she replied.

'Oohhh, what's the matter Kuradeel-kun? Were you mesmerized by my charms and intellect? Or maybe by my sense of humor? Or my money? Or... maybe you tried switching targets after getting shot down by Asuna? Asuna shoots down everyone, so you shouldn't feel bad about that!'

Argo giggled while probably dealing debilitating damage to Kuradeel at what she had said. Argo was pretty sure that one of those theories that she had said was the truth and that would probably discourage him to try anything more on her.

Sadly, that wasn't the case as the KoB member nodded his head and shrugged off the damage.

'So you noticed... but I really appreciate the chances that you gave me, Argo-san. And... besides that, I find that speaking to you helps me understand the complexity of SAO even more. I would... if you'll allow me, like to know you a little bit more. Perhaps... over dinner like I said?'

He was being very polite, and Argo found herself a little caught off guard before crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow at him.

'Well... I guess... Oh who am I kidding. We have a big party today... but I suppose, it wouldn't hurt if I invite you there too...'

Argo shrugged while Kuradeel beamed at her, happy for the opportunity. Argo on the other hand tried to downplay the implications in her own mind as she muttered to herself.

'It's nothing, just a chance to make sure that he's on the right track, that's all! Nothing special about it!'


Author's Notes: No, I'm not accepting OCs for this, so sorry!