A/N: Good evening/morning/day everyone! Unfortunately, the last chapter resulted in an unusually high shipment of pitchforks, resulting in me feeling 'pinned'. All that with no bacon or pastries...cheers!

Thanks again to my reviewers: Thunderwolf,theawesomess1,RiptideZ, and of course Azure

To Azure: Oh definitely...I almost mourn for what happened to Asuna. She had that whole badass female thing going, then ripped from her. Hopefully, I can give her back her pride.

We have a special guest today! :D Leopon is not of my own creation. Leopon belongs to blazepanzer24, starring in her own series 'Leopon Rising'. I recommend it, fun read!

Enjoy!

The axe flew out of my hands, missing the tree for the fifth time. I cursed, watching the hatchet tumble into the weeds. My aim...was clearly the best in the land, I mean the tree's just too damn fast. Friggin standing there, mocking me.

With the flick of her arm, Renee recalled the weapon, passing it back to me. Gripping the hatchet again, I squeezed the handle out of frustration.

"Remind me how to throw this again?" I asked, "can't seem to hit the broad side of a barn."

Renee nodded, stepping beside me to demonstrate. I felt bad for her, this had to be the third or fourth time she had to show this. I just kept thinking about the mistake I made today.

"Remember," she motioned the axe, "when throwing a tomahawk, you have to throw your arm slightly high."

She lifted her arm, readying a precise throw.

"And always aim higher than where your target rests."

Her right arm curled one of her axes overhead, the weapon glowing orange. I watched attentively, trying to get Lisbeth out of my head. Did I ruin things between us? All I wanted was for her to believe in me. Her to know I could protect her no matter what.

"Be mindful though," Renee warned, "don't throw the axe at a downward angle, or otherwise."

She lobbed the hatchet downward. The axe plowed into the soil, mimicking the results I've made. A small crater in the dirt was made, the weapon rolling onto its side.

"See? Just a matter of practice, but once you got it down? It really comes in handy."

I nodded, picking up the finicky projectile. The smooth wooden handle felt solid in my hand, I just needed to learn its nature. If I could get good with something like this, then I'd have a decent range tactic.

"Practice," I smiled slightly, "there's something I'll definitely need. Though that begs the question."

"What?" Renee leaned.

"Why not use throwing knives," I glanced, "Javelins? Bows? These are all nice options too."

"Knives feel a bit weak for me," she shrugged, "Javelins are a bit big. Tried bows, didn't like it much. I use tomahawks out of personal taste."

She nodded to the tree, coaxing me to try again. I sighed, struggling with the heavy feeling of guilt. I should ask Renee for advice, things like this were beyond me. Where's Dr. Phil when I needed him and his gimmicks?

An hour passed, jumping between retrieving dirt plowed axes and watching Renee demonstrate. It was unbelievable, I kept failing to hit the stupid tree...missing over and over. If that overgrown stick had any sentience, it'd be laughing its ass off wouldn't it?!

"You'll hit that tree someday," Renee assured as she passed another, "just keep trying, it's all a matter of time."

Feeling the weight of the hatchet, I angled my stance to better my throw. I whipped my arm back, lurching forward into the toss! The axe flew high, too high. Moments after it launched, it dunked head first in the dirt.

"Nice one, Robin Hood" Renee responded sarcastically, "Nearly hit the moon that time."

Recalling the hatchet back to her hand, she passed it on to me.

"Now this time, aim for the tree. Angle the shot lower this time."

I tried for what must've been my thirtieth toss! The hot midday sun, combined with the strain of a steadily sore shoulder, wore me down. I moved the same as last time, only releasing it early.

As the axe flew, it twirled to the target! I grinned, watching the spinning projectile fly. Come onnnn, hit it!

The hatchet hit its mark, digging itself straight in the leaves of the tree. Of friggin course.

Renee laughed, the axe plopping right back into the dirt. The handle stuck out like a flagpole, planted.

"Almost," Renee celebrated, retrieving the axe, "just a little lower, don't put too much strength into it. You've got this."

More hours passed, the sun resting as noon arrived. Picking up the axe for what felt like my thousandth toss, I focused on the the tree, recalling every mistake. Standing at a width of four feet across, the target's size insulted me. As large as the target was, I somehow couldn't hit it.

Throwing again, I watched with anticipation. The hatchet flew, I heard a soft crack as it dug straight into wood! About time! If I took any longer with aiming, the tree might've gotten bored and left! Smiling, I threw a fist in the air, waving my hands around gleefully. Finally, I could hit a tree.

"Good shot!" Renee exclaimed, laughing at my wild gestures.

"All thanks to your training," I commended, "honestly, back when Lis and I first met? I couldn't..." I sighed, "I could barely aim a snowball."

"Awww," Renee smiled, "you two had a snowball fight?"

"Yea," I answered, glancing back at town.

"That's just adorable," Renee leaned back, "wait...where'd you find snow?"

"Floor One's mountain range," I looked back to her, "in fact, it'll probably be snowing right now since we're in the middle of winter."

Thinking about our recent fight, my smile vanished.

"Come," Renee waved me towards the tree, "no need to have you roast."

The shade of the acacia cooled me, feeling utterly exquisite from the hot sunrays. Wait, I said it was winter, why was it still hot? Oh ya, savannah. I sighed with some relief, sitting with my back against the old wood.

"So what happened?" Renee stood beside me, looking out to the grassland.

I hesitated. What the hell was I supposed to say? I didn't wanna throw Lis under a bus, not ever.

"It was my fault," I explained, discussing to Renee as much as I could.

"I just wish she'd trust me," I confided, "I want to be that knight in shining armor. It bothers me that I lost that fight, because it shows me as weak."

"Dude," Renee remarked, "first off, calm down. Second of all, it sounds to me like you've missed the point."

I looked back at her, Renee's expression serious.

"Father would kill me for this. He always told me that having evidence's critical...but here goes. Garr? Lis doesn't think you're weak."

"Then why wouldn't she say that?" I argued, resting my head against the crusty bark.

"...because she doesn't want you to get hurt again," Renee vouched, "besides, I think I know where the armor came from."

Looking back down to my iron thigh guards, I grimaced. She made these for me this morning...no charge, not a penny.

"So how old is she?" Renee crossed her arms.

"16," I answered.

"And you?"

"21."

"Bit odd," Renee shrugged, "but I'll be honest with you. I think you two look adorable together. When we had to drag you in? Yea, that girl dropped everything, following us all the way up."

I remained silent, absorbing every word like good armor with blows.

"She sat there with you for hours," Renee continued, "Wouldn't move from that chair. All that AFTER getting your sword back. I know, because I had to help lead her to where we last hung out."

The most embarrassing part of this lecture, was the fact I didn't consider this. Seriously, how could I be so rude?

"We started our little mission this morning...you lost consciousness around...two? Three? Was with Korrin nearby when we spotted you, crawling around."

"So that means," I concluded, "that she sat there for...four hours. Hours that she could've used at her business."

"Exactly," Renee pointed out, "so I'm gonna make this clear for you, mister. You're going to-"

"Apologize?" I interrupted, "not without a gift. I must find something worthy of her attention."

"No you don't," Renee scolded, "what she needs is to hear you say you're sorry. Why, because right now she's probably feeling just as bad as you are."

"I'll be sure to find her when we head back," I affirmed, "I just hope she isn't too upset."

"What got you two so close anyway," Renee yawned, resting against the tree beside me,

"That spirit of hers," I wiped my brow, "always smiling, always playful. We fought together for a while. Really smart too, got a thing for robotics. She's literally got all the brains...it just makes me think."

"Of?" Renee tilted her head.

"How lucky I am," I smiled softly, "she's a beautiful, smart, and exciting woman. She walked away from me once...was about a month ago...said she had a dream. Told her I was happy, knowing she's pursuing what she wants in life."

"Anyway," I rose from my spot, "I admit, I'm nervous. I don't see why she'd want anything to do with me. I'm not a brilliant scientist, wouldn't even qualify as an intern...for an electronics store.

"At most? I'm a meathead...one with a liking for simple things. Fighting, winning, enjoying life."

"And knowing she's that smart," Renee pointed, "you think she's unaware of that?"

I stopped, reminded of this fact. It didn't take a rocket scientist to know I was the least subtle thing in Aincrad. I had absolutely no mystery to myself, regrettably. Just figured everyone likes the whole secretive 'Bond' kind of guy.

"You think she doesn't want that?"

For me to claim knowledge, would've been foolish. I could barely wrap my head around the equations Lis probably performed routinely in her field. Understanding another's motives? Pft, good luck!

"I don't know," I sighed.

"In the end, I want her to be happy. I feel we would work wonderfully together. Her a blacksmith, me a warrior? We'd be unstoppable."

"Then do what you must," rebutted Renee, " think you're just being too hard on yourself. Let's change topics."

I needed to get Lis a gift, something to make it up to her. I smiled, if anything...raw ore was the obvious answer. Wonder where I could find that...

Renee dropped one of her hatchets in my hand.

"Here, keep this."

I gazed at the shining steel tomahawk in my hand. I beamed, gripping the wooden handle tightly. I stopped, glancing back to the huntress.

"Why?"

"Why not? Can always get another one. They're not that expensive."

"This is a pretty serious thing," I stated loudly, "for a warrior, giving one's weapon to another's a serious matter of trust."

"Well," she giggled, "I guess you're right, guess I'll just take that back then."

She reached out for the axe.

I pulled the weapon behind my back, keeping it free of her reach!

"Not a chance!" I shouted playfully, "I intend to care for it!"

"Darn," she said sarcastically, "What ever shall I do?"

I turned away, laughing as I held my new weapon. The handle was made of a dark wood, its blade curved like a crescent moon.

Before I could step too far, a duel request appeared. I stopped, seeing the notification laid out before me. Turning back, Renee's aura glowed, indicating her as the challenger. Ha, now that's the spirit!

"You didn't think I was gonna let you walk off with my axe, did you?"

"What do you mean your axe," I smirked, "It's mine now!"

Renee laughed, pointing another at me.

"Prove it! No holding back!" she cheered, raising her axe in a ready position.

Accepting her challenge, I guided my finger to the [First Strike] option. When she saw my selection she laughed. Her eyebrows furrowed, her smiled wicked.

"What?" Renee asked, "afraid of me hurting you that bad?"

"Maybe," I teased, summoning my Zweihander, "I mean, one of us can aim after all!"

"Just a little," Renee reminded, "I promise to not lob too many...you klutz."

Okay, it's on! Shoving the hatchet to my belt, I readied the greatsword over my shoulder. The timer counted down, my heart racing. She grinned, fixated on me, eyeing me like prey.

We stared, waiting as the timer ticked closer to zero. I tightened my grip on the leather hilt. I knew I couldn't keep her distant, or she'll pelt me to death, like a pincushion. I had to swing wide, it was my best chance of catching her.

The gong rung, I sprinted to her, dashing across the grass! Lowering my body, I minimized my chance of being struck. Renee ran to the side, slipping past me as I made my first swing!

The very wind pitched, the swing shifting my very body! Remaining evasive to my aggressive moves, Renee watched me go. I skidded on the dirt, slamming my boots on the grass to slow down. She dashed in, flanking me from the left!

I pivoted with my sword, aiming for her legs! Gritting my teeth, I tugged, yanking the blade to bear. Just as I readied the swing, something slammed me in the face!

Vision blurring, I stumbled, my vision doubling. My footing slipped, falling. Landing bum first in the grass, I groaned, clueless to the cause. Steadily my sight returned, eyes refocusing. Looking down, I received the notice, Renee won the duel.

I looked around, the freak happened? I had it under control. My eyes grew large, seeing the lone piece of evidence. Renee started laughing, doubling back as she clutched her stomach. Looking at the ground beside me, the only that stood between me and victory, was a pebble.

My face burned with embarrassment. Did I just lose to a rock!? I squinted feeling the throbbing bump on my head. I did, are you friggin serious!?

"Yea!" Renee taunted, "whatcha gonna say about that, tough guy?! Woot!" Renee cheered, enjoying her victory. I smirked, lifting back to my feet. While she's laughing, I sent her a new duel request.

"Not quitting?" Renee smiled, whipping her ginger hair back, "good! Got more where that came from!"

Seeing her confidence, I noted the hatchet she gave me. Looking down at my belt, I schemed. My aim might suck where I'm standing…but who says I can't change the distance? All I had to do was get close enough, then bam!

Renee selected [First Strike], the timer starting at sixty. Smiling, I crouched over, ready to charge. The wind stroked my face, cooling my sweaty brow. I shook, excited to win.

After a minute of waiting, the gong rang! I grinned, charging the proud huntress. I closed the distance, faking a sword swing. Renee lowered her knees, ready to dodge. I was within arm's reach in seconds.

Grabbing the hatchet, I yanked it out from my belt. Throwing the axe up, I gripped the bottom handle. I passed her, turning as I hurled! I felt the wooden handle slip from my grasp, fumbling slightly as I let fly. Dashing by, I scraped my boots in the grass, turning to watch.

I smiled wide, hoping to hit! Renee proved quite agile, she jumped just before it struck! Stepping aside, the hatchet flew past her shoulder. She landed, turning to face me again. Slamming my feet down, I leaped to her! Careless to my own balance, I threw myself towards her with reckless abandon.

This, Renee was not expecting, her eyes widened as I tackled. Driving her straight to the ground, I slipped. Gripping the grass with my boots, I launched myself forward, landing right on top of her. With her back to the grass, I lurched over her.

"Sorry I missed," I growled teasingly.

"You kidding?" Renee smirked, "You missed me by at least a floor. Oh, and before you forget."

I felt a sudden jab! My eyes bulged, feeling Renee's shin strike a fairly sensitive region. Nerves fired off like a jolt of electricity, sending me into a shock of grief. Rolling off, the only thing to greet me was another duel notice, my defeat.

"That was dirty," I groaned. Gritting my teeth, I closed my legs from the sensitivity.

"Since when is a fight ever clean," Renee asked. "Dad taught me long ago that what matters is winning. Restricting yourself gives others all the advantage they need."

"Ah," I looked away. I didn't think of it that way, but it made sense. For me to hold back, that gave my opponent the advantage.

Renee yawned, resting her hands behind her head as she laid in the grass. Her gaze was to the sky, daydreaming. Sitting next to her, I gasped from the lurking grief below the belt. Waving my hand, I recalled the hatchet. Using the same motion she used, I watched the weapon materialize before my very eyes.

"So did you have fun," Renee inquired.

"Definitely," I moaned, "getting kicked in the balls is always a nice way to end the day."

"Tell me," she inquired, looking over to me. "How come you seem to suffer real pain? No one else seems to deal with that."

"I may have disrespected our overlord," I smiled, "but trust me. I don't regret it. Dickhead deserved it, putting us all in this."

Her expression remained neutral, but her eyes flickered.

"So you're that guy. Huh, gotta say, I respect that. Which begs the question, what's your take on all this? Being trapped, living out here?

I wheezed, trying to contain my laughter.

"It's...it's actually been pretty good."

"Seriously?" Renee sighed, "You feel real pain! How could you be so optimistic?"

"Because," I smiled, "after all that's happened, I've realized how good I have it. Today? I'm not taking a sword to the face, nor having my bones broken. Therefore, it's already a great day."

"I like that," Renee admitted, "keeps things hopeful."

To the distance, great horse headed beasts roamed the land. "Renee," I questioned, "any chance those beasts over there drop ore?"

"Iron," Renee answered, "why?"

"I'm gonna be collecting for an apology gift. Wanna help?"

"Sure thing, Romeo" Renee joked, "long as it's you carrying it."

The Taurans proved easier than they looked. While the hammers they wielded were the size of my body, their movements were telegraphed. With each downward slam, I felt the very Earth quake beneath my feet. Thankfully, this left them open for attack, an opening that costed dearly.

Renee and I roamed through the golden pastures, already having slain at least twenty of the loin clothed freaks. Seriously, the fact these minotaur wannabes had pecs larger than mine was unacceptable! It was half way through our day when we came across another player.

Surrounded on all sides, the lithe blonde seemed perfectly calm. Knees bent, a rather thick looking rapier was held in her right and a cross shaped shield in her left. The horse headed brutes charged, gnashing teeth as they raised hammers!

The left slammed, the player rolling forward! The [Lesser Tauran Striker] facing her missed, the handle falling just over her head. The second she hit her feet, the player leaped back, landing on the head of the hammer!

The beast snarled, only for her to pounce, slashing the throat with a single swipe! The rapier cut like a razor, striking a critical as it guided through the meat of its neck. She fell back, stepping back to regain situational awareness.

The struck Tauran clutched its torn throat, the other three charging the insolent swordsman. The first tried a downward slam, grabbing the handle with two massive hands.

The woman rolled to the side, slashing the beast between the shin and foot! The biped bent over, yowling as its limb weakened. Just as it lurched, she stabbed it in the back! The rapier punched through, sticking out the front, scoring a [Sneak Attack Bonus].

The Tauran suffered a fatal wound, exploding to blue seconds after. Another Tauran lunged, coming in with a wide sweep! Seeing the inbound strike, she stepped back, waiting for the warhammer to pass.

The second it flew by, the shield came to bear. The warrior swung, slamming the edge of the shield straight across its knee! Knocked to one leg, the monster lost balance. Just as it sank, she drove the red rapier through its chest, twisting it as it punched through!

She jammed the sword out of its chest, kicking the eight foot tall beast to Earth. The steel of the rapier made a loud swish as it tore out, replaced swiftly with the sound of shattered glass. The others converged, angered by the loss of their pre-generated comrade.

The warrior swept through their ranks, finishing them off one by one. Weaving between targets, her rapier and shield met flesh and bone, crushing and severing. As the last fell to her, she stopped, standing firm as she sheathed her blade. Her figure was slim, her bust small, like her waist.

"Damn," I applauded, "all four on her own, with style."

"Yep," Renee shrugged.

Wondering if she had any iron ore, I approached. Shouldering the Zweihander, she saw me coming a mile away. Light blonde hair ran down, reaching down to her back. I waved, hoping to ease the tension. Her orange clothing almost glowed with warning, her blue-grey eyes locked on me.

"Evening," I greeted, bowing my head lightly.

"Hey," she mumbled, sounding a bit depressed.

"Impressive fight back there," I continued, "who are you?"

"Not a victim," she answered strongly, "that's for sure."

"Ha," I nodded, "now that, is a winning attitude. Hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"No," she shrugged, "I'm Leopon by the way. Wait. You..."

Oh boy here we go, please tell me this isn't another relative of Rus.

"...You're the 'Cursed Man', aren't you?"

I stopped, surprised by the spot on accuracy. "I thought I told someone to call me the Muffin Man...how'd you know?"

"Saw you back in the plaza at the start of all this...I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what?" I opened a hand, confused by her call.

"The curse," Leopon explained, "feeling all the pain that comes with real wounds? Can't imagine how that must feel."

"Eh," I shrugged, "I'm no victim either. I chose this path, I would do so again."

Leopon smiled softly. "Ha, I like that." Glancing around before setting her gaze back, "so what's up, Muffin Man?"

"It's Garr," I corrected, waving it off. "Anyway, was wondering if you had any iron ore on you? Well, any you're willing to spare."

"You're not trying to rob me, are you?" Leopon reached for her rapier, a sight I wasn't ready to deal with.

"That'd be against my code," I argued, "as a warrior."

The ferocity of her eyes could've probably killed me anyway. She lowered her hand, watching me carefully.

"It's important," I explained, "trying to assemble an apology gift for someone. Got any?"

"Well," she opened her menu, "I've got a few. What's it worth to you?"

"A duel if needed," I responded, raising my chin.

"Was going to ask if you wanna team up," Leopon smirked, "would rather get tired doing something productive."

"Sounds good," Renee interjected, rushing up beside me. "Renee by the way, I'll be ranged support!"

The warrior nodded, pointing out another band of hammer-wielding Taurans. While she said no to a duel moments ago, I felt determined. To see such a worthy fighter, I had to test myself. Not to mention, she uses a shield. If I wanna beat the guy from yesterday, I needed experience against shield users.

Leopon took the lead, latching on to the strongest opponent in sight. Renee stepped back, lobbing hatchets as the [Lesser Tauran Strikers] focused on us. The air filled with the sound of dying beast, the slice of sword and the beating of shields creating a symphony of steel!

Sun Dancer

The sun passed into its evening roost. The sky turning a vivid yellow and orange as we fought. The grass around us turned a dull gold, fluttering in the breeze like strands of blonde hair. After hours of killing hapless, semi-naked brutes, we gathered a healthy sum of twenty iron ore chunks.

Looking back at our newfound ally, I gave an approving nod. Leopon looked tired, understandably. Considering her attitude, however, I couldn't disrespect her, I had to ask.

"So Leopon," I smiled, "still up for that duel?"

"Garr," Renee tapped, "how can you be so eager to fight again? You were bed ridden for a day!"

"It's a matter of respect," I glanced, "I want to respect our friend here."

"What're we going for," Leopon inquired eagerly, "anything except Full Loss of course."

"Please," I chuckled, "would rather break a stained glass window than kill you. World needs more warriors...especially now. We'll go half."

"You sure?" she rolled her shoulders, "sounds like you've had a rough day."

"Mistakes were made," I grinned, "consider it a gift. I respect you enough to fight. May the best fighter win!"

With that, I sent a request. Shouldering the Zweihander, I paced back and forth, eyes locked on her shield. That tool would almost certainly block my attacks...unless I could overwhelm her with brute force. The duel was accepted, [Half Loss] activated.

Sixty seconds, sixty long seconds. I stepped back, my heart pounding with excitement. Leopon lowered her stance, raising her shield. The cross pattern went around her light form, the curved frame shielding her flanks lightly. The red rapier rested on an arm of this steel wall, a spear in the fort.

Thirty. I tightened my grip, stepping side to side. Leopon was very responsive, pitching and tilting to face me at every step. If I could feign a step, I'd get past that shield too. My mind filled with possible approaches, losing track of time. The lioness showed great aggression, pacing towards me slowly.

The pace caused a flashback. Kirito...he approached at a similar pace! The gong rang, snapping me back. Just as I returned, Leopon had charged!

I leaped back, watching her rapier punch through the air like a spear! The sword shined a bright green as it passed, missing me. She gave no respite, lunging with her shield up the second the strike failed.

Seeing her charge, I dove for a stab! Thrusting the greatsword, I forced Leopon back, the edge almost clipping her shoulder. I pulled back, raising the blade high, readying a [Cleave]!

My sword met shield, bang! The attack left us reeling, the steel of sword and shield ringing through the air! The force of my strike was stopped, but had knocked Leopon down, rolling her back. I lunged, ready to finish the overpowered warrior!

Leopon heard me, launching herself back to full stature. Just as I readied a [Down Chop], she sent her shield's edge up! The lip caught my elbows, leaving me wide open for a counter.

She readied a slash, going straight for my gut! Desperate, I kicked her square, knocking her back. Dust kicked up, Leopon bracing herself with a soft grunt. Dammit, this one's clever!

I was forced to keep my blade forward, just to maintain distance. Leopon pressed on, slamming the Zweihander aside with a whack of the shield! The blade shrieked, scraping across the hardened wall. She rolled, readying an all too familiar move.

Rolling to the right, I trembled, hearing the sweep of her rapier! Jumping to my feet, I swerved, sending another wide swing. The weight of the Zweihander rocked my balance, forcing me to the side as it flew.

Blades struck with a sharp clang! I flinched, her sword inches from my face. The mere sight of the rapier so close sent chills, setting me back. The metal of our weapons shook in our hands, my arms wobbling from the force.

Of the two, Leopon was suffering the most. Shaking like a leaf, every strike she's blocked forced her to absorb my strength. Despite this, she simply endured, her blonde hair fluttering back, gazing back at me with great focus.

Despite the fire in her eyes, I smelled weakness! I lunged, it was my turn to assault, to finish the job! I sent quick swipes, forcing her back as I tested her defenses. Leopon dodged and weaved, retreating as she slapped aside the wilder swings.

Time wore on, her movements slowing with fatigue. I grinned, breathing haggardly from the fight. I was weary, but ready...victory was mine. I swung from the right weakly, baiting her to slap with her shield.

Leopon saw the blow, and took the bait! She sent her shield, opening her center for the false attack. I swung, yanking the Zweihander back for a spearing! I dove forward, hollering as I drove the weapon like a ram! Time slowed, my smile growing wider.

The warrior froze, watching the blade drive for her. Just as it neared, she slammed the rapier, forcing the weapon's angle away! The weight I had put into the strike, all that force, it had been turned against me.

Leopon twirled, guiding her shield along with a smooth gait. Dancing, she sent the barrier around, straight back to my face. The bridge of my nose met steel, the strike sending me to a near back flip! I landed with a hard thud, my sword rung as it landed nearby, escaping my grasp. My HP dipped, 90%.

My eyes watered, nose flaring with pain. Groaning, I raced back, disarmed, with exception to my hatchet! Leopon lunged for another assault, sending the rapier singing towards me.

I jumped back, forced to play completely passive. The handheld axe remained at my belt, I had to time this right, or be hacked to pieces. Running left, I watched her blade fly!

It missed...missed by mere inches. I felt my body chill, the edge nearing my side. She was too close, way too close. I gave to chance, drawing the axe and throwing for dear life!

By sheer luck, I hit! the axe slammed into her shoulder, weakening her shield arm! With her recoiled back, I made a mad dash, racing for my sword! Heaving the Zweihander, I grinned, swerving back.

Leopon was on me like a tiger, readying a swing as I turned! I lowered my sword, leaning back as metal clashed!

Our blades rang, the ear-piercing sound startling me! My heart jumped at the pitch, my eyes wide with surprise. Her rapier was caught, held by the Zweihander's secondary bevel! I heaved, letting her sword escape her grasp.

It was too slow, I gave too much time. The second I lifted, Leopon yanked back, plunging the rapier! I gasped, time stopping as the sharp, dented steel of her sword punch through my gut.

I froze, moaning as she ripped the blade out of my stomach. My HP plummeted, finalizing the duel. Leopon won...outmaneuvering me at the last minute. I toppled over, my eyes to the cloudless sky. Breathing softly, I felt the hole she tore with every sigh.

"Oh my god!" Leopon panicked, "are you alright?"

"I've...been better," I admitted, "hey, mind if you help me kill a Tauran?"

"But you're wounded," she argued, Renee helping me back on my feet.

"Exactly," I grinned weakly, wincing as I hobbled towards the closest I could find.

The stab wound stung with every step, ripping like a torn fabric with every lurch. Minutes later, I slew another gormless idiot. The hole sealed, bringing relief to my pain. I sighed, smiling at the sense of completion.

"So you heal by wounding," Leopon noted, "interesting."

"Yep," I looked back, "and thank God for that...wouldn't have survived nearly this long without it."

Leopon and I talked for a few minutes, thanking each other for the great fight. The woman yawned, exhausted by the duel. I couldn't help but feel great respect for her, she taught me quite a bit on facing shield users. Was kind and respectful, couldn't ask for more.

"Hey Leopon?" I smiled, "can I add ya to my friends list? You're strong, I respect that." I figured if things get worse, I could call on her for help. Any port in a storm.

"Sure!" she cheered, "oh, speaking of which."

The lioness dropped three pieces of [Iron Ore] beside me.

"Hope this helps with your apology. You seem like a caring guy."

I gleamed, happily taking the offering, shoveling it into my inventory.

"This will," I chimed, "thank you! Lisbeth will appreciate this for sure."

With that, we parted ways. Teleporting away, the lioness left Renee and I to continue. I was done for the day, plopping down to enjoy some of the sunset. Thoughts of Lisbeth returned, but the fires of pride the last fight brought hadn't died.

"Alright Ren," I assured, "that'll do. Think Lis will like these?"

"Ah quit doubting," Renee slapped me on the back, "no blacksmith would say no to that."

Suddenly a message icon flashed. I moved quickly, worried of it being Lis. Opening the message, it was not her, but Nishida!

It read, "first bowl of twelve is filled! Beware of creatures with brightly colored eyes! Hurry up with getting the Malishard Garr, you don't have much time left!"

A cold shiver ran down my spine. I haven't even begun on my mission yet, not even a lead. Yet, the thief could already send demons upon me?! What am I going to do about that? This was a safety concern for everyone, one that rested on my shoulders. I felt my heart sink to the floor, remembering the creature shown to me.

"You alright?" Renee asked. I looked back, her blue eyes filled with worry. "You look pale, is it from Lis?"

I had to come clean, for her to stay clueless would be setting up an ambush. She would be unprepared...and that would be my fault. I looked back at her, taking a deep breath. Her focus on me grew sharper, seeing it coming from a mile away.

I sighed, my heart pounding against my chest. "Renee, remember what I told you? About that thief? About how he took something from someone?"

"Yea?" Renee crossed her arms, "what about that? I'm sure if it's a rare item, we can get it ourselves, right?"

"It's…more than that." I confessed, "you see, the item belonged to an employee of this game. The people who made Sword Art Online? Things just got a bit more...interesting."

"Employee? Interesting?" Renee shook her head, "spill it, Garr. All this vague stuff's not helping."

"Someone stole an artifact," I glanced around, "was from a secret area of the First Floor. It's called the Malishard, gives its owner great power, at the cost of the lives of others. The programmer I found was trapped in the body of a spider. I just received a message from him, saying things are about to get worse! That the thief's power has increased. He's going to..."

"He's going to what?" Renee asked sharply.

"...he's going to summon creatures."

Renee remained silent, her blue eyes locked onto me as I continued. "I have to find and return the Malishard before the man completes the ritual. He must fill twelve bowls with the essence of slain players in order to do so. If I don't, he will gain unbelievable power, beyond anything we could imagine!"

She sighed. "Garr,"

I looked back at her. "Yes?"

"I'm gonna need some time to myself," Renee notified, "something this serious? I can't just make a decision like that. I need time to think this through."

"Actually," I nodded, "that's probably for the best. You'll let me know your decision, right?"

"Course," Renee agreed, "Mind if I add you to my friends list? Would make it easier."

I gave her a thumbs up. Sending her the request, she quickly confirmed. I bowed my head, watching as she returned to town. Renee took it surprisingly well...guess I underestimated her.

It was time to apologize. Drawing my [Teleport Crystal], I went to find Lis.

The mountain walls surrounded me moments later. Their pale grey exteriors cast a plethora of shadows, revealing their many edges and curves. Steadily, the sun dipped, its golden rays leaving the tile covered roads. Walking down the paths, I searched frantically, hoping I'd find her still open.

Minutes later, Lis was spotted. Rolling up her Vendor's Carpet, she didn't seem aware of my presence. I approached, my heart beating harder as I closed in. Just gotta start with an apology, I was the real jerk of this equation.

I made my footsteps loud, ensuring she heard my arrival. Lisbeth stopped, turning to me as I visited. The carpet she used was full of machinery, their function absolutely alien to me.

Lis seemed a bit surprised, looking at the ground for a minute as she tucked her arms back. My hands trembled, worry creeping in. What if she's still mad? Should I come by at a later time?

Our gazes met.

"Hey Lis," I smiled softly.

A/N: See?! I told you, I respond well to the gift of pitchforks! So please be so kind as to stop sending them :D (especially you awesomess...that last one was rusted. Not cool.)

Reviews, follows, favs, and hatchets (not to the face) are considered great gifts! Let me know how ya feel.

Once again, thanks blazepanzer24 for 'Leopon'! A truly enjoyable character to emulate, hope I can keep it up.