A/N I finally did it. I edited Heartshot.

So back when the original heartshot came out, I was a very amature writer. And that shows in the first few chapters. But since I wasnt to write a sequal to it soon, I figure I'd spare new readers the pain of my original writing.

This project took about a week to complete. There were not betas involved this time around, so all mistakes in these edits are my own. I ended up combining most of the chapters together to up the word count as well. So instead of 18 chapters its only 8.

I will say you may not notice many changes in the later chapters. Some of them were already decent. But I did add some new scenes and interactions to this one, as well as cutting out some things I felt were out of place.

All 8 chapters are releasing today so no author note till the final. On that note I hope you enjoy Heartshot (Rewritten).

The obsidian blade cleaved through the monster, splitting it in two. Kirito stepped back with a sigh, watching the dead creature break apart into crystals of light. He was in a small dungeon, one dark and gloomy. To be honest it matched his mood perfectly. Kirito's day had been long and arduous, starting with a long tour of the colleges nearby and ending with a date with Asuna. Normally he would never complain about the latter, However his fiance had been insistent that Kirito meet her mother lately. His reasons for declining had become… strained as of late. In truth Kirito just wasn't ready for it to happen quite yet.

He glanced over to Asuna, as she was fighting two Lizardmen. Her blade moved faster than a lightning bolt, stabbing through both within seconds. It was an impressive feat, as the two beasts could typically trounce parties on their own.

Kirito smiled and glanced over to the rest of their party. Liz was rescuing Silica from a tentacle monster (that wasn't even supposed to spawn there?), Klein was holding his own against a few of them, and Leafa was being pushed back by one.

Kirito was ready to jump in and help when a streak of silver shot through the monster's head, killing it instantly. He looked up and saw the last member of their group, Sinon, perched on top of a pillar. He gave a small salute before jumping back into the fray, relieving Asuna of an opponent.

"Thanks Kirito" Asuna called to him as she parried a strike from her foe. Kirito simply nodded back before striking at the Lizardman's torso. Its shield dropped just in time to block, causing Kirito's blade to bounce off the scuffed surface. Kirito jumped back for a moment to regain his footing. I'm at the disadvantage here with only one sword. Kirito thought to himself His shield is a problem. Maybe if I…?

Plan made, Kirito pulled up his menu before selecting an option. With that done, he rushed the Lizardman, striking towards its head. It raised its shield to block once more, but more importantly it blocked its own vision. Like curled its way into Kirito's hand, before forming the shape of his second longsword. Not Excalibur, but a blue-bladed sword he used as a backup.

The cyan blade came down on the Lizardmans shield arm, cutting it off at the elbow. The monster screeched and slashed at Kirito, who jumped back. He kept hopping back until he was four meters away from the creature, who in turn pulled their sword arm back. A faint glow enveloped the blade, turning it from silver to yellow. Kirito recognized the skill, Fell Crescent. When the Lizardman slashed, it was launched towards Kirito at high speeds. Kirito ducked and stabbed both swords forwards, impaling the lizardman before it could even complete the skill.

"Oh come on! All we got was a crappy staff!" The group was walking back to Kirito and Asuna's cottage after a long day of dungeon clearing. The one complaining was Klein, as he had done the entire walk so far. I wish i could shoot him instead Thought Sinon

"But hey, at least we got some good Yrd out of it!" Kirito said, swinging a large coin pouch over his shoulder. Though pouch is the wrong word. Sinon thought More like a sack.

"Eh, I guess you're right. Although I'm still gonna need more if I wanna impress the ladies" Klein opened the door to the cabin as he spoke, Ignoring the unimpressed look Kirito and the others gave him. Even Yui looked tired of his antics at this point. "Still it would have been nice to get something we could use."

"Yeah I hear you, but hey it definitely helped as stress relief" Kirito sagged onto a chair as everyone piled in and onto their own seats. Sinon noted the tired sound of his voice, as well as his exhausted posture

"Hey yeah what's up with that? you've been tense all day" Sinon asked, a look of concern washing over her face. It wasn't like him to be so riled up, and she worried something was bothering him. Kirito glanced at her with a sigh.

"its nothing to bad. just universities and all. no need for concern" he leaned back with another, more content, sigh drifting slowly to sleep as everyone started talking around him. one pair of eyes stayed glued to him however, and as everyone else made their goodbyes, Sinon stayed behind.

The sword came down. Kirito stared at it, his fate all but certain. He was so focused on the blade he failed to notice the figure moving in front. The sword tore through Asuna's armour like paper, cutting deep. Kirito stared in shock as instead of a grid like wound, blood came pouring forth.

"As...Asuna?" He could barely move his lips to say her name. She leaned up, coughing blood before speaking

"All your fault" she whispered before going limp in his arms blood covering him as he rose

"Well that was unexpected" the commander said. "Lets see what your friends think?"

Kirito turned in both question and rage before stopping in his tracks. All his friends stared at him, dead. He shook his head in denial.

"All your fault. All your fault." they chanted, standing and stumbling towards him. Their eye sockets were empty, blood pouring from their mouths. "All your fault. All your fault. Allyourfault!" they chanted faster running at him. He backed up in fear, one step becoming two, before he was in full sprint. As he began to run he heard his name being called desperately. He couldn't turn to look. He had to keep running. He had to esc-

"Kirito!"

He awoke with a start, sitting fully up and breathing hard. The room he was in was dark, save for light coming through the windows. Nevertheless, he recognized it easily. It was his living room after all. It looked like everyone else had left, save for one person.

"Sinon?" She was standing before him, one of her hands was on his, a look of concern clear on her face.

"Kirito, are you ok? you were breathing heavy, and you didn't wake up even when I yelled your name!" She was honestly a little too close for comfort, but Kirito knew she was just concerned for him. It was honestly somewhat heartwarming

"Y-yeah I'm fine" he said unconvincingly. "Did the others leave? Why are you still here?"

"You were stressed after the raid. I wanted to check on you when the others weren't around" she had a light blush as she spoke, not visible in the dark light. "I turned the lights off to let you sleep but then you started panicking. Were you having a nightmare?"

"N-no nothing like that! Just sleeping wrong I guess. Nothing to get worked up over, honest" He said nervously, hoping to avoid spilling his fears to her. Sinon wasn't convinced in the slightest, but it was clear she didn't wanna push a topic he wasn't comfortable with talking about.

"Kirito, I know you lying" he started to speak but she pushed a finger to his lips. "I know you're lying but it's ok. If you dont wanna talk about it don't" Kirito visibly relaxed when he knew she wasn't gonna push. Sinon then stood up and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "But if you do need to talk, you know I'm here right?" He also stood giving her a small smile

"Yeah. If it's something I can't handle I'll tell you. Promise" Sinon returned the smile before moving to her seat and logging off. As soon as she was gone Kirito's smile disappeared, and his mood with it. He logged off himself, turning in for the night.

Kazuto awoke with a start, breathing heavily and taking in his surroundings. He was in his room. His real room, that is. As he glanced at the clock he noticed it was past noon already. Why didn't Sugu wake me?

He rose out of bed with a groan, before grabbing a grey tracksuit and putting it on. Afterwards, Kazuto made his way downstairs, only to be greeted by his sister's smiling face.

"Good morning sleepy head" Her smile had a teasing edge to it, which Kazuto promptly ignored. It was too early to deal with that.

"Good morning Sugu..." Kazuto walked into the kitchen in search of food. Opening a cupboard, he found one of the few things he could cook. Ah pasta how I love you.

"Kazuto..." He turned in surprise. Kazuto hadn't realized his sister had followed him in. Her expression reminded him of Sinon's the night before, and it was clear she was worried about something. "Are you...Are you ok?"

"Yeah of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?" Sugu looked like she believed him, but that changed a moment later.

"Kazuto please. I know something's wrong. You've been tired constantly and when you do sleep, its anything but restful! And last night at the raid, you completely spaced out while you were fighting. I've never seen you so distracted in a battle before. So what's wrong." By the end of her tirade, she had a clear agitation with her words. She was mad at him for trying to hide it. And knowing her, mad at herself for not seeing it sooner. Kazuto walked up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. It startled her, and he guessed she was deep in thought about her own words.

"Sugu. I'm sorry I didn't mean to worry you" She made it speak but he stopped her. "Your right that I'm stressed, but it's something I need to get through on my own." Suguha then backed up looking somewhat indignant at being interrupted. Then, however, she dipped her head.

"You shouldn't have to deal with your problems alone" he walked past her and rubbed her head on the way

"I'm not doing it because I have to" He paused at the doorway and looked back "I'm doing it because this really is something to deal with on my own" And without another word he left. His head popped back in a moment later, an embarrassed look on his face.

"I forgot I was cooking.."

Shino closed the book with a slam, her head making a similar noise as she collapsed at the table. A sigh broke through her lips as she raised herself back up from the woodwork and made to open the hefty tome once again.

She was currently in Dicey's cafe, the bar owned and operated by one Andrew Mills, or Agil as Shino knew him. Since it was mid day and thus, not bar hours, Shino was the only patron in the cafe. Which she took full advantage of to study for the upcoming exams. Not that she particularly wanted to study at the moment. She was looking at the table, weighing the pros and cons of just taking a nap right there, when the bell signaled another customer walking in. Or rather, two.

"Oh! Hey Sinon!" Kazuto Kirigaya smiled and waved at her. Beside him, Kazuto's girlfriend and Shino's girl best friend Asuna stood, with a somewhat agitated look on her face. That washed away as soon as she saw Shino.

"Hey guys! Oh, are you on a date? I can leave if-" Kirito cut her off with a wave of the hand.

"No, it's fine." Kirito followed this statement by pulling up a chair, before Asuna slowly followed suit. She spoke first, breaking the silence.

"So what have you been up to, Shino-non? We didn't really get to talk after the raid" Asuna's face was the picture of joy and curiosity, suppressing Shinos worries of interrupting their date. She pushed her textbooks aside, happy for the distraction the couple provided.

"Mostly studying. I've got an exam coming up and it's kinda stressing me out" Asuna nodded in understanding as Shino spoke. She gestured towards Kirito before speaking herself.

"I know what you mean. This one always gets worked up over the smallest tests." Asuna then broke out a smile "But don't worry! I'm sure you'll do great."

"I hope so" Shino spoke with a groan, rubbing her temples with clear stress. "I don't know how much more of this I can take"

"Well if you need help studying don't be afraid to ask" Asuna said with absolute sincerity "Kirito and I will do anything we can! Right Kirito?" Kirito popped back at his name, seemingly coming out of a trance.

"Huh? Oh yeah. We'll help as much as possible" He trailed off as he finished speaking, concerning Shino.

I wonder what has him so bothered. She rested her head on her hand while deep in thought. I wish I could help.

Asuna suddenly spoke up,startling the both of them. "Well we better get a move on. I have to get home and Kirito promised Sugu he'd spend the evening with her." There was a slight tint to her voice as she spoke. A small bit of hidden emotion leaking through. It made Shino pause, but she figured it was nothing.

"Alright. Well, make sure to message me when you're online!"

"Will do. See you later!" And with that her and Kirito got up to leave. He gave a final wave before leaving Shino alone with her thoughts. She ordered a drink from Agil before getting lost in her head.

I wish I could help him...

Asuna leaned back with a sigh, letting the warm water wash over her. She could feel the stress wash out, leaving her relaxed. What a day. Her and Kirito had spent most of it together, Walking around the city before heading to Agils bar. It sounded like the perfect day, however the reality was far worse. Asuna sighed thinking about how withdrawn Kirito was during the date, and when they were talking it was arguing about him coming over. She didn't know why he was making such a big deal out of it.

I suppose it doesn't matter now. I wonder why he's so stressed though. Her train of thought was interrupted by a ding. She reached over to her phone to look T the message

"Sender: Suguha Kirigaya

Subject: Kazuto

Hey Asuna. Sorry if I'm bothering you so late. I was wondering if you had a moment to talk, could you log onto ALO? It's about Kazuto. I'm worried about him"

Asuna frowned at the message. It wasn't just her then. Something was wrong.

"I'll be on in 10, Okay? I was thinking the same thing"

She closed her phone case, and pushed out of the relaxing water.

As Asuna's character loaded into the dark room, she noticed Leafa's silhouette sitting in the corner. She slowly walked to Leafa's side of the room and took a seat across from her. Silence was the only thing to pierce the darkness.

"What's... what's wrong with Kirito" Asuna was surprised to hear words, and even more surprised to find she was the one to speak them. Leafa finally looked up, and when she did Asuna was not at all shocked to see light tear tracks running down her face.

"I wish I knew. Kazuto... he's been losing sleep, having nightmares!" Her tone had been rising as she spoke. Leafa took a moment to compose herself before continuing "I just wish I knew how to help him" Asuna reached over and put a hand on her friends, giving her a reassuring look.

"Don't worry Leafa. We'll figure it out." Asuna guided the teary eyed girl to one of the couches, sitting her down before taking a seat. Asuna opened her menu and lit some of the lamps in the room. The light illumination seemed to brighten Leafa's mood up, if only just a little. "Leafa, when exactly did Kirito start behaving strangely?" The girl seemed to think for a moment before responding.

"Probably just after the whole scandal with Ordinal Scale. He started logging into ALO way more often, and he spent most of his time on the 27th floor of New Aincrad." The 27th floor? Asuna wondered for a moment why he chose that one specifically. "After that he seemed to get more distant. It was.. Small at first. Little moments where he wasn't as attentive as usual, or where he avoided otherwise welcome companionship. Then…" Leafa trailed off with an uncomfortable look. As much as Asuna didn't want to press, this was important.

"Then…?" Leafa looked back up at Asuna.

"Then the nightmares started." The blonde took a shuddering breath before continuing. "The first few times weren't too noticeable. I check on him every now and then to make sure he doesn't fall asleep logged in. But then one day I walked in to find him tossing restlessly. He had this… pained look on his face. Like someone had stabbed him. I didn't wake him. Thought I'd make it worse." Asuna couldn't hide her shock. She knew Kirito was having issues but to this extent? How did she miss it? What kind of girlfriend was she if her own boyfriend's strife went completely unnoticed by her.

"Is… is he really that bad?" Leafa simply nodded. "My god… Kirito…" One hand came up to cradle her face. Asuna took a moment to calm herself. Even if Kirito was hurting, there wasn't too much they could do if he didn't want help. Except…

"Leafa?" The girl looked up at her. "Make sure to be the best sister to Kirito you can!" Leafa looked more than a little confused by the proclamation. Luckily Asuna wasn't done explaining. "We may not be able to do much for Kirito, but we can be there for him. Make sure he knows he isn't alone." The blonde visibly brightened at the words, a smile coming to her face at last.

"Yeah… yeah! Even if he doesn't want help, Kazuto can't say no to some pampering. I'll be the best sister he could ever ask for!" Asuna smiled at Leafa's sudden chipper attitude. They spent the rest of the night planning ways to help Kirito.

It was time well spent, in Asuna's opinion

It was two nights later when Sinon logged back onto ALO. She hadn't planned on it, but she felt a need to take a break from the study session that had occupied her time for the last three days. She had a piercing migraine from it, although some would argue playing video games maybe wasn't the best way to get rid of her ache.

The house was dark when she logged in, and completely devoid of life. Two fingers came up and opened the menu, flashing to her friends list and scrolling through. She didn't really think anyone would be on this late, which is why a look of surprise came over her when she saw a single player online:

"Kirito"

Maybe he's doing some late night grinding? Or maybe he just can't sleep... Sinon used the location option to find him. She was vaguely surprised to find him on the 27th floor, deep in the floor's dungeon. It was a little beyond his level, so Sinon worried that he may not survive a foray into its depths. Not that death really mattered in the virtual world, but still...

Mind made up, she equipped her bow and set out to find him.

The ebony sword was held high in a block, a Granite elements arm blocked from slashing into him. Kirito stabbed a second blade into it, this one a golden colour. He didn't use Excalibur often, prefering to only use it if he was going all out. For the monsters in this dungeon however? He'd make an Exception.

The dungeon he was in was on Floor 27. A dark floor only lit by the crystals and minerals within. A very popular floor for miners and artisans. Not that Kirito was either. The dungeon itself looked almost sci-fi, with blocky walls that glowed a light blue. It was a very familiar sight to him. It haunted him constantly. After all, This was where Sachi and the rest of the Moonlit Black Cats had met a very abrupt, and violent, end.

The floor had opened up a few months back, and Kirito was desperate to clear the dungeon. He was hoping by maybe facing the place he lost so much in, it would help him heal those wounds. Instead he was finding that after each monster he killed, more of his rage would push its way out.

His thoughts were interrupted by two Dark Miners coming at him from his right side. His sword slipped free of the Element as it shattered, before he jumped forwards, throwing himself into the fight. As more Miners and Elements came forth, he realised he was about to be overwhelmed.

Well if that's how it is. I'm going down fighting. Kirito slashed and cut his way through the hoard, his swords becoming blurs as he moved with unnatural speed. A pickaxe slammed into his back, before he cut the offender down. As he did so a stone arm slammed into his flank, and another pick hit his shoulder.

What a waste of time. Coming all the way here to die and respawn. Damn it. He watched as the arm flew down, preparing to cut him down where he stood. He closed his eyes in acceptance, but as the moment drew on without death he opened them again. The element wasn't moving, then to his surprise it shattered into polygons before his eyes. Behind the fallen foe was his savior. Sinon had a second arrow knocked and ready firing at a Dark Miner and killing it in one blow. She then turned to Kirito, the anger on her face enough to make him swallow nervously

"You have some serious explaining to do..."

After the two of them cleared the way out, Sinon dragged Kirito to the nearest town, a settlement called Ronbaru. They found a bar to talk in. She pushed him into the chair before ordering a drink. The look she gave him said he'd be the one paying for that. After getting settled and having the beverages delivered Sinon broke the silence.

"So, mind telling me why you almost got yourself killed back there?" Kirito took a nervous sip of his drink, wishing it was stronger, before speaking himself.

"Do we have to be at an inn for this? The house isn't that far, and it's not like this is time sensitive..." Sinon was very obviously not amused by his attempt at stalling. If looks could kill, no save zone would save him.

"Will you just spill already. I swear if your tryin' to get me worked up so I'll forget about it you've got another thing coming." Kirito realized he probably wasn't getting out of this without telling her the full story. He held up a hand for an npc worker to approach.

"Hi could I get a room for the night please?" When Sinon made to protest what she thought was another stalling tactic, he held up his hand to silence her. "I'll tell you, but it's not something I can say in public. It's a little... personal." She let some of the anger drift out of her, a small worm of concern and worry taking its place. He led her up the stairs to the rented room, both entering and sitting. Kirito on the bed and Sinon in a chair. He was trying to figure out a way to tell the story when she made a sound of frustrated impatience. Kirito sighed and started talking.

"You remember how I said I'm an SAO survivor right?" She nodded, obviously not forgetting something that important. He continued; "Well, for most of SAO I was something called a solo player. I never joined guilds or parties unless it was out of necessity. See when the game started, I was something of an introvert. And when the death game began, it was hard to find anyone willing to play with me cause I was an ex beta tester. I decided I was better working alone." He paused to take a breath knowing the hard part was coming up. Sinon sensing his sadness waited patiently.

"One day I was fighting in a dungeon when I noticed a party who needed some help. They were obviously underleveled, and they only had one tank in the front. I stepped in to save them and we went out for some drinks. Apparently they were a guild. All of which knew each other IRL. They called themselves the Moonlit Black Cats. And they wanted me to join them." A tear came out of his eye as he spoke, running down the side of his face. Sinon wanted nothing more then to comfort him, but before she could he started again. "I joined them. They seemed like they were having fun and I guess I wanted some of that to. I never told them my level however. I guess I was afraid they'd not want a dirty beater like me. One of the members, Sachi, Confided in me how terrified she truly was of dying in that game. I swore to her I'd protect her. That I'd never let her die." He took a shuddering breath, feelings he had locked away rushing back to him as he told the story.

"One day while the leader was out, we decided to go get some more cash in the labyrinth on this floor. We found a hidden room with a trap chest in it. I shouted out a warning but it was too late. The room filled with monsters, and I watched my friends die. Sachi was the last to go, right in front of me as I watched, helpless." Kirito let out a choked sob, tears rushing forth preventing him from continuing. Before he could do anything he was wrapped in a tight hug. The normal embarrassment of such an action was lost to Sinon, as she comforted her friend. "I.. thought, 'If I had just told them my level, they would have listened to my warnings'" Another sob broke loose, raking his entire body.

Sinon didn't know what to say that could help, so she didn't say anything. She just gave him her shoulder to cry on, laying them both down as she did so. With Sinon comforting him, Kirito started to calm down. The fatigue of the last few sleepless nights hit him, and he drifted into a peaceful slumber.

It was the first good night's sleep Kirito had in days...