Kazuto, Kikuoka, and Shino were sitting at a small round table in the living area. A medic was also present, bandaging Kikuokas shoulder. Kazuto was, unsurprisingly, the first to speak up.

"What the hell happened Kikouka!? How did Black get away? What the hell is going on?" Kikuoka pushed his glasses up before speaking, an agonized look on his normally calm face.

"A strike team consisting of six men arrived at the building we thought Kanamoto was hiding in. After moving in they found the building was booby trapped when two men were taken down by a homemade flamethrower. Immediately following, Kanamoto appeared and killed the leading man, using his body as a human shield. He relieved the soldier of his firearm and slaughtered the rest of the men with both a survival knife and the mens own H&K VP9." Shino and Kazuto were both speechless. The skill and power it would take to kill that many soldiers? Neither had seen anything like it. Kikuoka wasn't done though. "Five men including myself attempted to pursue. I got a bullet for my troubles. The other men weren't so lucky."

Kazuto's breathing was ragged. Fear raked his whole body. If Johnny Black had that little trouble with trained men, what chance did Kazuto have? The thoughts and fears were running wild in his mind. Then he felt a hand touch his under the table. He looked to his left at Shino, who smiled back. Kazuto slowly calmed down, and looked back to Kikuoka.

"So what's the next move?" Kikuoka nodded to the guard at the door.

"I can't very well keep you here, so I'm letting you both leave for now. However you will be under protection from The Ministry. You just won't see it." Kikuoka then focused on Kazuto specifically. "Kirito, since the Kiriguya residence has been compromised, your family will be staying in a safehouse for the time being. Your welcome to join them, however I wouldn't recommend that. It's a good assumption that you and your family are both targets, and keeping you separate might not give Kanamoto an opening for attack. You can stay here if you like, or find accommodation with a friend. I'm sure Miss Yuuki woul-"

"He can stay with me!" Everyone in the room was surprised at the outburst, and Shino was more surprised it came from her. Kikuoka recovered quickly and sent a questioning look at Kazuto, asking if he was ok with that.

"S-sure! I don't mean to be a burden though..." Shino felt both embarrassment and a light dose of fear coursing through her. No backing down now. I dug my grave...

"You won't be! I mean it might even be nice to have someone around who can help." Good. Phrase it in a way that sounds selfish. Then he can't blame himself!

"If you're sure." He waited for her nod of confirmation before turning to Kikuoka. "Then I guess I'm staying with Sinon. Thank you Kikuoka. For everything." Kikuoka nodded and stood, while they followed.

"I'll be checking in with both of you every few days. Try not to leave the apartment unless needed. Oh and both of you have been excused from school for the time being."

They all bowed, and Shino began to pack.

The old DT125R bike slowly rolled to a stop, its engine being cut a moment later. The two occupants dismounted it slowly, the driver leaving the bike on the stand. The ride to Shino's apartment had been an awkward affair, with Shino almost falling off multiple times due to a refusal to hold on to Kazuto hard enough. They both made their way up the complex stairs. Shino unlocked her door and made her way inside, leaving it open for her companion. He came in a moment later, placing the helmets on the table beside the door. Shino went and sat down on her bed, trying to think of a way to break the uncomfortable silence that filled the air. Fortunately she didn't have to as Kazuto spoke up.

"Hey, uh, thanks for letting me stay here. I know it might not be the best of situations for you." He was scratching the back of his head as he talked, equally nervous. When Shino spoke it barely came out as anything more than a nervous stutter.

"I-is it too small? The rooms only meant for one so..."

"No! No. It's fine. Honestly it's bigger than the room I had in Aincrad. Before I moved with Asuna anyway." For some reason Asuna's name made Shino hesitate, and she felt a pain in her chest. She also realized how bad this must look to Asuna. Her fiance staying at another girl's house. She would not enjoy explaining that one...

"So uh... where am I gonna be sleeping?" At his question, Shino mentally face palmed. Of course since she never had people over, she didn't have much in the way of sleep accommodations for guests. Although she did have one thing.

"You're the guest so you take the bed." She moved to pull something out of the closet. "I'll just use this sleeping bag." She held up the bag. Kazuto however was not in agreement.

"No way! I'm the one intruding, so I'll take the bag." Shino stood her ground however, walking right up to Kazuto and poking him in the chest aggressively.

"Not happening. You have enough trouble sleeping as is." As soon as she said it, she wished she hadn't. His eyes widened just a fraction, before he recovered. To her surprise he didn't mention it.

"Come on Sinon. I owe you enough as is. And the bed isn't gonna help my sleep, cause I'd just be guilty that you had the floor." Shino growled in frustration

"I'm not taking the bed"

"Neither am I"

"Then I guess we'll both be on the floor!" Both of them looked at the available ground. Barely the size of her bed. They'd basically be sleeping together. That gave Shino an idea that she knew was not the best. A shame her brain figured that out before her mouth did.

"Or we could both take the bed..." She said it in a low whisper but she knew he heard it. He flinched hard, no other signs of emotion. He must have been calmly berating her in his head. Or just trying to find a kind way to say no...

/-/

Kazuto was still trying to comprehend what Shino just said. Share the bed...? His initial reaction was to say absolutely not, after all he was engaged to Asuna and this felt like a breach of that somewhat.

But a more selfish side of his brain said he should agree. After all, the two times they did fall asleep with each other were the best nights for him. With no night terrors included. But at the same time he didn't want Shino thinking he was making a move on her. Hell he was surprised she was even comfortable suggesting it after what happened with Death Gun being her most trusted friend.

In the end he decided to agree. After all they've done similar before without it being weird. What's one more time?

"Sure, why not?" He wasn't sure what he was expecting when he said that, but Shino stepping closer and looking up at him with a shocked expression was not quite it.

"R-really!? You're sure?" He actually had to take a step back, as she was practically on top of him.

"Y-yeah. It's not like it's that unusual for us anyway." She seemed to deflate a little at his casual response, but quickly composed herself.

"Yeah your right. Well it's almost five and considering what happened last time you tried helping me cook... we should probably just order something." The sentence was delivered with a teasing smile. One that hid more than she let on.

Asuna had logged onto ALO on Kirito and Sinon's request. She was surprised to find Leafa present as well. Kirito sat them down and explained everything in detail. From Kikuoka and Death Gun, to why he and Leafa were staying away from home. The whole story lasted about 25 minutes, with Sinon chipping in every now and then. She had no idea what to think. The danger facing Kirito and Sinon was great, and there was nothing she could do to help. Asuna looked over to Leafa, who was surprisingly calm considering the situation. Seeing that calm refocused Asuna, bringing her back to a (semi) calm mindset. It was that mindset that helped her next question come out.

"The others, do they know?" Kirito's wince was enough answer for her, but he spoke anyway.

"No, and we'd rather keep it that way. No sense in dragging them into this." He looked guilty as he spoke, but Asuna understood the reasoning. His gaze shifted to Leafa before speaking up again. "Suguha, are you ok? I mean, is Kikuoka treating you well?"

"We're fine. The safe house has plenty to keep us busy. And Mister Kikuoka has been nothing but kind." The easy confirmation made Kirito relax, leaning back into his chair. Sinon spoke up after.

"Kikuoka advised we don't full dive for too long. Or at least one of us is awake at any given moment. I'm going to log out. Kirito?" Kirito looked over to Sinon and nodded his confirmation, however Asuna stopped him.

"Kirito, do you mind staying a moment? Just for a little while?" The question surprised him, but he looked to Sinon for confirmation. She nodded and logged out, Leafa doing the same after a 'See ya later'

"Ok so, what did you want to talk about?" Kirito was somewhat nervous, and Asuna gave no hints as to her intentions. The fencer hesitated a few moments, a small blush coming to her cheeks.

"Wouldn't it be safer to... stay at my place" The question didn't quite catch Kirito as off guard as it should have. After all, even Kikuoka suggested it at first. The problem with that question was he really didn't have an answer. With the Yuuki's high tech house and security, it almost certainly would be safer. But he still accepted Sinons offer instead.

"Well uh, me and Sinon didn't want to endanger you. Death Gun doesn't know who you are IRL. And if I, or both of us, stayed with you then you'd be in just as much danger as the two of us." While technically everything of what he said was true, he hadn't considered any of it till now. In truth, he had no idea why he decided to stay with Sinon, especially with recent events. The scene from the day before flashed in his mind, when she was wrapping his hand. What almost happened... No. Nothing happened. it was just the heat of the moment. That's all.

"As long as both of you stay safe, ok? I...I couldn't deal with you getting hurt..." Kirito gave her a small smile.

"Hey now, I'll be fine, It'll take more than some knife wielder to do me in."

If only he believed that as much as he made it seem.

"What do you want?"

The harshly spoken question was coming from a call, the caller leaning against an alleyway in Tokyo. A dark hood was pulled up to cover their features, only pale ivory hair showing.

"What a greeting old friend. If I didn't know any better I'd say you don't want to hear from me." They finished speaking with an impatient whine, and the speaker on the other side paused.

"Oh, it's you. If you're gonna ask me to come back I alre-" The ivory haired figure cut him off.

"That's not what this is about, cool off. I know your busy in America or whatever." The speaker paused before continuing. "I just wanted to know if you could message some of the others for me. See if they're...interested." The person on the other side of the line seemed to hesitate for a moment, clearly not expecting that.

"Yeah. I can try and send some your way. What should I tell them to bring?" The figure's head tilted up, a wild grin showing in the night's light as they pulled a black object out of their pocket.

"Tell them... I got all they need." The figure chambered a round in the H&K VP9, courtesy of Kikuokas strike team. The call ended with a click, and Johnny Black exited the alley with a smile on his face.

Kazuto liked to think he didn't curse often. Not many situations called for it, and even when they did he prefered to hold his tongue. But when he woke up to find steam coming from the bathroom and Shino curiously missing? He felt it appropriate that his only thought was What the fuck.

It wasn't like he hadn't been in a similar situation before. He and Asuna would guard the door of public baths for each other back in Aincrad. But that was in a life or death game where there were scarce other options (not that baths were needed, Asuna just really liked them). This however was the equivalent of a sleepover. Kazuto realized he should make himself known. After all, if she came back out to change and found him awake... Death Gun would be the least of his problems. He got up and knocked on the bathroom door.

"Hey Sinon, I'm going out to get some food. Want anything?" He heard a slightly flustered 'n-no' from inside. Grabbing his jacket, he made his way outside.

The bike was right where he left it, however he decided to walk for today. The market was just down the street anyway. As he was leaving Kazuto noticed a man standing in the shade of a tree, wearing a casual outfit and cap. Not as sneaky as you think you are Kikuoka. Of course it wouldn't be Kikuoka himself. More than likely it was one of his men in the defence ministry. Kazuto gave him a mock salute and kept walking.

He found a small cafe near the market and ordered a plate of american styled-pancakes as he considered the past few days. He knew Kikuoka was keeping something from him. He just couldn't figure out what it was.

If only infobrokers existed in real life... no wait. It was a stupid idea, but not one that would cost him much. He pulled his phone out and composed the email, a short version of the last few days and a request, and sent it off. He didn't expect much. But it cost him nothing to try. After finishing up and eating his meal, he paid the bill and made to leave. As he made his way out the door, he failed to notice the hooded figure in the corner, holding a coffee that had long since gone cold.

Kazuto made his way into the apartment, closing the door loudly behind him to announce his presence. He walked into the main bedroom to find Shino on the bed, reading a book. She threw up a halfhearted wave and returned to reading. Kazuto sat in the chair on the other side of the room and searched for something to do. His search was halted when Shino suddenly threw her book down with a growl.

"I can't take this anymore! It's so boring!" Her outburst definitely reminded Kazuto more of Sinons mannerisms than Shino's usually quiet demeanor. Maybe that was a sign she really was finally healing.

"We've only been here for around 12 hours. It's not that boring." His comment certainly wasn't popular with Shino, who growled again and turned her ire onto him.

"Your one to talk! You slept for most of that time, not to mention getting to go out!" Kazuto smirked in response and lifted his hands in a helpless gesture.

"You can too. What's stopping you?" Shino paused and considered what he had said. Kazuto had no idea what was going on in her head but apparently, it resulted in a negative answer. The girl pulled her knees up to her face, all the anger and annoyance gone from her face.

"If you had been attacked on the way out, what would you have done" Kazuto pondered the question. It seemed an obvious answer so he gave it.

"Fight them, obviously." he felt confident enough to do so. Similar to his sword skills, he had learned quite a bit from his martial arts skill in SAO. While he obviously wouldn't beat a real master he felt he could hold his own in a street fight. his thought process was interrupted as Shino spoke again.

"That's not really an option for me. You probably have years of experience fighting like that. With a sword or fist. The best I can do is a gun and even then I'd panic right after. I don't wanna leave because if I do I might die..." The silence following her statement was deafening. Kazuto reached out and spoke softly.

"Sinon..." A loud ping interrupted them, and Shino turned away from him as he checked. It was a reply from the person he emailed. The contents of which made him hopeful.

Here's the information you requested, as well as some extra. Pleasure doing business Kii-boy. -Argo

Argo the Rat was an Info broker in old Aincrad. The first and the best of them. She could find you information within hours of you asking for it. The only reason Kazuto thought to contact her IRL was a small hunch. If she was that good in the game, maybe it was from real world experience. Kazuto opened the folder attached to the Rats email, and gasped at what he saw.

There were several screenshots of correspondence between Kikuoka and other ministry members, as well as several files on the former Laughing Coffin members. The emails spoke of several members entering Tokyo in the last 12 hours, as well as most of them dropping off the radar right after. The files even showed where the members were seen last and Kazuto's heart nearly stopped.

All of them were within 5 kilometers from Shinos building. Kazuto shot up from his chair and grabbed his keys.

"We need to go, now!" Shino was about to question him when a loud noise came from outside. Kazuto could recognize the sound anywhere, it was a gunshot. Three more sounded out before they fell silent.

Kazuto dragged the chair against the door and grabbed a knife from the kitchen. Loud footsteps reached his ears, coming from outside. Kazuto pushed Shino into the bathroom and shut the door, her terror letting him guide her. As he positioned himself against the wall, the door knob was tried. The person was obviously not happy with the result as they started bashing the door. Kazuto sent out the S.O.S. to Kikuoka and took a deep breath. The door finally gave way and a hooded figure made their way into the apartment.

"Kirito...Whereee areee youuu..." Kazuto waited till the person's voice was right by the doorway before lashing out with the knife. A hand caught his and he was pulled from cover, landing on his knees. His eyes looked towards the assailant in fear as Johnny Black stared down with a sadistic grin.

"There you are..."

/-/

Shino was terrified.

It seemed obvious. After all, not everyday a serial killer decides to bust down your door. But she hadn't felt this scared since... well since Death Gun. She knew she should be helping, or fighting, or something. But she couldn't move at all. Just stuck hiding in the shower, flinching with every noise that came out of her room. When had she become so weak? No... She thought I've always been weak... always. Her mind flashed back to when Shinkawa was in her apartment. She had felt the same fear then. But hadn't she fought back then? Not for herself though. It had been fear of Kirito arriving and being in danger. He was in danger now though. And it was that thought that pushed her to move.

/-/

Kazuto was on his back. Black was on top of him pushing hard with the knife, trying to pierce Kazuto's throat. Both reacted in shock when the bathroom door burst open and Shino tackled Johnny off Kazuto. His surprise was the only thing that let Shino pull off such a feat, and once that was gone they began wrestling on the ground. Kazuto noticed among the fighting and scraping, Johnny had something tucked in his waist band he was reaching for. Kazuto ran up and kicked Johnny in the back of the head, causing the object to fall to the ground. Shino saw it immediately and dove for it, pulling it up and forwards in an almost automatic fashion. It was a gun.

The whole room froze. Kazuto got up from the ground and watched Johnny Black, making sure He didn't try anything. A quick glance at Shino had him worried. She was staring at the pistol in her hands, entire body shaking. Slowly, the gun came up and leveled on Black, who simply smirked in response. The tense standoff lasted only for a few seconds, as Johnny black started laughing.

"My my Kirito, did you not notice?" The question made Kazuto pause before he realized.

Johnny wasn't alone

The very moment he realized that, a shot rang out. All three of them turned to the door and saw another man in a hoodie holding a pistol. Kazuto looked at Shino, fearing the worst. But all he saw was her look of horror at him. That's when he noticed the warm feeling covering his stomach. His hand flew to his stomach, and when he pulled it away the stark crimson of his blood shone. Kazuto locked eyes with Shino, as the edges of his vision began to blur

His body hit the floor a second later.

Shino was calm.

She shouldn't have been. No one would be. But when she saw Kazuto hit the floor, and the gun move towards her, she didn't scream or panic. Instead her right arm swiveled around and fired 3 rounds in quick succession. The first shot hit the man at center mass, the next two missing the mark and thudding into the wall. She didn't see any of it as her left hand came up to the gun. Shino's turn was halted when Johnny Black tackled her by the midsection. The gun went flying, and the two began to fight on the floor. Johnny was overpowering her when they both heard a siren. Panic flashed over his face, and Shino used the moment of hesitation to knock him off and dive for the gun. When she came up with the VP9, Johnny Black was nowhere to be found.

She immediately dropped the gun, nausea coming over her in a strong wave. Shino pushed it back, however, and rushed to Kazuto's side. Her hand went to his wrist, and when she felt a weak pulse relief flooded her.

Even with a pulse, he was still bleeding. Shino grabbed a discarded piece of clothing, and put pressure on the wound. The shirt stained red with his lifeblood, but began to stem the flow.

Several men in suits filled the room, guns drawn. Last of which was Kikuoka, a rare look of anger on his face. Shino let herself be taken away from Kazuto as a medic came forth. When she saw the body of the man she shot, the nausea and panic came back with a passion. As the ambulance doors closed on her, the main thought breaking its way through the panic was;

Is Kazuto alright?

The light hit him first.

It was bright, and as he slowly opened his eyes it invaded further. The smell hit him next. The sterile smell of disinfectant. Even before he heard the machines he knew it was a hospital. When his vision finally adjusted, he took in his surroundings.

On his left was some machinery, on his right were two familiar faces. The first was Asuna, at which Kazuto was hardly surprised. She was fast asleep on his hand. The second was only a small surprise, Kikuoka, also asleep in a chair. Kazuto knew his visit most likely wasn't out of worry or care. More like he wanted to be here first to get information on what happened. On that note... what did happen?

We were fighting... then the other guy joined...and..? His hand shot to his stomach. Bandages were the only thing his hand felt. I was.. shot? He had never even felt it. It knocked him out before he could. Then he really panicked, shooting up and startling Asuna awake. Sinon!

"Kirito! Are you ok?" Asuna's question calmed him for a moment, and Kikuoka was just waking up as well.

"I'm fine. What about Sinon? Is she ok? What happened?" His voice was more a croak, most likely from lack of water. Before Asuna could answer however, Kikuoka had interjected.

"Miss Asada is fine. Only some minor scrapes and bruises. Compared to you She's in peak condition" Kikuoka, of course, was straight to the point with his answer. "As for what happened, I was hoping you could tell me that. And how Death Gun even got to you in the first place." Of course he would want to know immediately, and after a quick sip of Asuna provided water, He spoke.

"I don't know much. I was out of the fight pretty quick. Why don't you just ask Sinon about it?" After all she would have seen most of the fight, even at the end.

"Two reasons. One, I'd rather have both stories to draw from. Two, Miss Asada suffered a bit of a panic attack after the fight. She passed out and still has yet to wake up." Before Kazuto could overreact to that, Kikuoka held out a hand to stop him. "Don't worry! She should be fine. After she wakes up you can be the first to see her."

Kazuto pushed his panic down, and nodded thanks to the suited man. He put his water down and began to explain everything that happened in detail. Kikuoka wrote down everything he said and when he was done a second man came in to take the notes. Once he was gone, Kikuoka spoke.

"I have to say I really am sorry, Kirito. I know it doesn't mean much but I had no idea he had partne-"

"Oh cut the crap Kikuoka'' The interruption startled both Kikuoka and Asuna, who was silently clinging to Kazuto. "I already know the SDF was tracking the Laughing Coffin movements." If Kazuto could frame Kikuokas shocked face, he would. The man's jaw was hanging like a cartoon. He quickly composed himself, at least appearance wise.

"How?! That's classified SDF Intelligence. There's no way even you could have..." He hesitated for a moment, a look of realization on his face. Kazuto thought he heard him mumble 'The Rat' But he could have imagined it. "It doesn't matter. Okay yes, we knew they were in the city. But we couldn't move until we had proof it was for nefarious purposes." The man calmed down and spoke again. "Look. We detected Black leaving the city. You and your family should be ok to return home for the time being."

Kazuto was shocked at the news, however he made an effort not to show it. He was glad to finally be able to return home though.

"The same can be said for Miss Asada, however I'd advise you both to keep an eye on her. During the fight she took the life of a Laughing coffin member." Kazuto couldn't hide the surprise then, and even Asuna gasped. "Don't worry, she's not in any legal trouble over it. I'm worried how her past trauma might affect her. Especially with how similar the situations are."

"We understand. She's our friend so we will have her back no matter what" Asuna was the only one to speak. Kikuoka nodded, and left the room. As soon as the door shut, Kazuto felt Asuna's lips on his. The kiss was short, nothing more than a chaste show of affection. She buried her face in his neck afterwards, enveloping him in a hug.

"Are you sure you're ok? I was so worried.." Kazuto let his arms rest on his concerned girlfriend's back. It wasn't often she was so physical with him, at least in the real world.

"Don't worry, I'm fine. I should probably get a nurse though..." Asuna pulled back with a wince when he said that, and he sent her a questioning look.

"Well problem with that. Everyone else is waiting for you to wake up so as soon as the nurse arrives..." He sighed and clicked the nurse button, accepting his fate as the door burst open as several people tried to fit in at once.

Eh... not the worst way to wake up...