N/A: So this is the chapter i have been working on for sometime. it's a mix of originality and canon.
i hope you like it.
and like you saw in the last chapter, i don't know if this will be the last for sometime
Chapter 16
It was Sachi's first time in the main office of Knights of the Blood Oath. She couldn't help but feel anxious.
"Ah, hello Sachi-san," Heathcliff said with a pleasant smile.
Sachi felt her face darken. She bowed her head in respect, "H-Hello Heathcliff-san, sir, I mean commander!" she squealed out.
The head of the guild let out a soft laugh, "Just san, is fine. No need to be so nervous either, Sachi-san, so relax a bit."
Sachi couldn't help but feel herself smile. She nodded her head, and tried to relax herself. It was difficult, as she wasn't used to being in front of somebody who deserved so much respect. Who had such a authority over them.
"In all due respect Heathcliff-san," Kirito began, looking between Sachi and Heathcliff, "But I don't understand why we've been called to the head office."
Heathcliff shifted. He crosses his hands over the desk, "Yes, I have a quick mission I'd like the pair of you to investigate."
"A mission," Kirito asked, raising an eyebrow, "But what about the boss room? It hasn't been found yet, wouldn't that be more important?"
"Yes, I do have to thank you both for all the effort you have put into the frontlines. Helping to locate the new boss room, and I understand your agency to find said room, however this mission is very…" Heathcliff paused in thought, "Troublesome."
Sachi tilted her head worriedly, "Has something happened?"
Heathcliff sighed deeply, "A while ago, I sent one of the side fighters to the 30th floor to investigator some worrying rumours. Normally when I send my fighters away to investigate or fulfil quests, they would send reports."
"When was the last report you got from this person?" Kirito asked quickly, seeming to catch onto what the man was saying quickly.
"A week ago," Heathcliff stated, "And according to my guild inventory, he is very much alive and somewhere on the 30th floor. It is becoming quite concerning as Fuko-san is one of my best fighters. His skill is as vulnerable as Asuna-san's."
Sachi tilted her lips in thought. This person was that strong? She didn't recall hearing anybody as strong as Asuna in the Nights of the Blood Oath. Well, other than Heathcliff, himself, but Sachi doesn't count him.
Fuko? She hasn't heard of that name before, but yet it was strangely familiar to her.
"I see," Kirito put a hand to his chin, "What was Fuko-san sent to investigate?"
Heathcliff held up a hand, and as he did so, a ball of the darkest red appeared. As he pressed it, it sprung open to reveal a large screen filled with flickering numbers and letters. They moved back and forth, faster than anybody could keep up. There were a few photos appearing as well, photos of what looked like young children's faces. All innocent and harmless looking.
"On the 30th floor there is an orphanage in the main city, young children had been disappearing. I sent Fuko-san to investigate, to see if he could perhaps find the source of said disappearing," Heathcliff explained.
Kirito nodded, and upon seeing Sachi's confused face, he turned to her, "This could be the work of another Player Killing guild. They would begin by kidnapping AI's to practice methods before carrying them out on real players. However, it is strange that they're children. I'm assuming they're AIs?" he questioned, turning back to Heathcliff.
"Yes. They're AIs. You are precisely correct. We already have the Laughing Coffin to worry about, we do not need another guild," Heathcliff said, closing his eyes, "You are correct in thought. The fact it is AI children going missing is very worrying. That is why I sent Fuko-san to investigate it."
"And he's gone missing too," Sachi mumbled softly, "And you can't locate where he is on the floor?"
Heathcliff smiled, it was a strange but old wise like smile, "Yes. That's also another thing. I know for a fact he is on the 30th floor but I am not able to find out just where he is. That isn't right, using my guild inventory I should be able to see where all my members are at all times for this reason exactly."
Kirito nodded firmly, "We'll get to the bottom of this, sir."
"I hope you won't disappoint me," Heathcliff said.
Sachi stepped out the office. Her heart skipped a beat as Kirito closed the door. She nervously shovelled her feet and twisted her fingers together. The thought of children going missing, and that it could be related to some start-up player killing guild is a horrible thought. It was making her stomach twist sickly.
A hand gently petted her on the head, during her attention, "Don't worry. We'll find them."
Sachi looked at the other fighter, "I hope so. I don't like the thought of poor children being taken, even if they are just computerized avatars…"
A grime smile graced Kirito's lips, "I agree. So let's hurry and find them. Let's meet at the gate of the base at noon. I have to get more crystals and potions just encase, I don't want what happened with Kuradeel to happen again. This time we're going to be prepared…considering somebody as high regarded as Asuna-san had gone missing, we don't want to take any chances."
"Right," Sachi nodded in agreement, "I wouldn't want to be cornered either…"
A shiver ran through her body. What had happened with Kuradeel still scared her honestly. The man had really almost killed both her and Kirito. He was her first encounter with the Laughing Coffin guild. A guild that if she recalled correctly Kirito had been chasing for some time.
Where ever this Knights of Blood Oath fighter had disappeared to, and who was responsible for it, was something scary. Fuko-san's supposed to be just as good as Asuna, after all.
Sachi wondered if Asuna knew about him?
"Do you think we should take anything else? I want to be cautious," Sachi said softly.
Kirito hummed, "Well, other then crystals and potions, I don't think we'll need anything else. Maybe extra armour and weapons to be on the safe side. For example, maybe more arrow heads? I'd suggest taking your Wakizashi."
Sachi blinked. She glanced down at her hip, and nervously smiled. She was still not used to the short sword, and had recently not been applying it to her armour suit, unlike her bow that was always applied to her suit. It sat quite happy on her back after all.
"Okay, so then I'll meet you by the main gate at noon," Sachi said bravely.
Kirito, once again, pets her on the head, "I think this is also Heathcliff's way of seeing how we operate. We are new to the guild after all," he said.
"I thought that too," Sachi admitted, stepping away.
Kirito waved, as Sachi began to walk in the opposite direction. He suddenly pouted, "Oh, um, Sachi!"
Sachi paused, she looked back at Kirito in curiosity.
"Er," Kirito awkwardly scratched at his cheek, "Um…if it's possible…could you maybe…um, make lunch? Um, I mean, if you want too, I really like your cooking after all and….yeah."
Sachi stared at him for a good couple of minutes. She slowly blinked before she smiled, and nodded her head, "I'll make you something good, Kazuto."
Kirito paused himself. His eyes widened before he smiled in return.
~#~#~#~#~#~
Sachi felt a little proud of herself honestly. She looked down at the couple containers in front of her, she had spent quite some time making the dishes but she was proud with the end results. With a sweet smile, she began to store the containers away into her inventory.
Just as they disappeared, the dread of the mission she was to go on, crept through her. Her body shuddered, and rubbed her arms. A chill was running through her body. She was scared of what could be coming. Anything could happen, what happened the other day was prove of that.
"Pull yourself together, Sachi," she mumbled to herself, washing her face and hands by the sink.
She breathed in sharply. Sachi then took a deep breath puff on the inhaler, and finally turned to leave the room. After dealing with Kuradeel, she had tried to move to another inn but Agil had welcomed her in. He said she could stay for as long as she liked, but honestly, Sachi felt like she intruding.
Even if Agil suggests that having her stay at the store was good for business. Apparently rumours of 'The White Arrow' living at said store had gained attraction. However, Sachi was beginning to think about moving into the Nights of the Blood Oath base, Heathcliff had offered rooms to her and Kirito. She was seriously considering it, as the massive castle had strong security. Staying with Agil was a nice thought, but it was a little crowed. Kirito was staying there too, and they keep having Lisbeth and Asuna visiting.
Sachi shook her head. She pulled the door closed, and turned around. Agil's home wasn't big enough for the three of them, so Sachi was looking elsewhere. She hasn't told him yet thought, but the room at the castle was probably the best option right now.
"Sachi!" a familiar voice called.
Sachi smiled. She waved meekly, "Morning Asuna."
The long haired beauty smiled widely. She stood in the middle of the story with her hands on her hips, her long hair was beautifully braided. She tilted her head, and eyed the girl, "Aw. You look so much better in the Knights of the Blood Oath uniform."
Sachi flushed. She looked down at her white and blue armour suit, "I'm sorry Asuna. I just prefer my stranded on. Heathcliff-san said it was fine when I requested it," she said.
"Fine, it's not like I can force you to wear it," Asuna pouted, "I heard you and Kirito are going on a mission? A high levelled one too!"
Sachi tilted her head thoughtfully. Could she talk to Asuna about this? Heathcliff never said anything about it being confidential. She also trusted Asuna, she wasn't just her friend but she had saved Sachi's life more then once.
"That's right. Heathcliff-san requested us to his office this morning," Sachi said softly.
Asuna frowned. She crossed her arms, "What's the mission? I hope it's nothing too serious. I don't want you to get hurt."
Sachi smiled sweetly, "It'll be fine. I'll be fine…"
"I suppose, you do have Kirito with you," Asuna said, "He'll protect you no matter what, hmm."
Sachi paused in thought. She blinked a little, and bites her bottom lip. It was true, she supposed. Kirito was always protecting her, saving her from every danger that came her way. Every time she got terrified of a fight, or if she was too terrified to step into a battle, Kirito was always there. He had held her hand whenever she gets scared.
Kirito had seriously saved her more then once. He was always there for her.
"I don't need to be protected anymore," Sachi finally said seriously, she arched her body and clenched her hands in determination, "I've finally reached level 80, and I'm strong enough to protect myself now."
Asuna's eyes widened in surprise, "You've changed so much since the first time I met you."
Sachi hummed, "You know, during the very first boss, is when we first met…"
"Wait?" Asuna gapped, "You mean you was the hooded girl, I mean the other girl! Diavel-san, oh…"
Diavel. Sachi felt her stomach clench. She hadn't thought about her old childhood friend in a long time, and she couldn't help but feel guilty over it. Diavel was her best friend, had been there for her during thick and thin…she had lost him in the first few months.
"Yeah…" Sachi let out shakily.
She had lost almost all her dear friends.
Asuna frowned deeply, and lightly slapped herself on the forehead, "Of cause. It makes sense, you use a bow! So did the other girl! Of cause you're the same person!" she groaned loudly, with snort.
Sachi let out a sheepish laugh. She thought it was common knowledge, honestly. Afterall Sachi was the only person who uses a bow as the damage was so low, practical zero at first. It does take so much hard work to make it do the minimal damage.
"Well, if you are going on this mission, I hope you'll be careful at least," Asuna chimed, hand on her hip.
Sachi smiled, "I will. I promise Asuna."
~#~#~#~#~#~
"An orphanage," Sachi thought out loud to herself.
She had been on the 30th floor a few times before, it wasn't a horrible place. It was a small city, much like the real world. Not flashy as Tokyo, but more like the simplest cities. The buildings was medium size, with large markets spread out around the city base. There was a wall surrounding the city, to protect the AI's from the monsters outside.
30th floor is a hot bed for monster and a perfect place to level up. All different ranges of creatures would appear on this level.
Sachi had came to this level a few times to level up back in the day. Now that she was level 80, the monsters doesn't give her enough exp to level up. It was hardly enough to fill half of her exp bar.
"I don't remember an orphanage," she mumbled, putting a hand to her chin.
She used to spent a lot of time looking around the markets. There was always something on sale she would be interested in.
"It'll be alright," a voice said.
Sachi smiled, she tilted her head towards the black swordsmen, "Kazuto," she said.
Kirito smiled in return, "Sorry, did I make you wait long?"
"No," Sachi shook her head, "I've only just got here, honestly."
Kirito nodded. He looked rather relieved, he tilted his head thoughtfully, "How many times have you gone to the 30th level?" he asked.
"A few times. At least 5, maybe more," Sachi chimed, "I've been there enough to know the city layout, but…I don't remember seeing an orphanage."
"Now that you mention it, I don't remember seeing an orphanage either," Kirito admitted sheepishly.
Sachi sighed softly, "There's supposed to be children AI's, too…I don't, I mean…" she trailed off, rubbing her arm a little.
"We'll figure this out," Kirito said softly, petting her on the head.
A sweet smile appeared across Sachi's lips. She nodded. She shouldn't be too scared about this mission. Kirito was going to be at her side, and helping her figure out this, strangeness. Whenever children was involved, AI's or not, made Sachi feel uneasy.
She has been to 30th floor enough to remember if there was children on it.
"Shall we go?" Kirito asked.
Sachi inhaled sharply. She clenched her hands together, "Yes, let's go."
With that, the pair held up crystals. Their bodies immediately began to dissolve, melt away from the level. Disappearing into the air.
Teleporting to the 30th floor.
The first thing Sachi heard was a buzz of voices. They bounced around them. Sachi bites her bottom lip, stepping further onto the entrance platform. The platform was directly in the middle of the small city. There was so many people rushing back and forth, all with smiles and bright eyes, bushy tails.
It almost looked like nothing had happened. That somebody hadn't gone missing, neither have the AI children.
"It's normal," Sachi whispered.
Kirito hummed, "Well, it's not like I was expecting the 30th floor to be in a horrible state…" he said quietly, "These things happen behind closed doors after all."
A shiver ran up his spine. Sachi's body trembled at those words. A thick lump formed in her throat.
"R-Right," she agreed nervously, "So what should we do first?"
"Probably ask around," Kirito said, "We should probably split up and talking to people around, see if they've heard anything. Maybe they've seen Fuko-san, we should see if we can find out his movement pattern."
Sachi peered around once more, "Movement pattern, track pattern. I wonder if what he did," she says quietly.
"Okay, let's split up then," Sachi added gently.
Kirito turned fully to Sachi. He takes her hand, and squeezes it firmly, a worried smile on his face, "Right. So let's met up in, say, an hour. Stay in the city, and don't go to the dock village outside the wall, until we're together again."
"And don't follow any suspicious activity," Sachi added, "Kazuto, I'm not stupid. You don't have to worry about me. Let's met up by the clock tower."
Sachi peered up at the clock tower directly behind them. The archer smiled meekly, she turned back to Kirito and squeezed his hand in return. With that, the two pulled away and began to walk in opposite directions.
"O-Oh," Sachi swallowed, stopping next to a woman trying to give away free samples of small bottles of pink liquid.
The woman, an AI? Turned to Sachi with the widest smile ever, "Hello ma'am! Please, try some! It's our special homebrew potion! It's supposed to make you lucky! And if you do get lucky in our city, come back for our great deal of extreme lucky potion!" she cheered happily.
A small taste of an lucky potion?
Sachi shook her head nervously, "Ah, no thank you, but um, I was hoping, I mean, if you have time," she struggled.
She took a step back. She inhaled sharply to calm her already racing heart. This should be so hard to do!
"If you don't mind, can I ask you a few questions?" Sachi finally said.
The woman pouted, "I don't know. It depends on what you want to ask!"
"Um, have you seen a member of the Knights of the Blood Oath? Around here, about a week or so ago?" Sachi asked.
"Knights of the Blood Oath?" the woman repeated, her lips twitching into a deep frown, "Nope. Sorry."
Sachi blinked, "Oh? Um, have you seen anything suspicious? Maybe something strange with, er, children? Going m-missing?" she asked, her voice becoming quieter and quieter.
The woman seemed to pause, before she blinked in fury, "Hahaha!" she let out loudly, "Of cause not! Nothing like that ever happens in our little city! Our city is super safe for any traveller or visitor! Don't be alarm, we don't have many children running around anyway."
"But there's an orphan-" Sachi began.
"Hello! Hello! Ladies and gentlemen! Please come try some of our special homebrew potion! It's supposed to make you lucky! And if you do get lucky in our city, come back for our great deal of extreme lucky potion!" The woman cut in, her voice rocketing through the air. Completely ignoring poor Sachi.
Sachi took a few steps away, "Oh, well thank you…" she says quietly, and winced when the woman bellowed out the same words once more.
She backed away further. Sachi nervously shovelled her hands together, watching as people practically ignored her. Sachi tilted her head, her eyes moving back and forth. Biting her bottom lip, she turned towards another person.
A man that was standing outside an open café building.
"E-Excuse me?" Sachi tried, walking towards him bravely.
The man titled his head, he peered down at Sachi from the corner of his eye, "Hmm? Can I help you little lady?"
Sachi smiled sweetly, "Um, if you don't mind, can I ask you a few questions? I'm looking for somebody, a, er, friend of mine that was last seen around here. You haven't seen a member of the Nights of the Blood Oath?"
"Ah, I'm afraid I haven't seen anybody from the front guilds around here, not until you turn up I suppose," the man said with a shrug, flickering his hands out from either sides of himself, "Our small city isn't that special, not special enough for frontliners to visit."
Placing a hand to her chin, "I see, thank you for answering that. Oh, have you seen anything strange?"
"Strange? Like what?" The man asked.
"Um, well anything with children?" Sachi quickly supplied.
The man frowned deeply. He straightened himself with his face darkening, a thoughtfully clicked escaping his mouth, "Not really. I haven't seen anything like that. There aren't many children in the city to begin with, so I can't say if I've seen anything regarding them."
"…Oh, I see," Sachi said.
"I apologize that I couldn't help much more," the man said abruptly, "I have to get going now."
Before Sachi could even utter a word, the man was already gone. He disappeared into the sea of people. She tried to see him, but he was already gone.
Sachi had tried to speak with other people afterward but she only either got the same answers, or they would somehow escape her questions. Losing them in the busy streets of the small city. For such a small city, it was so packed with people. Sachi wasn't sure if they was all AIs or players, maybe a mix of both.
Either way, Sachi was left feeling put out. She bites back a whimper, and bites down on her bottom lip again. She was unsure of what else she could do. There wasn't anything she could do with the fact nobody was going to answer her questions, and so, she found herself returning to the clock tower much earlier then what was agreed upon.
"Kazuto?" Sachi said.
Kirito looked up from his position of sitting at the base of the clock tower. He blinks his dark eyes, and then waved her over with a small smile.
"Sachi, you're back," he said, "Any luck?"
Dumping herself down next to him, sitting on her legs. Sachi sighed deeply, and let out a soft groan. She bowed her head shamefully.
"I'm sorry," she said.
Kirito let out a soft laugh, "You don't need to apolgoize," he said, placing his hand onto her head, "I didn't get any luck either."
"Was everyone acting weird for you too?" Sachi asked softly.
Kirito nodded, he sighed deeply and leant back, "Yes. Nobody wanted to really answer me, and most of the time I was brushed off. Ignored."
"Whenever I brought up children, they would act odd. Quickly disregarding the question, and then finding an excuse to leave, or just right out ignoring it," Sachi explained, turning to rest her back against the clock tower wall, "Nobody noticed Fuko-san either."
The black swordsmen nodded in agreement, "Have you noticed that we haven't seen one kid?" he said.
"Not one," Kirito frowned, "And there's supposed to be an orphanage around here?"
At the words, Sachi found herself looking up through the busy people. Her eyes swipe back and forth, almost as if she was trying to find some sort of small kid rushing past but there was nothing. The realization of having not seen one AI child sent a chill up her spine.
"Now that you mention it…" Sachi mumbled softly, clenching her hands to her knees, "It's really weird…"
Kirito sighed, he stretched his arms above himself tiredly, "Something is definitely up, and I'm incline to figure out what's going on. If it involves children, I feel like I have to intervene."
"I understand that feeling," Sachi said, letting out a soft cough. She pulled out her inhaler and took a deep breath.
Kirito leant forward, "Are you alright? Maybe we should take a break?"
Puffing more air into her throat, Sachi then wiped her mouth. She forced a weak smile, and closed her eyes briefly, "I'm just worried is all. I don't like mysteries with children, it's always something bad and…" she trailed off with a sniffle.
"It's alright, we'll get to the bottom of it," Kirito smiled comfortingly, "We won't leave until we do. I promise."
Sachi sighed softly, she smiled sweetly in return and nodded her head in agreement. She then lifted her hand up, opening her white menu. She took out a few containers.
"Meanwhile, let's eat," Sachi said cutely, "I made you something special, I worked extra hard on this one."
Kirito's eyes immediately lit up. He quickly sat up straight, and happily took the box Sachi offered him. If he had puppy ears and tail, they would be perked up with eagerness. He took the box with the most brightest smile she had seen.
"Whoa, thank you! What did you make?" he asked excitedly, opening the lid and peaking inside.
Sachi watched him with amusement, "Well, I remember how much you liked the soy sauce I made. So I decided to try and make Shogayaki."
"S-Shogayaki?" Kirito gapped, "Seriously? Sachi! You're the best, you know that!"
Sachi let out a soft laugh, she bowed her head a little and hunched up her shoulders, "It's just food, Kazuto."
"No! It's not just food!" Kirito gasped, "It's…home."
The feeling of warmth washed over her. Sachi blinked, before she looked down. She didn't realize that Kirito felt that way towards her cooking. It was just…food.
"I…I also made some Onigiri," she added sheepishly, holding the smaller container out.
Inside was beautifully moulded rice tringles. They looked just like the real ones from the outside world, and it made Kirito's mouth water.
"Onigiri!" he let out in happiness, hungrily biting into one, "So good! Now I'm having a food orgy!"
Sachi felt her face burn. She closed her eyes with a shake of the head, "Oh Kazuto. A food o-orgy, really?"
"Come on Sachi, you saying you've never tasted a food orgy? It's the best taste either," Kirito groaned, "Like having a real food orgasm."
Sachi squealed softly. She covered her face. Of cause. It's only Kirito who would have speak like that about her food. Only him.
"What should we do now then?" Sachi asked, hoping to change the conversation before she became too embarrassed.
Kirito swallowed the Onigiri, "Maybe we should regroup, and come at it in a new angel? It doesn't look like anybody is going to talk with us, clearly something's happened or is happening but nobody will talk about it. We're gonna have to investigate carefully and quietly, stealthy, to get our answers and to hopefully find Fuko-san."
"And the children," Sachi added softly.
Kirito nodded firmly, "Yes, and the children. We'll find Fuko-san and the children. I know we will."
"We should check into an inn then," Sachi said, putting away the containers and standing up. She brushes down her skirt.
Groaning, Kirito stretched himself out before he too got to his feet. He put a hand on his hip, and pointed upward, up the hill to the left of the clocktower, "There's a small inn up there. It's at the top of the hill, so we can actually see beyond the wall."
Sachi nodded. She looked at the high walls. She had seen them quite a few times now, but the walls still left her in amazement. They was massive, and loomed over the city, protecting them from the monsters outside.
Maybe Fuko-san had gone outside the walls? To the dock village outside. Maybe?
"Okay, lead the way," she said quietly, slowly turning her head back to him with a meek whimper.
It took him a few minutes to get to the inn at the top of the hill. It was pretty small, and there wasn't many people inside the inn unlike what they originally thought there would be, judging from how many people was down in the markets.
A plump woman was seated behind the inn's counter. She had a round, rosy face with a flat-looking nose. Her eyes was a bit to big for her face, with whiteish hair pulled into pig-tails.
"Welcome to cherry plum inn!" she said excitedly upon seeing them enter, "How can I help you! I have two levels of bedrooms! Both levels are different!"
Sachi sheepishly smiled, "Hello," she greeted, bowing her head in respect.
"We'd like a room, please," Kirito added.
The woman hummed loudly. Her eyes squirted at the pair of them, looking between them suspiciously. A large smile appeared across her cherry face, "One room?" she asked.
Sachi tilted her head in confusion, unsure of what she was getting at, "Um. Yes please, just one…if that's alright?"
"Of cause, of cause," the woman chimed, winking at them, "I'm assuming you'd like one bed? Hmmm?"
"Um, we've shared before, I don't think it's a big deal, right Kazuto?" Sachi said cluelessly, naïve. She turned to Kirito, and leant forward, "Hm? D-Did I say something?"
Kirito shook his head, "No, no," he sheepishly said quickly and then turned back to the woman, "Either is fine!"
"Oh," the woman chuckled, a hand to her mouth, "I see."
Sachi tilted her head in confusion, "What do you see?" she asked, looking around as if she was expecting somebody else in the lobby with them.
Kirito arched his back. He inhaled sharply, and patted Sachi on the head, "Just one room please. Thank you."
"Of cause, one room coming up. What type of bed would you like? We have simple beds or comfy beds," the woman said slyly.
"Either!" Kirito let out.
Sachi could only pout. She wasn't sure what was going on, or why Kirito was acting so embarrassed all of a sudden. However she brushed it off, and took the key the woman held out to them. She held it with both hands and pouted further.
"I do hope you'll have a lovely stay. Please be aware we have other guests, so do try to stay quiet during the night, even if it's a very difficult thing to do," the woman winked.
Sachi blinked, "Oh! Of cause, we won't make much sound!" she said brightly, making the woman chuckle.
Kirito covered his face with his hand and sighed deeply. He then grabbed Sachi's hand began to pull her away from the giggling woman, if it was possible a small cloud steam appeared above his head.
"Are you alright Kazuto?" Sachi asked, "Your ears are going red, are you sick?"
Kirito kept walking up the steps, "I'm fine! Just fine!"
Sachi frowned. She shrugged helplessly, she turned back to happy woman at the counter and bowed her head, "Thank you."
"It's my pleasure, dearie, your room is on level 2" the woman said, waving at them, "Enjoy your stay."
Entering the room on the second level, Sachi couldn't help but let out a soft gasp of awe. While the room wasn't as big, massive as the room used to have before staying with Agil. It was much smaller, but very beautiful looking.
It had bright brown oak walls, and floor. There was a soft white carpet on the floor, covering almost the whole wooden floor. There was a four-post king size bed in the middle, with a massive window.
Sachi rushed up to the window, and gasped, "It has a balcony!" she said.
She moved out onto the balcony, and pressed her hands down on the wooden rail. Leaning over a little, she let out a soft hum upon seeing the beauty of the floor. She could really see over the protect walls. There was a forest, with a river. Even mountains.
"It's so beautiful," she sighed deeply.
Kirito followed her, "Hey, careful. Don't lean too far, I'm worried you might fall," he teased.
"Would you let me fall?" Sachi snorted a little, but she still found herself peering over the edge. They was pretty high from the ground.
"Of cause not," Kirito said.
He then quickly moved forward, grabbing her by the waist and pull her backward. He made a soft yelp, as if she was about to go straight over the edge. It was more then enough to make Sachi jump in fear.
"I'm only play!" Kirito laughed, holding his hands up when Sachi turned towards him with a frown.
"You're so mean Kazuto," Sachi huffed, with a pout on her lips.
Kirito let out another laugh. He sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, "Sorry, sorry."
Sachi frowned. She stepped away from him, and crossed her arms a little over her stomach. She sniffled and huffed to herself.
"It's not funny," she mumbled.
Kirito inhaled sharply. He looked back out at the forest, his dark eyes narrowing in thought. He then turned back to Sachi and smiled softly. He walked towards her, and placed a gentle hand onto her shoulder.
"I'm really sorry," he said, "I'll make it up to you. Look, come with me, I know a place on this level you'll like."
Sachi tilted her head in curiosity. She blinks slowly before she nodded, and followed Kirito.
The black swordsmen brought her to a long wooden pathway. It was in the middle of a thick, lush forest inside the walls. Sachi felt a shaky breath escaped her lips upon seeing the beauty of it. She found herself looking up at the trees, noticing all the different fruit up in the trees.
"I knew you'd like it," Kirito said, smiling sweetly at her.
Sachi turned him, "I-I can pick them?"
"Yeah," Kirito nodded, "They're free to pick, and they always grow back in the morning. This area resets every time the sun touches it in the morning."
Sachi gasped. Her eyes widened in awe.
"But this isn't the only place I want to show you," Kirito said, putting his hands onto his hips.
"It's not?" Sachi clocked her head, "What else is there?"
Kirito chuckled, "It's a surprise."
Sachi gazed at Kirito in thought. A surprise? She wondered what else could be on this level? Still, she shrugged it off and smiled. She then turned around to peer back up at the fruit trees. She tilted her head as she made her way to the base of one of the trees.
Putting her fingers to her chin, Sachi sighed deeply. She could use her bow to get the apples down, but she didn't really want to waste an arrow, especially if she accidently messes up. Still, how else was she supposed to get them down?
Maybe if she climbed the tree?
"Why don't you ride on my shoulders?" Kirito asked, walking up to her side and clocking his head.
Sachi's eyes widened, "R-Ride?" she repeated.
Kirito nodded, "It's probably be a lot easier. Also, you can make me apple pie," he said slyly.
"Apple pie, really Kazuto," Sachi giggled.
Kirito shrugged innoncelty. He placed a hand onto his hip, "Unless you don't want?"
"Um…if you're alright with it," Sachi mumbled shyly, peeking back up at the apple tree, "I guess it isn't fun always seeing things from the same height."
"Yeah," Kirito smiled brightly, "And with my STR parameter, it shouldn't be a problem."
A soft, rare blush appeared across Sachi's cheeks. She nervously looked down, playing with her fingers before puffing out her cheeks. She then nodded, her heart suddenly beating.
"I wonder, is there such a thing as orange pie?" Kirito mumbled to himself, turning around and crouching down.
Sachi sighed, "Kazuto, you can make other desserts with fruit, you know," she said, shyly making his way up behind Kirito.
"Oh! Like fruit cake," Kirito gasped out.
Shaking her head, Sachi giggled. Of cause Kirito would be thinking about his stomach. Still, she carefully began to climb onto Kirito's shoulders. It was a little strange having to sit on his shoulders, and she felt a shiver run up her spin when Kirito reached up to hold her thighs. She swallowed thickly and looked away.
"Sachi," Kirito began, tilting his head backward, "I think you should, um, hold onto me. I don't want you to fall off."
"O-Oh, right," Sachi mumbled, carefully placing her hands onto his head.
Kirito smiled. He then stood up rightfully, "Up we go then."
"Isn't this childish?" Sachi asked quietly, "Something children do?"
A soft chuckle escaped Kirito's lips. He shrugged, "So what? It doesn't matter. Nobody else is around. Anyway, can you reach the apples now?"
Sachi bites her bottom lip. She then tilted her own head back to look up at the apples hanging above her. They was in reaching distant now. Puffing out her cheeks, Sachi began to pick apples as carefully as she could. She then quickly put them into her inventory.
"Um, you can put me down now," Sachi then said bashfully.
Kirito let out a soft human like sound. He then suddenly began to walk along the pathway, "Onward you say? Okay."
Sachi gasped, her eyes widened a little before she hunched her shoulders. Embarrassment filling her veins.
"You know that's not what I said," she mumbled quietly.
"I can't hear you," Kirito teased, "Look there's a banana tree up ahead. We can get some bananas, and make a banana split when we get back."
The banana tree was much closer then Sachi thought. When she looked up, she grunted softly when she almost was hit in the face by a banana. She whimpered, and rubbed her face. Feeling Kirito chuckle, Sachi lightly slapped him on the head.
"You did that on purpose," she pouted.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Kirito said quickly.
Sachi shook her head in disbelief, "Sure."
However, like the apples, she began to pick bananas. Putting them in her inventory, however she paused when she heard voices. She turned her head and blinked in surprise, she didn't remember seeing the river so close to them. A river that went past the walls and out in the open world.
"A river?" she mumbled, straightening herself.
There was a few men standing on the river bank. All of which was holding fish poles.
"Hello!" one man yelled, waving at them.
Sachi felt her face heat up, "People are staring at us," she squealed, shyly waving in return.
"Yeah, it would seem so," Kirito mumbled.
"Kazuto, wave back too," Sachi said.
Kirito grunted, he closed his eyes briefly, "Not in a million years."
Sachi swallowed thickly, "Maybe I should get down now…." she whispered quietly.
Kirito narrowed his eyes. He pressed his lips tightly together, and bowed his head a little. His hands tightened around Sachi's legs.
"Hold on tight," he said sternly.
He then suddenly shot off. Running forward, holding onto Sachi as he went. A lone banana falling to the ground behind them as they went. He only slowed down when they was once again hidden within the forest.
"Are you alright?" Sachi asked, peeking down at Kirito.
Kirito nodded, "Yeah. I'm fine. Oh, I wanted to tell you something I was told earlier in the city. Around here, in the forest, apparently you can see things, things that shouldn't be possible. Things that shouldn't be on this side of the wall."
"Hmm? What type of things?" she asked, leaning downward to rest her chin on top of her arms. Her arms was crossed gently over Kirito's head.
"Ghosts."
Sachi's eyes widened, "G-Ghosts?" she repeated timidly, "L-Like, um, astral type monsters?"
"No, fair from it. They're real," Kirito said darkly, "The grudges of all the slain monsters supposedly haunt this field at night. About a week ago, a wood crafting player came here looking for wood. While he was busy gathering, it got dark and behind a nearby tree, there was something white…"
"Whether it was a monster or something else is unknown. The white shadow slowly walked to the other side of the grave and then disappeared," Kirito said, suddenly spinning on the balls of his feet making Sachi yelp, "It's said the player followed after the ghost, went in the same direction the ghost had went, and when he got to the spot…"
Sachi swallowed thickly. Her back arched and she breathed in deeply, "A-And what happened?"
"Supposing it's said he found a horrific sight," Kirito said, "A being without their head."
Sachi shook her head, "Stop trying to scary me."
Kirito laughed, "But you was scared, I know you was."
"Hmm, no I wasn't," Sachi mumbled, but she was lying. She couldn't help but shudder, fear licking at her spine.
Kirito only laughed again. He walked forward before stopping, a sweet smile appearing on his face. He tilted his head back with soft eyes, "We're here."
Sachi let out a loud gasp. Her eyes widened, and she leant forward, her hands pressing down on Kirito's head a little as she moved. She could see so many of them. They all stood in front of them, spread out as fair as the eye could see.
"S-Sunflowers!" she squealed out.
"You said they were your favourite flower," Kirito said gently, "I found this field the last time I came here and promised myself that I would bring you here."
Sachi smiled so sweetly that it would have Kirito flush if he saw it. Her eyes glowed with such warmth and happiness upon seeing all the beautiful flowers.
"You know," Sachi said, pure warmth in her voice, "There's a story I was told when I was a little girl. I was told that the sunflower was madly in love with the sun. Every summer they would grow facing the sun, hoping and begging for the sun's attention."
"However the sunflowers would never receive the sun's attention," Sachi explained, closing her eyes. The feeling of the sun bathing on her face, and the sweet smell of the sunflowers made her glow gorgeously.
"They never got the sun's attention and would wither away," Sachi finished.
Kirito was quiet for a good five minutes. Both just enjoying the sun and the flowers.
"They would try again next summer, and get the same results, right?" Kirito says softly.
"Hmm. Yeah, that's correct. It's a sad story."
~#~#~#~#~#~
The pair was back in the market place. This time they was serving the many people around, trying to post anything weird, or strange. Anybody looking suspicious. There wasn't many people around compared from this morning. There was just a handful of people this time.
"Kazuto," Sachi said softly, "I don't see anything suspicious. People are just acting like how they normally would."
Kirito nodded, "Yeah, acting like normal," he said before pausing.
Sachi almost walked right into his back, however she was able to catch her balance. She stepped back, and tilted her head, trying to peer at his face. Kirito was just standing in the middle of the street, with a hand to his chin. His eyes was shut, and clearly in a deep through.
"Kazuto?" Sachi hummed quietly, looking around the street.
She thought for a second she had saw a small figure. The small figure was standing far from them, and at first, she thought it was a child. But when somebody crossed her vision, and on a second look, it turned out to be a grown woman.
Sachi shook her head. She pushed her hair out of her face.
"Kazuto?" she jumped, when he sprung his head up.
"I got it," Kirito let out, snapping his fingers.
Sachi swallowed, "Um, got what?"
Kirito smiled widely. He turned to Sachi, "I know where we could go to get information, or maybe something better, a lead."
"Where?" Sachi questioned.
Taking her hand, Kirito guided her along. His eyes squirted a little as they walked through the streets, only coming to a stop out a rather loud and ruddy building.
"Um…what is it?" Sachi asked, looking up at the building.
She could even hear music. Music coming from the building, and then she grimaced. She covered her nose.
"Booze," she mumbled in distaste.
Kirito nodded, "It's a bar. I'm sure they're drunk enough to let things slip," he said with a wink.
Sachi bites on her bottom lip. She looked back up at the building. She could hear voices coming from inside. It made her stomach clench, but if she had Kirito with her, she wouldn't be afraid. So, she nodded bravely, but held Kirito's hand tightly.
"It'll be alright, I won't let anybody hurt you," Kirito said.
Sachi nodded again, "I'll protect you too."
The two pushed the doors open and stepped inside the bar. It looked a little old looking, with a few people inside, including the bartender. Almost everyone looked out of it, drunk as hell. All laughing, chatting and drinking beer. There was a few tables and stools littered around the room as well.
Nervousness filled her, she moved closer to Kirito. Most of the people inside the bar were men, with one or two woman.
"Hey! What can I get you?" the bartender asked, grinning widely at the pair.
Kirito pulled Sachi closer to his side, "Ah, um, just water please."
"Water? Really?" the man behind the counter snorted, before shrugging, "Well, if that's what you want."
"Thank you," Kirito nodded.
The bartender returned to them, "I don't think I've seen you guys around before. Are you new?"
"Um, yes. We're just passing through," Sachi said softly.
"Oh, like that guy before," the bartender said.
Both Kirito and Sachi looked at one another, "What guy?"
"I don't really know much," the man shrugged, "I think he was from one of those fancy guilds. The frontliners, I think."
Kirito tilted his head, "It wasn't the Knights of the Blood Oath, was it?"
"Yeah, it was that one!" the man chipped, "A really fancy name that one."
Sachi leant forward, "Do you know where he went?"
The man shook his head, "Sorry I wouldn't know."
"Aww Tony," another man blurred out.
The man's voice was slurry, and he was struggling to sit correctly on the stool near to them. The man shuddered and swung his drink out, the movement sent beer splashing over the rim.
"What'yah talkin about?" the drunk man laughed, "That lil'man was just here, yesterday! Member!"
The bartender, Tony, narrowed his eyes at his drunk friend, "Oh right. He, um, was here yesterday."
"He was?" Kirito asked, turning to the drunk man, "Do you happen to hear where he was going?"
The man made another laugh, "Oh, yeah! I, erm, think he went to the rocky caverns. The lil'fella was talkin about orphans and the likes," he spilled out carelessly.
"Orphans," Sachi said, "So there is an orphanage."
"O cause'!" the man bellowed out, twisting backward and almost falling off the stool, "There be an orphanage. We used to many brats around, pick pocketin and stealin' Not anymore, they've been disppearin'"
Tony shook his head, "I think you've drank enough. Don't listen to him, when he gets drunk, he says the most stupid crap ever," he said with a deep sigh.
"Oh," Sachi mumbled.
Kirito snorted, "Okay. Well, thank you for talking to us, we really gotta get going."
"Y-Yeah, thank you," Sachi pipped up behind him.
Tony waved after them. Even the drunk man let out blurry-like words of 'goodbye' to them.
Once outside, Sachi sighed in relief. She ran a hand through her silk raven hair. She hiccupped softly, and felt her heart racing with anxiousness. That was the first time she had been in a bar, and for some reason, she felt like she was betraying everything her mother had taught her.
If her mother ever found out, Sachi could already tell what her mother would do.
"So, we know Fuko-san found something out about the orphans," Kirito said thoughtfully.
Recalling back to what had just happened, Sachi found herself nodding in agreement. She pressed her hands together, "And that he went to rocky caverns before he disappeared. Where is that?" she wondered out loud.
"He was here yesterday too, I doubt nobody had seen him," Kirito said.
Sachi let out a low whimper, "A-Are you suggesting everyone would be on whatever is happening? What had happened to him?"
"Um, probably not," Kirito said, "But something's definitely up."
A chill ran down Sachi spine. She turned around, to look behind them. The street wasn't as empty as it had been, there was a few people walking along the street, supporting one another while laughing and cheering. They were clearly drunk. She felt her lips twitch with amusement.
"Let's head back to the inn," she heard Kirito say.
Sachi was about to nod and then follow when she noticed a small child. She blinked once then twice, seeing the little boy standing near a post, a few buildings down. She couldn't see the boy's face, as he was looking downward at his feet. The light from the lantern above him clearly outlined his body.
It was definitely a child.
A child in white clothes. His hair was a dark raven shade, and swiped to the side. The little boy then suddenly began to walk forward, he was barefoot and Sachi stared. Watching as the little boy disappeared from view, walking into what she could only guess was an alleyway.
A gasp escaped her lips. Before Sachi knew it, she was rushing after the child. Running after him, and when she turned the corner to enter the alleyway, she could see him at the end of the alleyway.
The little boy was standing facing the wall at the end of the alleyway.
"Hello?" Sachi called, "Are you alright?"
She began to walk towards the little boy, when he suddenly turned. He turned to left and suddenly disappeared down another pathway that Sachi didn't realize was there until she reached the end of the alleyway.
"Hey, wait," she called, running after him once more.
"I'm not going to hurt you," Sachi tried again.
The other alleyway connected to the first one was much longer, with lots of twists and turns. Sachi was worried that she could get lost somewhere in the alleyways. She swallowed thickly, and came to a stop. Her eyes moved around, looking for the small boy but she couldn't spot him.
"I…I must have lost him?" she said quietly.
Sachi scratched at her head. She frowned, how could a small boy just disappear? A little boy that looked so young, and was probably scared too. Her chest tightened at the thought, sadness filling her.
She sighed to herself. Sachi shook her head, and turned around to go back the way she came. However, as soon as she turned around, her heart leaped into her throat and her eyes widened in pure shock.
There, standing directly behind her, was another young child.
Unlike the little boy, this child was a little girl. She looked to be older then the boy, and was standing numbly in front of Sachi. Her eyes was unfocused, and she was slowly moving side to side, as if she was in daze.
"H-Hey?" Sachi said, reaching out gently to touch the girl.
The girl tilted her head up to look at Sachi, "….- you…" she suddenly mumbled. She had said more, but Sachi didn't hear it.
Before Sachi could even say a word, the small girl's eyes rolled back into her head. Her body jerked backward before she twisted on the balls of her feet. She then fell, her eyes closing and her lips parting. Sachi was barely able to catch her, to prevent her head hitting the ground.
"Sachi!" Kirito's familiar voice yelled.
Sachi was on her knees. She held the small child carefully, resting the girl's head against her shoulder. The long, familiar raven curls danced along the ground around them. The girl's white dress was a bit dirty and laid around her knees, as Sachi cradled her as best as she could.
"Sachi, are you alright? Why did you run-" Kirito began before coming to a stop, his dark eyes going wide with surprise.
Sachi looked up at him, "I…I saw a little boy, and I tried to follow him…I lost him somewhere out there," she explained, looking over her shoulder worriedly, "I turned around, and she was just there."
"A little boy and girl?" Kirito repeated, peering around in the darkness for the small boy, "I don't see anybody else."
"But I saw him," Sachi gasped, "He's probably still out there…"
Kirito crouched down in front of her, "We'll look for him tomorrow, but first we have to deal with her," he said, looking at the small girl still in Sachi's arms, "She doesn't have a cursor…"
Sachi looked down at the little girl, "You think she's a bugged AI?" she asked, pushing a loose dark hair out off the girl's face.
"Probably, hang on," Kirito said, picking up the child carefully, "Let's take her back to our room. Hopefully she'll wake up tomorrow…"
"I hope she's alright," Sachi said, following Kirito back to the inn worriedly.
She paused briefly. She looked back down the alleyway, hoping to see the little boy but she didn't. There was nobody. It was completely empty. She whimpered, and shook her head, quickly following after Kirito. Nerviness growing in the pit of her stomach.
Whoever that little boy was, Sachi was determined to find him.
"Well, we know one thing for sure now," Kirito said, "Seeing as we was able to bring her to the inn, she isn't a NPC…"
Sachi nervously sat down to him, "Yeah, the harassment notice would have appeared when you picked her up after all."
"I doubt she's a quest trigger either," Kirito sighed deeply.
"The quest log window didn't update, so she can't be…" Sachi agreed, pulling her knees to her chest, "Does that mean she is a player who got lost around here?"
Kirito leant back against the wall, "That would be the most plausible scenario, but she still doesn't have a cursor. That's weird, but I wonder what she was doing down there in the alleyways," he said, tapping his chin in thought.
The lantern on the bed side glowed. It lit up the room a little. The little girl was sleeping on the bed, with the thick blanket over her body. Her long dark hair was spilled out over the pillow. Kirito and Sachi was sitting together on the floor next to the bed.
"You said you saw a boy too?" Kirito asked, peering at Sachi from the corner of his dark eyes.
Sachi nodded, "I did. He was younger then her, really small. I…I'm worried about him, I'm worried about both of them," she said, placing her face into her knees with a soft groan.
"It'll be alright," Kirito said, patting her on the head, "But hey, maybe they are together? And have a parent or guardian with her? You never know."
Sachi closed her eyes, "That's a nice thought. That they logged in together with their family."
"Hey, she'll wake up," Kirito said, wrapping an arm around Sachi and resting his head against Sachi's, "Her body is still here, so she'll wake up. The NerveGear has to be still communicating with her."
"So then she's in the sleep-state," Sachi said sleepily.
Kirito nodded, "I'm sure she'll….she'll wake up eventually, don't…don't worry…" he said tiredly.
'If…If they logged onto SAO all by themselves….' Sachi thought, biting her bottom lip, "They must've been alone all this time…'
Sachi closed her eyes. She found herself falling into a deep sleep against Kirito.
~#~#~#~#~#~
Warmth.
Sachi felt so warm, and heavy. Slowly, her eyes slide open tiredly, she let out a soft yawn and rubbed her eyes. Blinking sleepily, and wiping the sleep dust from her eyes. She tried to move but realized she actually couldn't move.
There was weight on her.
At first, she thought it had to be Kirito. She did fall asleep next to him, but then she became aware of her own body laying against something just as warm. She blinked, and then looked over at Kirito. He was sitting next to her, his head directed downward with his eyes closed. Sleeping. An arm over his stomach, while his other was loosely around her shoulders.
Turning her head to look at the other wait, her heart practically stopped.
Large eyes gazed back at her innocently, harmlessly. The expression of awe on the cherry shaped face.
"K-Kazuto," Sachi let out, aimlessly reaching behind herself and shaking his shoulder.
The little girl was directly next to her. Literally in her face, her body was pressed to Sachi's side, almost like she was seeking extra warmth. Her hands was clinging to Sachi's arm.
"Kazuto, Kazuto," Sachi repeated.
Kirito let out a soft groan, "Hmm?" he tiredly sat up straight and scratched at his cheek, yawning loudly, "What's wrong?"
"Um," Sachi looked at the little girl, "I'm so happy you're alright, I was really worried. Do you, um, remember what happened to you?"
Kirito shifted. His own eyes widened upon seeing the little girl, seeing how close the little girl was to Sachi. He moved closer, only to freeze when the little girl's eyes widened and let out a soft whimper of fear. She moved closer to Sachi's side, hiding her face into Sachi's arm and then peeking out.
"H-Hey," Kirito said, "I-I'm not going to hurt you."
Sachi blinked slowly, she looked between Kirito and the little girl, "Hey, it's alright. Kazuto won't hurt you, he's on our side," she said softly, gently patting her on the head.
The little girl tilted her head. She looked up at Sachi and smiled one of the most beautiful smiles ever seen.
"Do you remember what happened to you?" Sachi asked again, patiently.
The little girl frowned. Her eyes looked down and then back up again, this time she shook her head. A shameful expression appearing on her face, and she bites her bottom lip worriedly.
"Oh, it's alright," Sachi smiles comfortingly, "What about your name? Can you tell me your name?"
Eyes becoming distant, the little girl breathed in sharply, "N-Name…my name…" she mumbled in a quiet voice. So quiet that both Kirito and Sachi almost misheard it.
"….Yu…Yu-i? I think…" she said a little louder.
"Yui?" Sachi repeated.
The little girl turned her head, she looked at Sachi with a worried expression and nodded, "Yui. That's…that's my name…I think it is anyway…" she mumbled shyly.
"Yui-chan," Sachi smiled, pushing a loose hair out of Yui's face, "That's a pretty name. My name is Sachi, and this is, Kir-"
"Kazuto," Kirito interrupted with a bright and kind smile.
Yui looked between them, "Sa-chi? Kaz-uto?" she repeated quietly, her eyebrows pulling together.
"Hm," Sachi nodded, "Yui-chan, we found you in the alleyways. Do you know why you was out there?"
Yui bites her bottom lip, "Outside?" she said, "Looking."
"You was looking for something?" Kirito repeated.
"I…I think so…" Yui said, nodding her head.
Sachi frowned, she tilted her head thoughtfully, "You was looking in the alleyway…?" she said, "Oh, was you looking for your father and mother? Did you get separated?"
"Separated?" Yui said, her eyes becoming glassy before she looked down with a shake, "We got separated…yeah…we did…"
"You got separated from your mother and father?" Kirito asked.
Yui shook her head, "No."
"…But you just said…" Sachi mumbled softly, "Wait, the little boy? Do you know him?"
"Little boy?" Yui said, looking up at Sachi, "Haru…."
Sachi's eyes widened, "Haru? So you know him. Is he your little brother?"
Yui tilted her head to the side. She closed her eyes and sighs softly, "Um. Maybe, I dunno. Haru's gone."
"That's…" Sachi began, her own eyes becoming sad. She wrapped her arms around Yui and pulled her into a hug.
Yui immediately moved in closer. She wrapped her arms around Sachi in return.
"Yui. Can I call you Yui?" Kirito asked, "Alright. You can call me 'Kazuto'."
"Kato?" Yui repeated, peering at Kirito.
Kirito let out a soft chuckle, "It's Ka-zu-to."
Yui looked down and then back up at Kirito, "Kautuo?"
"Maybe it's a bit too hard," Kirito said, reaching out to pet her on the head. However unlike before, she didn't pull away from. She allowed him to pet her, "You can call me by whatever come naturally."
"Kaz….Kaz?" Yui said.
The small girl looked back up at Sachi. Her eyes glowed with warmth and she smiled sweetly again, "Sachi is Mama."
Sachi's eyes widened in surprise, "Um, w-what?" she let out.
Yui titled her head cutely, "Mama? I was looking for…Mama…"
"You was looking for me?" Sachi repeated.
Yui nodded, "Mama."
Kirito let out a laugh. He couldn't help it. He scratched at his head, and then stood up.
"….Okay…" Sachi said, a smile appearing on her lips, "Alright Yui-chan. I-I'm your Mama."
Yui nodded. She stood up, still holding onto Sachi's arm tightly. She tilted her heads backward. She was adorable.
"Let's go have breakfast," Sachi said, standing up fully and smiling down at the giggling girl, "Are you hungry, Yui-chan?"
Yui opened her mouth but then her stomach growled loudly. A cute flush appeared on her face.
Sachi giggled. She pets her on the head, "Let's go eat then."
The small group of three moved to the small table near the window. It was small, and had no chair. It meant everyone had to sit around it on their knees. Yui sat down and stared at Kirito, watching as he took a pad and began to write things down.
"What are you doing, Kaz?" she questioned.
Kirito looked up and chuckled, "Well…Mama and I was sent here to find somebody. I'm writing down what we know."
"Who?" Yui asked.
"Oh. Somebody who…works with us? I guess," Kirito said, twirling the pen in his hand.
Yui hummed loudly, "What does Mama do!" she asked, leaning forward with excitement.
"Ah, well…Mama fights to, um, protect people," Kirito said sheepishly, "She's really strong, and well, she can shot arrows. She's really popular too."
Yui's eyes widened, "Mama's strong."
Sachi sat down next to Yui with a sweet smile, "Kazuto's stronger. He fights with two swords not one, unlike everyone else," she said with a wink.
"Oh, so Kaz protects people too?" Yui repeated.
Yui looked down when Sachi placed a plate down. It had three large sandwiches on them, she watched Kirito took one of the sandwiches and began to eat them. She tilts her head, and her lips twitched into a small pout when Sachi placed down a small pie in front of her. Immediately her attention turned from the pie to the sandwich Kirito was still eating.
"You know, Yui," Kirito began, looking at her with an amused smile, "This is very spicy. Are you sure you want to try it?"
Yui turned away. She closed her eyes in thought, before she turned back to Kirito, and held her arms out, "I want the same one as Kaz! I want to eat it too!"
"I see, if you're up for the challenge, I won't stop you. Everything is an experience after all, but don't cry if it's too spicy for you," Kirito teased.
Sachi stared in shock, "Y-Yui-chan! It's very spicy!" she gasped out.
Yui took the sandwich, "It's alright Mama! I want it!" she squealed out, biting into the sandwich and making the hot sauce of the sandwich to stick to her skin.
Both Kirito and Sachi stared at her worriedly. Watching as she munched on the sandwich, her eyes widening and then softening. They twitched a little, and then finally she swallowed the mouthful. She grinned widely, and giggled, biting into it again without any fear.
Sachi stared, her mouth opening, "…That…is a level …5 peppers."
"She's a gutsy girl…" Kirito said, "Let's go for a super spicy, full course dinner tonight."
Sachi frowned, "Now, now, let's not get too carried away. We still have work to do Kazuto."
Kirito smirked widely, he pets Yui on the head again, "You heard Mama."
Yui let out a laugh, to which Kirito joined in. Both laughing happily. Sachi sighed, and shook her head at the two of them.
Eventually, Yui dozed off again. This time curled up to Sachi, her head laying on Sachi's lap as Sachi ran her fingers through her long hair.
"Kirito, what do you think we should do? Yui-chan…she's like a baby. She really doesn't know anything," Sachi whispered, looking down at the sleeping child, "She's…so defenceless. With nobody."
"She thinks you're her mother," Kirito added softly.
Sachi let out a shaky whimper, her eyes clenching shut, "What should me we do? I don't know what to do…this has never happened to me. A-And that little boy is still out there, Haru, she called him. We have to find him too."
"You want to look after them?" Kirito asked, a soft smile appearing on his lips.
"I do…" Sachi hiccupped, "B-But…"
Kirito nodded in understanding, "It's difficult. If we don't go back to clearing…I doubt we'll be able to just leave the guild anyway…" he sighed deeply, "After everything Heathcliff did, I doubt he'll just let us leave to take care of a pair of children."
Sachi whimpered, "But I can't just leave them alone. Yui-chan…she's…and Haru-chan, he's out there…"
"Let's do what we can right now," Kirito said, "Judging from her gear, it's hard to imagine she's been in the fields every day…out there. I think we should look for Haru-kun, and then…maybe find their parents…"
Sachi could feel her eyes tearing up already.
"I don't want to part with Yui either," Kirito said, "How do I put this. Even thought it's been short, our time with Yui, it feels like a real home…a real family…that's how I feel."
Sachi let out a soft sob, "Y-Yes, I agree."
"It isn't like we'll never see Yui again. If her and Haru has a family or guardian, they're probably worried sick," Kirito said gently. He petted her on the head, running his fingers through her short raven hair.
"Should we go to the Starting town, then?" Sachi asked.
Kirito shook his head, "I think, they would be around here. On this level. I don't think Yui would even know how to make the level platforms work by herself. They would have to be on this floor, they wouldn't think she would be able to leave on her own."
"Y-You're right," Sachi swallowed thick, "But do you think it's safe? Children have been going missing on this level too."
Kirito nodded, "Yes, you're right. We should arm ourselves for anything. We should be on guard anyway."
"We'll look for Haru-chan as well."
~#~#~#~#~#~
"Yui-chan, do any these buildings look familiar?"
Yui looked around the street. She was sat on Kirito's back, she sniffled a little. She leant forward, and put her chin on Kirito's shoulder.
"Nope," she said.
"Well the two is pretty big. Let's head over to the alleyways. That's where we found Yui," Kirito said, "I'm sure she'll spot something familiar."
Sachi bites her bottom lip. She nodded her head, and walked next to Kirito towards the alleyways. Seeing the familiar lantern from last night made a shiver to run down her spine. She could almost see the little boy, Haru, standing underneath it in her memory.
"Say Kazuto, around how many players are here now?" Sachi asked.
Kirito hummed thoughtfully, "Hmm, let's see. The remaining players in SAO number is around 6,000. Well maybe about 2,000 in this town, maybe? But then again there could be less. I think about 70% in this city are AIs."
Sachi looked around themselves. Compared to yesterday there was hardly anybody around, "Considering that, it's a bit deserted today…"
"Yui, no matter what, stay close to us. Alright," Kirito said.
Yui nodded, "Okay."
"Yui-chan, do you recognize this alleyway?" Sachi asked.
Yui peered down the alleyway, "Maybe. I'm not sure Mama."
"Return the children!"
"Oh, look, the babysitter turned up! We've been waiting for you!"
Both Kirito and Sachi froze. They turned towards the alleyway in shock, the voice was desperate and worried. Immediately they rushed down the alleyway, following the crying. It was becoming louder and louder until finally they stumbled out into a small opening.
"Please! I'm begging you, return the children!"
A woman stood at one side of a small opening of alleyway. The extract same place where they had found Yui last night. She was facing another alleyway opening where three men stood, they wore familiar armour.
"Can you not make it sound like we're the bad guys here?" one of the men laughed, "We were just showing these kids how things work around here."
Behind the men was four children. Sachi couldn't see them clearly, but she could tell they was terrified.
"This is also an important part of the Army's duty," another man added.
Sachi's eyebrows raised in surprise. The Army? What was the Army doing on the 30th floor? She doesn't remember hearing that the Army owned this floor. She thought it was the lower floors, 1-20 belonged to them, from what she recalled.
"Right, citizens have a duty to pay taxes, after all," one other man laughed.
The woman glared at them, "Gin! Kain! Mina! Are you all there?"
"Sasha-Sensei! Help us! Please!" a small voice sobbed.
Sasha growled, "Don't worry about the money, just hand it all over to them!"
One of the Army soldiers laughed, "It's not enough .You have built up quite a sum to pay off as it is. We need more then just that. How about we take one of the brats? That won't hurt will it, you still have quite enough left."
"W-What?" Sasha gasped, "No! I won't allow that! My children are already disappearing!"
"You think that's our problem!" the men laughed, "You should have paid us when you had the chance."
Sasha shuddered, "But!"
One of the men in armour turned towards the children. He walked forward, and grabbed the wrist of one of them, yanking them forward. He effortlessly held the small child up, "How about this one? He's not even fighting me, ha! Look him!"
Sachi's eyes widened. She saw a flash of familiar dark hair, and immediately her heart skipped a beat. Her hands shook at her sides.
"H-Haru!" she found herself yelling.
Almost automatically, like a switch was flipped the small boy blinked. He turned his head, as his glassy eyes became round and full of life. Much like Yui's. He stared for a good few seconds before realization filled his face. He suddenly began to wiggle about, forcing the man to drop him.
"Mama!" he yelled, running towards Sachi and throwing himself at her. The action caused her to catch him, him wrapping his pump arms around her waist.
"Haru-chan," Sachi let out, petting him on the head. He was so small, much smaller then Yui.
The Army men looked at them, "What the hell? Who the hell are you? Are you going to obstruct the duties of us, soldiers of the Army?"
A middle man of the group stalked towards them, "I haven't seen you two around these parts, but you do know what it means to obstruct the Liberation Army, don't you?"
Sachi inhaled sharply. She clenched her teeth as she stared at the man. Before he could even say another word, Sachi shot an arrow at him. The arrow glowed a blinding white colour, hitting him in the face and throwing him back with a flash of white.
"Don't worry, it's a safe zone. No matter what happens, your HP won't drop," Sachi said seriously, "But I can keep this up all day. There's only a light knockback effect but regardless, fights in safe zones can carve fear into people."
The man clenched his hands. He suddenly shot forward, as if to slam his sword into Sachi and the little boy, when he was thrown back with a flash of black light. Kirito swung his sword effortlessly with one hand, the other still holding onto Yui.
"This is the part where you run away," Kirito said seriously, swing his sword once more.
Immediately the men of the army rushed away.
"Whoa," the children let out.
Sachi sighed in relief. She put her bow away and then looked down at the small boy still holding onto her. Haru was staring back up at her, with the biggest eyes she had ever seen. Sachi smiled, and easily swooped him up.
Haru let out a giggle, throwing his small arms around her neck.
"Haru!" Yui let out.
The little boy peered back at the voice and gave a gapping smile, "Yui."
"Well, Mama's super strong, right?" Kirito asked.
Yui hummed. She lowered her head before wiggling her legs, "Down Kaz. Down," she repeated over and over.
Kirito let out a laugh, "Alright. Alright."
Once she was on her feet, she moved over to Sachi and Haru. Both was surrounded by the other young children. Sachi moved Haru to her hip, and Yui quickly made her way up to her side, cuddling against her.
Sasha smiled at them, and tilted her head, "You have two children?" she said with amusement, "That's so cute."
Haru giggled loudly, "Mama. Mama."
Yui peered up at Sasha, and smiled at her.
"Wait," one of the kids said, "Ah! Haru-chan! Your Mama is the White Arrow!"
As soon as he said that, the other kids burst into gasps of awe. Poor Sachi felt her face heating up from embarrassment. Especially from all the children talking at once.
Sasha hummed with a bright smile, "They seem to be so happy."
Kirito walked up to them, "It's a little strange…"
"Oh, what is?" Sasha asked, turning to him.
"…Well…they're not really, um, Sachi's kids," Kirito mumbled quietly, "We found Yui last night, and then Haru just now…we're not really sure what's going on."
Sasha put a hand to her chin, she tilted her head thoughtfully, "They really do look like her…same eyes, hair colour and even her beauty mark. They both have it…" she said in awe.
Kirito looked back Sachi, with Yui and Haru. Now that it was mentioned, Yui and Haru both had the same hair colour. Same warm blue eyes, pale skin and even had the same mark underneath their right eye. In all sense, common sense, it was logical to believe they was all related, but Sachi was an only child and they were calling her 'Mama'.
"Are you Haru's Papa?" one of the children suddenly asked, looking up at Kirito.
Yui slowly turned towards Kirito, she blinked her large eyes, "Papa?" she repeated.
"M-Me?" Kirito nervously laughed, "Oh, um, no…I mean…"
Suddenly Kirito felt a small hand tug on his shirt. He turned his head to find Yui at his side. Yui stared up at him with a sweet pout on her lips.
"Kaz, are you our Papa?" she asked.
Kirito opened and then shut his mouth, "M-Me?"
Yui nodded seriously, "Papa?"
"Oh…um…" Kirito wasn't sure what to say. He looked to Sachi for help.
"You have to be, right?" Yui asked, "You have been with Mama from the very beginning. So your my Papa."
Yui hummed loudly. It looked like she was about to say something, before she turned her head in the opposite direction. She held her hand up as if to touch something above them.
"Everyone's hearts…" she said.
"Yui-chan?" Sachi asked.
Sachi winced as Haru suddenly stiffened up in her arms. His small arms tightened further around her neck, his tiny fingers digging into her skin. It burned a little, and when Sachi tried to look at the small boy, she found his eyes suddenly faded looking. Large, and round.
"Haru-chan?" she called, lightly shaking him a little.
Kirito grabbed Yui. The small girl let out a soft cry from the back of her throat.
A high pitch shriek filled the air soon after. It filled the air and made everyone cry out. Their ears beginning to throb. Sachi let out a soft sound as she held Haru tightly. What was even more scarier was the way Haru suddenly shuddered. However, Haru seemed fine unlike Yui. Yui had became numb, like a sack of flower, flopping backwards. Kirito was barely able to spin around to catch her before she hit her head on the ground, a hand on the back of her head.
"W-What was that…" Sachi let out shakily.
Kirito looked around himself, "Where did that come from?"
Haru blinked up at him with large round eyes. They seemed blank, and if one was to look closely, they would have seen small white lines zipping bath and forth across his eyes. Looking much like that of a computer screen.
"Yui-Oniisan is alright. She's just needs to recharge!" he chimed cutely, closing his eyes and then yawning, "Papa! I'm tired!"
N/A: hope you enjoyed it, thank you for reading
