Author's Note: So there are many reason why this chapter is late. I can only say that writing my novel has become my priority but I will do my best to finish this. This chapter was a bit rough for me which is why it's not my usual length, but I will do my utmost to get the next chapter out in a timely manner. Thanks for reading.

Wonderland of My Own Making

Chapter Three

Kite watched the scene unfolding before him with a muted sort of horror, dark eyes wide as his gaze followed the crowd, his head ringing with their chants and cries. His only anchor in that sea of hate was BlackRose's hand fisted in the back of his shirt, her body leaning into his as she looked out over his shoulders. Her breath came quick and fast and he found himself mimicking her, his heart rate rising as he focused on one of players in the center of that teeming mass.

The man was a Long Arm, his wicked looking black spear held out in front of him, the curved end held beneath the neck of a quivering Heavy Axeman who armor jangled as he attempted not to tremble. The Long Arm holding him at bay was dressed entirely in black with chains of silver around his neck and arms. His long dark hair fell to his elbows and his face looked to be carved out of stone, his eyes fearless and void of emotion. His lips curved into an icy smile as he watched the cowering Heavy Axeman and his hand tightened on the haft of his spear.

As if his slight movement had been a signal, the crowd of spectators quieted, leaning forward in anticipation of what was to come. The Long Arm spoke into their silence, his voice deep and uninflected.

"To harm a Moderator is to defy the System itself," he said languidly, taking his time and enjoying it. The crowd roared in agreement. The Axeman's fingers dug into the stones beneath his kneeling feet. "For your crimes against me and the violation of your User Agreement, the punishment is termination of your Player Character and deletion of your game data." His black eyes flicked to the murmuring crowd. "Let this be a warning to others who think to take the System into their own hands. Your fate will be the same at his."

Knowing there was no way out, the Heavy Axeman tilted his head up and looked the Long Arm directly in the eyes, his young face belligerent and full of hatred. "You can't keep silencing us forever. Your tyranny will bring others just like me." He spat at the other man's feet. "The World will not be yours forever. Remember that."

The defeated player's words seemed to ignite the crowd once again and they roared with anger, calling for the man's "death" and ranting about criminals within The World. Kite frowned, his confusion growing with every word he heard. He had thought that the Axeman was at fault but now it seemed that the Long Arm was perhaps the wrong-doer, despite his obvious position of authority. Since when had The World employed Moderators?

The dark Long Arm seemed to pay little heed to the Axeman's words though his eyes glittered as he raised his spear slightly. His words came out like icicles.

"Thank you for playing The World. Have a nice day."

With a growl of anger, BlackRose stepped past Kite, intent on stopping what was about to happen. He reached out and grabbed her arm, knowing it was too late and wincing as the spear fell and the Axeman turned a brittle gray and disintegrated. Erased.

The crowd cheered.

BlackRose swung back to him, angry, but he gave her a quieting look. Without newer weapons and more information, they could do little about what they were witnessing. They weren't even sure what side to take, or if they should even take one. It was clear though that this was the reason Orca had contacted him. Something was happening within The World, something dark.

Kite's hand tightened on his partner's as the multitude of players suddenly dispersed, some of them glancing at the sky as they cried out, backing away from the Long Arm who stood defiantly in their center.

A pearly feather drifted down in front of Kite's face, his eyes trailing its gentle fall to the cobblestone street.

BlackRose made a small sound in her throat and looked up.

A silvery shape darted from the sky, landing in front of the Moderator in a rush of wind and dust, loose feathers heralding the arrival of the winged swordsman of the Azure Sky. Balmung rose from his crouch, pushing silver locks of hair casually away from his face as he locked eyes with the Long Arm, one hand curling around the hilt of a sword he did not draw.

"Ahhh, Balmung, here you are." The Long Arm said his name with a sneer. "I was wondering when you would make your next flashy appearance. Come to challenge my sentencing of your little cohort, have you?"

Balmung smiled without showing any teeth. "Of course I have, Brill. A lack of justice always draws my attention."

The Moderator, Brill, gave a harsh, grating laugh. "Lack of justice? Have you forgotten that we Moderators have been charged with keeping the peace? You rebels are the ones making all the trouble." A few watchers murmured their agreement. "Without your interference, the System would run perfectly."

"Without us, you would rule a world of your own making." Balmung drew his sword in a flash of light. "I'm afraid I can't allow that."

Brill bent his knees in readiness for the Blademaster's attack, swinging his spear in a circle as he grinned in anticipation. He glanced only once at the crowd and when he did, his onyx eyes caught Kite's and he froze, staring.

Brill knew him.

Fully aware of the danger they were in, Kite stepped backwards pulling a startled BlackRose with him, never looking away from Brill's surprised look. Balmung followed his opponent's gaze and he started, eyes widening.

"Kite."

Kite was moving backwards towards the Chaos Gate, BlackRose at his side, when Brill came through the crowd after them, a purposeful step to his stride. He lifted his spear and pointed it at Kite.

"Stop that player! He's wanted by the System!"

That shout was enough to get Kite running, mentally thanking the inherent nimbleness given to Twin Blades as he pulled BlackRose after him, a wild terror working its way into his heart at the thought of what might happen to her and their child if they were captured. He couldn't let that happen. He wouldn't let it happen.

In a blink of an eye, a dagger twirled between the fingers of his free hand and with only a quick glance to aim, he sent it flying over his shoulder, hearing the weapon embed itself into the wooden planks of the bridge at Brill's feet.

The Long Arm stumbled, narrowly avoiding the steel, and left himself open as Balmung half jumped, half flew at him, the sound of their fight spurring Kite to greater speed. He turned his head towards BlackRose.

"Log out," he commanded and she nodded, ruby eyes wide.

They both skidded to a halt and, without looking back, accessed their menus.

Log out?

Click.