A/N: Demon Slayer, there when you actually need it!

NetherOrbit: Leopon Did Nothing Wrong...

Last call to vote! Poll ends on Friday!

Over-watch to Group Nova

O: Attention, unsanctioned Mechanist on Quadrant four, sector five, continent Vaznia. Contain and Acquire

N: Only one squad available, unit is expected to await reinforcements before proceeding

O: Transportation full, ETO four cycles, ETA seven

N: Squad reports Cygothan presence, orders?

O: Warning, Cygothan acquisition begets termination. Team Leaders, if you cannot acquire the Mechanist, terminate.

-Unknown Aethereal Vibrations

December 24th, 2022 - 8:28 AM

[From Asuna: Come to the store, got presents to pack!]

Taiyama left his inn room on lightened feet, Christmas Eve's morning sun warm. All around him, people huddled together in communion, exchanging sentiment, others trading gifts, affection freely expressed in greater numbers. With his mind on two [Orihalcum Ingots], a gift of protection formed in Taiyama's head. His eyes barely deviated from their set course, a Central Urbus blacksmith shop his destination.

"Wanna see the Tauran in combat drill? Dude, they're practicing right around the gate. Let's go watch!"

"Huh, never seen them practicing there before."

"Forever alone, right guys?"

"Breaking news, Garr refuses to apologize! Lind remarks on his unwarranted assault!"

Got the perfect idea for a gift, gonna get Lis to help.

Passing through wooden double doors, his eyes were swamped with red. From banners labeled "Presents For Kids!", to bundles of shiny wrapping paper and fake candy canes. Asuna waved him over, her shoulders draped with white faux fur, their exteriors of similar hues to the decor.

"Merry Christmas, Isho!" Asuna hugged, "go ahead and say hi to everyone. Door's open."

Lisbeth's anvil sparked as Tai filed through, an ingot converting with light mallet taps.

"Happy Holidays, Lis."

The blacksmith turned her head, smiling before reciprocating his address.

"I've got my gift settled," Tai drew [Orihalcum Ingots], "can you make gauntlets out of these?"

"For me?" she smirked, "you shouldn't have, mate."

Tai paused, but shook his head.

What's with her face? She's got this weird glow to her, really happy or something.

"Hm," Lisbeth took both bars, "seems pricier than usual...it'll damage my anvil too," her smile waned, "nice."

"Is there anything you can do with them?" Tai stiffened.

"Says I can only make one gauntlet with this," Lisbeth inspected stats, "weight's heavy, but its defense's insane. Still, more damaging than steel."

"I'll pay whatever it takes!" he opened his menu.

"Nah mate," she laid them out on her anvil, "I've got this."

"Really?"

"Aye, consider it your Christmas gift."

"I owe you one, Lis. You let me know, okay?"

Beside her anvil laid dozens of figurines, their colors identical, but their shape varied. From ninjas and knights, to big cats and various animals, a small mountain of toys awaited transport. Scrambling inside from a backroom, a boy clad in black scooped several in his arms. His eyes perked towards Tai.

"Happy Holidays," Tai smiled, "whatever your name is."

"Kirito," he nodded, "sorry, got the last of these gifts to wrap."

While his sleeved arms and gloved hands offered little information, an open neck layered with veins. Spotting this vascular mane, Tai stared for an additional moment as Kirito hauled.

What's up with his fucking neck? This boy dehydrated or something? On diet drugs?

"Why don't ya go help him, Tai?" Lis said, "I'll see what I can do about that glove."

"Sure," Tai stooped over, "so how are you feeling?"

"Charitable," she smiled, "there's something so good about this, don't you think? Us giving out toys to kids, spreading even a teeny bit o' joy?"

"I guess."

"Get outta here!" she laughed, "don't Grinch this!"

Scooping up a bundle of toys, Taiyama reached the shop's weapon testing room, whose open spaces filled with hundreds of boxes. Stacked several layers high, colors were mixed, their sizes uniform. Forming cities of paper skyscrapers, a crouched Leopon masked herself behind them, stacking new towers. In a clearing, Wick waved Tai over, his hands gingerly packing away.

"Yo Tai," Wick smiled, "where's my pizza?"

"You're still on about that?"

"Nah, was looking to see your reaction."

"Well cut it out," Tai chuckled, "you got me, okay? Where do I put these?"

"Just pass those over and I'll pack 'em. You gifted her yet?"

"Nope, getting it ready as we speak. Nervous, man."

"Tell me about it," Wick checked around him, "I wasn't sure whether to gift Yuuki or Leafa."

"Well one's gone, right?" Tai set down his cargo, before running another shipment.

"Sure," Wick said when he returned with another armload, "but Yuuki, you know?"

"You serious? She's crazy."

"Mm," Wick looked away, "isn't everybody?"

"Ha, please. You and I are the only sane ones."

"I wouldn't say that," Wick shrugged, "people surprise me all the time. So I'm gifting the other."

"Right?" Taiyama ran another cycle.

"I don't even know if she likes paintings. Quick, forest leaves after a rainy day, or flowery meadow?"

"Rainy," Tai said, "haven't seen 'em, but I'm feeling lucky."

"Keep focused, guys!" Leafa called, "gonna start the gifting in about two hours."

"Oops," Wick glued his eyes to his task, "sorry Tai, she's been excited ever since her cousin came back."

"Her family's visiting?" Tai glanced up, "never mind, I see him. So what happens in two hours?"

"Garr's gonna make an announcement, starting the charity event. Gonna be a quiet day otherwise."

"What? No parties?"

"That's coming in a week, so everyone's saving up for that. Gonna be exciting either way."

Sun Dancer

- 3:12 AM

"Altai, we have a situation."

I cranked up and out of bed, groaning a bit from a newfound soreness, clumsily stumbling up before snapping open my door.

"Where?" I looked up to my messenger.

"Our southwestern outpost has made contact with an unknown force."

I froze in place, muscles tightening.

"Hostile?"

"Unsure, my lord. But their numbers could present a problem."

"Let me see," I opened a [Strategist's Map].

Floor two's breadth opened up before me, forward operating bases marked by yellow squares. Magnifying our southwest perimeter, a lack of units brought my breath to a halt. Sweeping all three klicks of their area of operations, no soldiers were located. What I did find, however, was a swathe of green, leaking from past our border.

"I need reconnaissance in that vicinity," I pointed to my messenger, "is Asterius informed?"

"Yes, my lord. He hasn't reported back yet."

"Dammit," I huffed, "ready my guys, I need a sit-rep."

Must've been awful to watch me walk, let alone jog. Security wasn't a question, with my act of burying treasure in a seaside cavern routinely met with crashing waves that night. It was a battle of twin natures, one I could happily say I won, but only by a slim margin. Under a baking sun, these recollections brought fresh energy, I had work tonight. Spotting Asterius and a group of fifty [Tauran Slingers] and two columns of [Tauran Pikers] behind a hill, my damaged pace hurried.

"Asterius!" I said, "report?"

He motioned me over, his [Slaughter Maul] drawn for the first time since we've met.

"We're trying to discern the threat," he marched uphill, "I've already alerted our other four posts."

"Our crops are just beyond this point," I followed, "we can't let that territory be contested."

Reaching the hill's peak, I squinted at what laid ahead. Our irrigation canals were getting swarmed, squat and stocky figures crouching beside every glistening channel. Their yellow-green bodies looked like they were covered in stiff hairs, content to just sit there.

"They must be taking water," I readied my Zweihander, "Asterius?"

My general called his missile units to take position below the hill's crest, splitting them into a south and an eastern platoon. With them concealed, he motioned our first [Tauran Pikers] column forward, ordering them to hold position below the same hill's north decline. They would serve as a probe, allowing second column to march north for a pincer maneuver.

Whatever we were encountering, they outnumbered us significantly, but we had size and range. Watching over it all, I smiled a little. Asterius had this under control, but this breach of security demanded my attention. With all luck, this matter would be resolved before sunrise.

- 9:36 AM

Lisbeth's hammer laid upon a heavily cracked anvil, her forge room flooding with present boxes. Looking up at a wide eyed Taiyama, his posture was erected, chin high.

"Wow," Taiyama held up a heavy metal gauntlet, its blue sheen sharp in torchlight.

"I'd have to find paint supplies to color it red," Lis said, "but I doubt Asuna will mind. Stuff could deflect my [Mace] with ease."

"You think she'll like it?"

"Mate, there's a quote a wise man told me."

"What's that?"

"Ladies like heavy armor."

"Never knew that," he furrowed an eyebrow.

"And now you do," Lis smiled, "now get flirtin'. Make Asuna sad and I'll kill ya."

Taiyama's body shivered, clutching his gift like a falcon with its catch, bolting to Asuna's department with awkward steps. Chuckling to herself, Lisbeth's ears perked, children squealing outside her shop. She shivered, tucking hands in her pockets.

Will they like the gifts? If not, I could always talk to Haru. Wait, why haven't I tried making a bubble blower!? Haru could make the soap, it'd be so much fun!

[To Haru: Hary!]

[From: What kind of a nickname is that? Are you calling me hairy?]

[To: No no this is important! Can you make bubbly soap?]

[From: That sounds incredibly mundane, why?]

Just outside Lisbeth's forge room, Asuna's gaze lowered to her gift.

"Wow those stats," her hazel eyes grew, "ugh, I sounded so nerdy."

"Try it on," Tai smiled, "I like you nerdy."

Slipping fingers in tight, Asuna's body leaned slightly before correcting.

"Oof, gonna need getting used to this. But it's got protection levels for days!"

"Hey," Tai nodded, "means you can finally take a hit for once."

"Like you winning a race?" her eyes swerved to his.

"You can say that."

"Hm, well I should get it painted red...but otherwise I like it, a lot actually."

"Fifteen minutes, guys!" Leafa cheered from a backroom.

Lisbeth, who had been examining a hidden [Record Crystal], stuffed it away. Looking at current time, her eyes lit.

Aid's gonna have his speech soon, gonna be exciting!

Sun Dancer

-4:02 AM

[Unit has suffered 50% casualties, morale breaking!]

"Pull them back!" I waved, "get the dead out!"

Tauran reinforcements dragged their wounded and deceased, dust clouding our sights as rocks flew overhead. Our injured screamed for help, crying out to family, their god, begging to stop the burns. Whatever our foe was, it was using our water supplies to recover, much faster than we could deliver. Slung rocks barely broke their skin, bouncing off after stunning its target. With our southern perimeter in retreat, our northern column charged.

Their screams wouldn't stop, it tore at me inside like a badger in a hive.

"I've gotta warn them!" I looked to Asterius, "hold the line!"

"But you'll get killed, Altai!"

"My men are back there!"

I rushed downhill, skirting around where I last saw our enemy, the dust ruining my vision as I hopped over fallen troops. These things, they didn't roar, shout, or yelp. All I'd ever hear were Tauran, shrieking as they leaped upon them, clawing themselves ravenously. Running through dust and stumbling shin deep in irrigation, my swollen eyes swerved, a cold sweeping through my bones as the despaired called, some for my name.

Scratchy footsteps approached me from the west, like someone took sandpaper and wore it for shoes. Converging on many feet, I slowed slightly for a glance's sake, I had to know what we were fighting. Lo and behold, their green masses broke from yellow fog, their silhouettes numbering past five. My throat squeezed in, fists clenching as my enemy burst through without cry.

No eyes existed, nor a true head by human standards. With arms crooked like a praying mantis, their hunched charge wasn't what startled me most about them. Decorating their skin was a plethora of thorns, hooks, and barbs, dense and wicked. My hands went cold, gripping leather tighter as my legs picked up speed. They had this low hum to them, inconsistent in its rhythm.

[Vill-Dorn Prick-ling - lvl 35]

"They're tearing at me!" a Tauran balled, "get it off!"

While two levels below me, their numbers made frontal combat undesirable. My Zweihander whipped wide, but they paid no heed, its edge hacking half way across one's chest, cellulose flying. Bright green matter poured, its brethren rushing around me, forcing a retreat in the face of hundreds of barbs.

"Altai, help me!"

Leaping and outstretching arms, their reckless jumps left me rolling away, scraping off dusty savanna ground. Only after crossing a irrigation channel did these things stop their pursuit, sinking down to consume precious water from my supply line.

[Vill-Dorn grows a bud...]

"Fracking hell!" I turned, the damn things growing within moments of consumption.

[Vill-Dorn Sand-Bud - lvl 36]

This enemy was evolving from water, my face freezing as calculation ran wild. If these things weren't stopped, my whole kingdom could be quickly overrun! I planted my feet, only to inch away again, their thorns looking absolutely wicked. They watched me, encircling their newest drinking hole. I had no time, our north forces had to be warned against charging.

While I ran further north, I opened my [Strategist's Map], calling reinforcements from neighboring outposts, only to find stragglers.

-11:47 AM

Lisbeth's eyes stared down a crowded street, the area below Altai's speaking platform packed. Graye Sight members gathered children into groups, aided in finalizing props by Tauran security. No trees were planted, instead [Red Spotted Beetle Shells] decorated gaps, their colors dyed with patches of white and green.

"Strange," Wick said.

"I know," Lis said before shivering, "I mean, why?"

"Altai always shows up fifteen minutes early, not seeing him anywhere."

"Technical difficulties?" Asuna said.

"Nothing technical about it," Tai laid back in his chair, "that's for TV, Asuna."

"Oh yea...duh."

Lisbeth bent forward, opening her menu.

[To Garr: Crowd's getting anxious, where r u?]

"Hey Lis?" Wick whispered.

"Aye?" she looked up.

"I dunno if Leafa will like this, I need your opinion."

"On what, mate?"

Wick brought out his sketchbook, flipping pages hastily.

"It's not perfect, in fact I might just scrap it, I don't know."

"Scrap it?" Lis frowned slightly, "how much time did you put in it?"

"Here it is," Wick displayed his creation.

Painted finely on a canvas was a forest clearing, its floor awash with autumn's fleeting leaves. Central with her back casually to a tree was Leafa, her clothing a bright orange, a soft smile fitted with reddened cheeks. Lisbeth's smile grew as she scoured details, glancing back to Wick.

"Wick, I should beat you for this."

"Why?" Wick leaned back.

"You oughta be daft to scrap this," she returned it, "show this to her!"

"Eh," Wick blushed, "it's not exactly-"

"Do it," she smiled malevolently, "or I'm putting your face in places you don't want."

"Lis," Asuna looked over, "what're you implying?"

Wick watched Lisbeth like a coiled viper, even as she blew off any concern as overthinking.

At least Yuuki's pranking is innocent!

"Okay, okay," Wick said, "don't hurt me."

"Oh it wouldn't hurt," Lisbeth's smile turned innocent, "not at first."

A shadow loomed over all of them, shifting all gazes to who stood above. Lisbeth's eyes glinted, but faded seconds later, a Tauran standing in Garr's spot.

"Um," it glanced down, "attention?"

Already quieted, no response or change was given.

"Altai has reported back, he cannot make it in time. So he ordered I uh, continue for him."

Lifting a pamphlet, it took a few moments before brushing its snout.

"Today, I've come to recognize Christmas Eve. I know it's a special time for many of Japanese origin, as it's for us Westerners akin to Valentine's Day."

Lisbeth's gaze fixated out towards Urbus' southern gate.

How could he not make it? He's been planning this with me for days, there's no way he'd skip this.

"Ha," Tai smirked, "like the horse guy better already."

"Sh," Asuna elbowed.

"Today, we remember what it means to come together as people," the Tauran spoke, "that love indeed wins over hate. To love your neighbor as you would yourself, is to help create a team strong enough to face any challenge."

Groups mumbled to one another, a warmth budding steadily.

"As the leader of this humble province, I would like to take a moment to spread cheer to our younger members. To those under the age of fourteen, each and every one of you has a present waiting in one of the many blacksmith shops located across town."

Lisbeth smiled softly, resting her head on a palm as children whooped in anticipation.

Wish you got to say that, Aid. You might not have turned the heads of many, but this's a good start.

-2:55 PM

Pointing my Zweihander forward, Asterius' newest approach marched, dust pluming as Tauran brethren shrieked ahead of us in grief. My men shuddered loudly, stepping over mounds of their dead with hesitant hooves, their shields clacking as their wall of metal rippled. Looking down at our fallen, my stomach twisted, with remains so defiled by hook and point. These plants were left on their torsos, growing out of their chilling bodies.

"God," I moaned to myself.

Our problem warranted greater response, our enemy having taken half a mile of western territory due to my incompetence. Some of the fallen cried weakly, but with HP at zero there was nothing I could do. This dust was yellow, but the ground was moist, it didn't make sense. Watching my troops' morale splinter, I had to ask, what would Patton do? They were scared, we were losing ground.

"Always do everything you ask of those you command."

"Lead by example," I grunted, "their courage will surprise you."

I knew what it meant, my shoes heavy and sticky, limbs tightening as it sunk. I had to march in front, put myself against the hateful growth. But my men needed an example, no matter how much I hated thorns. Thorns, heights, God I had to be the most fearful guy in Urbus.

"Move!" I said, turning to slide past troops as they opened up.

"Altai, what're you doing?"

"Keeping this challenging!" I said, "you gonna catch up with me?"

God, had to be the wimpiest voice I've ever used in my life, it cracked half way. Hell, it'd probably end up on some B-movie for the giggles. Hugging that [Siege Blade] though, I had to believe they listened, even when my mind kept telling me to not rush forward. Charging through dust, my grip tightened, shapes forming between channels.

"You pussies!" I raged, "move faster!"

My men at first remained silent, the [Vill-Dorn] more attentive, rising from their stolen rivers, converging like starved hounds. My feet skidded, their thorns growing in size as they lunged, hairs raising as arms shook. What a stupid idea this was, putting myself between predatory cacti and walls of bronze. Swarming over like an ocean tide, my stomach clenched, ready to let loose...even if I hadn't had breakfast.

Whipping my Zweihander down like a hammer, a [Vill-Dorn Prick-ling] split open, its halves folding away before fragmenting. Watching it crumble, my mind froze, my pommel hugging left hand pushing down, prying the weapon loose before making a sweeping diagonal. Down and to my right, a leg was caught, sending its receiver toppling over.

"You must never expose your guard, never leave it to your enemy to set zhe tune."

While I returned to focus, a cool breeze shook me to step back, a [Vill-Dorn] leaping straight at my face. My eyes clamped shut, my arms slamming to repel, only to scream as hooks dug. My left eye burned horribly, lips catching spines, cheeks impaled as it crashed into me, my bone armor repelling anything below my chin.

[HP: 74%]
[You have been partially blinded!]

Moisture ran down my screaming face, my groans loud as I burned from the forehead down, slashing wildly, only for lingering thorns to dig deeper. All I could was shout, my face covered in needles, leaving me scrambling between flailing and trying to scratch them off. Color faded all around me, swirling into a soup of similar shades, the water dark at my feet.

These didn't care, they bashed against me, my left knuckles peeling against their assaults, Kuradeel's training my only hope of standing for a minute. Shouting behind me, my men stormed in, their shield barrier bashing against their massed charges. Was too angry to make out anything, the damn things getting torn out of my lips with harsh yanks, leaving me tasting salt and sweat. Waving my Tauran forward with gritting teeth, I stumbled in my efforts to lead. Thorns, all over me, burning.

Sun Dancer

-4:02 PM

A single red box was passed, leaving Lisbeth's fingertips as it met a young boy's chest.

"Thank you, Lisbeth!" the boy bowed, "you're the best!"

"You're welcome," Lis bowed slightly, "Merry Christmas!"

Wick knelt down from his height, passing another.

"Altai's so cool, he got me a tiger figure!"

Asuna eyelids drooped slightly, smiling sleepily as her arms rested on a desk, checking off on each new gift passed.

Lis shouldn't let this little act convince her of too much, she is ultimately the one who did it. Still, she hasn't spoken to me all morning, wonder why.

Lisbeth yawned softly, rubbing her eyes as Leafa passed her another box.

"Hey Leafa?" she smiled, "has Kirito gifted you?"

"No," Leafa paused, "you're only supposed to gift your boyfriend or girlfriend."

"Oh you're right," Lis lowered her chin slightly, "expecting any?"

"No," Leafa frowned.

"Hm, I could've sworn Wick was talking about you."

"He was?"

Lisbeth turned away, smiling impishly before passing her wrapped gift to another child.

"Miss Lisbeth?" the boy looked up, "did Altai really order this?"

"Aye," Lisbeth bent knees, "he was so nice, he got his own money and paid for it."

"Oh wow," he looked down, "makes me wish he was here, this is cool!"

"I'll let him know you said that," Lis patted his head.

Leafa stared over at Wick as he helped around the shop, feet shifting back and forth as she glanced down at hardwood floor.

Did he? I didn't think he even looked at me.

"Wick?" she called nervously.

Wick looked over his shoulder, gaze wetting as Leafa grabbed his arm, pulling him aside.

"Y-Yes?"

"Lis told me some things."

"No, I didn't stuff gloves in your shirt."

"Not that!" Leafa flustered, "I know that was Lis, I'm not stupid. No, I was um...told you have something to say."

"I..." Wick looked away, "right. See uh, I got a bit confused by the announcement. I thought your culture gifts each other early."

"Only if they're like boyfriend girlfriend," Leafa said, "was that all?"

"Y-Yeah."

"Ah," she smiled, "I can understand why, you're pretty new to all this."

Aincrad's sun dipped to Urbus' rim, orange rays thinning as evening returned. For Leopon, she would see no sunlight. Passing out boxes from the backroom, her gaze avoided Lisbeth's, who in turn avoided Leopon's. Tears poured in privacy, the blonde alone in anguish.

Why did I do it? I miss talking to Lis already, I threw it away simply cause my father told me to.

-6:12 PM

My arms shook like grass before a callous gust, sweat pouring as my head dipped. Half of what I breathed was dust, my Tauran no longer shouting.

"Good news, my lord. We've recovered our southwestern perimeter."

"What," I coughed, "about our other outposts?" I winced upon pulling another thorn, "frack!"

Paper crinkled, my face cold as I stumbled up to full stature, yawning almost constantly.

"Overrun," Asterius sighed.

"Least the shield wall worked then, huh?"

"This time, our only advantage was having enough numbers to surround them."

"We need to build a barrier," I waved a finger across our border, "something to slow possible advance until we get better situated. Let's see," I opened my [Strategist's Map].

I nearly dropped it with how panicked I got. Not only were our outposts overrun, the thorny tide had swept deep, nearing Urbus itself. Dragging a finger over the city's guard, the town's gate was ordered to be sealed for "training purposes". Quarantine procedures had to be initiated, we had to find and seal the main canal. If there's anything positive the map indicated, these [Vill-Dorn] loathed northern climates, their numbers far smaller towards the channel's entry point.

"Marching through territory that dense will get my people killed," Asterius shook a leg, "we should focus our efforts on cutting off the flow of reinforcements. Secure our outer perimeter, surround our invaders."

"Gonna be hard to oust them from our mainland," I sighed, "they heal really fast from water. We may have to commit to two separate sweeps here."

"There's not enough men, Altai."

"Unless we bring out other means."

"The [Krigssin]?"

"Better," I smiled weakly, "Lowyse."

Asterius stiffened, looking around quickly and briefly.

"Altai?"

"She's a bit unhinged," I said softer, "but with her power, we could clear this whole field by sundown."

"You'll set a bad example for our people, bringing a witch to fight. Fire dancers swore to our goddess to never use their gift for harm."

"I'm not asking them to break their oath," I raised a finger, "I'm simply utilizing those who have and will continue."

"Our warriors will not approve, Lowyse deals with evil spirits."

"Unless they don't see it. I'll lead her and a few Sun Dancers through the center of their hold, break their backs and supplies while you cut reinforcements."

"Are you sure, sire? Your Tauran were inspired by your actions, more would help."

"Then tell them I'm in the thick zone, and I promise meals fit for a king for the unit that beats me to our northern border."

My body lurched sleepily, a shiver forcing me to draw a bottle.

"You're too tired."

"I'm not leaving until this situation's resolved," I splashed myself, "get your columns ready, you'll need the head start."

"Ha, as you wish."

With a press and drag, I ordered Lowyse to gather at my location, albeit nervously. Lisbeth and I did everything in our power to disable her when we first met, had to make white phosphorus just to stop what would've been complete immolation. She was known to torch entire valleys because someone stepped on her flowers, and this was before I grew crops. Lowyse arrived with haste, though a single folding ear spoke volumes of her mood.

"Altai, I'd prefer not to be called out her-"

"I need everything north of me burned," I said.

She stopped, lowering her snout to look at me closer.

"Its gotta go," I pointed north, "every thorny thing from here to Floor four's border."

"Hmph," Lowyse leaned back casually, "you know how my less thoughtful brethren will take that, so no thanks."

"They won't see you," I said, "and that wasn't a request."

"Fine, what's the collateral?"

"Blank."

Hearing this, a grin took form on her lips, a glint in her eyes followed with a glow of hands.

Sun Dancer

-10:02 PM

While starlight easily blanketed Urbus by nightfall, voluminous clouds of smoke had ascended above mountain walls. Staring up at billowing and widening puffs of suffocating ash, people took shelter, mouthing concern in their homes, taking in less fortunate denizens. Standing in her forge room, Lisbeth's eyes remained wide, hands gripping a worn mallet. Before her, a message hours old lofted.

[From Garr: The situation shall be resolved before sunset, do not panic]

Asuna poked her head in.

"Lis, have you seen the smoke? It's like the world's burning around us!"

"Have they opened the gates yet?" Lis looked.

"I don't think so. Oh god, Yuuki's safe, right?"

"She's in Floor one, don't worry."

"What if the fire reaches us?"

"We're inside a mountain, I doubt that's gonna happen." Lisbeth glanced around, "let's just play a game, something to keep us distracted. Where's Tai by the way?"

"Watching front desk."

"Tell him to lock up, we should get together for this."

While Asuna went right, Lisbeth turned left, calling on everyone to gather around a vacant forge room. While Kirito remained stoic, Leafa shivered as she hugged Wick with an almost crushing grip.

"Help," Wick wheezed.

"Not a chance," Kirito shook his head, "I know how strong her hugs get."

Leopon and Lisbeth avoided eye contact, taking opposing spots in the circle. Keeping eyes off her blonde acquaintance, contempt wrestled with pity, Lisbeth's insides tight.

As much as I wanna kill her for trying to steal Aid, I understand why she did it. Heathcliff comes from an almost entirely different social sphere than we do. For him, this sort of leverage's not done out of malice, but to secure things he worries about. Besides, Asuna told her to. That's what gets me more.

"Oh this is great!" Asuna clapped hands, "all of us together, around an anvil, no campfire, I should stop."

"We've got a furnace," Leafa squeezed Wick from behind, "how about that?"

"Maybe if you'd let go?" Wick groaned.

"Nah let's set the floor on fire," Kirito smugly grinned.

Low chuckles broke out between them, Lisbeth stuffing coals into an inactive furnace, Wick squirming free of his captor's grip. Watching her prepare, Leopon's eyes grew wet.

Can we ever be friends again?

"So guys, how're we liking this whole shop life we've got?" Lis sat with them, "I'll say it, it's been pretty quiet without Yuuki."

"Yeah," Asuna frowned.

"I'd say it's been alright," Leafa said, "though...I've kinda gotten a bit bored."

"Bored?" Lis frowned.

"It's not your fault," Leafa waved, "I wanna see about maybe trying something new."

"Like?" Kirito watched.

"I was thinking, cause people seem to like the training I provide. What if I get myself a dojo? Somewhere people can learn how to fight."

"You'd have consider new techniques," Kirito turned, "remember, Kendo's very different than actual [Katana] arts."

"I get that, but I wanna help out more. Maybe I can buy a building in Urbus."

"Space is a bit tight right now," Leopon adjusted her seat, "but I like it. How about we try something when we get a new [Town Hall]? I can pitch in a little money."

"Aye," Lis nodded, "sounds interesting."

Lisbeth glanced away briefly, her gaze deep.

To be fair, I guess I've gotten a bit bored too. There's a huge world out there, yet I've spent it all here.

"Thank you," Leafa almost jumped, "I humbly accept."

"Can I just say one thing?" Wick raised a hand.

Receiving all confirmations, he looked to Lis.

"Asuna has been talking with us, and we can all agree. You have done an amazing job, getting yourself sober, finding your center."

Lisbeth's smile grew, Wick bowing his head slightly.

"It must take everything in you to say no, to trust in strangers like us. But you've gotten so cheerful, it's been amazing to watch."

"Aw thank you, Wicky." Lisbeth bowed her head, "it's been a challenging path. There's mornings I wake up, looking for that nearby glass. I won't lie, I still do every now and then. It's like looking to an old best friend, it gets you all happy and comfy, even if it isn't real."

Asuna kept a smile, no matter how sickened she was.

"I made a decision though, and I don't intend on stopping. Knowing how much you guys care about me, how big a family we've become, I believe in me."

Tears trickled a little from her brown eyes.

"I can never thank you all enough...you don't know how much you've helped me. I can wake up and think of tomorrow, next week, or this month. I might slip again, but I'll know there's a way out. That's...something a very dear friend of mine once told me."

A group hug formed, hearts beating below a stone roof, Lisbeth looking past them all seconds later.

"I don't want to be your savior, Rika. That would put me at the center of you changing, when it should be you. Talk to me, but do not rob yourself, this victory is yours."

Everything up until this point has led me here. Friends all around me, a passion to follow, a great guy to call mine. Maybe this's a fleeting moment, me being all drunk on these feelings, but it sure seems real. I'm in control, and I have me to thank for it.

"So how should we move forward?" Leopon said, "Leafa going to go teaching, Lisbeth running the shop. How about you, Asuna?"

"Not sure," Asuna tilted her head, "I mean, I've...been bouncing between being here and joining Assault."

"She misses using her [Rapier]," Tai patted her shoulder, "that's one thing."

"I only said it once," she glanced.

"Why not sign up for a guild?" Lisbeth nudged Asuna, "maybe even the king's army?"

"I mean," Asuna twitched from Lisbeth's touch, "Diavel and Kibaou have both offered."

"It's a fast way to level up," Kirito kicked back, "though I'd argue your skill's more important than levels. [Frenzy Boar] can still kill me, even though I'm thirty above them."

"That's crazy," Lis blinked, "how're you supposed to have a power fantasy when low levels kill?"

"That's what I said!" Tai slapped a knee, "it would seem like the developers wanted to remind us of human limits. Who plays a game though to have that?"

"There is magic," Leopon said, "though that's still a mystery. Most I've seen are these people with rock hands."

A white backed notice flashed before all, a message telling of the same event.

[Notice: Urbus' gates are now opened!]

Like adventure?
Like riding mounts into battle?
Join the greatest cavalry guild in Aincrad today!

Illumiknights, Tomorrow's Paladins

-Recruiting Poster, January 3rd, 2023

A/N: Speak carnage and it shall appear.

Hey guys, be sure to drop a review! Bad or good, constructive criticism helps me make a better story!

See you on Friday!