SAO Episode 3: Red-Nosed Reindeer

Episode Guide:

Bold=In Episode Dialogue

'Bold Italics'=In Episode Character Thoughts

Italics=In Episode Description/Action

Normal Script=Outside Of The Episode Talking And Action

I'm back with another update. I freed up some time now that my first panel at anime convention is done. That was so fun, I even hosted someone else's panel when they didn't show up. I put together a kingdom hearts panel in 5 minutes, and then hosted my own panel later that day. I'm thinking of doing another one. I also got several ideas for other fanfics. It's going to be so much fun trying to juggle them all.

The episode starts with several people making a toast. Kirito sits uncomfortably in front of a smiling group of players making merry inside a restaurant.

Ducker: Here's to us, the Moonlit Black Cats! Cheers, everyone!

Members of the Moonlit Black Cats: Cheers!

Ducker: I got another. Here's to the guy who saved our lives! To Kirito!

Everyone: To Kirito!

The real Kirito gasped, and stood up. He shook his denial, his face having turned very pale. Asuna reached for him, but he shook her off. "No. I'm not watching this. Screw learning some blasted lesson, I'm not playing this sick game anymore." The black swordsmen then turned around and ran into the shadows. The others screamed after him, afraid what could befall him in the mysteries of the void in which they were all trapped. Kirito ran until he could no longer see the table, and then popped out the other side of the room from where he started.

This didn't deter him from trying in a different direction. Then another, the opposite, and picked one at random. He just ended up popping back facing the table and screens. Kayaba raised an eyebrow at the boy's antics. Asuna, Klein, and Leafa looked concerned. Kibaou seemed perplexed, and kept switching between looking at the screen and the swordsmen. Asuna looked ready to cry, and that's what finally got through to him. Kirito covered his eyes and sighed. There was really no escape from this.

Kirito didn't say a word until he had sat back down. He lowered his head to the table with an audible thunk. "Don't bother me until it's over." He told the rest of the party. His friends exchanged silent looks before focusing back on the screen.

Kirito: Uh... Cheers, guys...

A young man wearing red armor raises his goblet. He is the obvious leader of the team. He was a two handed staff user, meaning he was proficient in both defense and offense.

Keita: Thanks.

The purple tunic wearing frontline mace user was the next one to offer his gratitude.

Tetsuo: Yeah, man.

This time a person wearing green, and a hat that looked like it belonged to Attila the Hun offered his own thanks. Kirito recognized him as the damage dealer, and had a good handling of his spear.

Sasamaru: Thank you.

From across the room a boy in a yellow cape offered his own salute. If there had been such a thing as job classes, Ducker would have been excellent thief. He was quick to draw, and knew how to use his dagger proficiently.

Ducker: You saved us back there.

A nervous young woman in blue armor clutched her goblet tightly. Kirito wasn't sure if she was intimidated by being the only girl in the group, or if it was just him she was afraid of. He remembered her fumbling with her two handed spear while running away from monsters.

Sachi: Thank you. Thank you so much.

Kirito: Oh, it's cool.

Sachi: I can tell you how scared I was. And it made me so happy when you came to save us, I...

Kirito: Oh, well...

Klein couldn't put his finger on where he recognized these kids from. There weren't that many people Kirito had hung out with in the death game. There weren't that many people the kid trusted period. Before hooking up with Asuna, the swordsmen was renowned for being a loner. The only exception had been the one time Kirito had joined… "Ah hells bells," Klein muttered. He was pretty sure he recognized what incident this episode was going to cover. He looked up, and even though he could only see some shadows he decided to yell up to them anyway. Hopefully their kidnapper was listening. "Hey! Any chance we could skip this one? It's not that important to the overall completion of the game." Kirito actually looked up after that comment. The glare the kid sent his way was enough to make Klein quickly rectify that last statement. "Well yeah it's always important when someone dies, but it also dredges up some pretty bad memories too. What do you say we forget this episode, and go ahead and skip to the next one okay?" The captive audience waited for some sort of response, but the screen began to play again. Kirito gave his friend a sad smile, appreciating that the samurai had at least tried to stop the inevitable playing of the worst day in Kirito's life.

Keita: Uh, Kirito, sir. I hope I'm not out of line asking this, but I was wondering what level you're at?

The audience gets a view from Kirito's perspective. He glances up into the right corner to glance at his level indicator, he's just moved up to level 40.

Kirito: Level twenty.

Leafa looked over at the black swordsmen. At least his forehead wasn't attached to the table anymore. "Why would you pretend to be weaker? Wouldn't it be comforting to be protected by a stronger player?"

Asuna squeezed Kirito's hands, letting him know she would take this question. "At this point in the game no one but clearers were so far ahead, and Kirito was heads above even them when it came to levels. He was also the best known beater, next to Argo the information dealer. If he let them know how strong he really was, he would be instantly labeled."

Kibaou was starting to feel uncomfortable. He had been the leading voice against beaters, the A.R.M.Y. guild had flat out refused to accept known beaters. Yet, he had often offered allegiances to the black swordsmen during boss raids. Not that he would've admitted to that in public. He had often been enraged when the beater had refused his alliance, and instead took on helpful but separate responsibilities. He had never really wondered why though. What would have been the reason why the swordsmen could've felt uncomfortable interacting with people who resented his skill and experience? By being so invective, he had forced the boy into a very lonely role. Beaters were always at risk of social persecution, sometimes revealed beaters were even dragged out for public Player Kills. The perpetrators not even caring if they were dragged down to the Black Iron Palace prison dungeon.

He snuck a peek at the hero of the whole SAO incident. When he had first contemplated writing a book, he hadn't thought about how he was largely responsible for turning the strongest player into an outcast.

Keita: Really? You're at our level and still a solo player. You're an inspiration, sir!

Kirito: Keita, I'm not your superior. And being solo means I'm always hunting enemies out in the boonies. It's not very efficient.

Asuna snorted. She blushed when everyone turned towards her. "Well it's just, between Argo's information and his own experience he has a very strict training regimen. I've never gained more levels then when I was training with him."

Kayaba was very interested in this bit of information. He hoped that the screen would reveal some of his training methods. He was very curious on how the clearers gained enough strength to take on his cardinal system.

Keita: Oh... right. Well, in that case, I hate to spring this on you here, but... if you want, we'd love to have you in our guild. Our mace wielder, Tetsuo, is only one we can put out front right now. And then we've got Sachi over here. I was thinking of having her switch to sword-and-shield. That way, she can fight on the front lines. The thing is, she says she's not sure she could handle it. If you join us, maybe you could teach her a thing or two?

Keita pats the head of the sole girl in the groupuntil she's finally had enough. She throws off his hand and is ready to snark back...

Sachi: Oh, come on! I'm not that useless.

Keita: Um...

Sachi: Seriously, you can't just put me up front and expect me to know what to do. Of course I'd be terrified.

Tetsuo: It's no big deal, just hide behind the shield.

Keita: Yeah, right. Ever since I can remember you've always been a scaredy-cat.

Sachi pouts while her guildmates laugh.

Keita: We always joke around like that. See, in real life, we all went to the same high school and are members of the PC Research Club. But if you're worried about fitting in with us, don't. As far as I'm concerned, you're already part of our group, right?

Everyone: Mmhmm.

Sachi smiles in welcome. Kirito is obviously uncomfortable, tightening his hands into fist, but powers through his anxiety.

Asuna feels a little twinge in her heart. She gives Kirito's hand a squeeze that's a little too rough. When he looks at her, she just smiles to reassure him. She knows how she should be feeling, remorse for dead friends, apprehension for seeing more players die, worry for the pain her boyfriend will have to re-experience. Yet there's another emotion stirring at her heart. Irritation maybe? She's not sure, but that smile Sachi wears is the root of it. That she knows.

Kirito: Well... I guess I'll join you guys after all…Glad to work with you.

The Moonlight Black Cats start to grin. They surround their newest member with questions and laughter. The picture becomes grainy and still like a photograph. It's the picturesque start to a tragic friendship.

The Black Cats are working on their combat skills. They have a single praying mantis mob surrounded. Sachi, Kirito, and Tetsuo are in front, acting as the assault team.

"Ewww! It's a giant bug." Leafa screamed and hid behind Sinon's chair.

Sinon patted the dark haired girl on the head. "Oh come on, it's not that big of a deal. You should see some of the bug monsters in Gun Gale, now those fly, have gigantic mandibles, and drip ooze everywhere. Those are terrifying, at least you don't have to fight anything like that in ALO."

Leafa was not impressed. "But why do they have disgusting things like in a videogame at all?" She whined, before moving back to her seat.

"There is a psychological factor in creating bigger buy type monsters. People are terrified of insects tinier than thumbs, so by amplifying their size they become much more terrifying. Players that are usually fine with typical monsters freeze, and become easier targets. Thus more player groupings appear in levels where buy type monsters appear." Kayaba explained to the room.

Kibaou looked skeptical. "So wait a minute, you pretty much admitted to adding humongous bugs to freak people out?"

Kayaba just glared, and turned back to the screen. Some people would never understand the intricacies in creating engaging gaming mechanics.

Tetsuo manages to hit the mantis mob. It hisses in response and goes after Sachi. The girl screams as the attack hits her shield, knocking her off balance.

Asuna feels a little smug. Even when she was a noob, she had more balance than that. She would never have let a glancing attack slow her down.

Kirito steps in to defend the blue haired girl. He's managed to cut off one of the monster's limbs. Now is the time to press the attack.

Kirito: Sachi, get back! I got this! Come on, Tetsuo! Switch out!

Tetsuo: Got it! All right!

Tetsuo darts in with a solid slam to the bug's abdomen. The monster disintegrates into pixels, Tetsuo even gained a level for getting the final blow on the monster. The entire gang surround him to celebrate. Later the group has found a nice quiet place to relax and have lunch. Keita has out one of Argo's news releases in hand.

Keita: The Assault Team made it through to floor twenty-eight. That's amazing! Hey, Kirito. What the heck does the Assault Team have that we don't?

Kirito: Well, access to information? With that, they can find out the easiest ways to get EXP, and they don't share that info.

Keita: Yeah, you're probably right. But I think what really sets them apart is willpower.

Kirito: What do you mean?

Keita: You could say it's how determined you are to protect your friends…No all the players. The truth is, I'd like to think we have the same kind of drive, even though we still need a protection. That said our first priority is looking out for each other. But someday, if we get strong enough, we'll join the elites in the Assault Team.

Kirito: I see. That's a good goal.

Kibaou got a little misty eyed. "He reminds of Diabel a little bit." The orangette stopped to wipe his eyes with his forearms. "Is that why you decided to help them?"

Kirito smiled a little forlornly. "Maybe a little. Most of what I saw was a great group of friends struggling to get stronger in a deadly world. If they could have gotten more levels, I think they would've had a good effect on the Assault Team as a whole. I just wanted them to make them a little stronger before parting paths."

"You wouldn't have stayed with them even when they caught up to you? Why?" Sinon tilted her head in confusion. Even as a strong sniper in Gun Gale, she had still needed support. While she never joined a guild, there were teams she paired up with for battles.

Kirito shook his head. "It would have shut a lot of doors in the faces, to be associated with the most infamous beater of them all. They never would be able to gain entrance to the larger guilds, or if they wanted to stay small they could be relegated to only the menial positions. Some would even accuse them of being beaters themselves."

The others in the room tried to protest that statement, but Sinon knew better. She caught Kirito's eye, and nodded in understanding. She knew what it was like to live under a stigma. It took someone really strong to make friends with an outcast. The Moonlit Black Cats looked like a nice group, but she didn't think they would have the fortitude to stand up the prejudice beaters lived under.

Keita: I don't know, I guess...

The others jumped down to the ledge Kirito and Keita were eating on. Ducker snuck up behind Keita and put him into a chokehold.

Ducker: Hey, leader! You're so cool!

Tetsuo: So, you really think we can be as strong as the Holy Dragon Alliance or the Knight of the Blood Oath?

Keita: Yeah, what if I do? Nothing wrong with setting our sights high. But we have to be level thirty first.

Sachi: That's impossible.

Kirito: I like the way Keita thinks. If the Black Cats can level up fast and get to the front lines, his ideals could change the elitist attitude of the Assault Team.

The Kirito on screen looks at his own level, which has climbed to 48. Even now he continues to further the gap between himself, and the guild he has pledged allegiance too.

Klein looked at his buddy, raising one eyebrow. "So not only do you have the ability to make levels while being held down by a bunch of beginners, you also seem to have some sort of debacle with the other clearers. What do you have against the Assault Team buster? I can remember several arguments between yourself and the Lighting Flash over there about strategy. I never got the chance to ask before, but what's your beef?"

Asuna let go of Kirito's hand, and crossed her arms. "I would like to know too."

Kirito sighed and pushed back in his chair. "Fine. It's just that the guilds got way too militaristic and cutthroat much too early. By level 25 three guilds basically dominated the whole Assault Team. Anyone who didn't join was put under enormous pressure. Lots were drawn to decide who would lead, instead of merit. Fights broke out over loot distribution. I must have been challenged at least 20 times for the Last Attack Bonuses I earned. Several claiming I didn't deserve any treasure because I'm a low down cheater. Not a single one of the smaller guilds ever got to lead, including you mister guild master." He pointed a finger towards Klein.

Okay, the samurai had to concede the point on that. Klein rubbed the back of his in awkward agreement.

"By level 75 it was clear who the top guild was, and who called all the shots. Even before I realized who Heathcliff really was, I could predict a pretty serious fallout for letting one guild control everything. If they ever experienced too many losses, or…" Here he turned to glare at Kayaba. "If their illustrious leader ever left them, the whole Assault Team would fall apart. And if things had followed his script it would have."

Kayaba was impressed. Who knew that someone else had seen the signs of the collapse of the organization that pressed the Clearers forward? It seemed he had underestimated his opponent again. Kirito was right. He had deliberately monopolized leading the boss battles. He had also pressured the other leaders of the lesser guilds into falling into line with him, and it worked. If things had continued on schedule then by level 90 his secret would have been revealed, his knights in disarray, and the field would have been ripe for Kirito to pick the pieces back up and lead. The social outcast becomes the hero, the greatest hero is revealed to be the ultimate villain, and there had been such poetry to that outcome. He was almost sorry events hadn't played out that way. Almost.

The scene changes back to the inn the Black Cats frequent the most. Keita has the whole group assembled to hear his latest news.

Keita: I have an announcement to make. After our latest hunt in the field, we've got 200,000 col!

Everyone: Wow!

Tetsuo: Buying a house of our own doesn't seem like such a pipe dream anymore.

Sasamaru: I know, we should upgrade Sachi's equipment.

Keita: Good idea!

Sachi: Uh-uh. I'm fine with what I have.

Ducker: Oh, come on! You know, it's not fair to make Kirito be out in front forever.

Sachi: I'm sorry.

Kirito: Don't worry about me. I'm cool with it.

Leafa leans forward to look at her brother. "Playing it cool for the lady big brother?" She giggled when Kirito glared, but it was the glare Asuna gave which made it truly funny. Leafa knew that this event had a made a huge hole in her brother's heart. It was only natural for a girlfriend to be a little jealous too. Love was selfish, at least in her experience.

Keita: Thanks Kirito. Sachi, I know switching jobs isn't as easy, but seriously you're almost there. You can do it! I know it!

Later that night Kirito slips out of his room. He is all geared up, his sword at the ready. He leaves the safety of the city, and heads out into the fields. A team of monster hunters has already got the red devil dogs on the ropes. A familiar head of pink hair confronts the monster.

Kirito: Klein...

Klein blinks in surprise. "I didn't realize that we had met up during this. Although I guess that explains the guild icon." He glances at the Kirito. "Sorry man. Wish I could've helped."

The pink haired samurai finishes the mob with a sword skill. He glances up and recognizes the observer.

Klein: Phew... Hey, it's you, Kirito! The trash mobs' all yours, guys!

Guys: Sure!

The friendly guild master jogs up the hill to meet up with Kirito. He glances in surprise at the icon hanging above his health bar. He had always thought Kirito would be a loner, unless he finally managed to wear him down to join up with his guild.

Klein: Man, it's been a while since I've seen you. What? You doing some late night leveling or something? What's up with that icon? Did you join a guild?

Kirito: Yeah, I guess you could say that.

Guys: It's all clear! We can move on!

Kirito: See ya.

Kirito can barely look Klein in the eye. He's more than ready to move away at the slightest excuse. Klein watches with a skeptic look on his face. He can see right through Kirito's standoffishness.

Klein: Yeah...Oh, come on. Is it still bugging you?

Klein didn't make eye contact with anyone in the room, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. He could feel the glares the girls were sending his way. Okay, it wasn't the most sensitive thing to say, but how was he to know that he was being spied upon? No one could predict being kidnapped and forced to watch the most intimate details of the whole SAO experience. Right?

Kirito has just returned through the teleportation gate, and receives a message from one of his guildmates. Not that anyone else has the ability to instant message him, well besides Argo.

Keita: It's Keita. Sachi went off somewhere and hasn't come back yet. We're heading to the dungeon now. Please let me know if you find anything out.

Kirito: Sachi...

Kirito scrolls through his menus until he finds his tracking skills. His eyes turn green. Kirito glances around until he can see fluorescent footprints glowing further into town.

"I didn't know they had tracking skills in that game." Sinon is practically bouncing in her seat. "That is a completely different skill than most of the successors for VMMPORG. Can you follow anyone with that skill?"

Kirito smiles. "No. It only allows for people that you are partied with."

Kayaba ponders for a moment. "There had been some debate on creating a tracking skill similar to the one shown, but for use against enemies. However, most of the developers believed it would give some too much of an advantage. So it was never fully developed."

Sinon shook her head sadly. "Shame. If that had existed in Gun Gale no one would have ever been able to escape from me." The girl doesn't notice that the rest of the occupants shudder in fear.

Several scenes from the town are shown, but finally the camera settles on the underway of a bridge. Kirito follows by the riverside, a place hidden from most of the traffic overhead. He finds Sachi sitting by the underground, huddled into a small ball.

Kirito: Sachi!

Sachi: Kirito...

Kirito: Everyone's worried about you.

Instead of getting up, that last comment causes Sachi to squeeze her knees closer. She looks away when Kirito sits down to join her.

Sachi: Hey, Kirito.

Kirito: Yeah.

Sachi: We should run away.

Kirito: Run away... from what?

Sachi: From this town. From the monsters. From the Moonlit Black Cats. And from Sword Art Online, too.

Asuna feels another pang in her heart, not from jealousy, but empathy. The pose, the brooding, if this was taking place in an inn it would be the mirror image to Asuna's struggles in the beginning of SAO. She remembers the overwhelming fear, and the sense of injustice. Why should she be trapped here? She had so much to live for outside of that stupid game. Or, at least that what's she kept telling herself. She had felt like there was this gigantic timer overhead. Each day lost in the game, was another lost into making something of herself. It had taken Kirito and Yui to break her out of that fear, and to stop and enjoy. She wasn't losing a day in reality, she was just living with people who cared about her.

Meanwhile the Kirito on screen is panicking.

Kirito: A-Are you talking about double suicide?

Sachi: That's not such a bad idea. Sorry, no. If I had guts to die, I wouldn't be hiding in the safety of town, would I? But really, why can't we just leave? Why do we have to die, when it's just a stupid game? What's the point of going through this?

Kirito: Yeah, there is no point. I guess.

Kayaba shifted uncomfortably. There had been a point. He had wanted to create the best world, one that surpassed even reality. But after that, he had just wanted to see how people would react in it. He succeeded in trapping a few thousand inside of his game. Forcing them to live in his reality, with even the real consequence of death if they failed. But it wasn't enough to just watch, he wanted to be there beside the players as they challenged his world's limits and laws, and overcame them. Being the commander of one of the stronger guilds, he had pretty much only worked with players that somewhat overcome their fear of death. Or at least conquered it enough to keep pressing forward against the game. He hadn't spared much thought to the weaker players, the ones that weren't strong enough to challenge his system. Maybe he shouldn't have taken his counseling program offline…but hadn't he wanted to see real people overcome the limits he had set. To see them evolve, and grow. A few would have to die, but that had never really bothered him before. So why? Why was he starting to care?

Sachi: I... I'm so afraid of dying in here.

Kirito: You're afraid to die?

Sachi: I'm so scared. I haven't been able to get any sleep lately.

Kirito: You're not going to die.

Sachi: Really? How can you be so sure about that?

Kirito: The Black Cats are strong enough as a guild. Besides, our margin of safety is well above the norm. Plus, you've got Tetsuo and me up front. So, there is no reason to be on the front line with us.

Sachi: You honestly don't think I'll die? Will I make it back to the real world?

Kirito: Yeah. You're not going to die. You'll see. We'll clear this game and go home soon.

For the first time Sachi is able to look up and smile. A tear falls, her relief is so great.

The real Kirito had to close his eyes. This sucked. It royally sucked to see how much those words meant to Sachi. Words that in the end meant nothing. Asuna has picked up his hand again, but he doesn't look at her. He won't.

Kirito is messing with his screens at the inn where his guildmates sleep. He hears a knock at the door.

Kirito: Come in!

Sachi: I'm sorry. I can't seem to get to sleep.

Kirito looks surprised, and the scene fades to a bed filled with two people.

Klein whistles. "Daring ain't ya?" He teases his friend, who's still trying to tune the rest of them out.

Kirito opens one eye, and sees the screen stuck on the images of the bed. He blushes as red as a tomato. Causing everyone to laugh, except Asuna who seems to be pouting. Kirito is trying to explain, but he's stuttering too much for him to be understood. He's still trying to explain when the screen begins to play again.

Kirito: 'If I stay in this guild, she'll be safe.And we'll all make it back to the real world someday.There must be a lot of players like her, who're afraid of dying in here.But still, they laugh, and cry, and try to live as best they can.I've never even thought about it before.'

Sachi: Kirito?

Sachi has woken up, and Kirito turns to look at her.

Kirito: It's okay. I promise you're going to survive.

Sachi: Mmhmm.

Kirito: 'And no matter what, I promise I'll protect all of you.'

He raises his fist like he's holding his sword. Making a silent promise to himself, and those he cares about.

The guild has gathered to send their leader off in style. Keita is off to buy a guild house, only available from the first town on the first floor. Finally, the Moonlit Black Cats will have a home to call their own.

Keita: Okay, I'm heading out. Teleport: Town of Beginnings.

Sasamaru: Can you believe it? I never thought buying a house would so exciting!

Ducker: Dude, you sound like an old man!

Tetsuo: Hey, while Keita's off buying the house, what do guys say go and raise some extra cash?

Sachi: Oh, then we can buy furniture.

Ducker: Come on, let's go to a dungeon on a higher floor!

The on screen Kirito frowns, but decides to go ahead and rain on their parade. He has the most experience after all, but they don't know that.

Kirito: We should stick to our usual hunting spots.

Sasamaru: But up there we can make more and faster.

Ducker: Yeah, at our levels, we don't have anything to worry about.

"They don't listen to you very well." The group turns towards the frowning samurai. His expression is thoughtful, Kirito once called it Klein's LEADER face. "They know that you are more experience, and are a treasure trove of knowledge. Even if you haven't shown them your true abilities. Yet they still don't listen."

Leafa decided to butt in. "They were excited."

"Still." Klein won't be perturbed. He has a point to make. "They should have listened, especially since they were already down a member."

Kirito didn't comment. He was busy not freaking out. He had a death grip on Asuna's reclaimed hand. She wasn't going to complain though. She could predict what was coming next.

Kirito has given into the peer pressure. The group has decided to take on one of the more challenging dungeons on floor 27, to grab some easy loot.

Sasamaru: You see, I told you guys this was going to be cake! We might even be able to reach the front lines soon.

Ducker: That's what I'm talking about. Look!

The thief-like character spots a glyph character on the wall. He touches it, and another room is revealed. A treasure chest rests in the middle of the room.

Kirito: 'No way! A hidden door?'

Kirito starts to feel uneasy. There's nothing about this in Argo's player reports. Someone out there should have found this already. So why wasn't there any info about it?

Ducker: A treasure chest! Hoho!

Kirito: No! Wait! It's a trap, guys! Hurry! Let's get out of here!

Kirito's instincts are proven right! As soon as Ducker opens the chest, an alarm goes off. The previous blue light has changed to an ominous red. The door to the room has closed.

Ducker: Teleport: Taft! Ah... Teleport: Taft!

Sachi: We can't use our crystals!

Kibaou can hardly breathe. A room where teleport crystals don't work, at level 27? Impossible. No one had ever seen a room until Argo came up with a guide to trap rooms at level 30. Something about a guild that got wiped out…Oh. He glanced over at the beat-no Kirito in sympathy.

Kirito: So this is a crystal nullification area?

Some of the walls of the room slide open revealing monsters. Stone golems and menacing dwarves surround the party. There is no escape. Kirito fends several of the dwarves off, but he can't be everywhere at once. Ducker trips, losing his balance he falls to the floor. Several dwarves surround the fallen player, and raise their pick axes. Ducker can't defend himself.

Ducker: Ahhh!

With a final scream Ducker breaks apart into green pixels. One down, four left. Kirito takes down a golem in revenge, but Tetsuo leans out too far. He's hit by a monster.

Tetsuo: Ahhh!

Sasamaru glances back to see his friend disintegrate. He uses a skill to pierce the golem that killed his friend, but the golem raises his hand to deliver a counter attack.

Sasamaru: Tetsuo! Damn you! Ahhh!

Three down, and two to go. Kirito is desperate. He can't let all of his friends get killed! He slashes monster after monster, not stopping even when he is hit. Sachi is blocking a golem's attack, and holding her own. Kirito wants to get to her, but two more golems have moved to block his path.

Kirito: Sachi!

Sachi: Kirito!

Sachi manages to throw off one of the golems, and go after the one attacking from the back. She knocks that one off too. Kirito slashes at the two monsters blocking him, causing them to disappear in a flash. He reaches his hand towards the girl. She sees him coming and reaches for him. Except she has let her guard down, and one of the golems manages to land a hit. The last of Sachi's health bar disappears. She mouths something to Kirito, but he can't hear her. He can't get to her in time, and she shatters before his very eyes.

The room is silent. The girls are out right sobbing. Asuna has turned to Kirito, and buried herself in his chest. Meanwhile he's using her hair as shield to hide his tears. Leafa and Sinon have run towards Klein. He has two gorgeous girls in his lap, but he doesn't care. He just hugs them as he lets his own tears fall. Kibaou is slamming his fist into the table. Screaming, "Damn, damn, damn it all."

Kayaba isn't crying. He's struggling with another emotion he hasn't felt in years. He tilts his head back, and closes his eyes. Yes, he remembers the name for this ache in his chest. It's called shame.

It takes several minutes before everyone has regained enough composure to finish watching the episode.

The scene switches to a winter wonderland. The music becomes upbeat and cheery. A huge Christmas tree dominates the town, and players can be seen everywhere shopping, laughing, and getting into the Christmas spirt. The scene couldn't be more opposite to the tragedy last depicted.

A dejected Kirito slumps dejectedly against one of the benches. A hooded figure stands behind him, their face masked except for some bright red painted whiskers on their face.

Argo: I hear someone's been taking risks with their level raising.

Kirito: Did you get any new information for me?

Kirito grumbled to himself. "Of course they would have to show this part too." Asuna wanted to ask him about that comment, but she was too comfortable. After the last scene, the girl had given up hugging for snuggling with her boyfriend. Seated firmly in his lap, but turned towards the front, so she could still watch. Her head rested on one of his shoulders, her face turned towards his neck. It was warm, and all she wanted to do was bask in it for a while. Nothing on screen could be worse than what they'd all seen, but she wasn't ready for more drama.

Argo: Nothing worth charging you money for.

Kirito: You give info brokers a bad name.

Argo: This wasn't in the beta test. It's a first-time event. How am I supposed to know what's going to happen? All I know is that tonight on Christmas Eve, the event boss is going to appear. He's called "Nicholas the Renegade." He's going to show up under a fir tree somewhere. The major guilds are searching everywhere for the tree as we speak. You wouldn't happen to know where it is, would you?

Kibaou blinked, before standing up and shouting. "It's Argo, the worst known beater of them all."

Kirito couldn't resist. "I thought I was the most infamous beater of them all." A tiny, miniscule smirk showing on his face. He was too tired to really laugh.

"Yeah but…" Kibaou began connecting the dots. "You're friends?"

Kirito snorted. "As much as anyone can be with Argo. She doesn't exactly trust other people too much, but she has helped me out several times."

Kibaou had to think about that for a moment. Here was another example of a beater out there helping others, for a price, even with the beater title hanging over their head. What if beaters hadn't been ostracized? What could they have brought to the front lines if they could have joined the clearers without fear?

Kirito: Maybe.

Argo: Are you seriously thinking of going solo on this one?

Kirito doesn't answer the info broker, but disappears into the crowd more determined than ever.

That comment snapped Asuna out of her stupor. She hit poked her living seat in the chest. "You did something stupid didn't you?" She hissed. Kirito didn't answer, but the sheepish scratching of the cheek indicated enough guilt to validate her theory.

The scene changes to Kirito sitting in the dark at an inn. He's planning out his next move.

Kirito: 'In this world, the dead can never return to life.I heard a rumor though. If you beat Nicholas the Renegade, he drops an item that can revive a dead player. If I fight him alone, I'll probably die. No one will see me, no one will know. Nothing will be left behind.That's how I'll die.'

Leafa couldn't stand it anymore. She stood up and placed both hands around her brother's face. Totally ignoring his girlfriend, she leaned in. "Do you still feel that way?" Kirito tried to evade her gaze, but this close there was nowhere to hide. "Do you?"

Kirito wouldn't look at her. "Maybe right now." Even if he didn't look he could feel her glare. "But that's just because of the replay on screen. I haven't felt that way in a long time, and even now…" This time he could look her in the eye. "Now I know there's more to live for. You, Asuna, Yui, Sinon, Klein and the others mean so much to me. How could I leave you all behind?"

Leafa nodded, that's what she needed to hear before she could let this go. She caught Asuna's nod, and returned to her seat.

The scene changes to a flashback of Kirito's confrontation with Keita. Kirito's the only to make it out of the trap room alive. Keita is in shock, his hand still clutching the keys to the guild's new home.

Keita: You're a beater! You had no right to be with us!

With that last shout, all the fight has left Keita's body. He staggers towards the balcony where the two have met to discuss the tragedy. Before Kirito can stop him, Keita has climbed to the top of the balcony's railing. He jumped.

Kayaba could hardly breathe. How could one last minute little change to a hidden room cost a promising guild, and nearly the life of the most powerful player in the game? How much would have changed if he hadn't caved to his developer's demand to add more challenges to the game after the beta test? Would have Kirito remained in the guild? Would the girl…Sachi still have died? Would Kirito have even managed to usurp him at all? Maybe even sooner? He didn't know, and with their deaths he never would.

Kirito: 'That's right... It's my fault.My arrogance killed you, all of you.If only I hadn't kept my true level as a player secret from everyone.I have to figure out a way to beat Nicholas, then I can revive Sachi.And then, I'll find out what she was trying to tell me. Whatever words she chooses to curse me with, I've got to accept them.'

Kirito sets out into a snow covered forest, but is stopped by a familiar face and his guild.

Klein: Yo.

Kirito: You followed me?

Klein: Of course. You're after the revival item, aren't you?

Kirito: Yeah.

Klein: Don't be risking your life over some rumor that could turn out be bogus. Man, you can't be messing around in this death game. Once your HP hits zero, that's it. In the real world, your brain gets fried and it's...

Kirito: Shut up...

Klein: Enough with your reckless solo raids! Join us…Whoever gets the revival item drop keeps it, no hard feelings. Hey, that's fair isn't it?

Sinon glares at the samurai. "Yeah it is fair, but if you are helping a friend fairness should go out the window. Of course he was never going to join, if you couldn't guarantee him the item. Dumbass."

Klein rubbed the back of his head. "You have a point there missy."

Kirito: But then, there'd be no point. I have to do this. Alone.

Klein: Think about what you're doing, Kirito! It's suicide, and I can let you die like that! Come on!

Asuna punched her boyfriend. "Idiot." He just kissed her still closed fist, and ignored the pain.

Kirito is just about done talking. He moves to draw his weapon, and Klein's guild can't help but feel nervous. The black swordsmen is one of the most powerful players in the game, and Klein has backed him into a corner. Klein tries to quiet everyone down, but is interrupted by several players teleporting in.

Kirito: I guess you were being followed too, huh Klein?

Klein: Uh-huh. It sure looks that way.

Random Guy 1(yes I'm still doing this): It's the Holy Dragon Alliance.

Random Guy 2: They'll do anything for a rare item, no matter how shady. What'll we do?

Kirito: You bastards...

Klein: Screw these guys! Get out of here, Kirito!

Klein directs his guildmates to stand between the other guild and Kirito. No way is one of the most ruthless guilds in the game going to take his friend's hope at reunion.

Kirito: No way.

Klein: Leave 'em to us. We can hold them off. Get going!

Once again Kirito is in Klein's debt. He moves on to the confrontation with the boss, while Klein gets ready for battle.

Kibaou leans over and pats the samurai on the shoulder. "That was a brave move."

Sinon smiled. "The mark of a true friend."

Leafa got up to peck the man on the cheek. "Thank you." She told him simply.

When Kirito noticed the hearts in the older man's eyes, he got up to clonk him on the head. While the guy complained, he patted him on the shoulder. "Thanks." Klein's smile got even bigger.

Kayaba couldn't remain silent anymore. He turned towards the black swordsman. "You had to have known that item…" He didn't finish when Kirito raised one of his hands.

"Some part of me knew. I just didn't want to admit it. Thank you." Kayaba raised one of his eyebrows in askance. Why on earth would anyone thank him?

"For trying to spare my feelings." Kirito explained. Kayaba didn't know how to retort, and the others had no clue to what they were talking about. They turned towards the screen, hoping that the next scene might give them some clues.

Kirito comes across the largest tree in the whole forest. He hears the tolling of bells, it's midnight. A jingling noise can be heard. He looks up to see two streams of lights overhead, and large lump falling towards him. He steps back, and escapes the fallout from the arrival of the mob boss. The monster is some sort of grotesque parody of Santa Claus. It's covered in red fabric, and has two eyes that move in different directions. The boss has five health bars, and a dangerous axe clutched in its hand.

Kirito: Let's do this.

With a scream the swordsman leaps towards the monster, just as the screen fades to white.

"Idiot. Idiot. Idiot." Asuna tells him while turning around to pound on him again. He's pretty sure she's crying again, but he too busy enduring the pain to check for sure.

Klein's group has come out victorious, but they are bloody tired. Klein can't even find the energy to stand when he sees Kirito come back from confronting the boss. Kirito's eyes look dead, and he seems more haunted than ever before. He tosses Klein a small glass ball covered in gold.

Klein: Huh? Kirito, hey! W-Wha?

Kirito: There. That's the revival item.

Klein pulls up the item specs.

Klein: Let's see... it says it must administer to affected player... within ten seconds?!

Kirito: If someone dies in front of you someday, make sure you use it.

Kirito moves to leave, but Klein grabs his coat. Tears begin to stream down the samurai's face.

Klein: Kirito... Listen. Stay alive, you hear? I don't care how you do it. Just stay alive, to the end!

Kirito: See you.

Kirito shakes off Klein's hand, barely acknowledging his words. He leaves more broken than ever.

The real Kirito looks over at Klein. "Did you ever use that revival item?"

"Yeah." Klein smiles, but to Kirito it looks force. "Came in real handy. Remind me to tell you about it sometime okay?" Kirito nods his understanding. It's not a story that Klein wants to share with everyone. They go back to watching the screen.

The scene changes to Kirito slumped over the desk back at the inn where he's staying. He looks utterly broken. A message alert appears, and Kirito tiredly opens it up. A tiny screen shows up, claiming it's a gift box from…Sachi? How could that be? She's dead.

Kirito: Sachi?

He clicks on the screen, and a diamond shape appears. It's a sound box, the only way to make a recording in this world. Sachi must have made this, and gifted it to him for Christmas. He pushes the little button that starts the recording. The diamond started to glow, releasing Sachi's voice from its confines.

Sachi: Merry Christmas, Kirito! By the time you hear this, I'll probably be dead. How can I explain this…let's see... To tell you the truth, I never really wanted to leave the Town of Beginnings.

The scene changes to Sachi making the recording on her bedside, talking to the little glowing diamond in her hand.

Sachi: And I knew if I fought with an attitude like that, I would end up dying someday. But that's not anyone's fault. That's something I have to deal with. Kirito, ever since that night you found me, you kept telling me I wasn't going to die, no matter what. But what if I got killed anyway? I knew that if I died, you'll blame yourself. That's why I decided to record this for you.

The scene changes to another flashback. This time Kirito is messing with his screens with Sachi in the room. She turns to ask him something, but is fascinated with the level number she cans see on his home screen. Suddenly she begins to smile.

Sachi: By the way, I know how powerful you really are. Sorry. I sort of peeked when you weren't looking. I thought really hard about why you would hide your level and fight with us, but I never figured it out though. You know what? When I found out how strong you were, you may not understand, but it made me so happy. I was so relieved. So even if I die, promise me you'll go on living, okay, Kirito? Stay alive, so you can see the end of this world, and find out why it was created. Find out why a weakling like me ended up here. Find out the reason you and I met. Please. That's what I wish. Looks like I still have time, so... Seeing how it's Christmas and everything, I'll sing you a song.

Sachi begins humming the song for Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer. Her small body swaying with the song. The screen changes to Kirito listening to the cube in the present. He's hunched over the recording, listening with all of his might. Another flashback reveals Sachi's final words, and coincidently they are the last two words of the recording as well.

Sachi: Anyway, Kirito. I'm so glad that I met you, and that I could be with you... even for a little while.
Thank you. Goodbye.

Kirito's tears continue to fall even after the recording ends.

The captive audience stare at the screen, and unspoken agreement for a moment of silence pervades. No one knows what to say, even after the credits roll.

So that's it. The most angsty chapter I've ever written. This has been the hardest chapter to write, the death scene was almost impossible. So my next chapter definitely needs to be more positive. So next time it's another Omake, then the harem chapters begin. Lol.

When I began this chapter, I took a look at my polls for the 2nd season watching the series fic. Apparently there's no love for Recon huh? Now I look back, and he's gotten a few pity votes. I'm going to take the poll down. I've got my cast. Treat yourselves to few digital cookies until my next update okay?