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
Klein leaned back and yawned. "So any clue what this next one is about?"
Sinon looks at the title, and muses aloud. "The Black Swordsman…That implies it will involve Kirito somehow."
"Me? Why me? I'm not the only swordsmen in that world?" Kirito pointed out, desperate for some of the attention to be taken off of him."
Sinon raised an eyebrow. Silently indicating that was a stupid question, and he should feel even stupider for forcing her to explain. She ticked off her reasoning with her hand.
Finger one: "This whole series has involved something to do with you since it started. The past episodes can prove that."
Finger two: "You are known in at least 3 different VR MMPORGS as the Black Swordsmen, even if in Gun Gale Online they think you are a girl. That's your fault for playing it up."
Kirito blushed at that comment, and Klein grinned. "Oh? That's a story I'm going to have to hear." The glare that Kirito sent out could've cowed a weaker man, but it just made Klein grin harder. Sinon ignored the idiocy and continued with her countdown.
Finger three: "Kirito attracts trouble like…"
"Hey!" The swordsmen protested.
Asuna elbowed him in the ribs. "You know that's true."
"Name one time." He told his girl-girl that is his friend, while rubbing at his newly acquired sore spot.
wieldingly. The final battle of SAO. Do I need to go on?" Kirito quieted down after that, and Asuna tried not be smug.
Finger Four: "Our mysterious host wants us to see the hero's struggles. That's why they've shown us the first battle, leaving Klein behind, and…" She remains quiet for a moment, before gathering her courage. "The annihilation of the Black Cats."
Kayaba raised one eyebrow. "Isn't that the same as point two?"
Sinon shook her head in denial. "Not really, no. The Black Swordsmen is famous, not really Kirito. Only the leaders of the big guilds, and his friends know the name of the infamous Beater that defeated SAO. It seems our kidnapper wants to learn what makes our swordsman tick. Which brings us to my final point.
Finger Five: "The goal of this whole kidnapping/theater outing is to learn something that will help us against some sort of threat that's coming for Kirito.
"Isn't a so-called 'HERO' not supposed to need help?" Kibaou sneered.
Most of the room bristled, but Leafa was the first to respond. "Everyone needs help at some point or another. Even you." She pointed out.
"What are you talking about girlie?" The orangette shouted. "When have I ever needed help?"
Leafa smirked. "At every boss battle in SAO, especially the early ones." The others laughed while the older man pouted. Meanwhile the episode began to play, much to Kirito's relief.
The scene opens with a group of adventurers out in a forest type dungeon on floor 35. It's a mixed group of three males and two females. The taller female carries a shield and spear, and seems to be talking down to the only other girl in the group. The shorter of the two females has a familiar blue dragon perched upon their head, and is arguing hotly with the other female about item distribution.
"Hey that's Silica, and her dragon Pina!" Leafa pointed out, bouncing excitedly in her seat. She had wondered when she would see more people she knew from the death game. She stopped back to admire her guildmate for a second. It was strange to see her friend's avatar, so familiar, and yet strange at the same time. If there was one thing she was grateful in this whole mess, it was the opportunity to see the avatars that dominated her friends' lives during the SAO incident. It seemed that Silica had been a beast tamer even back in SAO.
Which was kind of weird really. Wasn't it really hard to tame monsters back in SAO, especially with the risk of death if it failed? Plus now a days there were tons of guides for beast tamers, but that didn't exist during the opening ceremony of SAO. So how did Silica pull that off? And get a rare beast like a dragon? It was really mysterious really.
While Leafa was puzzling things out, Kibaou was more excited to proof that the smug sniper was wrong. "Hah. Looks like your theory doesn't hold up after all. Don't see any black loving tweens in sight."
Sinon kept an eye on the squirming Kirito. "We'll see." She shrugged, not caring to look to that the casual dismissal had enraged the orangette or not. Klein clapped a hand on the man's shoulder to keep him down in his seat. The rest of the room turned their attention back to the screen.
Rosalia: What are you talking about? Why should we have to share these healing crystals with you? Not all of us have pet lizards with healing powers, you know.
"Wow, what a bitch!" Klein exclaimed. "I mean she's hot with the red hair, sexy bod, and curves. Her personality sucks though."
Asuna rolled her eyes. "And yet…if she flirted even the tiniest bit, you'd still date her."
"Duh." The pink haired swordsman replied, giving the girl a wink. The females in the room all groaned.
Silica: But you never fight on the front line. So, who are you to talk? You don't need to use any crystals!
Sinon was disgusted. "Those bastards in the back aren't even doing anything. They're just letting this pointless fight happen."
"It's not pointless." Kirito chipped in. Everyone turned to look at the teen, quiet expectation in their gazes. He had been too quiet since the beginning of the episode, must mean what he had to say was pretty important to break his silence.. "Those crystals can mean the difference between life and death out in a dungeon. Silica has every right to fight for a portion of the crystals."
Sinon waggled her index finger at the swordsmen. "I'm not arguing that. It should be a given that everyone shares in the crystal bounty. If there's not enough, then frontliners get first dibs." Kirito nodded at that, the contention between the two disappearing.
Rosalia: Of course I do. You're the popular one around here, Silica. I can't expect the boys to help me when I need it, unlike you.
Knight Guy: Oh, come on. It's not like that.
Asuna pounded her fist against the table. "I hate girls like that! Pretending to be helpless, in order to get everyone to do their bidding. It's manipulative and wrong!" Kirito silently wrapped a hand around her fist. Asuna closed her eyes and slumped back into her seat. Kirito didn't let go until the tension had drained out of the girl's shoulders.
Meanwhile on screen, Silica has had enough. She shuts down all of her screens, ending the party item sharing.
Silica: Fine! I don't care. You want my items, take 'em. But I'm never going to team up with you again! I know, there is a ton of other parties out there who'd love to have me on their side.
The angry girl stalks off into the depths of the forest. The rest of the party call out for the girl to stop. Except for Rosalia, who seems to be smiling in victory.
Knight Guy: Wait! Don't go! Silica...
"NOOOO!"
The entire room of observers has erupted into chaos. Everyone except for Kirito and Kayaba had jumped out of their seats to scream at the screen. Of course that didn't stop the character from continuing on, so they turned on each other.
"Doesn't she know how dangerous that is?"
"Will she be okay?"
"Is she suicidal?"
"So stupid! How does expect it to make it out of there alone?"
"Enough!" Kirito shouts, slamming both fists on the table. That finally seems to get everyone's attention. "Silica is okay. We just saw her last night? Right?" He looks around the room for confirmation. The members of his guild nod.
"Okay then, that tells us that she does make it out this okay. She survives. Was it a stupid move? Yes, yes it was, but she survived. She was with us last night, she was at school today, and tomorrow when we make it back to the real world she'll still be there. Alright?" He glares until he sees people take their seats back.
Kayaba watches with a critical eye. He remembers this floor. "I'll be curious to see how the young beast tamer makes it out of this." Every head swivels towards him. "This particular dungeon has some particulary strong mobs that come out at night." The rest of the room pales.
"Not helping." Kirito grumbles at the inventor. "Not helping at all."
Sure enough, the Silica on screen is in trouble. After leaving the party the girl had gotten lost, and stumbled upon some high level monsters. Three large ape like creatures had the girl surrounded. Pina shrieked out a warning! Silica ducked under the large club headed her way, rolling almost into the range of another angry ape. She just barely jumps away from another attack. After gaining a bit of distance, Pina finally manages to breathe some healing magic onto the girl. Silica's health bar edges out of yellow, and back into the green zone. It's not enough health to reengage with the mobs. She reaches into her pouch for more healing items, but they're not there.
Silica: I'm out of healing crystals!
While the girl is distracted, one of the apes manages to hit the girl. Silica is sent flying into a tree. Her dagger flies out of her hand. Silica glances up to see that her health has declined into the red zone. She looks around, but can't find her weapon. One ape monster stomps her way, club raised above its head.
"Are we sure she survives this?" Klein said from between grit teeth. Kirito nods grimly. Most of the others are tense as well. Afraid for one of their dearest frineds.
Silica looks on with fear as the club descends her way. Suddenly a blur of blue feathers gets in between the weapon and the girl. It's Pina. The blue dragon is sent crashing into the forest floor. Silica snaps out of her stupor and runs to the dragon. The poor thing is breathing heavily, and Silica watches as her companion's health bar diminishes.
Silica: Pina! Pina! Pina! Pina... Pina... Pina... Pina! Pina!
Kayaba stands up from the table. He doesn't even care that his chair clatters to the floor. "Impossible." He asserts while pointing to the screen. "I didn't design any of the tameable A.I.s to do that."
Leafa just blinks at the usually calm man's loss of control. "What? But Pina has always done stuff like that in Alfheim. I think he pretty much only learned how to breathe fire, so he could distract a mob monster from attacking her when she's down."
Kayaba gestures even more frantically. "But that shouldn't be possible! I didn't design for them to be able to learn new skill, or to take hits for their masters. They're not smart enough to do that, even in the pathetic copies my competitors have developed since that. They just don't have those kind of capabilities."
"Your A.I.s evolved." Kirito said quietly, but with authority. The frazzled scientist met the eyes of the teen, no, now he was the black swordsman. The usually stoic gaze now burning with emotion. "Even back then I saw many of the NPCs and monsters acting differently to what their programming should have been allowed. A few prominent examples come to mind."
Kirito and Asuna shared significant looks.
Finally, Kirito tuned back to Kayaba. "I fought with several A.I.s that I could have sworn were humans, if I couldn't see their cursors. There were a couple that I know developed emotions, but they're not there anymore, are they? You destroyed them almost all of them, when you let your creation crumble when your game failed."
"I didn't…" Kayaba tried to defend, but Kirito cut him off.
"No you couldn't have known. You were too busy manipulating your thousands of abductees, and devising traps for the Assault Team. You didn't have time to monitor the lives you inadvertently created in Aincraid. Your loss, but we all certainly gained from your negligence." Kayaba tried to get the teen to elaborate on that, but the swordsman remained tight lipped. Kayaba reluctantly picked his seat back up, and turned back to the screen.
Silica picked her friend's glowing body, just as her friend broke into thousands of glowing pixels. Tears gathered in the girl's eyes, and she froze in her grief. The three apes took advantage of the girl's grief, more than ready to keep attacking. Silica turned towards the monsters, unable to move any more that. All hope seemed lost. Then all three monsters shattered.
Silica could only stare as her savior appeared, glowing sword in hand. A young swordsman in black, stared at her from across the clearing.
Kibaou leans back and groans. "Of course the 'HERO' would show up."
Sinon smirked at being proven right. The others relaxed significantly as the danger on screen decreased.
Which meant Klein could immediately begin teasing again. "Why so serious Kirito-kun?"
Kirito frowned at his friend. "It was a serious time."
Leafa elbowed her brother. "What he means onii-chan, is if you're going to the act the part of a knight in shining armor, your expression should match."
Kirito made a face. "I would hate to wear shining armor. The Blood Knights uniform was bad enough." He looked up confusedly when the others laughed.
Leafa sighed, and ran her face down exasperatedly. "Oh onii-chan."
Silica comes to herself. She scrambles back to the spot where her friend fell. All that's left is a glowing feather. She gently cradles the item in her hands. Tears begin to fall.
Silica: Pina! Pina...Don't leave me all alone here... Pina!
The mysterious swordsmen sheathes his blade. He kneels down next to the distraught girl.
Kirito: What's that feather?
Silica: It's Pina... My best friend...
Kirito: You're one of those beast tamers, aren't you? I'm sorry. If I'd got here sooner, I could've saved your friend.
Tears began to fall again, but Silica stubbornly shakes her head in denial.
Silica: No, it's all my fault. I was stupid to think I could make it through the forest on my own. Thank you for saving me. You did what you could.
Asuna sighs dramatically. "It was very stupid, but I can sympathise." She smiled wryly. "I know that I've let my temper get the best of me before."
Kirito nods sagely at this admission, and Asuna punches him. The others laugh.
Kirito: That feather…Check and see if it has an item name attached to it.
Silica: Huh?
Silica taps her finger against the glowing finger. A pop up screen appears, naming the item 'PINA'S Heart.' Silica begins to tear up again.
Kirito: Hey, don't cry. That means Pina's heart's still here, there's a chance you can revive it.
Silica: No way! Really?
Kirito: Mmhmm. On the south side of Floor 47, there's a field dungeon called the Hill of Memories. I heard somewhere that the flower growing at the top can revive familiars.
"Well that explains that." Klein said, a smile appearing on the man's face. When the rest of the room looked at him expectantly, he explained further. "I mean when we all met up in Alfheim, Pina was still there? Saved to Silica's account? That couldn't be if the dragon wasn't revived."
"True." Leafa bounced a little in her seat. "That means everything turns okay." She told the room with a blinding smile.
Silica: Floor 47, huh.
Kirito: I'd offer to go get it for you. All you'd have to do is pay for the trip. The thing is, the flower won't bloom unless the familiar's master's there.
Silica: Thank you so much for telling me about it. If I work hard to raise my level, then someday I could...
Kirito: Sure, but there is a time limit of three days to revive it.
"Damn it." Klein rolled his eyes. "There's always a catch."
Silica: No way...It's all my fault. I'm so sorry, Pina...
Kirito: It's okay. You have three days. Take this equipment. It should boost you five or six levels. And if I tag along, I'm sure everything will work out.
The mysterious swordsmen pulls up his menus to begin a trade. A screen appears in front of Silica offering several rare items to boost her levels. Her savior is offering her a fortune for nothing in return. More importantly he's offering help to saver her most beloved friend.
Silica: But, why would you do all this for me?
The swordsmen freezes. Slowly he turns back towards the girl, one hand hiding half of his face.
Kirito: I'll tell you, but only if you promise not to laugh, okay?
Silica: I promise I won't.
The hand moves to cover his entire face, thus hiding his embarrassment as he relates his secet.
Kirito: All right, it's because you look like my little sister.
"What!" Leafa screams. She jumps out of her seat, and grabs the surprised Kirito. The boy is too shocked to stop the girl from shaking him. "We look nothing alike. I love her to death. She's one of my dearest friends, like ever, but we do not look even remotely similar."
Leafa continues to shake her sibling, punctuating each point with another shake. If she notices his glazed eyes, she pretends not to. "She's short. I am abnormally tall, especially in Alfheim. She's a natural brunette in both VR and real life. I fluctuate between black and blonde. She has ruby eyes. Mine are boring black in reality, and vivid emerald in virtual reality. She's sweet and biddable. Anyone that annoys me gets to feel the end of my sword, and that's true in both realities. SO HOW THE HELL ARE WE ALIKE?"
The enraged girl was practically vibrating with tension, but she had to wait for Kirito's brain to reboot. Even then he didn't react in anger. Instead he gripped his sister's hand, giving it a small squeeze. One side of Kirito's mouth quirked up into that smirk that still made her heart throb. "It wasn't looks. It was the way you two act. Maybe Silica wears her heart on her sleeve more, but you both care deeply for others. Neither one of you are afraid to shed tears, but still keep your manners. Me? I tear into everyone and everything when my world crashes around my ears. You two though? Your hearts could literally be ripped out of your chests, and you'd still be checking to make sure everyone else around you was okay. I admire that about you, always have."
Leafa teared up. It just wasn't fair! How could he say things like that, and be so damn sincere about it! She was still getting over her bleeding crush, and then he goes and reminds her of all the reasons she loves the idiot. So not cool. She looked over at Asuna, who was watching the proceedings with a smile on her face. Not a single doubt, or hint of jealousy at all. She couldn't do this. Asuna was her friend. Her brother's love.
Not her.
So she put on her best fake smile, and thrust her idiot towards his girlfriend. It was okay. She could do this. "Here. Take this numbskull back, before he does something even more idiotic."
Asuna caught her oniichan with a laugh. Setting the off balance teen back into his chair. Still having no clue how close Leafa was to revealing her real feelings. Her mask was up, and already deflecting. Becoming more settled as she listened to others laugh at her brother's plight. Good. No one else had noticed. Leafa settled back in her seat, her heart under lock and key.
Silica: Hehehe...I'm sorry. Um, I know this isn't enough col to pay you back, but...
Silica opened up a menu to transfer some money, but Kirito caught her hand. He wasn't interested in that kind of compensation.
Kirito: No, it's cool. Besides, it works with why I'm here. We'll be helping each other out.
Silica: Huh? Okay then, my name's Silica.
Kirito: My name's Kirito. I guess we'll be working together for a little while.
The scene changes to a city scape still on the 35th floor, the town called Mishe. Big enough to house several of the middle range adventurers, trying to get stronger. Silica and Kirito make their way through, when they are accosted by two familiar background characters.
Pink Guy: Hey look! It's Silica!
Formerly Handsome Guy: It took you long time to get back. We were getting worried.
Silica: Um...
Pink Guy: You wanna team up with us? We'll take you wherever you want to go!
Sinon snorted. "Yeah…like that's not entirely obvious what they're really after."
"Agreed." Both Asuna and Leafa chimed in.
Kibaou just seemed puzzled. "Haven't we seen those two bastards before?"
Kirito scratched at his cheek in embarrassment. "I don't even remember this conversation, but those two do seem familiar.
"They were not part of the Assault Team." Kayaba asserted with authority.
"Then where…" Kirito pondered, before noticing Klein fidgeting in his seat. "Klein?"
"I know them." He stammered out. "Well kind of. We hung out sometimes. Not a lot." He desperately pointed out. "But sometimes when…" His mouth clicked shut when he caught Asuna glaring at him.
The rest of the occupants fidgeted anxiously, as the hazel haired girl's gaze grew icy. An uncomfortable chill descended upon the room. "They were part of the fanclubs weren't they?" It might have been phrased as a question, but it was clear she already knew the answer. The room became even colder. It might have been crossing game genres, but Kirito checked to make sure that the angry girl hadn't summoned Shiva the Ice Goddess in her rage. Nope, no blue skinned summon in the room, just one very angry swordswoman. Kirito edged his chair a little further away, out of the line of fire.
Klein gulped. "M-m-maybe, but weren't the ringleaders or anything. We never went on any of the pan…" He didn't finish that word, because he was pretty sure Asuna was ready to eviscerate him. "The raids. We never did any of that. We respected our idols privacy." Asuna raised on elegant eyebrow. "I swear! Cross my heart hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." He crosses his heart for extra measure.
The weird saying perplexes the rest of the group, but it makes Kibaou sputter. "Dude! I should have known you were a Brony!"
Klein smiles slyly. "Takes one to know one." Which makes Kibaou even more incoherent, and finally coaxes a laugh from the icy Asuna. The tense atmosphere abates, and the screen begins to play again.
Panicked, Silica grabs Kirito's arm. She pushes the swordsman in front of her would be suitors, making him into her human shield.
Silica: That's really nice of you to offer, but...Well, I've sort of already agreed to be in a party with him, so...'Kay, later. Bye!
Without another word, she drags the clueless teen off with her. Kirito looks back at the disgruntled faces of the fans. With a pointed look, he silently asks Silica to explain.
Silica: I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that.
Kirito: Didn't know you had fans. You must be popular.
Silica stops in her tracks. Kirito turns around in confusion. The hopeful expression is gone, and on the girl's face now only bears shame.
Silica: No...They don't take me seriously. They want me to be their mascot. Maybe they're right. Maybe that's all I'm good for. It's just that they called me Dragon Tamer, and I guess...It went to my head.
Unable to take more of the girl berating herself, Kirito reached out. He patted the despondent Silica and smiled when she looked up.
Kirito: Don't worry about it. We'll make it in time. Promise.
Smiling through the tears, the girl agreed.
Silica: Okay. Do you live around here, Kirito?
Kirito: I'm on Floor 50. It's kinda far, so I was thinking of getting a room for tonight.
Kayaba grew suspicious at that tidbit of information. "Most of the higher level blacksmiths live on that floor. The ones that usually curry to the needs of the Assault Team. Which raises an important point, what would such a high level player be doing on such a level that is at least 15 levels below where they live?"
Kirito fidgeted when everyone turned their gaze towards him. "I had my reasons. Okay?"
"Mind sharing what those reasons might be Onii-chan?" Leafa said with a pout. Kirito ignored her, in fact he ignored everyone's pointed questions. Eventually they gave up, and turned back to the screen.
Meanwhile Silica is desperate to distract her savior from her past behavior. Finally she spots a familiar eatery. She points it out, before noticing her former party blocking the way.
Silica: If you stay, I'll take you out for some cheesecake. It's really good over there.
Rosalia: Well, if it isn't Silica! Wow. You made it out of the forest alive. Good for you, girl.
The rest of the party waves awkwardly. Reminded of her poor decisions, Silica stares down at the ground.
Kirito: Something wrong?
Silica: Oh no, nothing.
Rosalia: Hang on. What happened to your little friend, the lizard. Did he run away?
That makes Silica look up. She glares at the red head, her courage back.
Silica: Pina died saving me. But, I'm gonna get Pina back!
Rosalia: Really? I guess you'll be heading for the Hill of Memories then. I wonder if you'll be able to clear it at your level.
Kirito steps in between the two females.
Kirito: Of course, she will. It's not that difficult to level.
Rosalia: Oh god, this girl seduced another player. No, it's not difficult, but you don't look that strong.
Kirito: Come on.
Rosalia: Humph.
Kirito shrugs the other woman off, and pushes Silica into leaving. The duo refuse to look back. Rosalia snorts, before a devious smirk appears on her face.
"I don't like that smirk. Not one bit." Klein complains. Most of the other occupants nod in agreement.
The scene changes to the inside of a restaurant. Silica and Kirito have commandeered their own table. Despite the generous portions on the table, Silica still can't calm down.
Silica: Why would she have to be so mean?
Kirito: Well, is Sword Art Online your first MMO?
Silica: Uh-huh.
Kirito: A lot of people's personalities change when they play games online. And some actually like playing the game as the bad guy. For example, you see how our cursors are green.
The camera shifts to Silica's point of view. A little green diamond floats above Kirito's head. Silica glances around. All of the other players in the room have green cursors too. The ones above the NPCs are a different color thought.
Kirito: Well, if you commit a crime against another player, your cursor's gonna turn orange. Then they become what's called a 'red player' - the worst, also known as player killers. They're all about murder.
Silica: They kill other players?!
Kirito nods solemnly. Silica is shocked of the implications this brings to light.
Kirito: In a normal game, they could've had some fun playing the bad guy. But Sword Art Online isn't normal. And it's definitely not a game.
Silica glances down at Kirito's hands. They're squeezing the cup so tightly, that the item's durability meter is starting to go down.
Silica: Kirito...
Kirito: I'm sorry.
Silica: Well, I think you're good.
Silica stands up and grabs Kirito's hands. She looks up at the surprised swordsman's face, her own expression earnest.
Silica: ...I mean, you saved me after all.
Kirito: Looks like you cheered me up instead. Thank you, Silica.
Kirito smiles, and Silica's face turns the color of tomatoes. She quickly lets go, and moves back. Her movements are uncoordinated and exaggerated. She desperately harangs waiter NPCs to distract from her burning face.
Silica: Well, where the heck is our cheesecake already? Excuse me, our dessert hasn't shown up yet!
Asuna twitches at her guildmate's infatuation. She had never noticed Silica crushing on her boyfriend before, but sometimes… she stared. Not that Kirito noticed, but maybe she should think about introducing the girl to some other boys. Just in case.
The scene changes to Silica relaxing in bed, sans her clothing or Pjs. Clad in only her underwear, the young girl has no idea that others can see her state of undress.
"What the hell!" Kibaou explodes, but no one is really paying attention to him.
Kirito has covered his eyes, but keeps peeking through them. Trying not to see, but judge when it's all over. Klein is trying to take a better look, but the three females of the room are cockblocking him. They immediately moved in between the boys and the screen, blocking the view. Kibaou has turned completely around, but his flush is evident on the back of his neck. Kayaba is blushing too, but he's still trying to appear aloof. His eyes are trained away from the screen, but otherwise he hasn't moved.
The girls are glaring at the male half of the room. When Asuna notices Klein's interest, she takes off her shoe and throws it. Klein falls back with a grunt from the direct hit to his nose. He doesn't get back up.
"Kirito did you know about this?" Asuna demands.
The swordsman glances up at the hazel headed teen, but hides back under his hand when she glares at him. "No of course not. I didn't…I don't…I can't control the screen." He can feel her glare intensify, even if he doesn't dare look up again.
Sinon is more suspicious. "This isn't the first time you've played the peeping tom." She reminds him.
Kirito forgets not to look in his panic. He holds up his hands in surrender, and shakes his head no vigourusly. All three girls glare at him now. Asuna picks up her other shoe, and Kirito finally gets the clue. He presses his forehead into the table, his arms protecting his head from incoming projectiles. His protests continue, even if they are slightly muffled by the table. "No. No. No. I swear that they were all accidents, misunderstandings, all of them!"
"All of them?" Leafa says with narrowed eyes. By this time Kirito is sweating buckets.
Silence descends on the room. No one moves a muscle, and the screen remains frozen. They are at a stalemate.
Klein finally has his brain reboot from the trauma. He doesn't move from the floor, but he holds up his hand to get everyone's attention. "You know, this might be the blood loss, but I don't think the show has moved since all the drama began. It probably won't, until we are all watching again."
The males hardly dare to breathe, while the girls debate their options. Reluctantly the girls move away from the screen. Asuna retrieves her shoe, but ignores Klein when he gets back up. Leafa and Sinon sit back down. Asuna moves back towards her seat, but she has one last thing to say.
Her fist crashes into the table, getting the room's attention. "We never speak of this again. There is to be no ogling. This scene never happened. Clear."
Kibaou gulped. "Crystal." This seemed to finally the calm the enraged girl enough to resume her seat.
Klein leans over to whisper at Kirito. "Your girlfriend has hair thin trigger."
Kirito nods distractedly, too busy watching Asuna to notice the girlfriend assumption.
The girl on screen flops back onto her bed, one arm shielding her face. She thinks back on her day.
Silica: 'I wonder if he'd laugh if I told him I wanted to talk some more.'
Suddenly she hears a knock at her door. A familiar voice calls through the door.
Kirito: Silica, you still awake?
Silica: Ki-Kirito?
Asuna glares at the swordsman. "I thought you didn't see anything?!"
Kirito throws up his hands to ward off attack. "I didn't! I swear!"
Kirito: I forgot to tell you some stuff about Floor 47. But it can wait till tomorrow.
The teen on screen starts to move away, but Silica gets up hurriedly to stop him. She doesn't even notice her attire before she is tearing across the room.
Silica: No, now's fine! Actually, I was just thinking I should ask you about...
Silica has just touched the door knob, when she glances down. Her face turns crimson. The scene picks up with Silica now in a dressing gown, sitting the bed. The on-screen Kirito is busyily arranging the room, not noticing the girl's blush.
Silica: 'That was so close.'
"See?" Kirito points out to the still glaring Asuna. She lets off a huff, and that finally allows Kirito to relax. He narrowly escaped death once again.
Kirito: Uh, what's up? Something wrong?
Silica: No, nothing. What's that thing do, Kirito?
Kirito: It's a Mirage Sphere.
Kirito has set up a strange spherical device on a table, with two chairs. He presses a button, and the top floats several feet in the air. A blue beam of light streams out of the top to the base. Silica looks on with awe as the beam breaks apart into thousands of strings. Then those strings colasce into a three dimensional map of Aincraid.
Silica: It's pretty.
The map narrow its focus to floor 47. A large orange pillar looms in the distance. It's the tower dungeon that houses the boss necessary to defeat to move onto the next floor. Luckily Kirito points out a route that is very large distance away from the most dangerous part of the floor.
Kirito: This is the town area of Floor 47. And that's the Hill of Memories. I was thinking if we take this route, we can... Hm?
Silica: What's wrong?
Kirito: Shh! Who's there?!
Kirito abruptly leapt up from his seat. He ran out into the hallway, just in time to see a cloaked figure jump over the stair railing to escape. It's too late. The eavesdropper is gone. Silica follows him out, perplexed at what just happens..
Silica: Um, who was it?
Kirito: Someone that was listening at the door.
Silica: But they can't. I mean, you can't hear through a door unless you knock first.
Kirito: But if your listening skill is high enough, you can. It takes practice. Not that many players have it.
Silica: Why would they want to listen to us?
Kirito doesn't answer. Instead both players turn back towards the closed door. Kirito's eyes harden, and he grits his teeth.
Kayaba perks up at the scene. Initially he had thought the episode would be a waste of time, but if someone was interested enough in the proceedings to hire a spy…Well there might be something there of interest after all. "Do we get answer to the mystery Kirito-kun?"
Kirito responds with a sarcastic smirk, but doesn't say anything more. Which is fine, that small tell was enough to relay that he would be getting answers soon enough. The mad inventor settled back into seat.
The location on screen has switched again. Kirito and Silica step out of a blue gate, and into a huge garden of flowers. Petals dance upon the air. It's stunning.
Silica: Wow! This place is like a dream!
Kirito: I know. The whole floor is covered in flowers. That's why they call it the Flower Garden.
Silica dances over to take a closer look at the flowers. A ladybug takes off from the flower she was observing. She follows the bug's path, and observes several happy couples frolicking through the flowers.
Silica: Uh, couples...
Kirito: Silica?
Silica blushes, and tries to hide it from her bodyguard.
Silica: What?! Nothing! Sorry to keep you waiting.
Kirito: What's wrong?
Silica: Uh, nothing, nothing at all.
Asuna clenches her teeth. She's really, really, REALLY trying not to get upset. Sure her boyfriend is in a romantic setting with another girl. Who may or may not be crushing on him. Of course the block head is too dense to notice anything. But still…
Kirito frowns as he notices that Asuna is upset. He takes her hand to help calm her down. She retaliates by squeezing too hard. She feels vindicated when he winces, but doesn't let go.
Kirito grows impatient with her spazzing. He follows one path out of the residential zone, and Silica waits for a moment before following.
Kirito: Come on.
Silica: Okay.
The duo continues on the route to Hill of Memories, when Kirito unexpectedly brings them to a stop over a bridge. He holds a large blue crystal to Silica.
Silica: What's that for?
Kirito: If anything bad happens while we're in here, I'm gonna tell you to warp out, okay? When I do, use this crystal. You can jump to any town with it.
Silica: But...
Kirito: No "buts," use it.
"Dude! How much do you make to be able to give all that stuff away?" Klein asked while ticking off the perks the swordsman had given Silica. "There was the boots, the coat, a ring, new equipment, and that crystal must have set you back quite a bit. How could you afford all that?"
"Umm…" Kirito paused to look around, gaging everyone's interest. Damn. They were all looking. There was no way out of it. "I mean most of it was loan."
However, Asuna knew him to well. She raised one elegant eyebrow, and Kirito admitted defeat.
The swordsman sighed, before correcting his testimony. "Okay, technically I never asked for the stuff back. I just considered it recompense for all the trouble I dragged her into."
"What trouble?" Sinon asked, but Kirito just shrugged.
"If I'm right, then this will just show you all anyway." Kirito pointed out.
Silica stares at the crystal, and then at Kirito's determined stare. She can tell he's 100% serious about this. So she acquiesces with grace, taking the crystal.
Silica: I understand.
Kirito: Good. Let's get going. If we take this path, it'll lead us right to the Hill of Memories.
Silica nods, and the two continue on their quest. They walk in companionable silence. That is until Silica's curiousity gets the better of her.
Silica: Um, Kirito...(Screams)
Long vines twine over Silica's legs. A huge green bulb appears out of the flowers. The vines constrict, and throw the girl off balance. They fling her high into the air, dangling head down over the large bulb. Green petals release, revealing a giant venus fly-trap monster. A giant mouth rips open from the center of the plant type mob. If the duo don't act quickly, Silica is going to be eaten.
Kirito: Calm down! That thing's really weak.
Silica is panicking. Her skirt is about to overturn, and she's desperately trying to keep from revealing too much. One hand keeps her skirt in place, the other holds her dagger. She tries to hit one of the vines holding her captive, but her reach is too small.
Silica: Oh, Kirito, save me! But don't look! Save me! But don't look!
Kirito: That'll be... difficult.
The embarrassed swordsman covers his eyes, but not completely. Just enough to give the illusion that he isn't looking.
Asuna gives Kirito's hand a really hard squeeze. With a pinch for extra measure, before letting go. He winces and waves the hurt hand to shake out the pain.
He tries to explain. "What was I supposed to do? Turn my back on a monster that could have killed her, or myself?" Asuna pointedly doesn't reply to that logic.
Silica: Darn you! Put me down... now!
Silica has finally had enough. She swings herself towards one of the vines, and slashes it. Finally free, she ques up a sword skill that digs into the plant's humongous bulb. The monster implodes into pixels. The dagger user gracefully lands on her feet.
Silica: Did you see anything?
Kirito: Not really.
Asuna punches Kirito in the face. When he lands on the ground, a little of her irritation abates. Kirito picks himself off, and regains his seat. No one makes a comment.
Both on screen characters blush, and try to find ways to distract themselves. They continue the quest, talking about anything and everything that doesn't involve what just happens. Silica finally works up the nerve to ask the question that the monster had interrupeted.
Silica: I hope you don't mind me asking, but...What's your sister like?
Leafa perked up with that. Could this be the answer to how on earth, her Onii-chan saw similarities between herself and the midget on screen?
Kirito: Why do you wanna know?
Silica: Well, you said I looked like her. I know it's not polite to ask about your real life, but...What's she like?
Kirito: I called her my little sister, but she's really my cousin.
Silica: Huh?
Several of the other occupants look back and forth between the two siblings. The similarities seem obvious to them. Were they sure they weren't siblings. When Leafa started to blush, Kirito glared at the more perceptible gawkers. Fearing for the lives, the staring stopped.
Kirito: We were raised like brother and sister since we were babies, so I doubt she even knows. But I know. And I guess that's the reason I avoided her. Our grandfather is really strict. When I was eight, he made us take classes at a local kendo dojo. But after a couple years, I stopped going. Grandpa beat the hell out of me for that.
Silica: That's awful.
"True." Leafa agreed. She picked up her brother/cousin/special person's hand. She gave him a gentle squeeze, which he returned with a bonus smile. "But we got our revenge. Never expected a girl to win a championship, did he?"
Kirito: Anyway, then my sister stood up for me and told him to stop. She said she'd train hard for both of us. And she did. She trained really hard. She even made it to the nationals.
Silica: She did? How awesome!
Kirito: Yeah...I've always felt guilty for putting her through that. I wouldn't doubt it if she hates me.
"Never!" Leafa emphasized. When Kirito blushed, she poked him in the cheek. "Aww, how cute!" He batted her hand away, but that didn't stop her from trying again. Thus began a poking war, which escalated to tickling, and verbal insults. Just like old times. Even Asuna was cracking a smile by the time the two of them settled down.
Kirito: God knows she could've been doing something else. Maybe that's why I wanted to help you. In a weird way, it makes me feel like I'm making amends.
Silica: If you don't mind me saying, you're wrong. I don't think she hates you at all. She wouldn't work that hard for you if she didn't like you. Promise. And I bet she even loves kendo.
Surprised at the kind words, Kirito smiles. A little bit of hope brightens up his expression.
Kirito: There you go again, making me feel better. Maybe you're right. Man, I hope so.
Kirito bites his lip, and glances at his sister. She makes eye contact, and tilts her head in that familiar way she has since forever. He hesitates before going for it. After all it's now, or never. "Did you ever regret it? Not being able to choose another hobby or sport like all of our other classmates?"
Leafa blinks, before letting out a small smile. "Of course not. Kendo's always been fun for me. Although…" She looks sly at her big brother. "I wouldn't mind a more challenging rival. That last match wasn't really satisfying." She had to hold back a laugh at the way Kirito grimaced. Although she was kinda being serious. Even during his rehabilitation, her Onii-chan had put up a surprisingly good fight. She wondered if she could entice him back into practicing with her again.
During the emotional exchange, Kirito and Silica make their way through the monster ridden gardens. Clip after clip is shown of the small party working side by side to clear out mobs. Silica is the one on the front lines, aggressively going after the attacking monsters. Kirito acts as support and provides tips on how to better engage the beasts crossing their path. Silica even manages to gain several levels. It's heartwarming to see the two grow closer. However in a moment of distraction, Silica steps onto a trap.
Silica: Ki-Kirito!
A giant sea urchin like monster surges from the ground. Pink tentacles surround the girl. One of the tentacles slides over Silica's cheek, looking like it tried to lick her. Silica is completely stuck, with no way to reach her dagger. Luckily Kirito has already started a sword skills. With one slash, he destroys the monster. Silica falls to the ground with a thump.
Asuna and Leafa shudder. It's always terrible to be caught by a tentacle monster, virtual or not. Sinon though, decides enough is enough. She gets right into Kayaba's face, and demands some answers.
"What the hell? Why do you nerds always have to ruin a perfectly game by adding some perverted monstronsity just to get a little fan service?"
Kayaba blinked owlishly. Not at all perturbed by the icy glare Sinon leveled at him. Instead he spoke down to her. Slowly. Like he was talking to tempermental child. "I. DID. NOT. DESIGN. THAT." He pointed at the screen. "THAT. WAS. . MY. PROGRAMMERS. DESPITE. MY. OBJECTIONS. OR. GOOD. TASTE." Satisfied, the inventor turned away from the angry girl. Sinon snorted, still unsure on whether to believe him or not. When Kayaba continued to ignore her, she sat back down with a huff.
Silica: Owie...Is that reviving flower around here?
The girl pointed to an alter a little further away, and at the end of the path. Kirito nodded.
Kirito: Yeah, over there! Go ahead. Pick it up.
Silica need no more prompting. She ran to the stone, which began to glow when she got close enough. A small white flower blossomed before her very eyes. She hesitated to pick it up. She looked back at the swordsman, who gave her an encouraging smile. Gathering her courage, she picked the bloom. A small tab popped up, indicating that she had just gained the item called the Pneuma Flower.
Silica: You sure it'll bring Pina back to life?
Kirito: Uh-huh.
Silica: I'm so glad.
Kirito: There is a bunch of strong monsters lurking around here. Let's revive it when we get back to town. I'm sure Pina would want it that way.
Silica: Okay.
"That's odd." Klein looked over at his friend, who was trying to avoid meeting his eyes. "Wouldn't you want to revive the dragon right away? It can use healing magic, thus giving our girl a little more protection." Klein grew concerned when Kirito was still refusing to look at him.
"I had my reasons, okay?" The teen said softly. Which did little to assuage the worries of the group. His friends all exchanged glances. What had gotten into their Black Swordsman?
The images have changed again. Now the duo has returned back to the bridge, except Kirito is wary. He clasps Silica's shoulder to stop her.
Silica: Is something wrong?
Kirito: Whoever's hiding out there, come out now!
A familiar red head moves out of the trees. She stops to pose provactively.
Silica: Rosalia?
Rosalia: If you saw through my hiding skill so easy, your detection skill must be really high, swordsman. Ooh, it looks like you were successful getting your hands on the Pneuma Flower. Congratulations.
Rosalia's expression changes. All her previous fake friendliness evaporates. She sneers as she makes her demands.
Rosalia: Now, hand it over before you get hurt.
Silica: What are you talking about?
Kirito: No one's handing anything over, Rosalia. Not to you, or the orange guild. Or should I say Titan's Hand? You're their leader, right?
Rosalia: Nice...
Silica: But Rosalia's cursor is green.
Kirito: It's an easy trick. The green members find their victims, then they lure them straight to the orange players for the ambush. That was one of your pals last night eavesdropping on us, wasn't it?
Kayaba leans back with a smirk. It was all coming together. "Clever." It's one of the highest compliments he's ever given. It reminds him on why the Black Swordsman was on the few players he considered a rival.
Silica: Then, the reason you were in that party with me and the others was to...
Rosalia: How perceptive. I was observing their strength, watching them earn all that beautiful money.
Silica visibly tenses as Rosalia licks her lips with greed. Who could've guessed such an evil person lurked behind her façade? Rosalia seems to delight in freaking Silica out.
Rosalia: You were who I was excited about and I was so sad when you left the party. But then you told me you were getting a rare item. What I want to know is, if you knew about us, why did you bring her here? Are you dumb? Or does she have you wrapped around her finger?
Kirito: Nope. You're wrong both times. See, I've been looking all over for you, Rosalia.
Rosalia: What are you talking about?
Kirito: Remember ten days ago, you attacked a guild called the Silver Flags? The leader survived, four didn't.
Rosalia: Oh, the losers with no money...
Kirito: Their leader went back and forth, from the warp-point to the front lines, morning till night. And with tears in his eyes, he begged everyone he met to avenge his dead friends. But he didn't want you killed. No, he wanted you to go to prison. Do you have any idea how he felt?
The occupants in the room grow somber. There were many trajedis that took place in the death game called SAO. However, that story had be ranked up pretty high amongst the worst ones.
Rosalia: Can't say I do. Only idiots take this seriously. So, what if we kill someone here? There's no proof, dying here means you're dead IRL (In Real Life). Anyway, it's time you started worrying about yourselves.
Rosalia snaps her fingers, and the rest of her guild come out of hiding. Seven red players surround Rosalia, all armed to the teeth.
Silica: Kirito, there's too many of them. We should get out of here.
Kirito: No, it's okay. You'll be safe if you stay here. Until I tell you to run, just keep the crystal handy.
Silica: 'Kay... but... Kirito!
With a final pat to Silica's head, Kirito marches out to meet the band of thieves. He unsheathes his blade, and waits.
1st Thug: Kirito?
2nd Thug: Dressed in black... One-handed... No-shield... Holy crap! It's the Black Swordsman! Rosalia, that guy...! He's the beater who plays solo on the front lines! He's with the Assault Team!
Silica: No way, he is?
Kirito just stands there and smirks as the cowards work themselves into a frenzy.
Kibaou glances back and forth between the Kirito on screen, and the one with them in the room. Both are sharing pretty much the same cocky expression. "What're you up to? Waiting for them to get so worked up that they give themselves up?"
Kirito smiles wickedly. "Something like that?"
Rosalia: Why would someone from the Assault Team be all the way down here? Go on! Take him out! And take everything he owns!
3rd Thug: Die!
Silica trembles in fear as the band of thieves descend on Kirito. He doesn't even try to defend himself.
"KIRITO!" His friends scream. Everyone is out of their seats, screaming at the projection. Kirito just watches amused. It's like they've forgotten that he's still here. Alive and well. Although it feels pretty good to have so many people worried about him.
Asuna covers her mouth in horror as slash after slash strike the avatar. Kirito hugs her from behind, and gently clutches both her hands with his. He whispers in her ear. "It's okay. I'm safe. I'm still here." Over and over again, until she collapses against him. Tears spring in her eyes when she comes back to herself. Here she had been so awful to him, but when his life in in danger he still finds time to comfort her.
She was so ashamed.
Silica: I've got to save him! He won't last!
Silica grips her dagger, trying to motivate herself to jump into the frey. Except she's so afraid. If she doesn't do something, Kirito could die! She glances at his health bar, to see how much time he has left when she notices something strange.
Silica: What's going on?
That's when the rest of the observers finally get it. Despite the numous attacks, Kirito's health bar hasn't dropped into the red zone. Heck it hasn't even dropped into yellow!
Silica watches in amazement as Kirito's health bar barely moves after each attack, and then the bar moves back up every couple of seconds. His health is regenerating! As the girl watches, Kirito's health moves back up to 100%. The band of thieves have exhausted their attacks. They all stand around the still smirking swordsman, panting, and a little bit afraid.
Rosalia: What the hell, you idiots?! Kill him already!
Kirito: Four hundred in ten seconds, give or take. That's about the total damage the seven of you can inflict on me. I'm level 78. I've got 14,500 HP. My battle-healing skill auto regenerates six hundred points every ten seconds. We could stand here all day, and you wouldn't get anywhere.
Klein whistles appreciately, and lets himself fall back into his seat. He laughs before looking back at his friend. "You sure like to overdue things. Isn't it harassment to rub into their faces like that?"
"Not when it's a bunch of murdering thieves, then it's called justice." Kirito claimed, while still comforting Asuna. The girl finally moved out of the teen's arms, but not before shooting him a grateful smile. Which Kirito happily returned. It Asuna had finally let go of her jealousy. For the moment.
The rest of Kirito's friends also resumed their seats, as it was obvious the swordsman in no real danger. And never really had been. Leafa did punch him in the arm for scaring him like that. Kirito bore it with good grace.
4th Thug: That's not possible!
Kirito: Wanna bet? If your numbers are high enough, you're invincible. MMOs that use leveling systems are unfair that way.
Kirito dug out another crystal from his inventory. He held it up high to show it off to all of the thieves guild. It was his tool, and promise of retribution all in one.
My client spent his entire fortune on this warp crystal, and he'll get his money's worth. It's been set to the coordinates of the prison. And I'm sending all of you bastards there!
Rosalia: Well, I'm green, and if you hurt me, you'll go orange and...!
Kirito at last took action. Before the rest of the players could even blink, Kirito had sprinted across the bridge. Only stopping a hair breath's away from slice Rosalia in two. He met Rosalia's terrified gaze with a cold glare.
Kirito: I'm a solo player, got it? One or two days of playing while orange means nothing to me.
Rosalia quickly dropped her weapon. Titan's hand was defeated.
With the defeat of the thieves, Kirito invited Silica over to discuss things in his room at the inn. Silica did deserve to hear the truth, and get an apology. So they sit side by side, while Kirito explains himself.
Kirito: I'm really sorry, Silica. This whole time, I was using you as bait to catch them. I thought you'd be scared if I told you the truth about me.
Sinon shook her head. "It was for a good cause, but your methods were kind of low."
Kirito ducked his head. "I know. I knew I was putting her in danger, but I tried to make up for it by making sure I was there to protect her."
"Oh don't be so hard on yourself." Leafa patted her brother reassuringly on the arm. "It all worked up." She grinned a little brighter. "Plus I'm pretty sure she forgave ya. Or did you find a look alike to join our guild?" Most of the room let out a few chuckles at that comment.
Silica: I can never be scared of you... 'cause you're a good person. Um, but do you really have to go?
Kirito: Yeah...I've been away from the front lines for five days. I need to get back.
Silica: I-I think it's amazing that you're on the Assault Team. I could try for a hundred years and never make it. Um, I...
Kayaba snorted quietly in agreement, which drew the ire of her friends.
"You shouldn't judge." Klein drawled out. "After all Alfheim Online was based off your work, and she keeps up just fine with us there. In fact she often works as a scout for our party."
Kayaba's eyes widen at that. Did that small girl truly grow strong enough to keep up with three of the strongest players from the Assault Team? Really? And if it was true, does that mean if they stuck to his original plan of drawing the players to the 100th floor?
Except that time had passed. He would never know the answer to that now.
"It's true. I wouldn't underestimate our beast tamer." Asuna said with a smile.
Leafa crossed her arms and grinned. "She's a midget, but mighty!"
"A pint-sized bad ass." Sinon said with a smirk.
Almost as if choreagraphed Silica's guildmates turned towards Kayaba. Silently daring him to say anything nasty about their friend. Kayaba glanced away, trying to make it seem like did that on his own. However, he would be sure to keep quiet for the rest of the episode.
Kirito: You know, levels are just numbers. And a person's strength in this world is just an illusion. Sure it's cool and all, but there are more important things than that. We should meet up in the real world. That would be cool 'cause I like having you as a friend.
Silica: Okay, we will. I promise.
Kirito smiles gently, and Silica basks in the moment. Then with a stretch and groan, the swordsmen stands up. He grins at his new beast tamer friend.
Kirito: Well, ready to revive Pina?
Silica: Yeah!
As Silica pulls out the flower that will revive her friend. She starts to reminisce about the adventures she's had since they last met.
Silica: 'Pina, when you get back, I'll have lots of stuff to tell you about. About the amazing adventure I had. And about this one day when I got to have my very own big brother.'
Finally! It's done! Had a real hard time putting this one together. I've also been swamped with plotbunnies for other fanfics. I'm think of changing the community I started into a Watching the series/movie across multiple genres. I have this great idea for an Avengers watching the movies. Plus I've been dying to create one for that movie with the squishy purple aliens, you know Home? But I figured I owed my readers a few updates on my other fics first. Next time will be the Murder Arc! I cannot tell you how long I've been wanting to write these next two episode up! I also have a few ideas for Lizbeth's episode too! Happy New Year everybody!