Fighting till the end

by animeshipper000

What if Kirito declines the offer of Kayaba Akihiko to duel with him? This story will show what happens to Kirito, Asuna and the others when instead of beating Kayaba early, they will fight him in the 100th floor and complete SAO. There will also be OCs who join Kirito and the others in their journey to the 100th floor. Kirito x Asuna and Silica x OC. Feel free to drop a review.

14. Chapter 13

Chapter 13: The Decision. The Battles Continue!

Disclaimer: I do not own Sword Art Online

Yumi's P.O.V

Kirito and Hozume did say that they were going to Floor 77 to investigate the fortress so Asuna and I decided that we should first search for them in there. Going there wasn't so hard since I was now Level 91 and Asuna was Level 95 now… she is an inspiration to us girls in Sword Art Online… Back to the topic, it seems they were trapped somewhere…these maps didn't work in finding them since that area was still unknown to us. We were now close to the fortress. The only question is where are they? Before we could even go inside some members of Scarlet Temptation arrived… 2 of them to be exact. It seems like one of them was the 2nd leader with her right hand… she's obviously a girl because of that long flowing hair. Whichever it is, this may put us in a pickle. The other girl seems to be her subordinate… The subordinate's Level was 91… the other one is 93. My level is 91 as well while Asuna's Level is 95 so we have a small advantage… for now.

"Your Asuna the Flash if I'm not mistaken…" The woman walked to us with her weapon still sheathed. "Hai… and you're the second leader of Scarlet Temptation, am I correct?" Asuna spoke, also with her weapon sheathed. "Hai… she is… and I will not let you speak to lady Tomomi like that…" Her subordinate blocked the path of Asuna. "Stand down… Okasa…" Tomomi waved a hand making her snort and walk beside her. "They sure are classy…" I muttered. "What are you trying to do?" I demanded for an answer. "Feisty… we are here to stop you two." Tomomi covered her mouth with clothing. 'I hate her already…' I thought to myself. "I knew it…" Asuna unsheathed her rapier. "I even gave you a chance to run but you wasted it…" Tomomi also used a sword and shield. "Who should I take on?" I muttered to Asuna. "I'll take the leader… you take her subordinate…" She answered. "I shall…" I unsheathed my weapons. "I thought that we could settle this in a peaceful matter… no matter…" Tomomi sighed. "I shall fight with lady Tomomi…" Okasa went in front while glaring right at me. "Should be hard… but we'll defeat both of you." I shouted.

"I admire your determination… Yumi-san but today is the time for your death…" Okasa gave me a merciless look. "You two know each other?" Asuna questioned while she was doing a stare-down with Tomomi. "Hai…" I simply answered. "I shouldn't say more…" Okasa snorted. "You don't even deserve a swift painless death… I swear that I'll give you a slow… very painful… death…" She instantly went in front of me; luckily I blocked her with my shield. "Tsk…" She swiftly recovered from the block and went on charge again. "I'll be your opponent… so I won't let anyone interfere…" Okasa smiled while touching me with a crystal. "Nani?!" I was confused by her action and so was Asuna. "See ya Okasa… promise that there will be nothing left…" Tomomi giggled. "Hai… Lady Tomomi…" She nodded. "Forced Teleportation…" She muttered and we were teleported at Floor 79's Scarlet Temptation base.

"Wha-What Happened?!" I looked around. "Hmm… you didn't know that teleport crystals are more than just getting you out of trouble?" She smirked. "I should…" I reached in my pocket. "Don't even try… This base was made here for a reason…" She told me. "Floor 77!" I used a teleport crystal but nothing happened. "The reason is… because if you're literally underground, crystals are futile!" She informed me. "I guess I have no other way then…" I shook. "No other choice…" Okasa smiled. "To fight you!" We both yelled at each other as we began clashing. Sword and Shield versus Sword and Shield.

"I shall show you that our power differs in here… Former Lady Yumi!" Okasa angrily clashed with me. "We used to be in a guild of Friends before! Why?" I bashed her with my shield to prevent her attack but she countered by kicking my shield instead of slashing. "Why else?!" She roared. "I don't even want to fight you at all!" I changed my blade into a different one. "No self-confidence? You're using your ace already?" She crossed her arms. "For the sake of our past relationship…" I wielded my blade unwillingly but I must. "I shall fight you with no hesitations!" I had tears on my eyes. "That's the spirit… Yumi-san… give it your all… while I feast on your pain." She prepared for another assault. "Gomenosai… Okasa…" I clashed with her while throwing my shield on the ground making it disappear. "Nani? Are you willing to die that easily?!" She backed away. "No… I see now… I see that I must fight you with both of my hands… even if my weapon is for one-handed since it's light… I must use both hands…" I explained while holding my secondary blade.

"I must applaud you for being determined to use that and gain the speed advantage but you have made a terrible decision of leaving yourself open… Former Lady Yumi…" She applauded but was quickly replaced by a look of shame. "Shall we see if your claim is correct?" I closed my eyes, waiting for her. "Be thankful that I will murder you with my skill." I heard her speak. "Go…" I was saddened. "Rear Strife!" She instantly went behind me. "There…" I looked at her. "Here is… mine…" I smiled. "How…?" Her eyes widened in horror. "Farse Fesu…" My unequipped hand gained a shield. "I knew that you'd trick me…" She panicked a bit. "Gomen…" I slashed her at her chest but she just gained minimal damage. "That didn't really hurt." She twitched. "It wasn't supposed to… this attack was supposed to drain your stamina for about 180 seconds…" I revealed. "No wonder I feel… weaker all of a sudden…" She almost fell but she still stood. "Why are you… still fast even with a shield?!" She finally noticed. "This shield is just as light as a feather and makes my next attack with that extra effect… this move lets my shield be very light for 1 battle, with or without a shield. I can only use this twice a day." I investigated the room a bit and found no exit.

"Don't even think of running away…" She coughed… her blood was gushing out already? "I'm not…" I assured her. "Why not just kill me while I can't even attack? It's better than killing me while I can move." She tried to encourage me. "I will never end a fight like that! Doing that has no honor. You must defeat an opponent when they move." I resisted. "Of course I can move… I just can't attack well!" She slowly tried to stab but I evaded to the left. "Why not join me? With my current guild?" I asked. "I only show loyalty to Lady Tomomi now!" She suddenly gained energy. "Nani? Effect broken?" I read. "You shall see… that circumstances like this won't stop me…" She carried her shield and blade. "I never knew you were…" I was tensed up. "You shall be crushed by my very blade…" She growled while charging once more. "Shoot…" I blocked with my shield once more but… she broke it?!

"My extra effect of this blade I changed with is… a chance to break shields!" She announced. 'I didn't even see!' I bit my lips. "You can never beat me without a shield… so how about us doing a normal swordfight?! It gives me the chance to give an even more painful death to you." She licked her lips while placing her shield in her inventory. "I see you still had the honorable attribute still in you…" I smiled. "Tsk… It doesn't mean that I'm going easy on you…" She turned away. "I know… but at least you're still you…" I was relieved. "Stop talking. Let us begin." She wielded her blade. "Indeed." I responded while changing to my original blade. "I have a true surprise for you though." She remembered before we started. "What?" I stopped for now. "Show some seriousness… for I shall show you my wrath now…" She had a creepy face. "Hai…" I took the strap from the hilt of my blade and I saw some Japanese kanjis written on it. "You said so I shall show you what I've been hiding…" I tried to read these messed up kanjis. "Oh… you got the blade of the previous but now deceased wielder, eh? I see this is gonna be difficult… even for me." She seemed to be more understanding.

"Okasa! You can still convert. Join me and my guild… if you can't join the guild at least with me." I sounded like I was begging. "…" She sighed. "I cannot change my path… The path I have chosen is unchangeable…" She reluctantly clashed with me. "Can't you see what is transpiring right now? Murders… lots of them." I tried to convince her. "Kuso! Shut up!" She countered my words with her blade, hitting my left. "…" Blood spilled from my left side… my life was in yellow. "N-Not there!" I covered my wound while twitching. "Hehe… a former partner must cover the other one's weak spot remember?" She smirked. "I knew this would happen…" I crumpled to the ground. "Time for your end Lady Yumi." She was about to give a slash combo until… Someone broke in?!

Kirito's P.O.V

"I never tried this move but-" I jumped sky high… the roof was surprisingly high… "Woah…" Hozume watched in awe as he continued fighting Rujikiho. "Morning…" A pointed my blades at the leader. "I-I can't dodge it… I don't even know where it hits…" The leader stood still. "Star!" I instantly appeared right above him and did a slice-and dice with a 3 meter star shaped radius. "Did I just see you 3 meters in those areas?!" Hozume pointed. "Hai… I call this move, Morning Star." I focused on the leader as he groggily recovered. "Good move you…" He coughed. "Mehehe… Since you were kind enough to show me your skill I shall show you mine." The leader offered as he stood with a hard stance. "That stance..." I tried to remember. "Kufe… Hakai" He began appearing all over because of his agility. "Die…" He was behind me while choking. "Kuso?!" I tried to get some breath but failed.

"Kufe Hakai." He repeated and stabbed me on the back. "Gah…" I spat blood out. 'Why can't I counter?' I examined myself but I really couldn't move. "Blademake… Death from above…" He summoned a hundred blades right above me. "I must…" I got the chance to use Embracer on his stomach. "You…" He waved his palm down. "I won't get hit…" The blades were almost to me. "Starburst Stream!" I countered all the blades with my combo. "You are wide open…" He muttered behind my ear and was about to use it once more. "Kufe-" His words were interrupted. "Not this time!" Hozume soared from above. "Oi! Come back here!" Rujikiho shouted. "Taste this!" He blocked the leader's blade from hitting me by parrying his hit... "I owe you one…" I was in relief. "No prob." He went back to fighting Rujikiho. "Not bad, Kirito… It seems you have survived my Death from Above strategy…" He seemed to be impressed.

He was a very formidable opponent. He knew when to strike, parry, block or take a hit. He is the leader of Scarlet Temptation after all… I'm going to be Level 97 very soon… What will happen when I reach it I wonder…? I felt his skill, Kufe Hakai… it seems to be a manipulation move that can make the opponent immobilized for a short time. My new move, Morning Star is actually still a combo move but it is quite different. Hozume didn't show his skill yet but he revealed his favourite blade, the poison blade. Rujikiho also didn't show any signs of skills so I am quite worried but that is what Hozume is supposed to be worried about. The leader never revealed his name… who could he be? The rumors say that he was a former member of no guild so his history is unknown. The origin of that red guild actually started at the time of SAO becoming a death game but they went hidden until they started when Floor 76 boss was defeated. What made them go hostile in the first place?

"What made you all get hostile?" I gave my thought as a question to the leader. "Isn't it obvious? We did it to kill all those who don't get out of the way. "He responded. "You monsters…" I muttered. "What did you expect? You made the Laughing Coffin disband making Sword Art Online a non-red guild game until Scarlet Temptation took the red guild title." He reminded me. "…" I shuddered as I remembered what I did… "Yes… you killed some of them… even you…Kirito!" He sent a jolt down my spine. "Kirito don't give in!" Hozume staggered from the relentless attacks from Rujikiho. "Ha… losing all your morale already? You disgraceful people..." Rujikiho hit left and right. "He trying to weaken your in-" Hozume was unable to finish his sentence. "Hozume?" I turned to them quickly. "Game Over for you…" Rujikiho kicked him away after he slashed his neck… not really off but slashed it. "Kirito…Gomenosai…" His HP was in late red but he managed to survive probably because of a crystal he used. 'Kuso… his death is in my account… it's my fault…' I grew weaker.

"I knew doing that will work…" The leader laughed but his HP was in yellow. "Yeah… you do the honor master." Rujikiho said. "Asuna… Yui…" I mumbled to myself, in a weakened state. "Time for your death… Kirito… the beater." The leader raised his blade for the fatal blow. 'Asuna… I'm sorry… for dying in a place like this… without even… going for our marriage anniversary… that's now… 2 days from now…' I blamed myself for the death of Hozume and those Laughing Coffin members and especially for not attending with Asuna... in our anniversary. "Hold it right there…" A boy with black hair came. "It seems someone found out?" Rujikiho scratched his head. "Take care of that boy for me…" The leader ordered and Rujikiho obliged. "Who's that?" I took a better look since I can't move I can only see what they're doing. I couldn't move because all of these burdens… suddenly gushed out.

"I'm not just your average boy player you know…" He announced. "Aha… I knew it…" Rujikiho stated. 'Nani?' I was really confused now. "Don't think you can beat me… You're just Level 92 so what? I'm the same anyway and I defeated that Level 93 guy over there." Rujikiho smirked. "Levels are the same… The skill is far different…" The mysterious boy countered. "Really now?" Rujikiho grinned. "Might as well watch one more fight Kirito, it'll be your last so I'll spare you for now." The leader sat down on me as he was watching. 'Shoot…' I clenched my fist. "I am Figo… brother of Deira… I shall defeat the leader and his subordinate for her sake…" He revealed his name. "Figo eh? I heard about you. You're a master of using the sword-sword sheathe combo… just like Deira and Tukorop…" The leader showed his interest. "Indeed…" He went on the usual stance of using the sword and the sheathe. "If you can defeat my right hand I suppose I'll give you a go." The leader accepted his challenge. "I accept…" He nodded. "Dispose of that trash, Rujikiho." The leader smirked. "Hai… Master…" He went in front of that Figo guy.

'Is Hozume doing all right?' I looked at him and it seems that his HP was beginning to regenerate takes to using a potion. 'Thank goodness…' I put my attention back to Figo and his battle. "Since that guy is like an important member… I shall put you… down…" He equipped to full body heavy/light armor. Heavy chest-plate and light for everything else. "Bring it on Figo…" Rujikiho held his blade. "The name of this blade is Mysterious Bane… I haven't appraised it yet recently but this should be enough…" Figo told the name of his blade. 'Yep… updates are being made alright…' I struggled to no avail. "Do not take me lightly, Figo." Rujikiho gripped his hilt tight and made the first move. "Pathetic…" He simply pushed Rujikiho to the right, smashing him on the wall. 'W-What was that?!' I couldn't believe my eyes.

"Man that hurt! What the hell did you do?!" Rujikiho escaped from the rubble. "I don't know… I already told you that my weapon is not appraised yet…" Figo recapped. "Don't act all mighty you fiend!" Rujikiho grumbled. "I am not… you are just thinking that way… I shall use this not-yet-appraised weapon you to defeat you where you stand…" He changed stance, making his sheathe closer to Rujikiho and his blade held back. "Hmm? Changing tactics already? I admire your style at least." Rujikiho admitted.

"Oi, Kirito, how does it feel to be down there? Feeling a bit down?" The leader joked. "Shut up…" The burden was still overcoming me. "Yes Kirito… feel the burden… keep it in your chest until you lose your will…" The leader tempted me. "No… it won't…" I felt something. 'This power? Why do I feel enlightened?' I shook. "I told you to keep him in bay!" The leader scolded Rujikiho. "Sorry master… he's actually quite good…" Rujikiho had blood stains on his clothes. "Kirito… I gave you… 'The Courage of Radiance'. It's part of the buff group of Radiance that Deira taught… It gives the target plus in confidence and morale." He updated. "Arigato… but where's Hozume?" I slashed at the leader and he went off me. "I teleported him away… no worries…" He answered. "I understand… shall we turn the tide of this fight?" I smiled and looked at Figo. "Definitely…" He wielded his blade with me. "Grr… might as well fight you brats…" The leader had no choice.

"Try attacking with your Starburst Stream… I have a plan to subdue him…" He requested me as we were running side-to-side to the leader. "Sure." I nodded and I faced the leader. "Starburst… Stream!" I attacked the leader with my signature skill. "Blademake…" He blocked my path with blades. "Haa…" Rujikiho charged to intercept Figo's move. "I don't want to kill you so…" Figo muttered. "Radiant… defense… Radiant Touch…" He touched Rujikiho making him fall to the ground, immobilized. "Nani?!" Rujikiho struggled. "Radiant Touch increases the target's weight in the inventory for 600 seconds to the max… It is useful for immobilizing my opponents." He explained.

"Just hold on Kirito…" Figo told me. "Just a bit more…" I continued using Starburst Stream. "I'm getting you… leader of Scarlet Temptation…" He quickly sprinted towards the leader. "Kuso… I can't change my decision now…" The leader gritted his teeth. "I call this move… Mysterious Radiance because of my unknown weapon… Mysterious Radiance: Radiant Armor v2…" He mumbled as a blinding light coated his whole body. "This may hurt me a lot… but this will hurt you more…" He was now behind the leader. 'What is he going to do?!' I thought as my stamina was almost out. "This next move isn't Radiance but this goes with my previous move… plus… everyone can do it." He put his head down. "?!" The leader stared in despair. "Japanese Style: Suicide!" He stabbed himself with his blade and it went through the leader as well. "Not finished… Plus the v2 armor I only get ¼ damage so I get late green while you get the full effect…" He smirked. "Kuso!" His HP was in mid-yellow and his Blademake disappeared. "Starburst Stream!" I did a finishing combo then knocked him down.

"I-Impressive… Kirito… and you… traitor…" He twitched in pain and was in late red, surviving by a thread. "Traitor?" I turned to Figo. "I was a former member…" He admitted. "Indeed… you are… you shall experience… a harsh pain… next time…" The leader coughed. "Rujikiho… tell Tomomi that she'll be the leader… for my time… has come…" He opened up himself. "H-Hai…" Rujikiho disappeared. "…" I sighed. "Can I have one request?" The leader muttered before while I was going to convince Figo to leave him already. "What is it?" I pitied his wounded state. "Make Figo kill me…" He smiled. "I accept…" Figo grabbed the blade of the leader. "Figo!" I tried to stop him. "Have a good death…" He sounded pitied and delivered the final blow. "Sayonara…" He smiled and his face was revealed. Brown hair and calm-looking amber eyes. "I shall see you…" The leader disappeared into digital particles.

"W-Why do I feel…" Tears were swelling on his eyes. "A-Are you crying?!" I shifted my gaze at his face. "I feel… guilty… killing him… seeing his body disperse… my vengeance… just disappeared… yet why do I feel sorrow?" He rubbed his eyes. "I feel your pain… I felt the same guilt when I killed those Laughing Coffin members." I comforted him. "Let's go…" Figo calmed himself and placed the leader's blade in his inventory. "What are you going to do with it?" I questioned. "A memento… it called out to me…" He answered. "I… gotta go… you go ahead." He told me. "Sure…" I left him alone and teleported back to Floor 1, Town of Beginnings where we all agreed to go when we're done.

All I saw there were Deira and Silica. Where were all the others? They aren't done yet? At least we completed 2 objectives… Save Silica and gather information… but we gathered it the hard way… I approached them it seems that they were alright. What did Asuna do again? Where is she?

"Hello." I greeted. "Kirito-senpai…" Deira waved. "Here." Silica called. "Where's Asuna?" I questioned both of them. "Oh… she went looking for you… she'll probably back soon… Get some rest…" Deira recommended. "Actually I think I'll go looking for her." I denied her order. "She told me to tell you if you came back to get some rest… any arguments?" Deira had a dark aura. "…Scary…" Silica shivered. "H-Hai… only because Asuna's the one who told me not you…" I went on my way to the teleportation area to sleep in my home where Asuna and I live in now.

Asuna's P.O.V

"*giggle* I see you're quite good… Asuna-san." Tomomi still covered her mouth with a long sleeve. "Back to you…" I had my rapier gripped by my hand. "You at least gave me a reason to be serious." She pulled a hidden blade hidden in her sleeves, replacing her old one. 'What will that hidden blade do I wonder…' I was thinking of a possible effect of this. "Do not fret! This blade is simply a normal blade." She had a cheerful expression. 'That face of hers says otherwise…' I grew suspicious towards this woman, the 2nd leader of Scarlet Temptation. "Ohohoho…" She giggled and walked towards me. "Time to do this…" I focused on her and first gave a scratch with my rapier to her arm, cutting her sleeve only. "Whoops… that was close." She was relieved. "You aren't serious yet, aren't you?" I finally stated. "What do you mean?" She tilted her head.

"You haven't really been attacking me so far… you've only dodged until now." I forced her to back away when I went for a stab. "Like I said, I was only assigned to stall you as much as I can." She rushed to my side and kicked me on the leg. "Oww…" I held the pain. "But all I can do is hurt you but not kill you…" She completely changed her personality, she may be a yandere. "I see…" I gave a look. "What are you thinking of now?" She licked her lips. "This could be a threat…" I charged and swiped at her. "You finally came to your senses! Of course I'm a threat!" She parried my hit and bashed me with her blade right after. "Tsk…" I backed away for the time being.

"How do you feel, Asuna the Flash? That possibly your spouse is deceased already because of what we did to him." She chuckled. "?!" My eyes widened. 'He wouldn't die… I just know that Kirito-kun won't.' I thought positive since she's probably trying to manipulate my emotions. "He isn't…" I muttered. "Oh?" She raised an eyebrow. "He's strong so I believe that he won't die against anybody in this game!" I had courage. "I see… unless he's maliciously sneak-attacked, yes?" She said. "…" I shuddered. "No… you are just trying to mess with me!" I was in rage and confusion. "That's it…" She hit my stomach with the hilt of her blade. "I did this on purpose…" I looked at her. "Nani?" She looked at my hand. "There…" I began hitting her rapidly with my rapier. "Ohoho… That hurt…" She escaped the combo and backed away. "It will take more than that to kill me though…" She wielded her blade in a laidback stance.

She was beginning to get on my nerves… every time after I hurt her she just backs away and waits for the regeneration. She only attacks when it is needed and she keeps speaking in that tone… It was truly annoying now. Her stance on the other hand seems to be a defensive one. She really is stalling but what? Is Kirito-kun really down there fighting someone? Yumi on the other hand is on her own fighting a subordinate… how careless of me… Vukso and Koyero are currently investigating Floor 79… they are probably fighting by now… This plan I made with Yumi was beginning to backfire. Kirito and Hozume are in danger and there's nothing I can do about it until I defeat Tomomi.

"Feel the pressure, Asuna-san? Your almost fool-proof plan is currently being shattered by us, Scarlet Temptation. The Floor 80 boss is currently being observed by members peaking so we know it more than you do." She laughed. "*crumble*" A sound came from afar. "L-Lady Tomomi…" A man was crawling towards us. "Oh Rujikiho! Back with any good news?" Tomomi cheered. "No… Master died…" Rujikiho was completely shattered in sorrow. 'The leader died?!' I was shocked. "He told… me to… make you the new leader since you were his assistant…" Rujikiho continued.

"…I am…" Tomomi looked… broken. "Going to kill that woman to put my rage on!" Tomomi instantly slashed my leg. "A low hit?" I backed away to check my leg. "See you both later…" Rujikiho teleported somewhere I think. "He died… really?!" She lost her temper. "Asuna the flash… this is where you'll flash for the last time…" She clashed with me, seriously this time. "…" I silently pushed her back. "You better prepare!" She continued the attack. 'This could be bad… my rapier's durability's low… why haven't I repaired it before I went here?' I noticed and thought. "Graaah!" She furiously gave deadly blows and I decided to dodge and I did. "Now you're the one running away!" She chased me. "I'm not." I used my other hand. "Embracer!" I hit her when she was opened at the center. "No…" She was blown away by the hit.

"I'm now serious…" Tomomi changed her casual long sleeved kimono with light metal armor. 'I have to change my rapier… one more hit and it'll break…' I changed Lambent Light to Wind Fleuret. "Weapon change, eh?" She chuckled. "Hai…" I rushed to her and we clashed once more. The force was powerful enough to make small rocks get blown away… She really is dead serious now…

"I'm coming for you!" She landed a big hit on my rapier. "This situation is beginning to worsen for me…" I mumbled to myself and countered her hit by landing some hits on her arm. "…" She sneakily went beside me. "How's this?!" She tried to slice me but I barely dodged the hit. "You shall all pay for killing him…" She went a few steps back. What is she trying to do now?

"Oh power of the blades, aid me…" She wielded her blade in a different position. "Pierce through the body, through the heart… with no mercy to any opponent…" She continued. 'A chant? What will this do?' I wondered. "Blood spilling, swift death… everyone shall experience the swiftness of death…" She was almost done it seems. "…" I prepared for her move. "No one is safe for this is merciless, you shall feel true power…" She finished. 'What is that?!' I looked at her in shock. "…" Her light metal armor has changed into dark leather armor with spiked bracers. Her greaves looked light as a feather now, her blade actually now looked quite deadlier… maybe she coated it with something.

"Prepared to meet swift death with the armor of death himself?" She smirked, and may have bluffed. "I don't believe in those things." I talked back. "Shall we see if it is correct?" She offered. "Ok then." I swiftly went to her. "Linear." I used Linear and hit her 10 times. "Hmm…" She was not amused. "N-Nani?" I stared at her in confusion. "Is that it? It didn't even break the leather…" She tilted her head. 'Kuso… what should I do?' I tried to think of a solution to this. "Pay… the ultimate price…" She began to have a bloody smirk. "Feel my anger!" She tried to hit once more but I intercepted with my rapier and stabbed her with a knife I had in my pocket, it was now stuck on her. "…" She simply pulled it out and threw it at me although she had a little damage.

"N-No…" I got hit by the knife I used and it hit me on my stomach. "The difference of powers… difference of instincts… we are far different…" She spoke. "Good… I made it…" Someone went in. "Who's there?" Tomomi looked. "I am part of the team of Figo… I am Wukure… his friend and lieutenant." He answered. 'Figo? He's Deira's brother right? I never knew he had a guild… No matter… good timing… It seems Tomomi's blade really did have something coated on it… It's a rare poison and paralysis thing… Red guilds always use these things… I better be more careful.' I finally had some breathing room. "Tsk… too bad… I was about to retreat… fighting you people killed him… I wouldn't want to risk it until I have my revenge…" Tomomi gritted her teeth with no choice.

"Good choice, madam. You wouldn't beat two of us anyway… I'm Level 88 but don't think Figo wasn't prepared..." Wukure seemed to just let her go. "We shall continue this soon, Asuna the Flash…" Tomomi teleported away. "Might as well take off the poison and paralysis on you…" Wukure used a crystal and I was healed immediately. "Arigato but who told you to save me?" I asked the obvious question first. "Let's see… first reason was because of Figo's request, second reason is because Deira told me to as well and finally it's because I heard it was your anniversary with Kirito. Who would want to break that important event?" Wukure muttered. "Wait… Where's Yumi? Where's Vukso and Koyero? Where's Kirito-kun?!" I remembered.

"Don't worry about them. Figo said that Kirito came back. Koyero and Vukso are still fighting two members I think… Yumi on the other hand is in good hands now… Klein forced me to let him battle…" He told me everything. "I thought he couldn't battle. You know… because of his wounds made by Ze." I reminded him. "That's what I said but he was persistent… Since Figo made orders… I had no choice but to let him… He's currently fighting alongside Yumi against Okasa…" He informed me. "Arigato… I'll be going now…" I stood up weakly. "I'll leave it all to you all then." I put my trust on him and Figo.

"Wait…" Wukure stopped me. "Hai?" I looked back before I left. "Is archery allowed in Sword Art Online?" He questioned. "Umm… why do ask a question like that?" I responded. "It's because there's rumors that someone's using archery in this game now. That person may have done it since the start but didn't show anyone…" He explained. "An archer? Here?" I was just as confused as he was. "Asuna-san do you think this person is making a move now?" He twitched. "I sense pandemonium coming from the fight of Vukso…" He finished. "Why think that?" I countered. "We just share a communication…" He was silent after. "Gomen for the silence. The answer is something must have happened to Koyero in the middle of the battle since Vukso's in a tight spot…" Wukure observed.

"We should aid them then." I figured. "No… I sense someone going there as well… not one of us though…" He tensed up. "We should just get you back home. Kirito's probably waiting for you already." He denied my idea. "I must help my comrades too you know…" I argued. "We have no other choice… even if we go there, we'll just see the result." He argued back. "… Fine…" I hesitated but it was for the best… "Good… I'm happy that you understand… If I were you I'd do the same as well…" He admitted. "What will you do then?" I began walking. "I'll be going back home… No orders for now…" He disappeared. 'The only thing I can do is trust their strength… I know that they'll defeat them… Vukso has an advantage when it comes to this since he's a former member but still… Yumi on the other hand is getting assisted so everything should go alright… I hope…' I sighed.

Yumi's P.O.V

The funny thing is that the one who broke the wall was Klein… How did he even break through? Plus where is his injury? I thought Ze gave a number to him… Anyways I was currently injured as well… Okasa made some good hits on me… I was on the ground currently bleeding… This is an anti-crystal area so I can't use my healing crystal either. All I could use are my potions… and they take a long time to take effect… Klein looks like he didn't even get injured… how did that happen I wonder… Okasa isn't happy that someone just disturbed our fight though. She swung at Klein with no hesitation and she is not in her mood right now where she is lenient. Klein isn't that much in trouble though… He's Level 89 now so that means he's just a few levels weaker but he's strong I tell you. Okasa's powerful too so this battle is good to watch! Katana versus Katana!

"You okay?" Klein made sure while he was clashing with Okasa. "Hurt, you?" I responded. "I hate clashing with women… but I must…" He frowned. "Ehehe…" I giggled. "Is Hozume alright?" I changed the subject as I was watching them fight. "I guess so…" He sidestepped then did a 'Reaver' on her. "Not gonna happen!" She blocked the hit with her blade then kicked Klein where he should not be kicked on. "Kuso…" He held the pain and continued clashing. "Impressive… most boys usually go dead after I hit them like that…" Okasa smiled mischievously. 'Leh Burn…' I closed my eyes. "That was a cheap hit!" He protested. "All is fair in war so stop being a baby and fight…" Okasa taunted. "Now you said it…" He fell for the taunt! "Klein, don't fall for that taunt of hers!" I was too late he already went for the attack. "Just what I wanted…" She chuckled.

Klein's P.O.V

Kuso… I can't believe I fell for that girl's taunt! Is this some kind of taunt skill? She was agile and powerful… What do I expect from the subordinate of the 2nd leader? Her strategy from what I saw was probably the berserk style since she didn't defend… even once against me. She had a mark on her glove marking that she's been assigned as the top… judging from that mark… it was only 6th or something since that mark looks like a bit of a 6. The mark had a line on the bottom and a red signature that looks like one of those kanjis meaning elite. The other design was a stain on the glove. I only noticed now that the stains were blood… why doesn't it dissolve into particles? Could it be her blood? Or is it just designed that way? The last thing embedded on her glove was some sort of small crystal… that's new is it part of the update? The update just happened recently so I don't know much about it.

"Have you figured it out yet?" Okasa asked. "Figured out what?" I panted as I stood up after that last hit. "I am one of the strongest of Scarlet Temptation so what can you possibly do to surprise me? I experienced many stronger opponents than you… I can completely destroy you… Klein…" She grinned as she changed her blade to a different katana. "What's the point of changing blades then?" I stepped forward as I was now ready. "Please… why would I dent my favourite blade from fighting you?" She laughed. "You haven't seen me serious yet…" I couldn't take it anymore... "Aww… is he mad?" She gave a look. "I'll be watching…" Yumi called from the background as she was still waiting to heal.

"I shall show you… that I must not be underestimated just because I'm Level 89…" I had my katana on my hand. "I love people that talk big and die… I like seeing them fall from my blade…" She seemed to be chanting more than she was talking. "Here we go…" I felt a jolt of little nervousness course through me but I must win this or else… Not only will I die; she will die too. Someone who trusted that I'll be the one to defeat an opponent in a death or life situation.

I just cannot lose… can't I think of a new skill instead of my usual one? I hope I'm one of those 'think of a good plan in a desperate situation' kind of person because I would love to get a plan now. I kept using the same skill too much and plus it's a basic one. Kirito and Koyero could think of new skills but why can't I? C'mon someone just give me something that can beat this gal! She never used a skill on me yet either so I may have no chance but at least I can stall some time for a friend to escape… What am I thinking?! There's no way I'm dying in this place especially by a member of Scarlet Temptation. I held my blade back and focused right at her.

"Your resolve is worthy of being talked about but your reaction is not…" She was behind me. "I've expecting this one…" I looked at her instantly. "N-Nanidai?" She stopped but it was too late. "My new skill…" I was still thinking of a name. "Prominent… Slashes of Klein?" I slashed her rapidly like I was using multiple Reavers in succession but in the end I added a touch of a hilt, a hard hit to be exact. 'The name sucks… maybe I should just say Prominent Slashes… This may confuse her for a bit but she'll recover from that soon. "Not bad I must say… not worthy of seeing my skill though… I shall show it to you if you're really strong now…" She complimented but refused to use her skill. "Tsk…" I knew that wouldn't work.

"Klein, try using a last resort." Yumi recommended. "What do you mean?" I listened. "In the latest update, to help lower levelled players who are against higher levelled opponents; Last resort gives a temporary boost to the stats of the weaker player making their skills have higher damage, heal some HP and make the fight fair but you must use all possible moves which you did. The catch is that it only happens once per fight and you only have 120 seconds to use it. The opponent will still fight with their own power so be careful. This power can't be used in duels though. That is what the updated guide says." She explained… that was a lot of words… 'Last resort, eh? I may turn this fight around… but I should only use it when things get worse since it can heal me… This fight may be hard but I have to believe in what she just said…' I felt newfound confidence now.

"That Yumi… how dare she give a hint…" Okasa crossed her arms. "Do you think its worthy now?" I smiled. "When you use that ridiculous move I just might use it…" She seemed hesitant. 'I must tire her out in this state for now…' I strategized. "I'm not letting up yet!" I did an attack from the bottom but she parried my hit. "Useless… just use that ace in your sleeve…" She shoved me away. "I shall wake you up!" I feinted to the left then I made a good strike on her opened spot since she moved left to try intercepting. "Good… beginning to think of tricks now… I like that…" She muttered. "It seems you're a good fighter that's why I kind of respect ya… I expected that you'll use cheap tricks like Ze…" I remembered what he did.

"Ze is not strong… he becomes stronger as he manipulates people and makes them in disadvantages… He is not powerful until he has support… That cowardly weakling…" She hates Ze I guess. "The other members like Lady Tomomi on the other hand are powerful by themselves… those are the people that deserve my respect… I can respect you but now you must be eliminated…" She told me. 'I have no choice… if she uses a skill on me, I'm finished! Even if I do have yellow HP.' I wanted to be cautious. "Fine… I use the Last resort." As I said this, I felt the power course through me. The whole stat increase thing is true… I felt stronger.

My katana was even changed with the Level 92 katana that I was going to use. This skill also gives a weapon higher level temporarily too. She seemed to be amused like she finally got to fight at the same level. Her grip on her blade seemed to harden as we looked at each other in the eye. Her blade changed back to her favourite one. Looks like I made her become serious now… This should be a good fight. She dashed towards me with amazing speed but I countered by grabbing her unequipped hand and almost slashing her neck. She responded by making me off-balanced and using Embracer to really put me down. I did the same thing but she was blown away farther. She was pleased and seemed to be even more berserk.

"Yes… there we go… you're getting worthier by the second…" She had a cautious expression. "I never knew I could be this fast to be honest…" I scratched my head. "Careful, it'll affect your stamina as the effect wears off." Yumi warned late. "I see… everything has a weakness but this one will really affect you… I'll get the advantage right after." Okasa giggled. "Not if I win before the time elapses!" I used Prominent Slashes on her again. "Nice… Last resort seems to increase the radius of your chosen attack skill…" She observed. "How do you all know this then?" I questioned as I landed a few good hits but now she was in early yellow. "I have a high observation skill so I may be called the smartest in Scarlet Temptation." She recovered and back flipped away.

"What's wrong now?" I kept my guard up. "You really are worthy… to be the first to see my skill…" She chuckled. "F-First?" I gulped. "Only my teammates know but you shall know soon as well…" She charged. "Klein! Whatever you do, DO NOT get hit!" Yumi shouted. "Is it really that powerful?!" I mumbled to myself as she was now within range. "Prepare to-" She was stopped by someone. "Lady Tomomi?!" Okasa stopped as soon as she saw her. "We are retreating… that is an order… He's dead and we can't afford to show off your move here." She was saddened. 'The leader's dead?' I widened my eyes in confusion. "H-Hai… Lady Tomomi." She began comforting her hurt master. "Klein, we shall settle the score when the time comes… you're lucky…" Okasa and Tomomi have both disappeared using crystals. "So close but at least we're safe now…" I sighed.

"I finally healed! Just at the time when they disappeared too…" Yumi pouted. "We should go to the meeting area of the Town of Beginnings. They've probably been waiting forever." I reminded her of the meeting place. "Oh yeah! Snap! We're late! I'm going ahead!" Yumi rushed ahead. "Not another sprinting session… I ran here too…" I sighed as I went out as well. 'What could have happened to Koyero? He's still in my friends list but his area's unknown… what happened?' I felt worried for that mood swinging kid.

Vukso's P.O.V

Even if I was Level 91 I was in a big disadvantage because I was against my old friend Havuki who was Level 92 and one of my enemies Ze who was Level 89. Fighting Ze is a miracle! Fighting Havuki on the other hand is… hard… He's my best friend since we first met each other right after elementary and becoming a freshman. He wears a mask (bandana) that covers his nose to his chin. He always wears that mask in public but every time Havuki, Deira and I are the only ones together in one of our houses he removes it. I don't want to talk about what he went through… This world really is a cruel place… Havuki… Why must fate make best friends fight? You had enough pain in your life… I can see the pain in your eyes… I can see that we both have no will to fight each other but we must. Guilds that have war against each other… Ze, I know you are the manipulator… You're the one that made Havuki fight…

"Ze… you bastard…" I spat. "Mehehe… Feels bad to fight friends, right?" Ze chuckled. "… Vukso-san… Gomen…" Havuki, out of nowhere almost hit me on the sides. "Gotcha!" Ze went for a stab but I countered by swinging my greatsword and wrapping it around his blade. "No, I got you." I threw his blade away. "Havuki, handle him as I briefly watch." Ze ordered. "Hai… Ze-san…" Havuki clashed with me, greatsword versus greatsword. "Why do you let him order you around like that?" I looked down because I had nothing against Havuki. "Vukso-san… I don't want to fight you… but a higher-up commands me to so I must…" He didn't like it one bit. "Don't listen to him… you're a higher level than him." I tried persuading him. "Contracts in Sword Art Online are only broken after it is completed or one of the people in the contract dies…" He reminded me. "I understand but…" I muttered as I dodged a hhit.

"Oi, Havuki make it more entertaining… I want to see blood spill." Ze commanded from afar. "That son of a-" I was interrupted by Havuki who landed a scratch on me near my abdomen, scratching a piece of clothing off me. "Finally… some blood." Ze rolled his eyes. 'I will surely kill that guy someday… with my blade through his neck…' I clenched my fist in frustration. "Vukso-san, watch out..." Havuki snapped me out of my trance. "…" I dodged his hit. "Stop warning him of future hits, would ya?" Ze snapped. "Hai Ze-san…" Havuki obeyed and began attacking relentlessly. "Why not you come and fight already Ze?! Are you just scared that I'll put tons of dirt and dust on ya?!" I pointed at him. "Focus on your fight not me." He was laidback right now. "Lazy-ass…" I commented. "You…" Ze growled and stood up as he heard me. "You heard me. LA-ZY-ASS." I repeated slowly.

"You crossed the line!" Ze fought me as well as Havuki. "Tsk… you don't change anything Ze! Without support or you doing any cheap tricks you're weak!" I pushed him back and paused a bit. "Diminishing Slam!" I slammed. "Havuki…" Ze snapped his fingers and Havuki took the hit. "You little coward!" I roared as my blade was squeezing Havuki. "Eto…?" Havuki easily broke through the hold and managed to recover from it quick. "That's Havuki for ya…" I mumbled. 'I can't beat them if Ze keeps evading the hits and make Havuki take it… I'll be going nowhere unless I have a teammate… Koyero was now gone so this fight is unbalanced. If only could just appear out of nowhere and land a good hit on Ze…' I hoped for the impossible. "Getting scared now?" Ze glanced at me. "You make me sick!" I insulted. "Vukso-san…" Havuki landed a giant slash across my chest. "Gomenosai…" He shook his head. "Kuso…" I touched my wound and looked at both of them. 'I guess this is a hopeless moment… but this won't stop me!' I charged until I heard… a groan of pain?

"Nani? What is this? An arrow?!" Ze's eyes widened in horror. "Arrow?" Havuki and I turned to take a look. "Who dares hit me?! With something that is not a sword?!" Ze grumbled as someone went down from that hole I made in going here. 'Is this that player everyone's talking about? Rumors say that she went passive in what she does and only trains where no one can see her… Is this the rumored player to have the unique skill of archery?' I felt a jolt of excitement through my spine. "I am Sinon… how dare you battle 2 on 1… to make matters worse, one of the people is slacking off…" It was a woman?

-Stop Story-

Author's Note: I made Sinon here to add some girls. She is a character from Sword Art Online: Infinity Moment and is in the Gun Gale Online game. I do not own her at all since she was made in the light novels. It has nothing to do with the error of SAO that made players unable to log out and make other characters like Leafa appear. Only Sinon will be used from Infinity Moment and other games I assure you. Shall we continue?

-Back to story-

"Finally some help…" I sighed in relief. "That arrow shall render you immobile for a while so I can speak." Sinon told Ze who just attempted to. "Oi, why are you helping me anyway?" I went to this Sinon girl. "I'm just here to defeat Scarlet Temptation… they were all over the news for their massacres. I am not here to help you at all. It was just coincidental that I met you." She responded. "Wait… have we met before?" I went closer. "What do you mean?" Sinon looked at me. "…" Havuki was watching. "Wait… No! We never saw each other… ever." She panicked a bit. "Shino?" I poked her. "Where's the old bulletproof glasses?" I questioned. "I'm Sinon…" She seemed to be trying to be in a disguise name…

"No worries, I won't be like last time." I assured her. "I don't trust you…" She turned her head away. "I don't trust you as well but our situation is quite tied in some way so we have to cooperate." I reminded her. "…Fine…" She accepted. "Sinon, huh? The user with the unique skill to use archery, am I right? I don't see any trouble." Ze underestimated her and he's probably gonna regret it. "Havuki, get Vukso while I take on this woman she's nothing I can't handle." He ordered Havuki. "…" Havuki nodded and clashed with me. "You think women are weak?" Sinon quickly prepared a few arrows ready to be fired. "I'll prove you wrong…" She aimed at Ze and seemed to be preparing for one of her skills. "This is one of the basic skills I have… let's see how much it'll do… Aimed Shot…" She simultaneously shot all her arrows currently ready at Ze.

"Shoot I can't dodge…" Ze struggled and was hit by 5 arrows. "This skill allows the archer to have all his/her arrows hit one spot, where he/she's aiming at." She explained while Ze finally broke free of the immobility status. "Havuki, I'm serious… just join me… we're buddies after all while Ze's just tricking you!" I updated him. "I wish I could but I can't…" He began to win the clash. "I have no other choice and so do you then?" I muttered and he nodded. "I shall not be holding back then…" I slammed his greatsword with mine and kicked his blade… it was hard alright… "Your normal attacks won't even dent this weapon…" He gave a hint. "Arigato…" I charged up some power so I could give a powerful blow. "Taste my blow!" I ran and slashed from above. "Not enough…" He easily pushed me back with his blade. 'Havuki's blade is special… it can negate almost any normal attack but it cannot negate skills with high damage. That blade was forged by Deira for him like my greatsword which was also forged by Deira.' I spoke to myself.

"Haha… What can you do now? I'm mobile!" Ze charged to Sinon with his paralysis blade. "Switch…" I muttered making me and Sinon change opponents. "Let's see what she can do…" I watched her a bit. "Here I come…" Havuki wielded his greatsword and slowly went to Sinon. "…" Sinon just silently prepared another 5 arrows. "These arrows are different." She revealed that her arrows were coated in something. "Oh?" Havuki tilted his head, confused. "This is the improved version of Aimed Shot… my 2nd skill. Rapid Aimed… Shots..." She was shooting Havuki rapidly, 10 arrows per second. "Not bad…" Havuki negated only about 10% of the shots. "Back to you…" She admitted but never let her guard down even once. "Hai… now let me land a big hit on you…" Havuki gave a look. "From that far away?" Sinon didn't believe he could. "Oi, Shino! I mean Sinon, don't underestimate Havuki." I warned her while clashing with Ze. "I see…" She stayed alert, still equipped with her bow.

"Great… stay alert for this isn't going to be just a hit…" Havuki nodded, pleased. 'Shoot… that move?' I thought. "Sinon watch out!" I tried to aid her. "You're fighting me Vukso!" Ze blocked my path. "Fine…" Diminishing Slam!" I grabbed his blade and I threw it at his leg. "Kuso…" Ze twitched in digital blood loss. "Hmm? What?" Sinon muttered as she was waiting to see what happens. "Sinon don't wait!" I shouted. "Too late… Banishing Blow… This is my blade's skill not mine…" He suddenly appeared right in front of Sinon.

"I won't let you…" Sinon shot a lot of arrows but this time Havuki deflected them all with his blade. "Feel it…" Havuki gave a blow using the hilt then finished it with a slam that made her blown away by the power. "Ahh…" She moaned in pain and spat some digital blood. "Banishing Blow will render the target immobile for 20 seconds and give the target also Damage-over-Time…" Havuki muttered. "Right now I made you late green with that hit so the extra effect probably made you late yellow by now…" He suspected. "Tsk…" Sinon looked calm even in that situation of hers… "Permission to finish off…" Havuki waited for Ze's response. "Permission granted…" Ze smirked as he was covering up the blood. "No you don't… Switch!" I ran to Sinon. "You're finished…" Havuki was about to give the final blow to Sinon. "…" Sinon stayed. "Embracer!" I punched Havuki, making him stagger. "Here's my chance!" I slashed him on the chest, hesitantly. "…" His armor saved him.

'Gomenosai, amigo…' I regretted slashing him like that. "Good… mid-yellow now…" Sinon recovered from her status and used a crystal. "A new crystal?" I spotted that this crystal was gold and silver. "This crystal shall break my limits and allow me to use one of the strongest skills of archery once but I can't use the strongest…" Sinon announced. "Dang… that crystal's good…" I clapped. "Pfft… please…" Ze charged in without thinking. "It will hurt all opponents…" She readied just 1 arrow. "How can that hurt us?!" Ze laughed as he used 'The Two Kazes' to increase mobility. "Infinite Scatter…" Her single arrow multiplied and multiplied until it was a damn lot. "Nani?!" Ze stopped. "This is the 2nd strongest move of Archery…" She gave a signal making a huge volley of arrows pierce through Ze and Havuki. "Havuki!" I was dead worried. "You bastards…" Ze coughed with his HP in very low. "…" Havuki was lower.

"Time to finish you off Ze! You're the one that made the contract so by killing you; I can take him back…" I walked towards him with Sinon. "Ze-san should we-" Havuki couldn't finish his sentence. "No! No!" I was in complete despair as I saw Ze stab Havuki from behind, around his heart. "Ha… Havuki!" I stared in horror as my best friend's body fell on the ground. "You cowardly little…" Sinon muttered, exhausted and tried to shoot Ze but he ran away with his move 'The Two Kazes'. "…" Havuki remained silent. "Havuki…" I knelt to down and grieved. "…" Sinon went beside me and tried to comfort me. "Please…" I tried not to tear up so Havuki won't feel bad.

"Vukso-san… take my..." He was interrupted. "I know bro…" I took of his lower mask and it revealed to have a scar on each of his lower eye, reaching to his chin. I also removed his hat and it revealed black calming hair. "Vukso…" Sinon sighed. "Gomenosai for not finishing Ze off…" Sinon finished. "No… if you did that Havuki will be finished as well…" I reminded her. "Vukso-san… Arigato for being there…" His digital blood was flowing everywhere. "Don't you dare think this will kill you!" I finally cried some tears. "Vukso-san… my… friend… I hope Deira will understand…" He continued. "…" Sinon kept silent just to try to cheer me up. "Havuki…" I grabbed his wrist. "Please… I have a request…" He muttered. "What is it? Anything! I'll do anything!" I gritted my teeth. "Take… my blade… Please keep it as a memento…" He answered. "Take my mask to Deira so she'll remember me as well… Leave my hat here so I could at least leave something…" He cried as he closed his eyes.

Havuki's P.O.V

Everything was getting blurry… The images of Vukso and Sinon were fading away… My life… My only friends… Vukso Deira… Mom… Dad… I am leaving this world… but at least I didn't leave while I was young… Vukso was the first to not look down on me… Deira being the second… My friends… why do I have to leave this world now… we could've… been together through this… My life was not all bad… but it was… They were now looking at me with faces of despair… Sinon doesn't appear to but I know that she is actually hiding her emotions… I see that I shall finally join them… Sayonara… Vukso-san… may my blade make you remember all those good times the two of us did together… Deira… I hope that you'll like my mask… I heard you liked these things… My body felt weak… I was close to blacking out. I muttered the words to them, 'Arigato' and I heard Vukso shout Ze's name in an angry manner. I saw my whole life flash before my eyes…

-Flashback-

I am Havuki, 8 year old boy. I was in my house looking for my parents… where were they? I've gotten some yen for supper. I found them asleep… I guess I have to save it for breakfast… I slept soundly on a chair so I can skip to morning. After I had breakfast I went outside to gather funds for lunch… where can I find some now? I already got a few from selling one of my clothes but I can't anymore… I have a few left… I went to the park where all the kids go to play… why does no one play with me? Is it because of my ragged clothing? All I want is a friend… Why does this happen to me?

"Hey you there!" A boy marched towards me. "H-Hai?!" I felt surprised… no one talked to me before, that's my age… "Let's play a little game." Another boy smirked. "A game? Ok." My eyes sparkled. I was finally going to play! "It's called Cops and Robbers." The boy smiled. "Ok?" I listened. "That means…" Another boy chuckled. "Means what?" I blinked. "We are the robbers and we rob you!" One of them threw a punch at me. "Nani?" I fell to the ground… "Hyaah!" One of them knocked me unconscious after kicking me. "Ha?" I woke up and went back to my house… it was dinner already and all the yen I got were all gone… "Otou-sama, Oji-san, I'm back…" I was in tears. "…" No answer. "Otou-sama? Oji-san?" I ran to their room… they were dead… by hunger… how long was I fainted? "No…" I cried. "I was fainted for 4 days…" I went out of the house and fell on the ground. "I'm going to die… with no family and friends… Why must this world be so cruel…" I muttered and without knowing, slept on the ground.

I woke up and I was in a bed… A bed?! Where was I? I was in a shabby room with a big bed. Did someone take me in? Now I remember… Otou-sama… Oji-san… Gomen for not buying food… you were both sick and bedridden and I couldn't help you… I fell and returned to tears. Two people came in to check on me when they heard my grieving. Who were they?

"Are you adapting yet?" The man questioned in a calming voice. "My parents died… how can I be calm?" I continued crying. "We're your parent's friends… sorry for not being there to help… we have just arrived from America. We needed to visit in America but we came back as soon as we can…" The woman frowned. "At least tell me your names…" I went on the bed. "My name is…"

After a few years of living with them it wasn't so bad. I got my daily needs and all that but I still feel bad for my parents… plus I still have no friends… I am now 11 years old and currently in school. None of my classmates speak to me but my teacher does. I do not participate in discussion because I'm not much of a speaker after what happened with Cops and Robbers… I must only go to people I trust… I have been called by one of my teachers. Did I do something wrong? All I did was get quite high in my tests.

"Havuki, have people been bullying you?" She asked. "No one so far, sensei…" I lied. "Good… now about your grades." She continued. "They are quite high but I know you can make it higher. "She was confident in me. "Arigato sensei… I have some difficulty in the Japanese history though… what happened to Amateratsu?" I questioned. "She is just a myth so don't worry about it. Our history is only based on what's real." She answered. "Hai sensei." I bowed and went out of the room for lunch. 'I hope they don't pick on me again… My allowance is only 1000 yen…' I hoped for some changes today.

I went to the rooftops where I usually eat my lunch until 3 people went to me… they looked exactly like those kids that did that to me… I backed away in fear while blocking with my bento. They smirked while going closer… the rooftop has no security cameras anywhere… I knew I should've changed my area to those benches… Why do they always pick on me? Is it because that my biological parents died and I am defenseless with no friends to back me up? I'm only good in my grades me being an athlete needs work… The only weapon I know how to use is a kendo stick but there's nothing here and if I did defend myself they'll just bully me more… It's better not to resist… things will remain constant that way…

"Give the stuff…" The tallest boy chuckled and put his palm out. "You better… we have… a new toy…" One of them revealed a knife. "?!" My instinct was trying to take over. "Give us the cash and your bento and you're free to go, easy right?" He had a knife being held by his palm. "… This bento… has the food that was made by my mother's recipe… Please let me at least keep my food…" I begged. "That sounds delicious then! Give it to us!" He demanded. "No!" Did I just resist? "No? What do you mean 'no'?!" He growled. "This bento was given to me and I must eat it to feel my Oji-san's love!" I ate my bento as quickly as I can until it was empty. 'This was my real Oji-san's recipe…' I thought to myself. "You… come here!" The 2nd boy grabbed me by my hair and dragged me to the other two so they can gang up on me.

"Nani?! Please… at least I'm giving you my allowance… please!" I cried. "We warned you Havuki…" They smirked. "No… No!" I felt pain through my cheek. "Stop! Please!" I cried out blood. "Hehe…" They were slashing downward, not so deep from the bottom of my eye to my cheek then it reached to my chin. "Help… Otou-sama… Oji-san…" I cried louder out of the harsh pain I felt. "That's enough for now…" They stopped and hid their knives. "You better not tell anyone or else these knives will pierce through your eyes…" They chuckled and walked away. "This pain…" I grabbed the bandana that I used in a project and wrapped it around the wounded area… "This should do it… this bandana was formerly my father's bandana but now it's mine… It feels better at least…" I spoke to myself as it seems that my wounds aren't revealed anymore. "This life…" I muttered.

I was now 13 Things were the same for the next few years until 2 transfer student have arrived… One of them was named Vukso… it was said that he was formerly a well-known bully in his old school… Not another bully… Three are enough… I still use my 'mask' even if I went through 2 years with these scars… Now I don't want to speak to anyone… The other one is Deira, a girl said to be his friend… I wish that bullies never existed in this world… all they do is hurt others and make them depressed… why do they have to exist? A twist of fate happened when that former well-known bully went to me and sat beside me on the benches in Lunch time, as well as Deira...

"Hello there. My name's Vukso." He smiled. "…" I made no response. "Why are you not speaking…?" Deira patted my shoulder. "I don't want any trouble…" I muttered. "Trouble? Did they spread rumors about me again? Kuso… can't they just forget about it? All I want to do is change my ways…" He sighed. "It's hard for them see that you changed… Vukso… They'll see soon…" Deira spoke. "I'll just be going…" I began walking away after I ate my bento. "Let's just get along…" Vukso stopped me and smiled. "… I like your mask…" Deira pointed at my mask. "A-Arigato?" I tilted my head, confused. 'Could they really be true friends? What if they betray me like those three…? I need a sign just to see if they really can be counted as true friends that will back me up when I'm in trouble and I'll do the same…' I fidgeted. "Anything wrong, Havuki?" Vukso stared in worry. "I think it's because of them…" Deira spotted the three bullies. "…" I tensed up. "Aww… Havuki has friends… how touching…" The tallest said sarcastically. "Stop…" I built up enough courage to defend myself.

"SO these are the three that gave you trouble, huh?" Vukso glared at them. 'Why is he doing this? We aren't even friends…' I tried to find for an answer. "…" Deira silently looked at them as well. "You think you're all tough now?!" The shortest one went for me. "…" I prepared for a punch from him but I felt nothing. "I don't let anyone hurt my friends… especially those who can't defend themselves…" Vukso suddenly choked him and pushed him aside making him fear Vukso and run. "V-Vukso-san?!" I widened my eyes in surprise. "What? We're friends right? Friends back up friends whenever possible. A strong bond is given to friends. I as your friend will be there for you, right Deira?" Vukso assured me. "Hai…" Deira made the 2nd one run away but I wonder how… "Grr… don't think we'll stop bullying you Havuki! When the time comes where you're open, we shall-" The tallest was interrupted by Vukso.

"Look… here is my statement… If you hurt Havuki you have to get through me first." Vukso taunted. "You little brat!" He went for a punch. "Wrong move…" Vukso caught his fist. "Don't you dare think that I was not well-known for nothing…" Vukso showed mercy and just pushed his fist away. "H-He's… not a bully after all…" I regretted accusing him so quickly. "Don't be all high and mighty after just blocking a punch!" This time the tallest one kicked Vukso but he once again blocked. "I warned you…" Vukso flipped him over and stomped on him then he went off. "Kuso…" He felt pain. "If you try and bully Havuki ever again… I will be the one to punish you this time…" Deira's eyes seemed to gleam while she had a dark aura surrounding her. "Sheesh… Fine…" He cowered away.

"Why? Why help someone like me?" I sighed. "I already told you. Even if you think we're not friends we're already ones…" Vukso and Deira answered. "In what way?" I questioned. "I want a new start and I want to start by making friends… I wanted to make you my friends because you seemed very lonely… No one in this world should be alone… no matter how cruel it is…" Vukso stated. "You are a lone wolf… that needs a pack to be in… we will be the new members…" Deira muttered, metaphorically? "…Friends… the word that I have been looking for…" A tear fell from my eye. "Are you crying?" He was shocked. "Finally…" I cried and hugged both of them. "Woah there amigo…" Vukso laughed and hugged back. "Might as well…" Deira did it back as well. 'Otou-sama… Oji-san… I finally have friends… after all these years… This the happiest day of my life… but please still stay with me… Otou-sama, Oji-san…' I felt happy all over.

"Hehe…" Vukso gave a crooked smile this time and went go the same classroom… it seems the three of us are classmates. "We'll sit beside Havuki…" Deira told the teacher making her smile and accept since she thinks that they became my friends… she was right… my only true friends… "Hehe… Don't worry Havuki. History is quite easy especially when you get to know Shakespeare. I assure you. Wait… he isn't Japanese, gomen…" Vukso gave me confidence. "Sensei…" Deira raised her hand. "Hai?" She responded. "Please come with me in the hallway… it's about Havuki…" Deira muttered. "Ok then. Class be quiet till I get back." Deira and the teacher went out of the classroom.

"What do you think Deira will say, Vukso-san?" I questioned. "I know Deira more than anyone and I think she'll probably rat out those bullies that are in the back." Vukso showed me that they were in the back. "How dare you rat us out!" They stood up angrily while the whole class except us were asleep. "I didn't…" I countered. "Technically, Deira's the one who is ratting you all out so you have nothing against Havuki but against Deira. Don't think you'll be able to do anything to her though…" Vukso chuckled. "You piece of-" They were interrupted by the teacher and Deira coming back. "To the principal's office… now!" The teacher sounded quite scary as she dragged the three of them out. "…" I gulped. "Yeah… here's a friendly warning… don't get on my bad side or else…" Deira warned me. "Yep… I experienced it once and it was horrible…" Vukso shivered just by the thought of it. "What did she do?" I questioned. "You don't want to know Havuki…" He shook his head like he didn't want to tell anyone.

The rest of the day went smoothly… With Vukso and Deira I was not anymore alone… my first friends and soulmates… It was until we heard a new game when we were all 15. The game's name was Sword Art Online… Vukso and I took interest in it first since we like playing sword games and fighting games… Deira wasn't so interested but she managed to get a copy of the game as well. We promised each other that we'll start in the morning as soon as we wake up.

"Ring… Ring…" My alarm clock had a weak alarm but it woke me up. 'Time for me to call… my name there will still be the same though…' I grabbed the phone and called Vukso first. "Hola! I mean… Ohayo Havuki, ready? Don't bother calling Deira… she's already playing… that head starter…" He responded to the call. "Hai… shall we log in?" I offered. "Probably so… Deira would scold us again if we're late… she got a head start already…" He accepted. "Will do… see you there, Vukso-san…" I hung up and put on the Nervegear. "…" I logged in. "An improvised mask should do it…" I equipped a mask as a misc item.

I went looking for Vukso and Deira in this world of Sword Art Online… they told me that they'll be pretty much the same so it should be easy… Deira's hair was purple so you can't miss it. Vukso's hair is wood brown so it could be quite hard to find him… I saw someone in brown hair so I approached this person… Whoops… this isn't Vukso…

"Hello? Have we met?" He seemed… hyper… "No…" I simply responded. "Boo… don't speak like that!" He pouted. "Fine… what's your name…" I reluctantly asked. "Koyero!" He laughed suddenly. 'Is he a mood swinger?' I felt embarrassed by him. "Now tell me your name, soldier!" He stomped on the ground. "Soldier?" I tilted my head. "Yes you!" He pointed. "…Havuki…" I muttered. "See ya!" He ran away. "Mood swingers… are weirder than clowns…" I mumbled to myself. "Havuki, there you are!" Vukso called from the background. "Found you…" Deira was just beside him.

"Gomen… I met someone with brown hair like yours, Vukso-san…" I apologized. "Huh? Of course it's ok… anyone can have brown hair, right Deira?" He shifted his gaze to her. "I feel insulted…" She muttered. "Ahh hehe… gomen…" Vukso whistled. "What should we do now?" I wanted some guidance since I didn't play a game where you control your avatar's joints with your own… "Simple, level up but first equip a weapon." Vukso unsheathed the basic greatsword. "I have that too…" I unsheathed the same thing. "Too bad for you boys that mines different…" Deira revealed a katana. "The classical weapon? Good choice at least." Vukso placed a finger on his chin. "Show-off…" Deira glanced at him. "Hehe… I was just kidding you Deira." He chuckled. "…" She just backed away.

In that time, Kayaba made that announcement that SAO became a death game and we must clear all 100 floors just to escape… Vukso and I decided to go on and fight in the floors while Deira was our back-up and she made our weapons since she's quite good in Smithing. Vukso and I eventually made a guild together and we called the Mercenary Guild, the only guild where you can find mercenaries. I was the leader because of votes while Vukso became the 2nd leader. Deira didn't join the guild since she didn't want to be a mercenary. We made her our private blacksmith until she wanted to make her own workshop which we allowed her to but we still kept in touch… Deira usually goes to the guild when she's free but stopped when Vukso and I were hired by Scarlet Temptation. Deira was later on the student of Tukorop to master the sword and sheathe style… She quickly graduated and became an official blacksmith…

We still messaged each other every time and we tell each other our adventures and stuff like that. We were very close even when she joined Knights of Blood… Vukso also eventually joined them so I was all alone… I still messaged them and they respond back but it didn't feel the same… I wanted to be with them but I couldn't… I tried to quit but my contract forbade me… Ze was the one who hired me so I was loyal to him… Scarlet Temptation kills several players each day ever since it became active… I wasn't happy with them anymore… I want to be with Vukso and Deira in Knights of Blood… I had a different want but I couldn't betray them unless my client dies or I die… I still had another year to go while Vukso was done already… Vukso-san… Deira-san… I want to be with both of you already… I was in confusion…

"Havuki? What's wrong?" Ku went to me. "…" I made no response. 'Ku is probably the nicest among all of them… His main role is a back-up or support but if it's only in here he is the best cook in the guild so he makes our food. He said that it was his dream to serve delicious food to a variety of customers. He joined the guild since the start for reasons unknown… His overall rank is 8th.' I reminded myself. "I see… you do not have to speak to me. I understand." He bowed and took his leave. "He's probably one of the most honorable as well…" I mumbled to myself.

"Oi! Let's go already Havuki! What's taking you so long? We haven't killed anyone together in ages!" Ze exaggerated… "I still need to prepare, Ze-san… please be a little more patient…" I sighed. "Pfft… fine…" I heard his footsteps cease. 'Ze is the bossiest among all of these people… he is my boss… He tries to act tough but he just keeps having support… His signature blade is his paralysis blade that can paralyze the victim for a certain time… He said that his dream is to be the leader of Scarlet Temptation and to be the best martial arts champion that ever lived… he is quite good in fighting hand-to-hand if you ask me… He easily flipped over someone when he made fun of his dream… Like Ku, he also joined Scarlet Temptation ever since the start. He is ranked 11th' I shuddered because I saw the Cyclops in the hole of the fortress… inside there's an extra boss with only one weak spot…

"A troubled soul perhaps?" Someone knocked on my door. "What do you want Tukorop?" I muttered. "I just want to get more information from you… I need to get more info of Deira, my student…" He answered. "Why?" I let him speak. "She defeated me and I want revenge…" He growled. "Maybe some other time…" I turned away. "Perhaps you're right… I will let this slide only this once…" He walked away. 'Tukorop has a weird player name I admit… He is the 'think of tactics quick' kind of guy… He is one of the most passive members since he usually just gathers information from floors so we can be more careful. He is also a master of the sword-sheathe combo, the master of Deira. He hates losing but he manages to get over it in a one month forgiveness thing. His full power isn't shown yet but judging by him being part of the top 15, he seems formidable. He is ranked 7th in overall. He joined Scarlet Temptation after Deira graduated…' I thought.

"Ready for a war Havuki? They have Kirito, Asuna, Koyero, Vukso, Hozume and Yumi battling… Tukorop and Deira are already out of the war since the battle has been decided… Rujikiho and I will take Kirito and Hozume, Tomomi and Okasa will take Asuna and Yumi and finally, you and Ze will take Koyero and Vukso." The leader ordered. "Hai…" I muttered. 'He is the leader of Scarlet Temptation and is the most powerful one… he is ranked 1st… I don't know much about him but it seems like the 2nd leader Tomomi has a crush on him… Pretty one-sided if you ask me… His partner is mostly his right hand Rujikiho… He is also the only one I know that used Blademake until Koyero arrived… He doesn't give as much orders as Ze does though… Ze is such a conversationalist…' I nodded after and took my leave.

"I see you're beginning to settle in now… Have you seen that prisoner?" Rujikiho approached me. "No… Vukso-san's the one that helped her escape since his contract was over…" I stated. "I see… do what you do as always then." He smiled. "Hai…" I walked past him. 'He is Rujikiho, the right hand of the leader. He has been known to be the pep talk guy whenever the guild fails in something… he is quite kind like Ku but Ku is kinder. He is ranked 5th in Scarlet Temptation. He said that his dream is just to stay with this family… He also stayed with this guild since the start…' I felt someone's presence… definitely snd leader's…

"Aww… where's that lemonade that you promised to get for me?" She covered herself with a fan. "Here…" I gave her a glass of it. "Arigato… I hope you're ready Havuki…" She giggled. "I know it's quite hard fighting a friend but it's actually quite easy… especially if the friend is a traitor…" She swung her fan back and forth to comfort herself with a small breeze. "For the last time he is not… His contract simply broke…" I argued. "Hmph… think what you want… If you need me I'll be going to prepare…" She turned away and disappeared. 'Her player name is Tomomi and she is the second leader. She wears a kimono that goes down until a few centimeters under her knee so she could get her hidden blade that is located behind her leg… She is a yandere and quite sassy… She is obsessed with the leader and I am not exaggerating… She is ranked 2nd… Her yandere nature as she said came from her mother…' I went to the last person I needed to talk to.

"What do you need? Make it quick…" Okasa was reading a map. "I was ordered to talk to the higher-ups…" I responded. "… All I need to say to you is that you should fight valiantly with no mercy unless ordered not to kill the target…" She was sharpening her favorite blade. "I know but I think there's more there is to it…" I suspected. "You sure are persistent aren't you?" She sighed. "Koyero is the easy guy so let the weak Ze handle him while Vukso is the toughie so battle him… even if both of you are friends…" She finished. "I-I'll try…" I sulked in the inside. "Good… I hope that we'll see each other after all this is over…" She went to Tomomi. 'Her name is Okasa and she is the subordinate of Tomomi, often calling her Lady Tomomi. She cares highly for the members so she usually says that she wants to see us again after battle. She is ranked 6th and she is the one that cares the most but she is bloodthirsty in combat against enemies. She was part of the guild since her old guild was disbanded a year ago.' I got ready.

The war has now begun… we all went to our designated area… The leader and Rujikiho were staying in the fortress to do a sneak attack, Tomomi and Okasa shall defend the fortress against those who try to help and Ze and I shall be fighting in the savannah area… This battle may be hard but… I actually want us to lose…

-End of flashback-

Am I dead already? Where am I? I was in the exact same place except Vukso and Sinon are gone… they were probably looking for Ze but why am I back. I only saw one person there with me… Did he use that extremely rare, only an event can give revival item? I thought Kirito was the one that had it but he gave it to Klein so I thought Klein had it… This guy with me was covering his face with a hood so I couldn't distinguish who was it… whoever it was… he/she just saved my life.

"How did you-" I twitched. "I stole the item from Klein… no worries… he doesn't even use it so what a waste… plus what a waste of a good player dying just now… I stole it while he was sleeping by making his finger touch the right buttons." He muttered. "Who are you?" I questioned. "No time for questions… follow me." He led and I followed. "I seek your assistance to power my guild up… Will you join me? I won't make a contract… all I want is your cooperation." He tried to make me join his guild. 'He did save my life… so I owe him one…' I made up my mind. "I accept but can I talk to my friends?" I asked. "When the time comes you may but for now you mustn't… they think you're dead and their friend list has removed you since you have been labelled dead…" He answered "I understand…" I nodded. "Good… welcome to the guild." He smiled under his hood…

-End of Chapter-

Move tutorials with Vukso!

Lessons: Morning Star, Farse Fesu and Banishing Blow.

Hello minna~ Koyero's here! I finally escaped that void and now I'm back but I will continue later… For now Vukso couldn't speak since Havuki's dead… Anyway I shall be the temporary guide to teach you about these moves. Don't worry, I know about them I guess… and my mood swings aren't being turned on right now so yay!

Morning Star is quite a simple move where Kirito leaps high in the air and slams to the 1st target. After slamming he'll begin to start the 'Star Formation' where any enemy in the star radius shall be sliced-and-diced rapidly for as long as Kirito's stamina if Kirito does. His move is very effective on the person that got hit first since the target will get the maximum damage of this devastating move.

Farse Fesu is a tricky move where the user can either form a shield where the 'Lightweight' effect is embedded on it or put this effect on the currently equipped weapon or shield. This move can be very useful when you are against multiple opponents and you are using a sword and shield. This can prove tricky to master but it is easy to use. This move can also give the victim some staggers where you can land a devastating combo to finish him/her off.

Finally I will talk to you about the Sword of Havuki's skill Banishing Blow. This move makes the opponent immobile since this hit actually gives damage to the inside more than the inside. This also gives the Damage -over-Time effect which can make the opponent tremble in HP loss. When used correctly you can also add the extra fear effect but that is very unlikely to happen. The full power of this move is yet to be seen by anyone though.

That's it for today! See ya all later!

End of Chapter 13

Next Chapter: The Reunion, The Eavesdropping and The Pain

Next Extra Scene: Kirito and Asuna's Anniversary!