Chapter 16: Unauthorized Action.

Disclaimer: I do not own Sword Art Online

Vukso's P.O.V

I woke up the next morning still feeling depressed… Havuki used to always try to wake me up but he ends up waking up Deira instead… accidentally. I grabbed my new weapon Arbite and yawned as I got off the bed. Deira was already awake, probably waited for me the whole time… She stared at me with her classical not amused expression. I scratched my head in confusion and wondered what she wanted but first I sheathed my weapon.

"You slept so long Vukso… what made you sleep for like 13 hours?" Deira muttered. "I was sleeping that long?!" I gasped. "You were muttering Havuki's name for countless hours so I only slept for 6 hours…" No wonder Deira looked quite sleepy. "That's well… How could I not? I… still can bear the pain… knowing that one of my best friends is dead…" I muttered. "…" She hugged me. "Don't worry… I'm still here and I'm sure Havuki is still here as well…" She comforted me.

"Arigato Deira…" I hugged back since she's one my best friends after all. "My brother and I are planning to commence the first move so will you join us?" Deira offered. "First move? What do you mean by first move Deira? Answer that and I'll think about it." I didn't trust her brother all that much after that incident with the fish tank…

"We're planning to go to Floor 80 without their permission… Klein has willingly accepted the offer but I didn't tell him about the no-permission part." She told me her plan. "Nani? Are you serious about this?!" I muttered loud enough for her to hear. "We'll just beat the boss and that's it. You don't have to go if you really don't want to…" She made it sound so easy but it wasn't.

"I'm in but tell me the people that will be with us… all of them." I requested. "The people going with us are Figo, Wukure, Kerzuki, Klein, and Quorora. Mostly from my brother's guild. That's it." She answered. "Havuki?" I quickly reacted. "No… Kerzuki… He's a scythe user and he has a young looking face with no scars…" Deira looked disappointed. "Oh… anyway let's go! We're wasting valuable time." I changed my mood just to not make her depressed. "Hai… let's go." She agreed and we went on our way.

"Hey isn't Quorora that girl who worked at that new restaurant? She plays a flute if I remember…" I felt like Quorora was familiar. "Hai… she's so far the only girl in his guild and how did you know her?" Deira seemed curious. "I saw her when I went in the restaurant in the Grand Opening. I also saw Kirito and Asuna having lunch there probably dating for their anniversary. She was the one playing the flute for me while I was eating their free mojos! I was lucky to get the appetizer since it ran out right after I got it." I bitterly laughed.

"I see… anyway I'll introduce my brother's guild members. Wukure is my brother's best friend and is the best when it comes to strategic approaches. Kerzuki seems to be the one with deep obedience towards my brother since he does almost anything he says and he is the scythe user. Quorora is the best when it comes to soothing the atmosphere of them and is the best when it comes to sneaky tactics. She is also the one that gathers information whenever needed." Deira introduced to me the people. "Ok so where will we meet them?" I questioned. "Floor 80… Follow me…" She pulled my arm and we went on our way.

We went out of our shared house in Floor 77 and made our way to the dungeon where the teleportation area is. Floor 77 is the only Floor I know that makes you instantly in the area where the boss is. This is why not many people go here. The bright side is that when you're out of the dungeon you'll see Deira's Workshop and some good materials in the mine beside the workshop. You can also go in the forest and find an NPC that gives you the quest to conquer the Fortress since the sub-boss there just keeps coming back. Anyway we have finally arrived at the teleportation area and teleported to Floor 80.

After the teleporting thing we spotted the others waiting for us. Why was Klein not there? Did he change his mind? Anyway we approached them and Figo gave a smile. He was now Level 93… that was fast… what did he do to level up by one that fast? Quorora was Level 87 and she had beautiful long black hair with some strands that seem light brown. She had calming green eyes that can soothe even a very troubled soul… Deira described her right but I'm not saying that I like her. She also had the usual uniform which was a cloak and a small symbol.

Kerzuki was Level 93 and he had shoulder length black messy hair. He seems powerful judging from his brand new high levelled weapon. He seemed to have spare blades under his cloak and his face was definitely young looking. He seemed to look quite down though so I wonder what made him act all sad right now. His cloak also had the small symbol for Figo's guild and he had a hood so he could hide his face sometimes.

Wukure was Level 89 now and he had blonde slightly messy hair but he had some sort of symbol different from the others on one part of his uniform so maybe he's actually the most trusted person of Figo. His messy hair was only quite long reaching chin-length. His hazel brown eyes seemed to have a small look of serious but overall he's quite cheerful… unless you either make him mad or if he's fighting. His weapon was a 5 foot katana with some sharp looking edges on the lowest and the highest side of the blade.

"You're finally here, my dear sister." Figo gave a small smirk while Deira just gave a 'meh' expression. "Yeah and I brought Vukso along with me so our team will have more manpower." Deira told Figo. "Oh I see…" He patted my shoulder. "You two are dating already?" He had a deadly expression just now. "Bakamono… Of course not." I denied his statement. "Just because he's my best friend doesn't mean that I'm in love with him or something…" Deira denied as well. "I see…" Figo seemed grim but he just sat down like he was signalling the others to socialize with us.

"Ohayo gozaimasu, Vukso, Deira." Wukure gave a bright smile and shook our hands. "I see so you're Wukure, eh?" I asked. "Hai. I am the most trusted subordinate of Figo." He responded. "Looking as bright and strong as ever Wukure." Deira smiled a bit. "Indeed I'm excited just to go and beat Floor 80, just the 7 of us." He chuckled. "I heard that you're the strategist here so are you sure that you can fight?" I wanted to make sure. "Of course I can fight. I can kill that giant turtle monster in Floor 77 in 5 seconds." He bragged but quickly laughed. "Really now?" I muttered.

"Well anyway I'll be making the battle plans with Figo so talk to Quorora and Kerzuki if you wish." He waved and went to Figo. "Ok then we'll talk to-" I was interrupted by someone. "Me I guess." Quorora spoke in a calming tune that made me forget about my regrets but it came back after a while. "Ahh… Hello there." I gulped as I saw her and quickly looked at Deira and gave a sigh. "Nani? Is anything wrong, Vukso?" Deira asked. "Nothing… it's just that I suddenly feel… homesick…" I grimaced.

Quorora's P.O.V

That Vukso guy that Figo-senpai told me about seems to look troubled right now. I wonder what happened to him and what made him like this. What I heard is that his best friend died so I can't blame him for being this depressed. Figo-senpai also told me to try my best to cheer him up at least a bit so I accepted. Many people think that I'm the person that can cheer up even the most troubled soul but I don't think that conclusion of theirs is true. My weapon is a spear and it can be changed into a katana if I wish but I like it as a spear more though since I used to practice using a staff to counter people when I was little.

I wore the uniform for Figo-senpai's guild but usually in battle we all take the cloak off and use our real armors. My clothing under my cloak was casual looking light armor so I can be fast on my feet and I used a long blue skirt so that my joints on my legs are free to move with ease. This Vukso guy seems interesting to me… not that kind but interesting. I sense a lot of distress in his heart and mind… How could I help I wonder…

"Is there anything wrong?" I knew there was but I wanted to hear his side of the story from him. "We just lost a friend recently so that's why he's like that…" Deira answered for him. "I see…" I had sympathy for him. 'That guy named Havuki right? From what I heard it says that he was the leader of the Mercenary Guild and he has a rare weapon that was forged by Deira…' I thought to myself and looked at them once again.

"I'm trying to get over it but it proved to be hard for me…" He muttered in a deep sorrowful tone. "I'm sure you'll get over it soon but I must tell you that we'll be going to fight so I don't want to force you to fight. If you think your mood will weaken you then don't join us and try to understand that blaming yourself won't do anything. I bet that your friend is in a better place, watching over you so get up and give your best since people don't like seeing their friends depressed just because of them." I tried to make him feel better.

"… For his sake I won't emote like this anymore…" He had regret on his eyes but it seems like I just took away a heavy burden. 'Mission accomplished.' I smiled and so did Deira. "That's the Vukso I remember." Deira patted Vukso shoulder. "Hai… I shall make this mission of ours a success. We will defeat Floor 80 boss." He had a determined face that made even me surprised. 'Yes be like that… I'm sure your best friend will be with you all the way.' I watched him walk to a nearby bench with Deira. "Kerzuki, Quorora, come here. We have something to discuss." Figo called. "Hai." I walked to Figo.

"Change of plan… Quorora, you shall be in support to lift our spirits and our morale when we're in a tight spot and you Kerzuki shall be with Quorora and Deira to defend since both of them will be the only support members. Wukure you shall stand fast with me in the frontlines along with Vukso. Quorora I am depending our lives on you. Without you I don't think my team is complete…" Figo turned away a bit as he said the last part. "A-Arigato Figo-senpai but don't you think defending me with Deira and Kerzuki is too much?" I was going to make sure.

"Of course he's sure Quorora-san. You do know master cares for you if you know what I mean. Hehe!" Wukure gave a crooked smile. "It's nothing like that… I must defend all my comrades no matter the situation. I'm doing this only since she's Level 87 and my sister is now Level 83…" Figo muttered. "Hai, I agree. I must defend the weaker members to keep them alive. Plus you two are girls so I really must." Kerzuki joined the conversation.

"Enough… You are all dismissed… except Quorora." Figo shouted to make us stop arguing. "Gomen Figo-san! I was just toying with all of you." Wukure playfully laughed and took his leave. "I understand… I shall take my leave as well Figo-sama." Kerzuki took his leave. "Quorora, we shall go now. Are you prepared for anything that may happen in Floor 80?" Figo looked at me. "I am sure Figo-senpai. I'm confident in my abilities and I shall fight with you till the very end." I hastily nodded. "I guess there's no stopping you then… Let's go." We all went to the teleportation area and went to Floor 80.

Figo, Wukure, Kerzuki, Vukso, Deira and I were now in Floor 80. The Floor looked quite lively… and quite like those Halloween times. The similarity between this Floor and Halloween times is that some of the monsters outside the town were like those monsters like a werewolf and skeletal knights. This floor probably has other monsters like ghosts and vampires so this is a horror-type floor in my observation. The others don't seem startled and so was I. I must not show any signs of fear for the sake of my childhood friend and leader, Figo-senpai...

The Floor wasn't any threat that we couldn't handle. We easily breezed through the Halloween style-monsters unless you count the werewolves since they usually go in packs like what wolves do. I incapacitated one of the werewolves while Figo slashed anything that almost hits me… He really is overprotective over me… I already saw his armor last time so I'll describe it. His armor consists of casual light armor on the outside but in the inside it is actually hard and sturdy armor and surprisingly he can still move swiftly around the area.

"May I ask something…?" Deira muttered as we were fighting this werewolf pack. "Hmm? What is it Deira-san?" I listened while nearly getting hit by a claw attack but I managed to dodge and slice the arm of the werewolf off. "How did you make Vukso cheer up that easily? I thought that he'll be depressed for ages…" She looked quite sad as she used her Radiant Blade to blind her opponents and make Vukso and Figo go for the kill which they did.

"Easy as pie back here!" Wukure defeated like 3 Level 90 werewolves with ease then sheathed his weapon. 'Now I understand why Wukure-san is the most trusted person of Figo-senpai. He is strong as the 90's even if he's level is only 89.' I felt inspired by Wukure and I continued fighting the werewolves fighting against our sides. 'I'm the same as Wukure and I will not yield so easily just because I'm a woman that helps keep the morale of the party up…' I clashed against their claws by slamming my spear on them and making them back away.

I gave a signal making Figo smile and made him order the others stop fighting making them confused and watch me. I landed my spear on the ground and used the momentum to land a kick on one of them then I stabbed the same with my spear. I slammed the werewolf on its pack making them enraged. Vukso got the signal and unsheathed his greatsword which he said was named 'Arbite'. He landed a heavy blow on all of them using a skill that I couldn't comprehend. I think it was Banisher. The move defeated most of them while the ones that survived seemed to be immobilized.

"That was Arbite's skill, Banisher. This on the other hand is another skill of this blade…" Vukso twisted his sturdy looking blade around the remaining opponents. "Diminishing Squeeze…" His blade seemed to be sucking out their life force and then they eventually vanished to Digital particles. "Impressive I must say." I smiled and praised Vukso. "We must keep going… we are getting close to the boss' dungeon…" Figo told us then we all began following him again. "Figo-senpai, do you know the boss that we will be facing?" I questioned. "I do not know so I advise to keep cautious." He answered.

"Quorora-san, where do you think the vampires are?" Kerzuki looked around. "Hmm? Why do you want to know?" I poked him to get his attention. "I heard from the surviving players that came back from this floor that these vampires can actually seduce some players and give a destructive blow to the victim if he/she falls for it." He muttered. "Seducing vampires? At least it isn't a succubus or something…" I responded. "Yeah… the others say that the boss is some sort of ghost or something so we should be careful." He warned me then we stopped our conversation.

"We're here I guess…" Wukure was the first one to spot a black pillar with gravestones all around the area and they also seem to be trembling or shaking. "Indeed… this is exactly how I pictured a floor of this theme… the boss' area shall always look mysterious…"Deira observed the area. "Where's the entrance anyway?" Vukso looked impatient. "I think we should defeat anything that may come against us." I offered an idea. "I agree but fight what?" When Figo said this the gravestones finally burst open and some of those not-so-scary zombies came out while vampires came from coffins as well. "I hope you have a Happy Halloween." A message popped out that says that it was from Kayaba Akihiko.

"Really Kayaba?! How can I be at least a little happy after what happened?!" Vukso has snapped making me surprised as he shoved me away and went for that attack by himself. "Baka… you cannot fight all those monsters all by yourself…" Figo facepalmed as he went to fight with Wukure by his side. "Okay ladies, I hope that Figo-sama made the right choice of you both being in support so show us what you got." Kerzuki went near us as a bodyguard of some sort. "Gladly… Radiant Sacrifice…" Deira's HP dropped to half but we all felt stronger second by second.

Radiant Sacrifice seems to be a move that sacrifices yourself for the teammates to get immense strength and endurance. From my vision, the three people in the frontlines (Figo, Vukso and Wukure) seem to have hack-and-slashed the monsters in an amazing pace that was almost impossible to watch. Kerzuki was keeping back the monsters going near us since Deira needed to recover to get back to her full strength. It was now my turn to contribute something in this battle…

"Quorora, it is time to show them what you got." Figo raised his sword and sheathe began bashing the zombies' head off with his sheathe. "I guess there's no hiding it anymore." I unequipped my cloak and stabbed my spear on the ground. "Hehe… Here it comes…" Wukure slashed at a wave of vampires making them stagger away. "Would you just do whatever you're going to do already?!" Vukso squished a zombie with his greatsword. "Vanquishing Light…" You may think that this move is an offensive move but it is actually a buff move that will really assist them against these kinds of monsters.

Figo's P.O.V

"Arigato Quorora. Now it is time for us to counterattack people." I looked at a confused Vukso and a determined Wukure. "Hai, we shall show these monsters the light." Wukure seemed to have become like a yandere as usual. "I'm confused… what are we supposed to do after that so-called buff of hers?" Vukso complained. "Just try attacking these monsters and see for yourself Vukso then you shall see the power of this buff." I instructed him. "Fine let's see what her buff can really do!" He slashed at the nearest monster making it fall to the ground. "N-Nani?" He tilted his head, confused.

"I'll explain the effect of this buff later so let's defeat this horde so we can get in that black pillar where the boss probably is." I became serious and charged through then unequipped my cloak revealing casual light armor but it's actually hard and sturdy light armor in the inside. "These vampires really don't stand a chance against me with this buff that Quorora gave us." I smirked and went for the kill. "I see Figo-san's getting serious… and so will I…" Wukure joined me in the fray. "It's been a while ever since we competed like this, right Wukure?" I continued clashing.

"Indeed and the score so far is 85-84 with you in the lead… Today I shall tie our scores…" Wukure sliced a zombie's legs off then stabbed its chest. "Not if I have something to counter you with…" I used Radiant Blade to defeat some of them. "As powerful as always Figo-sama… but I will shine right now!" Wukure and I were now officially competing on who defeats the most. "There they go again…" I heard Deira mutter in embarrassment.

Our battle lasted only for a few seconds and it was revealed that he killed more than me by 1 monster. I admitted defeat making him laugh playfully and pat my back like what buddies do whenever a small fight happens between them. Wukure was my best friend and my most trusted subordinate. He figures out a plan when the situation calls for it but he's mostly playful and laidback so he's quite unpredictable if you ask me. Even so he is very dependable. Quorora makes no difference. She is dependable like him so she's one of my top too since my guild doesn't have much members.

After that not-so-epic battle we went in the black pillar where that boss monster may be in. Kerzuki says that it's probably a ghost so we shall see if Kerzuki's right… As usual, enormous doors were separating the player from the boss room so we must first obviously open them. The others nodded as I gave a big sigh. Let's see how the boss will affect up this time… I opened the door and it seemed like numerous troubled souls went out. It really is a ghost… It was approximately 3 meters tall with smaller ones floating around it like it was their mother or something. Mother or not it is still a boss so we must defeat it.

"Ready the formation minna…judging by its form, it will negate most of our attacks so Deira shall give the right buffs for this." I informed them and our formation was ready. "Got it… Gift of Radiance V3…" Deira muttered making all our weapons gleam with a shining light. "I won't be easy to defeat when it comes to buffs, Deira-san. Vanquishing Light!" Quorora used a buff as well. "Ho…" The smaller ghosts came at us. "Ha… don't make me laugh…" Vukso slashed them but they just multiplied. "N-Nani? I thought this buff was supposed to work!" Deira and Quorora were just as surprised as we were.

"Kuso… I guess my plan just became void…" I was this close to getting possessed or something by these little ghosts. "What did you mean by these things negating our attacks? I have a scythe…" Kerzuki slashed at one of them like he was reaping its soul. "Maybe only Halloween items can defeat this thing…" Wukure managed. "No… it's because scythes really are used for these kinds of things. It is said that they reap souls so that probably means that it is very effective against these kinds of opponents…" I observed.

"I see… Figo-senpai why don't you use that Mysterious Radiance? I heard that you appraised it already so I was thinking that you have already discovered it." Quorora recommended. "I don't think I should use it but the situation is calling for it…" I trembled in doubt. "What's wrong with ya?!" Vukso was barely holding back the minions of the boss. "I shall show it then… Dark Radiance!" I shouted. "N-Nani?!" All the others were surprised.

To be continued…

Extra Scene: Yay! The Family's back together!

Koyero's P.O.V

Yeah it's my free time again. I usually spend my free time hanging out with Kirito and training if possible. I wasn't able to see their daughter Yui last time but Kirito-san told me about her last time when we were training. He told me that she was like absorbed by the system or something causing her to disappear. All they got by Kirito's effort in bringing her back was an item called Yui's tear so I feel his pain… Recently I remembered a small fragment of my past. Before I was living with my foster parents I had my biological parents and all I remember is that I had an older brother… I remember that he used to defend me against my father but it ends up with him being hurt and father just praising my sister…

Anyway I was in Floor 22 where they live. Kirito and Asuna live in such a beautiful place with a forest and lake! Honestly, I feel quite envious of their home but living with Silica-chan is fun you know. Late at night she sometimes practices playing an instrument so I usually stay up late and pretend to sleep and listen to her playing. I love music so I like Silica-chan since she even plays some tunes for me sometimes making me so happy. I knocked on their door and the door opened revealing a cute little girl.

"… Kirito-san! Who's this?" I tried calling for Kirito but I had no luck. "Papa is gathering some things in the forest with Mama." Yui backed away a bit maybe because they told her not to speak to any stranger unless they're there. "Eto… I'm a friend of your Papa and Mama so don't worry, little one." I smiled. "…" She was so cute as she stared at me~. "Well…?" I broke the silence. "Yui, we're back!" Kirito and Asuna went out of the forest. "Konichiwa! Kirito-san and Asuna-san!" I waved as I saw them walking towards us. "Papa, Mama, do you know him?" That little girl pointed at me while tilting her head.

'So this is Yui? I knew by just looking at her that she was Yui… well maybe because she was inside their house and called them Papa and Mama so maybe I was just being a baka as always.' I was deep in thought until Kirito snapped me out of it by poking me. "Hello there Koyero, what are you doing here?" He asked. "Is that Yui?" I managed to speak. "Hai, a kind soul brought her back." Asuna seemed more cheerful than usual. "I see, congratulations!" I congratulated them with a thumbs-up. "We are now in a truce with Figo's guild so I hope that you'll be well acquainted with them soon." Kirito told me.

"Papa…" Yui was pulling his cloak to get his attention. "Oh yeah! Yui, this person is named Koyero and he's a good friend to us. He is also random so be careful at all times." He crouched so he can be in the same level as Yui. "Ok Papa." She smiled and waved at me. "You so KAWAII!" I hugged Yui gently with a smile on my face. "Now that you both know each other, we'll be going inside. You may join us Koyero if you want." Asuna turned to us. "Hai!" I accepted and hastily went inside.

I always love being invited to people's houses; it is fun to mess around if you know what I mean. Inside, I was chatting with the three of them and I even told Yui stories on how I made acquaintance with Kirito and Asuna and how I joined Knights of Blood. I also told her about all the adventures and pranks I made with people like Kirito in the past. Talking to children is always a good way on how to smile since they are so innocent and sweet. Yui's no exception since she listened to everything I had to say and gave some cute giggles whenever I told them the pranks I made on Klein before which ended with me and him becoming friends.

"Papa, Mama, he so random and funny." Yui was giggling making Kirito and Asuna cuddle her. "Ahh… I love the family moments…" I was touched by this family scene which was a group hug. "Koyero, I just have one question to ask you though." Asuna said. "Hmm? A question, eh? Go ahead, ask till you drop." I accepted. "What happened before you went to join Knights of Blood?" What an unusual question she just asked. "I don't think he'll answer that, Asuna. Everyone has a bad experience in this game so I don't think we should ask." Kirito answered for her. "Yui wants to know too~." Yui agreed with Asuna.

"Hehe… are you two that curious of what happened to me before I went to our guild? I like your persistence so I'll tell you my story in a while. For now I shall eat some bacon." I got it from my inventory and ate my bacon. "Koyero, are you sure you want to tell us about it? It's alright if you don't so please be sure of this choice." Asuna made sure. "Of course! A cute child is asking me a question about it so I have no choice but to do so." I laughed. "Yay! Please tell us." Yui used her cute eyes so how could I refuse? "Okay then I shall tell the tale of a random and brave person." I smirked.

To be continued…

End of Chapter 16

Next Chapter: The Darkness Arrives…

Next Extra Scene: Koyero before the Present.