Chapter 18: Bonding Time!

Disclaimer: I do not own Sword Art Online.

Silica's P.O.V

I just woke up from my deep sleep, a longer one than I expected… It was already lunch time by the time I woke up and Koyero was not here either. He'd probably come back right about now to try and make some lunch but usually Pina dislikes the food he makes and spits it out unless you count the instant noodles and Udon.

I also got a message by the time I woke up… what could it be? It was a message by one of the recent new members of Knights of Blood. It was from Yumi, a childhood friend of Koyero but she was forgotten by him because he told me that a van crashed to him resulting to his amnesia but he's beginning to remember some things that happened to him in the past like Hozume and Yumi.

"Gomen!" Someone crashed to the door and slipped in making Pina agitated and began biting this person's leg. "That's you… isn't it Koyero?" I guessed. "Ehehe… well… Hai, I am Koyero, the bacon master! I mean… let's just say Koyero." He laughed playfully. "Yep… you're Koyero alright…" I helped him up and smiled. "Gomen for not making lunch yet… Yui wanted me to say some stories before I left." He tried explaining. "Who's Yui?" I questioned. "Oh yeah… Yui is their in-game daughter who was recently 'reclaimed' when one of Figo's followers punched in some combos." He remembered.

"Anyway, I have a message from Yumi saying to meet her in Floor 27 for something." I informed Koyero. "Aww… I was going to attempt to make Pork chop this time…" He stopped from going to the kitchen. "Fine, I'll eat lunch with you first. Pina will as well." I assured him when I sat down. "Ok then! I shall make the best Pork chop that you have ever seen! I'll go kill some boars first…" He went out. "Grr…" Pina seemed to not have liked him from the start we met but I'm sure that Pina likes him… at least a small portion. Not so long after I got a message again then I read it.

"Oi, Silica-san, are you going here yet? I already gathered some of the others here already so I'll be expecting you to come here soon. I'm planning some 'Bonding' time between us all so I hope that you'll be joining us. If you want, we'll help you go with that Operation 'M' that you were talking about last time~" That was the message from her. "Nani?! I was just kidding about that part… I'll be going there after lunch so I'll be there soon enough. Koyero's making some Pork chop but it is… still in process if you know what I mean." I messaged back.

Order: Yumi to Silica… (message)

"I can't believe he's still trying to get those boars for lunch… he does know that I made a garden just for you both at the back of the house right?"

"Really?! Gomen but I never knew so I never watered it."

"Luckily I water it everyday, every time you both seem to not notice it."

"I see… that's a relief… arigato, Yumi-chan. I'll start watering it everyday starting now."

"It's no biggie~ just get here as soon as you can so we can start."

"What will we do in Floor 27 anyway, Yumi-chan?"

"Nope! It's a secret. You must join us here to know. By the way, Hozume can finally walk again after that incident with Rujikiho so I'm relieved… his legs were in terrible pain that time…"

"Gomen for that… you were all hurt just because I let myself get captured by them last time… Anyway I'm now Level 75 so I think I can protect myself better now."

"That's good to hear, Silica-san. I'm Level 93 now while Hozume-san became Level 95 this fast without me expecting… I'm glad that he's back to his usual humorous personality though."

"I was getting worried for him as well. Please say thank you to him for me, Yumi-chan if it's alright."

"Ufufu… I shall Silica-san. Anyway I'll see you later."

"Hai."

End of Conversation (via message)

After the little chat between Yumi-chan and I which was via messaging, Koyero came in not so long after. He had buckets of raw meat that seemed to have energized Pina suddenly. I knew that Pina was a little dragon but not as small as before. Koyero loved eating meat especially bacon which he specializes in. He may not be too bright but that's what I like about him. He has mood swings that may annoy many people but I find it amusing that he changes suddenly. He is kind-hearted to friends even if he changes in mood swings anyway.

"I'm back with the meat, Silica-chan!" Koyero announced as he showed about 5 buckets filled with meat. "Eto… it'll look better after you cook it anyway, right?" I smiled uncomfortably. "Of course~ Why would I feed my Silica-chan with raw meat? That is just sad and wrong." He nodded. "I'll be in the kitchen to cook the Pork chop for us both so make yourself comfortable and wait for me." He told me. "Hai, I'll be waiting." I waited. "Oh… and Pina… take fast!" He threw one bucket of raw meat to Pina making Pina eat all of the meat and kicking away the bucket. He then left.

A few minutes later…

The food was ready and I had to admit that it looked exceptionally better than the food that I eat in the inns. Koyero's cooking skill is quite high but not high enough to make the food look like it was made by a gourmet. Koyero kept looking at me with his assuring eyes that say I'll always be prepared to be with you. I already forgot why I used to dislike him before. He's a kind and protective guy that is willing to sacrifice for his comrades whether it be an acquaintance or a friend. I already admitted that I like him which he did as well resulting to us living together but not like how Kirito and Asuna are living together.

"How does it taste, Silica-chan? I made it with some herbs I found while killing those boars." Koyero already finished. "Tastes good, Koyero. I should probably be going now since Yumi and the others are waiting for me." I finished as well then placed the utensils on the sink. "You're right. You should be going. I'll just be here taking my day off so I'll be waiting for you." He allowed. "Sayonara." I left our house and began going to the teleportation area. "Floor 27." As I said this, I was teleported to Floor 27.

The message stated that I'll meet them in some kind of place with a blue roof and a large door. It was very easy to spot so you can't miss it. It also stated that is somewhere outside the safety area so I went out of the town to search for it. Let's see… the monsters were nothing I can't handle since I was in Floor 27 even if I'm Level 75. It was until… a system error was temporary made… After a split second of the warning popping out, 1 Level 82 Minotaur that looked a lot like that Gleam Eyes Kirito talked about last time.

"N-Nani?! I-I remember something like this happening… Like that time when I trained with Koyero before… when we recently met… There was a werewolf that was over-levelled for that floor but this one is much worse… I must run…" I muttered to myself and barely evaded a fatal hit from this monster's giant hammer. "Yes I must run… there's no way I can beat a monster like this by myself so why should I even risk my life by doing this seemingly impossible kill at my level? If I had a teammate then I could've gotten a better chance but time to retreat…" I began running away.

"Halt..." Someone stopped me from running since I accidentally bumped into him. "Can't you see a Minotaur chasing me?!" I panicked. "Oh… gomen… Let me help you then." The person removed his hood, revealing shoulder-length brown hair and calming blue eyes. "I'm Tadaiku, nice to meet you even if the situation is serious." He easily unsheathed his weapon from his back and gave the Minotaur massive damage with ease. "Is that a Zweihander?" I observed. "Yep." He nodded and blocked the hit with his blade.

"Yoruski Rush." I hesitate when I use this move but I needed to do it. I charged at the Minotaur, stabbing it then miraculously made it drop on the ground. "Not bad for a Level 75." He smiled and his Zweihander began growing small blades on its sides. "W-What is that?!" I stared at his blade in awe as the Minotaur began recovering from that 'Rush'. "This… is my skill… 1st Stage: Feral Fang…" He made all the side blades slash through the Minotaur's arm, cutting it off. "It looks just like a chainsaw." I muttered in nervousness. "Done." That guy told me after the Minotaur dispersed to digital particles.

Order: Silica to that person…

"T-That Zweihander… who are you?"

"Oh gomen for not even introducing myself… I am known here as Tadaiku which is my player name. I am the partner of Sinon who has the unique skill of Archery."

"I trained with her last time with some of my friends but after that I didn't really get in touch with her much anymore."

"Yeah… Sinon's usually the type who avoids too much companions since you see that she's like the only player using a long-ranged weapon."

"So why did she pick you as her only companion then, Tadaiku-san?"

"Well… I don't really know myself… maybe it's because we're one of the same kind… Many people wanted to be in their party because of this unique weapon I got."

"I really did notice that weapon of yours… what is that thing?"

"I'm glad you asked! This weapon is a Zweihander as you can see but the small blades that grow from it are actually my willpower."

"What do you mean by your willpower?"

"Actually between you and me… I have the unique skill of "Blade Concentration". It is a skill where the user can force blades to come out of the original blade by using concentration and willpower."

"Another one… I hope that Scarlet Temptation didn't get one…"

"They have a slight chance of getting one. This unique skill I have started ever since I started so I must've gotten a condition right."

"So you mean that new unique skill that can be claimed by a person with the correct conditions like anyone from them?"

"Hai… anyway I heard from Sinon that she's waiting for you here in Floor 27."

"So she's joining us then…"

"I'll be taking my leave now. Say hello to Sinon for me. I'll just check the results of Figo's training." He leaves.

"What does he mean by… Figo's training?"

End of Conversation

Yumi's P.O.V

Where was Silica-san? It's already been an hour so what could be taking her so long… Koyero doesn't cook slowly if I remembered… Hozume, Koyero and I were friends in real life and we even began living like a family with the other run-aways but it all changed when that tragic incident occurred to us… Some of the members of our family even died… those heartless serial killing bastards…

I shouldn't dwell on the past but I just can never forget about what happened to us… Hozume got shot and Koyero escaped then got hit by a van then got amnesia… Anyway enough of that… I hate saying these kinds of things especially in the weakened state of Hozume… but he's fine… for the time being. Hozume is my boyfriend presently and he's Level 95 while I'm 93. I heard from rumors that Kirito met him even before he joined Knights of Blood so I wonder what their story behind it is. That quite enough for a monologue of mine I guess…

I was currently with some other people or to be specific, the other girl players that could make it. So far only Deira, Sinon, Quorora and I are here. Silica will be here soon so it'll make it the 5 of us. If you're asking what I'm planning for today then I'll answer. We girls will be doing some girl 'bonding' time so that's pretty much it.

Too bad Asuna-san couldn't make it here… Deira was just leaning on a near corner since she isn't really the type to speak so much but at least she joined. Sinon's the new one but I just gave her an invitation since Silica-san knew her. Like Deira, she wasn't talking to us and just drank some 'on-the-house' tea. Quorora was the only one to seem to be a conversationalist type… Time for some fun I guess~ Quorora was sure in relief when she knew that her Figo-sama was alive and well. I wonder if there's more to that than what I expect… Let's see if my hunch is right…

"Quorora-chan~" I called out mischievously. "Hai, Yumi-san?" She tilted her head innocently but not for long… "May I ask a small question?" I smiled. "Of course what is it?" She took a sip of tea. "You have a romantic relationship with Figo, don't ya?!" I shouted out loud. "N-Nani?!" She spat the tea out with her eyes widened in confusion, with a flustered expression. "Love…? For my brother?" Deira twitched in surprise. "I-It's not true Deira-san!" Quorora had an extremely flustered face now. "You now got my attention…" Sinon seemed to have gained interest in the situation at hand.

"Eto… It's nothing like that…" Quorora muttered. "What is it then?" I poked her. "… I don't want to answer… gomen…" She sighed. "I see…" I nodded, giving her some breath. "Well that's it with my interest." Sinon sighed. 'Hey… next is Sinon I guess… what will I do to make her crack…' I began devising a plan. "Best for you to stay calm and get some air Quorora… Go outside and calm yourself down." Deira patted her back. "A-Arigato…" Quorora bowed and went out for some breathing room. 'Here's my first attempt…' I breathed.

"Sinon-san, what is your relationship with that guy who keeps being with you since he's your 'partner'." I asked. "Friends, why? We only met at around Floor 40's I think. He became my trusted ally when I met him, making him the frontline guy while I'm the one defending the back." She explained. "So I see… Is he… a handful?" I tried to recover. "Depends on what kind of handful you are saying." She countered. "Eto… you know…" I gulped as she stared at me with her calm eyes. "I'm here…" Silica opened the door. 'Thank goodness… Silica-san just saved me there…' I giggled.

"Hmm… I see you're here Silica. Have you been practicing the things I taught you?" Sinon directed her attention towards Silica instead of me. "Hai, I've been practicing with some training dummies to be safe." Silica nodded. "What training are you both talking about?" I interrupted. "Oh good question… I'm training her because of her wish to become stronger since she isn't much… formidable without that pet dragon of hers. "Pina." Silica finished. "I get it now… So… how's that 'Yoruski Rush' move faring for you? I made it for you since it suits you very well." Deira was still leaning on the corner.

"Why did you even make a move like that for me?!" Silica protested. "Hey wait… this was supposed to be girl's bonding time." I tried reminding. "Gomen but it seems like this cannot become a girl's time if this person doesn't tell me why she made such a weird move for me." Silica denied. "I'll just be outside with Quorora-san then…" I sighed and went out of the room leaving Silica to argue with Deira and Sinon just doing whatever she was doing.

I found Quorora-san looking like she was still recovering from the question I asked not so long ago. She was sitting on a stone bench while playing with her flute which made such beautiful music that pleased my ears. I knew she was adept in using the flute but I think I was mistaken and she's actually a master in using such an instrument. Her playing really was such a treat to the ears… Anyway I slowly approached her so I wouldn't surprise her when I tap her shoulder. I tapped her shoulder making her just look at me then give a smile. As we were about to talk, I saw Deira already leaving… maybe for her job or something?

Order: Quorora to Yumi

"Why hello there, Yumi-chan… is there anything you need?"

"Nothing at all Quorora-san! I just thought that you'll be mad at me or something for saying such a question about relationships out of nowhere… hehe…"

"I see… I'm not angry at all I was just shocked that you'd ask me a question like that… Why would you think I'll have that kind of relationship with Figo-sempai…" She began blushing once more.

"Ufufufu… do I see some blushes there? That might mean that you actually like him, Quorora-san!" I teased.

"I-Its nothing like that… I swear!"

"Fine, I'll stop teasing you about this subject for now but don't think that I'll be stopping from trying to tease you about it."

"Arigato, Yumi-chan but I really don't have any romantic feelings for him…" She tried looking away.

"Are you sure about? Deira says otherwise… You were both childhood friends so there's bound to be more that we know about you two!" I pointed at her.

"N-Nani?! Deira-san told you about that?! Eto…" She gasped.

"I see… it was true… Deira-san didn't really tell me you know… so that means my wild guess was right!" I grinned slightly."

"Umm… did you hear something from the bushes?"

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

"It's getting closer…"

"There it is I spotted the one hiding!" We both unsheathed our weapons, ready to attack anything that goes out.

End of Conversation.

When the shaking of the bushes stopped, someone came out, to be exact a male player. He looked about 5'2 but I really can't say the exact height. He had a brown cloak and he also a brown tunic under his cloak. He had a mask on so I couldn't describe his looks well. His hair was also not shown because some hoodie was covering it. Let's just say that I could only describe his clothing but I had a bad omen as he looked at me. That's when I noticed that he had crimson red eyes. He had a shield which seems to have a blade as well which means that his weapon is modified for the combination of offense and defense. He was Level 94.

"Umm… Who might you be?" I muttered. "Let's just say that is classified… I'm here to get some information…" He simply answered. "What kind of information?" Quorora still had her guard up. "How rude of me… My player name is Zero, part of the Investigators Guild. I am investigating a matter and I would want to know if you know anything about someone with the player name Hozume…" He answered. 'Today wasn't the greatest bonding time for us girls… If only we didn't get interrupted by fighting…' I sighed.

"No…" Quorora muttered, surprising me. "Sumimasen but I didn't hear you quite well… please say what you have to say again…" He seemed to have fidgeted a bit. "There is no Investigators Guild since Figo-sempai told me they disbanded some months ago… you're lying to take advantage…" Quorora continued. "Umm… Quorora-san please don't go too far." I warned her. "Many people get a mistake from this…" He coughed.

I reformed the guild so I became the leader. That's to make it short. We track the crimes of SAO so we can stop murders as well. Our current goal is to arrest Scarlet Temptation members then question them for their actions… they will live the rest of Sword Art Online in prison…" Zero seemed to be telling the truth since Quorora seemed to have bowed and made an expression. "Why did you want Hozume's location anyway?" I crossed my arms. "Very good question… He is under arrest and I will not state the details about his arrest. Now tell me his location." He glared.

Kirito's P.O.V

I just discovered that Floor 81 has been recently been conquered by Scarlet Temptation so it seems like their work isn't done yet. They established hostility to anyone that isn't part of them. I was currently investigating Floor 80 since I heard that Scarlet Temptation members have built their new hideout around here so I'm planning to find out where they are hidden then report back and exchange information with the newly reformed Investigators Guild. They made a temporary alliance with every free guild just to try and arrest those Scarlet Temptation members.

Floor 80 was a horror-themed floor but I'm not really frightened by these kinds of things. Asuna would probably not allow me to make here join me in going to these floors since… you know… she's not that used to going to horror floors and she doesn't like cooking food like frog legs… which could perfectly taste like chicken if fried… Anyway I'll just get to the point. I faced some not so strong monsters but they all managed to slow me down just a bit.

Zero was not really the player name of the leader of the Investigators Guild since it was actually a long complicated name so he renamed himself to a shorter name where he chose Zero. His Shieldblade can actually cause massive damage but in exchange, the range is quite limited. He covers himself with a full face mask but when he gets to know a person, he removes his hoodie and his mask. He actually has short and quite formal black hair and he seems to hide what's under his cloak so I can't describe it. His age looks about teenaged, ranging from 15-17 years old. He reformed the guild so he could put a stop to Scarlet Temptation so he sacrificed lots of time and effort in this making some guilds accept but not all.

I agree on one thing though… Scarlet Temptation must be stopped since there were about 200 deaths caused by them but that slowed down a bit ever since they reformed. They are truly amazing… Their guild consists of about 20-25 members with Level 94 as the highest and Level 85 as the lowest. Zero really is attempting to save lives. Anyway all he told me is to check out Floor 80 if I had time but he gave no reason. At least I know that I have to stay cautious since this is where their new hideout is…

"Konichiwa… Kirito-kun… we've been expecting you…" Someone came from the shadows then suddenly I was surrounded by 5 players in black cloaks and hoods. "Scarlet Temptation members, I'm guessing…" I muttered. "Wow he really is smart isn't he…?" Another spoke then they all went slightly closer. "Don't think we'll let you out alive…" Someone that seemed to be the leader of this pack, unsheathed a katana, he had full body armor so I can't describe him. "If you tell us where's Hozume, we'll let you free…" The one beside him offered.

"There's no way I'll sell of a friend!" I unsheathed my dual blades, ready to fight. 'I'm not going to kill them… I'll just slow them down but I will not kill them…' I thought to myself. "Lucky for us, you have no will to kill anyone!" They all charged. "This should do… Morning Star!" I attacked as soon as they were just inches away from me. "Not enough…" Someone was about to attack from above. "He made his teammates decoys?!" I directed my attention to above. "I, Rujikiho shall take the Black Swordsman out…" He hit me with a downward slash that made a huge cut from my chest to my sides.

"You may all go… this is my fight…" Rujikiho ordered then they all left. "I remember you…" I struggled to stand up. "Hai… I'm Rujikiho and you are the one who slayed my master… I shall never forgive you… I've trained myself so hard ever since that day just to kill you and now I'm Level 94… Even Tomomi-san is still aggravated by you people… you shall experience the pain of a lifetime and I'll happily give the pain to you…" Rujikiho smirked and was about to stab me until I managed to parry his attack and stab him instead.

"I won't let you get me that easily…" I stood up. "We'll have such a good 'Bonding' Time…" Rujikiho said sarcastically and lunged at me. "Forget it!" I dodged by crouching then slashed but he backed just before I hit him. "I see that you haven't gotten out of practice at all…" He chuckled. "What are you planning now? What do you want with Hozume?" I questioned as we were both circling around, waiting for the other to attack. "That's classified information for non-Scarlet Temptation members…" He answered then he made the first move by starting with a skill.

"Incapacitator…" Rujikiho suddenly charged at me and began slashing like he was about to make chopped bread or something. "Woah there…" I barely dodged but I got cut a bit on my right arm. "Feel the poison and paralysis?" He turned to me then it took effect. 'Kuso… it's the usual effect when they slash you… I was affected by this so many times that I think I know how to move even if I'm in this state…' I still moved. "Seems like poison and paralysis won't affect you as much as before… no matter…" He was still aiming to hit me with everything he has.

'I don't have much time left… all I can do is stall the poison and paralysis then after that I'll receive the full effect of it then be on the ground immobilized…' I thought to myself as I continued clashing with Rujikiho. "I'm not letting you outta this situation that easily Kirito… even if you're already Level 97…" He sounded serious and it wasn't a bluff, he became even more powerful. "I'll have to get defeat you with force then…" I hesitated in fighting players like this but I had no choice. "This time Figo won't save you…" He reminded. "This time your leader won't save you." I reminded as well then it started…

Another guild war… where many players may die just because the two sides wanted something… The first side wanted peace in Sword Art Online while the other side were bloodthirsty and wanted deaths either because SAO became a death game or it was because something inside them snapped because of some sort of past event that is keeping them from controlling themselves any longer.

End of Chapter 18

Next Chapter: Not Another One…

Note: The Extra Scene in this chapter shall be shown in the next chapter instead... sorry for the inconveience for i am very busy these days...