Chapter 23: Do Friends hurt Friends?

Disclaimer: I do not own Sword Art Online

3rd Person P.O.V/ In Kirito's situation…

Kirito, after the seemingly endless wave of monsters in his way has finally reached the safe area and managed to teleport to a different floor. He noticed that his inbox has actually gotten a message from someone but what could this have to do with the glitches that have happened in the not so recent past? Floor 81 has been cleared so they should move on to Floor 82 but there was people that was threatening this leading guild that was getting close to Floor 100. Kirito read the message and so he went to Floor 81 but something unexpected happened as he teleported there.

"What's this?" A glowing blue sparkle was hovering in front of him as he arrived at the Floor which confused the swordsman. 'What would happen if I touched it…? I know that I shouldn't but I really want to know what it is… Asuna-san and the others aren't even here so it could mean that they either went ahead of me or they are lagging behind me but I think they're ahead…'

Without warning, the blue light suddenly expanded which made Kirito to 'self-defense' mode and unsheathe his dual blades for safety measures. He obviously wasn't going to strike at this mysterious glow just yet for it seemed to have not shown any signs of hostility ever since it expanded. The mysterious glow then disappeared then it was revealed that the light was—

"Y-Yui?! What are you doing here? It's dangerous for you to be here you know. The System might attempt to delete you like what happened once before." Kirito seemingly began scolding Yui for her actions but Yui already had a reason to say when he asked a question like that.

"B-But Papa… I want to help you and Mama get through with your situation and not just stay in our house. Please let me help you… Papa…" Yui begged Kirito, making Kirito sigh and put a hand on her shoulder.

"I cannot risk your life for the sake of just getting out of this game Yui. I really don't want you to get hurt. If you do then you will face great danger and you don't even need to fight with us. Yui, I can't bear to risk you just because you can defeat a high-level opponent like it was nothing… I care for you and Asuna more than myself." Kirito gave the reason why he didn't want Yui to join in the fights.

"…Papa…" Yui murmured, feeling depressed yet quite elated at the same time. "I understand… I'll be back home Papa… say hello to Mama for me then." Yui turned into a glittering light and teleported away.

Not so long after the conversation with his in-game-daughter, the Knights of Blood forces have finally arrived… He made it there quicker? Anyway he was confused for a moment but he just let that thought go since it may just mean they had a situation of their own like him. Kirito caught a glimpse of Asuna then he smiled and waved, showing his location.

The guild spotted Kirito and sprinted towards his area. For reasons unknown, no monsters have spawned in the area so what could the system be doing now? Some of the other members like Deira and Vukso were nowhere to be found which worried the swordsman slightly but he already knew the capabilities of them so his worry was kept to a minimum.

Kirito heard something spring because of his high hearing skill so he pulled out a small knife from his pocket, the same knife he used to kill that rabbit last time. He hurled it towards the area he heard a sound from which made Asuna and the others to a full stop. They heard some kind of groan of pain which made him quickly regret throwing that projectile at whoever it was. Kirito signalled to the others to just wait for him which caused Asuna to hesitate for a while but she obliged after another moment.

"Oi! Are you ok over there? Gomen for throwing that knife, I thought you were some kind of trap that was about to spring or a Scarlet Temptation member if possible… unless you are one but I wouldn't want myself to win by a sneak attack." Kirito's dual blades where sheathed so that no signs of hostility will be shown to the wounded person, on the ground. "Luckily I didn't make it hit a vital spot or anything that could cause anything serious." Kirito was in relief as he slowly pulled the blade from the person's leg and used a healing potion on him since it wasn't really serious.

"Please do be more cautious next time… I could have been a goner if that blade managed to hit my head or chest…" The player had messy black hair and somewhat amber eyes with a muffler wrapped around his neck. "It's probably for the best if we aren't complete strangers to each other and at least make acquaintance… My name here is Husharu and I'm the former leader of the now extinct— no… I won't talk about that part."

Kirito had no idea who he was but he could see that his attire doesn't match any guild he encountered in the past, making this guy a mystery to the swordsman. He looked quite innocent but also seems to have something inside that was hiding inside of him; at least that is what Kirito observed from the player. This person gave Kirito a bad omen since he gave of a strange aura of despair.

"I-I see, yeah I'll be more careful next time so I'll take my leave now. See you, Husharu." Kirito was just about to jump out of the bushes to go back to Asuna and the others but Husharu grabbed his wrist and his eyes looked even creepier than it should be… what was he planning? "Nani? What do you need now? I really need to go back so we can start the engage in a counter against the other guild. I really—"

"Kirito-san, The Black Swordsman, let me ask you one thing before I lose my grasp on thy wrist then… do you really think it's alright for history repeat itself? The Laughing Coffin guild disbanded after that battle but now this time it will be Scarlet Temptation, is that it?" Husharu's accusation made Kirito tensed as he told him that. "I shall leave you with that question then, The Black Swordsman… think about your approaches carefully and do not make history repeat— Defeating them will require deaths and those deaths shall be decided by your hands so be cautious…" Husharu teleported away as the guild went to Kirito's location now.

"Kirito-san! Are you alright there?!" Koyero was the first one to jump over the bushes but Kirito made no response as he reflected on that question of Husharu. "Everyone's worried of you already…"

"Kirito-kun, I-I knew that we should've followed you— what happened to you and that player you hit? Did something happen to make you this silent to us and even me? … Kirito-kun…" Asuna tried shaking Kirito but he was deep in thought so he couldn't answer anything. "… Something broke him I think. Scout the areas for anything suspicious. They might take advantage of him sulking here… We need to protect him for the time being as he is in this state." Asuna ordered making everyone salute and position themselves to their proper places (Yes, including Koyero if you are asking).

'Is that statement which Husharu told me true? We defeated Laughing Coffin but it ended up with bloodshed to players either way so is he saying that it will be the same as Scarlet Temptation? … It's somewhat true but still… do we really have to end our battles with players with some bloodshed just for that one goal? I still have my regrets for what we did to Laughing Coffin and yes I will regret doing this too but what else could we do? If they aren't defeated then bloodshed will still continue… Is this really right or wrong? I'm confused now…' Kirito was very deep in thought by that statement still.

Deira's P.O.V

This fight with Tukorop-sensei was going to cause a big number to me after all… that battle we had last time wasn't his full potential yet so he may just be testing my strength that time so now I must be serious as well… My Radiance skill uses up my stamina and not my HP but when my stamina is 0 and I still keep using it then that's the time I'll gradually lose my HP. Radiance needs to be used to a minimum only so that is why I don't usually use Radiance unless it's important.

"I have already seen the side-effects of your Radiance, my student… did you really think that I'll not see you looking all tired like that? The effect's fuel is your stamina meaning you can't attack as fast as you can basically do…" Tukorop was as observant as ever. "My student, do not think that my moves with my sword and sheathe are getting rusty… for they are as shiny as ever…" He lunged at me with the sheathe but I parried with my sword making him strike with his blade but I parried again but this time with my sheathe.

"You shouldn't underestimate me as well if you're saying that then… for cases I run out of stamina, all I need to do is consume the stamina potion or the stamina crystal then." I informed him which made him hiss I think but even so, I attempted a barrage on him but he just kept reading my moves and dodging. "This is to be expected from you sensei but at this rate, nobody will win or land a hit!"

"Who says that no one will land a hit?" He suddenly appeared behind me and just walked forward and smirked then I felt sudden pain on my shoulder and that is when I realized that he just made a big scratch on my arm but I had no idea how he did that. "A user of this technique must know how to go with the flow in a fight with blades… You have the skill, Deira but you lack the knowledge sadly…"

I felt scorching pain on my sword arm but I managed to pull through and ignore the pain but I still felt it making my arm feel numb. His blade was 'this' close to hitting me once more but I luckily made his blade fly away with my Radiant Blade. He noticed this and he bit back his words but it was too late to get his blade back for I managed to make him back away as I swung the Radiant Blade around in a V-like range. My Radiant Blade stuns the opponent so it was wise for him to back away like that.

"Tsk… I wasn't expecting you to recover from the numbness that quickly but it would seem that it was a mistake for me to think that'll hold…" Tukorop managed to laugh off what happened but he equipped a new blade and was ready for a second attack. "The piercing shall continue until either one of us gets defeated in this battle… either one shall experience a fate…"

"Gomen Tukorop-sensei but I will not die here since if I did, no one would stop the antics of Vukso whenever he gets into trouble… He easily gets into trouble which means I'll be the only one to be even able to save him I guess… since he really is a handful…" I stated my reasons and made a cross-slash which pushed Tukorop away a bit while my Radiant Strike pushed him even farther. "The durability of your arsenal is still high no matter what I do… you really are sensei then… I will defeat you."

The battle we had was still sticking in balance which made us on par with each other. Radiance was the only thing that he didn't have while he had the knowledge of the sword-sheathe which I didn't have. He also had an embedded crystal on his glove but I really don't know what does the crystals on their gloves do. I was about to find out when he managed to press the crystal on his glove, making it disappear since he utilized it.

"I do hope you know how this glove crystal works my student… The next few attacks won't go easy on you at all if you ask me…" Tukorop's blade began to glow a faint red and then we clashed. "The blade I made for myself was beginning to crack even if the durability was still very which made me gasp in surprise as I jumped back to dodge instead of clashing. "You have now seen the hidden power of my crystal. All of the different crystal gloves have different powers— my power is durability reduction!"

Tukorop charged at me with his empowered blade but I evaded by leaping high into the air and using Radiant Spark so I could give a bigger blind effect to him if I manage to land a hit on him but he really didn't plan to get hit since he just slashed at my blade and finally broke it making him smirk. I made a sound and equipped my other player-made blade but he broke it too. This continued until I had no more blades in my inventory.

"You broke all the blades I made for this final battle with you Tukorop-sensei but there is one sword I know that you really can't break…" I was in mid-yellow as I saw his HP in late-green with my left arm failing on me so I had to stop equipping my sheathe.

"Oh? And what may that be, my student? All blades shall be corrupted and break to non-existence with my power of the crystal… even the dual blades of the hero, Kirito-san will break!" Tukorop's blade was still with the color of faint red as he looked down and underestimated my power which was a big mistake on his part.

"You have really forgotten about my blade, haven't you? This is my true blade… The blade that was supposed to be wielded but otherwise sealed… It continuously saps my stamina and eventually my HP but its powers overpower all the blades I managed to create by x4 and it even has no durability and cannot break… It in par with Kirito's dual blades all by itself… The only thing that will par with is next is Equalizer… this weapon I have… is The True Radiant Blade!" I used Radiance to form this dangerous weapon which I refuse to use but I need it now.

This blade is forged with complete Radiance so every hit from a weapon that can reduce durability are negated for this blade is specifically made of light or my radiance. It saps both of the bars so I have to be cautious as I use it. Tukorop's eyes trembled as he saw the blade growing brighter every second. The power of it is the brighter it gets, the more powerful the strike but every time I strike it dims so I have to make a fair interval between strikes for it to get strength.

"Shiny weapons don't say a thing! You're just bluffing to make me afraid of that!" Tukorop used Lingering Stain which makes a purplish strike with the bleeding effect.

"It's all up to you if you don't believe me then…" I easily blocked his hit with my blade. "It's getting quite bright in here now… do you think my next move will give it's full effect with my next swing of a skill or will it just be enough for you to hit a wall?"

"I said don't underestimate me! Know your place my student!" He was charging at me and so I sighed.

"Gomen sensei but you leave me no choice… Radiant Blade: Blinding Strike…" I swung my blade before he was inches near me and the whole area in front of me has been hit including him and then he hit his back on the wall making my blade dim. "Time to unequip…" I stopped using the blade as I walked to him since my HP was now early-red.

"Tukorop-sensei, I am not going to kill you but I want to know why you have joined them… please tell me as I go deeper in this dungeon."

"Hehe… you deserve an answer my student. The reason for what I did is not for power but it was to protect you…"

"N-Nani?! What do you mean by that? How can you protect me by going to a PK guild? Answer me…"

"I did it so I'll be sure that you wouldn't join them… Havuki and Vukso have joined it out of mercenary work but I wanted to make sure that you wouldn't be like them and so I did this stunt so I'm sure you wouldn't be influenced by them… I cared for you and now I deserve any punishment possible… the only think that enlightens me is that my student went down the right path on the end… that is all what teachers want of their students… to be good and stay that way."

"T-Tukorop-sensei… you didn't have to do that. Yes, I might've joined them since Vukso and Havuki joined but why sacrifice yourself, sensei? You really didn't have to play villain if you were actually attempting to protect me… What made you do that even though we just met in this game and all you did for me is teaching me about fighting with the sword-sheathe combo?"

"Tsk, tsk… you really don't understand the teacher-student relationship, Deira. A goal of a teacher is to teach the student the best they can and lead them to the right path… I guided you to the right path indirectly but it still worked so I am content… SAO will make people survive while some of the unluckier ones will disappear… when you go out please don't forget that I was your teacher."

"What are you saying, sensei?!"

"That damn Ze would probably set off something—"

"It's too late Tukorop! We do not accept losers in the guild if you remembered. Getting defeated directly is equal to death! You were warned at your first defeat but now you shall really die along with your student! Say goodbye to the light, Tukorop and Deira for this will be the last sights you shall both ever see in your lives… both of you were weakened in the fight so you shall both die from this one trap…" The voice of Ze was heard through some kind of voice transmitter which made me alarmed by his words.

As of this moment, the roof was making some sounds like it was going to fall down any second. My teacher saw this and gritted his teeth. He grabbed my wrist and began running even if he was gravely injured with his extreme low HP now. I tried to retaliate by making myself pull him instead to lower his burden at least a bit for he has done enough but he insisted on pulling me and continued to do so.

We were almost outside this dungeon to escape but the roof was just about to give up and fall down on us and so it did. Right before it fell, Tukorop used Embracer on me and made me far enough to be safe and left him to get squished by the rubble and that hit didn't kill me so that means he healed me right before. Only half of his body made it out and not the other half which means if he didn't then I'll be the one squished and the one to die.

"T-Tukorop-sensei!" I ran to him with tears even if I was more of the slightly emo type, I couldn't bear to see him like this. "Why… why all this?"

"Ugh… it's as they say… teachers love and care for their students to an extent that they are even their children…" He bitterly laughed as his HP reduced to 0 and he gave his very last smile at me. "You were right Deira-san… Students are really meant to surpass their teachers in some way someday and you did so… take my blade and its sheathe and please use it as a memento from me… I will be there for you so remember me… Sayonara…" He broke apart into particles and disappeared in front of my very eyes.

"S-Sensei…" I fell to my knees out of grief and grabbed hold of his last memento for me before he died… his weapons… He said that he'll be there for me so I must always remember him… "Sensei, Arigato for everything you have done for me… training, laughing, a close friend and most of all… for protecting me against myself… I will never forget your name… Jufuri Turahiko… You told me your real name after training me and I will never forget that name and what you have done for me as long as I stand, I will never mistake you as a traitor but a hero to me…"

Koyero's P.O.V

Kirito-san hasn't recovered from whatever happened to him with that guy he was with so we had to hold our positions for a while and guard him until he recovers since we couldn't just leave him like this since he would be very vulnerable from incoming attacks that may happen plus the fact that even if we teleported him to his house, Scarlet Temptation would be most likely ready to attack him since he is the biggest threat of them since he has the highest level plus he is the strongest player I know and I owe him for all the things he helped me in like that time when I was still a very low level.

I heard about some players from Kirito and Asuna before but I don't really remember well but I'll say what I can. Zero is the leader of the Investigators Guild and he is Level 94 and the other one is said to be called Tadaiku and he also has a Zweihander as a weapon plus he's Level 95 which was the same as Asuna's level but 2 levels lower than Kirito. I wasn't in action quite for a while now since all I did actually was weaken Figo for Quorora so that she could deliver the final blow to his Dark Radiance that controlled him.

Patrolling wasn't really my preferred action but if Asuna-san ordered it then how could I refuse? She's like the leader of the guild and Kirito's sort of like the leader as well so both are good for me. I found nothing while patrolling so I was planning to go back to the area where they are but two people came to me when I passed by the pathway. It was Sinon-san and that Tadaiku.

"Why hello there, Sinon-san and Tadaiku-san. What brings you both here?" I greeted but Sinon was the one to have reacted I guess.

"We are here to aid you all in the infiltration of their base so I see we both arrived right on time if I'm not mistaken…" Sinon's bow was in her inventory I suppose.

"Indeed, I shall lend my strength in any way I can if Sinon-san says that it should be done for I am her teammate for close-quarter combat and I can rely on her for her skills as an archer." Tadaiku's Zweihander was hanging on his back and he seemed to have tried to flatter Sinon-san a bit there.

"We really appreciate your support so please follow me so that we can go to Kirito and Asuna-san." I began leading them but Tadaiku didn't move bit and he was staring at me like he just saw a ghost or something which made me stop leading them.

"Hmm? Anything wrong Tadaiku? Why are you just standing there like that? We need to follow Koyero so we can be led to Kirito and Asuna to continue our planning against the Scarlet Temptation. There isn't much time left." She shook him so that he may snap out from whatever thought he had in his mind.

"I-It's nothing Sinon-san… let's be on our way then. Lead the way, Koyero san." He became back to his normal self after shaking his head then they both began following me once more so that we can meet up with Kirito and Asuna.

When we made it back, Kirito seemed to have gotten his sanity back since he wasn't anymore sitting down on the ground and he looked back to his normal with his dual blades sheathed. Asuna has already laid a map on the ground so that we could take a look of the plans of our greatest strategist. All the other members were already here and it's already been a long time since I saw Agil around here to help. It is very rare indeed in my perspective since the last battle with him against the boss gravely injured him but now he's back to aid us I guess. He was Level 87 already! He must have been training.

Sinon-san and Tadaiku-san went to Asuna for the plans and so Kirito joined them so I had time to speak to Agil. I think it's been a month since I talked to Agil so I was all 'hooray'. His weapon was an axe and I think his weapon has either changed or he made it get upgraded by a blacksmith. I had yarn in my inventory so I began playing with it as I approached the hatchet guy.

"Ah~ It's been a long time Agil! Do you still remember me? The mood-swinging Zweihander user?" I felt hyper as I had yarn all over my hands. "Anyway if you have forgotten then my favorite animal is cats and I desire to be a neko any time possible~ I love yarn, Nya!"

"Of course, how could I forget? You're a friend of Kirito so you're a friend of mine. Although I remember you from the earlier floors where you keep attempting to deliver the first blow among all of us even if you weren't in the frontlines and always the first one down but you kept standing right up again." He remembered easily which made me glad as the yarn was wrapped all over my hand now. "I'm surprised though. You grew up in level so fast and here I thought that you'd just keep fussing about levelling up like last time." He laughed and patted my back which felt like a punch but I knew he was strong anyway.

"Well… I changed from those days ya know… I used to keep complaining about levelling up even a bit up until now but not as much as before though. I changed after I found somebody worth risking since—" I stopped myself as I gasped for breath being flushed and all. I slowly opened my sky blue eyes as I looked him in the eye. "If it is someone to protect, I must be ready to use the 'coup de grace' on anyone who hurts my comrades…" I told him acting all cool so I can see how being all cool feels like and it was awesome!

"Hehe… you really changed kid… Klein and I keep calling you kid since you act all child-like before but now you seem to be less childish than before so I guess I can settle calling you Koyero from now on." Agil seems to have confidence in me now which made me excited in the inside, was I really that childish before? "I heard from Kirito that you've improved as well so shall we have a friendly competition in the classical First Strike duel?"

"Oho, you're on Agil! I've always wanted to duel with someone with skills like you, Klein, Asuna or Kirito but I have no chance against Kirito and Asuna yet. I just might have a chance against you." I readily accepted the duel and pressed the 'accept duel' button that flashed in front of me. "Let me show you the results of me training with Kirito-san, Vukso-san and Deira-san… This is for them!" The other members overheard our conversation and decided to watch and even Kirito and Asuna were watching! …I'm so honored… that they're watching.

Anyway the 60 second preparation time started so I had to draw my Zweihander and wait and so I did. This Zweihander was player-made by Deira so I hope this will be enough to defeat one of the loyal friends of Kirito-san… My Zweihander has been refined by the same hands not so recently to be enough against Level 80-90 so this should do. I know is Agil is very tough even if his weapon is heavy but I have to be careful since he can become fast thanks to one of his skill but it has low activation chance. It was just a few seconds left already so I used my unused hand to grab the hilt as well and Agil did the same.

"It's almost time… be prepared, Koyero…" His grip hardened as the remaining 3 seconds was left.

"Back to you, Agil…" The wind made my brown hair blow to the right as the seconds were now over and the duel commenced.

It started like how all battles should start, with a hard clash with neither one backing down. As expected, Agil was actually quite evasive and fast even with a weapon heavier than mine. The goal of this game was to give the first clean hit and that person will be the winner while the other one will get hit and lose so that's pretty much it. Every hit from Agil manages to push me back little by little… shoot that strength of his higher than I thought… Is it maxed out or something?

The momentum in the fight shifted to his side for a while when that speed-up skill activated but luckily it only works for 3 seconds per activation. I barely blocked and parried the hits but fortunately I did. Whenever I manage to go farther I throw some Radiant Blades at him but he just breaks it like it was nothing which made quite hopeless now. I couldn't use Radiant Blademake or Blademake here since that move is only for enemies and monsters, which is what I promised to myself. It was already a minute ever since it started and the battle was favoring him so far making me twitch as I was weakening.

"Not bad at all, Koyero! You really have improved ever since that event with the boss… You're managing to not get hit at all so I admire you for that." Agil managed to push me back again as he prepared for another assault. "Although it is first hit which means you would win in the real fight but in the first strike you shall lose."

"Let's see if you can prove your words with action!" I did a spin and used that force to push him back with my Zweihander a bit but he quickly countered by parrying at the right time when I was going for my next attack. "Kuso!"

"Gotcha! You are very open after every attack just like me so I know how to look for an open area…" Agil finally managed to slash me with his axe and making me fall to the ground and that's when he won for he gave a deep, clean hit on my side. "I have to admit though— you have really become better, Koyero. You made me feel quite nervous for a while there."

"Hehe… arigato Agil… I haven't fought with any of the main forces like Kirito and Asuna but I knew that I'd lose here, my weapon is heavy and plus their levels are higher and more experience." I laughed softly as I stood up. "Anyway thanks for the battle, I really needed the experience." I grinned as I playfully turned away and approached Kirito and Asuna.

We were now ready to infiltrate the base of operations of Scarlet Temptation but we saw that the entrance was blocked by rocks and we also saw Deira on her knees, depressed. I was the first one to approach her but all she did was silently lead us to the other entrance so what could've happened? She hasn't uttered a single word ever since we found her there… The other entrance was more crowded than the main one so only a selected few like me went in first while the others kept guard so that a pincer attack would be futile. The selected were: me, Kirito, Asuna, Tadaiku, Sinon, Agil and Deira.

We already saw someone ahead of us and it was that masked player, Zero who was the leader of the Investigators Guild. Zero was a high level player who has the Shieldblade, an offensive/defensive weapon. Zero's mask didn't let me see his face but I knew what he wanted with us. He wanted to end the days of Scarlet Temptation regardless of the casualties but Kirito-san was different. He wanted to end them without killing any of them which Zero disagrees to, saying that the death penalty is what they deserve.

"Oi, you're all finally here I suppose… Let's go to the heart of their base and arrest Yokoshiro Hozume already… the leader of Scarlet Temptation." His statement startled me and the others except for Tadaiku and Sinon which made me confused. "I hope Hozume will have anything to spit out or else I'll take that as a sign of insubordination and deliver the blow on him…"

"No! I refuse to think of the fact that Hozume is evil! Even if I lost my memory of what happened in my childhood with them, I can still say that he would never do such a thing to people!" I went ahead which made Zero questioned. "I will go ahead and save Hozume all by myself and prove that he's innocent so goodbye Zero!"

I activated the speed skill which lasts for 2 seconds and I finally got out of their sight. I know that my friend is innocent so how can I just stand there and let a person I don't even know much to capture one of my very first friends?! When I got amnesia, the only ones I remembered were Hozume and Yumi so that means I can trust them with my life. I knew the consequences of this stunt of mine already. If I'm ever caught up by them then they may scold me or something or even worse Zero will lecture me.

I made it to the end of the hallway but then I was pulled by some kind of chain and it dragged me farther from the escape route. I think I may have just made the wrong decision after what I saw when the dragging stopped. All the members of Scarlet Temptation were all around me with their weapons drawn and I saw Hozume on the ground and he seemed to have been tortured which made me aggravated and ready to unleash fury but none of them did the first move which confused me.

"W-Why are none of you attacking?" I grew suspicious as I saw Ze smirking while all the others were quiet. "Don't tell me you did something to my Silica-chan you Ze!"

"Well we did capture her as a hostage but what are you going to do about it? That is the question, 2nd commander…" The last part he said caught me off. "You were once with us till the end until you gotten that amnesia of yours. You we part of the family in the past and we have joined this game to bring you back to your senses… I know you didn't remember this but when you were still there with us, I was one of your subordinates along with Ku who you have commanded in the past…"

"I-I?! Commander of this organization? How can this even be possible…? I'm no killer!" I shook my head as he was playing those mind games on me.

"If you weren't important to us then we would just kill you this instant. Do you even know how many of us are here ready to attack? Why would we kill our previous leader in the past, hmm?" Ze really sounded convincing but at last my real teammates arrived.

"Oi! This is the end of all of you… You are all hereby under arrest by me, Zero, the leader of the Investigators Guild." Zero seems to gotten a change of heart instead of death penalty and I should probably be thanking Kirito-san for that. "Koyero, you on the hand will be going back to us and I shall give you a long lecture to make you think before you act more…"

Before any of us could react again, Hozume stood up laughing a bit. His black hair was spiky and had red highlights and his eyes were red… so that's how he really looks like. His blade transformed into a long katana with some chains for long-range attacks. His ability Trickery, disguised his true appearance and weapon but here he was now. Zero slowly drew his weapon which made me give a look to stop him. When my teammates went forward, that guy that looked like Havuki threw some weird thing and they were all caged but awkwardly, only 6 were captured so I'm the seventh but who's the eight?

"Koyero, I know you remember me and Yumi at least the slightest bit and that we were friends… Honestly, what Zero said is true… I am the leader of Scarlet Temptation and Yumi is the true second leader!" His words astonished me as I fell back and stared in terror when I saw Yumi go beside him. "Koyero, we went to join this game so that we'd put the pieces of your memory back and that shows how much we care about you so please, join us once more and become the third leader, buddy. We'll get through this game together."

"No…" I responded as I grabbed the hilt of my Zweihander.

"Excuse me?" Hozume stared at me in disbelief as he slowly grabbed his hilt as well.

"Why would I join you if I don't even know you anymore?!" I charged and we clashed while every other member just watched maybe because they knew their leader would win.

"Watch what you say, brother… I don't want to hurt you so I prepared three offers so that I'd be sure you will really join our cause." Hozume was clashing with me but he had no will to hurt me.

"Like hell 3 offers will convince me! I won't fall for yarn if you're thinking…" I parried some of his hits but I didn't get to hit him since he was faster.

"1st offer, we'll let go of your Silica-chan…" He offered me the first condition.

"I will save her from your grasp with my blade against yours." I easily spoke since I knew Silica-chan will be safe.

"Fine… here's the second thing we are going to do… We won't hurt your friends anymore in this whole operation until the day I'm stripped off my leadership." He gave me the second offer as he almost landed a hit on me but he pulled back.

"I shall protect them with all my might so don't think I'll let that be!" I was in an outrage as I began pushing him back but he sighed and was ready to offer the third and final one.

"I didn't want to say this Koyero but you forced me to… The 3rd thing is if you don't join us then we'll tell everyone on what happened in the past when you were with us, what happened to your head and finally we'll say how much bloodshed you have caused in the real world itself…" His final offer managed to make me tremble and have tears on my left eye more since— no, I won't say it but I can assure you that this is my real eye and not an artificial one.

"… Fine… gomen, Kirito-san, Asuna-san and Silica-chan but I really don't want to talk about my past…" That blurry memory of mine became more solidified. "I assure you that I don't want to hurt you all so please… don't fight back…" I emoted as I went to the side of Hozume which made him smile and my former teammates surprised by my actions.

"The third leader is now back." Hozume snickered as everyone that is a member of Scarlet Temptation cheered while Yumi was all 'glomp' on me but I was still full of regret even if they released Silica-chan and placed her in a cage with them… they weren't going to hurt them since they opened the teleportation area and we were about to leave. The cages were just normal cages so I can be in relief but before me and Hozume left since we were the last ones, someone literally broke the area and closed the gate which surprised Hozume. "W-Who's there?! This negotiation is finished."

"I won't let you go on in this dark path, brother… as your older brother, I cannot let this proceed!" Tadaiku had his Feral Zweihander unsheathed as he punched a teleport crystal on Hozume's chest which teleported him leaving me alone with this guy. Before Hozume left, he was angry at Tadaiku and attempted to hit him before he teleported but failed.

Tadaiku's P.O.V

Yes, he was my brother. I didn't want to do this to him but as an older brother, I must defeat him so he will see the error of his decision. Sinon-san and the others were still caged since that effect lasts for 5 minutes so that's more than enough time to put my younger brother back to his senses. That seemingly girlfriend of his seems to have attempted to discourage me from hurting him but apparently I was still planning to hurt him just because that would be the only way for him to covert back.

"Little brother, I know that you don't remember me but I am your brother from your true biological family, Okudaira Takanori…" I introduced myself so that he would get a clear background from me. "You are Okudaira Koyero originally and not Yanaihara Koyero… you were just adopted by them since they accidentally crashed you with a van if I'm not mistaken. You are my biological brother so please believe my words."

"Brother? I have no idea what you're saying… I don't remember a thing about wherever I came from so why should I believe someone like you?" He pointed his finger at me as I gave a disappointing sigh. "If you really say you're my brother then you'll know how much pain I've been through for all of these years… You weren't anywhere to help me in those days so why should I trust you now? If you want me back then you'll have to fight me for my freedom!"

"Believe me— I didn't want this conversation to end up like this…" I held me Feral Zweihander as I prepared for the attacks. "If ever the case that I hurt you badly in this fight then I shall deliver something to soothe your pain…" I didn't like the fact that I was going to fight him but this was the only way.

"Gomen but if you're the one badly hurt then I shall deliver the 'coup de grace' to ease your pain, my so called brother…" He made the first move by using Chaotic mode and charging at me with amazing speed. "The reason for the term Chaotic is because this attack will have the effect 'chaos' in every slash…"

"I already forgot to tell you one thing… This Feral Zweihander can cut down almost anything in its range…" I slashed his arm when it was open making him hold his arm in pain. "You are wide open, brother… a great sword or any heavy weapon user must be ready to block off any open spots so you have to be more careful wherever you slash and plus I know Chaotic mode stops when concentration is lost or when the user gets hit by anything…"

"Kuso… I can't just be defeated by you that easily even if you're higher than me…" He pulled off a cheap trick then did a sweep to make me slip and then he used Phantom's Demise on me which is a chargeable hit and he used that on me while I was down but I got up right before it hit. "Tsk… you were a bit right there though… I may be careless but I will not lose to you especially because I can't let anyone know about my past anymore… it will just hurt people and my friends won't like me a single bit anymore…"

"Indeed it will hurt them but I know they will still like you brother…" I continued clashing with him.

"What makes you so sure about that then? You aren't me so you don't know how I feel!" Koyero was crying as he fought me now. I couldn't bear seeing my younger sibling cry so my guard was lowered for a while and it was the right thing to do since he stopped fighting for the time being. "I-I don't want people to hate me… my friends will hate me…"

Koyero reluctantly continued fighting me even in tears so it broke me to see my brother this controlled and depressed so I really had to take him out of this misery… gomen brother but this is the only for you to become that happy brother I used to know… I must deliver the attack and free you from these shackles and chains that restrain you to be free and stay in the happy side of yours again… This may not be my most preferred method but this will help you very much if I do say so myself… Brother, I hope that you will find happiness in the world that I shall send you to…

"I shall do… the final blow…" I muttered grimly.

"How can you kill me in one hit?! It's impossible since my HP is still green…" He had tense as he said that and my caged friends didn't want me to do it but this was the only answer… he is revealed to be orange crystal already so it's fine I hope… "Exiling Flash!" My Feral Zweihander's spikes grew out then I landed a big blow on him as particles began disappearing from him… gomen brother…

"H-How can this— be…" Koyero disappeared as I knelt on the ground.

"Gomen brother but I hope the world I have created for you would be the answer to your sadness…" I prayed as all the others were surprised to see Koyero disappear in front of their very eyes and even in their friend list… this is the start of the exile of Koyero… Everyone's cages disappeared and the first one to react was Silica who had tears on her eyes while Sinon was comforting her and I think Sinon-san understood my actions but Zero thought otherwise.

"Tadaiku, you are under arrest in the prison for a month so say your goodbyes to them for a month…" Zero muttered and I obliged to his wish.

"Gomen everyone… Sayonara Sinon-san, I'll be meeting you in a month I guess…" I gave a fake smile as I had tears flowing from my right eye.

Extra Scene: Quorora's Christmas (Part 3)

Quorora's P.O.V

It was already Christmas in the game of Alfheim Online but I can't really see any difference aside from the snow, Christmas trees… and mistletoes. Figo and Wukure told me that they'd help me sneak out of my chamber once more so that we could spend Christmas together. My weapon was a flute but if I'm in trouble in close range, my flute can transform into a dagger if needed. Life as the leader of the Puca race is fine but I don't really get into fights quite often unless you count the disorders that Koyero makes here.

I was in the balcony on where they make me stay since Alfheim isn't really safe from PKs but unlike Sword Art Online, you won't die for real fortunately but if you ask me I still prefer Sword Art Online more than this so that's the reason why I usually go to new Aincrad whenever I get the chance to do so. Figo and Wukure are taking quite of a long time though. I wonder what keeping them… I knew the answer as soon as the phone that connects me with the guards of the gate rang… it seems operation sneak failed for the first time… I got the phone and began the conversation.

"Hmm? Is there anything going on there? It's Christmas so why aren't you and the other guards having a break?"

"Ma'am, there are two people, one from the Spriggan race and one from the Cait Sith race so what are your orders, Ma'am?"

"Get their identities first… I must know if they are the ones I'm expecting to visit me or not."

"Hai! Their player names are Figo and Wukure and they seek your presence… should we execute them or let them pass?"

"Let them pass, they are the ones I'm expecting and don't worry if I get in trouble with them since I didn't become leader of the Puca race for nothing."

"Hai… if there is anything you might need just call us through this device once more and if they try anything funny, we will really defeat them for you…"

I put the device down as I gave a sigh when I thought their master plan was to sneak it was actually to knock on the front door. After a little waiting, they finally went in my chambers and I smiled as Wukure gave the 'Ojou-sama' laugh which made Figo punch his shoulder in annoyance. I smiled as I saw them walk towards me. I really thought that they were just going to sneak me out but apparently I was wrong.

Figo was in his Spriggan outfit with mostly darkened clothing and this is where his power from SAO is empowered. Dark Radiance has really become a power to be reckoned with in this game now. He fought Kirito with it but in the end Kirito won after Figo's stamina was sapped by the move. Wukure on the other hand is the sneakiest among all Cait Siths and he also has one of the sharpest claws if he uses his will but compered to Alicia Rue he still has a slightly long way to go when it comes to beast taming since Koyero and him aren't really good in beast taming which results to misunderstanding among the Pucas.

"Merry Christmas Quorora-san!" Wukure glomped me which made me startled a bit but his smile made me just sigh instead but he gave an unknown object and placed it on my hand. "Sorry that I couldn't sneak us out of here… I wanted to try to knock the door since I wanted to see how strict you're guards are and indeed they are very strict."

"Anyway we will be spending Christmas either way with you Quorora-san so I hope you like what I prepared for us all." Figo held my hand as he placed some unknown object on my hand as well. "I hope that you'll like it…"

"Eto… what are these things, Wukure-san, Figo-sempai?" I questioned them as they just gave me a smile, urging me to use the scroll of identification on it. "I'll use the scroll then if you both won't tell me…"

The unknown object was light and I knew it wasn't a weapon… what could this item be then? I used the scroll of identification and it was revealed to be— diamond rings from the deepest part of the mine near the Leprechaun race?!

"H-How did you get both of these individually?! I-It's even called the rarest non-used item in ALO… plus… why are you both even giving it tom me?"

"Umm…" Figo couldn't answer.

"Quorora-san, will you marry me?" Wukure knelt on one knee making my eyes tremble in surprise.

"N-Nani?!"

"Wukure! She's mine, not yours!"

"Gotcha! I knew that you love Quorora-san! You fell for the bait and now you have indirectly admitted. Hehe…"

"I-I don't know what to say about this…"

"Wukure… you little…"

"Haha… Operation Admitting is a big success in my part."

As the day went on, I wasn't really sure if Figo-sempai really does like me that way but I can be sure that he likes me though. Was the thing Wukure-san said true? If it is then I do actually have a chance to love sempai… Is this wrong or right? I placed the ring that Figo and Wukure on my finger. I put on the ring that Figo gave me on the right and placed the ring that Wukure gave me on the left. Ever since that Christmas I always get this queasy feeling now whenever I get near him… Is this what love does to a person?

The Puca race were all creating some sort of gossip about me marrying someone already since I had a ring but they messed up when they noticed I had another ring so they were really confused now if I was either a two-timer or those rings were just friendship rings. I couldn't tell as well… I always get the queasy feeling now so I don't know if it's just friendship or if it's more than that… My Christmas taught me that I always had these emotions sealed within me but I didn't know how to utilize it… Do I really love Figo-sempai only or do I have the same emotions for Wukure-san?

End of Chapter 23

Next Chapter: Kirito and Equalizer.