Title: Surviving isn't Living

Story Summary: Nearly a year after the death of Korosensei, the class of 3-E have tried to turn their lives back to normal. It succeeded; for the most part. That was until by mistake, Karma accidentally pulled his friend, Nagisa, into the death game known as SAO. Well, at least the two had one advantage over Aincrad. They were almost sure that no one else had to train in an assassination classroom for a year. Karma x Nagisa

Chapter 2: Stand By You

Chapter Summary: Due to certain conditions, Karma and Nagisa continue to follow Kirito in a party as they progress in the first floor. Karma is still trying to convince Nagisa to go with Kirito. Nagisa is still trying to tell Karma he's an idiot for suggesting such an idea.

Author's Notes: If you're wondering when I wrote this chapter, it was right after the first chapter was written! I wasn't going to post it until I wrote the second chapter so here we are~ Also, that means I won't take in your guy's responses until the third chapter! So you still got time to give me your opinions!

Okay, so remember how I said I was going to avoid following the main story except for key parts? Well, I probably won't mention the first floor fight much, everyone does that :'3 However for the 75th floor when they face the Skull Reaper and Heathcliff, I will include Karma and Nagisa in that fight. In both fights, if you're wondering. So be warned! Um, I might not make this too many chapters but to make it up to y'all, I'll make the chapters as long as I can!

And, love, if your wings are broken
Borrow mine 'til yours can open, too
'Cause I'm gonna stand by you

November 7th 2022, Floor 1, the path to Horunka Village

After a couple of hours of rest (which Karma reluctantly let Nagisa sleep in the tent with Kirito. Only once though!), the three were ready to hit the road again. The sun- er, virtual sun? Didn't matter, it was still a sun. Anyway, the sun hadn't even risen yet, although the sky was just getting lighter. They all knew it would be best if they got a move on now, just so they wouldn't be followed.

Nagisa stretched with a yawn as Kirito put the tent away with a click of a button in his menu. Karma stood apart from the two, his arms crossed. It was faint, but Nagisa could catch the redhead pouting.

"Seems your friend is still upset over us having to share a tent." Kirito commented next to Nagisa. His voice was quiet and since they all just started, Kirito doubted Karma upped his Hearing skill at all.

"He always get jealous easily..." Okay, that was a lie. Usually Karma was the one who made everyone jealous, even Nagisa! "I'm sorry if he says or does anything... that's not gentlemanly."

"Nah, don't worry about it. I know not to push things too far." Kirito assured Nagisa and even gave a small smile. "I don't swing that way anyway. You're safe from me at least. I'm not sure about Karma though."

"Wha..." Nagisa didn't finish his sentence. He saw Karma starting to walk to them, so he shut up immediately.

"Ready to go?" Kirito innocently asked, causing Karma to grumble slightly.

"Yeah yeah, let's go already." Karma insisted and started walking down the path. With a shrug, the other two players in the party followed the still moody redhead.

"Man, he sure is possessive." Kirito muttered, moving his hands behind his head so he could stretch his arms.

"He's just... caring." Nagisa nervously laughed. "A lot of things happened to him so..."

As Nagisa trailed off, Kirito glanced at the boy. It doesn't seem like Karma was the only one who went through a lot. Kirito could see it on Nagisa's face. He really wondered what happened to the two... "Well, you don't have to tell me." He assured the bluenette with a wave of his hand. "It's fine. I can tell it's personal."

"T-Thanks." Nagisa responded and after that, the trip went on in silence for a while. Eventually Kirito took the lead once the paths started diverting and going in different directions. He took them through the safest paths, brought them to loot, and all and all made it pretty easy and safe. They might be pretty good at fighting, but they were still beginners so Kirito wanted to make it as easy as possible.

That was something Kirito noticed actually. Their fighting skills... They didn't seem like people who used the NerveGear a lot. Those fighting moves weren't just Kendo or Martial Arts either although if he had to compare it to anything, Martial Arts was close enough. These two fought like they already had their lives on the line before... Kirito was deadly curious, but he wouldn't dare ask. It wouldn't be right. It was personal information and even if SAO changed, that didn't mean they should.

Personal life was always that. Personal. In video games, you don't ask someone personal questions unless you've known them for a while and you trust each other. Kirito wasn't close to these people at all. He didn't even know if he'd ever tell them his real name. There was no need to anyway. For now... they should just forget about the real world. Kirito knew it was a cruel thing to say, but they had to focus on surviving now. They had to focus on the now, where they were, what they were doing, not later, where they could be, what they could have been doing.

The trip took two hours, and that's not including the time they took to take out a few groups of mobs here and there. They were close by the town now, in one of the closest hunting grounds.

"After this, we'll go into the town, restock our items, then I'll disband the party." Kirito explained, knocking a wolf back with his sword.

"Will you-" Nagisa paused in his sentence, focusing as he activated a sword skill. His sword glowed a dark blue before he leaped, slashing at the wolf. It froze before exploding into tiny blue pieces. "Will you still friend us?"

"Of course." Kirito shrugged, finishing off the wolf he had been fighting.

"Nagisa," The short boy looked over at Karma who hadn't spoken more than five words since they began their traveling. "You have to go with him."

"This again?" Nagisa frowned. "Karma, come on-"

"Hey, watch yourself!" Kirito warned Nagisa just as another wolf pounced at the player. Nagisa managed to jump out of the way in time and turned just as the wolf tried snapping at him. He pushed the wolf back with his sword before sending Kirito a grateful look. Kirito just nodded back before focusing on his own enemy. As much as he wanted to tell these two to focus on the battle, he had his own to worry about.

"There's no argument here Nagisa," Karma hissed as he faced his own wolf mob. These mobs were annoying since they hunted in packs. Sure they were weak but fighting them off all together was tough. Even Kirito would agree, although he'd never admit it out loud.

"You can't just ditch me when we need to work together, Karma!" Nagisa retorted, feeling some frustration bubble up. Who did Karma think he was? Who did he think Nagisa was?! Just some weak player? Just because he was new didn't mean he couldn't fight! "You're new too Karma, that's unfair!"

"You know I'm better at combat, that's different!"

"Physical combat, not swords!" Nagisa pointed out. "This is different. We're both new to it! That's why we should stick together!" It was getting hard to focus on talking while fighting. A wolf nearly knocked him over and stunned him, but he deflected the wolf with his sword.

"He's not new to it. You need to go with him." Karma said, referring to Kirito. "Nagisa, please-"

"You can't get rid of me that easily, Karma." After Nagisa finished off the wolf, he turned to look at Karma. He too also finished with his wolf and turned to look at Nagisa. "It's either we fight together... or not at all. Do you really just want to hide here in town, waiting for who knows how long for someone else to beat this game?"

"At least I'm still letting you fight Nagisa! Do you know how much more assured I'd feel if you stayed in town-"

"And just sit around doing nothing?" Nagisa huffed and looked away. "It's not going to be like that. Not ever. Koro-sensei wouldn't like that."

The two stood in silence after that name was mentioned. Right after Nagisa said that name, his face that was full of anger turned to shock then regret. Especially when he saw Karma's surprised face before it fell. The redhead looked down just as Nagisa took a step forward. "Karma, I-"

Suddenly the two heard a soft thud by them and looked over with shock. They forgot all about Kirito! However what they saw made them jump towards their party member immediately with swords drawn.

"Is he dead?!" Nagisa asked, his sword knocking away a wolf who was about to pounce on Kirito's motionless body on the ground. Karma did the same with two other wolves, using a sword skill to knock them back.

"No, he would've shattered!" Karma checked the healthbar in the top left corner of his vision. Kirito was still in green zone... Paralyzed? No, there wasn't a symbol for it by his name. Also, there was no way mobs would be able to stun or paralyze them this early in the game. Kirito told them this during their trip. "His eyes aren't open," He added when he had the chance to look at the seemingly passed out swordsman.

"What do we do?" Nagisa asked.

Karma grimaced as he pushed back a wolf who charged at him, knocking it into the second wolf. "First, we gotta take care of these damn dogs..."

November 7th 2022, Floor 1, Horunka Village

Those were the only wolves left so once the duo destroyed those wolves, they tended to Kirito. The swordsman still hasn't woken up yet, even when the two picked him up to carry him to town. Their stats weren't very high; it was a struggle to carry Kirito, even with two people and the fact that Kirito's inventory shouldn't be that heavy since the game just started yesterday. Karma made note to up his strength when he levels up.

They managed to get him to the town and the first thing they did was search for an inn. They were lucky that no one else was in town yet, otherwise they would gain unwanted attention. After they successfully found a cheap inn, Karma quickly gave Nagisa enough money to rent a two bed room. This guy sure owes me money. And Nagisa. This is coming out of our pockets! Karma thought with a small scowl as they placed Kirito down on one of the beds.

"So... what do you think happened to him? Do you think he's poisoned?" Nagisa asked nervously as the two stared at the passed out player.

"No... there's no icon next to his name." Karma sighed, crossing his arms as he tried to think. What could have caused this? If he wasn't paralyzed or poisoned, what could it be? Passed out from exhaustion? But players don't physically feel exhaustion and even if they did, they already had plenty of rest. Karma closed his eyes, humming loudly as he tried to think of all possibilities. If it wasn't because of something in game... "I think something happened to his body. His real one."

"Huh?" Nagisa finally took his eyes off Kirito to look up at Karma. "What do you mean?"

"I don't know, but it's the only thing I can think of." Karma put a hand to his chin, still in deep thought. "It's not any effects from the game and probably not a bug. The only thing I could think of is that something happened to his actual body."

"Do you think... someone tried taking off his NerveGear?"

"I doubt it." Karma said instantly. "It's not like the NerveGear would resist being taken off or have a back up function to stay on the players head. If someone tried taking it off, he would have shattered immediately. It's probably... I don't know. I'm trying to think of everything possible." They couldn't do much now that Kirito wasn't awake. They didn't know this town well and they certainly didn't want to head to the hunting grounds without him. Not just for protection wise for them, but for Kirito.

What if people made it to the town and pick locked the door or something? What if they used Kirito's hand to open his own menu and force him to trade all his stuff while he was asleep? They had to watch over him until he woke up. If he woke up.

"I hope he wakes up..." Nagisa mumbled, going to the other bed in the room to sit down. "I... I really don't want to see someone else die before me."

Karma hesitated before going to sit by the bluenette. He sat a bit too close than what people would call normal for friends, but they both didn't care nor even notice. "I don't either Nagisa... That's why I want you to go with Kirito. He would protect you, make you stronger..."

"Why can't you come with then? Why can't we stay a party?" Nagisa asked, obviously confused.

"...I've noticed the way Kirito reacts whenever someone mentioned being in a party or even friends with him. He's a solo player. Klein told me. So... he's used to being alone. But I talked to him-"

"What, when? I haven't seen you speak to him since the decision with the tent."

"When you took second watch... You know, so he and I shared the tent for an hour..." Karma started to explain.

As soon as Kirito entered the tent after Nagisa exited, finally convinced by Karma to take second watch, he noticed the redhead give him a look. However it wasn't a glare like Kirito expected.

"Is there something wrong?" He decided to ask as he opened his menu to pull out his sleeping bag.

"...I know you're a solo player," Karma started, making Kirito pause. "But can you please... please take Nagisa?"

Kirito looked down at Karma with surprise. He was actually requesting something from him? And said please? He didn't know Karma well, but he could tell he wasn't the type to apologize or beg.

"You don't think you can protect him?" Kirito asked, pushing a button on his menu. The sleeping bag suddenly spawned on the ground beside Karma. Kirito kneeled down to roll out the sleeping bag. "Why would you even trust him with me? You don't even trust me to be alone with him in a tent."

"I just... I really don't want to see him die." Karma mumbled, turning on his back to look at the ceiling of the tent. "Even if that means I have to entrust him to someone else."

"He didn't sound on board with your plan earlier," Kirito pointed out as he slipped into his sleeping bag and got comfortable. He turned onto his side though so he could continue to talk with Karma. As much as he wanted sleep, this was a very important conversation. "I don't want to take on an unwilling partner... and that's not an excuse. If I'm going to have someone in my party, I can't have them unwilling to fight."

Working solo was dangerous and sometimes with partners was even more so. To be partners, you have to trust each other with your lives. Trust that they'll be able to switch in time before the mob could attack after you've deflected their sword, or when you go in for an attack but was too slow. He couldn't have someone who wasn't ready to fight seriously. It was harsh, but that was Kirito's condition for letting someone become a partner.

"I'll convince him." Karma said to Kirito, turning his head to look at the fellow swordsman. "If he agrees to go with you willingly, will you take him in your party? I promise it won't be forever. I... I want to get used to the game. What if I die while he's in my party? He'll be lost. He could die..."

"Okay okay," Kirito sighed and turned onto his back like Karma. "If he agrees, I'll let him join. I'd let you join but..."

"It's alright. I know it's hard to look after just one person, so I won't join." Karma assured the other. Kirito sighed in relief and closed his eyes, ready for sleep. "Kirito?"

"Huh."

"Look, uh..." Karma trailed off so to his curiosity, Kirito opened one eye to glance at Karma. The other was glancing away at the ceiling, his cheeks a bit pink. "...Thanks... I guess. For all your help."

Kirito stared for a few moments as if trying to figure out if Karma really was blushing from embarrassment. Oh, he was totally going to tell Nagisa later.

"Yeah, it's no problem."

Karma finished telling Nagisa the story (leaving out the thanks part, obviously) as the two continued watching over Kirito. Nagisa was quiet for a few moments, probably taking in the information.

Karma really didn't want him to die. He even begged someone he didn't necessarily trust just to keep him safe. But did that mean Nagisa still couldn't refuse? In the end, it was his life. He should be able to choose who he forms a party with. He didn't want to hide in town or drag down other players just because Karma didn't want to risk him dying. He had the right to refuse and keep fighting...

"Karma... I'm sorry, but I don't want to leave you. Look, if one of us dies, I want it to be together. I don't want to separate and then one day someone comes up to me and tells me you died because you fought something alone." Nagisa began to try to convince his friend. "We're better off together than one of us being alone."

"So you'd risk your life to go with me instead of with an experienced swordsman?"

"Yes. That's exactly what I'm trying to tell you."

Karma didn't seem angry, but he did have traces of frustration. "Nagisa, this isn't a game anymore! This isn't the assassination classroom-"

"How is that any different than here?!" With Nagisa's sudden outburst, Karma shut his mouth with a surprised look on his face. "Do you think that we couldn't have died in that classroom? With the assassins we fought- you fought one of them alone!"

"I knew what I was doing-"

"So did I." Nagisa muttered. "Everyone we fought... everyone I fought... Takaoka, the God of Death..." Sure that wasn't much of a fight, but he had still tried and could have been killed if the assassin hadn't wanted to use him as bait for Koro-sensei. "Even Kayano died when she jumped in front of Koro-sensei that one night..."

Karma glanced away, his mind taking in Nagisa's information while trying to think of a good argument. With his reckless lifestyle, he never thought about how he could have died at any time during his time in that classroom. When he fought Grip, the assassin that mainly used his bare hands to crush skulls, he knew of the dangers but he still fought anyway. Only because he knew how to watch out for signs in enemies now. But even so, he could have died.

Nagisa was right. They really could have died at any time, so why was it different now? Because they were new? They were still kind of knew to assassination skills when they went to the island. Wow... that was over a year ago... Karma couldn't believe it.

His eyes widened when he realized something else that was a downside to being trapped in this game. Koro-sensei's... let's call it anniversary was just in a few months. How would Nagisa take it? How would... he take it? They wouldn't be able to visit the mountain again until they beat the game. That was if the game was ever beaten and if they survive long enough for that to happen.

They wouldn't see their friends again. Sugino, Kayano, Terasaka... Hell, Karma would be glad to see even Asano Gakushuu again, his rival; He wanted to see them all again. He didn't want to die. And he certainly didn't want Nagisa to die either. He wanted them both to see their friends again. They were practically family at this point.

What should he do then? Let Nagisa stay? Convince him to go with Kirito? What should he do? What can he do? It seems like no matter what he says, Nagisa isn't convinced. Kirito won't take someone into his party if they aren't willing to fight...

If Karma had to weigh his priorities, Nagisa's life was above every thing else, even his own life. Above the other thousands of players lives who are also trapped in this world. And he already decided that until he got more experience with the game, the best way to keep Nagisa alive was to leave him with a former beta tester. It was the best way to keep him alive.

With a heavy sigh, Karma turned his head to look at Nagisa. His mouth had already opened but no words came out once he noticed Nagisa's glare. "What's that look for? You look like you want to kill me..."

"I know what you're going to say. You better not say it." Nagisa ordered, causing Karma to frown.

"Nagisa, I can't help it! I want you to live Nagisa. I want you to go back to the real world and see everyone again! So-"

"I'm not leaving, Karma! How many times do I have to say it?" Nagisa asked desperately. "I can fight too, just like you-"

"But I'm not good enough yet. I promise I'll come back! Just stay with Kirito and get stronger. Please, it'll help me sleep at night..."

"And what about me? I won't be able to sleep at all if I knew you were out there alone, probably dying or already dead. I don't want to look for you on the map and see you're not there..."

Karma hesitated as he watched Nagisa who was hunched over, probably trying to contain his emotions. "Nagisa..."

"I'm not leaving you. That's final." He interrupted. The shorter player slowly got off the bed, glancing at the still passed out swordsman before going towards the door.

"H-Hey!" Karma jumped up quickly. "Nagisa, where-"

"Don't trip over yourself, Karma. I'm just going to go get supplies and restock. We used a bit of healing potions and stuff since yesterday." Nagisa told the redhead. "I'll be back so don't worry so much."

"Don't worry? How can I not worry-"

"The town was empty when we arrived. It'll be fine. It's not like anyone will jump me as soon as I leave." Nagisa rolled his eyes. Karma was surprised by the sudden... attitude. Why was Nagisa so angry? Karma was just concerned for his safety!

"Why don't I come with then?"

"Someone needs to watch Kirito." Nagisa said as if it was obvious. "We don't want to come back and find him gone."

"Who would kill him?" Karma asked, stepping closer. "You said the town was empty after all."

"Yeah, and what if it's not? What if someone followed us?" Nagisa argued back.

"Then I should come with you to protect you!" Karma insisted.

Nagisa could feel his frustration rise. Why did Karma have to be so stubborn? "If someone is here and they come to the inn, who's going to protect Kirito huh? I at least have a chance! He doesn't!" Why couldn't Karma get it through his stupid head? "Don't act like a hero around me, Karma. I'm not a maiden in distress."

"I-I never said you were." Karma said quickly.

"Good. Now can I leave already?"

Karma didn't answer for a few moments. Should he let Nagisa go out on his own? What if someone did follow them? He couldn't risk Nagisa getting harmed... Although the town was a safe zone. Their HP won't go down anymore if it reaches the halfway mark. Yellow zone basically. Kirito told them this during their trip as well. If a player attacks another player without starting a duel, the green cursor above their head turns orange. And if they kill a player... Karma hoped they'd never encounter a red cursor player.

He looked back at the still passed out swordsman on the bed before back at Nagisa. "...If you think someone's following you, activate that Hiding Skill Kirito mentioned before. When we were training with our sword skills yesterday." Kirito not only taught them and Klein about sword skills but other skills as well. Skills like Hiding which was good for stealth, Searching which is good for finding hidden players and good loot, and so on.

"I got it. Just watch over him, alright?" And just like that, Nagisa opened the door and left, leaving Karma alone to watch over their party leader. As Karma sat down, he groaned when he suddenly realized something.

Kirito is the party leader. He can't disband the party if he's asleep.

It was long after both Nagisa and Karma restocked their supplies when Kirito finally woke up. It had been a few hours and already some new players were in town, making it look more lively instead of like a ghost town. The duo hadn't really spoken to each other afte their argument but once they saw Kirito sitting up on the bed with a groan, their past argument was momentarily forgotten.

Nagisa jumped up first and went to Kirito's side immediately, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Kirito? Are you alright?"

"Um... I think so..." He looked at his hands briefly before glancing around the room. "An inn?" He muttered in confusion, looking at Karma for a few moments before looking over at Nagisa. "What happened? We were fighting the wolves then..."

"Then you suddenly collapsed..." Nagisa filled in Kirito's sentence.

"I guess we can't ask you what happened then." Karma spoke with a sigh. "I don't think it was the game though. It was probably some interference with the outside world."

"Yeah, I doubt it was paralysis. No mob can stun you for..." His eyes moved to the top right of his vision and his eyes widened slightly. "Four hours? What caused me to disconnect for that long?"

Karma shrugged. Nagisa sighed and opened his menu. With a press of a button, a bag appeared in his hand, much like a burlap sack. He handed it over to Kirito who opened it curiously. "Whoa, you guys went out for food?" He pulled out the roll of bread and water Nagisa got him. Of course eating wasn't necessary since it didn't fulfill your real life body's needs, but it sure felt nice to taste food.

"Not exactly. We took turns going out for supplies. One of us went to restock and the other watched over you." Nagisa explained with a smile. "I was the only one who thought to get us all food."

"I was focused on health potions, okay?" Karma pouted slightly. "Besides, after giving you some money to pay for this room... I'm not exactly rich right now."

"Ah... That's my fault then... I'll pay you guys back." Kirito mumbled, opening his menu as he took a bite from the bread.

"You can repay us later. Right now, focus on restocking yourself, okay?" Nagisa told Kirito who hesitated, his menu still open.

"You sure? I know I can grind the money up quick but..."

Nagisa waved his hand with a smile. "It's fine, really! We're all going after the same goal after all! No need to worry about debts and stuff now."

"Money would be nice though-"

"Karma!"

"Let a guy joke every now and then." Karma whined. Nagisa groaned and shook his head. Karma always knew when to be serious but sometimes he didn't know when not to. "Mood killer." He stuck his tongue out at Nagisa who returned the face like a little kid.

They didn't expect a small laugh from Kirito, so they turned to look at the fellow swordsman. "You guys get along so well. I know it's personal but... did you guys know each other in the real world?" He asked before pausing. "Ah, maybe that was a dumb question since you've already answered that yesterday. What I mean to say is did you guys know each other for a long while?"

"Um..." Nagisa looked up in thought while Karma just watched Nagisa think. "It's been... three, nearly four years now?"

"Wow." Kirito's never kept up a real friendship for that long. It almost made him jealous. Almost. He wasn't exactly social so he wasn't really upset over not having friends. He enjoyed the peacefulness but... Sometimes he did want someone to talk to. But the thing is, he doesn't want them to be constantly around. Perhaps that was selfish of him. He just didn't find people's company comforting most of the time. That didn't mean all the time though.

With his food finished, Kirito hopped off the bed and stretched his arms into the air. "I guess I should go restock and everything..."

"Kirito?" The raven haired male turned when Nagisa called his name. "Are you still going to disband the party?"

Kirito seemed a bit surprised by the question before remembering how they planned to do that from the beginning. Once they got to town, they would decide what to do and split... "Have you guys reached an agreement yet?"

"No," Karma said before Nagisa could speak. "He still doesn't want to stay."

"You can't make me stay." Nagisa retorted with a small glare.

Kirito sighed and scratched at his head. These two were really stubborn. Couldn't they just make up their minds already? "How about I go show you some hunting grounds after I get some supplies? You can decide before the night is up."

As much as both partners didn't want to prolong the argument, they agreed with Kirito. They had to take any opportunity to level up now. Even if they were in the middle of a disagreement. "Let's get going then." With that, the three party members left the room and went into the town. Much to their surprise (especially Kirito's since he was asleep), there were already plenty of players in town. Not a ton, but a decent amount. There were some groups of friends here and there, chatting away as they walked or bought from NPC stores.

As they walked through the town, the two newbies following Kirito obviously, Nagisa noticed something strange. He didn't say anything at first, just watched. Then he suddenly began tugging at Karma's sleeve, gaining his attention. "What is it Nagisa?" Karma asked, pulling Kirito's attention as well. Nagisa pointed to a group of players who were struggling to carry something.

"Is that...?"

"It's another player." Kirito confirmed Karma's suspicions. They watched the group carry the other unconscious player towards the inn they just left. If another player passed out just like Kirito... what could it mean? "Why is everyone passing out like this? Will it happen to... everyone..." He trailed off as he looked at the other two people in his party. Oh no. "Y-You guys are in the same house, right? In real life?"

"Yeah." Nagisa confirmed with a nod.

"So if what you say is true about the cause being something out side of the game..."

Realization flashed across Karma's eyes. "Nagisa and I will pass out at the same time then."

"And who knows when it could be? You guys could be fighting in the fields like I was. If you guys hadn't been there..." Kirito for sure would have died, being attacked by the wolf mobs while he was unconscious. "Man, I really do owe you guys."

"So this means... we have to be in a party longer?" Nagisa asked, gaining a reluctant nod from Kirito.

"I'm not that cruel. You guys need someone to watch over you for when- if you pass out like I did." Kirito said.

"Yeah... I guess that's true..." Karma commented then groaned. "How long will that be? We still don't even know why players are disconnecting! If we knew why, maybe we can know when we might pass out. Even if you're there to help us, you wouldn't be able to carry us both to the inn. The two of us struggled just to carry you."

Kirito put a hand to his chin in thought. He could boost his Strength stat next time he levels up, but he doubted that would be enough to carry even one of them. Not to mention that he might not level up before (still if) they pass out. He really wished they knew why... "Maybe we should stay in town or at least close to town... We won't do any NPC quests that go far outside of town. And we'll stick with the close hunting spots."

"Even that's risky, isn't it?" Karma asked as they finally continued to walk again. They made it to the NPC shop that sold mainly basic items, such as health potions, antidotes, and so on.

Kirito brought up the NPC menu to browse through the items. Suddenly his hand paused through scrolling, his finger above the "HEALTH POTION" purchase button. "Health..."

"Huh?" Nagisa looked at Kirito in confusion as well as Karma.

"Health..." He repeated then looked between the two. When he saw their confused looks, he realized he didn't actually explain his idea out loud yet. "I think I have an idea as to why players are suddenly disconnecting for a few hours!"

The two looked surprised, probably because Kirito had an idea so fast while Karma had been pondering over it for hours. "What is it? Or um, what do you think it is? Why is health related?" Nagisa asked.

"Look, remember yesterday why Kayaba showed us all those news articles about the deaths of SAO players in the real world?" He received two nods. "If the people already know about SAO and the NerveGears and the fact that we can't leave unless we beat the game... They'll need to monitor our real bodies."

"Oh, I see what you're saying." Karma snapped his fingers. "Who knows how long we'll be stuck here? They'll want to watch over our bodies to make sure we're still getting the nutrients we need and stuff. So what do they do?"

Even Nagisa seemed to understand now. His face lit up with understanding. "They'll move us to the hospital!"

"Exactly!" Kirito was glad these two caught on pretty quick. At least they weren't dense or anything. "So I guess I've already been moved, if this is even what's going on. Hopefully you guys will be moved soon." But this means this could happen at any time. Either tomorrow, a week from now, a month... "I hope you guys get moved soon. A-And not for the purpose of needing to grind for XP! For your health too!"

Nagisa laughed softly when Kirito panicked, trying to express what he meant. "It's alright Kirito, we understand."

"I don't" Karma replied but when Nagisa lightly stomped on his shoe (good thing that didn't hurt!), he pouted. "Yeah yeah, I got you. I know what you mean... Kill joy."

"Don't be so mean, Karma." Nagisa pouted back. "Anyway, should we still go to the hunting grounds?"

"Yeah, I'm sure it'll be fine... Now that we're aware it will most likely happen to you guys too, we can be wary." Kirito nodded. "Let's try to hunt as much as we can for today. We'll try going out hunting at least a few hours a day but like I said, we should probably stay in or near town."

"Aye Aye, sir."

November 13th 2022, Floor 1, Horunka Village

It's been nearly a week and so far, Karma and Nagisa haven't gone unconscious yet. Many players finally showed up to the town and with that, many people falling unconscious. It was happening a lot now and with everyone, so the group assumed their hypothesis was correct. People of SAO were being transported to the hospital in real life so their bodies and health can be monitored and kept up on.

It was both relieving and nerve-wracking. They were being helped but at the same time, they were being put in danger. What if they disconnected during hunting or even just out of town? Anyone or anything could attack them and kill them. All of their work would be wasted...

"Maybe we should stay in town for good until it happens," Kirito suggested suddenly. The three party members were currently sitting in a NPC restaurant. It wasn't anything fancy of course since it was only on the first floor and in the second town. It was cozy though, and the food was okay.

"We can't just give up on hunting entirely until we get transported." Karma sighed and leaned back in his booth seat. "It's not like we have many NPC quests now. We did one a day since you suggested it so there's really not much left in this town."

"Besides, the quests only gives us some rewards and stuff. Hunting is the only way to actually level up." Nagisa added. He's really learned a lot in the past few days.

Kirito closed his eyes and hummed to himself. It was a habit of his when he was thinking hard. What should he do... He couldn't let them risk their lives... But then again, they needed to level up and beat the game. He paused and opened his eyes. No, that wasn't just their responsibility. Everyone else fighting was aiming to beat the game too. "Hey... we don't have to work so hard for now." He told the two across from him.

"What do you mean? We have to beat this game to get out! We can't just sit around." Karma reminded Kirito since the swordsman apparently forgot their main mission here.

"We're not the only ones trying to fight and level up." Kirito pointed out. "There are, or at least should be, plenty of other players trying to beat the game just as much as we are. And it hasn't even been a month yet. The safest bet would be to stay in town until you two are moved to the hospital. After that..." He stopped for a moment. They were supposed to part ways after this. "We'll decide on what do to next. Remember, you guys have to make your decisions soon."

"I still don't see why..." Nagisa mumbled, making Karma scoff. But he didn't start another argument.

Kirito cleared his throat to gain their attentions again. "Anyway... Is it agreed that we'll stay in town until you two are transported?"

Nagisa nodded. "Fine by me. I've been wanting to finish the missions in town anyway like you mentioned."

"As much as I don't want to..." Karma trailed off with a sigh, looking away from the group. "Fine. We'll do missions then..."

"Glad that was all cleared up." Kirito said. He really was. He didn't want these two to keep arguing while they're all trying to survive. Having grudges, petty or not, was not wise within a group. "For now, I know a few missions we could start on. They're pretty short and they let us stay in town. No need to go out of town for these missions. The last mission we'll do will probably be the one that haves us deliver something to the next town.

"Oh I see. We mind as well anyway since we'll be heading there soon." Nagisa agreed.

"Exactly." Kirito smiled before reaching for one of the menus already preset on the table. However instead of picking it up, all they had to do was click on it and the food and drinks options popped up on a different menu similar to their own. "Let's get something before we go. It would be rude if we just sat here without ordering anything. Well, if it was real life that is." Since this was just a NPC shop, they NPCs running it won't even complain or come and ask if they were going to order or not.

"I wonder if you can take food..." Karma wondered aloud. The moment he finished his sentence, he felt Nagisa hit his arm. Somehow that didn't count as an attack by the game so unfortunately for Karma, Nagisa didn't become an orange cursor player. He's joking, obviously.

"Karma! Don't think like that!"

"What, it's just NPCs! It's not like they actually cook the food or even gather the ingredients! They probably just go to the back and the food's already programmed onto the counter." Karma pouted.

"As much as I don't agree with the stealing part, he's right." Kirito commented. "It probably just spawns in once we tell the waiters our orders." He shrugged. Nagisa just pouted in return but didn't scold Karma any further.

With their decision to stay in town finally agreed on, the three opened up their menus to enjoy a well earned meal.

November 14th 2022, Floor 1, Horunka Village

Nagisa wasn't sure what made him wake up but he really was glad he did. Maybe it was because some warmth was missing or because he didn't sense Karma beside him, but when he woke up, his first instinct was to look beside him where Karma was sleeping. Or rather where he should be sleeping. Instead of the usual, sleeping redhead that's been sleeping next to Nagisa for the past week, it was just an empty space.

His tired mind immediately working into overdrive, Nagisa jumped out of bed quickly. This was just a one room inn with two beds, a chair, and a small table. So if Karma wasn't in the chair (and Nagisa seriously doubted he'd be sleeping with Kirito), that means... Karma was gone. Kidnapped? Or on purpose? It probably wasn't a kidnapping. Who would have a grudge against Karma only a week into the game? The only people they've spoken to was Kirito and mainly NPCs.

Why did Karma leave then? There was no need to restock items, especially not at this time of night. Oh, why was Nagisa trying to convince himself that Karma wasn't out hunting? He knew the redhead. Even in SAO, Karma still abandons his life with recklessness to get stronger.

Whether Karma actually was out hunting or not, it was better safe than sorry. So Nagisa quickly went to Kirito's bed, shaking the other awake. He sure hoped Kirito didn't hate being woken up in the middle of the night... "Kirito! Karma is gone!"

Kirito was slowly opening his eyes but once Nagisa mentioned that, his eyes opened wide and he sat up instantly. "What? He's gone?" He looked around the room as if he had to confirm it for himself. "Where do you think he's gone?"

"Knowing him, he's probably out in the fields!" Nagisa told Kirito, moving back from his bed so Kirito could get up. He swiftly opened his menu and clicked a button twice. The first time his light armor he had gotten from the beginning of the game appeared on his body and the second time was his sword appearing on his side. Kirito was doing the same. What, did you think they just wore their armor and weapons to bed? Virtual or not, sleep was still sleep.

"Let's get going quickly. He's probably in the fields closest to the town. Follow me!" Once they were suited up, Kirito dashed out the room with Nagisa behind him. If this was for nothing, if Karma was actually at some restaurant just for a bite to eat... Well, at least they couldn't see Kirito didn't care. The way he jumped up once Nagisa mentioned Karma's absence, it showed he wasn't just doing this to be nice. He might be a loner, but he's a good person.

The two left the inn, running past a few surprised players who watched them rush off. "How come people are out this late?" Nagisa asked as they ran through the streets of Horunka.

"Some people are probably still used to playing games at night. I used to do the same during the summer when I didn't have to worry about school." Kirito explained. Although now that the game was actually a death trap now, Kirito knew sleep will be very important. "And there are also people who want to get stronger, like-"

"I know." Nagisa cut him off, although not on purpose. He still couldn't believe Karma went out on his own! What if he got killed? Nagisa and Kirito would wake up and find the third HP bar in their party gone. Nagisa would somehow blame himself and Kirito would be forced to take a new player under his wing...

In no time at all, Nagisa and Kirito arrived to the closest hunting ground. Small mobs were starting to spawn close by, but there was no sign of Karma or any other players. "No... where is he?" Nagisa questioned aloud, looking around frantically. Kirito looked around as well before glancing at Karma's health bar in the top left corner of his vision. Still green...

"Isn't there a faster way to find him?" Nagisa asked almost desperately. Kirito tried to think before suddenly slapping his own forehead. He must've been too tired to think of messaging or tracking Karma!

Kirito quickly swiped open his menu, ready to click on Karma's name and shoot him a message. Just before he clicked on his name, he was startled by a thud right next to him. He looked over and saw Nagisa on the ground. His eyes were closed as if he was sleeping. Oh no! Kirito quickly looked back at the partys' health bars. He looked just in time to see Karma's health suddenly drop about twenty percent. It wasn't in the orange yet, but who knows how long it could take for it to completely deplete!

"Nagisa!" Kirito called out before remembering that the boy was technically disconnected. Curse his tired mind! Kirito got off the messages and tried to track Karma. The sound of rushing hooves behind him stopped him from hitting the "TRACK" button by Karma's name, which would show Kirito his location. The swordsman barely had enough time to dodge the small boar mob. Okay, he had to wake up completely if he was going to save Nagisa and Karma! "I swear, you better not die!" He said to no one in particular as he lunged at the boar, his sword drawn.

"If you ever do that again, I will personally kill you myself with your own sword!"

"I-"

"Do you know how worried we were?"

"Sor-"

"I honestly thought you were idiotic enough to go out alone in the fields at night for XP!"

"Sorry-"

Kirito watched the exchange in front of him with amusement. He expected the two to bicker like they always did, but it was different this time. Nagisa was the only one getting angry while Karma sat on the bed, his head bowed in an apology. Kirito honestly didn't expect this outcome.

Last night when he saw Karma's health drop, he thought for sure that the redhead was in a field somewhere. He hadn't a lot of time to track Karma while defending Nagisa from the mobs. When he finally got a break, he (barely) managed to drag Nagisa closer to town before checking where Karma was on the map. He was shocked to see him... in town. He had been in town the whole time? But how did his HP drop?

Kirito managed to get Nagisa more into town before a few of the nightly players helped him get Nagisa to Karma's location. He too was unconscious and being watched over a worried party of players. Apparently they had just been chatting by the tower, ready to go hunt when Karma's body literally just fell by them. Later on the redhead told them that he had been at the tower the whole time, looking at the nightly sky of digital codes. He claimed he couldn't sleep and went to the tower for peace and quiet. So when he got disconnected, his body fell and he took fall damage. Since he was in town, his health wouldn't have gone past the orange zone, but it was still worrying.

Honestly, Kirito was just relieved that they were both alive and fine. No one died and everyone was successfully transferred to a hospital. If that's indeed what was going on here.

"I really can't believe you." Nagisa fumed, still pacing around in their room in the inn.

"I really apologize, Nagisa. I didn't mean to startle you guys." Karma stood up with a sigh. He didn't think they'd think he was stupid enough to risk his life like that... "Honestly Nagisa, you thought I'd be that much of an idiot? Do you forget who scored 100 in all of his tests on finals?"

"You're still an idiot!" Nagisa claimed. He finally stopped pacing so he could face Karma. "We ran out there to save you! Kirito had to save me because I thought..." Nagisa trailed off, his voice now softer. He could have died because he thought Karma was risking his life... "You could have sent a message and I would have seen it when I woke up."

"I didn't think I'd take that long." Karma said which was he truth. He only meant to be out there for maybe ten minutes but he got lost in his thoughts. "Why did you think I'd go out alone anyway? Not when we had the chances of going unconscious."

"Because you seem so desperate to get away from me." Nagisa responded, surprising Karma and even Kirito. When did Karma ever give off the vibes that he wanted to get rid of Nagisa? "U-Um, I don't mean it like that," He clarified quickly when he saw their shocked faces. "I mean... you're so quick to doubt yourself when you're the better fighter between the two of us. Yet you want to distance ourselves in fear that you might end up getting me killed..."

"Nagisa..."

"Let me finish," Nagisa requested just as Karma began to speak. "Karma, just please, give it up. Even if you left us one day, I will leave the party, I'll leave Kirito, and focus all of my time in tracking you down. I won't focus on beating the game and certainly not my own life. So the only way to keep me from basically suicide, stay with me."

Well, damn. Kirito really didn't think Nagisa had this in him. Even Karma didn't! The other would just search the whole game for him? Risking his own life just to stay by Karma's side? What an odd character... Kirito couldn't help but chuckle under his breath. This duo certainly surprised him... maybe, just maybe, he could keep them along. If they chose to stay that is. "You heard him," He suddenly commented to Karma. "If you leave, I already know there's no chance in me stopping him."

Nagisa gave him a small smile, seeing his attempt to help the shorter boy. Karma looked between the two and sighed deeply. 2 v 1... How unfair. "You guys are too cruel," He groaned, scratching at his head. "I guess... Alright, fine. You have me at gunpoint. Or- uh, swordpoint. I'll stay with you, Nagisa."

"Don't ever try to come up with a pun again." The other two party members groaned at the same time. Karma just smirked in triumph.

Ugh, finally done- I already wrote this author's note but before I could save, an ad popped up and I accidentally clicked it so I lost my author's note- So sorry if this one's not as peppy or excited ;3; anyway, let me just get to the point.

I had some ideas I wanted your opinions on:

1) I somehow come up with an idea to add Gakushuu Asano to this story. Just to see him bicker with Karma. And hey, if anyone wants a polyamory- WELL SHYT, WE MIND AS WELL ADD KIRITO TO THE MIX TOO ;D

2) ahem, uh, I could add a special guest, Lena Oxton to this story. Search them up and you'll know where I'm going with this ;D

Anyway, I can't really write the third chapter until I have your opinions so what do you think about those options? Also, I need to know, should they stay with Kirito or nah? No matter what, Kirito will hook up with Asuna (UNLESS YOU WANT THAT POLYAMORY, HAHA THE MORE THE MERRIER. im tired), Karma will no matter what end up with Nagisa at least, and Kirito will be the one to officially beat the game. I said Karma and Nagisa would be in the fight of course, but Kirito's still like... you know, the one who'll finish it.

ALSO, do you guys want a sequel? :0 Like, I'm motivated for this story just cause I want to write a sequel with Karma and Kirito meeting Sinon in GGO and meeting Death Gun too. But I'll leave the details out for now ;D Just let me know if you're interested :3

Okay so if you're wondering why the sudden location things are present (Ex: November 7th 2022, Floor 1, the path to Horunka Village), I was going to add them but the last chapter... it was exactly 7,777 words! Being the OCD person I am, I couldn't ruin it. Hey hey, lucky number 7-

Anyway, please give me your opinions! :D (Seriously, consider the polyamory. At least KarmaxNagisaxGakushuu? There isn't enough of these three in the world- and hey, if you want Kirito to join, he's jus gonna be like "whoops, im gay" so)

Enjoy! Please choose so I can write the next chapters!