I don't own Sword Art Online or Mataras the Red Swordsman. Sword Art Online is owned by Reki Kawahara. Mataras the Red Swordsman is owned by Mataras the Author. I only own my OCs.
Chapter 5: Yolko, and the Safe Zone Murderer
The mood in the area, was really grim, every member of the assault team, were attending a meeting, and it was not a very good setting. "Lure it to the village!" Asuna said as she slammed her hand in the middle of the rock where the map was. "That's how we beat it, we'll lure it to the village, and while its distracted with the NPC's, that's when we strike."
Two pairs of eyes stared at the chestnut girl, "Now wait a second," protested Kirito, "We can't just go around killing of NPC's, that's…"
"What? You think that they're alive?" Asuna said coldly, interrupting the black swordsman, "Unlike any of us, with only one life, they can respawn. They're no different to rocks and trees." she told them
"Sorry, but if that's the plan, then were not interested." Akira scowled at the girl, he wasn't into Asuna's attitude at this moment.
"I'm in charge of this operation," Asuna pointed out, glaring at the two boys, "So you shall do as I say, got it?"
But before could continue to argue, the entire raid party started to hear a loud snort followed by a burst of laughter that was carried around the cavern. "Excuse me miss 'Lightning Flash', but your in charge of the Knights of the Blood Oath, Kirito is in charge of The Moonlit Black Cats. Besides, we're not helping out on this plan anyway because of two reasons, a huge flaw if you ask me." Mataras' voice spoke out of mock respect towards Asuna.
"One, Bosses can't leave the areas they guard. Even if it's a field boss, they can't leave a certain parameter that keeps them from roaming freely," he said
"Two, these areas are called safe zones for a reason after all." Akira finished
He could practically feel the anger coming from Asuna, who was about ready to blow out of rage, she knew that they were right, but she stop glaring lightning bolts at Mataras, and Akira could literally see them flashing at each other.
"Alright, I say we get in one more week for grinding our levels, so that way, we can be ready to take on that boss." Klein announced, and Akira nodded in agreement, the leader of the six man samurai guild, Furinkazan, was well respected for being on the front lines, but, for some reason, he didn't seem to get a lot of positive attention from the guild known as, The Holy Dragon Alliance. "As stated before, we'll meet back here in one week to compare notes. Any arguments?" he shot a look at both the Cats and Asuna while he spoke up with his idea.
The raid party filtered out of the caverns, including the MBC. As they're leaving, the three members of the beater group were approached by Agil, who wasn't pleased with the behavior of the boys. "What's up with you guys?" he asked as he folded his arms
"What do you mean? As in our arguments with Asuna?" Akira asked
Agil nodded, "Yeah, you used to be in the same party, and now you guys can't go a single meeting without having a single argument," the big man said
Mataras grunted, it was his usual response to this sort of conversation.
"We just have a rough chemistry for right now," Kirito shrugged, "I remember telling her she'd be better off in a guild, but I didn't expect her to join one of the top guilds in the game? And become a floor clearing badass."
"Well, it's alright, doesn't matter really." Akira replied, "Besides, we've got two of our own badass fighting girls, and the leader of the raid from floor 1 in our guild. All three of them are really competent now. In fact, Silica could easily put her skills to at least of the Furinkazan to shame. And as for Sachi, her sword skills could easily beat the HDA, mainly on a boss raid." he pointed out.
"Speaking of which… where did those three go? I saw them heading out with Litrosh about half an hour ago." Agil questioned
"She's getting our meals together probably, we're having a picnic lunch on floor 59, so we should head there now. See you later Agil. You have fun at your shop today." Mataras said, and the three boys headed off to the warp gate.
"Yeah, you too." Agil replied with a small wave, "Take care, y'all."
The Moonlit Black Cats sat down in the fields, outside of town, for a picnic, enjoying some handmade sandwiches made by both Sachi and Silica. Kirito had sausages in the his, Daibel's had a variety of salads in his. Sachi had was munching on a turkey sandwich, Silica was having a cheese and ham sandwich. Akira, and Mataras were both having a classic peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich. And finally, Litrosh, and Pina were gulping down some raw duck meat that they got ahold of with their masters' aid.
The food made everyone in the guild tired, and ready for some sleep, so the group decided to take turns in a tag team watching over the others as they slept. They weren't in a safe zone, so it meant possible players could come by and kill them.
Mataras and Sachi had just turn over guard duty to Akira and a groggy Silica. Akira leaned on his back in front of the tree, while Silica was laying on a thick tree branch above. Akira was only relaxing, and had his eyes closed, but this was all a trick to fake out anyone coming towards them.
A single player was moving towards the group, as Akira prepared himself to strike when the player passed him. When the player stopped, Akira sprang into action, sword in hand, whipping around and pointed the sword to their back.
He heard a familiar gasp, followed by the figure turning around. "Oh, it's you. What do you want?" Akira asked, now looking at the red-and-white clad figure of Asuna.
"Everyone else is working their butts off to clear this floor, and where do I find all of you? Out here, taking a nap." she frowned.
"Not everyone, actually." Akira said, pointing up, hoping to see Silica pop her head down, that didn't happened however because he saw her, fast asleep in the tree. "Oh, dear…" he muttered
"Besides, point A: like Mataras said, we don't really work for you, and point B: Silica isn't used to being on the front lines yet, so we're working up slowly so she can get used for battles like this." Akira said, as he was slowly climbing up the tree to check on Silica.
Asuna sighed at both points, and both were good points, "If you had taken in anything that the three of us said before the battle with Illfang, you'd understand." Akira said as he sat on the branch Silica was on.
"Now, what are you talking about?" asked the chesnut-ette
"Clearly you seem to have forgotten that we should try to live the best we can in this world, and look at us, we're just normal people, we can't fight all the time." Akira said to her, Asuna, however, only simply noticed the frown on his face.
"But there's so much more we could be doing," Asuna fumed
"Yeah well, I bet you didn't know that today is Aincrad's best optimal weather, if you take the time to relax a bit, you might notice it too." said Akira as carefully lifted Silica in a bridal style and climbed down the tree, standing right next to Asuna.
"Don't you get it," she snapped, "Every day in here is another day lost in the real world, why don't you understand that?"
"Because we're not in the real world. We're alive, here in Aincrad. We have all this lovely sunshine, as well as floors like floor 22, and entire lake district, and floor 47, a beautiful flower garden, we have all of these great places. So, why take them for granted? Look at my guild mates, all of our finest players, still able to enjoy life as much as they can to the fullest, and with the best of their ability." With his speech said, and done, Akira went back to lean on the tree, access his menu, and sort some things out.
Asuna started to look around, she wanted to kick something, but the weather, and Akira's words, seemed to neutralize her anger, the warm sun, the cold breeze, the clear blue skies, and lush green grass all acted into one. She looked at the Moonlit Black Cats, with Akira on watch, and the others sleeping peacefully.
"Well, alright, I'll give it a try." she mumbled to herself, as she continued to glimpse at the guild, Even though they're one of our best guilds, they're trying to make sure everyone stays safe and enjoys themselves. Maybe I shouldn't had tried to be so hard. she thought to herself, as laid on the ground, closed her eyes, and fell fast asleep.
When Kirito woke up from his nap, he was surprised to notice the vice commander of the KOB sleeping right next to him. When did she get here? he asked with a startled thought. Akira walked over to him, and explained what happened, he then added, "Mataras, Sachi, and Diabel are off grinding, and Silica is still asleep, so I'm going to take her to the inn in town for the night, just until she wakes up."
"I'll take care of sleeping beauty then," Kirito smirked, and then went to the wall on the side of the road.
Pina slowly woke up when Akira came to pick up Silica, "Huh, your awake, but your master isn't." He chuckled a bit, looking at the small feathered dragon, "Alright, hop on up here." Pina instantly did so landing right on top of his head, he found it a bit weird, but got used to it as he continued to carry her back.
He paid for his room, and placed Silica on the bed, Pina had gotten comfy on Akira's head, and decided to let her stay there as he leaned back and stared out of the window. He was thinking of everything that happened during the time while trapped in the death game.
It was nearly sunset when he heard a message box appear in front of him, this caused Silica to wake up, and she was still a little groggy. "What's going on?" she asked.
Akira chuckled as he replied, "Well, while we were spending our time having a nap on the fields, Asuna came and nearly got us into a fight, but I was able to convince her to try and relax a little bit. She ended up falling asleep right next to Kirito as he woke up. You fell back to sleep and I had to keep watch while the group rested, then Mataras, Sachi, and Diabel woke up, Itold them what happened, and that I continue to keep watch, while they left to grind. Kirito stayed put with Asuna, as I brought you back here to finish your nap." after his explanation, Silica felt a bit bad for what, happened, but he assured that she didn't do anything wrong. He then explained that Kirito was having dinner with Asuna on floor 57, and was interested in joining.
Silica chuckled as she heard her stomach growling, "Yeah, some food does sound like a good idea." she said.
The group reunited with Mataras, and the others, and went to the same restaurant where Kirito, and Asuna were going to on floor 57. The group decided to talk about some really funny stuff, while they waited for their meals, when suddenly a piercing scream came from outside.
Everyone in the restaurant rushed outside to see what happened, as soon as the group reunited with Kirito, and Asuna, wondering what was going on.
"Look! Up there!" Silica gasped in horror, as the group saw what she was pointing at, hanging with rope around his neck, was an armored man with a red jagged sword piercing through his body.
"What in the name off…" Diabel looked in disbelief
"Pull it out! Hurry!" Kirito yelled up
"He won't die, this is a safe zone." Mataras said
"We can't just leave him up there!" shouted Asuna leaving a look that would have tank armor melted and plastered on a persons face
Mataras sighed and growled as he drew his sword, "GET BACK!" he roared as he leapted toward the man, but his eyes widened in shock, as the impaled person cried out in shock, and then vanish into a flurry of blue and green polygons.
His shook off his shock quickly, but still needed a place to land, so he kicked of the wall, and flipped back off to land on his feet.
Akira rushed up, and grabbed the sword on the ground, he then stood up, "Everyone! Look for the player winner icon!" Akira snapped
Diabel scanned the crowds from the back, and Sachi walked around the plaza, hoping to see if the player ran off. "There's no winner here, and every player here has a green cursor." Diabel reported back to Akira.
"Then the player must still be inside the building! Kirito! Asuna! Silica, check the tower!" Mataras called out.
The three went in with a rush, no complaints from any of them, a moment later, Silica was on the ledge above them. "There's no one up here!" she announced, leaving Akira to grit his teeth, believing the player must've used a teleport crystal.
The men of the Clack Cats, and Asuna, closely examined the tower, hoping to find some clues. "Well, any luck on finding clues guys?" Akira asked
"Theory one: It was a duel, when the winner was made, he or she threw the loser out the window with the sword still in him." Mataras started
"Theory two: It's an event, and the sword might be a clue to what happened." Diabel added
Sachi, and Silica walked in, followed by a woman, she had dark long purple hair, as well as big blue eyes. "This is Yolko, and the man who died up there was a player, his name was Kains." Sachi said, with a sad and grim look on her face. The same was shown on Silica.
Kirito sighed, "Well, chalk off theory two." he said with a frown
Asuna contacted her boss, and told him she was going to helping a player with a mystery dealing with a murder in the safe zone.
"Let's start with what we know so far." Mataras started with his hand up, "We heard a scream, rushed outside, and saw the victim being hung from the tower, with a big red sword through his gut." he started
"Yolko told us that she thought she saw a hooded figure going into the tower, so most likely, the victor from the duel, teleported out before we showed up." Silica pointed out.
"But we're forgetting something, even though we didn't see the winner's icon, there would've been a clock and health bars of the two players in that duel, in which the remainder of the duel and afterwards, but that's it, we didn't see that anywhere." Sachi said
"Then if it wasn't a duel…" Kirito began
"Then someone found a way to kill allayer while they wee in a safe zone, while they were awake," Asuna summed up, disturbing them with the new theory, "just like you could out in the fields. Not at all like killing people while they're asleep. Great."
"Only one guild I know can pull off something like that." Akira stated
Everyone soon realized who Akira meant, as they nodded in agreement, because they all had the same answer. "Laughing Coffin, the murder guild," Diabel said as he gritted his teeth, "if anyone could do it, would be them."
"That does make sense, but LC doesn't do it unless they were hired to do so." Mataras pointed out, "Now for a new question… who would do this, and why?"
Asuna eyed at the sword Mataras was holding, "Let's take the blade to a specialist so they can appraise it, then we can find out who made it. It would be a start?" she said looking around
"Do you know someone who can do it, Asuna?" Diabel asked
"Yeah, a blacksmith who currently lives on floor 48, but she's busy at the moment, I don't think she can help." admitted Asuna
"Let's try Agil then, he lives down on floor 50," Akira pointed out, "I've actually had his help in appraising before, so he definitely has the skill to do it." he said
"Then it looks like we got ourselves a game plan." Mataras grinned
The group had planned out what to do, Akira and Silica, would stay with Yolko, and keep an eye out for trouble in the town. Kirito, Mataras, Diabel, Sachi, and Asuna would head to floor 50 to talk with Agil.
"Come again my friend." His voice booming as the group reached the shop, a player was walking out, muttering about unfair deals. Kirito went in first.
"I see your still scamming players, as usual." he said
"No way, look who the cat dragged in! You know my motto, 'Buy Cheap, Sell Cheap," Agil replied as he turned from his desk
"Hey Agil, how's business, and nice pun I guess?" Diabel nodded, as they came in.
Agil was about to replay when he saw Asuna in the back of the group. He grabbed Kirito abruptly, and pulled him over his work desk, "You guys are the Moonlit Black Cats! What are you doing with Asuna?!" he asked the swordsman.
"His HP dropped to 0 while in the safe zone?" Agil confirmed. They had just told him the short version of the story, "Let me take a look at the murder weapon." He demanded. Mataras handed him the blade, and Agil activated his appraisal skill.
"A player made this, and it's a very fine sword, in fact, if you can managed it, this blade could probably take you the whole way." he reported
"Who made the sword, and what is it called?" asked Sachi
"The player's name is 'Grimlock', not familiar to me though, he's not even in top smith's, that's for sure." Agil announced, "You're gonna love the name of the blade too, "Guilty Thorn", kinda suits the name doesn't it?"
Mataras then took the sword and examined the blade himself, "Guilty Thorn, huh?" Well, I think I might keep this sword." he smirked
"The red swordsman, bane of the red players, wielding Guilty Thorn, the sword of justice, I like it." Diabel said
"It really does suit you brother." Sachi added
The five bid farewell to Agil and went back to floor 57, Diabel sent a message to the guard team, updating them with the information they got Agil.
A moment later, Akira replied, saying that they were at the tavern. The five players decided to head down and join them.
It wasn't really hard to notice them, as they got closer, they started snickering, Akira was confused on why. Litrosh jumped on Mataras' head, and chirped, this caused Akira to hear a brighter replay coming from the top of his head, this caused him to face-palm on his predicament.
"She's been up there ever since we got back to town." He was, of coarse, referring to Pina, who was quite snug on his head.
"She really likes you, Akira." giggled Silica, she then whistled, causing Pina to jump over to her, and landing on the girls head.
"Yeah, I'm quite curious as to why though?" Akira asked as he shook his head in confusion
"Well, maybe she you to be helpful for when she builds a nest." Sachi suggested
The entire group laughed, while Akira only face-palmed with a groan.
The group invited Yolko to a mid-morning lunch the very next day, hopefully to get some more information on the case, "So… Yolko, do you happen to know a man by the name of Grimlock?" asked Diabel, sparking a conversation
Her expression showed the instant she heard his name that she knew him, a reaction of shock, "Can you tell us a bit more about him?" Silica asked her
Yolko nodded, "I'll tell you, but first I'll tell you how our guild was destroyed," she said, "I was once in a guild of eight called, Golden Apple, our leader, was a brave, and courageous woman named Griselda, she was a strong person, and we respected her for it." she began
"One day, we killed a monster, and a rare item drop. It was a ring which increased a player's agility by 20," she said, "We made a vote, to keep the ring, or to sell the ring, the vote was 5 to 3, in favor of selling it," she paused
"When Griselda went to sell the ring, she never came back, and we confirmed it on the monument of life, she was dead. No-one other than the guild members knew about the ring, and we began to distrust each other. Eventually, the guild fell apart, when Grimlock left."
Griselda and Grimlock were in-game married, he loved her for her traits, but then when he found out about her death, he left and became a blacksmith, in hopes of finding out who killed her." Yolko explained
"I was one of the members that voted to keep the ring, Kains who was killed yesterday, was another." she explained
"And the third?" Asuna asked
"The other is a tank player, named Schmidt, last I heard, he was in The Holy Dragon Alliance now." Yolko said
"We know him?" Silica asked, since she was new to the front lines
"A tank… yeah, he's head of the lancer squad in the HDA, and he's extremely good at his job." Diabel nodded
While Kirito went to meet the lancer with Asuna, the others took Yolko back to her room at the inn. While they waited, Yolko offered to make some tea for everyone, Akira, Mataras, and Sachi went to join them just as Kirito and Asuna returned with a man in bulky blue, and silver armor.
Once they were inside, Kirito and Asuna explained the situation about what happened, Schmidt started to tap his leg up and down, in a deep thought, "So that's what this is about." he eventually said, "But why though? Why did Grimlock wait for so long until now?" he demanded in fear as he raised his voice
"Whoa, take it easy their, buddy." Akira spoke, trying to calm him down
"Settle down." Mataras commanded. He seemed more on edge than usual, Diabel thought, "Panic isn't going to get you anywhere."
"But why?!" the tank repeated, and turned his gaze back to Yolko, but she seemed a bit quiet after coming back from the kitchen, "How can you be okay with this Yolko?! How can you be okay with Kains dead over a stupid vendetta!" he demanded
Grimlock's wife, Griselda, was murdered." Mataras snorted as leaned against a wall, awhile Akira did the same on the opposite side. "I doubt he's thinking clearly at all right now in this state."
"If Grimlock really is behind all this, he must've had to put in a lot of time, thought, and effort into putting this plan into action," Kirito countered, "He must've had a reason for going after Kains. Schmidt, you got any reasons why he would go after him, and not you two? From what we've been told, you three were the only ones to have said to keep the ring, so you should be suspects in what's going on."
Schmidt seemed to be thinking, but then shook his head, "No not really, I don't really have any idea on why he targeted him. In fact, I find it a bit strange for Grimlock to go after Kains, before Yolko, and I"
"Any reason why?" Akira asked
"Well, Kains was the one to get the rare item drop, but he was the who Griselda the ring in the first place, saying she should have it cause she was the leader." the tank said, "He had no intention of keeping the ring at all."
Yolko suddenly seem to freeze out of fear, causing Asuna to notice, "Yolko, what's the matter? she asked
"It all adds up now…" she muttered, "It must've been Griselda's very ghost! She's come back from the grave to get her revenge on us for going against her! Kains was first, and now we're next!" she suddenly bursted out, and backing up to the window
"Yolko! Get a hold of yourself!" yelled Mataras
"That's right! Even if ghosts exited, It's impossible for them to be in the game in the first place." nodded Akira
Schmidt didn't as he was trembling in fear, with his armor shaking, "She's right though," he muttered, "A player can't kill in a safe zone, but a ghost can! We're so dead! We're going to die for what we did, and it's all our fault!" Silica consoled him while Mataras glared at Yolko enraged.
"Now look at you did!" He growled, "Do you see what you've…" His voice was gone instantly as he saw Yolko suddenly jolt up, then begin to sag as she turned around, and revealed a long black dagger embedded in her back.
"Oh my…" Akira muttered, as they gasped at the sight. Silica and Sachi had their hands covering their mouths, Asuna gasped, while Diabel, and Schmidt just gapped. Yolko suddenly fell out of the window and hit the ground as she bursted into polygons, leaving only the dagger behind on the ground.
Akira, Kirito, and Mataras rushed over to the window where she fell from, "Guys?" Asuna asked, putting a hand on Silica's shoulder hugging her while in a state of shock.
"Is she…" asked Silica
"I'm not a healer…" Mataras said, when Kirito didn't answer, "But I don't like her chances."
"Which aren't very good." Akira added
Asuna: Man, this is getting intense.
Lauren: Yeah, not like you get when you protect Yui.
Akira: That's true. Anyway, I want to say thanks to those who've supported me in the story so far.
Kirito: Any reason why?
Silica: No clue, mind telling us why?
Akira: Not sure really, but it's the thought that counts.
Sachi: I guess so.
Author Next time on The Azure Swordsman: The Lost Fragment. Chapter 6: Grimlock, and The Laughing Coffin.
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