A/N - A bit of a story on why this update took so long. I suffered an overuse injury in my wrist due to writing too much! Oh the irony...I still have to be careful, and I can't write for hours at a time as I used to (at least for the moment.) Anyhow enjoy this update!

Beater - Slang for beta tester

PK - Player Killing/Player Killer

When Miri awoke the next day she was suddenly aware of a heavy emptiness in the room. She pulled herself up and shook her head, as if to shake the last remnants of sleep from her mind. Already she felt so much better; after all, the new day heralded the seventh day of their stay at the inn. Her head was clear; her HP was full, along with her hunger and thirst meter. But still, despite how good she felt, there was an uneasiness she couldn't shake from her shoulders.

She tried to ignore her uneasy feeling. Mind racing, she realized today was the day Haru would send somebody to check up on them...She hoped it wasn't Midori. It was then, as she looked around the room, that she realized Saki was not there. Her little sister often played with her friends out in the lounge, so she wasn't too concerned. However…

Everything was quiet. Too quiet. It was a chilling silence, unnatural and too difficult to ignore. Something wasn't right. She opened the menu and scrolled down to her friends' list. Saki was, of course, still online, and within the inn. Frustrated, Miri exited the menu and was about to leave the room when she suddenly heard loud laughter in the corridor. She knew at once who that laughter belonged to.

What's she done now?

When Miri emerged, she looked at her sister in confusion. There, on a couch, was Saki, with a stranger.

The girl Saki was sitting with looked about thirteen. Maybe fourteen. She was a pudgy girl, with a round face and a full waist. Her hair was a silvery white in two set twin tails, and her eyes were a dark purple. She looked a lot like she was in cosplay; with a long, expensive sword hanging at her side, and an exaggerated red and white gothic Lolita dress. The two were staring at a video, playing on Sword Art Online's in-built media player. She caught a glimpse of an anime playing.

"Can I interrupt?"

"Miri!" Saki didn't look the least bit surprised at her entrance. In fact, a genuine smile lit her face. She'd also changed her hair back to how it usually was; no longer was it cotton candy pink, but curly, short and black. "Meet…um…umm…what's your name?"

The girl didn't reply. Her eyes were fixed on the screen. Miri leaned down, curious – only to smile at the familiarity of the show.

"Hey – is that Sailor Boy Z?"

That caught the girl's attention. At once she looked up at Miri, and grinned. "You bet ya! We're watchin' from season 1! Aoi just joined the navy and met all the other hot guys!"

Miri looked in awe at the screen. Sailor Boy Z was only the hottest anime show for teen girls on the market. Four hot boys joined the navy. She'd read every chapter released of the manga, and scoured every doujinshi. The newest episode would've been released today. Her heart sunk at the thought of falling behind on the latest craze.

"Just you wait – there's so much yaoi innuendo in this show! The next episodes are even better," Hitomi said to Saki.

"Yaoi?" Saki grinned. "Hey Miri, yaoi is all those dirty comics you hide in your downloads, right?"

"The hell are you doing snooping around my computer?!"

"Quiet!" Hitomi ordered. The anime was winding to a close; as the ending credits began to play she turned to Saki and asked, "so did you like it?"

Saki nodded. "I've never watched anime like this before. It's not like the stuff on television after school."

"That's kids' stuff! Anime has so much more to offer; scary monsters; cute girls; hot harems that I'm sure any child would love-Hey!"

Miri had bonked her on the head. The girl sent her a vicious glare. "What's your problem? The internet's gonna teach her someday!"

"It's that-" Miri shook her head, and stared at the girl. She didn't have to argue with some stranger. There was something obviously not right with her; that she'd sit down and watch anime like that with her eight year old sister was too…weird. "Whatever. C'mon, Saki. Let's go."

"Where? I like this anime."

"I've got a lot more where that came from." The girl exited the video and opened up a main menu. Even Miri's eyes widened in shock. Files upon files of anime lined the screen; action, horror, adventure, romance, fantasy...Even her anime collection was pitiful compared to this girl's. She must've uploaded it from an external hard drive before she'd logged into the Nervgear. "I'd have more," she said smugly, when she noticed their awed stares, "but Sword Art Online has a stupid one terabyte file limit. I mean come on. That's so 2015."

Miri looked from the file collection, to the girl. "Aren't you…worried? About being trapped here?" she asked. She knew it was a blunt question – but that the girl could be so carefree, watching anime in cosplay when tensions were already so high was confusing to her.

The girl's eyes widened and she chewed her lip. "Oh right… Who cares? I'm sure we'll get logged out soon. It's nothing serious."

300 people might have lost their lives. A feeling of disgust welled up in Miri's chest. She certainly didn't think that was 'nothing serious.' "Come on, Saki."

Saki shot her a challenging glare. Then, reluctantly, she climbed off the couch. "Can you show me more later?" she asked. But the girl was already in another world; she was watching another anime, a small smile playing on her lips. Saki frowned, then stalked away, offended.

"What was her problem?" Miri muttered.

Saki shrugged. "She called herself…umm…Hitomi. I think. She's weird. But look! She showed me how to make my hair normal again!"

"Aw. That's a shame. I thought your new hairstyle suited you." Saki frowned, and poked out her tongue. Miri smiled. Her sister was in good spirits this morning – at least she had Hitomi to thank for that. "Hitomi also said that nobody died," Saki added. "She said it's just a joke. So there's no reason to be scared!"

The visit to the Monument of Life still hung in Miri's memory. She felt chilled to the bone at the very thought of all those players names, crossed out on that looming tablet; were they alive? She couldn't bring herself to believe it. Hitomi was just in denial.

When they arrived at the inn's main hall, the room was almost completely cleared out. A few guilds lingered around some tables, drinking sake or talking seriously. Apart from that, the inn was empty; Miri found that strange. She led her sister to the bar. There, an NPC greeted the two. "What would you like to buy?"

"The strongest round of sake you can find me!"

Hitomi slipped next to the two, her eyes alight with excitement. When she saw their surprised looks she grinned. "Aw come on. This is the only chance we have to get drunk. Wanna share?"

"I will!" yelled Saki with enthusiasm.

"No, you won't-"

"It's just a game," Hitomi said, with a roll of her eyes. "Drinking in-game can't hurt her."

"Why don't you go back to watching your anime?"

"Oh, I got carried away," she sighed, taking a drink of her sake. "Haru sent me to fetch you, so I gotta be alert."

"Haru…sent you?"

"Yep! We've got a lot to do today, kiddos! I hope you're ready for an adventure!"

"Ooh! I love adventures," said Saki.

Looking the girl up and down Miri could hardly believe she was sent by Haru. Dressed in extreme convention glare, glugging back sake and looking unbelievably happy with herself, she just didn't seem the type to be associated with the Church. At the same time she felt envious; she wished she could feel as carefree as Hitomi did.

"Man, this place blows!" sighed Hitomi, "just a bunch of eccentric weirdos drinking alcohol and moaning about life. Whatever. This isn't a good environment for kids like you. C'mon, let's get you out of this dump."

"Wait – where are we going?"

"Toop Seeecret, govenah," she said, in what was quite possibly the worst British impersonation she'd ever heard. "If I told you my boss would hang me from the gallows!"

"…You don't know either, huh?"

"Nope! But we'll find out soon enough. So first we go the Church. Haru said he wants you two there. C'mon!" With speed she leaped off her chair and skipped to the door. Saki ran after her. "Well, what are you waiting for?" she complained, when Miri looked hesitatingly at her. "Hurry up!"

Miri sighed. With slight reluctance she followed the two. She had a feeling that today would be a long day.

"It's quiet, huh?" Miri said, as they walked along the streets.

Hitomi didn't reply. She was caught up in messaging a friend. Saki chattered away, about what they'd done at the inn and the friends she'd made. Miri ignored her and absorbed the environment. She was used to the city being bustling, and busy. Usually there were large lines for shops, and thick throngs of guilds taking up most of the road. She liked the silence – it was welcome after a week of loud noise – but at the same time she couldn't help thinking that the quiet was not natural.

"Hey," said Saki, "are you listening?"

"Huh? Oh. Yeah."

"So will we go back to the inn? I told Hana we could play in the lobby today."

"I'm not sure…I'll ask Haru, or Chris, when I see them." Miri looked up, distracted; she could hear loud noises in the distance.

Hitomi stumbled to a halt. Saki nearly tripped, and Miri – feeling rather dazed – nearly tumbled over her sister. Miri glared at Hitomi. The girl did not look back; instead, her face was white as she stared at her messages.

"You okay?" asked Saki. Hitomi didn't reply. Typing something, she chewed her lip and glanced at the two. Her brow was creased, and her eyes wide. "C-Come on," she stuttered, taking Saki and Miri forcefully by the hand and leading them away from the Church.

"What's happening?" gulped Saki.

"Um…Change of plans! The Church is no longer a good place to go."

A cold dread settled upon Miri's heart, and weighed down her chest. She realized the closer they got to the Church the louder the noise became; until it sounded like hundreds of voices, looming above the city like a cloud. I guess we know where everyone's gone.

Hitomi led them to another street. Gradually the noise faded. Annoyance rose up in Miri, when she realized Hitomi was still leading her by the wrist. She wasn't a five year old, to be led by the arm and treated like a child.

"What's going on?" she muttered, yanking her hand away. Hitomi stopped and let go of Saki. She didn't answer Miri. Instead she scrolled through more messages.

"She asked you a question," said Saki. "Hitomi, is it something bad?"

"Um…" Hitomi faced the two. "I'm sorry…Someone is coming to get you, so just – just stay here."

"W-Wait!"

But it was too late. Hitomi was fast, and soon she had rounded a corner and disappeared from sight. Miri looked after her, both frustrated and perplexed.

"The hell was that about?" she grumbled.

"I told you she was weird!"

"You weren't wrong about that."

For ten minutes the two remained where Hitomi had left them; twirling her hair, Miri tried to distract herself from the distant noise of people shouting and instead thought about Diavel.

His words rung in her mind. "In this world you can't wait for someone to rescue you." She wanted to help with the first boss – in some way or another. But she was pitifully low leveled. She'd need to start grinding soon if she wanted to join Diavel's guild.

"Where do you think you're going?"

Saki abruptly stopped and whistled innocently. "Oh – n-nowhere in particular…I'm just marvelling at what a wonder…wonderereris day it is!"

"It's 'wondrous'."

"Yeah! That!"

Miri sighed. "Come back."

"Fine…" With a hefty groan her sister returned. "But don't you wanna see what's happening? And no one's come to get us…we've probably been forgotten."

Miri couldn't deny that she didn't want to have a look at the commotion. She was practically itching with curiosity. She was about to relent when a muttering voice startled the two from behind.

"Stupid Chris. She's levels lower than me. Who does she think she is to make me the babysitter of two little brats?"

Miri had only spoke to her once – and she'd immediately been unnerved by how she'd talked down about the new players as though they were ants. The aptly and rather generically named Midori stood behind them. Meeting her sharp green eyes again, her face looked no friendlier than the day they'd met. In fact she looked even worse. A firm scowl seemed permanently imprinted on her lips.

"Well come on. We don't have all day."

Miri shot one last look in the direction Hitomi had headed. The noises were as loud as ever. With an impatient shove Midori pushed them in the opposite direction. There was no going back now.

They walked at a brisk pace through the empty streets. No one spoke. Soon they had arrived near the fringes of Starting City, where a few flashy houses that players could buy loomed fancily above. Midori led them through the streets until they arrived to a more dilapidated part of the neighborhood.

One house in particular caught Miri's eye. Among the other expensive looking houses was a medium sized shack. It was barely noticeable, tucked away in one of the crappier parts of Starting City – hidden from prying eyes and unwanted attention with its tinted windows, shabby door and brown painted wood. I wonder who bought that.

As if on cue the doors swung open. A guy scrambled out, a vicious looking woman glaring at him from the doorway.

"Damn you, Shin! Now look at what you've done! This is all your fault!"

"I-I'm sorry!"

"Hmph! Spare me your pathetic apologies! Don't come back until you've thought long and hard about your mistake!" Without another word the doors slammed shut; the girl's shouts echoed eerily through the neighborhood. The boy slouched panting in the middle of the street. Miri and Saki shared a confused glance. Midori just sighed.

"Hey, you. What've you done now?"

"Ah – Midi!" At once his face brightened.

"It's Midori."

"Right…Hey, who're these two?"

"Never mind them. What did you do?" Instead of sounding forceful, Midori's voice softened. "C'mon, Shin, you know I'll understand. I just want to help. That's all, honest."

"Well…it's nothing important-"

"You sure about that? You know I won't get mad." She patted him on the head, though it certainly wasn't a fond gesture. It looked like she was petting a dog. But to Shin, with a stupid grin on his face, it seemed enough to bring out the truth.

"Oh, well, if you insist, Midi! You see this afternoon it may have been me who caused the Church riot. By accident of course!"

Midori immediately dropped the act. "You what?"

"Um…well Kinu and I were out training on Level 2 when all of a sudden I saw creatures moving on the horizon. Now I thought it was a new breed of monster – for the group moved quickly, and were swamped in cloaks. To my horror they were walking fast towards us! So I aimed with my knife and hit the monster square in the shoulder. Only it wasn't a monster. It was a mid-leveled player, quite in-character I may add – you could barely recognize he was human under his dramatic robes. So it technically wasn't my fault."

"Get on with it!"

"Okay…well…I'm sorry!" He suddenly broke out into sobs and bowed at Midori's feet. "Oh, Midi! Please forgive me! He and his friends cornered Kinu and me until we told them which guild we were from. They said our guild has always been known as the 'beaters', and that the beta testers would pay for my mistake – now they've spread lies, and everybody thinks our guild is a bunch of player killers!" He hugged Midori's legs, tears streaming down his face. Midori shook him off. Without looking him in the eye she strolled off towards the house.

"Hey, Midi, wait – you forgive me, right?"

Midori stopped. "Yeah, sure," she said, without meeting his eyes, "I'll forgive you. But on one condition. Would you do me a favor?"

"I'd do anything for you, Midi!"

"Good. Go fetch Hitomi for me, would you? She sent Chris a message saying she was going to try and stop the riot, but knowing her she'll only make it worse. Get her."

"But…that guy I shot is heading the riot! Not to mention I'm the most wanted player in SAO right now. They'll turn on me!"

"Oh yeah…You're right." She giggled. "Better run fast then!"

"Poor guy," said Saki, as they watched Shin trudge in the direction of the Church. "That wasn't a very nice thing to do! He just made a mistake…"

Midori laughed but refused to reply. Miri glared at the woman; even she thought the punishment was too harsh. Though Starting City was a safe zone she hated to think what it would feel like to have an angry mob at your heels. With a shiver, she tried to push Shin from her mind. Midori pulled open the door of the shack and sauntered in with a boastful grin.

Following suite, Miri was alarmed at just how busy the place was. Older children played in the cramped lounge; teens gathered around the couches, chattering, their loud laughter ringing through the house; people swarmed in the kitchen, down the halls, in bedrooms – it was overwhelming. The thick smell of cooking monster meat and boiling vegetables hung in the air. Saki clapped with delight when she saw a group of children. She ran to join them.

"Saki-wait!"

"Let her go," Midori snapped. "She's safe here."

Saki was introducing herself to the kids. Miri scanned the room for their parents, but there was hardly an adult in sight. She realized with a sinking sadness that most of the children in this room must've logged on by themselves. She hated to think how lonely and scared they must've felt.

"Hurry up! Chris wants to see you."

With a careless tug Midori grasped Miri's arm and practically dragged her through the crowds. Great; it wasn't like she was going to run away or anything. There was nowhere to run to. She opened her mouth to complain but one sharp glare from Midori was enough to keep her silent.

"Oh there you are." With her auburn hair, freckled face and bright eyes, Miri recognized her immediately; Chris was in the kitchen, prepping the evening meal. She spoke fast and never took her eyes off the food she was preparing. Miri admired how quickly she worked.

"I did as you asked," said Midori. "So what's for dinner?"

"Someone donated a whole bunch of fish to us," replied Chris. "We'll be feasting tonight!" With one touch of the knife the fish she was preparing split into three pieces. It was almost like magic. Scooping the fish into a pot, she turned to face the two. "Thank you, Midori. I really appreciate it."

"Yeah, yeah. No problem. As thrilling as this babysitting task was, can I have a real job now?"

"Of course! But could you please fetch Hitomi for me first?"

"Already taken care of."

"Huh?"

Midori smirked. "Just ask the 'most wanted kid in SAO.' I sent him to fetch Hitomi; whether the riot turns on him or not, well we'll find out soon!"

Someone laughed. A lanky man leaned against the wall, a much shorter girl by his side. "Serves him right," he said. "That boy's been nothing but a sniveling mess since he's joined."

"Gou, don't be so tough on him," said Chris. "Midi, that wasn't a very nice thing to do."

Midori flinched at the sound of her nickname, but she didn't bother to correct her. "So what? He's caused all this trouble. He can very well pay for it."

"I agree with Gou. For once Midori's right; this time he's crossed the line." Miri recognized the short girl by Gou's side to be the one that had kicked Shin out. She reminded Miri of a moe character from an anime, with her cute round face and tiny stature. Her youthful appearance was betrayed however by her warrior-like clothes; she adorned sheen armour, and by her side swung three sturdy swords. "He's lucky I didn't PK him myself!"

Chris sighed. "Alright, Kinu, that's enough. Now…" Her eyes turned on Miri. "Gou, could you take over the kitchen? I have something I need to do."

Gou shrugged. "I'll help," said Kinu. The two took over the kitchen, whilst Chris shepherded Miri to the hallway. Miri frowned. She was getting tired of being pushed around like a lost sheep.

"Um…my sister's in the lobby. Should I get her first?"

"No, she'll be fine," Chris sighed, scanning the rooms. "We're almost full. But…bingo! You can have our spare room – um, what's your name again?"

"It's Miri…"

Chris gave her a strange look. Only then did Miri realize how exhausted the older teen must be; her shoulders sagged and her eyes were glazed and distant. She seemed so different, compared to how confident and happy she'd been a week ago. It was unnerving.

Finally Chris clapped her hands. "Oh! I remember now! And here I was thinking we must've met before. Sorry, I've just been so busy that you must have slipped my mind. So here's your room. Small, I know, but it's cosy once you get used to it. Sorry but you'll have to share a bed with your sister. Do you mind?"

Miri did, but she didn't have much of a choice in the matter. "Well if I have to…"

"Alright." A cold silence settled between the two; Miri tugged at a strand of her hair, while Chris gazed out the window as if waiting for someone to return.

"Where's Haru?" she blurted. She wished he was around; she had a feeling the shack could do with his infectious cheer.

Chris paused. "He's in the Church. He's fine, of course – the crowds just won't let him and some other beaters out…this morning, after Shin accidentally attacked a player, we noticed some crowds were gathering at the Church. People were yelling and frightening the children; so I decided we'd move to this base, at least temporarily. But Haru and a few others wanted to stay behind and try and reason with the crowds. It won't do much good. He's so optimistic." A fond smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "The fact of the matter is that now we're seen as a bunch of player killers. I don't think that's something even Haru can talk around."

"But why?!" A hot, burning anger festered in Miri's chest; that people had been so cruel to the beta testers – who'd fought for their safety, and protected them, and had provided them with comfort and food when they'd needed it most – that they could believe exaggerated lies from a bunch of nobodies…it was so unfair. "This guild has always been helping people. Why would the players turn on you like this?"

Chris looked at her, eyes wide. "Why? That's a good question." She sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. "You know, I'm currently studying in an American University to get my bachelor in Nursing. I've been to a few hospitals, for training. Let me tell you, I've only been studying for a year and already I've seen a lot. The doctors do all they can for their patients and they're barely even praised for it. But if someone dies…It's in human nature to want to blame somebody, anybody. And almost always the families blame the doctors. They didn't do enough; it's their fault; they just weren't trying…Grief and fear brings out the worst in a human, don't you think?"

"But Kayaba Akihiko did this to us," said Miri. She felt the anger uncoiling in her chest; a sweeping wave of exasperation took its place. "If they have to blame somebody blame him."

"True. But Kayaba Akihiko isn't here. Haru's here, however. Midi, too – and Gou, Kinu, Shin, Hitomi…among a whole slew of others. They're the beta testers – they were granted early access. They're here. They can be blamed for Kayaba's actions. The players say that they should've known this would happen; they say they're not trying hard enough, and that this is all they're fault."

"You're saving people though…"

"Doesn't matter what you do. When people want to blame somebody they'll pin it on whoever they can. We just happen to be the easy targets. They're so desperate for someone to blame that they'll believe any old lie they come across. But that's human nature for you. That's what fear does to a person. Just like the doctors."

She sighed. "Sorry. You're just a kid; I shouldn't trouble you with all this. I guess I'm getting depressed without Haru around. As immature as he is I think we could all use some of his cheer." She forced a chuckle and strolled out of the room. As she passed she affectionately ruffled the hair on Miri's head. "Forget about what I just said. It's none of your concern. Just relax. Everything's okay."

Chris sounded so firm and confident that Miri was almost tempted to believe her. The riots, the beta-tester conflict and the fact that they were caught within a Death Game…something in Chris' tone was so lulling, so reassuring and so motherly that Miri was convinced all would be well. But despite her strong words Miri also caught something unreadable in her expression; was it doubt? Uncertainty? Or was it sadness? Miri swallowed and turned away. She'd probably imagined it.

"Thanks," said Miri, "I appreciate what you've done for me and my sister. We'd be a mess right now…if it weren't for you and Haru."

Chris flashed a smile. A rush of relief lightened Miri's chest. Of course Chris was okay; why wouldn't she be? Nothing could bring Chris down. Maybe all she needed was a good night's sleep.

"Was that Chris?"

Startled, Miri glanced down. Saki was by her side. "Damn it, don't sneak up on me like that!"

Saki ignored her. She stared after Chris' figure, until she was lost in the crowd. "She looked…tired."

Miri rolled her eyes. "Everybody's tired. C'mon. For the record we have to share a bed tonight. You better not kick me in your sleep."

"I only kick you because you snore!"

"I don't snore!"

"Yeah you do! As loud as mum does!"

"You wanna sleep out in the lounge? Because that's where I'll be kicking you any minute now!"

Their bickering was a comforting reminder to Miri that – despite being so far away from home – they had each other, and that's what mattered.

That night Saki did not cry herself to sleep.

The next day things were looking up. Only a dozen players remained crowding the church. Haru had messaged Chris saying that it looked to be a positive outcome, and that he'd be returning to the shack any day now. It looked like good news, but Chris had simply frowned and said that while the riot may dissipate the stigma would not.

That evening Hitomi returned, a panting Shin by her side.

"You have no idea what we've just been through," gasped Shin, lungs burning at the effort to heave a breath.

"Oh don't be such a crybaby," Hitomi snapped, "Starting City's a safezone. It's not like they could be PK you or anything."

"Yeah but having a whole bunch of angry players hot on your heels is just as worse!"

"What happened?" Kinu dashed up to Shin and grasped him by the shoulders, shaking him to and fro as though he were a doll. "Damn it, Shin, you better not have led them back here!"

"I-I'd never do such a thing!" He pulled himself free of Kinu and shot Midori a hopeful glance. "I did just as you asked, Midi! The guy I attacked recognized me at once and said I was the lead 'player killer.' Next thing I knew we had a riot on our tails. So me and Hitomi had to run like crazy!"

"We outwitted them though," said Hitomi with a smug grin. "Hid in one of the NPC houses and made it back here just now. I know, I'm such a hero – saving this guy's butt, avoiding angry riots and totally using my smarts to the full extent!"

A small crowd was gathering around the two, eager to hear their story. Chris and Gou pushed through the throng of people to stand at the front. "I'm glad you're safe," Chris sighed, "but Hitomi, you should've known better than to be so reckless. I told you to leave the riots alone."

Hitomi huffed. "Sorry – but you know I can't refuse a good adventure!"
"Shin, how's the situation at the Church?"

"It's getting better, last I checked," said Shin, "before I was recognized and chased by a dozen players I saw that some were already leaving. Haru was trying to talk sense into them, but nobody would listen. He should just give up – they're not going to believe him."

"That's just how Haru is. He won't give up until he gets his point across. Alright!" Chris pointed at Hitomi. "You can help Gou in the kitchen!"

"Huh? But haven't I done enough work?"

"As for you, Shin…let's see…You and Kinu can help each other in some armour forging. You have all you need, correct?"

Kinu was practically drooling at the mention of forging armour. "Yep! Just you wait – I'll make the best armour you've ever seen." With a tug on Shin's arm the two retreated down the hall. At once the crowd dispersed; the shack returned to its regular state, with the kitchen a bustle of activity and the lounge crammed with young children playing and older players carrying out their tasks.

In the morning of the next day there was a knock at the door. Everyone froze. There was rarely ever a knock on the door – and with tensions in-game already so high everybody was naturally on edge. Miri grasped Saki's hand in her own and took a step back. The doorknob twisted, and the door was pushed open; in the entryway stood Gou, his stone cold face surveying the room.

"Chris," he called.

"Yeah?" Chris emerged from a room with Kinu and Midori by her side.

"There's somebody here I think you'd like to see."

Outside puffy clouds scudded the deep blue sky, the sun just rising on the horizon. Chris dashed out the door, and then stopped.

There in the middle of the street, with three others by his side, stood Haru. Miri smiled – he had not changed, as Chris had. He still had his bright smile. Saki waved to him. When he winked back she hid behind Miri's skirt, laughing shyly.

But none seemed happier to see him than Chris. It was as if all the exhausting and anxious weight on her shoulders had been lifted; her eyes brightened, she grinned and she ran to meet her friend. High-fiving, Chris shot question after question at Haru who answered just as enthusiastically. Miri raised her eyebrows; to see Chris so happy…it was a nice sight. She hadn't realized how much Haru must've meant to her.

"I'm glad Haru's back," said Hitomi, at Miri's side. "Finally we can start training!"

"…Training?"

"Didn't Chris tell you? Before this Church fiasco Haru thought it important that the new players learned self-defense. You know…you and your sister are level one at the moment. He thinks that everybody should be at a decent level, whether fighting bosses or not! So he wants to start a training program."

Miri's heart skipped a beat. Of course…if she wanted to help with the first boss then she'd have to raise her level. This opportunity would be perfect!

Saki frowned. "So we're gonna battle monsters?"

"You betcha!" Hitomi laughed. "It's time to Level Up!"