**Notice, if this is sent as an update, it is a false alarm. I only edited the time in the previous chapter and set back the events for a future chapter. Nothing to worry about, but the chapter is finished and will be posted two days from now. Thank you for your attention!**

Chapter 7. A bit of filler as I don't want to rush Ayato and Julis's semi-final then start the finals, but I hope you enjoy nonetheless.

Spyry(Guest): Glad to see that you enjoy! Continue on reading you fuck. If you think you could do a better job and make something good, go and be my guest. Make an account and type up a "good" story. Yes, my story may not be good, but I sure have more courage to keep typing. You on the other hand, sit behind an unknown account as a guest, laughing at the computer(and your unhelpful self) as you type your reviews. I'll wait for your next, crappy review. The least you could have done is tell me what to do to make it better? Your comment is as insulting as it is helpful. If you hated the anime so much, did you come to the Asterisk section to complain your ass off? I should applaud your effort to waste a few minutes of your life.

Review: "Well this Fanfiction is almost as bad as the f*** anime it's almost impressive."

Well, this reply is almost as bad as fucking garbage, I'm almost impressed that you actually put the effort to type that. Wait, this reply is worse than garbage, what am I talking about? I'm still almost impressed that you wasted some time in your life to type a useless review. Everyone, give kudos to this child.

One last thing to say, fuck you too Spyry, but thanks for your "effort."

Anyhow, that's that.

Necro-Pen: Mistake on my part. I meant to imply that she only allowed herself to be taken to keep Ethan safe. Most of it explained here I think. But again, she only let herself get taken to keep Ethan safe.

Thanks to Necro-Pen for having me indirectly triple check this chapter to make sure I mentioned why she got kidnapped in the first place.

Oh, did I mention that this isn't a filler chapter, but a filler arc? This is going to be the mafia arc, an extension of the mafia that make an appearance for one episode in season two. Presenting the Mafia Arc, hope you enjoy.

"O Spear.

"The true Holy Spear which pierces through God.

"Suck the ambition of the King of Domination sleeping within me and pierce through the gap of blessing and destruction.

"You.

"Announce the will, and turn into a glow."

Despite me knowing I lost, nothing happened. Lily cautiously approached Cao Cao and I noticed her broken badge. Kirito asked what happened, to which Cao Cao calmly explained:

"…Truth Idea is related to the "will" of the God from the Bible. The will of the deceased God absorbs the ambition of the holder of this spear, and responds to how strong the opponent is by creating many effects and miracles. That can be something with absolute power to destroy the opponent or a blessing to the opponent to capture their hearts. But the answer the Truth Idea gave to my younger brother was silence. I suppose it means that he has won this match, and this spear wants to see Kichirou's dream over mine."

There was only silence for a fat period of time.

Cao Cao added, "Well, it was fun. I want to see what your wish is when you win, Otoutu." He walked up to me and puffed his chest up, allowing me to strike the badge, "You have the honor. I am proud of you."

I wordlessly cut the badge and the crowd went wild, Cak Cao patted my shoulder and Lily hugged me and gave Cao Cao a peck, who returned with an embrace. It was my second to last round, and if Ayato and Julis won, I would face them.

If they lost, I would face RM-C and AR-D. Kirito had a grim expression and dragged me over to the exit to the waiting rooms and I compliantly followed, waving to my brother and his lover. They returned it without hesitation and exited themselves.

Kirito led me back to the waiting room, silent the whole way. The only sound that was heard was the echo of our footsteps. His refusal to talk made me uncomfortable and it didn't make it any better as he aimed a thumb into the room, making me enter first. The moment the door closed he drew Elucidator and point it at my neck, "Okay, where is she?"

I got confused, "The hell are you talking about?"

"I'm not stupid, you think you could simply get away from this?"

I raised an eyebrow, "I'm sorry, but I have no idea what you are talking about." Just then, Saya and Kirin entered the room, Saya seeming more serious despite her usual stoic face and Kirin seemingly disappointed.

"Why? Ethan-senpai? How could you do this?" Saya followed with a nod.

I put my hands above my head, "Okay, I'm literally as confused as you were Kirito, when you were thrown into SAO's death game. Please, explain to me what the hell is going on with all of you."

He growled, "Then how about the name Flora. Does she ring a bell?"

I blinked, "Yeah, the maid for Julis. What's up with her?" They were silent, staring at my stupidity, which I could do so myself. I was that lost. "Okay!" I shouted angrily, "I have had enough!" My yell and tone actually made them take a step back and Kirito lower his sword.

I stomped right up to him and poked his chest, "I have no clue what you guys want! What did I do? Kidnap someone?"

"That's what you did, did you not?" a voice added to answer my question. I turned to see Ayato, his face grim and in a frown.

I stopped, "Is that...what this is all about? I kidnapped Flora? Why would you think so?" They all looked at each other with confusion. I snapped my fingers multiple times angrily and they hesitated. "Hellooo? You guys there?" I raised my voice, "Am I going to go have to shout? I have enough on my plate as I do now! Let's start nice and easy, shall we? What happened?"

There was a renewed uneasiness. Kirito sighed, "Flora was kidnapped just a few hours ago, during the match between Kirin, Saya, RM-C and AR-D."

I rolled my hand to make him continue, "And you suspect me because...?"

"Well, let's start that you didn't seem yourself when you first met. And during the time Flora was with us, you seemed to completely avoid our company. You were not yourself and only called just to check on me and if I was at the top of my game. Then you cheered up, just before today. And today, you weren't here at all, but left a note for me and all of us before our round. You had left during their round, the same round Flora disappeared. You weren't even there when the demands were made. I thought that you left the note to stall for more time. I wouldn't be fooled by the trick by making my mind occupied by the semi-finals...But I think I'm wrong," his voice trailed off.

I rubbed my temples, "I can see how you guys got the idea, but I swear I didn't do it. I was having my own troubles the day Flora came, so I apologize for all that. Not sure how I can get you all to believe it, b-"

"I vouch for him," said a new person. When I turned to the person who crossed their arms at the doorway, I gained a new hope, knowing that I was clean, "Ethan can't do that. Or won't. He revealed to me why he was troubled that way and it had nothing to do with Flora. However, I won't share what it is for his privacy."

Ayato nodded, "Well, if you say so."

Julis gave a tired nod, "Saya and Kirin were just leaving to check out the Redevelopment zone when your match ended, then they went straight in this direction to question you."

I help up my hand, "Hold on." They looked at me curiously and I brought up a screen, calling someone. A cheery female with blonde hair and black eyes appeared on the screen, although her cheery attitude had gone down a notch.

"Kichirou...I've searched half the entire district. I have no more leads on Sigrdrfa than before," Lyynesta brushed a hand through her hair in frustration. "Sorry I couldn't be of use. You are probably even more worried now that I haven't gotten a clue." I put out my hand.

"Lyynesta. Don't beat yourself up. You have done a great deal. In fact, you may want to get some rest. Someone can take over."

She looked astonished and blurted, "Wait! You got other people to look for Sylvia too?" This made everyone freeze and the two of us and Julis cringed. It was then Kirito put more puzzle pieces together.

He spoke quietly, "That's what's bothering you." Lyynesta's face noticeably fell through the camera and I nodded.

"Lyynesta, the map." She brought up the map and pointed out all the areas she searched in the entire district. Kirin and Saya looked at the map intently and marked all the areas she had searched. Before she signed off, I called to her, "Hey, did you manage to find anyone at all in those buildings? Also a little maid with green hair?"

Lyynesta thought for a moment, "No. Neither Sylvia or a maid. Was she kidnapped too?" At my nod, she added, "I did encounter a group. However, they were simply just the lowly criminals. Nothing too special. I did check out that building, but zilch."

I sighed and she stopped just before she wished us luck, knowing I have a personal vendetta against the saying and opted for a more thriller-like encouragement, "Good hunting."

When Kirin and Saya walked out, Kirito laid a hand on my shoulder, "Hey, I apologize. It must have been though, and having us hound on you probably didn't help."

"Don't apologize," I assured him and also to Ayato, "You had your reasons. I won't apologize too as I did nothing wrong. Julis. Ayato. What exactly was that deal?"

Ayato sighed and Julis fidgeted. It was Ayato who answered, "I'm guessing it was Dirk, but he told me that I cannot withdraw from the Festa and must put the Ser Veresta on Emergency Lockdown."

I slammed the table in front of me, "And you did so?!"

"It's an internal process," he hastily added, "I did it, but Claudia must approve it, so I only sent the request so if Dirk gas inside information, they'll know that I've done jt, but it hasn't been approved."

I relaxed considerably, "Ah. Okay, then let's do this. Your match with AR-D and RM-C starts the next day. Get your rest. I want to ask for help on another area in case the Redevelopment Zone isn't the place to find them both."

Julis looked concerned, "So you're saying that we may not?" I shook my head no and brought up a call and hastily walked out.

"Leave it to me and trust me. I deserve this!"

[Yeah?]

I rushed outside and said simply, "We need to talk. Place of your choosing."

[...]

I entered the bar and saw her. I walked past her and sat down, making my back against hers. She was uncomfortably silent and didn't speak a word. "Well?" I said quietly, "Irene, what's your take?"

She nearly jumped, "Man, you don't look like yourself. Good disguise. I thought we had to call everything off because someone knows."

"My fault, sorry."

She started without hesitation nor encouragement, "Normally, you are right and that is the perfect spot. But I'll bet that you won't find anything."

"...Want me to pay if you're right? Even if you enjoy battle, you have an uncanny mind."

"Up to you, I'd like the money. But it isn't right. Anyway, the reason is due to the Festas. The RD will be crawling with police and they'll be more alert. So yes, it would have been good, but this is not the time for it. In addition, Grimalkin likes to work alone, not in a hotbed of criminals. The RD at this time is pretty linked, so they'll raise suspicions, and all will gladly sell the Grimalkin to save their own skin."

"So not a good place."

"Not long-term as this kidnapping until the end of the Festa, no." Irene confirmed. "My best guess is Rontlicht. No matter the time, there are always legal and illegal businesses and activities. The police have trouble keeping up with all illegal and legal activities in this city. A good place for hiding Sylvia and the other girl."

"Thanks," I stood, "It's good news and a good guess. I'll heck it out now."

"Hey," she warned, "If Dirk is behind the maid's kidnapping, just know that he may suspect this and not use Rontlicht. He knew you would contact me, and purposely left me out. This is a guess."

I patted her head and dropped a stack of money on her lap, "It's from my own pocket. Don't panic. It's for you to use, thanks for the help, I owe you more than you owe Dirk, especially if I find Sylvia." I left without another word to her. Just so she can't protest.

After fixing myself up, I walked around Rontlicht, asking for Flora. I simply asked if anyone saw a girl with a maid outfit running around. I couldn't ask for Sylvia because I was unsure what she chose to look like. Hang on both of you, we're making progress.

Sylvia glared defiantly at her captor, "I wonder what it'll take for you to get the message to your head. I am not going to betray him." They had not bound her at all, but simply tossed her here in this windowless room. She didn't try to escape, knowing all too well that if she tried, all she'd get was a bullet to the head from the guard upstairs. Something she knew Ethan wouldn't approve of her trying.

She was afraid of submitting. They didn't want to kill her, but they would if they had their hand forced, so they simply came down again and again, but each time she refused. This time around, her captor had a snake-like grin. Of course, the mafia member former Rank #7 of Jie Long, Nguyen of the Twin Snakes was...a snake, "Well, if you don't concede, how about we kill the boy then? Instead of you asking him to leave, we can take him out ourselves."

"Idiot," Sylvia scoffed. This was unlike herself, but she lost patience, "The mafia would definitely not reveal themselves."

"No, maybe not. We cannot leave, but your lover has come to us. He seems determined, asking for a girl the whole time. In fact, we have men chasing him down to kill him now. I'm the only thing keeping you here, as all have joined the chase."

Sylvia hesitated, "No, you're bluffing."

"Say what you want," he shrugged, "Until the boy comes down, corpse mutilated, and we won't let you go." He walked up the stairs and closed the door, before mindfully putting extra security with the lack of guards.

Sylvia shook, he didn't seem to be bluffing. If he did come, did she send him to his death? "No," she muttered to herself, "Ethan will live. He told me he's gotten training from not just an Asian techniques, but also special maneuvers written in fictional books. He will do it."

She took a shuddering breath, "He will make it. I know he will pull through, he must. He can. Maybe once I hear him come, I'll get out. It should only be Nguyen."

I can't do this!

My thought ran through my head. I ran around the corner and pressed myself to the wall. I heard a taunting voice, "Come out little boy! We know you're hiding. And all alone!" I shuddered at the uncanny tone to the thugs in 'Home Alone' and gritted my teeth. They had mentioned Sylvia and I figured out the mafia was holding her captive. It wasn't Dirk after all. Just coincidentally seemed like it.

"Okay," I spoke to myself, "Time to pull of Pike Logan shit." It was impossible for me to win, but all I had to do was count on lucks and miracles. Just like that TaskForce leader. When the first man rounded the corner, I whipped him aside and shattered his skull on the wall. His partner fired a shot, but it went astray.

He tried to aim, but I fled into the shadows. I had moved behind dumpsters and boxes until I wrapped my arm on the man's neck and he dropped his gun as he struggled to free himself, the pistol clattering onto the concrete as she scratched my arm, but I never relented. I knocked him onto his knees and I leaned back until I got leverage and yanked on his head until his neck was pulled apart with a snap.

I laid him onto the floor and shuddered, "Killing...again." I shakily picked up the pistol, luckily suppressed, but hey, want to kill a boy quietly, this'll work. I faltered as I realized these men's deaths were at my hand. I had killed them in cold blood. It didn't matter that they wanted me, I still did so without any hesitation this blood is on my hands. I took a breath and noticed two more were approaching.

I aimed the pistol and steeled my gaze, no...these men are willing to harm Sylvia and harm me. I will take the punishments later. Sylvia's safety is my main priority, "Where is the girl?"

They laughed and aimed at me casually, to which I scoffed at and shot between the eyes of the right, tougher looking mafia and aimed at the left. The remaining one froze at my actions, how I was ready to kill. But they had unleashed the beast inside. The one that Pike had housed for a while months after the death of his family. "You have one chance. Spill the location else you'll die too."

He wasn't fooled but aimed at me. I fired a shot into his thigh he fell with a yell and I slammed him into the wall, "Okay, how about this?" I gave a sadistic smile that I couldn't place its origin on. A girl named Akeno?

"..." he didn't reply and I flicked open a baton and slammed his cheek, to which he grunted.

"You tell me now and I can hand you over to the police. If not...I'll keep pressing for info until you break. Or die." I saw his arm move and I slammed the baton at the same spot, to which he shouted in pain. I slammed again and again and again until he tearfully told me the location at the fifth strike.

I nodded and pointed the pistol at his head and he widened his eyes. He was in too much pain to do anything to protect himself, simply holding the bleeding gash in his cheek. I was about to pull the trigger until the fact had registered in my mind, and what Sylvia will say. "..."

"Please," he begged, "I won't harm you, let me go. Give me another chance."

I tossed his gun in front of him, "You will be saved by my girlfriend. Shoot any of you comrades as they approach. If you truly want to live a new life, you will do so and kill off your old life."

I started my way to the location he spoke of and when I turned, he was no longer in the alley, but to my relief, he didn't shoot me in the back. I put my hair up and shoved on the glasses, waiting for a moment before going out.

I opened the door and saw the man who I was looking for, a dark-skinned man with deactivated Lux daggers, two glowing blue before I saw the light faded, baggy and simple clothes, slitted eyes and grey hair that was practically a stubble. He was surprised, "Oh? You aren't the boy I'm supposed to kill. Are you working for him?"

I simply said, "I am." He smiled wolfishly and leaped. I sidestepped and kicked at his kidney, but he turned and my foot connected with his knifes. I made a feint but he was unfazed and struck when I was pulling back, creating several gashes on my forearm. Luckily, he was recovering, but I brought my foot up and connected with his head, sending him into the wall. Dazed, but not unconscious.

I ripped the door with the lock right off its hinges and stepped over the rattling chains, bumping into someone. The girl who was at the door was relatively untouched, Queenvail uniform slightly grimy, but intact, hair less shiny, but not unkempt, and her eyes wide with fear and surprise.

She kicked at my side and sent me into the wall. I reached for her, calling her name but she flipped me over her shoulder and threw me down the stairs. I fell to the bottom and ran up to catch up, despite feeling the world spin around me. I reached the top of the stairs and saw Nguyen fighting Sylvia, the latter nimbly dodging his strikes. I sprinted and kicked the back of Nguyen's knees, making him fall to the floor. Sylvia fled the building and Nguyen turned, snarling. "Bastard. I'll kill you then get the girl back."

I held up my bloody arm, "Bring it. I came because I will handle the Sakamoto and Nguyen feud with my own hands."

"So one of those scum? You'll be another of a dead Sakamoto."

I simply dodged his slashes and widened my eyes as he took out more knives once cutting. However, the moment he finished the cut, I quickly trapped his right arm between my right arm and chest, then swung up with my left and broke it. He retaliated by slashing the entire front of my shirt and drawing blood. He struck and stabbed a knife into my thigh, but before he could make a cut that would cut an artery, I slammed my hands on either side of his head, stunning the man.

He cut wildly and I stepped back and kicked the knife out of his hand, only to see a boot fly up with a knife poking out of its tip, aiming right under my chin. However, Nguyen was launched into the basement where his surprised shout was cut off suddenly. Sylvia was breathing heavily while looking at me, smiling slightly.

I broke the silence of heavy breathing, "I thought you left."

Sylvia looked away form sheepishly, "I...just realized that you weren't trying to fight me at all. I was almost out of here when I found out. Also took out the reinforcements."

I turned, eyebrow raised, "Really? How many?"

"Almost ten people total...Hey, let's go somewhere safer, no need to talk right here."

She grabbed me and started to flee the immediate area, the two of us leaping over the unconscious bodies of the men that were coming in to handle me as I fought Nguyen, running through alleys and making wild random turns to lose anyone. After about five minutes, she pulled up as she leaped onto the top of a high building and turned with her arms crossed. "Are you affiliated with Ethan?"

"I am Ethan," I replied, confused, "Do you not know?"

She shook her head, "I'm not dumb. Is that even your name?" That was when I realized why she didn't know me. The fact I am using the sunglasses to change my hair color, cover my eyes, and that I had spiked my hair made it impossible for her to know.

I flattened my hair, removed the sun glasses, and looked at her in the eyes. "Now?"

She only stared with her hands in front of her mouth before she sprinted at me and gave a bear hug. Who knew she could grip that tightly? She is nearly breaking my ribs right now! "How did you do that?" she cried as she pulled away, but not letting go.

I shrugged, "Just as you do so with your cap."

Understanding, she stood still for a moment, then looked up, "Thank you."

"Hey, anything for you," I looked down at her while holding her head, staring into her eyes. "How did they get you? That's really my first question."

"They were threating to kill you. They know where you are and when to strike." Sylvia's eyes were pleading, "Please. I would never do anything behind your back. I had to do it to save you."

I pulled her hands away from my waist and used her fingers to wipe away her tears, "I'll believe you. It's the only possibility, other than you stabbing my back."

"I wouldn't," she whispered, "I never would. I would rather die than let them get to you."

"Am I that important? Won't my wellbeing be more important than if I'm alive or dead?"

She couldn't answer, understanding that if she died, I would commit suicide. I gripped her hands, "Don't worry about it. We're both safe now." Sylvia smothered her face into my jacket.

She held me for a moment longer then I felt her start to smile, "We are alone again." I laughed and held her at her lower back as she looked up with her beady, purple eyes. Sylvia suddenly reached up and gave me a long, passionate kiss. It was so sudden, just out of nowhere, that my brain short circuited and I was left there to receive it and unable to return it. Only when she pulled away she spoke, "That is for helping me."

As my brain woke up from its stupor, I blinked and managed to hear her question. "Eh...For what?"

She gave a pout and hit me playfully, "Jeez, you don't even know what you did? Do you have a short-term memory?"

Blushing, "Oh. Right. Uh...no problem, I guess. It was the right thing to do."

We were silent for another long moment then she whispered, "You know, despite being held by them and asked over and over, I knew you'd come for me."

I hesitated, unsure whether to tell her I wasn't truly looking for her. I knew the suspicions of showing interest in her false identity of Kasumi Toujou, and the absolute consequences if people had suspected that Sylvia Lyyneheym was kidnapped if I had asked for her herself. She caught my hesitation and looked slightly hurt, "You weren't looking for me?"

I sighed then took a deep breath, "I wanted to, truly did, Sylvia. But you know what would happen if I had asked if people had seen you? How much people will be suspicious of me and the anxiety of your safety? I could have easily been myself, not glasses man, but people still don't know that we are together. I just didn't want a...whole riot or something of that caliber going on because I had hinted of your safety."

She let the words sink in, "But...Nguyen of Jie Long did say you were looking for a girl. Who then?" I noticed her tone and slight jealousy that I had chosen to search for another girl rather than her, even if she knew I couldn't publicly just say, 'Hey? You know where Sylvia is? She's been kidnapped by the mafia!'

I flatly told her, knowing that she'd realize I had nothing hiding from her, "Flora. Simply a friend of Julis's that had been kidnapped by Dirk right under everyone's noses. I had searched for you and her in the Redevelopment District with the help of Lyynesta and the others. But when we got nothing, I had to ask Irene Urzaiz for help, and she took a guess that you two would be here, considering all the illegal activities with the legal ones going at once. Irene wasn't wrong."

She looked at me skeptically and I raised my hands into the air, "I give up. That's the entire story, with maybe some holes in it. I don't care, I don't know. I don't know how to convince you, but this past month just hasn't going my way, okay? I-"

"No," she cut in, eyes cast on the floor, "I'll believe you as you do with me. I won't assume you are telling the truth. I know you are. I won't ask Lyynesta."

I grunted and I heard a sniffle, "What now?"

"Just that...I caused so much trouble for you. I let myself be held, and then when you went through all those lengths, I still doubted you."

I put my hand on her head and she looked up, which was silly, considering I wasn't much taller than her, "People make the wrong choices, say the wrong things, and assume the wrong information sometimes. Don't think you are the only one."

Sylvia nodded then ran a hand over the cuts and injuries of practically everywhere on my body, "So bloody."

"..." I didn't reply to it, knowing she didn't mind, but simply commenting on the lengths I went, "Let's go."

Then I remembered something from long ago, something that can help Flora, "Hey, you could sing that song that let's you find anyone, right?" She didn't need to answer, but she asked me a question back.

"You need me to use it to find Flora?" I nodded to confirm and then brought up the public information on the Medical Net.

"This enough?"

"Much more than enough," she answered while smiling. "Now, I can grant your wish~"

"Oh! Yeah, it's been a while, but I remember. I want to hear the song."

"Map?" Sylvia simply asked and I complied, bringing up one the size of a newspaper opened fully. Do we still have those things?

Sylvia inspected it for a second, "Perfect." She took a few steps back so that she was at the center of the building's roof. A shine of particles appeared and materialized into her signature headphones. I gave an encouraging nod and she inhaled then looked to the sky as it was just turning dawn:

In my eye and in my way,
In the sky so far away~
Are you hiding in the grey?
I am on my way to find you.

I looked up as aura rose from around her as she sung,

In the shadow where you lay,
In the darkness I'll be praying,
one-by-one, in a lonely lullaby.

The aura reached its peak and burst outward and I took a step back in surprise before looking over the city, which the aura seemed to flow everywhere, through the windows, into doorways, down the streets, and through cars.

Dancing like a lonely feather,
In the windy weather.
Looking for a beacon and some clarity,
Long to fly again together.
And I wonder whether,
We will ever find our melody.

The aura not only seemed to travel everywhere through Rontlicht, but it also seemed to know no boundaries, traveling past the city grounds and spreading through Asterisk. The sky lit up a light blue, the pink purple sky fading for the moment as Sylvia sang, the sun disappearing behind the aura as it seemed to allow it to travel the world in replacement of its own bright rays, I stared at everything in wonder, pondering why I had never seen this before in my life, why I never heard her sing this in my life until now. I could listen to this forever, and if I was lost, listen to this song and find my way home. To Sylvia. Her abilities as a Songtress and Strega was definitely beyond powerful, so omnipotent it even allowed her to change her appearance at will, as to I wonder how she lost to Ophellia in the first place, how I am able to surpass her.

Over mountain and below the stars,
Light my way so I know where you are.
And find me,
Anywhere and anytime I sing my song for you.

The sky started returning to its original color as the blue aura faded, but it still did not return to its original state yet. The purple light lingered, shining behind Sylvia and I couldn't hide my smile any longer, couldn't contain it now.

My tomorrow my today,
It is time for you to find your way.

Particles flew around and above her, combining and fusing into two objects, one white and one black feather. They spun in spirals until it landed right on a single building, but I didn't pay attention to that yet, but to her, who walked up to me, hands behind her back, giving a radiant smile to match mine. "How was it?"

"Mythical," I replied and she giggled.

"So, she's at the northern corner just outside Rontlicht."

I looked down, "Apparently so. Well, want to go check it out before I call in some kind of special force to infiltrate it?"

She looked anxious and I didn't know why. It was only when I bent down to see her face when she said, "I'm afraid of what people will say if they find me here like this. I would like to go, but I lost my cap and it's almost time for the early wakers to get up and move around."

I listened then snapped my fingers, removing my sunglasses and handing it to her, "Here, you can have this. It works like your cap, except it's not your cap. Wait...if I remember, there is this...break this and..." When I snapped one lens, the glasses burst into particles and then reformed into a pink cap, exactly like the one Sylvia used to wear, "Presto!"

She stared at it in wonder, "How?"

I scratched my head, "If I recall, you have to break a certain, vital part of this trinket and the-"

She shook her head, "No. I mean, how did you make this?"

"Oh! Some materials I don't even know, clumped them together, mixed it with some of my prana, and yours too. It's essentially your old cap, except when you change it at will using your stash, this does the same with its own, because our prana is mixed and constantly regenerating to fill in any loss of prana through the transformation."

Sylvia's expression changed to one of curiosity, "So, is that why you wanted to see my cap from that day?"

"May...I see your hat?" Confused, she handed it to me, and as I held it, I felt her prana flowing through one of her treasured items, mixing with mine as I unintentionally drew it in, my own prana from the testing absorbing it greedily, "I see. Thank you."

"What happened?"

"Ah, nothing."

At my nod, she laughed, "It wasn't 'nothing.'"

"Technically was," I shrugged, "I was surprised I managed to make it work. It started out as some shapeless blob until I tore it apart in frustration and it turned into the long old sunglasses. Been using it since. Honestly, I was impressed it didn't explode when it turned to your cap."

She looked at it then at me, still holding it uneasily, as if it was a large sum of money and she wanted to accept it, but it didn't seem right, "Are you sure? How long did it take to make?"

I thought for a moment, "Maybe almost a year, I started a week after we split and then about the time we met again was the time it took to make."

She held it out to me, "I can't accept it, I'd rath-"

"No," I laughed, "It's cool, I don't need to worry about myself. You need to, being yourself." Sylvia reluctantly put it on, and her hair turned to the distinctive orange. She smiled.

"We can go." But shifted, "I still don't feel like keeping it."

"Let's say it's a gift as a boyfriend," I smiled mischievously, making her sigh and accept. "Don't worry, I'll make another one someday, and praying that this second one won't cause a nuclear reaction at the Seidoukan lab."

We held hands and leapt down the building and onto the floor, landing gently as two feathers. I pointed northeast, "That way~" Our trek wasn't long until we reached the area, with Sylvia looking at me curiously as I stopped a strange distance from the door. "Here, exactly 35.81, 140.11."

She deadpanned, "Yes, standing near the coordinates will put us off a few miles from the location. We didn't need to stand exactly there. Anyway, if I had sung longer, I would have had a better idea." She looked up at the building, "But this seems about right."

"So," I said cheerfully as we stared at it for a while, "Wanna break in and say, 'Surrender the hostages!'?"

She shrugged, "If you want, but that'll probably kill them." Despite the gravity, I laughed at that and she smiled slightly. She perked up, "You want to tell Lyynesta we're fine?"

"Me? It's really you that she's worried about," I said as I burst out laughing. "Let's give her a call, but once I get a change of clothes." I stayed at this spot as Sylvia went to a nearby shop to buy clothes for me. Luckily, when she returned, all my injuries had stopped bleeding and she turned around as I struggled out of the bloody old clothes and shrugged on the new ones. We took a seat at a restaurant across the street and ordered breakfast. As Sylvia picked at the scrambled eggs on our plate, I sent a call to Lyynesta. She didn't take long to answer, but was rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

[Ethan?]

"Hey sleepy head, it's almost eight. Good news and bad news, which one do you want first?"

She visibly winced and gave a moment of thought.

[Bad]

"I'm not returning for the next day at most."

She sighed heavily, [So I'm guessing you didn't find Sylvia?]

"That's the good news."

She blanched, [You're saying Sylvia missing is bad?!]

I realized that she misunderstood and I backpedaled, "No! I mean the good news is I found Sylvia, just that the two of us won't see you until the day after tomorrow!"

[Really? Don't lie to me! May I see her?]

Sylvia smiled and pushed me out of the camera, "Hey, Lyynesta."

[Thank goodness! But...why won't you guys come back now?]

Sylvia looked at me and I joined her in the camera, "Long story, but we have to go on a rescue mission, my second one." She nodded then got ready to disconnect.

[Well then, I won't hold you back any further. I'll let you guys get the person who needs help]

When it went off, the screen popped up again, this time it was a group call. Julis and Saya in one, Ayato and Kirin in another, Yabuki and Kirito in a third one. I glanced at Ayato and Kirin in surprise and they noticed, but before more could be said, Julis started, "I see you found Sylvia." I nodded and she continued, a bit nervous, "Did you also rescue Flora?"

"No, about that though...we know where she is, and are looking right at it. We may plan to launch a badass assault on the place with special forces and all."

Kirin cut in, "You really are?"

"Yee-pe. What's up?"

I saw the group exchange looks, then Saya saying, "Kirin and I can go, the two of you can rest."

Looking at them strangely, "You sure? We are literally across the street, so I could just go in, guns blazing, well, shadows and Lux, but anyway! I could just go in and rescue Flora ASAP."

They shook their heads and Kirin spoke for everyone, "Ethan-senpai, we may need a plan for this."

Julis added with a cough, "Besides, I think all of us have already given you enough trouble about all of this. You need a break."

"Guys..."

But she wouldn't let up, "Jeez, you really think you have to do everything? Let us do it as compensation for giving you trouble, and you need rest for the finals, no less. I'm not sure whether you'll face us or Allekant, but you'll need the rest. Hang out with Sylvia for the day."

The two of us glanced at each other and Sylvia gave my hand a squeeze. I turned back, "Fine. And just a FYI, Yabuki took no part~" I disconnected before they could protest. "So, not we have the day to ourselves. What now?"

She thought for a moment, "Can we just go somewhere quiet? After all this, I just want some good sleep."

I yawned as I stretched on the bed, turning to Sylvia who lay beside me, snoozing peacefully. I quietly got up and took an afternoon shower. I was coming out and put on shorts and a t-shirt when I heard chatter on the other side of the door and I thought, Oh sh-. When the door to her room swung open and standing there was Lyynesta, with an expressionless face. She turned and her reaction was beyond what I thought would happen.

"Haha. I knew something seemed off when Sylvia was sleeping here by herself. Did anybody see the two of you come here?"

We were silent, only taking one glance at each other. I answered, "I hope not?"

Lyynesta laughed and locked the door, then sat in front of Sylvia, "Did you two...?"

I shook my head rapidly, "No! Just...you know, being intimate and all that, but not actually doing it."

Lyynesta nodded and Sylvia went to shower while Lyynesta and I took the time to make a quick lunch. When she returned, she was dressed in leggings and a loose blouse, I asked something that had been on my mind, "Is this building just for the two of you?"

They looked at each other and then at me. Lyynesta nodded, "Yes. Was it a guess?" At my nod, she commented, "Good one. How did you find out?"

"Well, first there was a gate. Second, Sylvia entered the code, but showed it to me too. Third, she said I was free to visit as much as I want. If you link two and three, she wouldn't be suggesting that if there were other girls. Four, she didn't bother to lock the door, as I realized when you came in."

"Bravo," Sylvia giggled whole clapping and she gave me a new look I couldn't put a finger on. Maybe it was because we were closer than ever that she gave me this look.

"Speaking of seeing you guys, were you lying when you said you weren't returning?" Lyynesta asked as she took a bite of the sandwiches I served a few moments ago.

Shrugging, "We weren't, but there were a change of plans, and Kirin and Saya are going instead of me. They wanted the two of us to spend time alone."

"What about having sex? You guys could do it, especially since you have the time you want. I could leave."

I blushed a deep red, or I guess I did. "Just let it go already!" I shouted as Sylvia hit her friend playfully.

"No can do. It'll be fun seeing your reactions when I bring it up~"

I put my hands on my temples, "You're just as bad as Claudia."

"Enfield?" she asked as she took another bite, "I know, we would get along well."

"Speaking of which," I rolled my hand, "You saw what happened earlier during the semi-final?" Lyynesta burst out laughing and nodded. Sylvia smiled at me. During the round against AR-D and RM-C, Ayato and Julis were cornered but were saved when Claudia took over the microphone and announced that Flora was safe, relieving Julis and Ayato, and he took out the Ser Veresta once again. The round didn't last too long after that, and now that they won, we had some time to rest before Ayato, Julis, Kirito, and I were able to face off. I believe a week?

Then there was a knock on the door. "Are people supposed to be here?" I asked as I looked at them.

Sylvia grew nervous, "No, only Lyynesta and I are allowed access, this place is strictly for us, and they have to call for us at the gate. However, you may have noticed a hidden entrance. They must have entered from there." I furrowed my brows, then put my fingers to my lips.

"Then stay quiet. I'll go check it out." I crouched and started walking over to the window, getting a questioning glance from both girls, but they didn't say a word. There was more knocking, more insistent.

"Ms. Lyyneheym! It's an emergency!" She frowned and shook her head.

"Nobody calls me that, only as Sigrdrfa." I sighed, All the more hints at trouble. I managed to get to the window sill and stepped onto the sill, seeing nobody and nothing. I looked up and saw nothing to grab on to, but there was a window to the side of this one. I looked at it for a moment then down below. Not that I was afraid of falling, but of who would I find if this guy wasn't alone.

"This is the Benetnasch! We need to question you about the mafia!" I scoffed as there were only women in the intelligence agency of Queenvail. Then I realized that this was a woman speaking. I stopped, what if I was wrong? No...nobody knew about her kidnapping. Nobody in Queenvail and most likely not the Benetnasch. Then came the male's growl.

"One more time, little girl, we saw you enter with the boy. Open the door and we won't shoot you dead." That was all I needed to set me in motion. These weren't friendly and I wouldn't be. I took a few breaths and looked at the window to my left. I leaped and my left hand grazed it before missing. I was falling when I shot my right hand out and grabbed the corner of the sill. I gritted my teeth at the stinging and awkwardly putting my left hand under my right then moving my right over my left so I was hanging at the side rather than the corner of the sill.

I stayed hanging there before I hoisted myself up and held myself up with my left forearm and pushed the window in. Locked. Then something entered my mind and I pulled on it instead. It swung easily. I smiled and did so to the other window and climbed in. Just as I did so, I heard a door open and flinched, until it registered that the door opened below me, meaning someone left the house, or entered. I carefully walked to the door and heard talking on the other side, "You idiot, why'd you that out? She's never opening the door now."

There was an impatient voice, "Doesn't matter. She and the other boy killed the boss. Damn guy had his skull split and neck broken." Serves him right, I thought. "He killed, what? Three guys. Then he managed to get Hideki to start 'anew' and that bastard killed over half of us, now it's just the five of us. Not to add salt to injury, but the girl we had to get handled ten of our best guys. That's a humiliation! What pisses me off the most is that Hideki vanished. Like he didn't exist. Go check to see if there's another way in. We aren't standing out here like idiots forever. Only the two girls are allowed here."

"Sure. Whatever," said the woman. I widened my eyes and flatten myself against the wall, just as the door swung open and hit me. The woman noticed and aimed the gun at me as I threw myself at the door to close it. She fired and missed, but only because I had moved first. I heard the male speak at the other side, "Damn, not like I asked you to pay me money. You didn't have to slam the door."

I drew my faithful old throwing knife and launched it at her, praying it didn't lose its luck yet. It didn't, gladly. It struck her throat and she grabbed at it. I saw the blood flow and realized what would happen if it fell onto the floor. I ran over and cut her throat further with the knife before yanking up her sweater to absorb the blood and keep the blood from staining the carpet. She eventually stopped fighting and stilled. I wiped my knife of her sweater and after a moment of thought, decided to let her keep her dignity and pulled down her clothes while cleaning all the blood on her. I picked up the pistol and opened the door, just as he kicked the door in to the room I just left and barged in. I rounded around the doorway and pointed the woman's gun as he pointed at an empty room, "Stop." I said, watching with dead caution. I noticed Lyynesta wasn't here, and Sylvia walked out holding a pistol, which I wasn't sure if it was good or bad.

"Hmph, leave it to a snake like you to get out of this room," he commented as he saw the open window.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked.

"Of course, for killing our boss, idiot."

"Who?" I asked and he scowled.

"Nguyen of Jie Long, you killed him. That's enough for us to kill you."

I was silent then said, "You were the ones who started it. You kidnapped her. For what? Just to force me to forfeit the Festa?"

He barked a laugh, "The former boss had a vendetta against the Sakamotos, so we kidnapped the lil' girl to make you do so, then kill her to watch your reaction and your life after." I widened my eyes and he turned to face me, but still with the gun pointed at Sylvia. "Now, now, don't move. You wouldn't want her dead. I know that. That's my advantage over you."

I stood still as he smiled, "Just wait. Soon, I will get the reinforcements I need. Three men are enough. We outnumber you, and it'll end with you and her dead." I thought I saw a flash on the building across the street and I realized that it was a flash. A small glint caught my attention and it held it. I tried my hardest not to show, taking up all my willpower. Once the shine stood for a few moments, it moved in a strange pattern. Then I noticed the long dash and short dots. Morse Code?

He grinned, "You are smart. Smart. Just let this go on. The guys are simply making sure nobody will come. Once they come up, it'll be easy." I didn't hear him and anymore words as I studied the glint, Dah, dah; pause. Dah, dah, dah; pause. Dit, dit, dit, dah; pause. Dit. M-O-V-E. Of course, I assumed slowly. Suddenly jumping won't help Sylvia, as the shine disappeared and the man turned to make sure Sylvia hadn't moved. When he turned back to me, I shuffled left a couple of steps, "Stay where you are."

"Sorry, I needed blood flow." He scoffed and grinned as he heard footsteps coming up the steps, slow and purposeful. He opened his mouth and I was showered with blood as his head blew apart. At the gunshot, Lyynesta ran out of an adjacent room, saw the body, then pointed the gun she held at the men who appeared at the door. I did so too and there was a silent standoff.

"Dad?"

End of chapter, obviously.

By the way, I never intended for Lyynesta to be an actual character, but I needed her to play a role in helping Sylvia, then I realized that she could play a big role for this arc. So...you could see how that ended up. She'll be another OC, and I may add her to Ethan's harem in the end of this arc.

EDIT UPDATE: I hoped you didn't mind that I practically plagiarized Cao Cao's speech against Issei, but I just thought it would be nice to throw it in in there. Those of you who like the story, shoot me some PMs or reviews on what I should do with Cao Cao and Lily(Tang). Should I make them main characters too for a side arc or officially add them in to the story?