Chapter – 25
Memories of the deep night – SAO Integral fragments
All I did was walked in a fast motion. Not looking behind, not talking to anyone, just focusing on getting away. I knew that they would follow me so I am walking as fast as I can and as slow as I can to not make out my footsteps.
You: I am me… I am human… right? I am not an NPC or a puppet… right?
I didn't face anyone, just made it out of town and waked through the fields.
Field wasp: GHIGH! *it calls in a swarm of wasps*
The swarm of wasps notice me and charge right at me.
You: Out of my way!
"SWOOSH"!
With an invisible slash, the wasp fall to the ground and I continue to walk as I leave them to die on the ground. Walking alone into the woods…
Meanwhile, somewhere around Aincrad
Mater: You stupid piece of trash! You blew our cover!
Stilla: the plan was to make sure we went unspotted Lueur!
Typhoon: explain yourself right now!
Lueur: Please, calm yourselves. It's not like the plan is ruined or anything. This works to our advantage. With him noticing the circumstances of his soul, he will awaken his copy before its even complete without having to suffer any psychological trauma.
Mater: How do you even know that?
Lueur: Because, he has allies that can help him set his mind on the right path. They are far too useful to him, its only natural for a hero's tale.
Mater: I… even if it works, we still have to deal with those knights from the other world, what were they're names? Alice and Eydis I believe. If it's true that they are back, it could mess up the plan.
Lueur: which is why you are going to keep them busy until he manages to find the next piece of his soul… you can do that right?
?: Hrmm… no promises, they are strong.
Lueur: As are you. You don't haft to kill them, just make sure they are slowed down. They probably figured out the true meaning of they're stay.
?: Hrr… fine. But this better work, you almost blew my cover too.
Lueur: And if I did, what of it?
?: It would have done more than break him… he is… to nice to believe and acknowledge something like that.
Typhoon: too nice? What is that supposed to mean?
?: Nothing. Just make sure he doesn't leave the place. We cant trust him leaving the house on his own.
Mater: Oh don't worry. I will keep a close eye on him.
Lueur: caring for your big brother at such crucial moments? My little sis, you really have grown up.
Mater: I wish I could say the same about you… my life would be way easier if I didn't love you at all…
Lueur: what did you say?
Mater: Nothing! Just shut up already! *she says with her face all red*
Tyhpoon: seriously… are you gonna be okay?
?: Don't worry, I have a plan. I know something Eydis doesn't know, it might be useful.
Typhoon: Just make sure you don't kill her.
?: Kill her? I would never do something like that… I'll just break her a little…
Meanwhile, on the streets of Arc Sophia
Kirito: Man… he is not here either.
Asuna: Kirito!
Kirito: Asuna, did you find him?
Asuna: No, and I checked all the places I usually see him.
Koharu: I cant find him on the town, I think he might have laft the safe zone.
Kirito: cant you track him down?
Koharu: No… his location is disabled. He might have entered a dungeon to hide his location.
Asuna: which means that he must really want to be left alone.
?: Hi guys.
Kirito: Oh, Sachi!
Sachi: Hey, you guys seem a bit worried. Is something wrong?
Koharu: Well…
Koharu proceeds to explain all the details we have discussed.
Sachi: Copy of a soul? Another world? Strange changes? I am having a bit of trouble following here.
Kirito: its fine, we aren't really sure ourselves either.
Sachi: But where do you think (You) ran off to?
Koharu: we think he might have entered a dungeon or someplace where we can't locate him.
Sachi: Would he really go that far for us to not find him?
?: Guys!
Koharu: Twilight! What happened?
Twilight: I just ran into Yui and she said she saw (You).
Yui: Yes, I saw him earlier exiting the safe zone after he left Agils shop.
Kirito: so its confirmed, he left the safe zone.
Sachi: shouldn't we go after him?
Koharu: I… don't know…
Sachi: what do you mean?
Koharu: he seemed to be let down after hearing what Kikuoka said to him… I don't think he wants to see anyone at the moment… I think it would be best if we leave him be for now.
Kirito: yeah… I think your right. Pushing him will only make him more frustrated.
Asuna: *she sighs* its just… its not fair. He has done so much for everyone and all he his getting in return is more suffering…
Kirito: it will be okay. He has gone through hell more then once, I am sure he will be okay.
Asuna: I sure hope so…
?: HeeHeeHee…
Everyone: AAH!
Kirito: Geez, I thought you'd stop doing that!
Argo: And miss a chance to see yer cute reactions? Never. Anywho, I am here because I know where (You) is. I trailed him earlier before he even turned around the shop.
Koharu: and he didn't notice? Either he wasn't paying attention because of what just happened or you've gotten better at hiding in the shadows.
Argo: Whateves, do you guys want to know where he is or not?
Koharu: why did you even follow him?
Argo: isn't it obvious… I am worried about him. Not only is he my top informan'… he is a friend of mine… no way am I leavin' him behind when all he has done is help me with info gatherin'.
Koharu: Uh-huh, and your sure it has nothing to do with the fact that you like him?
Argo: A-A-Ah! *her face gets red* th-that no matter right now! Do you wanna know or not?!
Asuna: Where is he?
A few hours later…
The sound of the water flowing was heard as the stream passed through my eyes. Under a bridge where it can hide my location. The others might think I am in a dungeon but as long as I hid my cursor from the outside, I can remain hidden…
You: *I sigh* was all I have been doing meant nothing…? All I ever wanted was to move past the life I left behind… but I can run away from my own roots. My families' blood is in my hands and in my blood stream. How can I move on when they keep haunting me? *I fall down with my back against the wall* Mm… and I drag everyone into it… Kirito, Asuna, Koharu, Sanya, Mito… they were the first group of friends I ever made in this game. As far as friends in the real world went, Asuna was the first and ever close friend. Makes me think, what would have happen if things were different?
?: Well, narratin' to yerself and layin' down like a wimp ain't gonna get you to yer answer.
You: AAAH!
Argo: HeeHee! Heya.
You: Argo, for Pete sakes! How long are you gonna keep doing this?!
Argo: Aww, come on. Doesn' it bring back memories?
Kirito, Asuna, Koharu, Sachi and Yui come under the bridge following Argo.
Kirito: Hey there.
Koharu: (You)…
You: Oh hey… Hehe, guess you guys found me. Doesn't surprise me…
Asuna: are you feeling okay?
You: *I sigh* I don't know… I feel more like a mutant. A freak of nature. I don't even know what or who I am anymore.
Sachi: Mm… I don't exactly know whats going on but… *she comes closer* this brings back memories for myself as well.
You: what do you mean?
Sachi: Don't you remember? That night when you found me under the bridge when I was being a coward.
You: Oh yeah… I do remember.
Sachi: you showed me something amazing that night… I think its time for me to return the favor.
You: what do you mean?
Sachi: I think… you need to see what it is you have here.
You: I still don't get it…
Sachi: Look, what I am trying to say is that the night you showed that beautiful sky, you made me realize what I had to fight and protect. You have the same thing. You have a partner, a group of friends and an entire Team depending on you.
You: I know… but how can I fight if I don't even know what I am fighting?
Sachi: I think you actually do know, but you are just too scared to face it.
Ouch, she hit just where it hurt.
Sachi: your face tells me, I am right.
You: Maybe so… but I am scared…
Sachi: I was scared once too. I was too scared to leave the safe zone that I even thought about dying.
You: Mm…
Sachi: maybe I don't know what it is you are exactly going through, but I do know what it is to feel scared when you need to stand up and fight but you made me open my eyes and see the world in a whole new different light. Now, I am a member of the Assault team, I made it to the boss fights and I am able to hold my own ground out in the fields. Something I never even believe I could do… and it was thanks to you (You)…
You: Please, I just pointed you in the right direction. You did the work yourself.
Sachi: even so, I would have never have done it without you… and it is not just me. I remember Koharu telling me that she was terrified at fighting out in the front lines but now she doesn't even flinch to an enemy's attack.
Kirito: I still remember that I even trained her in swordsmanship, at first, she couldn't even stab a small boar and instead she fell on her butt.
Koharu: Uh! Did you haft to mention that?!
Argo: Or when she would always run aroun' da field cheerin' fer her victories whenever she defeated a strong enemy.
Koharu: Argo! Not you too!
Asuna: *she laughs at them* You know, being together like this, the three of us with Argo actually reminds me of that night two days before New Year's Eve.
You: *I chuckle* Oh I remember.
A few years ago after the completion of the fifth floor boss. December 29, 2022. Floor 5: Karluin
"Psssssss"
The sound of meat frying was so satisfying that one couldn't help but be hungry.
Koharu: Wow! This meat looks tasty!
Kirito: I'm sure! Here's to us for reaching the fifth floor! Bottoms up!
Argo: Cheers!
Asuna: Mm… cheers guys.
You: Hey, why isn't Mito with you?
Asuna: She said that she wanted to use the items she got from the boss raid by hunting some monsters out in the field.
Meanwhile somewhere around Aincrad.
Mito: Mrmph! Hup!
Mito jumps from tree branch to tree branch through a dead forest.
Big-throned billy goat: "Slirp" "Slirp" Hrmm?
"Shwiing… SWOOOOSH!"
Big-thorned billy goat: HRMMM! *it attempts to run away*
Before the goat can run away, a purple light bursts through the trees and lands on the lake the goat was standing on and bursts into polygons.
Second big-thorned billy goat: HGRRR! *it runs away*
A second goat managed to run away but Mito was fast in her steps and shoved the scythe in front of its throut and slashed its HP bar away.
Second big-thorned billy goat: HREEEEEEEEEEE!
Mito: *an items awards list shows in front of her* Hmm… yeah, good enough… but I can still do better. *she continues to run through the forest*
Back in Floor 5: Karluin
Koharu: Aww, but we defeated the boss together. Shouldn't we at least wait until she comes back?
Asuna: if we do that, we will be here for a while because there is no way she is going to be back until she has tested every single item she got to the test.
Kirito: *he chuckles* I guess it goes to show that she is really dedicated to the rare items she gets. That something we should all take notes on.
Koharu: Oh she doesn't haft to worry about that. Oh well. "Gulp-Gulp"
Argo: "Gulp-Gulp" ~Aaaah!~ Hey miss, can I get a refill please!
Kirito: we owe you big time for the info on the boss Argo.
Argo: Aww, no need for that. (You) and Koharu are the ones who got the info so helpin' you out was the least I could do. Besides *she smirks* how can I turn this deal down when your paying the bill on behave of (You) and myself.
Kirito: U-Uh, go easy on me please…
Argo: HeeHeeHee… anyways, it only took us about a week to get floor four cleared. It was way quicker than I thought.
Kirito: compared to floor 1 which took a month, this was super-fast.
Argo: if we keep this up, we might even beat floor five before the new year.
Kirito: not even, its only like two days away. Talk about impossible. But anyways, I think we should get to the seat of honor on this table.
Asuna: Yeah he is right. Congratulations on the final blow (You).
Argo: ya congratulations.
You: O-Oh it was nothing. It was pure luck that's all.
Argo: if it were pure luck, then I'd say you've gotten pretty lucky these past few floors. Up until now, besides floor one which was beat by Kii-boy here, you are the one who's gotten the last blow on all the bosses. Yer luck must be maxed out fer it to hit the mark every raid.
You: Well… I was told that I am a guy with a four leaf clover. Some people say I am even the luckiest guy.
Argo: oh really. By who?
You: O-Oh… it's a personal story. From the real world.
Argo: Ah bummer. Can't force ya to talk about yer personal life.
Asuna: Anyway, Argo just brought up a good point just now.
Kirito: About what?
Asuna: about the raids. From floor 2 to 4, we have been beating bosses at a faster pace.
Argo: Yeah but that's mostly thanks to Kibaous ALA's and Linds DKB guild. Those dudes are always tryin' to one up each other.
Kirito: you're totally right. They managed to work it out somehow but they're arguments can get pretty nasty.
Asuna: even during this last raid, they were butting heads same as always. *she munch on a French fry*
Kirito: *he sighs* I'll say. And it won't be long before they start full on brawling.
Koharu: but sill… we are fighting to get everyone out of here. I think it's important that we focus on protecting each other than fighting each other.
Argo: too bad everyone doesn't have a brain like yers. Those two guilds will never see eye to eye.
Asuna: the assault team was mostly made from Diabels raid party from floor 1. Right after he left, Lind started the DKB. I don't know why they are being so difficult when they share the same goal.
You: they may share the same goal but not the same strategy. As far as I know, Kibaou's guild is all about teamwork and Lind focuses more on protection amongst resources. They both have the same goals but not the same mentality, which of course creates competition between both guilds to stay safe. In other words, they both try to be like Diabel, but they can't because he is just another player. They have to be themselves and think of a better way to win this game...and how do you ask? With both guilds working together, but that won't happen sooner or later.
Koharu: *she sighs* its just not fair. We haven't lost any players so far but we have already lost so many in the past… how can they be thinking about competition at times like these?
Asuna: yeah. I just wish they both get along. Maybe that's why they decided to do this countdown thing together, its like they are testing the waters, so to speak.
Argo: that or maybe they are throwing this party because no one wants to fight in new years.
Kirito: wait… party?
Everyone: Uh…
Argo: Kii-boy… no one told ya?
Asuna: didn't you get an invetittion?
Argo: Ah geez, they just said a little while ago there are only two days left in the year. Whats the day after tomorrow?
Kirito: Uh… December 31st? The last day of the year?
Everyone: *we all sigh*
You: Kirito, I knew you were a dumbass but I didn't think you were this low…
Kirito: Wh-what? What's up?
Asuna: Its new years eve, that's what. DKB and ALA's are holding a countdown party together.
Kirito: H-HUH?! They are?! No one told me about it! Grr… Asuna… how did you happen to know about this party?
Asuna: Shivata, from the DKB.
Kirito: *he sighs*
Asuna: he wasn't the only one. I got a tons of invites from other people too.
You: Diabel and Kibaou are the ones who sent one for me and Koharu as well. They said it was thanks for helping them get resources for both of their guild maintenances. You ask me, I think Kibaou is mostly doing it out of pity.
Kirito: *he sulks*
Asuna: come on, don't sulk.
Kirito: Wh-Wha?! I am not! I am a solo player so I don't do parties.
Asuna: U-Uh?! Really? Oh I see, so you have been soloing all this time, huh?
Argo: *she chuckles*
Asuna: Huh?
Kirito: whats so funny?
Argo: oh nothing. I just felt like laughing is all. Welp, I think I am gonna head out now.
Kirito: what? But we still have desserts coming.
Argo: I got tons of work to do still. I need to get some info on this towns quests. (You), Koharu, think you two could lend me a hand tomorrow?
You: you can count on us.
Koharu: anything to give the people a safer exploration through the fifth floor.
Argo: Sweet. Catch ya'll later. Asu, Kii-boy, Ko, (You).
After Argo leaves, an NPC waitress comes and delivers the dessert plates. The name of the dessert was Blue blueberry tarts. These desserts were special as they added a special buff to our eyesight that made us sharper and able to hunt down artifacts on the ground much more easily. Sometimes you can find items that you can exchange for money, item upgrades, item crafting, etc. Needless to say, Asuna got all hooked up on it and she went exploring with Kirito around floor five. Koharu and I decided to call it a day and went back to our Inn.
Present moment
Sachi: Wow, it sounds like you guys had a lot of fun.
Kirito: Yup. Until we got trapped in the catacombs and almost got killed by PKers.
Sachi: Pkers?! What happened?
Kirito: Well… we went exploring throughout the whole town and then decided to search the catacombs but got attacked by a Mournful wraith and Asuna screamed and freaked out so much she fell into a trap.
Asuna: Y-You don't haft to say it like that!
Koharu: Oh don't worry about it… I remember screaming my head off when those ghostly woman attacked us when we were exploring too.
You: Yes. Sometimes she'd screamed so loud that a pack of monsters would come after us. We had to run for our lives.
Koharu: I didn't mean to, I just… get scared by ghost.
You: Well, another thing you and Asuna have in common.
Kirito: Anyways. Asuna fell into the trap but didn't die, thankfully.
Asuna: yeah, that's when I ran into this thing I will never forget…
Floor 5: Catacombs. Asuna POV
Asuna: AAAAAH!
As I fell down, I let go of my Rapier and then fell hard on the floor.
Asuna: Augh…
In front of me was my rapier.
?: Squek…
Asuna: Huh?
At a distance, there was this tiny creature that went by the name Sly Shrewman that was interested in my rapier and with high speeds, he grabbed it and began to run off with it.
Asuna: H-Hey you! Give that back!
I chased after it as fast as I could but then I slipped in a puddle and the Shrewman ran away with it... now, I was defenseless with no range to contact anybody. I really thought I was going to die then but… I didn't give up. I equipped myself with high hearing and speed buffs and my old Rapier, the one I started with.
Asuna: its been too long… old friend… I am sorry, but I need your help once more.
Throwing a necklace into the puddle, I hid myself behind a rock and waited for it to come back.
Asuna: that should lore him back…
After a while of waiting, I heard the sound of footsteps crawling near me.
Asuna: yes…
It began to step into the puddle and as it did, I knew it was my chance.
Asuna: Igh! *I leap out*
With a bright shine of red, I leap into action and slash the Shrewman.
Asuna: HEAAAA!
Sly Shrewman: SKREEE! *it bursts into polygons*
As a reward list drop in front of me, I saw that it was not the Shrewman I was looking as it didn't have my Rapier.
Asuna: its not him… *I sigh*
Attempt after attempts, I kept slashing at different Shrewman but none of them had my Rapier… one of them had a piece of paper that a writing on it.
Asuna: Hmm? A piece of paper? It has some writing… 29, ten o'clock, B3F, and numbers and bracket? O-oh, right… these most be coordinates for some kind of meeting.
Looking at the coordinates on my map, I see that I am close… feeling curious, I begin to head towards the coordinates. I felt a bit nervouse since I had no idea for what it was for.
Asuna: I hope this is not a meeting between lovers. Otherwise I would seem like a peeping tom.
It was 9 fifty seven, which meant it was almost time. I heard footsteps coming and that's when I saw this guy… in a black coat standing in the center. Other footsteps were heard as well, he seemed to be coming from the opposite side.
?: Huh?
Another guy with the same type of caot enters and signal themselves with they're hands.
? 2: whats up my man?! Your early, sorry to keep you waiting.
?: its cool, wasn't for long. Getting here was a real pain though. Those hand written notes, they suck. Cant we just DM instead?
? 2: dude, you know why we can't. We don't wanna be leaving a clue in our histories. Well, were here now so let's talk business. So how'd it go? Did they take the bait?
?: Yeah, hook line in sinker. The day after tomorrow ALA's is gonna ditch that countdown event, they're gonna storm the labyrinth all on they're own.
Asuna: (Huh?! They are gonna take on the floor boss all by themselves?!)
? 2: sounds like its coming together! Man I cant wait! Kibaou and Lind, locking horns and going at it. That'll be some show.
?: well setting up was a pain though. It ain't easy manipulating guild meetings… without anyone catching on.
? 2: you don't haft to tell me but the boss did train you to be the smooth talker, if anyone can handle that sort of stuff its you man.
?: I guess so. Keep fanning the flames and before anyone knows it, we'll get those dorks to kill each other yet.
Asuna: (Kill?!)
?: I don't know what the boss is thinking. All of these string attachments are so… complicated. There are easier ways to take someone's life.
? 2: Haha! We are still sowing the seeds here my friend. Be patient, 'cause we wouldn't want our fun and games to end here just yet.
?: I hear you, saving the process is part of the fun.
Attempting to get a batter grasp on what they were talking about, I decided to move a little closer but a pebble moved from where I was standing and made a bit of noise. Enough to get they're attention.
? 2: Did you hear that?
?: yeah…
? 2: if someone heard our top secret conversation, it'd sure suck for them…
I saw the figure walking up towards me with a dagger in hand. With little time, I grab the sheet of paper and throw it on the ground, hoping the Shrewman will come soon.
Asuna: (Come on please… hurry…)
In the distance, a squeaking sound was echoed and the Shrewman came running.
?: Wh-Whoa! What the hell is that?!
? 2: Hehaha! Look at it go! Move aside, I got it! HEEHEE! *he slashes the Shrewman* mystery solved, that sucker is the one who made the noise before.
?: god those stupid rat things are so annoying. Did you haft to deal with their crap during the beta too?
? 2: yeah, but since they grab weapons players drop, they were fun to kill. A surprise every time.
A weapon spawns in the ground.
? 2: speaking of, look what we have here. Yo, a rare weapon! Its one of the Rapiers!
Asuna: Uh!
As he said Rapier, I knew it was the one I was looking for.
?: *he grabs it* whoahoho! It's heavy. Let's check the specs *its properties menu shows up* damn, look at that. This thing is totally leveled up. It deals damage like a two hander!
? 2: yeah, I guess its alright.
?: this is badass and that's all you haft to say. Hey if you don't want it, I'll take it.
? 2: I don't know, you use short swords so you will need to level up more in order to use.
?: Hmm… if I had this I switched to being a fencer in no time. Its name is… the shivalry Rapier.
? 2: you are not saying it right, it's pronounced "Chivalry" genius.
Asuna: Rr… no…
?: Hmm? Hey!
Behind them, stood a guy I knew all too well… Kirito.
? 2: surprise, surprise. How long have you been here?
Kirito: not too long. I heard some voices so I decided to check it out.
? 2: Yeah, we were kind loud but were so far from the main path I didn't think anyone would hear us. I guess we got carried away scoring this rare weapon drop.
Kirito: I was wondering about that. You said its name was the chivalry Rapier. You sure about that?
? 2: wow, you got a good memory for someone who just heard it. Why are you so interested in it?
Kirito: 'cause I heard it before. It belonged to my partner.
?: Grr!
? 2: *he stops him* really? And were just supposed to believe that? You expect us to just hand it over to you?
Kirito: Nah I don't want the sword. I just wanna know how you got it. *he grips his sword* maybe you got it by killing her in a dual… that's kind of your specialty, isn't it? Morte…
Morte: *he smiles* Ah, like when I tried with you a couple floors back, like I said you got a good memory… Kirito… *he grabs his hood with chains*
Both of the guys began to get ready for combat but before both of them could try anything, I heard footsteps running towards here… it was a Shrewman.
Asuna: Uh! Hrmm… *I throw the piece of paper*
Shrewman: "Squeak"
Everyone: Huh?
Asuna: *I inhale*…. AAAAAAAAAAH!
Everyone: AAH!
?: *he drops the rapier*
As he dropped the Rapier, the shrewman takes it and begins to run off but before he could, I leap out and slash it away, regaining my Rapier in hand.
Morte: HAAAAAHAHAHAHA!
?: wh-what the?! Where did you come from?!
Morte: man, that scream you ripped in nearly gave me a heart attack! How long have you been standing there?
?: I don't know about you but I'm hella piss right now. We don't have the time to waste time chit-chatting, I'm pretty sure they heard everything so we gotta deal with them right now.
Morte: let's not go dropping the gun, you saw the specs on that Rapier, didn't you?
?: Please, I wont lose a fight with her, this chick is an amateur. That lame trick of hers cost me a rare weapon, I ain't leaving until she is dead and its back in my inventory.
The two of them were ready to fight… and so was I, but before I could attack…
Kirito: Igh! *he pins me to a hidden cave*
Asuna: Augh!
Monsters: Grawl! Graugh! Groooow!
The sounds of monsters growling and roaring were heard on the other side heading straight towards us.
?: Damn it! Her stupid scream lead a mob down on us! This girl is all about playing dirty!
Morte: Hehaha! Looks who's talking. Come on, we don't have another choice but run.
?: damn it, this sucks! *they both run away*
The sounds of mobs running through the rocks were so loud it nearly made the ground shake. I was too scared to even move.
Kirito: Mm… that was close… I am so glad you're safe.
I held him close… I just didn't want to be alone.
Asuna: I was so scared… I've never been more scared. When I fell into that trap, I thought I was dead… I dropped my rapier and I thought I would never get it back. I was alone and I thought was going to die alone in the dark. And that scared me so much… I never felt like that.
Kirito: I know how you feel… but it's okay. Your safe now, and if we ever get separated again… just hang in there, I will come find you. Okay, partner?
Asuna: *I smile and nod*
Present moment
You: so you had the first encounter with that smug looker Morte first. If only you had been with us in floor 35 early on, we could have saved ourselves a lot of trouble.
Kirito: yeah, I recognize him with the way he speaks. His always talking and talking away.
You: and I am guessing that other guy he was with must have been Johnny Black, back then, he was still in ALA's, gaining information from the guild and manipulating it from within.
Koharu: why didn't you call us Kirito? We could have helped.
Kirito: when that mournful wraith attacked us I already entered the trap and was already out of signal reach so I couldn't contact anyone.
Sachi: it sounds like you guys had a lot of things going on even in the starter floors.
You: Oh Sachi you have no idea. By the looks of it, they were talking about the plan about the guild leaders fighting over the guild flag that the boss dropped in floor five. Fuscus the vacant colossus.
Koharu: I still remembered how tricky that boss was. Having to avoid stepping on the blue tiles just to avoid getting squished or smashed by its arms or legs.
You: Yup. We were pretty lucky to have defeated the boss without any casualties, considering it was a small party.
Kirito: Yeah, with the guild flag in our position, the guild leaders didn't have a reason to fight and...no one had to die or kill each other in the end. Everyone was able to enjoy the New Year's Eve countdown.
Asuna: thank goodness for that as well. If it weren't for us catching up on their meeting… who knows what would have happened.
Sachi: I still remember getting lost in that floor with no one to help me… but that's when (You) saved me. He helped me get back to town and… just thinking about makes me feel safe yet again. (You), I know about this Fluctlight thingy Koharu mentioned. Why didn't you tell me about this?
You: O-Oh, well uh?
Sachi: I still don't a hundred percent understand it but, why didn't you call me to this meeting you had with this Kikuoka guy?
You: you weren't the only one. I didn't contact Yuna, Yuuki, Strea or Eiji either. The reason why is because you guys are the ones who aren't affected as much as to what is going on. I already involved so many people and… I just wouldn't want to put you guys in danger.
Sachi: Oh (You) that is silly. We are your friends, and we would do anything to help you *she grabs my hand* the same way you helped us. The same way you helped me back then in the fifth floor… and on the first floor… and when you saved my life back in that trap.
You: Hmm…
Koharu: we are all here for you.
Kirito: If there is something coming after you, you can always count on us to help you.
Asuna: just like you would do for us.
You: Mm… are you guys sure you want to keep going with this? It could be dangerous.
Koharu: we laugh at danger up to this point. We know we can handle it.
Kirito: Yeah, we want to help you no matter what the situation is.
You: But you guys don't even know what you're fighting for.
Koharu: I told you… it doesn't matter. We are a team… we don't need to know. We fight together, as a team. No one gets left behind.
You: Mm…
Looking at all of they're faces. I knew they wouldn't give up, especially Koharu…
You: *I sigh* alright… *I stand up* then I guess we must continue with what we were doing… *I grab the cube* lets go gather the missing integral fragments.
Sachi: and this time, don't leave anyone behind. They all deserve to know.
You: …alright.
Asuna: the others must be still looking for you, we must let them know you're okay.
You: alright… I'll contact the rest as well.
After a while, we all headed back to Agil's shop where everyone was waiting, and I mean everyone.
Strea: Darling—!
Yuna: (You)! *she runs and hugs me tight*
You: Whoa there! Whats with all the squeezing and squishing?
Yuna: I missed you. I thought you forgot about us, I haven't seen you in such a long time I thought you… *she tears up*
You: Y-Yuna?
Eiji: you better be lucky I don't punch you for making her cry… she told me not to, you know. You better apologize.
You: Mm… I am sorry Yuna. I just… didn't want to put you in danger because of whats going on.
Yuna: oh come on, don't be like some reckless idiot I know of who always tries to shield me from danger.
Nautilus: Wh-what is that supposed to mean?!
Yuna: you really think I can't handle it. I am not as I was before… maybe not even as strong... but I am strong enough to handle stuff on my own… please don't leave us behind like that again.
You: Mm…
Strea: Aww, you beat me to it. I was going to say the same thing you know.
Yuuki: I guess we all just felt a little left out, but I of course am not blaming you. Since I did also need tome to… prepare something for latter.
Twilight: Well, at least you did bring my brother back... I thank you for that... *she says adverting her gaze*
Koharu: Aww, it was nothing.
Twilight: Don't get the wrong idea. I still am not letting you take him.
Yui: You two seem so close.
Twilight: Wha?! And what makes you say that?! We are enemies, mortal ene-
Koharu: Aww, well of course we are. We are sisters after all. *she says holding her*
Twilight: Wha?! Who are you calling a shishter?! *she says muffles with Koharu's Arms*
You: Alright, alright, I am sorry if I hurt any of you guys or made you guys worried. Kirito, Asuna, Koharu, even Sachi got me back to my senses and… even though I am still not sure what is going on… I think I can handle it.
Klein: well, whatever it is, we are here for you! We won't let that shady looking bastard do anything to hurt you.
Agil: you got a whole bunch of people willing to lend you a hand. I'd say you're a pretty lucky guy for having this much people on your side.
You: heh, yeah… maybe a bit too lucky.
Everyone smiled at me with warm smiles and reassuring looks, I felt like I could go back inside and see what Kikuoka wanted me to do next… although, something bothered me in the back in my mind… one of these friends of mine… are a traitor…
You: Irgh… *I open the door*
As I open the door, the bell rings and we all see Kikuoka still sitting in the table with a cup of tea on the desk.
Kikuoka: "Slirp" Hmm… *he puts down the cup* so… you guys are back.
To be continued…