Aincrad, Sword Art Online (Lv. 11, Taft) December 25, 2022
"Hold up, run that by me again? My ears must be waxed-up or somethin'."
"Take your time…"
"I gave you a hunting mission."
"Yes."
"To find Felids."
"Yeah, and I'm never doing it again."
"YOU FOUGHT A BASILISK?!"
Josuke sat at the bar table in the tavern, laughing nervously as a baffled Argo slammed her mug of beer onto the tabletop, causing a bunch of the liquid to splash and spill over. Truly, a memory to be treasured as a rarity.
"Haha… yeah, we did…" Josuke chuckled as sweat rolled down his brow, the celebration of the Moonlit Black Cats within earshot just behind him.
After the final battle that ended in the defeat of the basilisk, the entire group saw the big kill as quite a sufficient compensation for the grinding hell that was their initial quest. With a huge haul from their victory, the Cats invited Kirito and Josuke back to Floor 11 for a night out.
It was Christmas Night, and the entire floor was decorated for the occasion. Soft flakes of snow descended from the sky, and all manner of festive lights and ornaments illuminated the streets. Couples walked the roads, dressed in warm winter clothing, and bars like the one they were visiting were filled to the brim, feasting and drinking abound.
Josuke and Argo made eye contact as soon as they walked into the bar. Well, her eyes immediately moved to his hair. Close enough, he supposed.
"S-still… those oversized worms don't mess around. How'd you deal with them paralyzin' beams?" Argo asked as she beat her chest and coughed, beer caught in her throat.
Josuke looked over his shoulder to the Cats, Kirito sharing a drink and laughing alongside them. A sight he wouldn't forget anytime soon.
"We had help. Help we wouldn't have gone by without." Josuke sighed, swirling the beer in his mug, before chugging down a gulp.
"Yeah, that's adorable." Argo deadpanned, her face unamused. "I'm talking, how'd ya do it? Surely those beams ain't unblockable, right? Tell me how ya did it, and I can make ya rich! We'd both be! Come on! Spill it!" She egged on as she leaned in closer, yen signs practically forming in her eyes, and Josuke could have sworn he saw her froth at the mouth a bit.
"This girl's got issues." Josuke cringed as he leaned away from the money-grubbing weasel in front of him.
"Well for one, we didn't exactly have a way to block them, we just… killed it before it came to anything bad? Heh?" Josuke nervously laughed, unsure of how to respond. This girl was dangerous with words, and he had the very sneaking suspicion that anything he said could most definitely be used against him.
Argo's face dropped from her bright, greedy smile as she sighed, drinking another gulp of beer. "Well, I guess I shouldn't be too surprised that the Diamond Fist JoJo found a way to trivialize a fight like that…"
"First of all, it was a group effort. Can't do much when I'm frozen stiff, even with a Stand. Second of all, what's up with that nickname? That's stupid." Josuke muttered, drawing lines on the tabletop with his finger, causing Argo to snicker with a mischievous grin.
"Just a lil' title I came up with for the Weekly Argo. No harm, no foul, right? Stories like yours make me a lotta bank. People go bananas about crazy talk like superpowers in an already insane death game like this!" Argo laughed as she swirled her beer in her hand, before setting it on the table.
"You know, don't you think it's kind of insensitive to be writing stories about people without asking first? How come this is the first I'm hearing of it?" Josuke asked, curious.
"Well that's just you being an uncultured hack. News has to be fresh and relevant for folks to pick it up, right? As it turns out, people don't really shut up about a hero that saved the battle of the 1st Floor. Waiting on your permission? Ain't nobody got time for that!" Argo said as she tilted her head, resting her chin on her arms as she plopped her elbows atop the tabletop.
"That was one battle… How are people still talking about me?" Josuke asked again, now fully eager to know.
"Because you're somethin' ain't nobody ever seen before. Think about it! Any natural swordsman can just get the "cheater" tag slapped onto 'em, but who'd ever seen a stunt like what you pulled? Calling out a muscle-bound ghost of yer own to catch a boss's attack and then pummel it dry? Healing Diabel, leader of the frontline clearers and saving his life, allowing him to organize a push through to Floor 11 in just a month's time? You saved that day. Even if not all that talk is praise, you're a legend now, boy. I dunno about you, but I'd raise my glass to that." Argo smiled at the Stand user, hefting her mug to him as she drank again.
"Legend, huh? Talk about a shock…" Josuke breathed out, trying to process what he had heard.
"Well, if it eases that weight on ya, I'm not sure if that nickname'll stick or not. Who knows? Maybe people'll find a way to twist that mystique surrounding you into somethin' less than favorable, maybe drift on to some other lucky sucker with skills." Argo offhandedly mentioned, leading a drop of sweat to roll down Josuke's head.
"Not sure if I'd like that any better…" Josuke muttered.
"By the way, you and Ki-boy gonna stick around with this crew? Gonna continue running solo? Seems you guys got along swimmingly." Argo asked, swiveling her bar stool to face the motley crew of the Moonlit Black Cats celebrating at one of the tables.
Again, Josuke smiled warmly at the sight. "Looks like we just might. Kirito's really getting along with them, and if he's happy, then so am I. Who knows? Maybe we'll be sticking together for quite a while."
"Huh. Then if you've made up yer mind, then I suppose there ain't any need to urge you otherwise. These are things a lil' outta my pay grade, ya feel me?" Argo giggled, flashing a toothy grin.
"Well, if you're looking to do more business, or someone to report some killer stories to, just hit me up! Ya know yer girl Argo's always got her eye on ya!" Argo kicked herself off the stool and jumped to her feet, giving Josuke a thumbs-up.
"I'll… be in touch, I guess." Josuke muttered, watching as Argo smiled back and walked out the door, pulling her cloak and hood over her shoulders as she ventured off into the snowy Christmas night.
"JoJo! Come on over here already!"
Josuke blinked as he turned to the origin of the voice, and saw Keita waving his hand, trying to draw his attention. The rest of the Moonlit Black Cats also had their eyes on him, smiling with inviting warmth all the while.
Sighing to himself, Josuke got on his feet and walked over to the table beside Kirito. Kirito grinned at his friend, who returned the gesture as he filled his own glass and plate, watching as Keita clapped his hands together to grab everyone's attention.
"A toast to everyone of us Moonlit Black Cats! Cheers!"
Keita raised his glass before the table, causing everyone to raise their glasses as well.
"Cheers!"
"And here's to Kirito and JoJo, our new friends!" Keita continued, raising his glass as he nodded in the direction of the aforementioned duo.
"Cheers!"
The group toasted again, much to Kirito's embarrassment as he laughed nervously. "Come on, guys. We don't need special treatment here."
With this, Josuke laughed as he gave a hearty slap onto Kirito's back. "Come on! We can enjoy ourselves a little more, can't we? Besides, it's Christmas! Show a little festivity while you're at it!"
"Heh, I guess you're right." Kirito chuckled, raising his glass and drinking, looking all around him with a smile on his face.
The party was going strong, with the Moonlit Black Cats drinking, feasting and laughing into the festive night. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever imagine himself in a place such as this.
All his life, Kirito had distanced himself from people, and he had never taken the chance to reach out and truly be part of something. Sure, he had Sugu, but they grew apart, despite being siblings-
Cousins. He corrected himself, sighing mentally. He had Josuke, but that was one person, someone who'd been by his side the whole month. He was fine with just one other person to look out for, and they him. It was simple, it was all he knew, and he was fine with that.
Either he was lazy, or he didn't want to bother finding others.
Then some memories clicked in his mind.
"I can't have you always lookin' out for me, right? Head on to the next town, and don't worry about me!"
The first day, he remembered meeting Klein and teaching him the ropes. The older man was a bit of a goofball, but he had a big heart, thinking of his friends first instead of running off with him and Josuke. He wondered where he was now.
"So I could remain as myself. I'd rather survive as myself rather than rot away at an inn back in Starting Town. This game... I won't give in to it. I won't give up, no matter how far off the deep end I go."
His mind then drifted to Asuna. The curious girl who they had first met back on the raid to clear the 1st Floor. They ran into one another several times after that, but ultimately remained apart as she hopped from one guild to the next. Last he saw her, she had been holding some sway in the clearing parties alongside Diabel.
Diabel…
The man who had led them back on Floor 1, the same man who would go on to lead the charge against the next Floor Bosses. He heard the same things about him, his reliability, his leadership skills, all qualities that never changed since that day. All qualities that inspired hope in his allies. Kirito wondered if he was the same as back then, what could have happened if Josuke didn't save his life.
"By the way, I thought I recognized that skill of yours!"
Speaking of which...
Kirito turned beside him to see that Keita was chatting with Josuke, who he could see having a bead of sweat roll down the side of his face, knowing exactly what he was talking about.
"I've heard about it, it's a Stand, right?" Ducker piped up, raising his hand as the other slammed on the table.
"Oh! If I remember correctly, there was one player on the 1st Floor who beat up the boss and saved the leader, and they used an armored spirit to do it!" Sasamaru added, causing Josuke to cringe inwardly.
"The Diamond Fist, they called him, right? Yeah, that's what they called him!" Tetsuo mused.
"You think JoJo has the same ability? I know it's just a story but…" Sachi began, before looking at the boy in question.
Everyone turned to Josuke, fiddling about with his fingers and trying not to make eye contact. Looking up, he could see everyone with curious eyes trained on him. Turning to Kirito, he saw the black-haired boy sigh in resignation and nod at him.
Taking a breath, Josuke clapped his hands together and willed it to manifest.
"Meet Crazy Diamond, guys."
The Moonlit Black Cats all gasped as Josuke's Stand appeared out of thin air beside Josuke as he sat, the spirit floating beside him, displaying its full appearance before the guild.
Keita stood in shock as he stared at Josuke's Stand as it locked eyes with him. "Woah… t-then, you're really…"
"The Diamond Fist? To be clear, had no idea that name was a thing until just now, but I guess so. Me and Kirito were on the 1st Floor clear raid. Seems that this guy's gotten quite the amount of talk lately." Josuke sighed as he gestured to his Stand before dispersing it, causing it to disappear.
"Wow… to think that we'd be running into players like you two and partying up with you… You guys have got some serious game going on!" Sasamaru laughed.
"It's no big deal, it was just one battle. Not like we did anything really impressive after that. I guess we just kinda drifted away from the frontlines after the fact. Diabel seemed like he could have handled things from then on." Kirito muttered, swirling the drink in his cup.
"You knew Diabel, too? Damn, now that's cool. Heard the guy's been leading the frontlines and clearing dungeons like a machine!" Ducker gleamed, leading Tetsuo to laugh.
"Well, didn't peg you to look up to him like that now, Ducker."
"It ain't like that! I acknowledged he did some cool things, and that's that! Just like how JoJo and Kirito did some cool things too! Damn, if only they were part of the gang! We'd be set for life, and we'd have one hell of a story to tell when we all get home!" Ducker ranted, sipping another swig from his glass.
"Hey, it's not like you guys aren't impressive yourselves! I mean, you did save our asses when that basilisk had us paralyzed. Didn't know what would have happened if you didn't leap in. Your formations and your fighting skills were great, and I didn't even cover your teamwork!" Kirito noted, looking over each of the guild members with an observant eye.
"Y-yeah, I guess that's true, but I believe we could be even better, you feel me?" Keita replied with a pondering expression on his face.
"What's that now?" Josuke asked as he tilted his head at Keita's words.
"I've been thinking about what you said, about us potentially making it to the front lines. Well, even if that isn't really what we have in mind, I do think we'll need to get stronger to survive regardless. So that's why…"
Keita turned to Kirito and Josuke, setting down his glass as his face steeled into a serious expression.
"…Kirito, JoJo, would you be interested in joining the Moonlit Black Cats?"
Kirito and Josuke sat there, slack-jawed, not showing any visible reaction for a moment, leading Sachi to raise her hand shyly.
"U-um… Keita talked to us about this. He thinks Tetsuo shouldn't be holding the front all his own, and he'd like me to join him, maybe improve my skills to switch to a sword and shield. I-I know this might be asking a bit much, b-but… I was wondering i-if you'd be willing to show me the ropes… K-Kirito?" Sachi asked in a hiccup-riddled voice, then bowing her head in Kirito's direction, causing a blush to flare up across Kirito's face.
Josuke began to snicker under his breath, only for a miffed Kirito to jab him in the ribs with his elbow. Taking a breath, Kirito turned back to his friend, massaging his ribs.
Josuke didn't say a word this time, and just smiled with a nod.
"But hey, if anyone asks, what'll you say?"
"F-fine. I'll consider it."
He remembered when the both of them went over this. Now, he knew what his decision was.
"It'd be a pleasure! Our swords are pledged to the Cats!" Kirito laughed.
The bar by now was long empty, but the festivities of the night were far from over, as the Moonlit Black Cats welcomed their new members with smiles on their faces and song in their voices.
Weapon Showcase:
Lv. 15 Staff: Monkey's Tail – Even without blades or heavy blocks, sometimes sticks and stones are all you need to break bones. Be quick and clever as a monkey, and the staff shall snatch you a great many victories.
Special: Mischief: Low chance to decrease target's Attack by 5% for 10 seconds on hit
Enhancement: +2
Damage: 150 (D)
Speed: 300 (C)
Durability: 250 (C)
Range: 3m (S)
Precision: 70% (A)
Rank: Uncommon (C)
Selling Price: 1,000 Col
Owner: Keita
Aincrad, Sword Art Online (Lv. 15, Baobab Forests) January 20th, 2023
"Damn, the 21st Floor already? Those frontline clearers don't mess around, do they?"
Keita looked over the newspaper as he laid down with Kirito by his side, the rest of the guild behind him setting up a picnic on the grass.
It had been around a month since Kirito and Josuke came to know the Moonlit Black Cats, then officially joining their guild. As Kirito had originally agreed to, he helped Sachi to train her swordsmanship, helping her adjust to her new set of weapons. In that time, they had taken the opportunity to grow closer, Sachi growing less and less shy as they continued to chat amongst one another.
The rest of the group suspected something was going on, but they'd just deny it all the same with that familiar red hot blush.
Josuke also found himself acclimating into the group very well, his Stand protecting the rest of the group as he joined Tetsuo and Sachi as the guild's frontline units. The group was more lively than ever, and he was overjoyed to see Kirito enjoying himself so much.
Sometimes, it was moments like these that took Kirito's mind off of the prospect of their grave situation, seeing Josuke help set the blanket while Ducker and Sasamaru brought out the drinks. Sachi held a basket of bread slung on her arm. Turning briefly in his direction, Sachi's face flushed lightly, before she gave a smile and waved.
His face mirroring hers, Kirito waved back. There were some days when he'd be eagerly waiting to train her again, just to have a little alone time with the girl. Not that he wasn't happy hanging out with the boys, but he saw a kindred spirit in her from the day they got to know each other back on Floor 6.
"Seriously, they got some kind of edge over us or something? I'd bet they did. Maybe that's why we're not among them already." Keita sighed as he lied on his back, facing the sky with his hands behind his head.
His attention suddenly returned to Keita beside him, and Kirito gave a reply. "Honestly, I suppose their access to information does give them quite the edge. With some of the top players in the game joining the frontlines, I wouldn't put it past them to know the best grind locations and quests."
"However, they're not exactly generous or charitable. Sure, they'll clear bosses and Floors, but who's to say they're not doing it for selfish reasons? Maybe they just want to get stronger and hog that to themselves." Kirito said these words, and a voice in the back of his head reminded him that he spoke from experience. He stomped out these thoughts quickly, but he couldn't deny them either.
"Huh. Is that really what you think?" Keita muttered.
"What do you mean?" Kirito asked, curious as Keita sat upright again.
"I mean, they got the initiative to get out there, risking their lives to defeat those Floor bosses, and I can't imagine to comprehend the kind of willpower that takes. Hell, you and JoJo gave your swords to clear a floor, and you're some of the coolest guys we've ever met!" Keita laughed as he turned to Kirito.
"Again… it's no big deal. Plus, you guys are all plenty strong yourselves, don't you sell yourself short." Kirito noted, as he curled up his legs and hugged them as he buried his face in his knees.
"Yeah… I guess we can wait until we all get stronger. More than anything, I only care that we all survive until the end. Me and my friends, all making it through together! Once we know we can, then we might take a shot at the elites in the assault teams! Once we do, not even the Divine Dragon Alliance or the Knights of the Blood Oath will underestimate us Moonlit Black Cats!" Keita proclaimed, raising his fist in the air in determination, his eyes sparkling with fiery resolve.
"That's the spirit! Come here!" Josuke cheered as he walked over to Keita, grabbing him in a headlock and grinding his fist into his hair, laughing all the way despite his protests. The rest of the Moonlit Black Cats joined in, laughing amongst one another as Keita struggled in Josuke's grip.
Kirito sat by on the grass, looking over them with a smile on his face as he pondered over Keita's words.
"Yeah. Keita's way of thinking could really change the attitudes of the other frontliners. We're gonna get stronger together, as friends. Josuke, Ducker, Sasamaru, Tetsuo, Keita, Sachi… I won't let you down. I promise."
Weapon Showcase:
Lv. 13 Dagger: Maple Shard – The breath of the wild, the whistle of the wind. The forest hides a wondrous world of life, but come darkness, predators come out to prowl. Become a carnivore, a creature of the wood.
Special: Hunter's Tact: Increase Damage VS Beast enemies in Forest biomes by 20%
Enhancement: +4
Damage: 150 (D)
Speed: 350 (B)
Durability: 150 (D)
Range: 0.75m (D)
Precision: 70% (A)
Rank: Uncommon (C)
Selling Price: 1,000 Col
Owner: Ducker
Aincrad, Sword Art Online (Lv. 25, Wolf Plains) February 15th, 2023
The weeks passed, and the motley crew grew ever closer. One day, Keita came to the group with some incredible news: the guild had scrounged up enough money to buy a new house. Everyone was celebrating that night, happy to finally have a place all to their own. It didn't take long for Josuke to start talking about having parties and thinking about furniture to decorate the place.
"He always did have an eye for style." Kirito thought to himself as he explored the fields of the 25th Floor. He'd made it a habit to pick fights and search for mobs to kill whenever he had free time, and even applied that practice with the Cats. Some days, he'd invite them if they were up for it. He'd also invite Sachi to help train her. That was time he treasured, just to get to know her better in private while he indulged in what he loved.
However tonight, the entire guild was asleep for the most part. Not in the mood to disturb them, he and Josuke agreed to go their separate ways and explore, searching for great potential hunting spots among the higher levels, places they could take the gang when they all went to hunt together.
That was when Kirito came across a new area, peppered with stone ruins, half-buried fragments of stone and destroyed buildings lining the hills. Standing by a broken brick structure, Kirito watched as he quickly noticed that he was not alone tonight. Looking down the hill, he could spot a group of players chasing what looked to be a Blood Wolf.
Two players dressed in similarly samurai-themed red armor flanked the monstrous canine as they ran down the hill, the wolf chasing after who appeared to be the leader. Kirito couldn't clearly see his face from the distance, but what he could clearly identify was the man's red bandanna.
"Klein? Looks like he's with his guild."
Klein continued to run as his two allies jabbed at the wolf with their own weapons, aiming for the legs and aiming to slow the beast down. Once he was a respectable distance away, Klein turned around and assumed a stance, drawing a katana from his hip as he waited, charging up a Sword Skill as his sword glowed red.
Boxed in from all sides, the wolf lunged for Klein, only for a swift upwards movement from Klein's blade to clash with the wolf's bite, right as it was about to hit him. A Perfect Parry. The strike sent the wolf staggering back, dazed for a good number of seconds.
All the time Klein needed to charge up a second Sword Skill as he raised the blade over his shoulder with both hands and yelled out a battle cry, rushing towards the wolf as he swiped downward, drawing a deep cut as the wolf froze, glowed a bright blue and exploded into a mass of blue pixels.
Letting out a breath as he sheathed his blade, Klein turned back to his own guild, smiling at him and offering words of congratulation.
"Good job, guys! A few more rounds, and we can call it a night! Stay sharp" Klein announced as he clapped his hands together, raising his fist as the rest of Furinkazan did the same, cheering.
Upon hearing the quiet noise of an additional pair of hands clapping, Klein turned around to face Kirito, offering his own round of applause as he walked down the hill to greet his friend.
"Those were some fine skills you showed off there, Klein." The black-haired boy commended, smiling invitingly.
"Kirito, how've you been! Damn, how long has it been since we talked?" Klein laughed, happy to see his friend once again, the same one who helped him back on Floor 1. Despite this, he couldn't help but notice the absence of a certain pompadoured teen.
"Say, where's JoJo? Doesn't he always tag along with you?" Klein asked, curious, leading Kirito to sigh as he answered.
"We decided to go different ways tonight. He's doing just fine, trust me on that."
"Ah, then that's a relief! I hadn't heard from you since your battle to clear Floor 1! We've got so much to catch up on! Why don't we rest up for a bit? You don't mind sticking around, right?" Klein offered, offering his hand to Kirito.
Looking down at his friend's gauntlet-clad hand, Kirito nodded and accepted. "Sure. Let's talk. Your guys good with that?"
"Sure. They can take care of themselves, don't think they'd mind if we took a bit of time." Klein grinned as he gave a thumbs-up.
The two players walked off, finding a safe spot among the ruins as they found a lone tower ruin, climbing to the top where no Blood Wolves would be able to attack them. Sitting themselves down, they quickly shared stories of what had happened since they last met.
"-and then, just as we got it in the bag, this giant snake popped out of the water and stole it! I was ready to rip my hair out right then and there!" Kirito shared with a passionate voice, clearly engrossed in his own story as Klein laughed all the while.
"Damn, that sounds like a pain! But still, you joined up with a guild, didn't you?" Klein asked as he turned to Kirito.
"Yeah, actually. They helped us beat that quest, and we've been a part of the guild for around a couple months now." Kirito explained while Klein listened.
"Didn't peg you for the type to join a guild, y'know. I'd always figured you and JoJo to be the "dynamic duo" kinda gang. After all, on the 1st Floor I asked you if you were willing to join up with me, and you looked like something smelled real nasty. Not a very dignifying face to remember." Klein snickered, leading Kirito to huff in annoyance.
"First of all, I don't do that. Probably. Second of all, not like you suffered for it. Furinkazan's doing really well with you as leader! I even heard you even took part in some of the floor raids!" Kirito noted, remembering how well Klein did back there with the Blood Wolves.
Klein may have acted like a goofball on occasion, but the man was not to be underestimated by any stretch of the means nowadays. Since the beginning of SAO, he had grown stronger and stronger after his time learning from Kirito and Josuke, eventually leading his guild of six to prominence, eventually becoming a powerful force to be reckoned with, even among massive groups like the DDA and KoB.
"Aww, dude. You're making me blush here." Klein chuckled, as Kirito laughed alongside him.
"You know, that teamwork you guys have? That friendship you share? Sometimes I wonder if I've been missing that the whole time… I know it was always me and Josuke, but honestly, these last few months were some of the most fun I've ever had. These guys at the Cats? I'm having the time of my life with them. Just you watch. We'll be showing up the DDA and even the KoB soon enough! Hell, we could even give Furinkazan a run for their money!" Kirito mused as he lied on his back, his eyes facing the stars above.
"Hey, you know me and the guys won't go down without a fight?" Klein scoffed as he lied on his back as well, his hands behind his back as Kirito replied to his challenge.
"Well, if that's the case, I won't hold back. These guys, I won't let them down. That's a promise."
"Heh, you getting soft on me, Kirito? Damn. You really have changed." Klein laughed as he looked at the bright shine in Kirito's eyes.
To his surprise, Kirito didn't object. "I really have, haven't I?"
Klein didn't reply after this, and was content to simply sit back and watch the endless cosmic scape of stars alongside his friend.
Weapon Showcase:
Lv. 12 Spear: Pilum – Once wielded by the cavalry of Roman Legionnaires, this javelin is a simple, but efficient weapon.
Special: Vanguard: Increases Defense of all allies by 10%
Enhancement: +3
Damage: 250 (C)
Speed: 150 (D)
Durability: 300 (C)
Range: 3m (S)
Precision: 60% (B)
Rank: Uncommon (C)
Selling Price: 900 Col
Owner: Sasamaru
Aincrad, Sword Art Online (Lv. 11, Taft) February 15th, 2023
Josuke knew he'd told Kirito he was going to explore other fields for more hunting areas, but he quickly felt bored of wandering about in the wilderness. After racking up a few kills on stray mobs, Josuke saw fit to head back to town for a bit of a late-night stroll about town.
Hitting up the teleport gate back to Taft on Floor 11, Josuke was about to go his merry way when an alert popped up in his menu. Opening it up to check it, Josuke was curious to see the sender of the message.
"Keita?"
Taking a breath, Josuke opened the message and read it through.
This is Keita.
Sachi went out and hasn't come back.
We'll go look for her in the dungeon area.
If you figure something out, let me know.
Cringing, Josuke winced as he processed the news. Sachi was a sweet girl, and he hadn't imagined she would bolt off without warning. Besides, she always preferred to go with a friend. Old habits were difficult to break, Josuke supposed.
Sighing, Josuke could only imagine Kirito working up a sweat over this. Sachi's time training with him really left an impact on the boy, even if he wanted to deny it all day. That being said, Josuke wouldn't have forgiven himself if anything happened to Sachi, he wouldn't have been able to face Kirito.
Josuke opened a slot in his menu and activated a skill, causing his eyes to glow. Josuke had acquired this particular skill not too long ago, a decision he decided to spec into as a result of trauma from that hellish grind mission when he first met the Cats.
"Tracker skills. Thanks for the tip, Ducker, you pompous ass, you."
Looking about the town, Josuke's eyes happened upon a highlighted trail of prints leading to a back alley behind a set of houses. Not wasting any time, Josuke ran, reminding himself to thank Ducker once he got back.
Running through the streets, following the trail as he huffed raspy breaths out his throat. Eventually, Josuke found her. Reaching a bridge, Josuke jumped down to the edge of the canal, walking along it until he saw the form of a person sitting under the bridge.
"Sachi?" Josuke called out, caution in his voice as to not provoke her.
"JoJo…" The girl's voice responded as she eked closer to the edge of the bridge's shadow.
"Everyone's worried. How's about we head on back? Not sure how I'd explain this to Kirito…" Josuke started as he edged closer to Sachi, eventually sitting along the walls of the canal, Sachi within arm's distance.
"Kirito… yeah, I bet he'd be quite worried." Sachi sighed, her eyes downcast as she hugged her legs.
Noticing something was wrong, Josuke turned to Sachi. "Sachi, is something wrong? Why'd you come out here?"
At first, the girl didn't say anything. Either she didn't know her answer or she was thinking of one. Allowing to take her time, Josuke gave her silence.
"To run. It's all I ever do, right?" Sachi replied monotonously, her voice dead.
Josuke didn't know how to respond to that. So no response he gave,
"Do you know why I used a spear? Spears have long range and can block easily. Safe distance, away from danger." Sachi noted, as Josuke listened.
"Do you know why I'm so awkward when talking to others? I hid myself away for most of my life. I was afraid. Of people, of the world. Now that I'm here in SAO, all I can think of is how I can't run from it. It drives me crazy, I feel I could lose my mind." Sachi cried, tears starting to roll down her eyes.
"I see people like you and Kirito, you two are so strong… I wish I could be like you, but then I remember that I'd be too scared to even start to get to your level. Who am I kidding? I don't have a Stand like you. I don't have Kirito's swordsmanship. At the end of it all, what chance do I even have?" Sachi continued on, as Josuke couldn't do a thing but listen.
"I could be safe at home, living a normal life free from harm right now. We all could. But because of this stupid game, we're forced to stay here, risking our lives to get back home! What's the point of any of it?! I try to keep a brave face on for Keita, Kirito and the others, but every night I just cry asking why?! Why do we have to sacrifice our lives over a damn video game?! Sometimes, I even think… what if I'd rather end it now? Maybe then, I wouldn't have to worry so much anymore." Sachi laughed emptily, her voice in complete despair.
Josuke felt himself get on edge after hearing these words. Surely she wasn't thinking of killing herself!
"Ah, who am I kidding? I'd be too scared to go through with it anyway…"
"Maybe so, but more importantly, Kirito and I wouldn't let you." Josuke replied, causing Sachi to look up at him amidst her sobs.
"Besides, If I'm being real, it's not like these kinds of thoughts don't claw away at me ever since I dove in here." Josuke continued.
"To be honest, the thought of never seeing my mom ever again really frightens me. She's probably worrying her butt off, and I'd be damned if I made her cry. Don't think I'd ever live with that. Much less the idea that I might not make it back to apologize to her for that." Josuke mused, tears forming in his own eyes as he thought back to his mother, a face he hadn't seen in nearly half a year. A face he dearly missed.
"Not sure if I'm the guy you should be hearing this from, but Sachi, I fear death the same as you each time I head into a dungeon or battle a tough enemy. Hell, when that basilisk hit me and Kirito with that eye beam, I thought for a moment that I was gonna die for real! Besides, if I kept a level head, I didn't think I'd be able to fight like I did!" Josuke recalled, as Sachi's eyes lit up with familiarity.
"Truth be told... reptiles kinda scare the crap outta me. I remember taking one look at that oversized snake and nearly pissing myself! The only reason I was able to fight it was because of how mad I was!"
"Your guild saved us that day, when my Stand couldn't do a thing, when Kirito's sword couldn't budge. I saw you that day, yelling as you rushed in with your spear! That Sachi I saw had no fear, even if just for a moment." Josuke smiled.
"You're wrong, JoJo… I was scared when that happened. I-I screamed out of fear…" Sachi stammered, only for Josuke to interrupt her.
"You were. You were scared that we would die, weren't you?" Josuke suggested, leading Sachi's eyes to widen in epiphany.
"It's perfectly normal for people to fear death. It's what makes us human, alive. But, those who take up their swords and fight do so because their fear of losing their friends and loved ones is even greater. I fight because I'm afraid of the idea that I couldn't protect someone." Josuke explained as Sachi listened in silence.
"Also, don't tell Kirito I said this, but I'm sure he feels the same, especially for you." Josuke said, leading Sachi's face to light up in that all-too familiar blush that covered her whole face.
"W-where did that come from?" Sachi stuttered, steam practically emanating from her flushed ears.
"Don't lie to me. You love him, don't you?" Josuke smiled warmly with sincerity. Sachi didn't deny his words as she proceeded to bury her face in her legs, whimpering embarrassedly all the while.
"Well, what if I told you I think he feels the same way for you?" Josuke asked Sachi, leading to stare at him with a shocked face and flushed cheeks.
"R-really?" She asked, leading Josuke to laugh again.
"Yeah. Every time he'd come back from training with you, he'd have this delighted glow on his face, like he'd dipped his feet in nirvana. And you wanna know a little secret of mine?" Josuke asked Sachi, who reluctantly nodded.
"T-tell me."
"When I asked him why he put so much time into training you, get this: He told me that he'll never forget that time you saved his life, and that part of why he's doing it just to spend some private time with you, someone who's just like him!" Josuke laughed.
Sachi's face was as red as a tomato, but instead of her usual stammers and fluster, a very content and warm smile was seen on her face, a face Josuke knew he'd treasure once he saw it.
"I-is that true? Thank you for telling me…" Sachi squeaked out as she stood up.
"How about this? Head back home, and why don't you talk to Kirito once you do? I'm sure he'd love to keep you company! Sure beats my sorry ass, am I right?" Josuke laughed as he took Sachi's hand as they started to leave the canal.
"Maybe I will… thank you… Josuke." Sachi managed to say, leading Josuke to turn around at the mention of his real name as he gave another smile.
"No problem, Sachi. If you ever need to cry again, I'll lend you my shoulder anytime."
Outfit Showcase:
Lv. 30 Coat: Cloak of Midnight – The Cloak of Midnight is said to allow its wearer to be one with the night and strike silently like a phantom from the shadows.
Special: All EXP gained between 6:00pm and 6:00am (Japan Standard Time) is increased by 30%.
Enhancement: +6
Damage: 350 (B)
Speed: 275 (C)
Durability: 350 (B)
Rank: Boss Drop (S)
Selling Price: 20,500 Col
Owner: Kirito
Aincrad, Sword Art Online (Lv. 11, Hestia Inn, Taft) February 15th, 2023
By the time Kirito had returned to the inn, he saw Josuke conked out on the couch, completely out cold and snoring like a fat bear. His gear was still on, so he could already discern that he had stayed up quite late.
Having received the message from Keita, Kirito panicked just a bit as he searched the floors top to bottom for Sachi, only for Josuke to have sent the guild a message that he had found her and was bringing her home, sending a wave of relief through the black-haired boy.
About to turn in for the day, Kirito set aside his heavier gear and sat on the bed when he heard the noise of knocking on the door. "Come in!" Kirito called out, leading the door to open, revealing Sachi in her nightgown.
Her face was a light pink, but bearing a warm and sincere smile, but Kirito paid no mind to this for the moment as he looked at Sachi standing there.
"S-Sachi…"
"Sachi… where have you been? Do you know how worried I was? What would we have done if you disappeared on us?" Kirito cried out, fretting over her as he grabbed her by the shoulders.
Much to his surprise, Sachi pulled him closer to her body, causing his own face to flush up.
"I can't sleep, Kirito. M-mind if I share your bed tonight?" Sachi murmured, the blush on her cheeks intensifying.
Kirito did not expect this at all.
"S-su-sure… i-if you want…" Kirito stammered, his brain fried, barely able to process this new development as Sachi turned off the lights and snuggled into bed with him.
"Hey, Kirito… you were worried about me, weren't you?" Sachi asked as she turned her head on her pillow to face the boy.
"O-of course I was… I didn't know what to do…what would happen if I lost you…" Kirito replied, only for his breath to hitch as he felt contact from his backside.
"Then hold me."
Kirito was at a loss for words. This was beyond anything of what he'd thought this night would bring.
"Hold me and never let go. So we'll never lose one another ever again." Sachi whispered just behind his ear as her arms wrapped around his torso, holding his chest for dear life, feeling his beating heart pounding in his ribs.
Kirito didn't react for a good few seconds, but then smiled contently as he took Sachi's hands and replied. "Of course. I promise I'll keep you safe, Sachi."
The couple stayed in that position well into the morning, locked in each other's warm embrace, happy and smiling. A girl who feared all, and the timid boy who saw a kindred spirit in her. In this brief moment in time, they felt no fear, they felt no worry.
Not while they had each other.
Up Next: A Grim Reminder
Hello again.
Hope this last part wasn't too cheesy on my part but what can I really say?
I've made up my mind. I'll try to get as much as I can on the page before this phase of writing spirit evaporates. I have SO MANY IDEAS and I'm not sure just how far I can go before work catches up to me. Also, noticed that only two people reviewed my last chapter. Oh well, not like I'm blaming anyone. It did take me say two and a half years to get back in the game, and I got an entire 41-page Google Doc with every single plan I have for this fic. I'm not throwing this away. I'm doing this for myself and for anyone who's willing to stick around. Just a side note, I am not completely deviating from the basic plot of the story, I will be following the direction, just with several alterations of my own. For example, I had the hunt introduce the duo to the Cats, to try to flesh them out a bit more. Just a little spoiler, I will still kill them off. I'll just change how it goes about. Whether it's a good decision, you can tell me once you read it yourself.
Speaking of which, seems another SAO/JoJo fic got posted, Aurum79's Crossing Fields of Golden Wind. If you're not aware, it's actually a really good fic, and I'd recommend you go check it out. It's also updated way more frequently than my lazy ass can here, that's for sure.
That's all for now, please do leave a review. Seeing your comments, good or bad is always a blessing and one of my favorite parts of writing fanfic. Tell me if you like it, tell me if it's garbage, leave ideas, I don't mind. Thanks, and I'll see you in the next one!
Aurum79: Thanks for your kind words. I promise I'll try to do my best like you did!
NotMrMundy: Hell yeah I'm back! Thanks for saying so! I hope I can keep that impression up!