[Sword Art Online, Floor 25, Boss Room]

[Malzeno's POV]

It was awful, the scattered particles in the air, the stench of steel in the air. I've never felt fear like it, crushing down on all of us. The boss was dead, it was over, the hell that was floor 25 was finally behind everyone, but... the ALS, Kibaou's team... they didn't stand a chance. Half their numbers were gone, reduced to code in the air.

"What were you thinking...?" I rasped, glaring at those that remained. "You seriously thought of taking on the quarter boss alone?" None heard my anger but that was probably for the best. A hand held my shoulder, it was a pretty chill guy, Klein, he looked no happier himself but he understood.

I gazed at my sword, how useless it was... maybe... it was true.

...

...

...

I can't save anyone.

"-Zeno. Zeeeno!" My train of thought was cut clean by Yuuki now an inch from my face, caught off guard, I felt heat rise to my face before clearing my throat. "Memory lane?"

"Yeah - oh wow you're getting to used to hear that..." I blinked in surprise as she wagged her finger knowingly. Clearing my throat I got back on track with everyone now present. "Let's see; Yuuki, Jun, and Tecchi are the vanguard-" They nodded. "-Talken and Nori are the mid-guard-" They did the same. "-and myself and Siune are back-up, right?"

"I'd say you should be up front with us, but... do you have a sword?" Jun asked as I shrugged.

"Many, but I'm a ranged fighter, my coatings should help though," I tapped a few buttons as several colorful vials appeared that would normally be attached to my armour as they marvelled. "With my Mixing skill, I've created several coatings to save on skill usage but they can be fused with said skills if I want. I've got, Blast, Paralysis, Poison, and a new one, Hellfire thanks to that samurai boss," Yuuki clicked her tongue with a wink at me.

"This also means Jun and Tecchi are in for a serious beatdown, so... have fun," I raised my thumbs with a winning grin. The redhead looked anxious as he punched his breastplate.

"R-Right, we got this!" He was going to die first. Tecchi, poor soul, I think I put the fear of God into him. The others laughed at their expense as I put my vials away.

"Hey-hey, Zeno, can you try a sword for a bit?" Yuuki perked up, standing up straight as the laughter quietened down. "Just a test, you'll still be the rear support."

"Why...?" I asked pensively while she only leaned closer. Those damn eyes...

"Please-please-please, just once, I won't ask again, swear!" She offered her pinky to me, but I still wasn't certain but... if it was only once.

"F-Fine, just once," I gave a defeated shrug as she yanked my shoulders, dragging me out the door. "H-hey, these boots cost a fortune to repair, Cupcake!"

The others followed after us until we were in a wide empty space in a small garden park. I rubbed my shoulders after a shove, flicking through my menu for a bit. I really didn't like this idea, nor why she sprung it on me but I guess it's to cover any issues for realignment, not that I'd use a sword.

With my selection made, a silver longsword weighed on my back as it replaced my bow. "Huh, why aren't you using the katana you got yesterday?" Yuuki cocked her head.

"Reasons," I lied and she could see it but didn't press the issue. "Just to be clear, I haven't used a sword in ages so I'll be rusty."

"Not an issue, show us your stuff!" Nori swung a fist.

"Try not to trip yourself up," Jun was oh-so-encouraging with that snicker.

Drawing the bland sword in my right, I took a breath and pressed the edge to my shoulder, drawing out a blue-tinted skill as I rushed forward to strike the air with a vertical slash, then, from my toes, I retraced the line, completing Vertical Arc. Within seconds, I pivoted on my heels and drew it toward the Sleeping Knights, dazzling them with the luminous glow of orange that swept the dark atmosphere with two horizontal strikes and a thrust.

It felt heavy but good, this flow in my arm was akin to my bow and arrows, the fluent motions, how the skill caught in the darkness, I-

Their red pixels fell around me.

Their bodies shattered like glass sculptures in my arms.

His grin couldn't have been more stricken with malice and glee.

My sword was unbelievably heavy.

Without warning, I tossed the weapon as far as possible, clattering to the ground away from me as I stumbled and fell back onto my ass with a quickened breath. I felt dizzy trying to clear my thoughts as I held my wrist, my right hand was shaking constantly. If I didn't calm down I'd be forced to logout, that was always jarring for the senses.

Something warm quickly embraced me, my head against a bare shoulder as their grip tightened. "Hey, hey, it's okay, breathe, breathe..." It was Yuuki, when did she move that fast? I think that beats her speed when we fought. Her arms pressed to my back, rubbing it in circles as I tried to take deep breaths.

Siune knelt beside me, holding my shoulder tightly while the others watched me have a small panic attack. Yuuki's warmth helped me relax, feeling the tightness in my chest fade. She leaned back, arms still gripping me with a worried frown. "A-are you okay? What was that?"

"That... is why... I'm an archer," I panted, wiping the fake sweat from my brow. "I... have some bad experiences with swords, I can be around them, hold them but... but using them is... i-it's alot to handle, the memories flood back and I... I lock up, my arm gets numb and shaky," A weak laugh left my lips. "Sorry, probably look really stupid right now, usually more peppy than this..."

"Hey, relax, you're okay," Yuuki offered a reassuring smile that made my heartbeat tick faster but in a softer tempo than before. "You're okay with us, promise."

"Hm, I am now," I winked, nodding to Siune who squeezed my shoulder. "I've been trying to get over it, hence holding a sword doesn't bother me, but using skills or attacking sets me off, thus, I became an archer. That'll cost you 100 Col each for that depressing tale," My quip lightened the mood again. "Let's... just head back, we got time before we need to move out so let's recap on some things and our items,"

"Sure, come on," Yuuki helped me up with Siune and Tecchi standing near me to help me walk straight, my legs were like jelly. Yuuki then looked at her feet with a downtrodden expression. "Sorry for forcing you to do that..."

I patted her head again, "It's all good, you didn't know, but... I'd rather face my fears when they come up than to run away forever," With a smile, I nodded forward. "My sister... she faced all her demons head-on, I'll do the same, bit by bit."

"She sounds just like mine, really cool," Yuuki complimented, bringing a better, genuine smile to my face.

"Yeah... the coolest big sister in the world," Nothing would change that.

"I'd rather face my fears when they come up than to run away forever."

I didn't realize... how important that statement of mine would be after that fact...

[To Be Continued...]

[Author's Notes]

Sorry, a little shorter this one, but, more to Malzeno's past, and his fear of swords that he's been battling. Just how will the inevitable reveal change with his words given to the Sleeping Knights? Will events change at all? Who knows. I hope you enjoyed, I appreciate the support, seeya in the next chapter, Readers!