Sword Art Online: Aincrad's Hollow Fragment

February 24, 2024

Floor 35: Lost Forest

Smooth Female Voice- What are you talking about? Why should we have to share these healing crystals with you? Your pet lizard has healing powers you know?

In the middle of a sunset lit forest, there were five players. Four, consisting of three boys wearing red, green and white armor and one girl wearing black leather with a red outline, arguing with another girl wearing a bright yellow outfit with a light blue baby dragon perched on her head. The dragon screeches at the woman in leather.

Bright Yellow- But you never fight on the front lines, so who are you to talk? You don't need to use any crystals!

Black Leather- Of course I do! You're the popular one around here Silica. I can't expect the boys to help me when I need it.

The girl in yellow, Silica, puffed her cheeks at the woman in black leather while her dragon screeched at her again.

Grey Armor Male- Oh come on, it's not like that.

Silica- Fine! I don't care! You want my items? Take them, but I'm never going to team up with you again! I know that there are a ton of other parties that would love to have me by their side!

Silica turned her back to her newly disformed party and walked deeper into the heart of the forest, members of the party calling out for her, pleading for her to come back. Their voices went with the wind but failed to reach her ears. It didn't take long for the sun to finally set on floor thirty-five. 

One Hour Later

If someone were in a safe place with a special person by their side, some might call it romantic. Silica was not one of those people. Her back was against a tree, dagger gripped tightly. Her little dragon flying next to her as they both were stared down by three massive baboon looking monsters carrying sake bottles and wooden clubs. 

One of these monsters swung down at Silica, but she managed to dive out of the way. Regaining her balance, she dodged another attack, backflipping a nice distance away. Her dragon flew next to her and shot a magical breath spell on her. This caused her health, which was halfway depleted, to fill up a small amount. Reaching into her pockets, she tried to pull out a healing crystal but quickly realized that she had none.

Silica- I'm out of healing crystals!

Her comment was silenced by a wooden club hitting her chest and sending her flying back into the tree. The impact of the attack and hitting the tree knocked the wind out of her and forced her to drop her weapon. Her health quickly dropped down to the red, dangerously low. She regained her composure and panicked, looking around for her missing weapon. One of the baboons took advantage and prepared a devastating blow. Before the club could impact Silica, a crack was heard. The sound of a skull cracking with force. It wasn't Silica who was hurt, however. Turning to her right, Silica noticed the tiny blue dragon as it twitched in pain.

Silica- Pina!

Silica could only watch in horror as her dragon, Pina, shattered in front of her eyes. The only thing that remained of the creature was a blue feather that slowly fell to the ground. She slowly turned around to see all three baboons raise their weapons again, ready to hit their intended target this time. Before they ever had the chance, all three baboons shattered almost simultaneously. She looked ahead of her to look at her savior, only to realize there were two: Kiyo and I. Our weapons glowing different colors from our sword skills, we sheathed our blades and looked down at the girl. My eyes widen as I realize who it was. She responded in the same manner as a shaky gasp escapes her breath. Two people who haven't seen each other since the first floor, since the game had officially launched, were now reunited in this unfortunate situation.

"Silica?"

Silica- Kaz...Kazzu?

Kiyo- No more butt monkeys around Papa!

"Baboons Kiyo. They're called baboons."

Kiyo- Balloons?

"I swear you are doing that on purpose. Besides, they weren't even baboons. They were Drunk Apes."

Sniffles from Silica turned our attention. Silica slowly grabbed the feather that fell to the ground and carefully held it in her hands.

Silica- Pina... please don't leave me here alone... Pina!

I couldn't help but feel bad for her. She had lost someone very close to her. But why would they drop a feather? Unless...

Kiyo- I'm sorry miss but... what's with the feather?

Her sobs were followed by small hiccups and sniffles. She keeps her back turned to us as she holds the feather close to her chest.

Silica- It's Pina... my best... friend...

"So, you did it... you became a beast tamer... no... you actually became a Dragon Tamer! Like you said back on the first floor."

Silica remained silent with her sobs as she gave Kiyo and I a small nod.

Kiyo- We're sorry... if we had gotten here sooner, we could've saved your friend...

Silica- No... it's all my fault... I was stupid to think I could make it through the forest on my own...

"I can't deny that it was a bad idea, but I won't chastise you about it. You've been through enough without my criticism."

She turned to face us, tears streaming down her face. She gave us another small nod.

Silica- Thank you for saving me... you two did what you could...

Seeing the feather in her hands, I walked up to her and knelt down next to her.

"That feather... check and see if it has an item name attached to it for me, please?"

She looks at me confused for a second, but does as I say, pressing her finger on the feather until a text box appears: "Pina's Heart". After seeing the item description, Silica looked like she was about to cry an ocean of tears.

"Hey, it's ok, don't cry. That means Pina's Heart is still here. There's a chance that you can revive them."

Kiyo- Although it's weird to call a feather a heart... why not just call it Pina's Feather?

"Not really the time to explain right now little cub."

Silica- No way, really? We can revive Pina?

"Yes. On the southside of floor forty-seven there is a field dungeon called the "Hill of Memories". I heard from a... friend of mine... that a certain flower growing at the top can revive familiars."

She smiled for a second, then returned with a frown.

Silica- Floor forty-seven huh?

"I'd offer to go get it for you, but the thing is the flower won't bloom unless the familiars master is there."

Silica- Thank you so much for telling me, Kazzu! If I work hard to raise my level, someday I could...

"Sorry to be the bearer of bad news Silica, but the time limit to revive a familiar is three days."

Silica- Three days!? No way... it's all my fault... I'm so sorry Pina...

"It's going to be ok. We have three days."

Kiyo- We?

Silica- We?

"I didn't stutter, did I?"

I opened my menu and opened a trade menu with Silica. I decided to hand her some hand me down equipment that I had found in a dungeon with Kiyo not long ago: Ebon Dagger, Silver Thread Moon Blazer Armor, Fairy Boots and Florit Belt.

"Take this equipment. It should raise your stats automatically and boost you five or six levels. And if me and Kiyo tag along, it should all work out."

Silica- But... why would you two do all of this for me?

Kiyo- Because we never reject a player in need of help right Papa?

I didn't answer her. I stayed quiet, not moving a single muscle. My thoughts forced back to our time with the Moonlit Black Cats. Training Sachi on how to further improve her combat skills and trying to destroy any fear of battle flooded my mind.

Flashback

April 25, 2023

Floor 28: Wolf Plains

"We won't focus on fighting monsters until you feel ready. Instead, we will work on your stance and defense."

Sachi- Got it.

She summoned her shield and spear and got into her best battle stance that she could. I automatically spotted several mistakes.

"Sorry to be critical, but with that stance, you shouldn't be fighting at all."

Sachi- Hey!

"Relax, Sachi. I'm only voicing my opinion. Sorry for being rude, but your shield only covers half of your body despite the fact that it should be covering your entire torso. Your spear is also pointed slightly upwards when it should be straight and firm. Your legs are also to close together."

I walked up to Sachi and helped her with her stance. I moved her shield arm closer to her torso, holding it a bit closer to her chest. I adjusted her spear to the point that it was as straight as an arrow, the metal blade reflecting light down on the ground. Finally, I lightly tapped her feet with mine as she widened her stance bit by bit. I took a step back and observed her again. While the adjustment was better, something was still off.

"Hmm... something is still off..."

Sachi- What else can be adjusted?

I looked her in the eyes and saw the problem: Her focus. While she had the stance of a warrior, she needed to have a warrior's focus. I stood in front of her and summoned my own spear and shield. I got into my stance and gave her a look that could kill. I didn't mean to scare her, but she gave me a look of fear.

Sachi- K-Kazzu?

"Relax Sachi, I'm not going to attack you. Just look at my eyes."

She took a little moment to study my gaze. She then resumed her stance and reflected my stare with her own. Even though I wasn't afraid of deadly glares, I could tell that she meant it. She had the look of a fighter, a warrior, a survivor. I lowered my weapon and smiled at her.

"Good job Sachi. You have the look down. Next time, we can start doing a little bit of sparring."

Sachi- As much as I'm worried about that... I can't wait!

We shared a laugh. Her smile made me feel a thousand times better whenever I saw it. The realization caused me to blush as I whispered to myself.

What is going on with me?

Present Day

"Promise me you won't laugh or make fun of me?"

Silica- I promise, I won't.

Do I really want to tell her about my time with the Moonlit Black Cats? To tell her that I had lied to them all. That I was the cause of most of their deaths? Surely if I did, she would be another player who wanted me hanged by the neck. No... I have to lie...

"Alright... it's because you remind me of my best friend's little sister..."

Much to my luck, she immediately took the excuse and started to laugh at me, even though she promised not to. I didn't mind her giggles. At least she now had a smile on her face instead of a frown. Kiyo's laughter also made my heart warm up as she joined the small pigtailed girl in a fit of joy.

Silica- I'm sorry. I didn't mean to laugh. I just think it's really sweet.

"Please... stop..."

Silica pressed on the trade menu and started typing in numbers.

Silica- I know this isn't enough money to pay you back but...

"No, it's ok. Don't worry about it, keep your Col. Believe it or not, going to floor forty-seven works with something me, Kiyo and another friend are working on. We can help each other out."

Silica- Oh... thank you so much Kazzu!

"No problem. Now let's get back to town. We should resupply and prepare for the trip tomorrow."

Silica- Right!

February 24, 2024

Floor 35: Mishe

We walked back into town, Kiyo and Silica talking to each other about past events.

Silica- So I noticed that you called Kazzu "Papa" back in the forest Kiyo. What's with that?

Kiyo- Exactly what it sounds like Miss Silica! He's my papa! He adopted me a month after the game launched.

Silica- What!? Kazzu, you're a father!?

"I still can't believe it myself. Kiyo has been very patient with me and she's actually a pretty good listener."

Kiyo- Aw, thanks papa!

"Though sometimes she can have her cute and stupid moments."

Kiyo- Hey! I've never been stupid!

"Butt monkey, Kiyo."

She blushes at the comment and puffs her cheeks at me.

Kiyo- I hate you...

"Love you too little pup."

Silica shared another giggle at our small family spat. Her smile was instantly destroyed as someone called out her name.

?- Hey look, it's Silica!

We looked over to see two male players run over to Silica, giant smiles on their faces. If I were to guess, they looked to be the same age as Silica if not a bit older. One of them was wearing dark green scale mail while the other was wearing a purple-colored iron chest piece with light purple clothes underneath.

Green Scale Mail- It took you a while to get back, we were getting worried!

Purple Iron- You want to team up with us? We'll take you wherever you want to go!

Tsk... fanboys... though I guess I have no room to judge considering I don't know these people.

Silica- Uh, that's really nice of you two to offer but...

She looked towards me and Kiyo and latched onto our arms, linking them with hers.

Silica- Well I sort of already agreed to be in a party with them so...

They both looked down at Kiyo with a smile as she giggled and waved back at them. Their looks to me however were glares of jealousy. I scoffed and shook my head.

She agreed to help me out first idiots... plus I'm helping her revive her pet. She has more important things to do than to try to be hit on by you two.

Silica- Okay, later, bye!

She slowly dragged me and Kiyo away from the two jealous players. I could've sworn that those two sounded familiar to me, but I couldn't for the life of me figure out where I knew their voices from.

Silica- I'm sorry. I didn't mean to put you two on the spot like that.

Kiyo- You're really popular Miss Silica!

"If anything, I'm sorry. I didn't know you had fans."

Silica- They really don't take me seriously. They more or less want me around so I can be their mascot. Maybe... they're right... they called me the "Dragon Tamer" and I guess it got to my head.

I couldn't help but feel bad for her. Maybe she was telling the truth and letting it get to her head, or it could be true that she was only used to raise a players social status based on her skills as a Dragon Tamer. After all...

Kiyo- It's ok Miss Silica! We'll help you revive Pina!

Smiling at my daughter's enthusiasm, I lowered myself to look at Silica at eye level. I placed my hand on top of her head and gently started to pet her.

"We will make it in time, I promise."

Her saddened look reverted back to a smile as she gave me a nod and wiped her tears away.

Silica- So do you two live around here Kazzu?

"No. Me and Kiyo live on floor fifty, next to that other friend I was talking about. It's a bit away so I was planning on renting a room here tonight."

Silica- Well, if that's the case, I'll take you and Kiyo out for some cheesecake! It's really good here!

"That's not..."

?- Well if it isn't Silica!

Silica looked up at the voice and shot her gaze straight down, looking displeased. I looked up at them and saw a woman in black leather and her posse of guys.

Black Leather- Wow, you made it out of the forest alive. Good for you girl...

I looked back at Silica and saw her uncomfortable glare at the ground. Taking initiative, I stepped in front of her, blocking any advance from this woman and whispering down at Silica.

"Is there something wrong?"

Silica- Oh no... it's nothing.

The woman in black stopped in front of us, looking down at us like we were peasants addressing a queen.

Black Leather- Now hold on... what happened to your little friend the lizard? Did it run away?

Silica- Pina died saving me... but... I'm going to get Pina back!

Black Leather- Really? I guess you'll be heading for the "Hill of Memories" then? I wonder if you'll be able to clear it at your level.

"Of course she will. Besides, she won't be alone. She'll have me, my daughter and another friend who I'll be asking a favor from. Besides, it won't be that difficult to level up with the monsters in the dungeon."

Black Leather- Oh god, this girl has seduced another player... although one maybe two of the party members could be female... no, it's not that difficult but you don't look that strong. Plus, I'm sure you don't want to bring your daughter to a place so dangerous?

"I have no worries about my daughter. She can take care of herself just fine."

Kiyo- And my Papa is stronger than people think that he is. He can kick your butts easily!

"Now Kiyo, as much as I enjoy your praise, I'm not looking to start a fight in a safe zone."

I grabbed Silica's hand and walked away from the woman in black leather, giving Silica a smirk and a wink as we entered a small café. We took a seat, and an automative lantern flickered on, giving us a small hint of light in addition to the other lights from other players.

Silica- Why does she have to be so mean?

"Well... is Sword Art Online your first MMO?"

Silica- Uh huh.

"A lot of people's personalities change when they play games online. Some of them enjoy playing the game as a bad guy. Look up at my cursor you two. You see how it's green?

Kiyo- Yea! I see it! It's pretty!

"Thank you. But if anyone commits a crime towards a player, the cursor will turn orange. Now, being an orange player isn't so bad as the system will revert it back to green in a day or two. These crimes include stealing, fights not authorized by the dual system, etc. However, there are certain types of players who care about nothing but murdering other players."

Kiyo- What!?

Silica- They can kill other players?

"In any other video game, they can play as the bad guy, share a few laughs and it's cool. But obviously, Sword Art Online isn't a normal game. In fact, it's not a game at all.

Silica- Kazzu...

Kiyo- Papa...

"Sorry..."

Silica- Well... I think you're a good person so...

She jumped out of her seat and placed her hands on top of mine. Her hands, despite being cold when we were outside, were warm. As our hands connected, my eyes widened again as I thought back to another memory.

Flashback

April 25, 2023

Floor 11: Taft

Sachi- Kazzu, I'm cold... the fire isn't warming me up as much as we wanted.

Keita- I wonder why? It's burning faster than it should be and it feels like the fire is fake.

Sasamaru- Well technically...

Keita- Shut it... I know it's a video game but still...

Ducker- I agree. Most everything in this game has a sense of feeling behind it. Why can't we get warmed up?

Tetsuo- I'll go get us some blankets. Sasamaru, come with me.

Kieta- Me and Kieta can see if we can make some warm refreshments. Kazzu, see if you can do anything about that fire.

Kiyo- Wait for me Mister Keita! I'll help too!

I gave him a nod as I placed another log of wood inside and poked the black, charred ashes down into the flames. It was rather strange that the fire wasn't emitting that much heat. A small sneeze behind be caught my attention as I turned around and saw Sachi sniffle.

"Runny nose Sachi?"

Sachi- Very...

I opened up my inventory and pulled out a medium sized fur blanket. I wrapped it around her with a smile. She returned a grin to me but before I could keep poking the fire, a sneeze left my very own body.

"Damn it..."

Sachi- You're cold too?

"I'll be fine. They'll come back with blankets and drinks here soon."

Sachi- Don't be silly, come over here and share the blanket with me.

A blush crawled onto both of our faces as she said that. I looked at her, unsure if I heard her correctly, while she started to trip on her words.

Sachi- I-If you want t-to...

I took a moment before I agreed. I sat next to her, adjusting the blanket so it could cover both of us, and resumed poking the fire. Something warm placed itself on top of my free hand. Looking down, I see that Sachi's own hand was holding mine. I looked up at her to see that a majority of her face was covered red. She lowered her head onto my shoulder and closed her eyes.

Sachi- Your hands are warm...

Present Day

Looking back up at Silica, she had a serious look on her face as her hands were still clenched onto mine.

Silica- I know you're a good person. I mean, you saved me, right? And you and Kiyo are helping me revive Pina!

I chuckled at her statement, looking down at her with a small grin. Kiyo rested her head on my shoulder with a similar grin.

Kiyo- Looks like she's trying to cheer us up Papa!

"Thank you, Silica."

Silica's whole face turned red. She quickly jumped back into her seat, acting frantic and fanning her face off with her hands.

Silica- Oh wow, where the heck is our cheesecake already? Excuse me, our desert hasn't shown up yet!

Kiyo's laughter at the poor girl sent me over the edge in laughter as well. Later that night, we rented our rooms. I paid for Silica's room and assigned it to be right next to my own. We took some time to place our stuff in our rooms when Kiyo walked up to me.

Kiyo- You think she's our target Papa?

"It's hard to tell little pup. She fits the description, but we'll see what happens tomorrow at the Hill of Memories.

Kiyo- Regardless we should still help her revive her pet. I've been curious to see what a dragon looks like in this game.

"I'm sure Pina will be happy to meet us little pup. Let's head over to Silica's room and discuss the plan."

We walked over to Silica's room and knocked on her door.

Kiyo- Miss Silica?

"Are you still awake?"

We could hear her voice through the door.

Silica- Kazzu? Kiyo?

"I just wanted to go over some stuff with you two about floor forty-seven. But if you'd rather just get some sleep, it can wait until tomorrow."

Silica- No, no it's fine. I was actually thinking about asking about...

Silence followed her words. I was about to ask if she was ok until the door swung open with a flustered Silica in a cute little white and green nightgown. Kiyo jumped into a hug with her while I shut the door and set up a table. As I pulled a small orb from my inventory, I noticed Silica with a flustered face and a huge blush.

"Is there something wrong Silica?"

Silica started panicking and flailing her arms around, almost hitting Kiyo.

Silica- No it's nothing! Anyway, what is that thing supposed to do Kazzu?

"It's a mirage sphere."

Kiyo- Basically a computer map of a certain area.

I pressed a small blue button on top of the sphere, and it started to rise, creating a digital model of floor forty-seven. Kiyo and Silica looked at the transforming map with stars in their eyes.

Kiyo- Cool...

Silica- So pretty!

"So, luckily there is a town on floor forty-seven and not far from it is the Hill of Memories. I was thinking if we take this route, we can..."

My ear twitched. I heard something from outside the door. Kiyo heard it as well as she jumped off the bed and grabbed her dagger. I motioned towards the door.

Silica- What's...?

I burst through the door and looked around, identifying a cloaked figure on my left. Letting out a whistle, Kiyo slid under me and started to chase them down. Silica slowly walked up behind me and peaked around my body.

Silica- Who was it? Is Kiyo going to be ok?

"She'll be fine. She's quick on her feet and has a very good reaction time. As to who it was, the only thing I can say is that it was an eavesdropper."

Silica- But that's impossible, isn't it? Sword Art Online won't let you hear through a door unless you knock on it first."

I quickly motioned her inside and locked the door behind us, pressing my ear against it for any sign of Kiyo or the eavesdroppers return.

"While that fact is true, if a players "Listening" skill is high enough, it is possible to hear through locked doors without knocking. It takes a lot of practice, not that many players have it."

Silica- Why would they want to listen in on us?

"I have my theories, but I think they were trying to copy our route to get to the familiar revival item first. Good thing I heard them before I said anything else."

Silica- Yea... I don't want to lose Pina forever...

"I made you a promise Silica. I don't plan on backing down from it."

A small blush and smile creeped on her face. I could tell she was really happy about getting the item, but that would soon change if she figured out my true intentions. I shook my head at the thought and looked back at her.

"We should get some rest. I'll explain the plan in the morning when we head to the Hill of Memories."

Silica- Oh, ok. Well good night Kazzu!

"Good night, Silica."

I left her room and returned to mine. A few minutes later, Kiyo came back looking exhausted.

Kiyo- Sorry... Papa... I couldn't.... catch them...

"No need to apologize. This actually works out in our favor. If my theory is correct, she is involved with this. She is the target we were paid to capture."

Kiyo- But what do we do? If what the client is saying is true, we can't take her out by ourselves even if we have him helping us.

I had to think long and hard about my next decision. I lowered my "Players" menu and started scrolling all the way down until I found a name. I pressed it and started writing a message: "Hey, I know you and your friends don't want to see my name pop up ever again, but this is important. I need your help."

February 25, 2024

Floor 47: Floria

Silica- Oh...

Kiyo- Wow...

We appeared on the teleport gate and were met with a beautiful field of flowers, mixed with different colors, flower types and rose petals flying through the air.

Silica- This place is like a dream!

Kiyo- Papa, we have to come back here one day! I want to make flower crowns!

"I think we can arrange that little pup. Let's just help Silica with Pina first. We have many opportunities to make flower crowns since the entire floor is filled with flowers. It's the main reason it's called "The Flower Garden"."

Silica took a moment to look at a few of the flowers while me and Kiyo checked our equipment. I figured this area would give me the opportunity to increase my dagger skills, so I placed my shield back in my inventory and equipped a dagger. It wasn't as fancy as Kiyo's, but it got the job done. After I was finished, I noticed a blip appear on my "Players" list. I looked at it and smirked when I saw the name pop up.

Looks like part of the backup has arrived.

Turning to my left, I waved down one of the players I had hoped to meet on this mission. They walked up to us and stopped next to Kiyo, who smiled wide and pulled them in for a hug.

Kiyo- Mister Kirito!

Kirito- Hey there Kiyo. How are you?

Kiyo- I'm good. Me and Papa are helping Silica revive her pet dragon!

Kirito- Whoa... a dragon! Now I know I made the right choice coming here!

He looked at me and our interlocked gaze spoke all that needed to be said. The three of us had the same mission, and we were going to see it through.

Silica- Oh... Who's this?

I turned around to Silica giving Kirito a confused look. I chuckled as I scratched the back of my head.

"Oh right, sorry! Silica, this is Kirito. He's that friend I was talking about. He's going to be joining us and helping on our missions."

Silica- Oh! Well thank you Kirito! I promise to help you, Kazzu and Kiyo out anyway I can!

Kirito- It's no problem. The chance to see a tamed dragon is a reward in of itself.

"Well, we shouldn't keep waiting. If there really was an eavesdropper listening yesterday, they may already have a head start on the item."

Kiyo- Right!

Kirito- Sounds logical.

Silica- Let's go save Pina!

We started to walk away from the teleport gate and soon reached a small stone bridge. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a blue teleport crystal, tapping Silica on the shoulder and handing it to her.

Silica- Oh... what's this for?

"If anything bad happens to us, I'm going to tell you to warp out. When I do, use this crystal. You can jump to any town with it."

Silica- But...

My thoughts turned back to the Moonlit Black Cats. That dungeon room that we were trapped in so long ago wouldn't let us leave the room with our crystals. I didn't want Silica to share the same fate as those who died in that room.

"I mean it, no buts. If I say use it, use it."

Kirito- Trust me, it's for the best that you have a retreat plan Silica.

Silica- Ok... I understand...

She hesitantly took the crystal from my hand and placed it in her own pocket.

Kiyo- So how much further Papa?

"We'll be there within the hour."

Kirito- If we keep heading down this path it should lead us right to the Hill of Memories.

We continued walking down the path with a lot of unnecessary awkward silence. Silica tried to start up a conversation, but two vines sprang into action and grabbed her by her legs. The three of us turned around to see that Silica was being attacked by a giant plant monster. It had her upside down, causing her skirt to fall.

Shit!

I didn't move. I didn't attack the monster. I did not take one single step as I immediately covered my eyes to avoid seeing anything more than her skirt. Kirito must have had the same idea because he wasn't moving as well. I couldn't tell if he was covering his eyes or not, but I hope he had the decency to not look at her when she was vulnerable. Silica let out a scream and started flailing her knife around, missing the monster with every swing.

Kiyo- Calm down Miss Silica! It's not that strong!

Silica- Kazzu, Kirito save me! Don't look but save me please!

Kirito- That's... going to be a little difficult...

"Kiyo! Please help her get out of this mess?"

Kiyo- Hm? But why can't you help Papa?

"It's complicated little pup just help her!"

Kiyo- Ok? On my way Miss Silica!

Kiyo started slashing at the monster, causing Silica to sway back and forth between the vines entrapping her. She finally was able to grab one and destroy it, releasing the monsters grip and plummeting down towards its head. She activated a sword skill, causing her weapon to pierce through the beasts' skin and spatter liquids out of its brain. It shattered without another second to react, and Silica landed gracefully on the ground.

Kiyo- We did it Miss Silica! Good job! Wait... why is your face so red?

She turned to us only to see me, with my eyes completely covered, and Kirito. She addressed us both in a shaky voice.

Silica- Did you... see anything...?

"No."

Kirito- Well... not really...

Oh my god, seriously!? I thought you were better than that Kirito!

Right on cue, two more monsters appeared behind me and Kirito. They looked like giant Venus Fly Traps. Kirito and I drew our weapons and lunged towards the monsters, knocking them away with ease. We then turned back to Kiyo and Silica.

Kirito- Silica, switch!

"Kiyo, switch!"

Both girls jumped on top of opposite monsters, stabbing them in the head then flipping towards the other and slicing down. They cut through them like butter as both monsters shattered, rewarding us with their coin and experience. We all thought it was over, but then another weird plant monster spawned out of the ground. It grabbed Kirito and I, clutching us tight with its mandibles.

I swear if these things start licking me, I'm calling it quits.

As if my father came down and slapped me upside the face, the monster's mandible did indeed lick me and Kirito. We both looked at each other with disgust and agreed.

Kirito- Gross...

"Fuck this game..."

We were saved by the two girls in no time flat. I really didn't want to move on account of being licked but we had a job to do. Getting up on my feet, we trekked on. The path was a decent walk, filled with monsters and traps, but nothing too difficult to handle. Silica even leveled up on the way there. After a half hour, we reached the end of the dungeon. Silica took a minute to look around and looked at us confused.

Silica- Is that reviving flower around here?

Kirito- It should be just up ahead.

Kiyo- I wonder what kind of flower it will be.

I noticed a pedestal off in the distance and pointed it out to the group. Silica ran up ahead and plucked the white flower off: "Pheuma Flower".

Silica- You sure it will bring Pina back to life?

"Of course. I wouldn't lie about something like that."

Kirito- Something like that? You saying you've lied before?

"Not because I want to Kirito. Besides, Kiyo here has lied about a few things to me before."

Kiyo- What!? I have?

"When I told you no more sweets and you had another one. When I asked if you ate another you told me no, despite having your mouth full."

Kiyo- I just... uh... had a bad... hiccup?

"Uh huh, sure. Regardless, we shouldn't revive Pina right here and now."

Kirito- Agreed. There are too many strong monsters around the area.

Kiyo- Then let's hurry back to town! I want to see Pina so badly!

Silica- Ok, ok let's go!

We started making our way back to the teleport gate, taking the same path we chose to get there. Even though it was full of monsters before, the road was more or less empty walking back. Perhaps it's because we already nabbed the item. This gave us a much-needed rest. Silica even took the time to start up a conversation with Kirito.

Silica- Hey Kirito?

Kirito- What's up?

Silica- I hope you don't mind me asking but... what's your sister like?

Kirito- My sister?

Silica- Kazzu said that he was helping me because I look like his best friend's sister. You two seem to get along so that got me thinking if you had siblings as well. I know it's not polite to ask about the real world but... do you have one? If so, what's she like?

Kirito- Well... I call her my little sister but she's really my cousin. We were raised like brother and sister since we were babies, so I doubt she even knows. But I figured it out, and I guess it's because of that reason why I started to avoid her.

Kiyo walked over and joined in on their conversation. I continued to stay quiet, listening in on a personal moment.

Kiyo- Why avoid her Mister Kirito? Don't you love her?

Kirito- Of course I do. Our grandfather was really strict. When I turned eight, he made us take a local class at a kendo dojo. After a couple of years, I lost interest and stopped going. Grandpa beat the hell out of me for that.

Kiyo- Oh no...

Silica- That sounds so awful...

I felt bad for the guy. Being with a strict guardian and forced to do something you never wanted to do. Maybe this was why he was good at this game. Learning kendo and transferring over to this game is definitely an advantage. I just wished he didn't have to go through that pain.

Kirito- My sister stood up to him and told him to stop beating me, even promising to train harder for the both of us. And she did. She trained hard, even making it to the nationals.

He lowered his head and grumbled. He sounded hurt, regretful to the point where it felt like an apology was leaving his body.

Kirito- I've always felt guilty for putting her through all of that. I wouldn't be surprised if she hates me, God knows she could've been doing anything else.

Kirito...

We made it back to the stone bridge, a little heartbroken at Kirito's story, but mostly glad that we could revive Pina. I was excited to revive the small creature but before I could think about it any further, I heard a noise... a single, small noise ahead of us caused me to stop dead in my tracks. Kiyo tried walking past me, but I stopped her from going too far.

Kiyo- Papa...? What's wrong?

Silica- Is everything...?

Kirito stopped her and motioned her to hang back before walking next to me, looking at the spot where I heard the noise.

Kirito- Whoever's hiding out there come out!

"We know you're out there. No use in trying to hide anymore."

Silence fell for a few seconds, until the crunching of grass was heard, and someone stepped out from behind a tree.

Bingo.

Silica- Rosalia?

The woman in black leather, Rosalia, was standing in front of us with a small smile plastered on her face.

Rosalia- If you two saw through my "Hiding" skill so easily, your detection skills must be really high swordsmen.

She turned the gaze over to Silica and chuckled.

Rosalia- Oh, it looks like you were successful on getting your hands on the "Pheuma Flower". Congratulations... now...

Her innocent gaze turned grim as she started glaring daggers at us, Silica especially.

Rosalia- Hand it over before you get hurt!

Silica- What are you talking about?

Kirito- Yea, we're going to have to decline.

"No one is handing anything over Rosalia. At least not to you or the orange guild. "Titan's Hand" correct? You would be their leader."

Rosalia's eyes widened for a moment before relaxing themselves.

Rosalia- Impressive...

Silica- But Rosalia's cursor is green.

Kiyo- Sneaky trick there meanie!

"It's actually pretty clever."

Kirito- The green member finds their victims and then lead them straight to the orange players for an ambush.

"I'm correct to assume that the eavesdropper last night was one of yours, right? Pretty quick if they managed to get away from Kiyo."

Kiyo- I would've gotten them if they hadn't knocked items over to stop me!

Silica- Then... the reason why you were in that party with me and the others was to...

Rosalia- How perceptive... I was observing their strength and watching them earn all that beautiful money.

She licked her lips at the sound of the word. Another player controlled by greed.

Disgusting...

Rosalia- Silica, you were the one I was most excited about. I was so upset when you decided to leave the party but then you told me you were getting a rare item!

She turned her gaze to me, Kiyo and Kirito.

Rosalia- What I want to know is, if you knew about us why did you bring Silica here? Are you dumb or does she really have you three wrapped around her little finger?

Kiyo- Nope.

Kirito- Negative.

"Wrong on both tries sweetheart. See, we've been looking all over for you Rosalia."

Rosalia- What are you talking about?

Kirito- Remember ten days ago, you attacked a guild called the Silver Flags?

"Well, the leader survived, four didn't..."

Rosalia- Oh! You mean the losers with no money?

"Their leader went back and forth, from the Town of Beginnings to the front lines of the Assault Team, morning and night. He had tears in his eyes, begging everyone he met to avenge his dead friends."

Kirito- Bear in mind, he didn't want you killed. He wanted you to face justice and go to prison. Do you have any idea how he felt?

Rosalia- Can't say that I do. Only idiots take this seriously. So what if we kill someone here? There's no proof that being killed here means you're dead IRL.

Was she being serious!? She can't be this careless, this idiotic to believe her own words. If the players who she has killed weren't really dead, then where were the client's friends? Why ask people to avenge their deaths if it was just a game!?

Rosalia- Anyway, I think it's time for you to start worrying about yourselves.

She snapped her fingers and seven other players, all male, walked out next to her. Orange cursor floated above their heads. 

So, she wasn't planning on killing us, only taking the item. Makes our job easier.

Silica- Guys, there's too many of them! We should get out of here.

Kiyo- Don't worry Miss Silica. I'll protect you. Papa and Mister Kirito can handle these bullies!

Kirito- Listen to Kiyo. You'll be safe if you stay here. Keep that crystal handy until Kazzu says so, ok?

Silica- Ok... but...

Me and Kirito had already drawn our weapons and started walking towards Titan's Hand.

Silica- Kazzu! Kirito!

Titan's Hand #1- Kirito?

Titan's Hand #2- Kazzu!?

Titan's Hand #3- Black coat, one handed, no shield...

Titan's Hand #4- Black and gold armor, multicolored eyes, a daughter...

Titan's Hand #5- Holy crap!

Titan's Hand #6- It's the Black Swordsman and the Dark Prince!

The Black Swordsman huh? Pretty edgy but I can't talk shit considering my title.

Titan's Hand #6- Rosalia, those two are on the Assault Team!

Titan's Hand #7- Kazzu is even the spawn of the creator of the game!

Silica- No way, the Assault Team? Wait, Kazzu...?

Rosalia- Why would members of the Assault Team be all the way down here!? Go on, take them out and take everything they own!

The seven male members charged at me and Kirito, weapons glowing with the power of their sword skills. They hacked, slashed, sliced pierced through our digital bodies with everything they had, all while me and Kirito remained still. We did not retaliate against the attacking players.

Silica- We've got to save them Kiyo! They won't last!

Kiyo- Just wait for it...

Silica watched as our health bar slowly drained until in a split second, it returned back to its maximum capacity. Kiyo smirked at us and started to giggle.

Kiyo- The bad guys are in trouble now...

The attacking players took a second to catch their breath. I looked over at Kirito with a cocky smile, which he reflected with his own.

"Are you guys finished yet?"

Kirito- We can give you another round if you want.

Rosalia- What the hell you idiots!? Kill them already!

"You want to explain Kirito, or should I?"

Kirito- The honor is yours Dark Prince.

I cleared my throat and addressed all of Titan's Hand.

"Four hundred damage in ten seconds give or take. Split between the two of us, the seven of you are roughly doing around two hundred damage to one of us in that said time. Me and Kirito are at very high levels, him being at level seventy-eight while I'm standing at level eighty-five. He has fourteen thousand and five hundred health points while I myself am at seventeen thousand two hundred and fifty. We both possess a skill called "Battle Healing" which automatically regenerates six hundred health points every ten seconds. We could stand here all day and you guys wouldn't even scratch the surface."

Titan's Hand #3- That's not possible!

Kirito- Wanna bet!? If your numbers are high enough, you're invincible. MMO's that use leveling systems are unfair like that.

Kiyo tossed me a different type of teleportation crystal, which I presented to the orange guild.

"Our client spent an entire fortune on this warp crystal, and he'll be getting his money's worth. It's been set on the coordinates to the prison and we're sending you bastards there! But for you Rosalia... I have other plans..."

The click clacking of heels on stone entered behind us, walking past Silica and Kiyo. A white coat flowing in the wind and the tip of their weapon tapping the bridge beneath it. They approached me and Kirito and made themselves known.

?- Sorry I'm late. I had to address it to the guild leader first.

"It's not a problem."

Kirito- Glad you could make it Ashtry.

The woman standing with us, Ashtry, readied her weapon to attack any guild member who wanted to start a fight.

Titan's Hand #7- Wait... Ashtry!?

Titan's Hand #1- The Red Hunter!?

The Red Hunter... Ashtry's well known nickname in Sword Art Online. By the time that player killers started going around killing others, Ashtry has been searching for them on every floor to personally hunt them down and bring them to justice. Her guild: "The Knights of the Blood Oath", have a special prison made for player killers named "The Iron Prison". With Rosalia leading a guild that kills players if they don't pay up despite having a green cursor, she had earned her place in that prison.

Ashtry- Rosalia, by the decree of the Knight of the Blood Oath and on behalf of all of the innocent lives you have taken, you are hereby sentenced to rot in the depths of the Iron Prison until we are free from this game where you can face an actual trial!

The members of Titan's Hand lowered their weapons while Rosalia raised her spear up towards us, determined to stand her ground.

Rosalia- Well I'm green! If you hurt me, you'll go orange and...

She never finished her sentence as me, Ashtry and Kirito were already next to Rosalia, our blades firmly pressed against her throat as the dust kicked up. She looked down at Kirito, Ashtry and then at me. I looked up at her with clarity in my eyes.

"I'm the Dark Prince of Aincrad; in case you have forgotten. Players don't trust me even when my cursor is green. I don't care if I have to harm you and play as an orange player for a couple of days. Now drop the damn spear..."

Ashtry- Or you will be joining the other players that you have sent to their deaths.

She did so out of desperation and fear. Her spear hit the ground with a thud. Ashtry gave us a cue to back off and let her handle it. Me and Kirito rounded up the other members and sent them to the prison with the crystal. Our business was done as well as Ashtry's. I looked over at her as she was prepping Rosalia for the journey to the Iron Prison. She didn't look back at us as she walked away from the scene. For some reason, my heart felt heavy. I shook it off as we walked back into town, ready to revive Pina.

February 25, 2024

Floor 35: Mishe

Kirito- We're really sorry Silica.

Kiyo- We really didn't mean to get you involved...

"This whole time we were using you as bait to catch them... I thought you would be scared or angry if I told you the truth about me."

She looked down for a second before asking me a very heavy question.

Silica- Do you plan on letting us leave? If we do somehow make it to the hundredth floor and beat the boss, will we be able to go home?

"I never had the power to keep you here. All of that goes to my father. The only reason I said that was to bring players together instead of against each other. I promise you, once the boss on floor one hundred is killed, we will be able to go home."

Silica- Then I could never be mad at you.

I looked at her with surprise. She... didn't hate me...?

Silica- You're a good person Kazzu. Definitely a better person than your dad...

Silence filled the room as she looked down at the ground, twiddling her thumbs.

Silica- Do you three really have to go back?

"Yea... we've been away from the front lines for five days."

Kiyo- It was a nice little vacation though. Plus, we still have a while before it's over!

Silica- I think it's really cool that you three are with the assault team, Ashtry too. I could try for a hundred years and never make it.

Kirito- You know... levels are just numbers. A person's strength in this world is just an illusion. Sure, it's cool and all, but there are more important things than that. Friendships, family, even a good meal.

Did he really believe that? If that's so, he took time away from his guild to help me and Kiyo out. Does he consider us friends?

Kirito- I want to meet up with you three in the real world. I think that would be pretty cool.

Kiyo- Yea! I want to see everybody in the real world! We can have parties and hang out and have all sorts of fun!

Silica- I agree. I'll try my hardest to meet up with you three again.

Kirito looked over at me and said nothing. We just stared at each other. The thing that surprised me was the fact that Kirito flashed a smile in my direction. I jumped for a second but mimicked my own smile back.

Kiyo- Can we see Pina now? I can't wait anymore!

Silica- Yes! Of course!

She pulled out Pina's Heart and the Pheuma Flower, holding it in her hand and tilting it forward. A small drop of liquid hit the feather, and a bright light started to emit. Within seconds, Pina was revived and looking around the room. Once he saw Silica, he squawked in joy and leapt in her arms. Silica started to tell him about the adventure that she had and how she had met a few new friends along the way. Kiyo had her moment with Pina, petting his head and laughing about how soft he was. Kirito gave Silica and Pina his goodbyes before leaving the room, heading back to the front lines. Pina's gaze met my own, jumping off of Silica and approaching me. I knelt down and extended my hand to him. He tapped his nose on my finger, which turned into him cooing and snuggling my hand. Laughter had filled the room as Pina started to crawl up my body and find his resting spot atop of my head. I smiled with them and petted the small familiar.

If only they could see me now... even though they never want to see my face again, I hope that one day I can meet up with Keita and Sachi and tell them all about the adventure I had today. I stopped a criminal guild and brought them to justice; I helped revive a dragon familiar and I made a friend in Kirito. But the best part about today that I would tell them is how, even for just one day, I had a chance to have my own little sister. The Dragon Tamer herself: Silica.