A/N: Please note, this chapter was created before I knew how to post separate chapters, so it has multiple chapters together. The rest of them were posted separately :)

PART1

Ch. 1 Alone

It had been two weeks since getting trapped in this virtual world. Every day I had been barely scraping by. Everyone freaking out wasn't helping either. People were constantly breaking down right in front of me.

I'm Saya and I'm fifteen years old. I have long dark brown hair and hazel eyes. As a child, I believed that the entire world was against me… and I would always be alone. Now, I really was alone. Every day I spent in this so called "game was another" day that passed by in reality. I came into this game unskilled, so I knew I had to become strong to survive.

Every day since the announcement I had been training day and night. I had always been a lone wolf as a child… mainly because all of the other kids were afraid of me. I always held my ground and trained intensely every day in my room; by reading my father's fighting books. I never knew my mother because she left me after I was born, but my father had always protected me. But when I turned 10, he became very sick and died. But the last thing he told me before he died was to always keep fighting and to stay strong. Soon after his death, a foster family adopted me. they were very well off and I lived happily with them for 3 years, then it happened.

One night I woke up to a loud scream. I ran down the stairs, carefully dodging their precious collection of expensive vases. when I ran into the dining hall, I saw it. In a large puddle of blood laid my adopted mother. Next to her was a person with a hood over his or her face. The strange person suddenly revealed herself. It was a girl only about 18. She had midnight black hair and a pale face. She stared at me like I was just a piece of trash.

"Pathetic," she murmured. She unsheathed a two edged sword and pointed it at me as blood dripped from the tip. She slowly walked up to me ready to strike. But I was prepared and as she swung the sword at me I quickly dodged it. She looked at me in surprise. She suddenly sheathed her sword.

"Your parents, as you could say, did some evil things you would never understand.I was hired to kill them, which as you can see I succeeded in. But it's rare when someone can avoid my attack. Take the sword." she ordered. I reluctantly took the bloody sword. As I took it she smirked at me. "Your father is upstairs… kill him. Or I kill you," she said still smirking. As I walked up the stairs horrified my father's last words echoed in my head.

"Fight" That's what I am going to do. As I walked into the master room and saw him laying in bed fast asleep.

"Your mother keeps a diary with all of her life's deeds hidden inside. When you come of age I will get it to you. No person child should know what they have done. Do it and you will live to know why I am making you do this." she finished now watching me. I approached the bed quietly and looked at his face for the last time.

After several minutes the deed was done and I would survive.

"It would be such a shame if the daughter of these two people somehow escaped me…"the mysterious women finished. I just stared at her in horror.

"What did… they... do?" I asked slowly. She continued to stare at me not giving me an answer.

"All I can tell you for now girl, is that you have potential, don't wastet it. Your name…live up to it," as she said this she suddenly turned around and expertly jumped out the window. I stared in awe at what had just happened. I stared at the woman laying on the floor and without hesitating I walked out the front door. After a lot of research I realized this woman was an assassin that worked in a guild full of them hired to take out the evil people of the capitol. Apparently if the people were clean they left them alone.

I exited the house and never looked back. I searched for work and was able to support myself. After two years of maintaining a job to support myself and still trying my hardest to focus on school. I knew I couldn't continue living this way. But I continued living and I survived. I wasn't all alone though; I had one friend out of them all, his name was Hotaka. From the first day at school he pursued me. I rarely spoke to him but he never stopped talking to me. I didn't understand him at all. Everyone at school had been raving about the newest game Sword Art Online, how it was a virtual reality. I shunned all of the excitement for something so stupid. As I walked home the night of the release I noticed a box by my door. I pulled it inside and opened it. I sat there down by on my bed with the large box. There was a helmet and I realized that it was the game everyone had been talking about. I found a note inside, Happy birthday Saya – from a friend. I had forgotten today was my 15th birthday. 2 years since...I shook the thought away and excitedly opened the game and set it up.

As I quickly did as the directions asked I realized how foolish this was, but I deserved to relax. It was a Friday night and I planned to enjoy myself. I lay in bed and put the helmet on.

"Link Start!" I said loudly. My mind went blank. After waking up I understood why they called it a virtual reality… it was amazing.

Ch. 2 A new friend

The two weeks had passed so quickly I never realized… how alone I really was. I walked the streets of Floria alone. I heard people were creating guilds and recruiting people. I had taken this into consideration, but if I possibly got close to someone… I destroyed any possibility of it. I noticed as I walked towards the motel how many young couples there were. I watched them, wondering why they weren't fighting. They looked so relaxed it was saddening. This game was hell for me. All I could do was think about getting out and finding Hotaka. I arrived at my motel utterly exhausted. I had been training all week without stopping. My clothes were either shredded or burnt nowadays. As soon as I began drifting away there was a loud knock at my door. I quickly grabbed my sword and opened the door cautiously.

As I opened the door there stood a young man…maybe 15 or 16..he was about 5.9 and had seaweed green eyes. He had black short hair and wore black armor.

"May I come in?" he asked walking through the door. I stared at him … never taking my eyes off of him. "I have seen you train…I'm impressed," he said looking at my ripped shirts on the bed.

"What do you want…" I asked seriously as I sheathed my sword but not letting go of the hilt.

"I want to form a party with you…" he admitted.

"Why… me?" I asked still glaring at him.

"What lvl are you…" he asked lowering his voice a little.

"35…" I lied… I was actually 53…but I could never tell him that. He suddenly looked relieved.

"I am lvl 45… I have seen you around. You fight well for such a low lvl… I'm Katashi," he finished holding out his hand. I didn't greet him back and he awkwardly pretended to be itching his head laughing nervously. "Saya…" I answered back. He smiled back at me.

"So it's a deal then?" he asked.

"Just until you die," I said seriously.

"That's harsh," he said as he brought up the menu bar. A party invite appeared in front of me. Why am I doing this? I accepted it reluctantly. He just stared at me in the silence.

"I know it seems hellish now but… we will win," he said seriously. I was taken aback by this and I watched him leave the room. As I watched him leave my cheeks suddenly felt hot. I once again lay in bed. "Kat-ash-I" I repeated dreamily staring at the ceiling.

Ch.3 Trust

The following day I ran to the market asking around for the best place to buy armor. As I roamed the streets I suddenly received a message. It was from Katashi.

"Meet me at the bar near your Motel," I read out loud. Doing as he asked I sprinted towards the bar to see Katashi impatiently waiting for me. I walked up to him and he went into his menu bar and armor appeared in his hands. Well not really armor. It was aqua blue with a black line going down the sides. I equipped it and it was flexible and comfortable. It covered my upper and lower body, but it left my shoulders and part of my back bare which was a little embarrassing.

"It's yours," he said with a serious expression. I bowed and started walking away when a hand grabbed my shoulder. It was Katashi… I stared at him with an irritated look on my face.

"The thing is…well… wanna eat lunch together?" he said with his face turning bright red. I nodded and he led the way to the nearest eatery.

As we sat waiting for our food I realized this was the first time I have eaten with a boy. Also the first time I had eaten with anyone since this death game started. This guy was bold asking me to join his party, but asking me to eat with him was another thing.

"I shouldn't have come…I'm sorry," I said as I sat up. I bowed deeply and left. Why did I do that? I turned around and I noticed he was standing outside the restaurant watching me. I walked a little faster then suddenly someone grabbed me from behind.

"Hehe boss…we got a pretty one," one young man said. He was a teen with short blonde hair and a scar on his forehead. He was holding me from behind so I couldn't grab my sword. Before I could react the man holding me was thrown to the floor. The men watching me suddenly took their swords out. When I turned around I saw Katashi standing up panting. He had a serious expression and ran after the other men. He skillfully dodged all of their attacks and before they could react he had his sword point on the larger one's neck.

"Go!" he yelled looking towards the one escaping.

I ran after him at full speed. Before I knew it he was on the ground weeping with my sword point pressing against his chest. After a few minutes some men came to take them away.

"Heyyy!" I heard someone yell. When I turned around I saw Katashi running up to me. I had an expressionless face as I watched him.

"Why would he save me?"

"We're in a party now right? We need to look out for each other. With that all said and done… do you trust me now?" he finished giving me his hand. I grabbed his hand and nodded in reply. He suddenly had this crazy grin on his face.

"Great! Now let's finish our lunch," he said grabbing my hand dragging me to the eatery. I suddenly felt something; I had never felt before … I felt wanted.

Ch. 4 A new beginning

As we ate… me and Katashi remained silent.

"So… what was your life like before this…?" He asked quickly.

"Lonely…" I answered honestly while stuffing my mouth with toast.

"Oh, any family or friends?" he asked. I shook my head in response.

"My life was almost as hellish as this game," I said quietly. He suddenly looked down at his plate, playing with his food with his fork.

"You know, you're really quiet. I have an idea," he announced loudly. I just stared at him.

"Maybe all you need is a little fun." he said grinning at me.

"Fun?" I said dully. At the thought of it I became furious.

"No," I said harshly.

"Why not? I was just like you right after the announcement. I knew I had to escape no matter what. Well, beat the game that is. I worked my hardest every day non-stop just like you. Then one day a group of people approached me offering me to join their party. I accepted after multiple attempts on their side… I became very close with everyone but especially one girl named Sachi. I left the party for a little bit to focus on training again, but when I came back I was told they all died. There was one boy with her before she died and he lived. Now all I can think is why he didn't save her. Those people taught me how to enjoy my life. Even if it's in a video game controlled by some psycho,"

He finished with a dead serious look. I stared in disbelief for at least a few minutes.

"Fun, what did you have in mind."I asked rolling my eyes. He grinned at me and looked into my eyes.

"You're a really bad liar. There is no way you are that low of a lvl." He said still watching me.

"Same to you," I said firmly with a straight face.

"Let's be honest from now on ok?" he asked still glaring at me.

"Lvl…53," I answered.

"86," he said still staring. No way…this guy was that high. I quickly said,

"That's Impossible."

"No, I just worked even harder after Sachi died. I know now though, that everyone…even me needs a break," I just stared in disbelief.

"Don't believe me? Here look for yourself," he said. I looked at his bar and in disbelief showed his lvl. I continued to stare. I must've looked stupid staring like that, but how could I not.

He looked at me with those sharp green eyes and I realized that he looked worried.

"Let's go…" I said holding out my hand to him. As he grabbed it the world around me went white and all I could see was Katashi. A glitch in the game maybe? A few seconds later I snapped back into reality and realized I had been daydreaming. I cursed at myself under my breathe.

"Before we have any fun there is something you need to see," he said leading me out of the eatery. After thirty minutes of traveling I noticed the sun was setting behind the small hill we were climbing. As I reached the top, I saw something that took my breath away. It was a beautiful valley with a river and a thick forest. I looked for many minutes and took it all in. It smelled of honey and… meat cooking? My place is down there I just need to pick up a few things. On our way down the hill I noticed a small cabin in the front were fences lining the entire property along with wild dogs he must have tamed to protect the place from intruders. The dogs usually take away half of the attacker's health and run back to the house to defend it while one runs to their master. Ingenious. As I neared the cabin I noticed there were multiple men outside the cabin waiting for him. They all looked very happy about something then I realized something and hit my head with my hand.

"Everyone this is Saya and she has been chosen as second in command of the guild. Everyone's attention was suddenly brought on me.

No one there looked happy.

"We'll see about that. I challenge you to a duel," one man said as he drew his sword. This man was in his mid 30s he had a buzcut hair style and a scruffy beard. Without saying a word I didn't hesitate on accepting the invite. Katashi watched us carefully and soon every man that was waiting was watching us. We got into position and as soon as it began the stranger ran straight at me. As he attempted to hit me in the side with his sword I grabbed my sword and reflected it. As I reflected his attack I remembered how I was smaller and wouldn't be able to hold him for long so right after I reflected his attack I jumped over him using his weight to my advantage. He got up confused and looked for me like a lost child. He finally turned around and saw me and charged once more. I used the same tactic over and over again until he was on the verge of collapsing. This wasn't lowering his health though and I needed to do something no one here would expect so I didn't have to fight another man who thought he could beat me. At this point he could barely walk with sweat streaming down his face. I knew what I had to do almost immediately. He approached me slowly and I did the same. We both charged at each other and our swords clashed so many times I lost count. After a few minutes I decided to finish it and did something I had learned from my dad's old fighting books. I ran behind him and grabbed his arm twisting it backwards and as I did this forced him on his knees making him yell loudly. I pointed the front of my sword to his neck and I swear I saw him word the words 'do it'.

"No…"I answered into his ear as I let him go. I stood there as everyone watched with wide eyes. Yet again, I was an outsider. Even in a world where I could start anew the demon inside me was freed. I walked away panting with sweat coming down my face; knowing that everyone there including Katashi was staring at me.

Ch.5 Freedom Chasers

As I walked away knowing that word of me would spread, someone suddenly grabbed my hand. I froze and turned around. Katashi stared at me with a dead serious look. I realized everyone else was looking at me. Everyone else suddenly nodded at the same time and got on their knees. The man I had fought was even on his knees.

"Join us, the Freedom Chasers," he said this as if it was the most important matter in the world. As I looked at everything going on around me I became dizzy and everything around me became dark. In my last moments I mumbled,

"Impossible." As I said this I remembered the last time this happened was the night of the attack. Right before I discovered the woman this had happened to me hours before.

When I woke up I found a wet rag on my head and was in a bed with blankets covering my body. As I noticed this I realized I was surrounded by at least 20 teenage boys. I sat up immediately and began thrashing in the bed as a bad memory suddenly went through my mind more vivid than ever. I felt like I could taste his blood in my mouth as my sword cut into his chest. As I snapped back into reality I realized someone was holding me tightly. Katashi was holding me with his hand on my head and with me in his lap on the bed. I realized my sword was in my hand. I let go of it immediately. He gently let me go and I realized I had been crying.

"Ho-how long?" I asked avoiding his eyes.

"Seven Minutes," he replied seriously. "You thrashed around a little. It was a memory from your past, wasn't it?" he asked with concern. I got out of bed almost too quickly and walked out the door wiping any lingering tears from my face. I was so embarrassed…I promised myself that I would never show weakness on this game. But here I was crying and right after I had proven myself a strong player. Someone suddenly grabbed me from behind. As I was pulled back from behind I recognized a familiar face.

"Hotaka?"I said thinking I was imagining this.

Someone was hugging me from behind and I recognized this handsome and gentle face… it was Hotaka.

"I'm so sorry Saya. If I never left the game by your doorstep, you wouldn't be here now. Before I could react someone pulled us apart and stood in front of me and looked back at me protectively. Katashi suddenly said.

"Hotaka, I didn't invite you to my-"

"I am aware of that, but I had to see her. Just once," he interrupted. I stared in disbelief at what was happening around me. Katashi still held his ground.

"She is going to become second in command and I as first in command will NOT allow you to hang out around her," Katashi said looking a little agitated. Hotaka just smiled…but it was a fake smile. This wasn't the Hotaka I knew, he was different somehow. I never agreed to this any of this. Second in command for what? It suddenly made sense, he has a guild and all those men were willing to fight me for second in command but…why me? I was just his tool to escaping this place.

"Good bye Katashi," I said as I walked by and passed Hotaka and had him follow after me. Of course he did all the talking like always, but the questions he asked were strange to me and he looked different… I mean not his looks but he styled his hair differently and the way he smiled was unfamiliar to me. He had a sly look to him and it seemed as if he was hiding something.

"So Saya… how do you know that clown…" he asked in a more serious tone.

"He…we umn had lunch together and he wanted to show me his cabin, but I guess it was something else. May I ask how you found me?"

I asked interested. He put his hands behind his head and continued walking in a carefree way and said,

"I thought you would ask me that. Well I had heard of an overpowered female player and wanted to check it out and there you were sprawled on a bed in, Katashi's arms." He said Katashi like it was a bad taste in his mouth.

"How do you know him, he knew your first name," I asked.

"We go way back to the beginning of the game. When it started I immediately went looking for you, but after a few days of searching and asking around I gave up. I thought you either never plugged it in or died early in. I created a guild in your remembrance… it is actually quite popular now haha," he said as he patted my head like when we were in school.

"What's the name?" I asked

"Swift Arrow," he answered quickly. That was the meaning of my name. some people in Japan named their children that hoping they would grow up to be strong warriors. After hearing that i thought I saw a bit of kindness in his words. "I haven't seen you smile once so far Saya." he said smirking strangely.

"Any way I am going to take you to my guild and have you become a guild member. well that is if you want?" he asked innocently. I didn't answer and decided to continue towards our destination. As we walked to his guild I thought about Katashi and how he had kept me safe and how he protected me from Hotaka. But Hotaka was a good guy and there was no reason to think he was dangerous, then why would Katashi lash out like that? I went over this in my mind until I noticed a large black building with the name Swift Arrow written in red paint over a sign making it look a little like blood.

As I walked in there were shady figures everywhere. Most had orange icons over their heads, which meant they had stolen at one point, but I had never seen so many at one time. Hotaka's smirk had left his face and was now dead serious.

"I need you to change into something before introducing you to the guild," as he said this he handed me a white dress and didn't leave until it was on. It even made my hair flow nicer and added a little flower to top it off. As I did this I became more and more uneasy about the situation. Why did I even equip this? "Listen Hotaka… I am happy you are safe but urnm… I think I am going to go home now, it's getting late and well-" Before I could finish, Hotaka began to laugh.

"What?" I asked nervously.

"I finally have you in a situation where you are completely helpless and you think I will let you leave just like that? You still don't get it do you. This is the end of the line for you and I will finally be able to-" He was cut off by loud screams coming from the main hall.

"Secure the doors!"He yelled as he got off of me and grabbed me from behind pointing his sword at my neck. Before and his men could answer him the doors flew open. There stood Katashi and 100 other men armed and ready to fight.

Ch.6 A new life

As soon as Katashi saw me his face immediately turned away. My relief was gone along with any hope of actually getting out of here alive.

"Stop! I'll kill her!" Hotaka said holding me tighter around the waist. At this action I became light headed and dizzy. Before I could react Katashi was right in front of us and walked slowly up to us.

"Leave her out of this Hotaka," Katashi ordered. Hotaka started laughing hysterically after hearing that and spit on him. "I'm sorry I have to do this. But I will never let you harm her again…whether it is here or in the real world. Die," Katashi said as he swiftly stuck his sword in his side. When he let go of me Katashi caught me and carried me out of the battlefield. I just stared at him with a stupid oblivious look on my face.

"Wh-why?" I asked as a single tear rolled down my cheek.

"That man was pure evil and deserved to die," he said without hesitation. As he said this I saw Hotaka turn into a thousand pieces.

"No… why did you come for me…" I asked once again.

"Because without you our guild would be short by one member," as he said that I rested my head against his chest and closed my eyes. When I opened my eyes I was back in my small motel room with a bowl of soup and fresh bread by my bed on a little tray and a note leaning on the bowl.

Saya, I dropped you off at your house so you can rest up. I'm sorry for everything you had to go through, but you have a strong spirit and I know you will be an excellent addition to the team.-Katashi

I read the note out loud as I munched on the bread grateful for ever meeting this guy. I knew for sure now though…that no matter what happens I have to remain distant from him and any other player or it will be even harder when someone I care about dies. But as I thought about that I knew it was too late… he was my friend now and I would keep him alive. The next morning I woke up to see a pair of familiar faces staring at me. It was Katashi and what looked like his entire guild. They all stood around my bed and as I looked out the window I realized there was another large crowd outside trying to peak through the window and open door.

"What?" I mumbled quietly. When I looked back at Katashi he looked frail and tired.

"Word of Hotaka's death and the war between our guilds got out fast. I actually just returned from the battle. After returning you, I returned to fight." Battle? That means because of me people died… NO, Hotaka was a bad guy and so was the guild it was because they were a threat not because I needed help. I shook the thought out of my head.

"Practically everyone knows what he tried to do to you. He and his guild were very well known around here and everyone wants to see the girl he went after. I guess every girl was after him, no matter his past or personality," he said like he had a bad taste in his mouth. I stared at him in disbelief but I was appearing weak in his eyes and everyone else's. My image, everything I had been working for was destroyed. I jumped out of bed and equipped my armor so quickly Katashi jumped back in surprise.

"I don't want your help and I don't need it. I also don't want to be any part of your guild I said squeezing past multiple people. As I rushed out of the house before I could react I was bombarded by people by the dozen all asking me questions. I ignored them and continued to walk away. A fresh start. I decided to exclude myself from ever having a permanent home. I was completely prepared to leave and never look back. There were thousands of people here and he would never find or see me again.

I searched the city asking around for the best blacksmith so I could craft a new sword for my journey. I decided to live in The Town of Beginnings. I needed to get my priorities straight on what I was going to do next. I wasn't going to buy a house there, but I would stay in the area. After I get some cash I planned on beating the newer levels with a large group of high lvl players. I was lvl. 53 and still considered a low lvl player by the top players. Every day the same idea goes through my head that I will never escape this world, but at the same time a jolt of hope flies through me. That man… the second we met he made trouble for me and at the same time introduced me to an entirely new world. I finally found a good blacksmith. There was a girl inside polishing a well made sword. She had pink short hair with freckles on each cheek. For some reason she looked distressed but I didn't ask.

"I need the best sword you have," I ordered.

"Sorry but some wacko came in and broke it hun. I can give you this though," as she said this she handed me a steel two edged sword. I dropped it immediately as everything went black and I fell to the floor. My mind raced back to the past as that woman handed me the sword I would use to destroy everything I ever knew or held dear. I woke up in a small shack in bed with the same girl staring down at me.

"Whaa…" I murmured rubbing my eyes.

"Do you do that a lot?" she asked honestly.

"It's sort of a habit," I answered.

"I'm Elizabeth," the girl said holding out her hand.

"Don't leave me hanging like this," she said with a sour look on her face. I took her hand and she helped me out of bed into a chair. She sat down in front of me with an eager look on her face.

"So, I was wondering… Well… I took a peak at your lvl. And was wondering if you could help me get some material for a specific sword I have been wanting to make forever. But I am staying if you don't mind. Also, in return if you help me I will give you the sword in return. I looked at the sword now laying on the table. The resemblance was terrifying. After a few minutes of silence I agreed. Ok! So the material I need is a certain ore. Mining it will be a cinch, but getting there not so much. Kakua mountain is at least a week long journey and that's to just reach the mountain. The ore is at the top of the mountain in a cave guarded by a boss. No one had been able to get it and come back successful let alone alive. She hit me with all of this information at once like she knew I would never back down. I nodded after she finished.

"See you in a month!" she yelled back. All this for a sword I don't even want I said looking down at the low quality sword she gave me. It would get the job done just not quickly. Kakua mountain was more than a week away so I would have to hurry. Maybe I could fly there… but on what?... I continued to walk until I hit the edge of the city and all I could see was wilderness. There was a 10 mile long forest in front of me and all I could do was stare. As I approached someone grabbed me from behind before I could enter the forest.

"Bad idea," a familiar voice said from behind me. Katashi.

I didn't answer him; I didn't even turn around to look at him. As I walked I could hear someone's footsteps following. After 30 minutes of walking, I heard a strange screeching sound. From the corner of my eye I saw a tree shake. Katashi said nothing but I heard a yelp. I swiftly turned around and saw that it wasn't Katashi. It was a man maybe 17 or 18. Something was choking it. But there was nothing there. All I saw was this man holding his neck as he fell to the ground. I thought back to how many people had lost their lives already. 2,000 innocent people… dead. Before I could think I ran to him and slashed his back not knowing if there was a creature or not. I was right and a giant beetle screeched and hopped off. This monster was larger than my house and was sucking this guy's life out. When I saw his health bar he only had an inch left. I threw a healing potion at him as I ran towards the bug with my sword drawn. "Ahhhh!" I screamed as I slashed it over and over again. But it didn't do anything. I had a crazy idea but failure wasn't an option. I grabbed its head and did a flip onto its back and latched on a rope I had in my inventory. I acted fast and stuck it into its mouth with its teeth gnashing insanely trying to cut the rope. Without a warning it scurried toward the stranger as his health was regenerating.

"Don't hurt it!" I yelled out to him. He nodded and threw a strange potion at it. The beetle suddenly slowed down until it was in a deep sleep. I hopped off and stared at the guy who had just saved my life. He hugged me a little too tightly squishing me as I tried to wriggle out.

"I knew you made it… I just knew it!" the man said still holding my arms.

"Wh-who are you?" I asked completely oblivious. "

I didn't want it to be like this but… I'm your brother," he said suddenly dead serious. I stared at him and realized he was a spitting image of dad. No way…

"That's impossible," I said slowly backing away.

"No, it's true. Mom gave birth to me a few years before you. She told me she didn't want a son…so she gave me away. I had ran away and lived on the streets, but always watched you. I watched mom and dad die just like you. I became a swordsman and joined a group so I could learn to protect you. Not knowing I would end up hurting you, I am so sorry," he said looking down at me. I didn't understand how did he hurt me?...

"The night your adopted parents died… I was there as well except I was there under order not be seen." he finished. My eyes widened in fear. I backed away slowly as everything processed. I am a smart girl he doesn't have to explain more. I worked the rest out myself. I unsheathed my sword and pointed it at him.

He looked down at his feet and rubbed his head. After I found out you had done it… i was very surprised and feared for your future, so I continued to watch you from afar. Once I realized you were trapped here I decided to rescue you, even though I knew I might die, you might already be dead, and I would be trapped. My skill in the real world does make this a little easier though," he finished. This all hit me like a speeding bullet. I stopped and stared at him with a cold expression. I got onto the beetle and harnessed as he watched me carefully. I could kill him in a second so I didn't have to worry but all of this was too much. I got on the beetle once it woke up and after a lot of struggling I was able to get it under my control. I gave my hand to this man who said he was my brother. His eyes lit up and took it as he got onto the back. Whenever I turned around he was smiling like a child. He had short brown hair with kind yet sad brown eyes like mom. He wore simple metal armor and had scars all over his face. I will admit he was handsome though.

Ch. 7 Arigatou, Ome-sama

After hours of riding we reached the end of the forest and I could see a beautiful valley. I had never said another word to him until the sun began to set. "I will camp here. You will take the beetle back. I'm alive and will beat this game, but I will not protect you and have you slow me down. He nodded and got on the beetle like he understood.

"Stay alive or I won't have a reason to live…Saya," as he said this he rode back into the forest. I didn't get his name… I watched him go and realized I had just said goodbye to the man that has been watching over me my entire life. At the thought a single tear escaped my eye. I sat down and realized this entire time I had been acting so tough. I was at my breaking point. I grabbed some bread out of my inventory and ate it slowly. As I munched on it thinking about the last couple weeks all at once everything escaped me. I began to sob loudly. My eyes flooded with tears and all the grief slowly but surely left my body all at once. Shredding those tears helped me to understand being so tough wasn't always a good thing. Also, I realized everything Katashi told me was the truth. I had left him when he had done absolutely nothing to me. I decided to walk a few more miles and make camp. I knew though I wouldn't sleep, anyone or anything could kill me while I slept. I found a small underground cave and rested there. I made a fire and thought about my day and how realizing all of those things may have changed me forever. In a good way.

I woke up the next morning realizing I must've fallen asleep. Thankfully no one had discovered me I awoke and prepared for the long journey ahead. As I exited the cave I saw someone sleeping outside. It was Katashi and before I knew it I was hugging the life out of his now awake body.

"Sorry," I whispered into his ear. He smiled at me and shook his head.

"Elizabeth's quest was my next goal, but you ended up going and she cheated you out of 60,000,000 coins. That's what that ore is worth. If I help I come along and help you we can split the money and I will use my fraction of the money to get you a new sword," he said handing me a different sword that looked identical to Liz's. I nodded and we continued to the mountain. Every day had been countless walking and fighting. I had no idea there were so many players out here. Most of them were bandits, players looking for easy coin from low and high lvl players. Without Katashi I might had died the first week. Even though we only spoke a few words to each other a day we understood each other perfectly.

Four days had passed like this, utter silence. Although it felt like we had been talking the entire trip. No, like i had known him my whole life. As we walked through a slim mountain pass he began to walk slower and slower.

"We should rest here," I said putting down my things.

This is how my story begins. How it ends is up to you to keep reading what I have to endure, in the things to come. 3

PART 2

Ch.8 I love you

He looked suspicious somehow and showed me multiple herbs.

"What is this?" I asked.

"A cure. It took me a while but I think it will work," he said seriously. I gave him my arm and he rubbed the ingredients where my hand was and my hand re-materialized before my eyes. I held my hands up to my heart and smiled. He looked at me and turned away with a strange expression. I immediately tackled him with a hug. We were both thrown to the soft, plush grass and he was on top of me. I grabbed his arm and pulled him to the side putting me on top.

"I win," I said victorious

. "Thank you," I said. His expression was still serious and he suddenly grabbed my waist and pulled me in for a hug.

"Last night I was the most scared I had ever been.

When we were running… I could only think about getting you to safety. I don't know how this and how last night felt…but I have realized… I need you," he let out.

"Me?…why me? I mean I'm nothing. You could easily go on your own without me and it wouldn't change anything," I said truthfully.

"No! The thing is, I could never do that. When I entered this place I had nothing to fight for. My life in the real world meant nothing to me and never will. I have thirteen siblings. I was the only one who bought this game and the only one trapped inside of it. My parents never spoke to me or even cared to greet me. I confined myself to my small little room with my magazines, posters, games, and TV. The only thing I did besides that was school. I received top grades, but they still never noticed me. That life means nothing, but this life does. You do, Saya. I will help you survive and in the end we will meet in real life." as he said this I realized he was serious.

"We will. I promise and I haven't broken a promise…yet," I said this holding his hand in mine. After a few minutes in silence he took my hand and together we continued to our destination. As we walked I realized that my life here was just getting started and that I had so much to learn. I had experienced so many new things since meeting Katashi and felt so many things I had never felt before. This feeling… I felt all warm inside and most of all I think I… haha I am not sure how I feel about him yet. But I know that he is my friend, who was like family.

Today was so carefree, Kaatshi and I sat by the lake. I tried to open my menu but it wouldn't come up. Katashi noticed this and before I could react Katashi was pulling me into the water.

"Bandits… if they see you. Hide in the water. You can do this," he said before sprinting towards the sound. When I was younger, before the accident. I was at the beach and there was just me and few other teenagers. Night had fallen quickly and I had decided to go home. Before I left I heard a scream coming from the water. I ran to the edge as quickly as possible and realized a little girl had been swallowed by a strong wave. I jumped in not thinking. I did my best to locate her, but there was no luck. I dove beneath the waves throwing my arms around hoping to find her. After a minute of this I attempted to catch my breath. I did this again and again until my lungs burned from the salt water. I was completely exhausted and in shock at what had just happened. After a few seconds just like the little girl I was swallowed by the largest wave I had ever seen. I had been dragged under the water and a hand suddenly grabbed my shirt. When I woke up there was a man looking down at me. Something suddenly triggered in my brain. It was my brother…he had saved me. He saved my life. As the yelling became louder I snapped back to reality and sunk under the water. I made it so my toes could touch the ground and made my way behind the waterfall. I carefully listened in the silence. My heart was beating a 100 times per minute which made it difficult to stay calm.

After five minutes of silence I heard someone yell out. Then there were many shouts and yells coming from within the trees. After 8 minutes it became silent again.

"Saya!" I heard Katashi yell. "Come here! I need your help!" Doing as he asked I walked into the forest wet and ashamed I couldn't have helped earlier. After a few minutes of following his voice he was sitting on a rock staring at eight men tied up and looking terrified. Katashi didn't greet me or smile. He looked at me then at the men and I realized what he wanted me to do. I grabbed the rope and together we pulled the men deep into the forest. The men continuously stared at me up and down. Whenever one of them did this Katashi would stare at them and almost immediately they shut up and looked nervous. Let's stop here and let them go. I already took their weapons. As they began to scatter Katashi grabbed the youngest by the collar. The rest of them stopped to watch. "If you ever… hurt or kill again… I will kill you. He suddenly took the young boy and slammed him into the ground. They were out of sight in less than a minute. For a second I.. I thought he was going to kill the boy. "I'm sorry. I had to stop them. It ruined our day. "The day isn't over is it?" I said looking down shuffling my feet.

"Saya, your beautiful," as he said this he took my hand and together we walked back to the lake. For hours and hours he worked on teaching me how to swim. Finally, just as the sun went down I could do it and had the courage to let go of Katashi's grasp.

We laid down on the soft grass and looked up at the sky. As I listened to the fire crackle and the crickets chirp… I realized just how heavenly this place was.

"Thank you for today," I said half awake.

"Let's just call this me making up for the trick I played on you," he said now on his side looking at me.

"This may sound really stupid and you may even leave me after I say it but I Lo-," before I could finish my sentence his lips met mine. They were warm and dry. After a few minutes he released me and stared at my red face. I didn't know what to say or do. I was so confused about so many things.

"I think my menu bar works now…I can change into my arm-,"as I said this I was interrupted by a soft snore coming from Katashi.

"I love you," I whispered softly. Even though I had never experienced love I knew that this was what caused what others called butterflies. At school people would say they loved each other, but leave or cheat on them the next day. I thought love was stupid and horrible. Now I know what love really is and if he doesn't love me back… I will always love him.

Ch.9 On my own

"Good morning," We soon packed up and were walking towards, the now very close mountain. As we walked he seemed different somehow. Katashi was a tall, handsome dark figure. He was usually very serious, but at times; could become carefree. He was so hard to understand, yet it didn't bother me. He stopped in his tracks after walking for a few minutes and waited for me to catch up. I was way behind, I was weak from yesterday. It was just that… just thinking about Katashi and how he felt toward me… it took its toll on me. He looked back at me and noticed me staring at my feet. I meant what I said about us escaping this world.

"Saya. Also, everything after that. I know this is just virtual…but my feelings are real," as he said this he took my hand in his and held it up to his cheek.

We stood there for a long time and I knew he would risk himself for me. In horror I fell back.

"No, they…they aren't," I said shaking a little. The last time someone had told me that, they hurt me mentally and physically. He is dead now and… if anyone dies..that I care about. I let the thought linger. I have to distance myself. If I don't. he might die. NO… I won't let that happen! I realized I had said this all out loud and tears were falling from my eyes. In embarrassment I backed away from Katashi as he tried to help.

"NO, You are welcome to come with me and finish the quest then… we will go our separate ways." Katashi said nothing, only nodded. He looked weak somehow and followed beside me. He looked at me for a few seconds as if formulating a plan and looked away once our eyes met.

"What did I do wrong? I know you fear the worse and those dreams you had continuously. I know your past haunts you, but ever since you have been with me those dreams and memories have been slowly fading away. So why… leave me?" he finished starting to walk ahead. I stared in awe. He was right I hadn't had one nightmare since that day… If he left I would be alone again, but if he died… would I have anything to fight for?... After an hour of walking in silence we finally approached the bottom of Kakua Mountain.

The long tread up the mountain had begun and all I could think about was leaving Katashi. I had tried this before but it didn't end well. We made our way up the mountain and the side of the mountain was beautiful. It shimmered in the sun and reminded me of diamonds. Katashi saw what I did and sprinted up the side of the mountain and collected the ore. I heard a loud fierce roar in the back ground. But that thing seemed busy. Katashi had the ore and was already half way down the mountain. I looked at him and back towards the sound of the roar. Without giving it a second thought, I sprinted towards the sound. Once I reached the top of the hill I had just enough time to see two people flung into a obis. I was too late… They have to be dead. I ignored the hole and ran towards the mountain. Before I could reach the dragon-like creature, he had already flown away. I stood panting as I stared at the sky.

"That girl…," I recognized her. Her short pink hair… As I thought about the poor thing someone grabbed my shoulder. Katashi turned me towards him. He stared at me for a few minutes before I turned away and headed down the mountain. The following weeks had been horrible. Every time Katashi attempted to speak to me I went ahead and ignored every word he said. If only he knew how hard it was for me. Just like him, when Sachi died he nearly broke down. If he died because of me it would be the end.

When I wasn't thinking about Katashi I was thinking about my brother. He was and maybe still is an assassin. After a few days of silence Katashi finally gave up trying to speak to me. The only problem was that… every day I fell more in love with him. Love was a stranger to me yet I felt like I have known it my entire life. Once we reached Lisabeth's shop I noticed her speaking to a boy Katashi's age outside in the back. She looked on the verge of tears…she looked in love. I turned away and accidentally faced Katashi with watery eyes.

"I know you want to leave me behind so you won't have to worry about me dying. I tried right when I met you, but when I held you in my arms as you cried." as he said this I swore I saw a very small tear escape his stunning green eyes. I pulled his long bangs so I could clearly see his face. I shook my head slowly forcing a smile and walked towards lisbeth. I handed her the ore and saw her face suddenly light up.

"Woah, you actually did it." as she said this Katashi walked up and Lisbeth stiffened up.

"I would like it if you kept your bargain, plus the gold. I could easily get 2x as much and multiple swords much better made than that one," he said blankly, pointing easily towards the sword lying on the counter. She looked mad, confused, and then sad.

"Oh… o-of course," as she said this she took the ore, transferred the gold and handed me the sword. She bowed and walked away. Katashi exited the store without saying a word and I was debating on whether I should do something really stupid. I walked past the counter and followed Lisbeth. I knocked softly on the door and walked into the familiar living room.

"Oh Lisbeth…" I said this as I saw her sprawled on the bed crying. She sat up immediately and wiped away the tears quickly. "It's ok… please you can cry…I won't tell anyone. It was that boy wasn't it…," after I said this she nodded slowly. After a few minutes she explained her adventure with the ever so talented Kirito-kun. As I listened I was sure to hold onto every word. She loved him. After she finished I realized she was the young girl I saw. I decided not to say anything…that experience was special to her… it was hers.

"I need work…well not really just something to pass the time for a few weeks… Mind if I help watch the store?" I asked nervously. Her eyes suddenly lit up and the old Lisbeth was recognized.

"That would be wonderful… thank you," she said sweetly getting up patting her apron. You can work the counter for me and… and I can-" she stopped in midsentence. I turned around and I saw a familiar face.

"Brother…" I said this out loud on accident and covered my mouth with my hands. He looked at me kindly. Before I could react I was in his arms.

"I thought you were, I need to tell you something," he said grabbing my hand. By the time we reached the door I swear I saw Lisbeth laughing into a pillow. Yup…she is back.

Ch.10 World of Lies

He led me into a small inn and into a room. "I'm not your brother, but everything else was true. Your father hired me to watch you…he even taught me to fight. He found me on the streets and knew I could take care of myself. When you were six and I just turning nine he found me and asked me to do the impossible. Watch over you so he wouldn't need to worry. He knew he was going to die and he had always known your mother would as well. He said he could sense it. When you turned thirteen I began to see you as a real woman and led you towards the richest family for hundreds of miles. I wish I would've done my home work. They were torturing innocent people. Ever wondered what was in that giant barn?... Corpses, everywhere.

They adopted and found young children or poor country folks on the streets. Then found anything they could use against them and tortured them to death… They had special plans for you though. When I found out, guilt ate at me and I let the guild know immediately and sent our best. Only problem… I forgot to tell her not to kill you. I was about to stop her from striking and suddenly saw her look at me through the window. She was never going to kill you..but she tested you. You lived and what she made you do was something I could never think of. She told me you were very brave for a ten year old. After that I watched you from afar. I found out your body was moved to a hospital and you were still alive. I did my research and entered the game immediately. I asked around for a few months until I found you in the forest alone," he said taking a break to breathe. I stared to shocked to speak. After a few minutes I recovered. This man has looked over me my entire life and could never say a word to me. He walked up to me suddenly and took me in his arms. "I'm sorry," he whispered. It wasn't fair… all of this. It didn't matter though. For the first time I realized something…this was game and I could actually win it.

The next morning I was up at the crack of dawn.

AN: Since this chapter it has been updated into a new format with chapters that are one per update and are about 1000- 2000 words long, not 11,000 :)

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed!

- Hiroko/The Editor