Sugu made an irritated sigh as pressed the rewind button on the TV remote, jumping her show back a minute. She let herself fall back into the couch's cushions, the soft leather cradling her. She grumbled to herself about her 'Stupid Onii-chan', who's been strangely absent at night. It worried her, with how bloody the city had become in the past few weeks. She sighed as she pulled her knees up against her breasts, putting her chin on her knees as she became less interested in the show. Why did her stupid brother have to go and leave the house in such a huff? Now she couldn't concentrate on –

Her thoughts were cut short by the smallest sound of a creaking floorboard. She turned her head down towards the hallway that led to the back door, confused. She tilted her head as she watched the hallway that was illuminated by a single pale light, her vision cut off halfway down the hall by her angle on the couch. "Onii-chan?" she called out. She was answered only by the TV's sounds.

Sugu reached over and paused the show, drenching the house in silence. She picked herself up from the couch, starting to wonder if she'd just been hearing things. Looking over at the TV, she saw the show was currently taking place inside a house, perhaps it had been a sound effect from it. Letting out a long breath, she shook her head. She was getting paranoid for no reason, she should get a drink.

Walking into the kitchen, she let out a soft groan as she saw half the dishes were still left unfinished. "Stupid Onii-chan, didn't even finish the dishes before you left." She grumbled as she rolled up her jacket's sleeves, turning on the hot water and started on the dishes. She never noticed the black shadow that crept behind her.

Upstairs, Shino let herself sink into the warm bathtub, up to her chin, letting out a long sigh. Her hair hung plastered to the sides of her scalp from the last bucket of water she had dumped over herself. She mused to herself about what she wanted to do for the rest of the night. Finals were coming up soon as winter break was soon. She wondered what kind of present Kazuto would enjoy for Christmas? She lowered herself further into the tub, the water now up to her nose as she blushed, thinking of rather racy things she could do for him. She smiled under the water, she wanted to get out of the tub and surprise him, but sadly they would have to wait until at least Sugu was asleep. She felt bad, at times. She saw how she looked at Kazuto. He was too dense to understand, but the poor girl had it bad for him, probably as bad as she had it, which is why she tried to avoid being too affectionate to him in front of her.

She glanced around the steamy bathroom, her eyes settling on the frosted glass door that separated the changing room and washing machines from the bath. Her eyes lingered on the door feeling oddly drawn to it. As the steam swirled around the room, she felt a very cold chill run up her spine as she swore she saw a black outline of a human figure standing just on the other side of the door. She blinked once and rubbed her eyes as she sat up in the bathtub. Looking at it again, the strange illusion was gone. "Kazuto-kun?" she called out, now feeling a bit strange.

A breeze blew outside, shaking the trees, the noise being just audible inside the deathly quiet bathroom. She no longer took any comfort from the warm bath, instead choosing to stand up, her body shivering. She stepped from the bath as quietly as she could, chiding herself for being so fearful of an illusion. The closer she got to the door, the more her heart pounded in her chest. Her mouth opened again, ready to call for him once more, but she was unable to bring the words forth. With a shaky hand, she grabbed the slick steel door handle.

She turned it with utmost care to not make a sound, and took a deep breath before cracking it open just a hair. Goosebumps ran up her skin as she saw the other room was pitch black. She had left the light on, she had been sure of it. The light from behind her spilled around her shadow in a narrow line to the floor, and she didn't see anyone standing by the door. Feeling as if she wasn't alone, she covered her breasts with her free hand before pulling the door open just an inch more, keeping herself behind it.

Nothing.

Slowly she repeated this process, pulling the door open slow as she scanned more of the illuminated changing room. By the time she got the door fully open, with almost all of it lit up, she saw she was alone. Letting out a shaky breath, she felt some of her nervous jitters leave her, and she let out a weak laugh, amazed at how scared she had been from something so small. It had just been matrixing, her brain seeing shapes out of random patterns. Stepping into the dark room, she crossed it and flicked on the light switch.

Knock knock.

Shino let out a startled yell, and the wooden door opened.

"Shino?" Sugu called out, poking her head in, looking at the naked and wide eyed Shino with a worried look. "What's wrong, are you okay?"

Shino groaned as she slumped her head. "Sugu. . . you scared me half to death!" she complained, giving off a weak smile. She reached over for a towel, using it to cover herself from the other girl.

Sugu gave a nervous laugh in response bowing her head once. "Sorry, I just meant to see if you were going to be coming out soon, I was hoping you'd know where Onii-chan got off to."

Shino gave her a confused look, "Got off to?" she mirrored, the words rolling off her tongue slow. A realization dawned on her and she cursed in her head at the same time she gave Sugu a nervous laugh and wave with her hand. "I think he mentioned something about having to go to his part time job he got! They tend to call him in at the last second."

"Oh." Sugu replied, looking convinced. Then she frowned, "That's kinda rude isn't it?" Sugu pouted, which made even Shino think the girl looked cute, "I should tell them off! Onii-chan doesn't deserve that kind of treatment!"

Shino laughed and waved her off. "Let's not cause trouble for him, I'm sure he can take care of himself just fine." She shivered, the cold getting to her.

Sugu noticed, and she looked ashamed, bowing her head. "I'm sorry, I'll let you get dressed!" Closing the door, leaving it open just a crack she called out, "Come down stairs after you're done! I got some desert ready." Sugu's footsteps could be heard walking away from the door and down the stairs, followed by a light humming.

Shino frowned, as she gripped her towel tight. Kazuto-kun, why didn't you tell me you were leaving? She felt betrayed, he'd promised her. She let out an irritated sigh, one laced with worry. Her earlier fear about it being the last time she would see him came back to her, and she shook her head. Stop. He'll come back. He must have had a good reason for leaving. A small thought struck her, maybe he hadn't left to go hunting down Laughing Coffin, perhaps it had been something small and he hadn't wanted to bother anyone.

She did her best to accept the idea and headed out of the room, finding it even chillier in the hallway, the heater didn't seem to be working too well outside of the rooms. Crossing the darkened hallway as fast as she could, she breathed a sigh of relief as she stepped into the warm light of Kazuto's room, closing the door behind her. Across the room on the bed was the set of comfy looking pajamas she'd picked out. A fresh set of black underwear, a pair of her sweatpants and one of Kazuto's shirts. She hated to admit it, but she loved wearing them. Something about being wrapped up in his scent that made her feel safe and secure.

Discarding the towel, she quickly dressed in her underwear, glad to get her naked body from the cold. As she put on the final piece, Kazuto's black shirt, she smiled as she pulled the neckline up to her nose and nuzzled it for a moment. Glancing over, she noticed that the sliding closet door was closed, save for the tiniest crack that was barely noticeable. She felt puzzled. She was sure she had left the closet open when she had left for the bathroom. Could Kazuto have closed it?

The memory of the black figure that she imagined came to her, making her breath hitch in her throat. It had just been a figment of her imagination, right?

She stared for a full minute at the closet, frozen from self-inflicted terror. Childhood nightmares of something hiding in the closet assaulted her, making her start to feel a cold sweat bead on her forehead. She decided, she had to see. She took a step forward, it was slow and very careful. No sound was given by her barefoot as she progressed. She repeated each step, drawing closer to the closet as her breathing became harder to control. She reached out with her hand, her eyes glued to the now very dark crack in the closet which fear lurked in. Her fingers grazed the wood.

"Shi-chan! C'mon, the ice cream is gonna melt!"

Shino snapped out of what she was doing with a startle, her head snapping towards the distant yell. "Okay! I'll be there in a second!" She yelled back. Looking back towards the closet door, she wanted to laugh at herself, to just call herself jumpy and leave it at that. But as she stepped away from the closet, she couldn't shake the feeling. Being further away however, she lost her nerve and just headed for the door, she chided herself in a very non-reassuring manner that she was being stupid. She did everything she could to avoid looking behind her at the boogieman she was convinced lurked for her as she stepped out into the cold hallway. She made sure to close the door behind her.

Downstairs, Sugu sat on the couch with a blanket, two bowls of chocolate ice cream sitting on the coffee table. The buxom girl gave Shino a sweet smile, patting the couch next to her. The two had become rather close friends over the course of her stay. Shino smiled, moving to take the offered seat and gave an embarrassed smile when Sugu threw the blanket over them both. "Since Onii-chan isn't here, I'll keep you company, Shi-chan." Sugu joked, handing the girl her bowl.

Shino took the offered bowl, still feeling a bit overwhelmed by how nice the other girl could be to her at times. She wasn't used to having any friends, as after what had happened when she was a child made her an outcast. But this, it made her happy beyond belief. She leaned into Sugu, making her smile as Sugu grabbed the TV remote, unmuting the TV. After a brief discussion between spoonfuls of chocolate, it was decided they would watch a popular cop drama.

The dessert was finished quickly, the bowls now stacked in front of them as they watched the show intently. The house was quiet, save for the low music playing behind the dialouge of the jaded detective, as he interrogated a key suspect. Shino watched it with keen interest, it wasn't something she made known, but it was her dream to someday become a policewoman. She could picture herself in the detective's shoes, wearing the long trench coat and messy tie, intimidating a drug addict with a menacing glare and stern tone. She couldn't suppress the smug smile that spread on her face, as the detective managed to psych out the perp and get him to cough out key evidence.

"Ooh, you look way too happy. Do older men turn you on that much?" Sugu joked as she studied Shino's expression. She'd been watching the other girl since she started squirming and making the occasional giddy sound. "I think he's pretty cute too, no match for Onii-chan though."

Shino's face turned red as she looked over, "W-Wha?!" She realized she had been caught getting into the show too much. "I-I wasn't, that is . . .!" she let out a small groan, as she saw the mischievous grin on Sugu's face, a clear sign that the other girl was messing around with her head. "Sugu, you're horrible!"

Sugu giggled, and then gave the girl a soft smile. "Shi-chan, you really love my brother, don't you?"

The abruptness of the question caught her off guard. She felt embarrassed, it was easy to tell the girls at school she was in a relationship, but no one had actually asked her point blank if she was in love with him. "Y-Yes, of course."

Sugu smiled, it was almost sad, something that Shino caught. "I'm glad. I've been worried about him, you know?" She locked eyes with Shino, the feeling behind Sugu's grey eyes speaking of her feelings towards her brother. "I know that before long, I won't be the one to take care of him anymore. So please, make sure the idiot doesn't hurt himself, okay? He gets in over his head too much."

Shino felt touched. "Sugu. . ."she replied, staring at the girl's hopeful and honest face. She felt a pang of guilt, knowing that she was still in the dark about what Kazuto was doing at night. She did her best to give the most reassuring smile she could. "I will. You have my word." She paused for a moment before giving a slightly worried look, "Although, it might be a bit of a tall order. He isn't exactly the easiest to keep up with." She heard a small creak from the house, a noise that was quickly forgotten.

Sugu giggled, "Too bad, he's gonna be your problem soon." she spoke, as she turned back towards the TV screen. The detective was dragging the perp away, and the show faded to black as a commercial would start. In the black screen that reflected the two girls sitting side by side, there was a third figure, just behind the couch.

Sugu's eyes widened for half a second, as she saw the brief flash of a large male standing behind them. She moved on instinct, moving without thought, and threw herself onto Shino, knocking them both to the floor with a yell, as the sound of steel slicing through the air passed through where Shino's head would have been.

"Fuck!" A voice screamed.

Shino let out a soft cry as Sugu landed on top of her, both of them tangled in the blankets. She sputtered out questions, as she looked past the other's girl head. Her voice froze in a shout of surprise as she saw the familiar burlap hood of Johnny Black, Zaza's right hand man.

Johnny let out a small laugh as he bounded the couch and squatted awkwardly on the cushions, rocking from the uneven surface as the couch groaned under his weight. His eyes glimmered menacingly in the pale light of the living room. "Too bad you didn't get hit by that first attack girl. Now you get to really feel what I'm going to do you!" He stopped for a moment, as he tapped his chin with the point of the knife. "On second thought, I should be thanking you!" He let out a mad cackle as he spun the knife in his grip, plunging it down to the two girls who were still getting untangled from each other.

Shino saw the knife coming and rolled them both over just in time for the knife the strike the carpet where they were. They finally found themselves free of the entangling blankets from the move and Sugu pushed to her feet, knocking over the coffee table as she stood.

"Goddammit, I love it when they struggle – but only when I have a fucking knife in them!" Johnny screamed as he lunged off the couch, slamming into Sugu and knocking them both to the floor, Johnny now straddling Sugu's midsection. Johnny looked down at where his crotch was pressed up against one of Sugu's breasts, making him give a heated chuckle. "I really can't wait to play with these cow tits!" He squeezed one of the large lumps of flesh, making the girl scream in contempt as she lashed out with her fist and struck him in his head. "You – !" Johnny began, but was cut off as Shino shattered one of the ceramic bowls they'd been eating out of over his head, knocking him off Shino with a pained cry.

Sugu scrambled backwards, not taking her eyes off the recovering Johnny as she found her way to her feet again. She reached out and grabbed Shino's arm, pulling the girl with her, "This way!" she yelled as she started leading them up the stairs in a bounding run.

"Get back here! I'll kill you for what you did to me!"

Sugu never looked back as she focused on her room. She had to get there!

Shino kept up with Sugu, sparing only one glance back at the top of the stairs as she saw Johnny bounding over the couch again, one side of his burlap sack now coated with blood and his violet eyes a dangerous hue. She could hear him taking the stairs two steps at a time, his footsteps pounding into the hardwood.

Sugu's door felt like it was getting further away with each step she took, her eyes focused on the door handle. If only she could get to it in time! She reached out with her hand, willing her legs to run faster and praying Shino kept up.

Shino could hear him get closer, he was faster than them. Sugu's room was only inches away at this point, and Sugu was already throwing her weight into the door as she pushed down on the handle. He was so close, she could hear his breath, and as Sugu threw them into the room, she felt a grazing touch of fingers across her neck.

SLAM

Sugu pressed her weight against the door and locked it, jumping back as a solid hit was placed into the wooden door. A mad curse was spat as the blows became more rapid, shaking the entire doorframe with each blow. She shook off her momentary shock at making it into the room, and glanced past a disturbed Shino, her eyes locking onto the item she sought. "Get behind me." Sugu spoke, as she ran across the room.

Johnny let out another curse as he slammed his shoulder into the door again and again, the lock was proving to be tough. On the fifth slam, he heard something splinter, and he grinned. Pulling his leg back, he screamed, "Ready or not, here I come!" and kicked. The door flew on it's hinges, splinters scattering to the floor below as Johnny charged into the room with his knife ready. He took no more than a step into the room when he felt a chill run up his spine, and his instinct caused him to dodge back with a hop as something was swung at him. He focused past the rebounding door and grit his teeth seeing the large breasted girl wielding a bokken – a wooden sword. He cursed.

The way she held herself told him that the information they had on her was spot on. She was under the tutelage of her grandfather, a kendo champion, and she herself made it to the quarter-finals in the national tournament. She wasn't going to be an easy opponent to beat. He couldn't help but feel his anger spike. He flicked his knife between his hands twice, glaring at the buxom girl. "You really think you can win with that toy girl? You're only going to make it worse for yourself when I kill your friend and pin you down. I'll fuck you until you can't think of anything else! Then I'll -" he was cut off as Sugu lunged forward, faster than he'd seen in a while. He threw himself left as the wooden blade stuck where his head would have been half a second prior.

Sugu turned as she struck, not giving the disgusting murderer a second to catch his breath as she swung her sword. Her finely toned muscles gave her swings speed and power, each blow singing out as it passed through the air. She focused on his now panicked dodging, watching how he moved as she slowly made him retreat towards the end of the hall where only a dead end awaited.

Shino ran into the hallway, amazed as she watched Sugu fighting off Johnny with a skill she hadn't expected. She knew that Sugu was a trained kendo practitioner, but it didn't prepare her for the awe inspiring display.

"Yah!" Sugu swung, her attack precise as she swung just to the left of Johnny's head, knowing how he'd dodge.

Johnny cursed as he saw the move coming, he only had one shot. He brought his knife up, deflecting the blow, but his weapon was knocked from his grip, the girl's monstrous strength outmatching his own frailty. He watched as she turned the swing and aimed for his head again, and he dove to her other side, passing her and getting past as he hit the hard wooden floor. He couldn't believe it, he'd been bested in hand to hand by some dim-witted-cow-tit-high-schooler! He screamed in his head as he shot to his feet as she spun around, and he charged for a shocked Shino. He was going to have to use that.

Shino's breath caught in her throat as she saw the mad dog charging for her. She tried to push herself out of the way, but was too slow.

"Shino!" Sugu cried out as Johnny almost tackled the brunette, and wrapped his arm tight around her neck, now using her as a human shield. She grit her teeth, angered by the sight of the filthy man that touched her friend, and decided to charge, praying she could reach her in time.

"Freeze!"

Sugu stopped only two more steps away from them, her sight fixated on the black steel object Johnny produced with his free hand. She almost cursed, as she saw the gun he held leveled at her.

Shino's eyes widened. It couldn't be. A terrifying sense of deja vu over took her, as she recalled the night in the warehouse. Johnny held in his hand the same Type 54 Black Star that had violated her. Why, why did that gun always find it's way to her?!

Johnny grinned under his mask as he felt the girl's pulse quicken under his tight grip, her breathing was becoming erratic as she shook. Zaza had been right, bringing this was a good idea. He flicked the tip of the gun at Sugu. "Drop the sword bitch."

Sugu bit her lip, feeling despair at the thought of having to do so. She ran through her head everything she could do, she might be able to make it if –

"Do it. Or she dies." Johnny put the gun against Shino's ear, making the girl let out a silent scream as she strained to keep her eyes on the gun.

Sugu's fists clenched, but she complied as she dropped the gun. She couldn't risk Shino's life. She stared at the terrified girl, feeling her heart ache at the fear that gripped her.

Johnny giggled with mad glee, his breathing start to turn to panting as he realized he'd won, and it was time he got his prize. "Good. Now take off your jacket and shirt."

Sugu looked up at the murderer with disgust. "You –!" she started, feeling herself shake with rage. She stopped cold, as Johnny ground the gun on Shino's ear, making the girl cry out. "Stop! I'll do it! Just let her go!"

Johnny nodded his head, and brought the gun off Shino's red ear. "As soon as that shirt is off." He stared at her ample chest in anticipation, his cock already growing hard.

Sugu reached up, cursing the man in front of her with every word she could as she unzipped her red jacket and shrugged it off, the cold hallway seeming to drop in temperature more than it should have. She watched as he insistently made a circle with the gun, in a 'hurry it up' motion. She clenched her eyes shut as she pulled the blue shirt over her head and revealing her white lacy bra that she quickly covered with her arms.

Shino was only partially aware of what was occurring. Her mind and body were both panicking from the knowledge that it was only centimeters from her head, and could end her life with only a thought. Her ears were beating with the sound of her heart and she felt like it was going to explode in her chest any moment. But, somewhere deep inside her, she was there still – crying out over the situation that was unfolding. The only girl who'd ever been a true friend to her was going to get violated and all she could do was panic from the sight of a single gun. What could she do?! She needed to do something!

Johnny licked his lips, and spoke again, his voice raspy. "Get that bra off, and don't you dare block your tits with your arms."

Sugu almost trembled. No man had ever seen her naked. She watched as Shino's eyes were now focused on her, still in a panic, but she could see the remorse in them. Sugu closed her eyes, and brought her hands up behind her back. She had to do this to save her. Onii-chan. She whimpered in her head. With a click, she undid the bra, her large breasts freed from the restricting underwear as she pulled it off and kept her arms firm at her sides, tears starting to appear at the sides of her eyes.

Johnny blinked once as he stared at the beautiful pale breasts that hung in the night air, pink nipples erect from the cold. He felt his loins burning with a desire he hadn't felt in ages, this girl was just his type! "Get on your knees." He breathed out, and grinned as she complied.

"Let her go." Sugu breathed out, trying to keep her voice strong as she felt her fear growing. She knew what this man wanted to do to her and it terrified her.

With an almost trance like movement, he threw Shino to the side, making her slam into the wall and crumple to the ground. Sugu started to yell and stand but was stopped by the gun that was thrust out and placed against her skull. Sugu glared up at Johnny, and cursed as she heard him stomp on her wooden sword and slide it down the hallway.

Shino's head swam, as she looked from her spot on the floor at Sugu, seeing the fear in the girl's eyes. It was happening again. The same thing that had happened in the warehouse was transpiring here. She had been too weak then to stop Zaza, and Asuna had died for it, along with Kazuto being forever scarred. Now, both her and Sugu's lives hung in the balance. And all she could do was focus on that gun that was proving to be the single thing that was ruining her life. Since the time she had been a child, that gun always haunted her, tormented her, and threw everything into chaos. And it was here again, promising to do the same.

Johnny grinned, as his free hand started bumbling with his belt buckle. "You better not be a biter girl. I promise it never turns out well for them – unless you like having your teeth knocked out." He laughed out as he unzipped his pants.

Sugu's eyes widened as the bulge that appeared behind the cloth fabric of his underwear poked out from the open zipper. A foul smell assaulted her nose, and she started to think of anything she could do, but with this gun pressed against her head. . . she squeezed her eyes shut as his hand went to start bumbling with his boxers.

Shino cried out in her mind, as she tried to will herself to move. She felt a tear start to run down in a small line from her eye as she saw the look of despair on Sugu's face. She had to stop this!

Then do it. A single voice came from within. It was the same voice that had given her strength on the day she'd faced her bullies. But this time she felt an understanding. It wasn't Sinon's voice, it was her own. She and Sinon were the same, the one whom had conquered that world of guns wasn't her alter, stronger ego, it was her. She grit her teeth.

Johnny cursed as he had difficulty concentrating on pulling his boxers down as he stared at the buxom girl, already imagining the feel of her – his thoughts were cut off as he felt a hard weight slam into his waist and knock him forward with an enraged cry. The wind was knocked out of him as he landed on his side. He was dazed for a moment, but rolled onto his back, the weight on top of him shifting. He glared up at whatever interrupted him, and his blood ran cold. He stared down the barrel of the Type 54, and the rage filled brown eyes of the girl whom should have been still pissing herself on the ground. "W-Wait a minute now," Johnny started as he began to move his arm.

"Bastard!" Shino screamed as she pulled the trigger, her fear and anxiety completely cleansed by the mechanism. She pulled the trigger again. Blood splattered onto her face, and she pulled it again. And again. She pulled it for Asuna. For Kazuto. For Sugu. For herself. Each and every squeeze lifted a weight off her soul. Bang, bang, bang, click, click, click.

"Shino!"

Shino became aware of a pair of slender and muscular arms wrapped around her, hugging her tightly. Her vision was still red, but she realized it was due to her glasses being coated in blood. Her hands still held onto the Type 54 tightly, and they shook from the adrenaline that still pumped through her. At the end of the smoking barrel was a deformed burlap sack, ridden with bloody bullet holes and resting on a lumpy mess where a head once was as dark red blood seeped and pooled in a massive amount around it.

It took a few seconds to process what she had done. She had killed Johnny. She felt the small droplets of blood on her face, running down in small rivers. She looked down at the Type 54, expecting the usual response, but was amazed to find her fear gone. She pulled the gun up to look at it, making sure to look at each of it's markings that claimed it as the Type 54 Black Star. She didn't know how to react to her lack of a reaction. At the feeling of the arms around her moving, Shino spun around to embrace her friend.

Sugu's hands almost shook as they found their way to Shino's back, resting her forehead on the other girl's shoulder, avoiding looking at the corpse. "Thank you." She whispered, feeling the after effects of the ordeal leaving her. "You saved me."

Shino smiled, as she hugged the girl back in earnest. She opened her mouth to say something, but heard the front door slam open, making both of them jump.

"Kazuto!"

"Who. . .?" Sugu started, already reaching for her sword.

"It's okay!" Shino interrupted, looking at Sugu, "Kikuoka-san! Up here!" She then remembered that Sugu was still half-naked, and grabbed her jacket that was thankfully blood free, handing it to Sugu who blushed and quickly put it on, zipping it up just as footsteps could be heard charging up the stairs.

Seijirou was breathing hard, as he bounded up the stairs, a snub nosed .45 revolver held in his hand. He'd gotten here just at eight o'clock, only to find that the police sentries were all dead when he went to go talk to them. At the top of the stairs, he let out a small gasp as he saw the two girls kneeling on the ground next to each other, Shino covered in blood on her torso and face. "Asada-san, are you –?!"

"I'm fine." Shino stopped him, bowing her head. Though in truth she felt as if she was in a bit of shock. But she couldn't allow herself to be frozen by what she'd done just yet.

Seijirou looked past her at the corpse, feeling his stomach turn at the sight of it's mangled head. "What happened?" He listened as Shino gave a brief run down of the nights events, leaving out anything with Kazuto. He nodded in response, holstering his snub nose in his shoulder holster. "I see, and where is Kazuto?" he asked, walking over to give them a hand up.

As he did so, a ringing noise came from Shino's pocket. It was a floral tone that the owner didn't recognize, and she pulled it out to silence it, but a gasp from Sugu stopped her. "Shino, answer it!" When she was given a strange look in reply, Sugu gave an insistent look. "Just do it, it might be important!"

Shino looked down at the smartphone's screen, seeing only the name Yui appear, without even a number. She didn't know anyone by that name, but pressed the green call button as she raised it to her head, ignoring the strange look Seijirou was giving them both.

"Hello, Asada-san?!" The young girl's voice was loud, somehow the speakerphone option had been turned on, making Shino wince as she pulled the phone away from her head.

"Who –?"

"There's no time, you have to help Papa! He's in trouble!" Her statement made Sugu gasp.

"Yui! Is my brother okay?!" Sugu called out, scooting over to the phone.

"Sugu-chan! He's okay for now, but please he needs help!"

Shino felt beyond confused, who was this Yui? Her eyes met Sugu's, and she gave her a look that she would explain later.

"Yui-chan. My name is Seijirou Kikuoka, I'm a friend of Kazuto's. Where is he?" Seijirou knelt down, keeping his voice calm and level as he stared at the phone.

Shino looked nervous as she stared at the reflection of the phone off Seijirou's glasses, she knew that there was no way for Kazuto's actions to be hidden now. She pushed back the implications of that as she noticed the phone's screen change to a map program. It showed a steel refinery almost forty minutes away. Shino's brow furrowed. She knew he must have left after finding information on Zaza. With the smallest movement she could make, she hid the pistol behind her, tucking it into her waistband as Seijrou's attention was taken.

"Please come as quick as you can, I don't know how much longer Papa is going to be able to fight them off!"

"Kazuto-kun!" Shino spoke, as she started to stand, Sugu following her.

"No, you both stay here. This is a police matter. I'll send someone up for. . ." he gave a grim nod towards Johnny, "but you can't -"

"Please, Kikuoka-san, I'll stay out of the way but I have to come with!" Shino pleaded, stepping forward.

Seijirou opened his mouth to refuse her, but stopped as he saw something in her eyes. It was a level of resolve he hadn't seen before. There was something about it that didn't allow him to say no. He gave a sigh. "Fine, but you stay with me and listen to exactly what I say – understood?" Shino nodded, and when he glanced at Sugu he saw she expected to come to. He gave another aggrieved sigh, he wasn't going to be able to talk either of them out of it. "We leave in three minutes, get cleaned up." He pulled out his cellphone and started heading down stairs, he had some phone calls to make.

Sugu and Shino looked at each other, giving each a focused nod. Running into their respective rooms, they started getting ready.

XXXX

Ten minutes earlier.

The cold night of winter was infused with the biting wind that blew through the old industrial area. Deep hollow sounds of wind passing through empty steel husks howled, and blew trash and leaves through the cracked streets that were dimly lit by old street lamps. In the center of the monument to an era gone by, a massive steel refinery sat like a citadel in a castle city. At it's edge was a massive brick wall, built ages ago to keep out the competition, now only serving as a defense against prying eyes that might look within. At it's front, lie a pair of steel gates, intricate in it's design, to where the two gates would come together to form a kanji for a family name. At the gate's sides stood two men, each looking menacing as they kept ears and eyes out for any that were not supposed to be around.

Kazuto narrowed his eyes as he continued to use his phone's camera app's limited zoom function to scope out the building as best he could from the roof of the abandoned apartment complex. From what he could see from his higher vantage point, there were many hired thugs roaming the place. None of them appeared to have guns on them however, save a few that looked like they might have pistols or other small caliber weapons.

He started to wonder as to what the best course of action was going to be as he started to think his chances were getting slim. He couldn't sneak in, the walls were too high and he doubted he'd be able to get past the gate guards without a fight. He tried to find Zaza, hoping he was in the courtyard somewhere, but no such luck. Judging by the few lights he saw on inside the refinery, he was probably inside along with who knows how many more thugs.

He set his brow as he stuffed the phone back into his pocket. He wasn't backing away, not when Zaza was so close. It didn't matter if there was twenty or a thousand in his way, if it was the last thing he did Zaza was going to die.

Another cold wind cut across the roof top and blew his coat around him. The thick fabric did nothing to stop the biting cold. Bending over, he grabbed his helmet and turned to head back towards the stairwell.

XXXX

One of the guards turned his head, looking down the road. The wind was blowing strong, but there was another sound, coming just from around the – he gasped. A jet black bike came flying into view, the rider clad in black and carrying two swords on his back. "It's him!" he couldn't keep the fear from his voice, the vigilante had become something that kept him up at night.

"Shit." The other guard replied as he saw the bike was closing the distance rapidly. "C'mon we gotta get the gate closed!"

The first guard nodded and turned to run for the gate, already yelling and waving his arms towards the others inside. The sound of brakes squealing sounded behind him, and he grabbed onto the gate, turning around to push it forward just in time to see the Black Rider drawing a sword from his right shoulder with his left hand. His eyes widened just as the flash of black passed him, then his vision spun and found himself getting a bird's eye view of the courtyard, his headless corpse something he watched fall to the ground as his thoughts faded.

Kazuto kept the throttle at full as he weaved around another Laughing Coffin member, striking out with his sword and catching him on the back. He saw the thugs starting to group up, the initial shock and surprise of his charge wearing off. He could hear their shouting, though he couldn't make out any words.

He scanned the industrial complex, trying to find a door into the main factory. He let out a curse as a single man jumped in front of him with a loud yell, a large metal pipe in his hands as he tried to knock Kazuto from the bike. He turned and leaned just in time to narrowly escape the swing, even feeling the steel scrape his helmet. When he straightened himself back up, he saw it, a single door that led into the refinery.

Crack!

Kazuto let out a yell as his bike's front slammed down, his tire blown to shreds by a bullet, and he was sent flying over the handle bars. He hit the ground with a hard thud and rolled a few times, amazed he didn't land on his sword. He had enough presence of mind to start scrambling to his feet, his head feeling woozy as he did so. He blinked once through his cracked visor and caught the sight of a LC member with a smoking rifle aiming at him. He didn't think twice, he turned and ran as fast as he could, his eyes locked onto the door. His heart dropped in his chest though, as he saw a large group of them blocking his way, there was no way he could possibly –

Crack!

Another shot, this time it was low and hit the dirt behind his heel, sending a spray of dirt onto his foot, but it was close enough to tell him what he needed to know. He shifted his weight and ran left as fast as he could, now aiming for a smaller building that was only twenty feet away and free of any interference.

Crack!

His heart pounded in his chest, he'd been spared three shots so far, he didn't want to press his luck with a fourth! A single enemy appeared in front of him with a knife. He dodged the slow stab and severed his attacker's arm before continuing his mad dash. The door was only inches away. He threw his shoulder into it.

Crack!

Kazuto felt his head jerk right as his body fell through the door, and his vision went blurry. He flailed for a moment on the ground as he saw the shadows of thugs passing a fallen corpse, weapons held ready. He managed to throw his weight against the door, reaching up to lock the metal door, missing with the first clumsy attempt but managing on the second. He slumped against the door as it started vibrating from hard blows and threatening screams could be heard.

His hands shook as he tried to keep his sight steady, feeling as if his head was spinning, the world looking like double through his cracked visor. He fumbled with the strap and pulled off his helmet, unable to focus. He put the dirty and cracked helmet in front of him, and blinked as he saw the bullet hole that showed how the final round almost broke through his helmet but was deflected by some sheer miracle.

His body moved with a violent shove as a rather vicious blow was landed on the door behind him, knocking him back to reality. He let out a soft curse and stumbled to his feet, the after effects of the bullet's blow still affecting him. He got his bearings, and saw he was in some sort of garage for utility vehicles. He took a deep breath, and looked back at the door. It was sturdy and the lock looked like it was probably a deadbolt, and the garage bays looked as if they were sealed tight by locks. It would take some time to get through either. Drawing his other sword, he moved further into the garage, hopefully he could find another way out.

XXXX

Shino gripped onto the hem of her pants, as she tried to keep her focus. She was in the backseat of Seijirou's car along with Sugu, as he was escorted by a small fleet of police cars. She felt the outline of the Type 54 pressing into her back from where it was tucked into the waistband. She had found an extra magazine on Johnny and used it to reload the gun while Seijirou was downstairs and Sugu was still getting dressed. She was going to help Kazuto, one way or the other.

She could tell by now the lack of city lights that the abandoned industrial section was close. They'd made it in half the time it would usually take due to the speed at which they were able to cut through with. She bit her lip as she tried not to lose her focus again. But it was hard. She was worried about Kazuto. She knew that he'd charged straight into the hornets nest, expecting to be able to find Zaza and end everything by himself. Yui's synthetic panicked voice told her all she needed to know about how dire the situation was.

"Is everything okay, Asada-san?"

Shino looked up, seeing Seijirou making eye contact with her through the rear view mirror. She gave a single nod. "I'm fine, just worried about Kazuto-kun." She glanced at the radio, it's digital readout displaying 8:10. They'd been driving now for almost fifteen minutes, she prayed that he was still okay.

"Onii-chan is tough, Shi-chan. I'm sure he's fine." Sugu spoke, though she wasn't sure if she was trying to comfort Shino or herself. Sugu had been about as understanding as someone could be, after finding out that their kin was the debated vigilante whom had been serving personal justice against Laughing Coffin. Although, she didn't seem too shocked, more like amazed.

"Don't worry. We're almost there." Seijirou gave them the best smile he could, even if they couldn't see it, before turning his attention back to the road. He hid his troubled look as best he could. This entire situation was just turning out to be one massive nightmare. His attention was taken by the shifting of the police car escort, all turning off on the next exit. He gripped the steering wheel tight as he downshifted and turned.

When they arrived in front of the refinery, the gate was already blocked off by a semi-circle of police cars, and the double iron gates were shut firmly. Seijirou took a deep breath before pulling out his snub nosed revolver, double checking his bullet proof vest he'd put on over his suit. He turned in his seat to look at the two girls who were staring at the gate. "Listen, both of you. You need to stay here in the car, alright?" He put his hand up when they both protested. "This isn't up for debate. There's a very real chance someone is going to start shooting before this is all over." His tone of voice was regretful, mainly for his choice to allow them to come when he'd known this. "So you need to stay in here, all right?" He gave them both a smile. "Don't worry, I'll bring Kazuto-kun back here safe and sound and you can both chew him out, all right?" He waited until they both gave a hesitant nod, before giving them a final thank you and smile.

Shino watched Seijirou go with a troubled frown. She needed to figure out how to get in there and help, but how?

XXXX

The sounds of the police sirens brought Kazuto's attention away from searching the garage. The sounds of someone beating against the door stopped at the same time, telling him there was something going on outside.

He jogged up to the door, trying to make as little noise as possible once he neared it. He waited for a moment, listening for anyone that might be outside the door. Taking a deep breath, he turned the deadbolt as slow as he could, making no sound. He flinched when a soft click was let out, but kept going. Pulling the door open by a fraction of an inch, he could just see outside. From what he could see, just one thug was standing guard, his attention towards the gates where flashing police sirens lit up the entire courtyard and beyond red and blue.

He cursed. What were the police doing here? He supposed he should thank them, but it made things complicated, not to mention he would have to now worry about not being seen. He shook his head, he could worry about that after. Looking out, he surveyed the area more.

The thugs were starting to pile around the gate, looking as if they were trying to figure out what to do. Risking pulling the door open more, he kept his eye on the guards back as he peered back towards the single door he'd seen, and saw it was unguarded and open. He had to risk it.

Edging his way into the night air, he heard the small crunch of dirt under his boot, but thankfully the sounds of the yelling thugs and police were muffling it. Making sure that no one was looking, he picked up his pace, taking his eyes off the buildings guard and running across the open courtyard. He cursed in his head at the same time he prayed that no one would see him. The door was near, and he'd yet to hear anything like he'd been spotted.

When his hand met the handle of the steel door, he almost slammed it shut behind him as he entered the dark building. But he stopped and took a final look back, and saw that he was still undetected. He couldn't believe his luck. He closed the door with a soft click, and was encased by darkness. He waited for a few minutes, which caused him to be put even more on edge as faint echoes of men yelling came to him from time to time as he waited for his eyes to adjust. He considered pulling out his phone to use as light, but dismissed the idea as he had no idea if the only thing hiding him right now was the dark. When his eyes adjusted somewhat, he found he was in a hallway that connected to various smaller rooms. It was some type of administrative area. The main foundry had to be further in, he deduced.

He moved through the hallway with a cautious pace, checking around each corner and feeling along the wall to keep his balance. The floor was littered with old discarded papers and various office supplies, as if someone had gone through and thoroughly tossed the place years ago. All the offices were empty, any valuable bits of it long since stolen. At the end of the hallway, it made a right turn, leading a few feet to double doors with reinforced windows that only showed darkness.

Kazuto frowned as he stared at the doors. His eyes had adjusted to the darkness of the hallway by now, but even still he didn't like stumbling about like this, he could walk into a very bad situation far too easily. He still couldn't risk using any light though, at least not yet. Crouching as he turned the corner, he kept himself well below the windows of the double doors, moving as quick as he could to get under them. Reaching up, he turned the handle and pulled open the door, feeling each and every minute sound it made.

Past the door, he saw nothing. It was pitch black and now even his adjusted eye sight was doing nothing for him. Letting out a faint grunt, he pulled out his phone. He waited for just a moment, listening to the darkness. Beyond the faint sounds coming from outside, there was nothing. Holding his phone out, he went to turn on the flashlight, but stopped as the faint glow of the screen showed he had a missed call from Yui, a few of them. He debated calling her, but decided against it, he had to be as quiet as possible. With a deep breath, he turned on the light.

He flinched as the bright beam came into existence, illuminating a path before him. The light showed nothing but a dirty steel floor, the light fading back into darkness a few feet ahead. He covered the light with his palm, and listened for any sounds that someone saw it. Still, he was only greeted by silence. Feeling a bit more confident, he pulled open the door, ignoring the shrill squeak of the old steel, as he stepped out. Letting the light free, he continued forward, guessing that he was in some kind of old storage area that had been cleaned out with the plant's closure. He moved in a diagonal direction, guessing he'd see the other side of the wall sooner or later.

He heard the loud boom of lights being turned on a fraction of a second before he was forced to shield his eyes. He let out a sharp hiss, at the same time he heard laughter at his reaction. Kazuto spun his head around, gasping as he saw the line of armed thugs making a circle around him.

"I would like to say that I find it quite nice you've come straight into the spider's nest, Kirito, but I'd be lying."

Kazuto's grey eyes erupted in rage as he turned towards the voice. Above him, on a catwalk that rimmed the large open area, stood Zaza, who managed to stand outside of any direct light. "You!" He tore out both swords from their scabbards, dropping his phone, glaring at the object of his hatred.

"It really is quite funny, you know." Zaza spoke as he stepped forward towards the handrails of the catwalk. "Watching you run around and kill my guild members has been rather entertaining to watch. You've been trying so hard to play the hero Kirito-kun, though I must say I enjoyed some of your handiwork. If it wasn't for my want to see you suffer I would extend an invitation. Though it does spare me having to listen to you drivel on about never joining with the likes of me,"His voice turned mocking, a pinch of amusement added to it that got a reaction from his men who all chuckled.

Kazuto grit his teeth as he forced himself to tear his eyes from Zaza and start looking around, counting how many he was up against and what they were armed with. Most of the ones that stood around him had some type of improvised melee weapon or an actual sword, a few had handguns. One thug stood on the catwalk opposite Zaza, in his hands he held a bolt action rifle, a scope mounted on top. This wasn't good.

"You think you can get out of this?" Zaza asked with a smirk. "How quaint. But unfortunately for you, this is where you die Kirito; for I have nothing left to torture you with – nothing fun anyways."

Kazuto felt his body go numb as he heard the taunting remark. "What is that supposed to mean?!" He roared out, his mind already presenting him with answers.

"Do you know how to play Chess, Kirito?"

"What the hell is that supposed to mean!?"

"In Chess, you never leave the King open," he continued as if he didn't hear Kazuto's reply, "And you did just that." He felt the familiar surge of joy come up his spine as he saw the look of horror on Kazuto's face. "It was coincidence, really. But shortly after you left, I got confirmation from my dear friend. Your sister and lover are dead."

"You're lying!" Kazuto screamed out as he stomped forward a step, making the thugs around him shift. He put on as enraged a front as he could, but he was terrified inside. It had to be a ploy to make him angry – right?

Zaza was glad for his mask, otherwise he figured his beaming smile would give it away. "Think whatever you want. But it still stands, you left them to die tonight."

Kazuto felt his legs shake as his eyes pricked with tears, and he heard laughter coming from all around him. His hands shook, and the image of Shino lying dead in her own blood caused his already damaged heart to hurt as he used every last ounce of his willpower to deny Zaza the sight of him breaking again. "I'll kill you. . . I'll kill you!" Kazuto screamed, causing the laughter to end at his enraged cry, making some step back.

Zaza frowned as he saw Kirito fight through his despair and give into madness. It was such an ugly look for his most special toy. He sighed before shaking his head. "I can't stand to see you like this anymore Kirito." Pulling out a Beretta from behind his back, he pointed it at the enraged Kazuto.

"Go then, and join them in Hell."

Kazuto grit his teeth.

BANG.

XXXX

Shino managed to slip out of the car, much to Sugu's protests, and was making her way around the wall of police, as she tried to get a better look inside the compound. But past all the shining lights and lines of people, she couldn't see anything. The police were now using loud speakers to shout over the armed thugs who had begun to barricade the gate, all of them some type of weapon or another. She ducked behind a cop car as she saw one of the officers turning her way. If she got caught now she wouldn't be able to find a way in. She bit her thumb as she racked her brain, when her phone went off.

She raced to silence it, but saw it was from Yui, which made her answer it instead. "Hello?" She whispered, as she peeked her head up to see if anyone was coming.

"Asada-san, you want to help my Papa right? I can show you a way!"

"How?" Shino made no attempt to ask how she knew, it was already clear the AI was capable of having eyes in unexpected places.

"There should be a manhole somewhere nearby, can you see one?"

Shino looked around, and nodded as she saw the one Yui meant, just past the cop car she hid behind. "Yes, it's close."

"You need to go down it. The sewers have an access tunnel to the foundry."

Shino's skin crawled at the thought of going down a sewer, but to help Kazuto, she'd jump through hell and back. "Okay, can you tell me how to get through it once I'm down there?"

"I have the blueprints downloaded, I can lead you the whole way. I tried giving them to Papa, but he hasn't answered his cellphone. So please hurry!"

Shino nodded and put her phone back into her pocket. Moving to the edge of the car, she peeked her head around and saw she was clear. She ran crouched to the manhole and tried to pull open the cover, but stopped as she realized just how heavy it was. She let out a growl of frustration, how was she going to open this without a crow bar?! An idea came to her in a flash, and she pulled out the Type 54, wedging it into the spot where the crowbar went.

She let out a grunt as she pressed down as hard as she could on the pistol. The manhole remained unmoved, and she let out a small cry, she wasn't going to be beat that easily! To her amazement, she heard the sound of it lifting, and she rotated the gun to make the cover sit off balance. Checking the gun, she saw it only had a few superficial scratches, no damage was done to it. Looking back towards the wall of police, she thanked whatever deity allowed her to go unseen as long as she had and used her feet to push the manhole cover away, which took a considerable amount of force.

When it was open enough for her to move, she wasted little time in sticking her leg in to find a ladder rung as she stuffed the gun back into her waistband. She put her other leg in fully, and lowered herself in. Upon getting her head level with the hole, she gagged, the smell of the sewer hitting her like a train. It was an old rotting smell, a combination of stagnant feces, urine and what she guessed was rotting carcasses of animals. She held back the urge to vomit, and descended as quick as her caution would allow on the old rebar rungs that made for a ladder. She considered trying to slide the manhole shut, but knew she wouldn't have the strength to.

At the bottom of the ladder, she set down into something that felt like pudding under her boot, and the texture caused her to dry heave. She grabbed her shirt and pulled it over her nose, praying it would stop whatever unknown diseases lurked down here from invading her body. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out her phone, setting it to speakerphone and turning on the flashlight to illuminate the area. She was in a long hallway, a two foot wide path was one either side of the cylindrical shaped brick tunnel, giving her a way to walk. She didn't let herself look down at the stagnant brown muck that once carried the filth from the area to the sewer treatment plant. "Alright Yui, where to?" Her muffled voice called out.

"Go right!" Yui's chipper voice called out, causing Shino to frown in spite as the girl didn't have to smell this sewer. She proceeded down the path, leaving the ambient light that came in from above the open manhole. Every step she took was calculated, the path was littered with trash from whatever sort of persons had traveled through here before, and the walls were coated in a disgusting slime that she swore to not let herself bump into. She let out a soft scream as her hair brushed the wall, and she wiped away at her head, her hand coming away with the thin film of slime. She let out a soft moan as she shook her hand.

"Is everything okay Asada-san?"

"Yes." Shino replied sarcastically, trying to focus on the task at hand. She wiped her hand on her pants with a grimace but kept her pace, swearing for a shower when she got back – and it would be with Kazuto, after she pummeled him for breaking his promise.

"Take a right up ahead, you should see a large opening and a steel door next to it."

Shino saw the sewer broke off into a cross pattern ahead, and turned right, seeing a large tube that was easily twenty feet across. Sweeping her light, she caught sight of the old steel door to the left, thick with rust and a broken light above it. She checked past the door, there was no crossing that she could see, at least not any where near by. She grimaced as she flicked the light down to the muck, feeling the urge to vomit come to her again as she saw the floating debris that stagnated. It was about a six foot gap, she didn't know if she could jump it.

"Asada-san?"

Yui's voice snapped Shino from her thoughts. "Sorry, just thinking of how to cross." She took a deep breath and measured the gap once more. Turning, she ran back to the corner, giving herself a good ten feet to run. Knitting her brows, she bent forward, before breaking out into a sprint, her eyes trained on the ledge she could see with her phone. Three more steps – Now!

She pushed off with all her might, throwing her legs forward with a small yell, trying to illuminate her path. She angled her legs and she felt them hit concrete. With barely any time to react, she pushed her arms forward and caught herself before she slammed too hard into the disgusting wall. She let out a muted moan, as she flicked her arms free of the stuff and wiping it from her hair. Turning towards the door, she pressed the light against her chest and tried the handle. It was hard to turn, the mechanics of it long since used, but it did open with the most horrendous screech.

Shino cursed as she put the light through, there was no way that sound would be missed by anyone. Past the door was a single steel stairway that led up at least twenty feet. She moved in, not bothering to close the door behind her to unleash it's loud alarm again. She took the phone off speaker, pulling it up to her head. "Yui, I'm inside, where to?"

"Papa is on the move, so I'm not sure. But for now, there's a room up top with a door on the far end, take it. There's no access to the net here, so I can't see what's going on inside, so please be careful Asada-san, you mean a lot to my Papa." Yui's voice was soft at the end, reflecting the care she put into the words.

"Yui. . ." Shino whispered, before smiling. "Don't worry, someone has to watch over your Papa. I'm going to leave the phone on, but stay quiet okay? I don't know what I'm going to find."

"Good luck, Shino!"

Shino stuffed the phone into her pocket, plunging herself in darkness and allowed herself a soft smile, Yui called her by her name. Her smile fell into a stern line before pulling out the Type 54. She couldn't see it, but the weight in her hand was all she needed to recall every detail of it to mind. She didn't know what firing it again did to her, but she was no longer afraid. She'd used the gun to save a life, after she'd used it to take one, perhaps it was that lesson she needed. She gripped it firmly, asking for it's strength once more, before starting her way up the stairway.

She had to be careful, each step creaked and wobbled. The bolts that kept the plates into the wall must have long since rusted, who knew how much weight they could take now? The climb was nerve wracking, each and every step shook and made her doubt how far she'd climbed. It felt like ages had passed, but she couldn't back track now.

When she reached the top, she almost couldn't believe it, letting out a sigh of relief. Feeling for the door, she found it's cold steel texture, along with the door handle. Pulling on it carefully, she was surprised by the orange line of light that spilled out. She peeked past the door, finding a long hallway with a single ceiling light. She pointed the gun forward as she moved in, feeling as if she'd left behind the real world and was now exploring one of the dungeons in GGO's post-apocalyptic setting.

The hallway was littered with paint chips from the worn blue hall. She could start to hear sounds of people echoing through along with another sound she couldn't quite describe; it almost sounded like miniature explosions. Coming to the end of the hallway, she found it branched off to the right, and opened onto a catwalk that hung over a massive area, where the strange sounds she heard intensified. She let out a small amazed breath, realizing she was in the heart of the foundry. She stepped onto the catwalk, looking around at all the machinery, and heard a shout that caused her to squat down as low as she could get.

"C'mon! Something's happening in the storage area, hurry up and get the rest of 'em on the belt!"

Shino poked her head out of the catwalk's hand rail, and focused on the only source of sound and light she could see in the otherwise dark area. She saw two men standing side by side besides a moving conveyor belt that angled up into a large cylindrical steel contraption that had many steel pipes jutting out from the bottom, giving it a very strange look. She focused on the moving conveyor belt and swore she saw a human like shape at the very top before it was dropped into the cylinder, it's top opening automatically to devour the shape like a mouth. The sound she heard before exploded to life again, and small windows at the bottom of the steel device lit up with dancing flames, causing her to gasp. Snapping her head back towards the two men, the fires illuminated them, and to her horror she saw corpses piled by the conveyor, all of them long dead and being loaded onto it.

They're burning the bodies of their victims! She thought with a sickening realization. How many people had died that the news never showed? From the brief glimpse she got of the corpses, none of them looked like students, but she was far away and couldn't tell. She turned her head away and felt the hand that gripped the Black Star shake. She wanted badly to make them pay for what they'd done to these people, but she couldn't. Forcing herself to stand as the smelter came to life once more, letting out a plume of smoke, she hurried down the catwalk towards where she'd heard the voice before. She had to find Kazuto.

The cat walk continued, branching off a few times to form a grid pattern over the area, with a few ladders leading down below. At the end, was a single door that had a concrete block underneath with a solid stairway leading down to the factory floor below. She wasted little time in opening the door, and was surprised when she was greeted by bright lights and the sounds of people laughing. The lights hung just about even with the catwalk, keeping the catwalk dark.

"I'll kill you. . . I'll kill you!"

Shino gasped, "Kazuto-kun!" covering her mouth. Moving to the edge of the catwalk, she saw him surrounded by Zaza's men, wearing the most distraught look she'd seen on him since the last time he'd run into Zaza. She glanced over and felt the hair on her neck bristle as she saw the madman himself. His attention was focused completely on Kazuto. She looked right, and saw a single man holding a rifle leveled at Kazuto, his attention was on him as well. She narrowed her eyes, trying to figure out what to do first. She bit her lip before turning the gun on the sniper, starting to slowly edge around the square catwalk to get in closer. If she could just –

"I just can't stand to see you like this Kirito."

She put her attention back to him, and her eyes widened when he brought out a Beretta hand gun.

"Go and join them in Hell."

Her hands moved.

BANG.

XXXX

Kazuto let out a gasp as he saw Zaza's head snap back, his gun falling from his hands. He turned around, and his face broke into a frenzied relief. "Shino!" He cried out, seeing the girl standing with the smoking gun in her hands. He opened his mouth to warn her about the sniper, but was amazed as she turned in less than a second to meet the other shooter's gaze and fired, sending a spray of blood from his chest as he was knocked to the ground.

"ARRGH!" A single yell cried out, causing everyone to look towards the sound. Zaza was hunched over, holding his mask as he straightened himself back up. The bullet was lodged firmly just above the right eye lens, the steel mask cracked in a crescent line. "Bitch!" he cried out, looking for his gun. He moved to get it, but had to jump back as Shino fired another round, making him curse and run on foot towards a nearby door.

"Zaza!" Kazuto roared, seeing his prey escaping. He took a step forward, but all the criminals that surrounded him began to gather and move towards him, yelling. He spun his head around, trying to figure out where the attack would come from first, and also trying to get an eye on Shino. Before he could think any more on it, he heard a single battle cry as a thug with a fire ax charged him from his right. He readied to parry the coming blow and counter him, when he heard a loud crack and his attacker's head snapped over, deformed in a spray of gore, causing his charge to be short lived.

"Kazuto-kun, go! I'll cover you!"

Kazuto looked up, and saw Shino had taken the sniper rifle from the dead thug. He had the briefest glimmer of a memory, of a sniper ice queen whom had taken the very same stance Shino was in. He grit his teeth, wanting to argue and not let her out of his sight, but he could see the serious look on her face. He heard another wild yell, this time it was two men with handguns who turned them towards Shino, he was about to let out a warning, but two consecutive shotssplit the air and their skulls. He was mesmerized by how fast she shot and worked the bolt action on the gun.

"Kazuto-kun – GO!"

He grit his teeth. "Shino! Don't die!" He cried out before turning with a loud yell, his sights set on a door in the same direction Zaza had fled to. A large group of thugs barred his path, and he furrowed his brow as he prepared to cut them down as he ran. CRACK; the first one in his way fell with a death cry. Two more followed as he kept his mad dash up, his path being cleared by the sniper behind him. The door was just within reach, and just as he had before he slammed his body weight into the door as he pushed on the handle; throwing himself into the room. He turned for one last moment, and heard two more shots and saw that the criminals had ran for cover. He let out a frustrated cry and slammed the door shut. A few more muffled gunshots rang out, making him punch the wall with his fist. Every fiber of his being told him to get back in there and help her. But he had to trust her. He had to calm down and find Zaza – he could help her then, after the bastard was dead.

Turning, he found himself in the main foundry area, strange machines surrounding him with steel pipes interconnecting them and forming paths around and between them. It was dark in here, yet some form of illumination from farther within gave the smallest bit of orange light that allowed his adjusting eyes some sight. He looked around at the catwalks above him, just visible in the dark, but to his dismay he didn't see Zaza, and the nearest ladder that led up to to it was broken. His nose picked up the scent of something burning, and he grimaced at recollection of the smell. It was the unmistakable smell of burnt human flesh.

He gripped his swords tight, starting to walk between the foundry equipment, entering the maze of steel. He kept his eyes moving, always searching for any sign of Zaza's cloak. He could hear noises coming from somewhere deeper, the occasional echo of something hitting hollow steel, and what sounded like a whirring mechanism.

A piercing alarm was the only warning he got, as the factory sprung to life in an explosion of steam and red emergency lights that turned the entire factory blood red, much like a photo development room, the shadows darkening to a pitch black where the eerie light didn't reach. His ears rang with the sounds of steel slamming into steel, steam banging through loose piping and hissing as it found cracks in the decaying system.

Kazuto cursed as he jumped back from instinct, his swords at the ready as he spun his head around, the whole area filling with a film of steam that reduced how far he could see. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw movement on the catwalk again, by what looked to be a control office built into the side of the wall, lit up instruments glowing in the dark room. He could just make out a door swinging shut, as if someone hand ran out of the room and onto the catwalk. He gripped his swords tight, as he started making his way slower now through the steam, his eyes his only thing he could count on, as the roaring cacophony of the refinery coming to life rendered his hearing useless.

Sweat began to trickle down his face, a combination of the heat from the refinery and his nervous tension. The steam began to grow thicker, swirling in patterns and shapes that had him jumping at shadows. In the distance, the sounds of fires grew in intensity as the factory was reaching full capacity, eager to preform what it was built for after years of rest.

A loud clang made him jump right, slamming his back into a burning hot tank that caused him to let out a yelp. He spun in a semi-circle, keeping his swords pointed outwards. He coughed, the steam starting to become a problem now. He wanted to yell in frustration. To scream out for Zaza to show himself, but he stopped himself, allowing only for a small kick against the tank that burned him. He didn't know how many of his gang were in here, if he shouted they might find him.

Continuing forward, he heard the sound of steel slamming onto steel grow louder, and turning the corner he saw what looked to be some automatic press that would have molded the molten steel with powerful strikes, the molds moving underneath by an automated chain pulley. He could hear the creak and groan of the unattended machinery, as it labored to keep the pace it was programmed to keep after being unoiled for so long.

He heard a single sound of a footstep, and he lashed out behind him with his sword, hearing a scream as his sword met something. The man who tried to sneak up on him cried out in anguish as he held his eyes, now sliced out and blood pouring forth over his face, indistinguishable due to the light. Anther scream, this time from behind his attacker and Kazuto saw a muscular thug charging him, exploding from the red mist of steam and barely giving him anytime to counter, throwing out a weak strike that barely cut into his opponent's flesh. He felt himself tackled, and being carried through the air back towards the steel press.

He panicked, and stabbed his swords down in a blind attempt to hurt his berserker of an opponent. A scream was his reward, and they both went tumbling to the ground, as his swords were torn from his would-be killer's legs. Kazuto hit the ground rolling, and scrambled to his feet, seeing his opponent stumbling to his feet, though faltering due to his wounds. Kazuto grit his teeth and charged forward, screaming a battle cry as he slammed his shoulder into the back of the thug, pushing him straight over the small lip of the press's lip. The thug barely had time to register what he'd been knocked onto before the chain pulley pulled the mold he lay on under the press.

Kazuto turned his head as the thug's final scream was ended abruptly in an explosion of gore, the wet sound of a body being crushed by steel replacing it. The legs that hung over the edge fell to the ground, severed from the body.. Something was wrong. He flipped around, the man whom had his eyes cut out by a lucky strike was silent. Kazuto edged through the mist, his bloody swords held ready. The man lie still on the steel floor before him, a pool of blood forming under his head. Kazuto got closer, putting the tip of his sword against the man's throat, but let out a small gasp as he saw the diamond shaped puncture mark above his eyes. Someone with a blade finished him off.

He scanned the area – nothing. There was too many places someone could have slipped in and killed him. But it was obvious they didn't take the opportunity of his being caught off guard, only doing it to scare him. Zaza had been the one for sure. He was at the disadvantage, he needed to run.

Picking a route he ran and jumped over a low pipe, making a blind charge through the refinery. He had to find a spot where Zaza would come to him. He made constant turns, doubling back a few times to try and catch Zaza chasing him, he had to be. But every time nothing came forth. He ran through almost the entire factory like this, until finally he stopped near the wall on the far side of where he'd come in from. Panting he hunched over, keeping his eyes peeled as he tried to breath in as much of the tainted air as he could. The steam was starting to take an almost smoke quality to it, something in the machines was burning and judging by the smell it wasn't good.

He scanned the area, but still didn't see a sign of his opponent. A glimmer of steel caught his eye and he looked up. He smacked himself for not thinking of it sooner. If he got up to the catwalk, he could keep an eye on the entire area. Following it's grid path, he saw a ladder not too far from where he was and ran through the machinery's steel veins to get to it. He sheathed his swords and climbed the hot steel ladder as fast as he could. Reaching the top, he turned to look at the ground below, but froze in his spot.

"It was rather amusing watching you run around down there in such a panic, Kirito."

Kazuto grit his teeth, Zaza had been waiting for him. The cloaked man stood at the intersection of the catwalk ten feet away, his emotionless mask now cracked from the bullet that it'd stopped. Reaching behind him, he tore his swords from their scabbards. "Zaza. It ends here."

Zaza let out an amused grunt. "True. But I think you still don't understand one thing Kirito." He reached under his cloak slowly drew his black estoc in a large arc, it's edge singing against the sheath in a long, drawn out note. "I've been the one controlling this entire play. Since the beginning I've orchestrated your every move. The only reason you stand before me is because I desired it. Your death will be by my hand, here and now." He moved into his stance, the edge of the estoc gleaming to the point as it was aimed between Kazuto's eyes.

Kazuto shifted his foot forward as he leveled his sword diagonally at Zaza. He glared at the crazed man before him, feeling nothing but a venomous hatred. "After everything you've done to me, to the people I've care about, I'm going to enjoy hearing you choke on your own blood – Zaza!" Kazuto charged forward with a war cry, shaking the catwalk on the chains it hung by and slamming both swords into Zaza's estoc with the force of a hurricane, catching Zaza off guard by the ferocity of his attack.

Zaza grunted as he parried a strike that meant to lop off his head, and countered with a thrust that was blocked. He let out a pained grunt as his arms shook from every parry and block, not being able to trust dodging from the wild and enraged blows by the dual wielder who weaved them together flawlessly. He found his form breaking as he backpedaled, having to give ground to Kazuto as they clashed again and again, the sounds of their steel dueling rising above the sounds of the factory.

Kazuto jumped forward with a cry as he attempted to smash both his swords down on Zaza's shoulders, but the murderer threw himself back in a roll, avoiding the steel blades that slammed into the catwalk's steel ground and caused the platform to almost jump. He snapped his head up in time to see Zaza recovering and lunging forward with a pointed strike that he had to throw himself against the catwalk's railing to avoid, making it sway.

The small lapse in attack was all Zaza needed to put the boy on the defensive, as he used every last of his power to unleash a fury of thrusts that Kazuto couldn't possibly block, instead having to focus on foot work and knocking aside what blows he could with his swords.

Kazuto let out a muffled scream as he felt the estoc's blade cut past his defense and catch the soft flesh of his cheek, cutting a deep line under his eye. The stinging pain was forgotten as he barely avoided getting his throat pierced. He had to keep moving, he couldn't just continue like this – one blow was too quick!

Zaza grinned mad as his estoc pierced Kazuto's defense and skewered his left shoulder, making the teen scream in sheer agony. The joy was short lived, as he had to tear the estoc free as a decapitating swing was sent his way.

Kazuto's head swam with pain as hot blood pumped from the wound and spilled to the ground. It felt like searing white rods were being forced into his mind, causing his concentration to falter for half a second, barely parrying the lunge after Zaza's hop backwards from his strike. He tried to bring his left arm to bear, but the muscles in his shoulder had been torn, making his reflexes slow. He cursed, leaping as far back as he could, taking a risky move to spin on his landing and throwing the sword his injured arm held.

Zaza's eyes widened and the steel sword smashed into his face, the clumsy throw off point and the handle being what hit him. It was enough damage, however, to shatter his damaged mask along the crack that Shino had made, as the sword clattered to the ground with the broken mask. He bent over from the pain of having the sword smash into his face as he cursed. He stopped, his eyes catching the glint of glass at his feet. He felt a part of him snap, seeing his sickly complexion reflected in the shattered red lens of his mask. The teenager had killed something important to him, his mask, his ego.

Kazuto allowed himself the fleeting moment of joy as he watched Zaza's unmasked face raise up to meet his, the sweat matted grey locks pressed against his pale flesh, the shaggy locks almost covering his mud colored eyes that were boiling with rage.

Kazuto allowed himself a smile, as warped as it was by the pain he felt. "Do you understand now, Shouichi?" He asked, a grunting as he spoke.

Shouichi flinched, his eyes shaking as they locked onto the teenager before him. "Shut. . . up." He whispered, harsh and hard. He didn't want to see Kazuto suffer anymore. Now he just wanted see him mangled and coated in his own blood.

A drop of blood fell from Kazuto's left fingertip, prompting him to press his right hand against the wound, while awkwardly hanging onto his blade. "What's wrong? Do you finally understand that you're not the powerful killer you thought you were? That you're just a weak and spineless coward – Shouichi?!"

"SHUT UP!"

Kazuto barely had time to parry the wild thrust that aimed to pierce his midsection, his eyes widening as Shouichi threw his entire weight into him, tacking him to the ground and causing them both to lose their grips on their swords.

Shouichi snapped up, causing his hood to fly off his head. One bandaged arm shot out to wrap around Kazuto's throat.

Kazuto tried to fight the older man off, but with one of his arms out of action, he was unable to. He let out a cough as he felt his windpipe getting crushed from the force his opponent used.

Shouichi let out a mad cry pulling back his right fist, slamming it into Kazuto's jaw. "Shut up! Shut up! SHUT UP!" He mindlessly chanted, punching with all his might between chants, attempting to crack Kazuto's skull with each punch.

Kazuto's head shook and bounced with each punch, pain shooting though his whole head as he felt his mouth fill with coppery blood. He tried to defend himself as best he could, but Shouichi's assault was far too rage driven to be thrown off by his feeble attempts. He had to do something, he didn't know if he could take much more. Another punch hit him above his right eye, and he let out a muffled cry, his throat constricting his voice as blood poured down. He fumbled with his right hand, desperate to find something, anything. His hand met something jagged and metal, and he grasped it, wasting no time in slamming it into Shouichi's side.

Shouichi let out a piercing scream as he felt something embed itself into his left side. He looked down, and saw the part of his mask that was shattered off jutting out under his rib. He let out an enraged cry, but suddenly felt himself getting thrown off Kazuto as he rolled to get out. He cursed, his back hitting a steel pole from the handrail of the catwalk, and watched as Kazuto began crawling with one arm towards his longsword.

Kazuto focused on crawling as he coughed and gasped for air, his body desperate for oxygen. He pulled and inched himself along, each movement tearing his left shoulder. His eyes locked onto the gleaming steel of his sword that shone in the red light, and he reached out, praying he was close enough. He let out a cry as he felt something stab into his leg and he was dragged back. He looked, and saw Shouichi glaring at him with crazed eyes, he'd torn out the mask piece and returned the favor. Lashing out with his free leg, he landed a solid blow to Shouichi's face, a loud crack echoing over the machinery as it shattered the older man's nose.

Shouichi was pushed back from the blow, he felt his legs fall off the catwalk and found himself falling. Desperate, he latched onto Kazuto's leg with his left arm, getting a grip on his ankle before he started to fully fall.

Kazuto let out a yell, feeling himself getting yanked back by Shouichi, and barely registered that they were falling. He flailed and his left hand caught onto a single support for the handrail as he fell off. His body exploded in pain as the full weight of Shouichi yanked onto his injured shoulder, tearing more of the wound open. He felt an intense heat blow past him, making him look down at where Shouichi was clinging onto his ankle with one arm.

Directly below them was the smelter, it's wide mouth open with Shouichi's feet dangling just above it's rim and triggering it's automatic door. The hot fires below hungered for fuel, licking at the top, having already consumed the bodies of the dead. Shouichi looked down, feeling the soles of his shoes starting to melt onto his feet. He looked back up at Kazuto's pained and panicked eyes. He began to laugh maniaclly. "We're going to die here Kirito! I'm going to drag you down to hell, and torture you for all eternity!"

Kazuto cursed, he tried to kick at Shouichi's hand, but the swinging movement only served to send sharp bolts of pain through him as his shoulder continued to tear. He couldn't pull himself up, he didn't have the strength. He clenched his eyes shut. Agil had been right, he gave a cynical laugh, at least he'd set out what he'd sought to do.

Shino. He thought, feeling his grip start to fail him. He closed his eyes, imaging a much better place. The last thing he wanted to think about was her warm smile.

BANG.

Kazuto's eyes snapped open just as he heard it. He saw Shouichi's look of sheer rage and amazement as his wrist exploded in blood, severing it, his brown bewildered eyes locked onto Kazuto's as he fell.

"Wha-" Was all he got out before his body plummeted into the searing flames, his screams cut off as the smelter's hatch slammed shut.

Kazuto looked over, and saw across the room Shino throwing the rifle away as she started screaming something that was muted by the factory as she sprinted across the catwalk. He gave a weak smile, Shouichi's weight was gone, but his shoulder was far too injured, and he couldn't move his left hand to stabalize his grip. He tried to keep his eyes open, feeling his consciousness slip as he stared at Shino's fearful face. She was close, but she wouldn't make it in time.

His hand slipped.

I'm sorry.

"No you don't!"

Kazuto let out a shrill scream as he was stopped from his fall by a strong grip around his wrist. The pain shook him awake and he looked up just as a pair of glasses fell past him and smashed into the machine below. He couldn't believe it, "I think this is the only time I've ever been glad to see you." he spoke, "And yet you're still putting me through pain."

Seijrou let out an exasperated scoff, grasping at the boy's wrist with all his might. "I can't believe you can joke right now." He pulled up on Kazuto's arm, making him cry in pain. "Sorry." He apologized, pulling him back up over the ledge.

"Kazuto-kun!" Shino cried out as she came to a sliding stop, dropping to her knees, taking Kazuto from Seijirou.

Seijirou laughed, "I didn't think that's what you were going to do when you said to let you handle it. . ." He let out a small sigh as he saw he was being ignored. He smiled, however, standing up to give the two some room as he pulled out a radio.

Kazuto coughed, wincing. He heard his name being called, feeling his head being cradled gently. He looked up and saw Shino's grey eyes locked onto his, her tied off bangs dangling over his head. His breathing was ragged, but steady as he finally felt as if he could catch his breath. His mouth opened to speak, but it fell into a smile as he raised his right hand up to caress her cheek, which she pressed against her face. "I'm glad you're okay." He whispered, feeling at ease.

Shino let out a small laugh. "Idiot. That's supposed to be my line." Her eyes brimmed with tears as she looked at his horribly bruised face, blood coagulating over his right eye, twin trails of dried blood coming from his lips. Bruises were already starting form over his neck, in the form of a hand. She gripped his hand tight, wanting to kill Zaza again.

"It's . . . over now, right?" Kazuto asked, weak from his injuries. "He's gone?" He barely noted the sounds of shouting, the machinery powering down. He felt his consciousness starting to fade once more, he'd lost a lot of blood.

Shino nodded, sniffling. "Yes, you won, Kazuto-kun." She stroked his hair, pushing the bangs from his face, the simple act of being able to touch him again giving her a peace she couldn't describe.

"No, Shino. . ." he whispered, closing his eyes as he felt beyond warm in her lap. "We won."

XXXX

"You're not going to involve Shino in this. Understand?"

"You've been out for three days, and that's the first thing you say to me?" Seijirou laughed, as he closed the hospital door behind him. He saw the glare from Kazuto and threw his hands up with a sigh. "Kazuto. You understand what kind of situation you're in, don't you?"

Kazuto shifted himself up in his bed, wincing as his bandaged shoulder gave him a signal to not do that again. "I do. But you're not going to involve Shino in this." He repeated. He rotated his right hand, the hand cuffs that bound him to the bed feeling uncomfortable.

Seijirou pulled up a free chair, placing it next to Kazuto's bed. His glasses shone from the sun that poured in through the open window, he face turning serious. "The state has no evidence against you, beyond the fact that you were found at the factory with half a dozen criminals identifying you as the Black Rider that went on a vigilante spree. It's not much, but without the right defense it would be easy to have you convicted as an adult for mass murder, with a myriad of other charges. Shino on the other hand, only I know about what her part in this was."

Kazuto's eyes drilled into Seijirou's. "Why do I feel like you're using that against me?"

"I'm not. It's just the truth here Kazuto." He held eye contact for a moment, before leaning back into the chair and folding his arms. "If I'm honest with you, I would congratulate you. You prevented many deaths that the police wouldn't have, and who knows how many more would have suffered – yet, you could have given the information to the police, or myself, but instead you endangered yourself and those around you by seeking out your revenge."

Kazuto broke eye contact, feeling like a child being scolded. He shook once, feeling rage building as he felt disgraced. Seijirou could never understand why he did what he did, to have it explained like that –!

"Despite that," Seijirou continued, sensing the tension, "I don't want to see you waste the rest of your life in prison for one foolish decision." He hid his grin when Kazuto turned his head back towards him. "I'll make sure that you're cleared of any charges and Shino's name is never brought into any discussion."

Kazuto blinked, trying to decide if he even wanted to ask how he'd be able to make such a ludicrous claim, but decided to allow it, as a more pressing concern presented itself. "I'm sensing a however coming up." Kazuto replied, eying the man warily.

"You're a genius, Kazuto. Your programming skills are something that many adults who've studied at universities don't have. It's also to my understanding that you have an interest in Mechatronics, correct?" The teen nodded. "All I want, is for you to work with me, use those skills for the Ministry and I can guarantee you'll receive the best education and a guaranteed career helping the country."

Kazuto frowned, not liking the idea of being bound to Seijirou or the government. The truth was though, he didn't have much of a choice – and even if he disliked the man, the chance at a free education wasn't something he could pass up.

The sound of the door opening brought their conversation to a halt as Shino and Sugu walked in with trays loaded with food. Seijirou felt his spine crawl as they both shot him a cold glare, blaming him for Kazuto's confinement. But it was soon lost as the both went to the other side of the bed, smiling at Kazuto, offering kind words.

Seijirou sighed and stood, straightening his tie. "Give it some thought, Kazuto. I'll come see you later. But for now -" he reached over, pulling out a small pair of keys. "Consider this my gesture of good faith," and unlocked the hand cuffs. "Just make sure to slip them back on if the police come, okay?" He winked, and chuckled at the glare Kazuto gave him before walking out.

Kazuto massaged his wrist before he was assaulted by both of the girls. "H-Hey!" he cried out, both of them getting onto the bed.

"Kazuto-kun!"

"Onii-chan!"

He laughed as they each took a side of him to hug onto. As soon as he'd woken up they'd both rushed to get him something to eat, fussing over the fact he hadn't eaten since he'd passed out in the refinery. He let out a pleasant groan as Shino captured his lips in a passionate kiss, swearing he felt Sugu's grip get tighter as she did. When she broke the kiss, he grinned as he stared into her eyes. "I should receive life threatening injuries more often if that's what I'm going to get in return."

Shino smiled and laid next to him, clutching at his hospital gown. "Idiot, don't even joke about that." She pulled her mouth next to his ear, feeling him shiver from her breath. "Besides, I'll show you even better things you'll get if you avoid getting hurt."

Kazuto blushed, trying to will the blood to stay in his head before he put on a rather embarrassing display. He was saved from that however, as he heard Sugu pout, her cheeks puffing out.

"Onii-chan, you need to eat! Right Shino?" Sugu kept her gaze locked onto Shino as she spoke, making the other girl look sheepish as she pulled herself off the bed and towards the trays.

Kazuto laughed as he leaned back into his pillow. He watched as the two of them bickered over who was getting to feed him, as he felt the warm rays of sunlight fall onto the bed. His eyes closed, relishing in the feeling.

Finally, it was over.

EPILOUGE

Ten years later. . .

Kazuto shivered as the winter wind blew around, pushing some leaves across the graveyard's grassy plots. He stared down at the gravestone that had two large bouquets of roses leaning against it. He felt a small tug at his hand, making him look down with a smile at the large gray eyes framed by a messy mop of black hair.

"Daddy, it's cold." The little five year old girl whined, clutching at her father's leg. She was bundled up in weather clothes, but despite her name she disliked the cold.

Kazuto laughed. "Sorry Yuki-chan. But we can't go until Momma comes, you know that." He pulled off his long coat, putting it over his daughter's shoulders, causing it to pool around her.

"She should be here soon. She said she might be running late remember Papa?"

Kazuto turned towards Yui who stood to his side. "Mm. It's not easy being a busy detective – how's the new body, Yui?"

Yui spun around once, showing off her adult artificial body, not making a single mechanical sound. "It's great Papa! I can't believe the improvements over the last body you made." Yui reached up and brushed her long black hair that she'd braided to look like Asuna's. "Thank you." She beamed a bright smile.

"Daddy, can I get a grown up body like Onee-chan too?" Yuki asked, tugging on her father's pant leg.

Kazuto chuckled as he squatted down to ruffle her hair, making the girl complain and shoo his hands away. "Sorry Yuki, but only Yui gets a new body – for now." He laughed when the girl puffed her cheeks out, a telltale sign of her temper, which he blamed on her mother. He saw her eyes light up as she ran past him, almost knocking him off balance.

"Momma!"

Kazuto turned, smiling as he saw Shino still dressed in her detective suit and trench coat, her tie messily tied, kneeling down to take the squealing little girl in her arms. She gave her a hug before lifting her up. She gave a warm smile to Kazuto, walking over and giving him a quick kiss, making Yuki stick out her tongue. "Sorry I'm late, my boss tried to pile on some more work," she chuckled, "I think he's sore I'm taking a vacation."

"And here I thought Seijirou was a tough boss." He leaned over and planted another kiss on her lips. "But I don't mind, we haven't been here long. Ready?" Looking over towards Yui, he motioned towards the grave and she nodded. They all walked forward to the grave, and Kazuto knelt down, his hand brushing the engraved letters that still seemed freshly carved to him.

"Yuki, I want you to meet Asuna." He spoke, looking up at his daughter's perplexed face. "I know you don't remember, but we've come here every year on this day to put roses here."

"Who was she Daddy?"

Kazuto gave a soft smile. "Someone very important to me. Someone I loved dearly, and whom I wish you could have met." It never got any easier for him, being here. The wind blew again, and he shivered, but soon felt Yui and Shino both kneel down next to him, their warmth blocking the wind.

"Momma, I hope you're doing okay." Yui spoke, brushing away a stray leaf from the stone. "Can you see the new body Papa made for me? I really like being an adult now, even though I don't feel much different." She placed her hands together like she had seen in the videos she'd studied, saying a prayer that she knew her mother would have liked.

"Asuna-san, I'm still taking care of this numbskull for you." Shino spoke, feeling Kazuto grunt next to her, making her grin. She heard Yuki repeating numbskull, laughing at her father, making him groan. "So you don't need to worry about him, okay?"

Kazuto spoke a small prayer, clapping his hands togther, before standing with everyone. Asuna, I still can't ever begin to describe what it was that you meant to me, no matter how many years pass or how many times I visit. But I truly hope you've found happiness, and that, as I always ask, you can forgive me. I love you, Asuna.

He took a deep breath, before exhaling through his nostrils, a wide smile breaking on his face. "Alright! C'mon it's time to get to the train station or we'll be late! That hotspring is calling our names! We have to get the celebration for Mom's promotion started already!"

"Kazuto-kun!" Shino complained slapping his arm. He only grinned before reaching down to pinch her rear, making her squeal out with a blush and lashing out with her arm again, which he expertly dodged and started running from her.

"Chase him Momma! It's like cops and robbers!" Yuki giggled over Shino's embarrassed cry.

"Wait for me!" Yui yelled after them, laughing.

Kazuto grinned, as he made his way for the car, not feeling a single ounce of the cold wind anymore.

END

XXXX

Holy shit I actually did it. I was expecting to finish it, didn't think it would really happen though! And goddamn I'm really sad that I've finished it! I already miss this story.

Everyone, I want to thank you for sticking me these two months, and I truly, truly hoped you all enjoyed reading this as much as I did writing it. Leave any final reviews you might have, and don't forget to tell your friends about the greatest SinonXKirito fic, eh? (mostly joking)

But –! Before I leave you wondering, I already have another story working it's way around my head! If I don't go back to writing my Evangelion story, which I'm not sure on as I still can't get the next chapter to sound right, (so if anyone reading this has read that, and is waiting for the next chapter, please accept my dearest apologies, but I can't release something bad!) I'm going to be writing either a short AsunaXKirito as after what I did, I really do need to, poor girl deserves it OR I'm going to start on my next SinonXKirito fic.

But I want to hear from you guys! What would you like to see me write next? I can't give too much away as the ideas are still kinda new, but I can give you small synopsis for both. The AsunaXKirito, possible love triangle with AsunaXKiritoXSugu – haven't decided yet, would be set in the real world, a good 3-4 years after the series current point, where Asuna was forced into marriage and Kazuto tries to continue with his life, yet finds himself unable to and the KiritoXSinon would be a whole new story, set in the premise that Sword Art Online wasn't the game to trap players, but rather Gun Gale Online. Aha, you see where I'm going with this?

So! Let me know in a review or a PM if you'd like to see either of these, and depending on the feed back one may win over the other, although I do plan on writing both if I have my way! (considering I don't get sucked into starting my novel) So as always my faithful readers, I'll sign out like I always do!

UNTIL NEXT TIME!

SHINOBI NO RYU