When a Monster Becomes a Demon chapter 10

TWO MONTHS LATER.

"Nice one Sakura!"

"Sachi!"

"Got it!"

The three friends were on floor 44. Two months had gone by and with it 9 floors. Tyler, his sister Sakura, and his girlfriend Sachi were deep in the wilds on floor 44. Tyler was seeking the boss with a hint of excitement as then he'd be able to buy his house on the floor for the girls. He'd had a hunch on where the boss was and had led the revamped party into the in-question dungeon. Tyler had just shattered the last skeleton in the hall as the girls popped potions. Sachi had improved in leaps and bounds under the firm guidance of the Demon siblings. Her gear had been upgraded for the higher floors but was the same style and color. Sakura had swapped her pink top for a pink fur tube top while Tyler still rocked the red coat and white shirt. He sheathed his staffsword over his back as Sachi put her spear and shield up.

"Damn, Sachi. Nice spearplay."

She blushed as even after two months of running with Tyler and Sakura, she was still shy and a little timid. But that just added to her charms for the red clad boy as he hugged her warmly.

"Alright. Let's move."

She smiled as Sakura patted her.

"Let's go Sachi."

The party moved off at a dead run like always, and now Sachi had no problem keeping up with the siblings. Tyler smiled as he saw Sachi's Ds bouncing from the running. Yup. I am LOVING the bounce factor. Sachi blushed as always when she got him checking her out. Sakura just happily hummed along to Tyler's music.

"That one is…..Black clover."

"Correct!"

Sachi beamed with pride at her otaku status. It had become a game for the pair of them. He'd play an intro or something and she'd guess the show or title. The song ended as they found a large set of double doors. Tyler grinned.

"Paydirt."

He sent the heads up to Asuna, Lorg, Kirito and Gabol with the added stip to hurry if they wanted in. He got a reply from Asuna rather quickly.

"I'll be right there. Don't you DARE go to that house without me."

He smiled at that. Next was Gabol and Lorg saying they were busy at that moment. Kirito didn't respond. Some odd reason he'd just stopped really talking to people period. They'd ran into him a few times in the wilds but the boy in black just said a few words before jumping to somewhere else. Tyler sighed as he saw the message got read but no reply.

"Come on man."

Sachi sighed as well.

"I heard he killed a Christmas mini boss alone as his friend Burke and his guild had to fight off the Holy Dragon alliance."

Tyler tilted his head.

"Burke? Don't think I've met the guy,"

Sachi shrugged.

"He's a samurai like Lorg but a scruffy guy. He's a good person and is fun."

Tyler and Sakura looked at each other.

"Wow, Kirito."

"I think Lorg'll get a kick outta that one."

Asuna came running up not too long after with a look of excitement on her face. Tyler smiled as he hugged his fiery sister.

"What up Asuna?"

She smiled as she got a hug from Sakura and Sachi.

"I'm good. So, you seen the thing yet?"

He shook his head.

"Not yet. Ready ladies?"

They smiled as he booted the door open to the boss room. Inside was a large winged creature with a snake head and a sickle. The boss fight was a boring one as the thing swung the sickle before jumping. They killed it and Tyler set a toll of 95 before taking off running to the east towards a far off smudge on the horizon. Asuna and Sakura with eagerly excited expressions as Sachi was just plain curious what the fuss was about. Tyler and the three girls ran hard for three days and nights as Asuna sent a message saying she had an issue to handle with an old friend. The group entered a large biome on the side of a vast ocean as they raced to a set of high cliffs looking out at the ocean. Tyler had an extra spring in his step now as they spotted a large cabin on a cliff looking out at the ocean. The girls gasped as they saw the place up close. It rose two floors above them with a wraparound enclosed porch with a deck out back that had a staircase leading to a hidden beach all within the protected playerhome area. Tyler paid for the place and he now had TWO homes. He led the ladies inside and they gasped at the warm, invitingly cozy feeling of the cabin on the cliff. The place was a log cabin theme with a massage parlor looking at the ocean with space for up to four at a time, three bedrooms with beds for 6 at a time, a surprisingly small living room with a U shaped couch looking at a massive flat wall space clearly meant for watching TV. Tyler led them to the kitchen and Asuna just shook her head as it was more or less identical to the one in the Hut on floor 6. Tyler then led them to the hidden beach and they found a small beach house with another parlor, bedroom for 6 and kitchen. Sakura and Asuna were awestruck, but Sachi was blown away by the way the main cabin felt. Once that door shut it felt like the world was just gone. Tyler smiled as he swapped to his trunks.

"House rules ladies."

Asuna snorted as she swapped to her bikini.

"You just like seeing us in swimsuits."

Tyler sat on the couch smiling.

"And can you blame me, Asuna? Me girlfriend's a hottie!"

"Eep!"

Sachi was blushing again as she swapped to her bikini and sat beside Tyler as Sakura headed for the massage parlor. Asuna just smiled.

"I like this place too, Tyler."

He smiled proudly as he wrapped an arm around a still blushing Sachi.

"Glad you like it. Which is better. This place or the hut?"

Asuna frowned.

"The Hut wins just for the beach setting."

Sachi smiled.

"I like this place. Feels very…..homey. the Hut just feels like a high end vacation home."

He stroked her blue hair,

"That's why this one won the home design competition, Sachi. Here ANYONE can feel like they're at home."

Sakura was heard moaning under her masseuse's soft touch and Asuna took the cue.

"I think I'll go join Sakura. Been too long since I had a good spa day."

Tyler smiled at that as he relaxed on the couch with Sachi. The girl cuddled up against his side with a still nervous expression as he held her warmly. He smiled as he stroked her soft skin. Little by little the shy girl was coming out of her shell and he loved it immensely. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

"If you're tired, let's lay down."

She opened her blue eyes and gulped.

"Okay."

He stretched out and got a few cracks in his spine that made Sachi smile as she laid beside him. She was facing him as he took her warm hand, getting another shy blush as she closed her eyes as he closed his. When next he opened them Sachi's face was less then an inch from his. He could even feel her soft breaths as she still slept. He smiled at the closeness, I really want to kiss that girl. He had an arm around her back and start gently rubbing her back in a soothing manner as she snuggled the closer, burying her face into his chest like a warm pillow. He smiled fondly as she did and hugged her. He couldn't hear Sakura or Asuna anymore but he could hear them breathing nearby and smiled as he stroked Sachi's soft hair. She woke up with a yawn then, and noticed where she'd pressed her face. She went red as a tomato as she saw she'd cuddled into his warm chest like a teddy bear. She looked up to see him smiling at her with warm eyes.

"Hey, Sachi. Sleep well?"

She was instantly shaking as she nodded.

"Well. Good. You're very warm."

She blushed,

"Thanks. You are too."

He loved her soft, breathy voice. He hugged her tighter,

"Plus really fun to cuddle with."

She squeaked softly at the hug, still nervous at the physical contact aspect of a relationship. Tyler was a patient one and just loved hugging her and stroking her soft hair. The couple laid like that for a bit before his stomach rumbled and she smiled.

"Okay."

They got off the couch and went into the kitchen. Tyler smiled as he saw Sakura cuddled up into Asuna's arms. Sachi smiled at that as well.

"They looked so cute like that."

Tyler stole a picture and she giggled softly.

"Sneaky."

He walked in and let his girlfriend ply her craft as he just watched and DIDN'T touch a thing. Sachi made a simple meal for the pair of sandwiches and soda as they watched some camera feeds from the hub. Tyler smiled as he saw the place already filling with players.

"Looks like the place will be packed soon."

She nodded as she ate.

"Good thing we usually get lost somewhere."

He smiled at that.

"That's a part of the reason we go so far. Less idiots to trip over. Hell. This cabin is next to impossible to find unless you KNOW it's here. We made the trip here in a solid three days and nights run at our pace of travel. For the average player we're looking at easily a week long trip. Not many bother with that kinda travel."

Sachi sighed.

"And they have no idea what they're missing because of it. That night sky cave was beautiful."

HE smiled.

"I made a video of it. And it's still wasn't as beautiful as you are Sachi."

"Eep!"

"Cute."

Sachi just let the steam flow off her as she ate her sandwich with a happily embarrassed look on her freckled face. Tyler smiled as he made her poor mind go BOOM from the flattery. Yet another thing about her he loved. He looked out the nearby window and smiled.

"Okay. We'll blow three days here for a recharge. Then we go hard. I want to be on floor 50 by the end of the month."

She nodded.

"Okay. I'll do my best."

Asuna came in then having geared up in her Bloodoath gear. He smiled at her.

"That time?"

She smiled sadly.

"Sadly. Any longer and I risk a search party."

He hugged her.

"Ya know the hideout now."

She got a hug from Sachi and Sakura before heading back to her duties as second in command as Sakura fed on more of Sachi's skills. Once she was fed however,

"Can we get going please? I'd like to keep moving."

Sachi and Tyler smiled.

"Sure, Sakura."

"Gear up ladies!"

Tyler and the two girls spent the next two weeks on a rampage. They crashed several raids and stole the kills of Asuna and her assault force with smiles on their faces as the other players just laughed. In time a new saying was heard throughout the game world.

"When the Demons smile, the monsters get piled!"

The trio did indeed reach floor fifty not long after. Then 60 a month later. That was when progress slowed to a crawl again as the monsters had become far stronger out of nowhere. Tyler and his two friends called the rapid advance halted and began the hard grind again. They were at that point neck deep in a oddly digitalized set of canyons hunting the dog headed creatures for kicks. Tyler still loving his staffsword with Sakura on the bow and Sachi her spear and shield. They killed their mob and were smiling as Tyler looked at their collection of mats.

"Let's head for 55's market ladies. Unload time."

They nodded and made the jump. 55 had become the main hub for trade in the game for some freakin reason. The party landed and set off inside the player safezone that was set in a rather odd corral looking place. Tyler's flashy red coat with Sakura's pink and Sachi's blue making people just get the fuck out of their way.

"Holy. It's the Demons!"

"Is that Sachi the Lancer? Damn she's hot!"

"Dude! LOOK! That's the DEMON'S girl!"

Tyler grinned at the speaker that had called Sachi hot.

"Ya damn right MY girl a hottie."

Sachi blushed at that as the imposing party walked off. The speaker looked at his friend.

"See? That's TWICE!"

"Dude, the fuck? Go buy a damned lottery ticket, I dare ya."

Tyler and his friends laughed as a loud scream was heard from the left. They looked to see a man come flying out of an upper story window with a noose around his neck with a weirdly pronged sword in his armor.

"PULL IT OUT!"

Tyler recognized Kirito's yell as the man shattered as a woman screamed in horror. The crowd gaped in horror as Asuna came down from inside the building with a grim look.

"Everyone look for the winner icon!"

Tyler and his friends did,

"Oh SHIT."

He walked forward now as NO such icon was seen. The crowd split and Asuna sighed with relief as the Demon stepped forward.

"Oh thank god. We got a fuckin problem."

Tyler looked at Kirito, as this was the first time he'd seen the guy in months. He was still a black haired, black eyed guy that rocked a one handed weapon. Only his coat was new. It was till black and hung to his lower legs with black legs, gloves and a trifecta crest over his heart that held his black one handed sword. Tyler noted the intense look in his eyes as he thumped his back.

"Well look what the cat threw up? What up Kirito?"

The black swordsmen rubbed his now sore shoulder as he got a warm hug from Sakura.

"Hey, Gore. Hiya Sakura. Hiya-who the hell are you?"

Kirito was utterly confused by the blue haired, busty beauty beside Tyler with the spear and shield. Tyler smiled as he patted her.

"It's Sachi, Kirito. My girlfriend."

The boy had to look at the now shyly blushing Sachi closely until he recognized her.

"Sachi? Holy. I didn't recognize you! You're dating Gore?"

She had a happy blush now as she snuggled under his arm.

"Yeah. Have been for close to 9 months now."

Tyler patted her hair as Kirito just shook his head with a smile.

"Wow, Sachi. You look amazing. I'm glad you're doing okay."

Tyler got serious then.

"Okay you two what the happened here?"

Asuna nodded at the tower the now empty noose hung from.

"Let's talk up there."

"Sakura the sword."

"Got it."

"Sachi. Shield up."

"Already is."

The group headed up to the tower and Tyler with Kirito looked the place over. The room was a simple guard room with a single table that had the rope tied to it leading out the window. Tyler frowned as he looked at it.

"Asuna, from the first instant you saw the fall to getting in here, how long was it?"

the red head leaned on a wall.

"I'd say maybe 15 seconds."

Tyler looked at the exit points.

"At your speed. Yeah we're missing something here. There's only THREE ways in or out. The stairs there, the window itself, and that small window looking out at the town. If it was a duel, the numbers for the countdown would be seen inside AND outside. Plus with how fast you are? You'd have seen them."

Kirito had a different take.

"I'd say it was too elaborate for a duel. Someone wanted revenge."

Tyler took the sword from Sakura.

"Wow. That's a light one. Hmm."

Tyler swung it a few times. The weapon was 4 and a half feet long with little pronged a various points in the sword. Unsatisfied, Tyler put it away.

"I don't like this. Who was that guy?"

Asuna crossed her arms.

"Not sure. He wore the armor of the Holy Dragon alliance. He was last seen with a lady."

"The one that screamed?"

"Yeah."

Tyler looked around anew.

"If those idiots found a new exploit to get around the no kill zones the fighting force will just shut the doors entirely. Kirito, Asuna, let's party up and see just what the hell is going on here."

Kirito looked at Asuna.

"I'm a solo player. But I'll make an exception this time."

Asuna took his hand.

"I don't like this either. Just try not to nap on the job."

Kirito had a bemused look on his face.

"Except you were the only one napping."

Asuna got a sour look on her face and twisted her wrist, nearly snapping his as Tyler and Sakura looked at each other bemused.

"It me or we seen this before?"

Sakura sighed.

"Assy's a handful. Kiri's an idiot."

Tyler AND Sachi snorted at that as Kirito and Asuna gave them death eyes. The party made they headed for the interview with the lady as Tyler held Sachi's hand, making her blush nervously. Sakura was happily skipping along as they found the woman in question in a nearby inn. Tyler took a spot against the wall with Sachi nearby. Sakura was hugging the distraught lady as Kirito and Asuna did then talking with the eyes of the Demon watching. Asuna started.

"What's you name miss?"

Her voice kind and gentle as she talked. The lady had purple hair, freckles and blue eyes in heavy plate armor. She was shaking as she replied.

"Rose. Wandering Rose."

Tyler blinked.

"Wow. That's…ah…kinda weirdly poetic."

Sachi nodded in agreement.

"It is. I like it."

The lady smiled reflexively as Asuna spoke again,

"That man. Who was he?"

Tyler noted a flash in the lady's eyes as she looked at Asuna.

"His name was Morg. He was a heavy lancer in the Alliance and my current boyfriend. Why? Why did he have to die?"

Kirito spoke now, the boy's voice a bit firmer.

"Did he have any enemies?"

Rose shook her head.

"No. he was always kind, and strong and always willing to lend a hand."

Tyler took a different approach.

"Okay, Rose. Let me ask it this way, can you think of anyone that would WANT him dead?"

She narrowed her eyes as she thought, and Tyler saw the same flash of something in her eyes. He leaned over to whisper in Sachi's ear,

"That lady's hiding something. Heads up."

She blushed as usual but had no other reaction. Sakura and Kirito caught that secret message loud and clear but gave no outward appearance of it. Asuna missed the movement but noticed Sakura's pink eyes became slightly harder and that was enough. In the real world, Kakashi just shook his head at the team.

"That boy went and built a damned black ops team! One sentence and movement and the entire squad is on alert with the damn target knowing nothing and she's sitting right there!"

Rose went pale then,

"We were a part of a guild six months back that split up rather badly when our leader was killed."

Tyler frowned now.

"What set the fireworks off?"

She was shaking now.

"a rare item that increased dexterity by 20 dropped. The guild was seven strong with the leader, Grwelda, making 8. The guild voted on whether to sell it or keep it for the guild. Five voted sell, three voted keep. I, Morg, and one other voted keep. Our leader, Grwelda, was killed as she was on her way to sell it. We found out a few weeks later.

She looked up nearly hysterical.

"Was Morg killed because he didn't go along with Grwelda's wish? Has she come back as a ghost?"

Tyler looked at her,

"Lady. First off. Calm down. Second? Ghosts are not a part of SaS. Third? The third guy that opposed the sale. What was his name?"

Sakura was hugging the lady as Sachi and Kirito drank in the proceedings. Rose for her part just broke down sobbing as she mourned her dead lover. Tyler sighed, knowing the interview was over for now. The lady was shown to a secure inn before the party regrouped at a tavern to discuss the information. Tyler came right out and said.

"That lady was lying through her teeth."

Asuna and Kirito crossed their arms.

"I'm not so sure, Gore. She just lost her lover. How would you feel?"

Tyler placed his head in his hands.

"That's a fair point, Asuna. It were me? I'd hunt the bastard down and make them scream until I got bored. But that's me. That lady's got a secret."

Kirito took a drink of tea.

"I got the feeling she's hiding something as well. That said? The leader's death?"

"That's bugging me as well. A revenge play for a kill six months old? I'm sorry but that's a stretch."

Sakura threw her two cents out.

"It could be as simple as the ring never left the guild."

Tyler patted her as he looked at Asuna.

"In the Bloodoath, how's the loot sharing work?"

She shrugged.

"If you get it to drop yours."

Sachi spoke now.

"In the black cats we'd lay out whatever we got from a raid and let the guild look it over until everyone had something they liked. Whatever was leftover was sold."

Tyler and Asuna looked at each other.

"Wow. I like that."

"Me too. I guess Coal was a good leader after all."

Kirito chuckled.

"He was decent. Was more about having fun and enjoying life then actual leveling. I heard they follow the assault force after the boss raid."

Sachi smiled.

"I'm relieved they're doing okay."

Tyler poked at a bowl of soup as he reviewed the events.

"We've got that sword. That thing's custom made. I'd bet droy on it. I don't have an appraisal skill, and neither does Sachi or Sakura. It's kinda been irritating me how I can't get the damned skill to appear."

Kirito nodded.

"Yeah same here. If YOU can't get it to work, then it's a special one alright."

Asuna rubbed her chin.

"I got a friend that has it but she's usually really busy."

Tyler thought it over, as Kirito had a thought.

"I think I know someone that has it."

Tyler smiled.

"Let's hurry up and get this puzzle solved."

They nodded and moved in force. Kirito had them jump to a town on the 45th floor. The place reminding Tyler of an Arabian nights bizarre. The party followed the black swordsmen to a shop down an alley as a player can out with a dejected look as Gabol's booming voice was heard,

"Ya'll come back now ya hear?"

Kirito smiled as he walked in,

"Still breaking souls with those raw deals?"

The big man fist bumped him,

"Hey now, don't go slandering my good name."

Asuna stepped into view and Gabol had Kirito in a headlock,

"The hell you doing with Asuna the Lightning flash? I thought you played solo!"

Asuna smiled as Tyler's red coat was seen behind her. Gabol gulped then as the Demon walked in.

"Oh this can't be good."

Tyler smirked.

"I swear to god, we've done this before. Could just be me."

Sakura came bouncing in lighting the room up with her cute for a hug.

"Gaby!"

The big black guy gave Sakura a warm hug.

"Well, if it ain't Little Sakura? Mustn't be as bad as I thought then!"

Tyler smiled as Sachi stepped in shyly as usual. Gabol just blinked as she snuggled under Tyler's arm, CLEARLY comfortable there. Now flabbergasted, Gabol looked at the Demon.

"Ummm, Gore? Who's the model?"

Asuna's smile became stained as Tyler smiled proudly.

"This is Sachi, Gabol. She DID work for you. Oh. And she's my girlfriend."

Sachi blushed at that as Gabol's jaw dropped.

"You mean to tell me, that sweet, shy, mousey girl is THAT beauty there? AND she's YOUR girlfriend? Like what the HELL!?"

Tyler smiled as he patted Sachi fondly.

"Like I said before Gabol. Be amazed by what the shy ones bring to the table."

That made the man shake his head,

"Fair enough. So what's the new crisis?"

Tyler became grim.

"We got a major fucking problem, Gabol."

He nodded and led them to a backroom.

"The resort is under NPC control as I'm needed on the higher floors."

Tyler shrugged as they sat around a table with Sachi beside him.

"This point no biggee. Okay this is what we know."

Gabol nodded as he heard of the murder in the safezone.

"So you think she's got a secret?"

Tyler nodded as Sakura laid out flat with her head in his lap like a dog.

"That woman has a secret. But right now we need information on this."

Tyler passed the weapon over and Gabol took it.

"Huh. I'll try my appraisal."

"Outta curiosity, where'd you get yours?"

Gabol smiled,

"It's a bought skill in a select few shops. You have to have a high smithing and perception to use it though. Even then it's a rare."

Tyler shrugged.

"If it were THAT easy."

Gabol looked at the thing as he pressed the appraise icon.

"Hmm. It was made by some named Grimlock. "

Tyler frowned,

"Anything special about it?"

Gabol looked.

"Not that I can tell. He's not one of the top blacksmiths that's for damn sure. Must be a new guy."

Kirito took the weapon now.

"Well. Here goes."

Asuna's grabbed him in a mad panic as he was about to STAB himself with the thing.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Kirito looked at her confused,

"We need to find out if this thing has any special properties, right?"

The now frustrated red head took the weapon as Gabol smiled.

"You'll love this. That thing's name? Guilty Thorn."

Tyler and Kirito looked at each other.

"That's the name an executioner gives to their weapon of choice."

Tyler looked at Asuna.

"Let's go have a word with Rose again."

Gabol sighed.

"I'll keep my ear out in case I hear anything interesting."

The party jumped to the floor and had Rose meet in the tavern again. Tyler was directly across from her again as Asuna conducted the follow up. Sachi and Sakura on either side of the lady with Kirito on Asuna's other side. Rose seemed to be doing much better now as Asuna started.

"Rose. Does the name Grimlock mean anything to you?"

She started at the name.

"Grimlock? He was Grwelda's husband in game."

Tyler blinked and took up the questions now.

"He was?"

the purple haired lady nodded.

"He was. I guess they knew each other IRL or something."

Tyler leaned back.

"How was their relationship?"

She smiled at the memory.

"Solid. Grwelda was a strong, fearless, extremely skilled swordswoman who was also beautiful."

"That helps."

Asuna smacked Tyler absentmindedly as Rose smiled.

"Sorry about him Rose. He's an idiot."

Tyler chuckled.

"Nearly forgot what an Asuna whack felt like. So their relationship?"

Rose relocated her train of thought.

"Grimlock was always smiling and they never fought. Never had a disagreement and were so fun be around."

Tyler frowned.

"did he oppose the sale?"

"No. he sided with his wife. Only myself, Morg, and Lanx didn't."

Tyler looked at Rose closely.

"Who's Lanx?"

She sighed,

"A heavy lancer in the Bloodoath."

Tyler looked at the expert and Asuna shrugged.

"I know him. Barely. He's a helluva tank though. I'll have him join us."

Tyler looked at Rose.

"Grwelda have any issues within the guild?"

She shook her head.

"We all loved her."

She looked at him in fear.

"Am I next? Maybe Grimlock wants revenge for us not siding with his wife?"

Tyler sighed as Kirito stepped in,

"Once the sale choice was made was there any arguing?"

Rose shook her head again.

"No. We were fine with it really once the choice was made. Grwelda went to town and that was the last we heard."

Tyler sighed.

"We'll figure this out Rose. You go rest some more."

She nodded gratefully and went back to her room. Soon as she was gone Tyler looked at the party.

"we've got motive now."

Asuna and Kirito sat across from him as Sachi settled under his arm. Sakura just imposed on a snuggle with Asuna.

"What do you mean motive?"

Tyler rubbed his eyes.

"Morg was probably killed for knowing WHY AND HOW Grwelda died. A loose end. My best guess? Grimlock set up his wife to take the ring. Morg was in on it and bam. No one will look into a killing for a kill 6 months old."

Sachi disagreed.

"If he just wanted him dead, why put on such an elaborate showing?"

Tyler frowned.

"You've a point there. Asuna?"

she closed her UI.

"Lanx will be here in an hour."

Tyler nodded.

"Something's bothering me about this whole mess. Asuna, you have rose in your friends list, right?"

Confused she nodded.

"Yeah. Why?"

Tyler looked out the window at the tower.

"I'm starting to get the feeling we're on a wild goose chase. The only thing we really know for certain is that sword was made by Grimlock. Yet there HAD to be another person in that tower for the setup to play out properly. Asuna is the fastest period. Faster when she has a purpose. There is no way a bastard can get out of that room up there WITHOUT her seeing him. Plus what Rose said about a ghost."

Kirito had a thought.

"You thinking a faked death?"

The red clad boy shrugged.

"Maybe. We'll know more once we put Lanx and Rose in the same room together."

They nodded at that and waited the hour. Lanx was a broad shouldered bear of a man in plate armor. Rose was sitting in a big chair near the open window as Tyler, and Kirito leaned on walls nearby. Sakura was next to Tyler and Sachi as Asuna stayed close to the duo. Lanx had been told and was processing the information.

"Rose it doesn't make any sense! We're talking 6 months, why would Grimlock do this now?"

Rose hugged herself as she replied with a slight hysteria,

"It's Grwelda's ghost come back to exact revenge."

Tyler was instantly on alert at that as Lanx started shaking,

"Ghosts don't exist Rose! Grwelda's dead. Morg's dead too."

Rose just started laughing in a creepy manner at that as she backed against the window. Tyler was already moving as he approached the weirdly hysterical lady.

"We need to face what we did, Lanx. WE killed Grwelda. We should have just agreed to-agh!"

A thud was heard as Rose's expression was seen to go numb with shock. She rotated and a long dagger was seen sticking out of her back. Tyler was moving like lightning with Kirito behind him. Rose fell out of the window and shattered before hitting the ground. Tyler then spotted man in a cloak on a rooftop across the street.

"GO!"

Tyler was across the gap with Kirito the next instant. The man ran and Tyler threw a throwing knife with Kirito's hunting nails he used for SOME freakin reason. Tyler blinked as he saw his knife bounce off something as the man used a crystal.

"Fuck."

The frustrated pursuers halted and Tyler looked at Kirito.

"That bastard had a deflect skill ready."

Kirito nodded.

"Or a deflect thrown enhancement in that cloak."

Tyler gave a frustrated growl.

"Ya got me bastard. You ain't gon git away again."

The boys returned to the girls and Sakura was shocked.

"He got away?"

Tyler sighed.

"He had a deflect skill ready. Only reason."

Asuna tossed him the dagger.

"We're looking at the same guy."

Tyler looked and gave a disgusted snort.

"That's the same design. Great."

Lanx was shaking hard at what he'd just seen when they walked in.

"There really IS a ghost. Grwelda's come back for revenge AND I'M NEXT!"

Tyler smacked him.

"You're a knight of the Bloodoath under Asuna. ACT like it."

The man got his fear and emotions under control as Asuna whistled.

"Damn. Nice."

Sakura smiled.

"Big brother doesn't let you break down."

Lanx looked at his second and command.

"I need…some time to think."

She nodded and they reconvened in the tavern now. Asuna and Kirito sat across from each other. Tyler next to Kirito with Sachi across from him with Sakura happily humming beside him. Tyler frowned as he flipped the dagger.

"Back to square one. Fucking perfect."

Sachi had a question.

"What's the next step?"

Tyler shrugged.

"Not sure, Sachi. Okay. Best thing to do right now is review."

Asuna nodded.

"good call. Okay, we had a fully armored knight die from impalement and hanging in a safezone. The sword was left behind. His lover, Rose along with him and Lanx were part of a guild six months ago that had their leader die. The lady was bringing a rare ring to sell the guild voted on to sell five three. Rose, Morg and Lanx voted against the sale. Grimlock, Grwelda's in game husband, forged the weapon that killed Morg. Now Rose is dead with talk of a ghost."

Tyler ran the information though his mind as Kirito sighed.

"I guess marriages are a mess even in SAS."

Tyler smirked.

"They're a mess anywhere, Kirito. I've never seen one work and I look for it."

Asuna snorted.

"Boys. The marriage in SaS is both practical AND romantic. YOU two just don't have a proper appreciation."

Sachi nodded in agreement.

"I for one WANT to get married in game. It seems SOOO romantic too!"

Tyler looked at Asuna.

"Sounds like SOMEONE has a hidden confession there."

Sakura snorted as Asuna threw a fork at him,

"I just SAID it's Practical and Romantic! There's PLENTY of benefits to it too!"

Kirito laughed.

"Like what?"

Asuna huffed.

"Well for one shared storage, another the marriage band that boosts dexterity, BEING LOVED for another."

"Hol up."

Tyler had a lightbulb go off as he looked at Asuna.

"Shared storage is a thing in an in game marriage?"

She nodded.

"Yeah. The spouses share inventory space and get increased space as well. Like a shared bank account."

Tyler smiled.

"Those kinds of marriages always end in flames. But not the issue."

Kirito blinked now himself.

"Asuna, if a spouse dies what happens to the items in storage?"

She gasped,

"They go to the surviving spouse!"

Tyler rubbed his eyes.

"God DAMN I hate these types of messes. Grwelda was set up by her husband for the ring. Rose and Morg knew it as well. Maybe Lanx too."

Kirito rubbed his eyes now himself.

"The ghost is just Grimlock making sure NO loose ends."

Tyler nodded as he looked out the window at the darkening sky.

"That fits. Another marriage gone down in flames over a bad ring."

They laughed as that as Sakura knocked her sandwich on the floor and it shattered. Her look of heart break made everyone laugh.

"WAIT!"

Tyler and the others looked at Kirito as something clicked. Tyler frowned then he snapped his fingers.

"I think I just read your mind."

Kirito looked at Asuna.

"You UI. See if Rose is still under friends."

Now confused she nodded as Tyler explained.

"There was no death. They faked it from the get-go. The shattering was just their armor as the DURABILITY ran out. Palm a teleport crystal and have a cloak ready and bang. You a walking dead."

Sachi frowned.

"What about Rose? She was hit from the window."

Kirito explained.

"She had a dagger in her armor keeping an eye on the durability. Didn't you see she NEVER ONCE TURNED HER BACK TO US?"

Tyler took up the thread from there.

"And once she was out the window her armor shattered as she teleported. It looks IDENTICAL to when a player dies. So, they were looking for who killed Grwelda and had Lanx fingered as the killer."

Asuna gasped,

"Says here she's alive and on the 45th floor in a small clearing!"

Tyler nodded,

"That's it then. Shall we go say thanks for the chance to play detective?"

The party laughed as Tyler looked at Asuna.

"Grimlock set up Grwelda and had Lanx do the chopping. Odds are he's in the area."

She smiled as they made the jump.

"I'll get em."

The hunters landed at the nearest town and Kirito pulled a horse as Tyler with the girls just ran. The party ran as fast as they could popping speed potions. Asuna vanished into the trees as Tyler pulled his double bladed staffsword for added scare. Sakura laughed as she saw Kirito on the horse.

"Lazy."

He huffed.

"Not everyone's a freak ya know."

They chuckled as they ran through a fog encased forest with empty branches everywhere. Tyler smiling as they spotted a massive tree ahead through the fog.

"Bingo."

Then he spotted a set of figures ahead. One proned on the ground, two in cloaks by the tree with three more in ragged cloaks. Tyler's razor eyes spotted a familiar cleaver and his grin died.

"You are MINE."

The group looked at the sound of hoof beats to see Tyler and the party racing at them. The leader of laughing coffin saw the light in Tyler's eyes and smiled nastily.

"Bring it boy!'

Tyler dove into a heavy attack as the Demon met the Prince of Hell. The cloaked man's two companions jumped backward as Tyler spun his staffsword WITHOUT saying a name which made Sakura squeak.

"Oh he's serious!"

PoH used his agility to avoid the whirling blades of the Demon with a back spring only to lunge with his cleaver as Tyler's attack ended. The demon flipped sideways making the man break off his attack as the second blade missed him by inches. Tyler then planted his feet for another clash as PoH rushed to meet him without fear. Tyler's blade was deflected as PoH scored a hit to the chest on the Demon, dropping his heath as Tyler flipped along his sword length to give his own slash that dropped the man's health by the same amount. The men jumped back for a reattack as Tyler grinned.

"Now THIS is a fight!"

PoH laughed.

"Yer just like me boy! This is gonna be GOOD!"

Tyler rushed him with a sadistic grin as PoH rushed as well. Tyler spun his staffsword as PoH swung his cleaver and the two beings of darkness clashed. Tyler making use of his weapons design to send PoH off his stance for a pivoted lunge as the man kicked in mid air for a heavy chop that Tyler used the second blade on his weapon to send in the opposite direction as he jumped backwards. The result catapulting PoH high as Tyler also had to scramble for footing. Tyler's face stretched into a gleeful grin as he charged at him again. PoH matching his grin exactly as he dodged and deflected stabs and slashes and Tyler deflected swings and smashes. Tyler's grin stretched wider as he knocked PoH's mate chopper aside and twisted on his hilt making his blades become two throwing the assassin for a loop as Tyler pressed his attack with an over shoulder shot with twin blades. But PoH was a veteran of the ring like Tyler was and stepped aside to score the second hit on the Demon, which was responded with a nasty slash to the chest the dropped the health bar the exact amount. PoH charged this time as both fighters were in the yellow as their respective parties watched the sparks and flurry of blows hypnotized as the Demon met the Prince of Hell. Tyler deflected another shot with a pinning stab he used the momentum of to deliver a savage boot to PoH's face that knock him back a step before landing on his feet and lunging with a twin sword skill PoH managed to lock with his own single weapon. Tyler had his blades in and X cross as PoH had his Mate Chopper in the center of the X in a classic test of power. Tyler and PoH still wearing their grins of dark delight on their faces as they locked blades and eyes. Tyler's smile took on a demented tone as he pushed PoH backward with his greater strength. The cloaked and hooded man laughed as he dropped back on a knee joint to launch Tyler over him to land on his back. Tyler was rolling like a log as the man went for the death blow only for Tyler to lock the blade of his cleaver in the dirt and kick him away from it. Now fighting bare handed the men charged.

"Hey! I got him!"

They looked over to see Asuna leading a man forward at Rapier point. Tyler looked back at PoH and the assassin looked at him with the same expression. PoH laughed.

"Another day BOY!"

Tyler laughed as well.

"whatever."

PoH and his two teammates retreated as the mood of the death match had been ruined. Tyler retrieved his staffsword as Kirito came over utterly shaken by the savage battle he'd just seen.

"Dude. You're a monster."

Tyler smiled widely.

"No. Not a monster, Kirito."

His eyes shown with a dark light.

"I'm a DEMON."

Kakashi just sat back as the room was shaken badly by the intense deathmatch they had just seen. Even Tyler's mother had come in to witness what her son was truly capable of. Arthur looked at the boy on the bed with a new fear.

"That was…..I don't have words."

Kakashi did.

"That is what happens when two born in the dark clash, Arthur. That PoH. He's another Tyler to the point it's terrifying. That battle will be saved and sent to the TV stations as a glimpse into the battles the Demon fights. Tyler has just found someone in that game that CAN challenge him head on. And Tyler NOT just kill him."

Tyler's mother was shaking.

"That light in Tyler's eyes, Kakashi."

"It was the exact same as PoH. I saw it too. when those two meet again, one will die. There can be no other outcome."

Tyler drank a health potion as Sakura and Sachi came forward utterly scared by the battle. Tyler smiled at them.

"Well that was a bust."

Sakura gulped.

"You okay big brother?"

He smiled and they all saw the dark light was gone.

"Yeah I'm okay, Sakura. I little tired but nothing too serious."

He stretched hard.

"Been a while since I had to go THAT hardcore though. Kinda rusty."

Sachi just looked at him with huge blue eyes.

"That was RUSTY for you? You just held your own with the leader of Laughing Coffin! Alone! No one else would even DARE!"

Tyler smiled as he patted the girl.

"And how often do I actually have to TRY, Sachi?"

Sakura giggled.

"fair enough!"

Tyler looked at Asuna as she led the now terrified man forward.

"So. Enjoy the show?"

Asuna was shaking so badly her rapier was wavering against the man's back.

"You were fighting PoH head on as an EQUAL."

Tyler shrugged.

"I'll get em next time. Now. The current pain in the ass."

the party walked forward to see Lanx getting a potion given to him for the paralyzer dart by Rose and Morg. The trio were also shaken by the intensity of the deathmatch they'd just seen. Rose looked at them sheepishly.

"Sorry for lying to you."

Tyler smiled as he looked at them.

"Let me guess: you told Grimlock about the plan to flush out Grwelda's killer and asked him to forge the blades, right?"

Morg and Rose gasped as Lanx gaped.

"We did."

Asuna pushed her prisoner forward. The man was dressed like a waist coated banker complete with monocle and top hat. Tyler didn't like him already as he saw the look of a snake in his eyes behind the large rimed glasses. The man greeted his former guildmates.

"It's been a long time, Rose, Morg, Lanx."

Morg glared at him,

"Grimlock. YOU killed Grwelda?"

The man shook his head.

"Not at all. She was already dead."

Tyler sighed now.

"Oh. NOW I get it."

Sachi and Asuna looked at each other then came to stand beside the red clad boy as Grimlock was confronted by Lanx.

"What do you mean already dead? Explain yourself Grimlock."

The man did.

"Grwelda was my wife in real life and we got married in game. Out there she was perfect. Beautiful, kind, timid too. she and I never had an argument or a disagreement and we were happy."

Here he frowned.

"Then we got trapped here. I was terrified of dying and my sweet Grwelda began to change. She was wild, and fearless and stopped listening to me entirely."

Tyler sighed.

"God dammit."

Grimlock looked at him curiously before continuing.

"So as time went on I realized I loved her still. Yet the new way she conducted herself was ruining the image of her I had of her. The ring provided the perfect excuse and Lanx the perfect puppet. Simply put the envelope in our shared storage addressed to her. Those gentlemen took care of the rest."

Here he smiled with a demented fervor.

"I got to keep my sweet Grwelda-"

"Dude. You lost her the very moment her strength became apparent."

Tyler cut him off as Asuna spoke up as well.

"A relationship is all about learning new things about each other and growing together. Yet all YOU wanted was a damned bed warmer. The perfect wife. You stopped loving her the instant you became possessive and selfish!"

Tyler had a disgusted tone now.

"Grwelda sounds like a helluva lady to me and I've never MET the chick. As soon as you realized she was stronger then you, and she didn't NEED you for really anything you lost it. You murdered your own wife just for the satisfaction your hand gives you. I hope you're proud of yourself."

Rose, Lanx and Morg took up spots around the now gibbering man. The purple haired lady looked at Tyler and the others.

"we'll take it from here. Thank you for your help."

Tyler rubbed his eyes as he looked at Asuna.

"I really hate people like him. They get the best thing handed to them on a damned plate and ruin it."

The Demon looked at Sachi smiling as he walked to stand beside her.

"You okay?"

She nodded smiling as she had a question, which Asuna also asked Kirito.

"If you were already married to someone, and you found out they had a side to them you never knew was there, how'd you react?"

Tyler smiled.

"I'd say well played. If I'm married to you, then you have my heart by the balls. And anything else you bring to the table after the fact is just a bonus. A very welcome bonus."

Sakura just gaped at the fact Tyler AND Kirito just spoke in stereo the exact same thing at the exact same time. Sachi and Asuna were also gaping as the boys realized this and looked at each other stunned.

"Damn."

"Is it weird I'm terrified?"

"Trust me Kirito, I am right there with you."

"Hey, who's that lady?"

Tyler and Kirito looked at the tree to see a tall lady with flowing black hair and armor smiling at the from under a tree limb. Tyler just sighed,

"great. We get the point. Ghosts ARE a thing in SaS."

The lady smiled at that, and Tyler smiled back.

"Well. Guess I was right. You WERE a helluva lady. Grwelda."

He put his arm around Sachi then. She smiled as Asuna looked at a gaping Kirito. She looked back and the lady was gone. Tyler walked over and looked at a plaque on the base of the tree.

"Typical. That's her gravestone."

he took a shot of it and stored it to his helmet.

"Never forget."

The players nodded at that simple statement before walking away as the sun broke over the horizon with the tree encased in light. The party never noticing a tall lady with a flowing cloak smiling at their receding backs before turning to continue her own adventure into a realm we all know exists, but cannot see.

"That was a most…..beautiful thing?"

Kakashi sighed.

"We just saw something that defies everything we think we know. Like Tyler said. Never forget."

2 MONTHS LATER.

"Sachi!"

"Got it!"

"Pink Popper!"

Tyler and his two friends were back on the hunt. They on floor 63 as progress had slowed to a crawl due to the strength of the monsters. Tyler shattered the minotaur they were fighting and popped potions as Tyler smiled.

"Good kill ladies."

He got a hug from Sachi as Sakura looked at loot. The shy girl having become much more affectionate after the mess with Grwelda. She was still shy though. The trio were looking at loot as Tyler looked at the road ahead.

"we'll head out. We need to unload again."

They nodded and followed the red clad boy out of the cave. Tyler's sense for loot was still extreme as nearly every week they had to go unload due to the mass drops. He had his girlfriend's hand as they walked out into a forested area near the main hub. The dungeon having been a first find for the party that Tyler wanted to get a look in. Now they walked along the small trial just enjoying the breeze in the trees as Sakura happily bounced along beside the couple. Tyler was looking around when he spotted movement in the trees as a large rabbit hopped into view.

"Sakura."

She saw it too and dropped it with a perfect heart shot the very next instant. Tyler looked at her loot Ui and they gasped.

"That's S-class!"

Sachi gaped at the find.

"we're keeping that, right?"

He grinned.

"Oh HELL yeah."

There was a loud squeak and the sound of a shatter ahead. The now curious party walked ahead to see none other then Kirito looking at a UI for loot.

"Oh you have GOT to be shitting me. Yo! Blackball!"

Kirito looked up to see the trio walking towards him and blinked.

"The FUCK?"

Tyler and him clasped hands smiling.

"That's MY question. The hell you doing up here?"

The boy in black jabbed a thumb at another trail.

"Just wrapped up the daily grind and headed home. You?"

"More unloading at the hub. We've been loading up to full rather fast now."

"Kiri!"

They laughed at Kirito's wince as Sakura used her pet name for him.

"Hey, Sakura. Hi Sachi."

She smiled kindly.

"What'd you kill Kirito?"

The boy showed them and they looked at him.

"Okay that's a weird fucking coincidence. Dude."

He showed them THEIR latest kill and Kirito blinked.

"Okay. The FUCK? TWO grand king Hares with in THIRTY feet of each other? That's just not supposed to be possible."

Tyler shrugged.

"It's a video game. Just gonna smile and nod."

Kirito shrugged.

"I'm headed to Gabol's shop. You wanna come ruin his day?"

Tyler grinned.

"Dude. Raise your bar. We're going to ruin his WEEK."

They laughed as they made the jump to 55. Sachi happily holding Tyler's hand as Kirito had Sakura hanging on him like a brother, making the black coated boy EXTREMELY uncomfortable. Tyler smiled at that.

"What? You worried your IRL sister will get jealous?"

That got a snort.

"More worried about Sakura's next setup."

The three laughed.

"Okay. Fair point."

"Sakura's an evil genius at setting others up for whatever."

"Heey! Mean!"

Sakura's miffed bawl made them smile as they found Gabol's place. The big man was on edge as they walked in.

"Oh shit. There goes my day."

Sakura giggled.

"You look like THAT Gaby! There goes the WIFE!"

The other three busted up laughing as Gabol just FELT his wife's laugh at the cute jab. Tyler unloaded the party's junk and Kirito went to sell the S-class meat.

"You sure you wanna sell it?"

Kirito sighed sadly.

"I don't. But if we tried to cook it we'd just burn it."

The man sighed.

"Yeah you right."

Tyler opened his mouth.

"Kirito?"

Asuna came walking in to the shop right then. Kirito blinked and grabbed her hand with a look of bliss.

"I've found my chef!"

"Hey, beater let go of the second in command."

Tyler was instantly irritated as a man with a thin face walked in in the Knight's red and white behind Asuna. Again Tyler opened his mouth.

"Corin. That is my friend. You are dismissed."

Corin was reluctant to leave his superior's side.

"Ma'am, I cannot in good conscience leave in such a place with such deplorable company. As your bodyguard."

"HA!"

Tyler busted up laughing, scaring the living hell outta Asuna in the process. Corin just jumped. Asuna then, AND ONLY then, noticed Tyler, Sachi and Sakura in the same shop looking at her. Tyler recovered from his mirth and wiped a tear as he looked at the indignant Corin.

"Dude. Fuck OFF. I trained Asuna myself on this game. She don't NEED a bodyguard period. YOU do if you piss me off. Now. She just gave you a direct order. Be a good little snake and slither back into your hole. Bah-bye."

Asuna hugged her brother as the now humiliated man walked out in a huff.

"I guess I'm going soft, not even noticing YOU in the room."

"Assy! How can you miss ME? I'm the Cutie in Pink! Kinda hard to miss in a shop of mud brown and brick red."

Asuna had a more….embarrassed look now in the face of Sakura's hurt tone.

"Okay. I needed that. I'm sorry Saky. C'mere."

Sakura got a hug from her sister as Sachi got a hug from Tyler just cause. Though the Demon smirked at Gabol and Kirito.

"Oh now that was a dick move."

"I don't think I deserved that."

Tyler just grinned at them as he let the busty Sachi go in a way they bounced.

"Dude. Come on."

"That's just not cool."

"Fuckin asshole."

Tyler and Sachi, having caught on to the silent jabs just smiled.

"So, Asuna. What's with the stiff?"

The red head sighed in pain.

"Heathcliff wants bodyguards with all the officers now for SOME reason."

Tyler noted the look of tiredness.

"The guild getting to that point again?"

She nodded with a tired expression.

"Yup. Every day more regulations and rules come down the pipe and frankly? I'm getting tired of it."

Tyler walked over and patted her reassuringly.

"You know, the Heavenly Demons always have need of their second in command."

Asuna smiled happily.

"I'll hold out a bit longer. But I think we'll be roaming together again soon."

Tyler smiled as he looked at Kirito.

"Hey. Wanna raise hell like a Demon again?"

That got a grin,

"I'll have to think about it. But I am SOOO tempted."

Asuna looked at the boy in black now.

"You said something about a chef?"

Kirito smiled.

"Check it."

He showed her the S-class food and her eyes lit up. She then looked at Kirito with a fire in her red eyes.

"Okay, Kirito. I'll make you a deal."

He gulped.

"Okay."

Her eyes were blazing.

"I'll cook it for us. As long as we share it. Agreed?"

He nodded.

"Deal."

She smiled eagerly now.

"Alrighty then. And I assume you don't even have a pot right?"

He shrugged as Tyler and the others watched the proceedings like wildlife observers.

"No. My cooking sucks so I didn't bother."

She sighed.

"I guess since it's a special occasion. Okay, Kirito. We'll go to my place on 58."

He blinked at that one.

"Ummm. Okay."

Tyler was then noticed again and Asuna blushed.

"Um. I-"

"we got our own place to be. Sachi here's got a new recipe to show off too."

The blue haired girl smiled widely at that as Asuna mouthed a quick thank you for giving the out. Tyler smiled at a stunned Gabol as the party left the shop.

"Now I've seen everything."

Tyler walked with Asuna and Kirito to the hub teleporter as the trio were hopping to the portal in the cabin on 45. Kirito seemed very nervous at the thought of going home to Asuna's home. Tyler smiled at that before looking at the fiery red head.

"If those idiots at the guild give you any grief, Asuna. Set the Demon loose on them."

She nodded.

"I will. Heathcliff heard of your fight with PoH."

"His reaction?"

She sighed.

"I think he feels threatened by the fact you not only held you own as long as you did, but injured him as much as you did."

Tyler sighed.

"Any word on their HQ?"

Asuna shook her red haired head.

"None. We're working a possible mole in the guild but no dice."

"You know that if you send ANYONE in there to take out the guild they had better be prepared to get blood on their hands."

She nodded grimly.

"I've told that to Heathcliff. He's set on his plan of capture and imprison."

"Ask him this one: if we just imprison them, and when we get out they get to run wild again, what's to stop them from killing again?"

"I asked him a better one."

"Oh?"

She sighed.

"What if they get set free in the real world after imprisonment and kill someone he loved. Wanna know his response?"

"Oh this oughta be good."

"He said at least they got a CHANCE TO BE BETTER."

Tyler had to lean on a wall.

"Asuna bail. Just get out of that guild. You're led by a blind man."

She sighed.

"I'll give it a few weeks. See how I feel. No regrets. Ya know?"

He nodded smiling.

"Just remember the Demon looming up behind you just waiting for the word to spread the wings of hell."

They ALL gaped at him then. Sakura just smiled.

"Another gem of a one liner."

Asuna and Kirito jumped and so did Tyler and the two girls. Once inside the cabin Sachi got the food going as Tyler and Sakura played together in the next room. They having swapped to a different outfit for house living. Tyler in a T-shirt and jeans and work boots, Sakura in a cute pink shirt with shorts and sneakers. Sachi having opted for a tank top and short shorts with light boots as she made the high class meal. Tyler pinned Sakura down with a forearm as she bawled.

"Dammit! How come I keep losing?"

He chuckled as he lifted her off the floor.

"Because I taught you everything you know of fighting."

She grumbled as she lost again.

"I will GET you Big brother. Just you wait."

He rubbed her hair affectionately.

"You'll have to work for it, Lil Sis."

The sat on the couch to relax as Sachi joined them. The blue haired girl snuggling right up against Tyler as he put his arm around her. He smiled as Sakura rolled onto her back.

"I wonder how Lorg's doing? Haven't seen her in like 9 months."

Tyler patted her.

"Probably off on a lower floor. Most likely fine."

Sachi was curious.

"Who's Lorg?"

He smiled at his girlfriend.

"That blonde samurai we're friends with."

Sachi blinked.

"Oh. Her? I heard her and her guild joined the assault force as a reserve. They work hard at it too."

Tyler chuckled.

"Lorg can take care of herself."

Sakura blinked.

"What about Yuka?"

Tyler sighed.

"Her? Odds are she's a lower rank in the Oath now."

"Yuka?"

Tyler patted Sachi.

"You'd know her as Grimoire Rose. My first girlfriend IRL."

Sachi jumped at that revelation.

"YOU dated Grimoire Rose? She's said to be one of the fiercest sword and shielders period! She LEADS a branch of the assault force that handles mini bosses on unknown floors!"

Tyler chuckled at that.

"Nice to hear she hasn't kicked it yet."

Sachi seemed a little uneasy knowing her dream boy's first girlfriend was in the game, AND was such a legend.

"Me new girl's the better one though."

"Eep!"

"See? She does cute!"

Sachi smiled as she blushed as her boyfriend picked up on her emotions. There was a ding and they feasted on S-class rabbit together Sachi had done up in a stew that was simply divine. Tyler smiled as Sakura wandered over to the couch after stuffing herself and passing right the FUCK out on it. Tyler looked at the beautiful girl across from him as she refill their glasses with tea.

"I haven't had S-class food since…..wow. Since the grand river serpent on floor 10."

Sachi smiled as she remembered.

"The cats were still on floor 4 then. We heard of how the Demon and his Sister tore the boss apart on floor nine with the help of a red head and a boy in black."

He took her hand smiling.

"And now you're DATING the Demon."

She smiled proudly.

"I am. And I love it."

HE stroked her hand with a thumb as she looked at her glass shyly.

"I wonder how Asuna's getting on?"

Tyler smiled as he let her go.

"I'm sure she's fine. She's my sister too."

Sachi had a sad look now.

"I heard the Assault force hasn't been getting many recruits lately."

Tyler sat back now.

"I kinda figured they wouldn't. at some point people were going to just give up and live in SaS. I heard in a shop we were in the other week the number of active fighters looking to clear the game is hovering at 5000."

Sachi blinked.

"That few? It took 15000 to find the last boss! Even WITH us going everywhere we do!"

Tyler shrugged again as he filled her up this time.

"I'm amazed it's that high, Sachi. We'll be fine as we love a good fight. Asuna and Kirito too. at some point it WILL just be us five that have to clear the game. Everyone else will just accept their lives."

Sachi slumped dejectedly.

"That sucks. At least we have the Demon. Long as we got you we have hope."

He chuckled.

"And as long as I have YOU, Sakura and Asuna. I will KEEP fighting."

Sachi blushed again as she took his hand in his.

"I'm so happy we met, Tyler."

Eh squeezed her hand lightly.

"I'm so happy you said yes, Sachi."

She just smiled at him. The pair's hearts were pounding as one as they leaned in towards each other over the table. Tyler seeing her eyes close and felt her hand shake with nerves as they were about to kiss….PING! The message indicator killed it. Sachi blinked and jumped back in surprise.

"Oh, you might wanna check that! It might be important!"

Tyler just sighed.

"If it's not an emergency I am going to SMACK them for ruining that."

She blushed as she smiled.

"I'm sure they'll be another. Right, Tyler?"

He smiled at her.

"Of course. Sachi."

He opened it to see a message from Asuna.

"The Heavenly Demon's run together again! Kirito's in too."

Tyler smiled widely at that.

"Okay. Good enough."

He sent the guild invite and got the accepted icon and the duo joined them not long after. Tyler smiling as he saw the new glow about Asuna and Kirito as they walked in.

"Oh NOW it's a party!"

The friends did indeed party hard that night. Their guild was back together. Tyler and Kirito got into a fight, Asuna and Sachi argued over anime, and Sakura just got spoiled by all and sundry. The five friends made memories Tyler used his camera feature to save to his helmet before they all crashed. Kirito got a couch, Sakura snuggled with Tyler, as Asuna and Sachi cuddled up together.

"we just saw their family get reformed Arthur."

The yakuza boss smiled as the friends feeds went dark from them sleeping. Arthur had a different take.

"More reunite. They never STOPPED being a family, Kakashi. They just split for their own adventures. Now they came together to share adventures together again."