I shake Commander Heathcliff's hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Likewise," Heathcliff replies. "I'd like to talk to you about something, Ms. Kurosawa."

How did he know my name? I'm becoming suspicious of this guy. "What is it?"

Heathcliff smiles a bit. "Well, as you know, I'm head of the Knights of the Blood Oath, a powerful guild that aims to end this game, one way or another. We've been setting up our headquarters on this floor." He points to a red banner hanging from a pole. "And as we've been doing that, I've realized that our numbers are not as... many as I'd like. You, Ms. Kurosawa, have proven yourself an exceptional swordsman and combatant. I am hoping that, with a bit of negotiation, we could work out the terms of your joining our guild."

I've heard of these guys. Everyone respects them. Well, except the criminals in the game. They hate the Knights of the Blood Oath. Not only do they aim to win the game, but they're also the closest thing to a police force we have here in SAO. And they want me to join. I look back at Rin and Takashi, who smile and nod at me.

Heathcliff's eyes meet mine. "We'd be honored."

But the commander doesn't look happy. He looks confused. "We? I'm sorry, Ms. Kurosawa, but we've only asked you to join the guild. Your friends will stay behind, out of harm's way.

"Then I won't go." Heathcliff gives me an even stranger look as the words slip out. "I appreciate the offer, but I don't go anywhere without my family. Good afternoon, Commander."

And the three of us just walk away like nothing ever happened.

A/N: Don't worry, no one died this time! Well, yeah, Christopher Lee died a while back, and I'm seriously torn up about it. Rest in peace, Count Dooku. You'll always be my favorite white wizard. Anyways, the real reason for this is to thank @Bio_Hazard1 for the new cover! Doesn't it look awesome?! I'm geeking out over it =^.^= thanks, dude! Keep being awesome! Also, I apologize for the two-month wait. Yay writer's block... as you can see, I'm over it now. So please keep reading and stay awesome! TG out!