The Next Morning, L/N Residence

The morning sun began to rise, and cast its light among the houses it overlooked. Through the window, the light seeped in through a small crack, and hit your sleeping face. You felt the warmth of the sun, and scrunched your face before slowly opening them. You sat up from your bed, and looked among the darkness of your bedroom, and found the light of your clock which read 6:21 A.M. You sighed and got up from your bed, and left your room. You walked downstairs to your dining room, and began to look through your fridge to see barely any food.

Y/N: *sigh* Need to go buy somethings I guess.

From behind you, the door opened, and revealed Charles with his coat and hat on. He saw you at the fridge and greeted you.

Charles: Ahh, good day sir. You're up rather early.

Y/N: Yeah, just woke up.

Charles: Would you like me to prepare you some breakfast?

Y/N: No, that's fine. I'm about to head out right now.

Charles: Are you sure, sir?

Y/N: I'm sure.

You left him, and went back to your room and changed your clothes. You wore a pair of black jeans, (F/C) T-Shirt, (F/C) shoes, and a black overcoat. You headed out the door, and admired the scenery. The weather was cold, and snow covered the ground, but the sky was shining bright with clouds passing over. You popped your collar up, and began to walk down your street. You passed by many people, minding your own business. The streets were full of life, everyone talking among each other, or on their phones. After 10 minutes of walking, you finally made it to the local supermarket that was by your home. You entered and saw that there were a handful of people, but not too many.

Y/N: Alright, let's see what I need.

You pulled out your phone, and pull up your notes to see what was on your list to buy.

Shopping List:

Tomato
Onions
Lettuce
Beef
Cheese
Milk
Butter
Eggs
Bread
Broccoli
Carrots
Chicken

Y/N: Hmmm, not that much to buy. I should be quick.

You went to grab a basket, and began to go through the market, searching for the things on your list. As you were looking at the assorted, you felt someone accidentally bump into your shoulder.

???: Ahh! I'm s-sorry!

Y/N: No, it's fine.

You turned to see a girl who was shorter than you, she had short black hair, and dark grey eyes. Her cleavage was very well noticeable, but you didn't pay too much attention to it. She had a more cute and childish appearance and seemed to be flustered. She was on the floor and her things were knocked over. She went to reach for them, but you beat her to it and grabbed a handful of her items and had already placed them back in her basket. After gathering everything, you helped her up and dusted yourself off.

???: I'm sorry about that. I should have watched where I was going.

Y/N: It's alright. Are you okay?

???: Y-Yeah...

You both stood there in silence and you noticed a piece of paper on the floor. You reached down for it and when you grabbed it, you noticed a chunk of the things on her list were the same as hers.

Y/N: You're looking for the same items I see.

???: Huh?

You pulled out your phone and showed her the shopping list you had. She smiled a bit and nervously giggled.

???: W-Well, what are the chances?

Y/N: Would you like to help me find the rest of the things I'm looking for?

???: Sure. Ohh, My name is Suguha, nice to meet you.

Y/N: Y/N L/N, like wise.

Suguha: Wait, L/N? As in the famous and wealthy family L/N?

Y/N: Yes...please do not bring up anything else about my family.

She could only nod and the two of you continued to shop with each other. After paying for everything, you made your way out of the store and walked away together.

Suguha: Well, thanks for shopping with me, and giving me cooking tips. I'll be sure to use them.

Y/N: No problem, bye.

You parted ways as she left in the opposite direction. As you walked home though, youi couldn't help but feel like she was familiar.

Y/N's Thoughts: Suguha...why do you seem familiar?

Timeskip, In ALO

You logged back into the bar you left them in and saw they still weren't on. You sighed and walked over to a dark corner where you blended in and waited patiently for them to log on. After a few minutes, you saw Kirito log in as Leafa walked through the door. Deciding to stay hidden, you listened in on their conversation.

Kirito: Hey, you're early.

Leafa: No, I just got here. I was out shopping.

Kirito: Ohh, right. I need to get ready, too...this sword won't be enough. *looks at sword strapped to his back*

Leafa: Yeah, then let's go to the weapons shop. How much money do you have?

Kirito: *pulls up menu** Um...Is this "Yuld" stuff money?

Leafa: Yeah.

He had a distressed look on his face, which made her confused, and you sighed, knowing he was broke. He began to tug on his shirt as he spoke.

Kirito: W-We're leaving, Yui.

Yui popped out of his pocket and yawned as she stretched her arms.

Yui: *yawns* Okay.

Kirito: Speaking of which, where's P/N?

Leafa: You heard him last time. He won't help us.

Kirito: Ohh...well that's too bad...

Leafa: Come on, let's go.

They left the bar and you watched them go before turning to the rest of the people inside who were staring at you in fear. 

P/N:....Not a word, or you're dead.

Customers: Y-Yes, sir... 

You followed them out but kept your distance as you saw them approaching the weapons shop ahead. You saw the sword he bought and watched as he strapped it to his back. You shook your head again as Leafa giggled and covered her mouth. You followed the two as she showed him around and where everything was. Finally stopping, you saw they were stood in front of the tower of the town.

Kirito: Why are we going to the tower?

Leafa: Oh, when flying long distances, you start from the top of the tower. It gives you extra altitude.

Kirito: I got it. 

You snickered behind your mask as you remembered him crashing into the tower the last time you were on.

Flashback

Kirito: You're kidding me!!!!!

*THUD*

Flashback Over

You were snapped back to reality when Leafa began to push Kirito towards the tower. 

Leafa: Let's get going. I want to make it through the forest by night. 

You followed them inside and saw Kirito admire the surroundings of the interior. Leafa came up to him again and took him by the wrist.

Leafa: This way!

Just as they were about to head up the tower however...

???: Leafa!

You watched as a Sylph group leader walked towards the two of them, along side him were two other members.

Leafa: Hello, Sigurd.

Sigurd: You're leaving the party, Leafa?

Leafa: Yeah, I guess so.

Sigurd: Don't you understand how that will inconvenience the other members? 

Leafa: You promised I could join only when I had time, and that I could leave whenever I wanted. 

Sigurd: But you're already a well-known member of our party. If you leave without a reason, it will damage our reputation.

P/N's Thoughts: Tch, Schmuck...

Leafa seemed confused and shocked by his statements and stared at them as they glared back at her.

Kirito: Your party members aren't items.

Sigurd: What was that?

Kirito stepped forward and you knew he was just asking for trouble.

Kirito: You can't keep other players equipped all the time, as if they were your armor or sword.

Sigurd: You...

He gripped the hilt of his sword and was going to draw until...

*CLANK*

They all stopped and turned towards the dark corner of the tower...

*CLANK*

The people inside backed away from the sound as it got closer and closer...

*CLANK*

Finally, an armored boot came down, and red eyes shined from the darkness. You revealed yourself tilted your head as all of them looked shocked. 

P/N: Care to finish that sentence. 

You stepped in front of him and he seemed slightly scared, but hid it and stood tall as he glared up at you.

Sigurd: You may think you're all mighty and powerful, but you're just another Spriggan who likes to rummage through trash! You're a renegade who was kicked out from your own territory.]

Leafa: P-Please! Don't be rude! Especially to him!

P/N: These two are my partners, especially the Sylph girl.

Sigurd: What? Leafa! Are you abandoning your territory and becoming renegade, too?

Leafa: Yes, I am. I'm leaving this place. 

He drew his sword and aimed it towards you as you tilted your head and smiled behind your mask.

Sigurd: As long as you just buzzed around, I didn't plan to concern myself with you two. But if you're going to be a thief that's a different matt-

You cut him off by grabbing the blade with your metal glove, silencing and shocking him. You leaned closer to his face as your eyes glowed bright red.

P/N: Do you want to mess with me now?

You snapped his blade in two and watched as he fell backwards. You placed your hand on the hilt of your weapon and slowly drew it over your head.

P/N: I've been craving to kill a player for a while. Let's go to neutral grounds and play there, shall we?

His other two henchmen helped him up as they began to advise him.

???: This isn't the time, Sigurd-san. If we attack him, who knows what will happen. I've heard he was able to kill someone in a territory he did not belong to. We shouldn't do this.

He could only agree and looked at Leafa again.

Sigurd: Once you're outside, run and hide, Leafa. If you betray me, it won't be long before you regret it.

P/N: And it won't be long until I have you groveling at my feet. Now leave... 

They hurried out of the tower as you turned towards Kirito and Leafa while putting your sword away.

Leafa: *sigh* Sorry for getting you involved in that Kirito-kun, P/N-kun.

P/N: Forget it, let's hurry up and go before I go on a killing spree.

Kirito: It's fine...But are you sure about this?Abandoning your territory...

P/N: She's doing it out of the kindness of her heart, the least you could do is be a man and show some gratitude. Now let's go you two...

You picked up Kirito by the collar of his shirt and swept Leafa into your free arm as she yelped and blushed. You looked at her as she was as red as a tomato.

P/N: I've got you, there's nothing wrong.

Leafa: Y-Y-You're hand is...U-U-Ummm...

Confused, you gave your hand a squeeze and you squished something soft and jiggly, yet firm. Leafa screamed a bit and you now knew where your hand was.

P/N: I'll be gentle.

Leafa: That's suppose to make me feel better!?

You ignored her and continued to the top of the tower. After making it up there, you set them down as Kirito admired the view,

Kirito: This is an amazing view. We're so close to the sky. It feels like I can reach out and touch it.

Leafa: Isn't it? Whenever I see this sky, it makes everything else feel small.

You glanced up to the sky, but instead of feeling any joy or happiness...

Flashback

???: Get him out darling!

???: I'm trying! It's stuck!

???: Run Y/N! RUN! 

*BOOM*

Flashback Over

You looked back down and exhaled the air you breathed in.

Leafa: This was a good opportunity. I always meant to leave this place.

Kirito: I see. But it feels like I made you leave on bad terms.

Leafa: There wasn't any other way I could have left.

Kirito: What's a renegade?

P/N: A player who abandons their territory, like me, is a renegade. Other players look down on them. 

Kirito: Are you certain about this?

P/N: No one really likes me, so yeah, I am. I just don't understand why they would want to tie each other down like that. It's foolish.

Leafa: I agree...we all have these wings... 

???: Humans are complicated.

Yui popped out of Kirito's shirt pocket and flew onto his shoulder.

Yui: I can't understand the psychology that causes the desire to seek others to manifest in such odd ways. 

Leafa: Seek others?

P/N: Ahhh...we're on that topic...

Yui: This is what...*kisses Kirito's cheek* I'd do. *smiles* It's simple and unmistakable. 

Leafa: Th-That's an amazing AI. Are all private pixies like this?

P/N: Just her.

Kirito: Huh? How would you know?

You just looked away before he could figure you out. 

Kirito: Anyways, she's weirder than most...

He picked her up and went to put her in his shirt pocket, but you got her away from him.

P/N: I'm just going to ask her a few questions.

You walked away and you noticed that Recon was running towards the two of them. After making sure you were far enough away, you unclasped your hands around Yui.

Yui: *gasps* Fresh air. *looks at you* What is it, P/N?

P/N: Yui...You know who I really am don't you?

Yui: Huh?

P/N: *sighs* I was your favorite uncle back in SAO....

Yui: *shocked look* U-Uncle P/N?..

P/N: Hey kiddo.

She flew up to you and hugged your mask. During the hug she checked your player info and data and sure enough, she remembered you.

Yui: It really is you...I-I need to tell Daddy!

P/N: Yui wait. It's best he doesn't know yet that it's me.

Yui: But why?

P/N: I'll explain after we find your mommy, okay?

Yui: O-Okay...Uncle P/N?

P/N: Yeah?

Yui: I missed you...*hugs you*

P/N: I missed you too kid. *pats her back*

You returned to the other two and placed Yui inside the top of your chest plate as she poked out and looked around. You saw Recon was hunched over breathing heavily.

Recon: P/N-san, Kirito-san. She has a habit of flying into trouble, so be careful.

P/N: I've been wanting to kill someone.

Recon: ........*gulp*..A-Anyways, just so we're clear, she's my-

Suddenly, Leafa stepped on his foot, making him cry in pain and hold his foot.

Leafa: We'll probably be in the neutral zone for a while. Send me a message if you need anything!

She walked towards the edge as you stared at her, admiring her walk and curves, and the attitude she displayed.

P/N's Thoughts: I can't lie....that's pretty hot...

She summoned her wings and took flight. Kirito followed as you turned towards Recon.

P/N: Sorry, you're way out of your league with her.

You jumped off and flew towards them, and caught up to Leafa.

P/N: You said he was a friend from real life?

Leafa: I guess. What does that mean?

P/N: Well, if he's just a friend, then I still have a shot at you huh, Sylph girl?

She blushed madly and turned away. 

Leafa's Thoughts: Wh-Who does he think he is!? I'd never go out with someone like him!...but...I guess if I got to know him, and also with his looks, maybe he isn't a bad guy that much.

Yui: I understand how  he is feeling. He's just a little jealous. He likes you, Leafa-san. What about you?

Leafa: Huh? I-I-I....

P/N: Be honest, you love me~ *chuckles*

Leafa: Sh-Shut up! I-I don't know!

She flew forward and looked back. She had a saddened expression on her face, but when you came into view, she imagined seeing you without your mask, and with a smile. She couldn't help but smile as well.

Leafa: Now let's go! We'll get to that lake before we land. 

Kirito: Yeah!

P/N: You're the leader.

You flew off at high speeds, following Leafa towards the lake to where you would continue the journey to the world tree.

Timeskip

You watched as Kirito chased after a few monsters and cut them down into pieces. Just as he was about to fly after another one, Leafa began to chant a spell, and used her magic to shoot it down. You floated towards them with a calm attitude.

P/N: Good work.

Kirito: Thanks for the backup.

Leafa: Yeah.

They high fived each other, but then their wings began to lose their sparkle and luster, as was yours.

P/N: Our wings won't last much longer. Let's land there for some rest. *points to forest clearing*

Kirito: Yeah.

You all flew down and landed in a small patch of grass in the middle of the forest. They stretched their bodies while you walked towards the shade and sat on a log, resting one leg on top of the other.

P/N: If you're both tired, get some rest and you can log out for a bit. Our flight is being grounded for a while.

Kirito: Huh, why?

P/N: That mountain there *points to tallest mountain* is above the altitude limit. In order to pass it, we have to travel through its caves.

Leafa: It's the hardest part of the trip between Sylph territory and Arun, or so I've heard. I've never been pass this point, either.

P/N: I'll let you in on some info, it's not all that great.

Kirito: Really...Caves, huh? Are they long?

P/N: The longest of any mountain in ALO. We can rest again at the neutral mining  town that's midway through the mountain. 

Leafa: Do you two still have time today?

P/N: I've got nothing else to do. 

Kirito: It's 7:00 PM in the real world, huh? I can keep going for a while.

Leafa: Okay...Then we can keep going for a while. We can rotate out here.

Kirito: R-Rotate-

Play Song At Top

P/N: No need, I won't be logging out. Both of you go ahead and go, I'll keep watch over your bodies.

Kirito: Really? Thank you.

P/N: Go on, or else I'll kill you while you're gone.

Scared by your comment, he logged out completely and his body laid limp. Leafa laid down as well, but saw you get up set your sword against a tree. You were reaching for your helmet until you saw she was still up.

P/N: What's wrong?

Leafa: You said you wouldn't help us, yet here you are. Why?

P/N:...I'll explain another time. Go on now..I don't need anyone here. I prefer the silence...

Leafa: You know, being alone isn't always a good.

P/N: It's all I know.

Leafa could sense the distress in your voice and was a little concerned. But she didn't want to argue, so she laid down and logged out. Once she did, you took off your helmet and placed it on a log. You walked out to the sun and felt its warmth as it hit your skin. Yui flew out of your armor and went in front of you.

Yui: You like Leafa-san, don't you Uncle P/N?

P/N: You don't know that kid...

Yui: I checked your heart rate and pulse. Every time you talk with her, your heart beats faster than normal. Uncle P/N? What does it mean to like someone?

P/N: *sighs* It means you never wanna leave that person's side, and you always wanna see them happy because it makes you happy.

Yui: You were happy last time I saw you in SAO. What happened, Uncle P/N?

P/N:....that was a different me who was able to live in another world...the real me is someone no one wants anything to do with.

Yui: I want something to do with you though. You're my uncle! 

You looked at her as she smiled and for the first time, you smiled back. You gently took a hold of her and rubbed tip of your finger against her cheek as she nuzzled into it.

P/N: Thanks kiddo, I missed you so much.

Yui: I missed you too, Uncle P/N.

You noticed slight movement in Kirito and Leafa's bodies, so you went and put you helmet back on and placed your sword on your back. Once you approached them, they were fully awake and refreshed.

P/N: You two ready? Let's get going.

You reached your hand down to Leafa to help her up, and she gladly accepted it. You accidentally pulled to hard however and she wound up going on you, and her hands were on your chest. She stared into your glowing eyes as you stared back at hers. You were both lost in a trance until you snapped out of it at the same time and turned away from each other.

P/N: I-I'm sorry...

Leafa: No! No, no, it's alright. *blushes intensely and rubs arm* 

You all summoned your wings and stood straight, just before you were going to go, you grabbed your sword and heaved it into a tree, practically blowing it up. A small creature fell to the ground dead before disappearing into code and data.

P/N: Tch, someone had a tracer on us. Ohh well, they can't track us anymore.

Kirito: What's that?

Leafa: It's a kind of magic. It takes the small form of an animal or insect, and tells the caster the target's position. 

Kirito: You can get rid of it?

Leafa: Once you find it, you can. Good eye, P/N-kun.

P/N: Don't thank me yet, I was barely able to even sense and catch a glimpse of that one. The caster's magic skill is pretty high. Come on, let's go before they get another one out on us. Hurry up, or I'll leave you, sweet cheeks.

You flew up in the air as Leafa stomped the ground and followed you with a blush.

Leafa: Will you stop that!!!! *blush intensifies*

Kirito followed suit, and you turned back slightly, knowing the trackers were right on your tail.

P/N's Thoughts: Finally...some fresh meat. *eyes glows red*

Quick A/N: Hey, sorry guys for the super late update. I just haven't had the drive or desire to write anything at the moment, but I got it back and went for this story. I hope you all enjoyed, thanks for reading.

Spectre, Out!