P/N's Thoughts: What the hell am I doing?

You made your way out the town, and exploded out of the cave and began to fly North.

P/N: This girl has done something to me...And I hate it....But I can't hate her...Dammit, I am in love.

As you flew North, the World Tree came into your sights and you stared up at the giant structure in wonder.

P/N's Thoughts: Asuna is up there, but why? Was she not logged out when w defeated Kayaba? 

You clenched your fist and looked forward as you once again boosted your speed.

P/N: Once this is done, I'll scale that damn tree and get her out of here. She helped me so much when we were trapped, and she's like a little sister to me. I'll do anything to get her out....Anything...Now then..

You pulled up your map and remembered everything you could about where the meeting would take place.

P/N: Now, if I were going to have a meeting with another race to sign peace treaties, and try to do it discreetly, I'd be...

You traced your finger all over your map until you found the location that you would go to if you were in their shoes.

P/N:Northwest, in the mountains. Twenty minutes? Hmph, I'll be there in ten. 

You blasted off with even greater speed, and flew so fast you were a blur in the wind. As you flew, you noticed down a few feet below you, Kirito and Leafa were were flying towards the same place as you. You looked farther ahead and saw the Salamander attack force that was going to attack the peace treaty signing. You counted about sixty or more and smirked under your mask as you grabbed the hilt of your sword.

P/N's Thoughts: I'm going to enjoy this. Hmmm? More players? Must be the diplomats.

You looked to the mountain and saw a small group of both Sylph and Cait Sith standing in a clearing where a table was set for the meeting. As you flew above them, you landed on a higher ridge as the Salamanders stared down at the diplomats. They looked like a menacing battalion that would decimate any army, but you were excited for a fight. The diplomats down below took their defensive positions as they stared at the army in front of them.

Sylph Guard 1: Why are Salamanders here?

One of the Salamander lieutenants raised his hand up and signaled for the lancer division to ready for battle. The diplomats and guards readied their weapons as you leaned against a tree. You were staring a little spot that was moving fast on your map.

P/N's Thoughts: 3...2...1...

*CRASH*

Something landed in between the two groups, shocking every player in the area. Once the smoke cleared, you saw it was Kirito who stood in between both parties, and saw Leafa land next to the diplomats. Kirito spread his arms apart and looked at the Salamanders.

Kirito: Everyone, put away your swords!

???: Who's that?

Leafa: Sakuya!

Leafa approached the Sylph diplomat and snapped her out of shock.

Sakuya: Leafa...What are you doing here?

Leafa: It's not easy to explain. But one thing I can say is that our fates depend on him.

Sakuya: What is going on?

Kirito: I want to talk to your commander!

You watched as the foot soldiers moved aside, and you saw a face you knew all too well.

P/N's Thoughts: Well, well, well...If it isn't General Eugene.

Kirito flew up towards him as he floated in front of his men.

Eugene: What's a Spriggan doing here?

Kirito didn't reply as he looked up at the general without fear.

Eugene: I'm going to kill you, regardless of your answer. But in honor of your bravery, I will speak to you first.

Kirito: My name is Kirito. I'm an ambassador for the Spriggan-Undine alliance. If you attack this meeting, I can assume you desire a full-scale war with all four races, correct?

You almost burst out of your armor as you held in the will to laugh. You banged your fist on the ground.

P/N's Thoughts: AN AMBASSADOR!? NOW THAT'S NEW!!! HAHAHAHAHA! I NEVER HEARD A FUNNIER LIE THAN THAT!

The other Sylphs and Cait Sith were confused and stunned as they looked to Leafa for answers. She awkwardly waved her hands, dismissing anything she knew about what he was talking about.

Eugene: An Undine-Spriggan alliance? And you, without a single guard, are their ambassador? 

Kirito: Yes, that's right. I'm merely here to negotiate trade terms with the Sylphs and Cait Sith. But if the talks are disrupted, it will be much worse. The four races will ally against the Salamanders. 

Eugene:....You're all alone, wearing horrible gear. You can't expect me to believe you.

Eugene reached behind his back, and unsheathed his sword. You glared at him as you remember that same sword giving you trouble when you two fought.

Eugene: If you can withstand my assault for thirty seconds, I will believe you are an ambassador.

Kirito: That's generous of you...

Sakuya: This is bad.

Leafa: Huh?

Sakuya: The Salamander's two-handed sword...It's the Demonic Sword Gram. I've heard you need a two-handed sword skill of 950 to equip it.

Leafa: O-Of 950!? 

Sakuya: Yes. If he's using it, he must be General Eugene. Do you know him?

Leafa: I-I know the name.

Sakuya: The younger brother of the Salamander leader, Mortimer. I've heard they're brothers in real life. The elder is a brilliant strategist. The younger, a valiant warrior. In terms of sheer power, he's said to be one of the two game's strongest players!

Leafa: One of the two strongest players...Kirito-kun....Wait, then who's the other?

All of a sudden, a giant sword crashed into the field and confused everyone.

Sakuya: Who's sword is that!?

Kirito&Eugene: Huh?

Salamander 1: What's that?

Salamander 2: That's a sword?

Sylph 1: It's way too big..

Sylph 2: Who would use that?

???: Sorry to butt in, but the ambassador does have a  body guard.

Play Song At Top

All the players looked up to the sky and saw it was you who threw the huge sword.

Everyone: P/N!?

P/N: In the flesh. *eyes glow*

Eugene glared at you as you raised you hand and your sword came flying towards you. You caught it and g\pointed it at him.

P/N: You ready for round two, Eugene? I promise I'll spare you this time. *chuckles*

Eugene: Why you...

P/N: Kirito, this is my battle. Get out of my way.

Kirito: O-Okay...

He floated down and stood next to Leafa as she stared in awe at you. After snapping out of it, she held her chest and smiled as a single tear fell.

Leafa's Thoughts: He came back...He came back. *smiles*

Lu: *squeals in excitement* I've always wanted to meet P/N-kun! He's so mysterious and dreamy!

Sakuya: I'd love for him to be my personal body guard~

Leafa glared at the two other women as they stared at you with heart eyes. You and Eugene floated above everyone as they watched in suspense. The clouds began to clear, and the light beamed down on Eugene until it glared off his sword and into your eyes. In a second, he dashed towards you and you went to meet his strike, but you were too slow and his sword phased through yours, and knocked you into the cliff.

KIrito: What was that?

Lu: The Demonic Sword Gram has a bonus skill, Ethereal Shift, letting it phase when someone tries to block with a shield or sword.

Leafa: That's insane!

The cliff you were knocked into exploded as you flew at insane speeds and clashed against his sword, sending him flying back a few feet and dazing him. He recomposed and blocked as you dropped your blade on top of his, holding the clash.

Eugene: *grunts* I shouldn't be surprised you survived that.

P/N: You were always one to fight with cheap attacks. *pushes him away*

The two of you broke the clash and began to trade heavy blows to one another. He tried to slice you upwards, but you flipped over him and kicked him away. You tried to cut his stomach, but he blocked and bashed you towards the ground. You flew back up and traded blows repeatedly as everyone watched in suspense. He drove his sword straight towards your head and you moved away slightly. It cut a good chunk off your helmet and he kicked you down as you punched him to the sky.

Leafa: P/N-kun!

You landed on your feet and let out a shock wave of power that blew everyone to their knees. You flew back up and began to fly around the area, trading blows with Eugene.

Sakuya: This will be tough. They're equally skilled, but it still seems Eugene's weapon is slightly superior.

Leafa: Even so...Even so, P/N-kun will...

*BOOM* 

There was a shock wave that blew pass everyone as you swords collided. You were both cut pretty badly, and glared at each other.

Eugene: *grunts* Why don't you just give up?

P/N: *grunts* Because that's not my style. *grunts* And even so...

Play

https://youtu.be/cRS7QsWNmsc

You looked down at Leafa who had a worried look on her face and your eyes glowed red.

P/N: There's someone I have to protect, HYAAAAA!!!!! *red aura surrounds you*

You broke the clash and the two of you went for heavy strikes. He stabbed you in your arm as you cut him deeply in the leg, almost cutting it off completely. He growled and yelled at you as he slashed you across your chest, sending you flying towards Leafa, and crashing into the ground, creating a small crater under you.

Leafa: P/N-kun!

The wind blew away as you stood straight up. Pieces of your armor fell of and so did your helmet as your hair was messy and cuts covered your body. You were breathing heavily as the general floated next to his men.

Eugene: Why do you continue to fight? I have the advantage here, and after I kill you, I'll kill everyone here.

You gritted your teeth as you stood in front of Leafa.

P/N: You won't touch her.

Leafa: Huh?

P/N: I may be a renegade that shouldn't care about anything else but causing chaos, but there is one thing I care about!

Leafa stood there in shock as she listened to your words.

P/N: There hasn't been anyone in my entire life who has brought me this much happiness and excitement besides this girl. I don't know how this happened,but I guess you could say it's all a coincidence. I will lay my life down for this girl, and all the people she cares about!

You turned towards her and for the first time, she saw you smile.

P/N: I guess I have no choice but to finish this in one blow. *smirks*

Suddenly, your sword was engulfed in swirls of wind and the ground beneath you began to crack as an amazing surge of power flowed from your sword.

Kirito: I-Is that a spell!?

Sakuya: I've never seen such a powerful magic spell ever before! What is it!?

Eugene had a worried look on his face as you smirked at him.

P/N: I really hate magic, but this will do just fine.

You turned your sword as it shined brightly and blew everything around you away.

P/N: Take this!...WIND SCAR!!!!!!

You slashed the air in front of you and went a huge wave of magic flying towards Eugene and his men. He had no time to react and tried to block it, but it was futile as he was blown away. He screamed as the spell cleaved him in two. His men had flew away in time as all that was seen was a fireball hurdling towards the forest below. Everyone stood there in silence and shock seeing that one of the best players had been beaten. It was all quiet until Sakuya pulled out her fan and waved it towards you.

Sakuya: Splendid! Simply splendid! 

Lu: Wow, nice fight! 

Kirito: Incredible! Nice job, P/N!

Sylphs&Cait Sith: Hurrah!

Even the Salamanders were congratulating you and talking about how amazing the fight was.

Salamander 1: That was good.

Salamander 2: Seriously.

Everyone cheered and talked about the event that took place while Leafa watched as you exhaled heavily and used magic to repair your armor. You placed your helmet on and put your sword on your back as you looked out to the valley. She smiled widely and stared at you with her hands clasped together and a blush on her face.

Timeskip

Sakuya was using her magic to resurrect Eugene as all the races gathered around. After sometime, the small fireball turned back into Eugene and he stood up straight and stretched before turning to you and Kirito.

Eugene: *sigh* I didn't know you were capable of such amazing magic. Truly, you are an amazing fighter as always. Best of most I've ever seen.

P/N: You as well. I haven't had a good fight like that in a while. Now then, will you believe my ambassador over here? *points to Kirito*

Eugene had a skeptical look on his face as everyone waited for his reply. Just then, one of the lancers stepped forward.

???: Gene-san, a word? 

Eugene: Kagemune? What is it? 

Leafa: Oh, from yesterday.

P/N's Thoughts: Ahh, the lancer I crushed when I first met Kirito.

Flashback

Kagemune: I-I'LL PASS, P/N-SAMA! My magic skill will reach 900 soon. I beg you to please-AGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!  

*SLASH*

Flashback Over

Kagemune: You know that my party was wiped out yesterday, right? 

Eugene: Yes.

Kagemune: P/N-sama is the one who did it. There was indeed an Undine with them.

P/N's Thoughts: *chuckles* Lying bastard, thanks.

Eugene: Very well. Then I suppose I must believe it. It's true that neither I or our leader intends to fight the Undines and Spriggans. We'll withdraw for now. But someday, I'll fight you, and have my rematch with you, P/N.

P/N: I'll be waiting till then.

Kirito: Sounds good to me. 

You both fist bumped Eugene and watched as him and his battalion flew back to return to Salamander territory. 

Kirito: I guess some of the Salamanders aren't that bad.

Leafa: You're insane, you know? 

Kirito: I get that a lot. 

???: Ehem.

All of you turned towards Sakuya who had a serious and confused face.

Sakuya: Excuse me, but could you explain what's happening?

You walked towards the cliff as Leafa explained everything to Sakuya and the other diplomats. You stared out to the sunset as she just finished explaining everything.

Sakuya: I see. I did sense some degree of irritation in Sigurd's attitude.

Leafa: Irritation? At what? 

Sakuya: He probably wasn't able to accept that, in terms of power, we were falling behind the Salamanders. Sigurd is a man to whom power is very important. Not just for his character stats and abilities...He desired power as a player, as well.

Leafa: But even so, why would he spy for the Salamanders?

P/N: Reincarnation.

Everyone: Huh?

P/N: I'm sure you've all heard about the 5.0 patch that's coming soon. They're implementing a reincarnation system into the game.

Leafa: Then...

P/N: Mortimer put him up to it. Bring them the head of your leader, and he would be allowed to reincarnate as a Salamander.

Sakuya: Exactly.

Leafa: So what will you do, Sakuya? 

Sakuya: Lu, you've raised your dark magic skill, right?

Lu: Yes. *smiles and ears twitches ears cutely* 

Sakuya: Open a Moonlight Mirror to Sigurd.

P/N: *gets up and walks towards them* I wanna join in on this as well.

With Sigurd

Sigurd was sat in his office, holding a glass of fine wine with his feet kicked up on the desk. As he relaxed, he was suddenly interrupted.

???: Hey, dick face.

He was surprised and dropped his glass of wine and stood up. He saw a dark mirror in front of him and glared when he saw you.

Sigurd: You...

P/N: Someone wants to talk to you, asshole.

Sakuya stepped into view as you stepped back.

Sakuya: Sigurd.

Sigurd: S-Sakuya? 

Sakuya: Indeed. Unfortunately, I'm still alive.

Sigurd: Why?-I mean, what happened at the meeting?

Sakuya: It concluded successfully. We must still sign the treaty, though. Oh, right...We had unexpected guest.

Sigurd: A g-guest? 

Sakuya: General Eugene sends his regards.

Sigurd was shocked and gritted his teeth when he heard the news. He looked behind you and Sakuya and saw Leafa and Kirito.

Sigurd: Leafa...So that's it! Those incompetent lizards. *smirks* Well? What will you do, Sakuya? Fine me? Kick me out of the government?  But without me running the military, how long will your rule last? 

Sakuya: No, if you cannot stand being a Sylph, I thought I would grant your request.

Sigurd: Wh-What? 

Sakuya nodded at you and you smirked as you pressed the button on her menu. A notification popped up on Sigurds menu and he was dumbfounded.

Sigurd: Are you insane!? Me? You're banishing me? 

Sakuya: That's right. You can wander the neutral territory as a renegade. Hopefully, you will find something new there to occupy your time.

Sigurd glared at her as you stepped into view.

P/N: Better watch out, I'm gonna hunt you down now that no one can protect you. *chuckles*

Sigurd: Curse you...

He lunged at the mirror, but was suddenly teleported out of the room he was in. Lu stopped using her magic and the dark mirror went away. 

Leafa: Sakuya? 

Sakuya: I thank you, Leafa. I'm very happy you came to save me.

Leafa: I didn't do anything. You should thank Kirito-kun, and P/N-kun.

Sakuya: That's right. Apart from P/N, just who are you?

Lu: Hey, what you were saying about being an Spriggan-Undine ambassador...Is that true? 

As she said that, you walked away to have a laughing fit near the edge of the cliff and rolled in the dirt knowing Kirito made up a lie.

Kirito: Oh, that was just a big lie. *smirks and takes a proud pose* A bluff, a con, negotiation.

P/N: *in the background* A NEGOTIATION!?!?! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!! Y-YOU'RE TOO MUCH!! I CAN'T TAKE THIS MUCH FUNNY BS!!!! *rolls on the ground and laughs*

Sakuya: *sighs and rubs forehead* You're crazy. I can't believe you came up with that on the spur of the moment.

Kirito: Whenever I have a bad hand, I always raise the pot.

Lu: Anyways~...

Suddenly, Lu was stood over you and had a somewhat seductive smirk on her face. When you stood up after catching your breath, she surprised you by latching onto your arm.

Lu: You're so strong, P/N-kun. You're just a wandering mercenary right? *giggles and hugs your arm to her chest* If you aren't tied down, why not be a mercenary for the Cait Sith? You'll get three meals a day, plus snacks and a nap~ 

Leafa: Huh!?

Sakuya: P/N-kun~

Suddenly, Sakuya latched onto your other arm and hugged it to her well seized bust, making you choke and blush under your mask.

Sakuya: How about you join me for a drink after this in Sylvein. I'd love to get to know you better~ *pushes chest farther up your arm* 

Leafa: Wait...*shocked look*

Kirito: *chuckles* What a guy.

Lu: *gets in Sakuya's face while holding you* That's not fair, Sakuya-chan! You shouldn't try to seduce him. 

Sakuya: You, too...You're clinging to him too much.

P/N: L-Ladies-

Suddenly, someone grabbed your belt from behind you, and you saw it was Leafa with a slightly angry face. 

Leafa: Stop it. P/N-kun is my...*eyes widen and blushes* My...  

P/N: Your...?

The other girls looked at her with a smirk as Leafa looked completely embarrassed and looked down with a darker blush.

Leafa: Um, m-my...

P/N: She's my Sylph girl, and nothing will change about that.

You unclasped yourself from the other two and walked over to Leafa who had a deeper blush. You patted her head which made her blush even more and she clung to your arm. You laughed and turned towards Sakuya and Lu.

P/N: Anyways, we already have another main mission at hand, to get to the World Tree.

Sakuya: Oh, that's a shame. You're going to Arun, Leafa? Sightseeing? Or...

Leafa: I was planning to leave the Slyphs...But now I'm going to return to Sylvein, although I'm not sure when.

Sakuya: Understood. I'm glad to hear it. Make sure you come back. Bring these two with you. *smiles*

Lu: Stop at my place on the way back. We'll throw you a party.

She nodded at their request and the three of you began to make your leave. You were stood in front of both parties as Sakuya and Lu bowed in respect to you.

Sakuya: Thank you so much for coming today, Leafa, Kirito-kun, P/N-kun most of all. Had we fallen today, we'd never have caught up to the Salamanders. I'd like to thank you somehow.

Kirito: No, it was nothing. 

P/N: Just don't expect it another time. This is a one time thing for me.

Leafa: Hey, Sakuya...Alicia-san. Wasn't the goal of this alliance to venture up the World Tree? 

Sakuya: Yes, eventually. 

Leafa: I'd like you to let us come with you. And as soon as possible!

The two of them looked at each other before turning back to you three.

Sakuya: I have no objection. Actually, we'd be quite grateful. But why are you in such a hurry? 

You and Leafa looked at Kirito who adopted a serious expression when the question was asked.

Kirito: I came to this world to reach the top of the World Tree, in order to meet someone who may be there.

Sakuya: The Fairy King Oberon? 

Kirito: No...I don't think so. It's someone I can't reach in the real world, but I have to see, no matter what.

Lu: However, it will probably take time to prepare all the raid members' equipment. More than just a day or two...

Kirito: I see...Yeah, you're right. For now, I just want to reach the base of the tree, and we'll workout the rest ourselves. Oh, right.

Kirito pulled out his menu and got something from his inventory. He pulled out a bag and held it towards them.

Kirito: Could you use this to increase your war chest? 

Lu tried to take the bag but fell forward when she got it. She tried her best to lift it up, but when she looked inside...

Lu: *completely shocked* S-Sakuya-chan! Look!

Sakuya: Hmm?

She stepped forward, as did you in curiosity and you were shocked.

Sakuya: All these 100,000 Yuld mithril pieces! Are you certain about this? With this money, you could build a castle on prime land.

*BONK* 

P/N: *hits Kirito* You had this much and didn't tell me! I would've charged you for my services!

Kirito: Ow...I don't mind. I don't need it anymore.

Lu: This will get us really close to the amount we need.

Sakuya: We'll ready our equipment as soon as we can. And when we're set, we'll call you.

Kirito: Thank you. 

You watched as the Cait Sith and Sylphs took to the skies and turned back to wave at you three.

Lu: Thanks! See you soon!

They flew off back to their territories in a hurry to ready their raid parties.

Leafa: It kind of feels like none of that really happened.

Leafa looked at you as you stared off in the distance, and smiled as she lightly leaned on you.

Yui: Honestly, were you about to cheat on Leafa-chan, P/N?

You all were shocked when Yui came out of Kirito's pocket.

P/N: Wh-What are you talking about? I-It's not like that! Okay!? *turns away and huffs*

Yui: When those two leaders were clinging to you, your heart was pounding.

P/N: I-I'm a guy! What do you think will happen when two girls cling to you!?

Yui: Honestly...

 Leafa: Hey, P/N-kun...

P/N: Huh?

Play

https://youtu.be/floDcwOb-hY

You turned to Leafa as she had a blush on her face. Kirito took Yui and flew to the sky to wait for you as you and Leafa talked.

Leafa: D-Did you really mean those things you said during the fight?

P/N: Huh?

Flashback

P/N: There hasn't been anyone in my entire life who has brought me this much happiness and excitement besides this girl. I don't know how this happened,but I guess you could say it's all a coincidence. I will lay my life down for this girl, and all the people she cares about!  

Flashback Ends

Leafa: You said no one ever made you happy or excited as I did. That you'll protect me with your life...Did you really mean all those words?

P/N: Leafa...I...

She shuffled in the spot she stood in as she waited for your answer. You didn't know what to say, and you were shaking in your armor as you heart started to beat faster.

P/N: Wh-What do you think!? I don't know! *turns away* Think whatever you want of it, I guess. *sneezes* 

Leafa: Are you lying?

P/N: Huh?

Leafa: In some cases, someone will sneeze if they aren't telling the truth. *gasps* S-So you do care?

P/N: I didn't say that!

Leafa: But you're not denying it!

P/N: I-...Well you-...Agh!!

You stomped away in frustration and flew ahead of Kirito. You turned back while blushing under your helmet.

P/N: Let's get going to Arun already! The sun is setting already!

Leafa: Hey, wait!

She flew after you as you flew ahead of both of them. As she stared at you, she couldn't help but smile and hold her chest as her heart skipped a few beats.

Leafa's Thoughts: He really does care about me...

Quick A/N: Yes, an Inuyasha reference this chapter. I've been rewatching that show and I just had to write about it somehow. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. See ya!