No one's POV

After Zora and Kirito took out the players, the two of them looked at the final players.

Zora: How about you?

Kirito: Do still feel like fighting us?

The final player raised his hand surrendering.

Player1: No thanks. My Magic Skills gonna reach 900 soon. So I rather not die just yet.

Kirito: At least your honest about it...

Zora then looked at the female player.

Zora: How about you, Miss?

The girl put her sword down as well.

Girl: Guess I'll pass too. But next down your going down!

Player1: Oh, then next time. I'll be sure to bring more friends along.

The player flew away and Zora and Kirito both put down their swords away an looked toward the girl.

Zora: So, why are they attacking you?

Kirito: And, what's up with all those flames?

Girl: Shush! They're Remain lights. The players you guys killed could still hear you.

After a few seconds, the Remain Lights vanished.

Girl: Okay, now we can talk. So what do you two fellas want? You want me to thank you? Run away?

The girl readied her sword.

Girl: Or do you guys want to fight?

Zora: No thanks, you seem like a reasonable person.

Kirito: If we break down what just happened, it's one of those knight in shining armor saving the princess moment.

Zora: Oh boy, here we go...

Girl: Huh?

Kirito: You could burst into tears and throws your arms around me.

Girl: Oh, piss of loser! Are you an idiot?

Kirito: Nah, I was just kidding!

Zora: No your not!

The girl looked at Kirito as he was dumb or not and they heard a voice.

Yui: No way! I won't let her do that!

Rio: Uncle is such a pervert! Uncle is already married and still picking out on other girls?

Both Yui and Rio flew out of Zora and Kirito's pocket.

Yui: Mama and I are the only one to have Papa!

Girl: Papa? Uncle?

Kirito: Oh, well you see...

Girl: No way. Is that one of those private pixies? And two of them in fact.

Zora: yeah, something like that...

Girl: Then how about you tell me why two Spriggans were wandering around here?

Kirito: I guess we got lost...

The girl looked at Zora and Kirito dumbfounded and started laughing.

Girl: How could you guys get that lost? Spriggan territory is way to the east. Got you guys are weird.

Zora: -_- Your not suppose to say that.

Girl: Sorry, anyway, thank you for saving me. I guess I should introduce myself, I'm Leafa is nice to meet you both.

Kirito: I'm Kirito. And this is Yui.

Zora: And my name is Zora. And this is Rio.

Rio and Yui bowed their head to Leafa and flew to Kirito and Zora's shoulder.

Leafa: Okay then, Kirito, Zora... do you both have any plans today? I mean cause if you don't, i can buy you guys a drink as thanks.

Zora: A drink sound awesome.

Kirito: Also, if you don't mind we were actually looking for someone who could explain a few things.

Leafa: Like what kind of stuff?

Kirito: About this world, and especially about the tree.

Leafa: That tree? The Yggdrasil? Yeah sure, I might not look like it, but I know a lot about this game. There's this neutral village north of us, is a little far, but we can fly there.

Zora: Okay but, what about Swilvane? Isn't that town closer to us?

Leafa: You guys really don't know anything about this game. Swilvane is Sylph territory.

Zora: So, what's wrong with that?

Leafa: You can't attack Sylph in their territory, but they can attack you.

Zora: Well, that's annoying, but I don't mind.

Kirito: Yeah, as long as we don't do anything to provoke them, no one will attack us. And you'll be here for us, Miss Leafa.

Leafa: Call me Leafa. If you guys insist, it's fine. But I can't guarantee your safety. All right, let's get flying.

Leafa then activate her wings and Zora and Kirito saw she wasn't using her controller.

Kirito: Wait, you mean you can fly without using the controller?

Leafa: Of course, can't you guys do it?

Zora: We just learn how to use it. And did you forget that Kirito land on his face?

Kirito: Shut up...!

Zora and Kirito heard a giggle and it was from Leafa.

Leafa: Well, there's a little trick to doing it. Come on, turn around, but don't access your controllers!

Kirito: O-Okay.

Zora and Kirito turned around and Leafa put her hand on their back.

Leafa: Can you feel where my hand is touching?

Zora and Kirito: Yeah...

Leafa: Imagine you got virtual bones and muscle here spreading out into your wings. Then try and move them.

Kirito: Virtual bones and muscles...

Zora and Kirito did as Leafa said and their wings started to move.

Leafa: Yeah, just like that! You got it. Okay, now try doing the same thing only harder.

Zora and Kirito continued to do as Leafa said, Leafa suddenly comes up and pushed both Zora and Kirito in the back and they both flew up into the sky.

Leafa: Go!

Zora and Kirito: AAAHHHH!!

Leafa, Yui, and Rio looked up and saw them spinning in the sky and they couldn't help but laugh.

Kirito: How do we make it stop?

Zora: Are you guys are just gonna stand there and watch? Help us!

The three of them continued to laugh.

Rio and Yui: We're sorry, Papa!

Leafa: That's hilarious...

(Timeskip)

After getting the hang of flying, Leafa was leading Zora, Kirito, Yui, and Rio to the Sylph territory. As they were approaching Leafa remembered something and looked at Zora and Kirito.

Leafa: We'll land on the base of the central tower. Wait, Zora, Kirito, you do know how to land, right?

Kirito: No, not really...

Zora: I think I can...

Leafa: Um, oh crap! To late now. You guys are on your own. I wish you both good luck!

Leafa started to descend and Zora was getting slower and managed to land safely leaving Kirito behind.

Kirito: Wait, what? Your kidding me!

Kirito crashed into the building and fell to the ground with people looking at him and Zora and Leafa walked up to him.

Kirito: That was so not cool. You guys are horrible, Zora, Leafa.

Zora: Oh stop complaining!

Leafa: Stop whining, I can heal you.

Leafa started to chant and started to heal Kirito.

Zora: No way, so this is magic?

Kirito: That's awesome...

Leafa: The Undine the only one's specialized on high-level healing spells. But that's a spell anyone can do, so you should learn it.

Kirito: Different races get different skills, huh?

Zora: Does the Spriggan races have anything their good at?

Leafa: Well, you guys are good at Treasure hunting and Illusion magic. Neither of those things are much help in battle though.

Zora: That's lame...

Zora(mind): If Philia was here she would be jumping up and down.

Kirito then got up and looked around.

Kirito: So this a Sylph town?

Zora: It's beautiful.

Leafa: I know right?

???: Leafa!

Everyone looked over and saw a green haired boy running towards them.

???: Thank god, your okay!

Leafa: Oh, hey Recon.

Recon: I knew you survive.

Recon then looked over and noticed Zora and Kirito and then jumped back and got ready to pull out his dagger.

Recon: Two Spriggan?

Leafa: No, it;s okay. They saved me from those salamanders. This is my friend, his name is Recon.

Kirito: Hey there, my name is Kirito.

Zora: And my name is Zora.

Recon: Oh hi, nice to meet you.

Recon jumped back again.

Recon: Wait, what am I talking about?! I take that back! You sure about them? They could be a spy or something?!

Leafa: No they're cool. I'm pretty sure if they were a spy, they wouldn't be such an airhead.

Kirito and Zora looked at Leafa annoyed.

Kirito: Gee, thanks a lot...

Zora: Wow, that's mean...

Recon: Anyway, Sigurd and the others are waiting for you at the tavern.

Leafa: Oh that's right. On second thought I can't go today.

Recon: Huh? You're not coming?

Leafa: Nope, I sort of promised Kirito and Zora that I'll buy them a drink for saving me. See you later!

Leafa then started to pull Zora and Kirito and the three of them walked away.

Recon: Leafa...

(Timeskip)

After leaving Recon, Leafa lead them to a tavern and they all sat down at a table and ordered some food and drinks and after a few minutes, it came in.

Kirito: Is that Recon guy your boyfriend?

Yui: Yeah, are the two of you in love?

Leafa started blushing but denied.

Leafa: No! We're not in love! We're just in the same party is all.

Rio: I know, he must be your admirer, right!

Leafa: No way in hell!

Zora: I don't know, from where I was standing you guys seemed tight and pretty close.

Leafa: Oh whatever, I know him in real life. We go to the same school and we're classmate! But that's it!

Zora: Yeah, sure you are?

Leafa: Ahem. Anyway, bottoms up, and thanks again for saving me!

The three of them cheers and started eating.

Zora: Those guys from the forest were playing pretty rough... are PKs like that common in this game or what?

Leafa: Well for one thing, the Salamanders and Sylph races never got along. But those guys are organized, and that wasn't happening until recently. I don't know. If you ask me, they'll start trying to clear the Yggdrasil soon.

Kirito: Actually, I was hoping that you could tell us about what you know about the Yggdrasil?

Leafa: Oh yeah, you mentioned it before. Why do you want to know?

Kirito: I want to get to the top as soon as I can.

Leafa: Join the club, every player wants to get to the top. You could say that's the game grand quest for ALO.

Zora: What do you mean?

Leafa started explaining about ALO's grand quest to Zora and Kirito and how the races who was able to clear the grand quest, the'll be given infinite flight and be able to reach the top of the Yggdrasil.

Zora: Then getting to the top of the tree is impossible. What's the point of even trying.

Leafa: No arguments here. Flying is pretty addictive though, once you get a taste for it you can't give it up. You think even if it takes years, someday...

Kirito: But I can wait around that long!

Everyone looked at Kirito and he had a serious look.

Yui: Papa?

Kirito: Sorry...

Zora put his hand on Kirito's shoulder and smiled at him.

Zora: Don't worry, we'll get to her.

Kirito: Yeah, it's just we have to get to top of the tree as soon as we can!

Leafa: Okay, what's the rush?

Kirito: We're looking for someone.

Zora: And we believe that she might be at the top of the Yggdrasil.

Leafa: What do you mean?

Kirito: No offense but, it's hard to explain. Thank you Leafa. All the info you gave us is really gonna help.

Zora and Kirito got up but Leafa grabbed Kirito's arm.

Leafa: Wait. Are the both of you heading to the Yggdrasil right now?

Zora: Yeah...

Kirito: We need to see for ourselves.

Leafa: Just the two of you, that's crazy. It's really far away and you'll have to fight a bunch of monsters. I know that the both of you can handle yourself but... Hey if you guys want, I can take you there.

Zora and Kirito looked back at Leafa.

Zora: Thanks but...

Kirito: We just met and it wouldn't feel right you coming all that way...

Leafa: Right, then maybe you already know how to get there?

Zora and Kirito:...

Leafa: What are you gonna do about the guardians?

Zora: Well, we could think of something when we get there.

Leafa: To late! My mind is made up.

Zora and Kirito looked at each other and sighed.

Kirito: Okay...

Leafa: So, do the both of you want to meet up tomorrow?

Leafa had a blushed on her face and looked at Zora and Kirito.

Kirito: Yeah, sure...

Zora: Then we'll see you tomorrow...

Leafa: Okay, we'll meet tomorrow at 3pm. I have to log out now. You guys can log out from one of the rooms upstairs.

Leafa went to log out, but Kirito and Zora stopped her.

Zora: Leafa...

Kirito: Wait up...

Leafa looked at Zora and Kirito and she saw that the two of them were smiling at her.

Kirito: Thank you, Leafa...

Zora: That's very kind of you...

Leafa smiled at them and logged off.

(Timeskip)

Currently, Zora was in his room within the Sylph territory and he was lying on his bed and Rio went back to her human form and looked at Zora.

Rio: I guess this means goodbye until tomorrow, doesn't it Papa?

Zora: I'll be back soon. It won't be that long and you got Yui by your side.

Rio: Papa.. would it be alright if I slept next to you? Just until you log out?

Zora smiled at his daughter.

Zora: Of course...

Rio smiled happily and hop onto the bed and started hugging him. And Zora hug her cack as the two of them drifted to sleep. Zora minds started to drift to Rumia and he looked down saddened as tears started to escaped from his eyes.

Zora: Big sis...

Zora then went to sleep and hug Rio tightly.

(Timeskip)

The next day Zora was playing with Rio and after a few minutes, Kirito logged in.

Kirito: Sorry to keep you waiting...

Zora: Nah, it's fine...

They heard the door open and they looked over and saw Leafa walking in.

Kirito: Hey there, been waiting long?

Leafa: Not at all, I just walked in. Actually I was out shopping for gear.

Zora: Speaking of gear. We should update our equipment.

Kirito: Yeah, I don't think this is going to be enough.

Leafa: Okay, I know a good weapon shop in town. But do you guys have enough money, cause they're not cheap.

Zora and Kirito both pulled down their menus to check.

Kirito: Okay, money. This thing called "Yuld" is that money?

Leafa: Yeah...

Zora: Yeah we got a bunch...

(Timeskip)

After Leafa took Zora and Kirito shopping, Leafa took them to the central tower in the middle of the town.

Kirito: Why we come here?

Leafa: Well, when flying long distances, it's better if you start from a higher altitude. That's what the tower here's for.

Zora: I see...

Kirito: That makes sense...

Leafa started pushing Zora and Kirito into the tower.

Leafa: Come boys, let's go! I want to get past the forest before it got dark.

The three of then entered and went to head up to the elevator when someone called out for Leafa and it was a man with green hair and cloak and he had two other players with him.

Leafa: Hello, Sigurd.

Sigurd: What's this I hear about you leaving the party? Is that true?

Leafa: Well, Yeah I guess so.

Sigurd: Do you have any idea how much that's gonna upset the other members?

Leafa: You said that it wouldn't be a problem if I joined only if I had the time. You also said I can quit whenever I wanted to, remember?

Sigurd: Yes I know what I said, but you'd been with us for a while now, everyone's knows you. If you leave us that's gonna damage the reputation of the party.

Leafa had a conflicted looked but before she could reply Zora spoke up.

Zora: Party members are not items.

Leafa and Kirito looked at Zora and Zora started to walk up to Sigurd and he looked annoyed.

Sigurd: What did you just say?

Zora: I said that party members aren't item. So don't expect them to be on call for you. They're not your armor, they're not your sword, they're not your equipment. They're suppose to be your friend, and friends don't keep them in check.

Sigurd looked at Zora completely furious. And went to grabbed his sword.

Sigurd: You son of a... I bet that big mouth of yours got you thrown out of your own territory! Let's see what you got you Spriggan trash!

Leafa: Okay that's enough! Zora and Kirito is my partner, so leave him alone!

Sigurd: What? Leafa! Your abandoning us, to be a renegade like them?!

Leafa: Yes, I am. And i'm not coming back ever!

Sigurd drew his sword and pointed at Zora and looked even more furious and Zora didn't even flinch.

Sigurd: I don't give a damn about you buzzing around my party members, but if you think you could steal them than that's another story. If you're stupid enough to waltz to another races territory then it's your own damn fault if you get killed, Spriggan!

Zora closed his eyes not caring in the slightest.

Zora: Oh go blow yourself!

Sigurd: Say what?!

Zora opened his eyes and glared at Sigurd.

Zora: I said go blow yourself! Someone as pathetic as you won't ever make make me flinch! Because I like to see you try!

Zora was emanating a suffocating pressure and everyone in the room other than Kirito started shaking in fear.

Leafa: Why am I shaking?

Kirito:...

Sigurd hand continued to shake in fear from Zora's gaze and clinched his sword tightly and was getting ready to attacked him, but one of his member stopped him from doing so.

Player: This isn't the right time or place, Sigurd. If we killed this guy in front of this people, we're gonna look bad.

Sigurd then looked around and saw all the people watching him and he just sheeted his sword.

Sigurd: Once you cross our border, you better run and hide, Leafa! I never expected you to betray me like this. Never. But you'll regret it soon enough.

Sigurd and his party walked away and Zora just sighed and returning the pressure back to normal and Leafa put her hand on Zora's shoulder.

Leafa: I'm really sorry that I got you drag down into all those drama.

Zora: It's cool. He doesn't scare me one bit. I more worried about you though?

Kirito: Yeah, are you sure about this? Abandoning your territory...

Leafa didn't say anything and just pushed the two of them to the elevator and after they made it to the top, Zora and Kirito was amazed by the view.

Kirito: Wow... This is an amazing view.

Zora: I know, the sky's so close. Like my hand can touch it.

Leafa: I know right? Whenever I look up at that sky, everything else feels so small.

Leafa brought her hand up to the sky and started reaching for it.

Leafa: The timing couldn't be better. I've been thinking about leaving here for a while now.

Kirito: Okay but, I feel it sort of our fault that you left on bad terms with those guys.

Zora: I feel the same.

Leafa: Yeah, well, I don't think it couldn't have had happened any other way.

Kirito: What do they mean by renegade?

Leafa: A renegade's is a player who abandons their territory. If you get branded as one, everyones gonna looked down on you.

Zora:...

Kirito: And your cool with that?

Leafa: Yeah. I don't really care. But I don't understand why everyone is so quick to tie each other down like that. I mean what's the point on having wings you know?

Zora and Kirito looked at Leafa with a concern looked at they heard Yui and Rio come out from Zora and Kirito's pocket.

Yui: You humans are so complicated.

Rio: Yeah, your phycology confusing. What do you act so horribly to each other when all you want is companionship.

Leafa looked back at Rio and Yui confused.

Leafa: What do you mean?

Yui: If it were us...

Rio and Yui kissed Zora and Kirito on their cheeks and smiled at Leafa.

Rio: We do that. It's simple straight forward and efficient.

Leafa looked surprised and had a blush on her face.

Leafa: Th-That's an amazing AI. Do all private pixies act like that or just yours?

Zora: Just us...

Kirito: They're weirder than most...

Kirito grabbed Yui and shove it on his pocket while Rio just flew inside Zora's.

Leafa: I guess, you guys would know, huh?

Leafa(mind): All we want is companionship...

They heard someone else call out to Leafa and it was Recon.

Leafa:Hey Recon...

Zora: You sure are popular...

Recon then ran over to them.

Recon: I don't believe you! You could've at least say something before you leave!

Leafa: Sorry, I guess I forgot.

Recon: Why did you quit the party all of a sudden like that?

Leafa: Well, I didn't really think about it and just did it. What are you gonna do though?

Recon drew his dagger out and raised it into the air.

Recon: As if Leafa. It doesn't matter where you go, my sword belongs to you and you alone.!

Leafa: I don't need it, but thanks.

Recon: W-Well, that's how it is. So I'll be going with you of course. Or at least I'd like to. But something's bothering me.

Leafa: What is it?

Recon: I can really prove anything yet, but there's something that I want to investigate so I'm going to stay in Sigurd's party a little while longer. Hey Zora, Kirito. She has a habit of getting herself in trouble, I'd appreciate if you keep an eye on her.

Kirito: Yeah sure...

Zora: She's in good hands...

Leafa looked at Kirito blushed and Recon spoke once more with a demanding voice.

Recon: And just to make sure we're clear, Leafa is my-

Leafa then stomped on Recon's foot and he held it in pain.

Leafa: We'll be in the neutral zone for a while. Message me if you need everything.

Leafa started to fly away and Zora and Kirito just followed her.

(Timeskip)

After flying towards the Yggdrasil and taking out monsters along the way, the three of them decided the rest up and take a break.

Leafa: Hey, you boys tired already?

Kirito: Nope, I'm good to go...

Zora: This is nothing...

Leafa: Okay, tough guys. I hate to break it to you but flyings out for a little while.

Kirito: How come?

Leafa point her fingers at a mountains.

Leafa: You see that mountain way over there? It's above the altitude limit so we can fly over. The only way anyone can pass it is to go through the cave. It's the toughest part of the trip between Sylph territory and Arun. Or so I've heard, I never been this far myself.

Zora: I guess we walked then...

Kirito: This caves? Are they long?

Leafa: Pretty long! There's a mining town about half way, it's a neutral territory so we can rest there. That reminds me are you good for time or do the both of you have to get back.

Kirito: It's 7pm at night at the real world. Yeah I can keep going for a little while.

Zora: Same here...

Leafa: Cool. I can too so let's keep going. But since we're here, we should rotate out.

Zora and Kirito looked at Leafa confused.

Kirito: Rotate?

Leafa: Yeah, we take turns logging out and resting while the other keeps watch. You can log out when you're in the field, remember? So we have to take turns logging out. The persons who stays behind guards the others avatars.

Zora: Okay, sounds like a plan.

Kirito: Ladies first...

Leafa: Okay, don't mind if I do. See you boys in about 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes of waiting Leafa had returned back. Leafa looked back and saw Kirito laying down and Zora laying besides him.

Leafa: I'm back. Did you see any monsters?

Kirito: No we didn't. It's been pretty quit this whole time.

Leafa noticed that Kirito had something in his mouth.

Leafa: What are you eating?

Kirito: I bought a bunch of them before we left Swlvane. I don't know what they're called, but an NPC said you can only get them there.

Leafa: I've never seen them before.

Kirito passed his towards Leafa and she caught it. Leafa put it on her mouth and her face turned red due to how spicy it was and started coughing.

Kirito: Sorry to leave you both like this, but it's my turn now. Keep me safe.

Leafa: Cough...Cough... Get out of here before I hurt you!

Kirito then logged himself out and Zora went over to Leafa and hand her a drink.

Zora: Here, this should help.

Leafa took the drink and gulped it down and stopped coughing.

Leafa: Thanks...

Zora: Sure...

Zora lay back in the grass and put his hand on behind hid head and looked towards the sky. Leafa lay down beside him and looked towards the sky as well.

Leafa: Hey can I ask you something?

Zora: Go ahead...

Leafa: What's your relation with Kirito? The two of you seemed pretty close. Do you guys know each other in real life?

Zora: Yeah! He is like a brother to me even though we're not blood related. We've known each other for almost 3 years now.

Leafa looked surprised.

Leafa: Wow... You've guys known each other for so long, huh?

Zora: Yeah. Even though we're not blood related, I see him as my real brother.

Leafa(mind): Not blood related...

Kirito: I'm back...

They saw that Kirito had returned and Zora got up.

Zora: Looks like it's time for me to log out. Watch my avatar!

Zora then logged out and he opened his eyes and took off his NerveGear and sat it down and got up and take a shower and made himself something to eat and after he was done, he log back into ALO.

Zora: I'm back!

Kirito: Zora? You ready?

Zora then looked up and saw Kirito and Leafa standing over him.

Zora: Yeah, I am.

Zora then stood up and he felt something and looked over at a distance.

Zora: Hmmm?

Kirito: You felt it too?

Leafa: Is something wrong?

Zora: I feel like someone's watching us.

Kirito: Girls, do you detect any players nearby?

Yui: No I'm not sensing any other player.

Rio: Yeah, I don't detect anything.

Leafa: Is possible someone put a tracers on us.

Zora: What the heck is a tracer?

Leafa: A kind of tracking magic. It looks like a small animal or an insect, it tells a caster the targets position.

Kirito: Can you dispel it?

Leafa: Sure, if you can find it. The thing is, if the casters magic skill is high, the tracer can track you from far away. In a field this size it will take forever to find it.

Kirito: Great. Maybe it's just our imagination.

Zora: Well then, let's get going.

Leafa: Okay.

The three of them then activated their wings and started to fly away and as they did, hidden in the forest was a bat with red eyes and it was watching them and controlling it was a man in a red cloak and there were multiples other Salamanders players.