[ Back on the mission - To Neutral Territory; Voltrome Ravine... ]

Deku:
("We're back on the mission. Back on track, and making great progress. Everything is going smoothly and everyone's doing well.") Deku thought things were going well, and then Sarai spoke to him.

Sarai:
"Hey, Mister Deku." Sarai catches Deku's attention. "Um, can I ask you a question?" Sarai asks Deku if she could ask him a question, then Deku replied, 'Sure, what is it?'

"Can I hold your hand?" Sarai hold out her hand and Deku politely hold her hand as he replied, 'Sure thing, I don't mind.'

"And... Um, well, I'm sorry if this seems personal but... do you remember your parents? I really don't remember a single thing about mines." Then Dorothy intervened

Dorothy:
*Gasp*
"Sarai!! You can't ask him personal questions like that!" Then Deku spoke to Dorothy

Deku:
"Dorothy, it's ok. It's not a big deal, besides it's fine. I'm not taken aback by that."

Dorothy:
"Are you sure?"

Deku:
"Positive." Then Yuuki and Aiko join the conversation secretly, as Deku begins to speak. "Well, to answer your question, Sarai, I do remember my parents but... not well enough." Yuuki spoke next as she replied, 'Not well enough?"

"When I said that, I do remember spending time with them but I don't remember their faces good enough. I was... well, always quiet and don't speak too much. I was just in my own world and they thought that I couldn't speak and something was wrong with me."

Dorothy:
"Was there a serious illness?"

Deku:
"Nah, I was fine. They made sure that I was fine... but I guess that they got tired of me when I was 5 years old... that was when I was forced to stay with my grandma Nō on my mom side of the family."

Sarai:
"Why they made you stayed at your grandma's?"

Deku:
"Well, I was wondering the same thing, but I didn't really think about it that much. And that was the last time I've seen my parents... until when I was turned six years old, 4 months later, something happened, truly bad."

Aiko:
"What happened?"

Deku:
"It turned out that a massive and horrific incident occurred on the local news, happening in the middle of traffic and causing huge chaos due to a single event, which was ultimately triggered by someone's road rage." Then Sarai asked a question

Sarai:
"Um? What's "road rage?"

Deku:
"Road rage means like, aggressive or angry behavior exhibited by people driving a vehicle. So, basically, any small things can make anyone angry and violent, making them do things so stupidly dangerous that cause them to go and cause a huge wreck."

Sarai:
"Oh."

Deku:
"Basically, a fit of road rage led to a chain reaction crash that involved 36 people, resulting in 11 fatalities, 7 critical injuries, and 18 people escaping unharmed. My parents were among the 11 people who lost their lives." The girls gasped in shocked.

"The crazy thing is that... it was all recorded on the security cameras on live, and it just happened so fast that no one could react on time. And it left me with a sense of longing, wishing that I had more time and opportunities with my biological parents... Although I was devastated, it had a profound impact on my life and prompted me to speak out and revealed my true self to people."

Sarai:
"...Oh, I-I'm so sorry, Mister Deku..." Sarai feels upset that she wish she wouldn't have asked him a question about his parents.

Deku:
"It's fine. Really, it's okay. You don't have to feel guilty about asking me a question. Besides, I've managed to get by without them so far, and I had other family members to turn to, but now they're no longer around either. But, I have my other friends who are still here with me, so that's enough for me. Just like you have Dorothy with you."

Sarai:
"Yeah, that's right. Sarai has Dorothy after all."

Deku:
"And it makes both of us feel better to have other people to fill the void in our lives and hearts." Then Aiko and Yuuki both smiled after hearing that.

Dorothy:
"...Wow. That's really cool."

Deku:
"?" Deku looked at Dorothy. "You think that's cool?" Then Dorothy was suddenly flustered

Dorothy:
(😳)
"Huh?! You heard that?! I-I'm sorry! I meant to say that to myself!" Dorothy waves her hands innocently, as the Deku and the girls chuckled

Deku:
(😅)
"It's fine. Just relax."

Dorothy:
*Clears Throat*
"It's just that... after hearing that you're definitely a great person... even after everything that happened to you in the past."

Deku:
"So, the others told you about what happened to me?"

Dorothy:
"Well, I couldn't help but feel curious about you... but I couldn't help but thinking that we're alike." Then Deku was calmly surprised after hearing that, then Deku spoke

Deku:
"Well, I'd say that we're alike yet distinct, and I coincidentally happen to know about your situation too. We both lost our family members. For me, avenging my late family members was a consuming desire that led me down a dark path. It even made me hurt my friends and especially myself even more."

Dorothy:
"But... you don't have a choice but to, right?"

Deku:
*Sigh*
"Well, yes, painfully. They did their best to stop and help me but I was too selfish and stubborn, and I still left them behind again. But, as soon as I reigned victorious in killing the pontifex and got my revenge, it turned out they were right all along. I have nothing but emptiness. But I need that to start over and here I am now."

Aiko:
(🙂)
"A good start for atonement. I'd say it's a good way for making up for your misdeeds."

Yuuki:
(😊)
"And I'm glad things are back to normal for you and that you were able to see it through."

Sarai:
"So... was getting your revenge worth it?"

Deku:
"Well... I'd say it's worth it for my family members can rest peacefully, but it wasn't as satisfying as I thought it'd would be."

("And sadly, I thought killing Quinella would set me free from this Curse Mark... I don't know what to do to get rid of it.")

"So, I'm just doing the right thing to make it all up for every bad deed. But, Dorothy, for you, you had every right to seek revenge for your mother's death, but instead you chose peace and resisted the temptation of vengeance."

Dorothy:
"..."

Deku:
"So, I definitely consider you a truly strong woman for not being consumed by revenge, even if it's incredibly difficult and hard for you, you still decide to stay in the light."

Dorothy:
"A-Ahhhh! N-No! I-I'm not that a strong woman at all!" Dorothy says as she was bashfully surprised along with her blushing.

Aiko:
"Um, what he means, Dorothy, is that you have the strength to resist evil intentions and not let them change your inherent goodness."

Yuuki:
"And/or, you're making good decisions for yourself and other people."

Dorothy:
"O-Oh! Whoops! M-My mistake for misunderstanding."

Deku:
"It's fine. Also, I actually understand you a little bit more better now because you care about other people. Just like me with my family members. So it's like, two minds think alike, y'know."

Dorothy:
"O-Oh! U-Um... well, I'm happy to hear that."

("W-We're alike... I know that he's trying to atone for his mistakes but... I can't help but feel that he's telling the truth. And I have this warm feeling about him. He's really nice and kind... after what Miss Asuna said about him, I...")

Sarai:
"That means you two can be friends, right?"

Dorothy:
"Oh... well, I..."

Deku:
"Well, you don't have to, Dorothy, it's fine if you don't want to."

Dorothy:
"It's not that I don't want to but..."

Deku:
"You have your own reasons."

Dorothy:
"Yes."

Deku:
"I understand. And you don't have to apologize if you were."

Dorothy:
"Huh-?! H-How'd you know that I was?!" Dorothy was surprised as Deku was able to predict what she was going to say next.

Deku:
(🙂)
"Like I said, we're alike, we're both too nice and kindhearted. I was able to predict that you're going to apologize at the end. I have a good feeling that we'll get along well." The girls giggled as Dorothy couldn't stop being so bashful
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[ A little later, the group encountered a beast, then as Deku was holding Sarai's hand, keeping her safe along with Aiko and Yuuki accompanied him, Kirito, Asuna, Alice, Eugeo and Dorothy were battling the beast - Kirito and Eugeo were both dashed forward, poised to strike the beast! - ]

Kirito:
"Let's go, Eugeo!"

Eugeo:
"Got it, Kirito!"

DASHED - DOUBLE SLASHED!

Kirito & Eugeo:
~"Switch!" (Kirito)
~"Switch!" (Eugeo)

LEAPS - THRUSTS! MONSTER GRUNTS!

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

( At 8:32 - 8:44 )
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Deku:
"..." Deku was looking at both Kirito and Eugeo after they defeated the beast

("Their teamwork was very good and was totally in sync. They were able to defeat the beast with no difficulty and no time wasted. ...How deep is their bond with each other? So strong, completely trustworthy of each other. How'd they improve so much while I was away?")

[ As Deku watched Kirito and Eugeo work together seamlessly, he couldn't help but wonder what had brought about such a significant improvement in their teamwork and relationship. Then Aiko noticed his facial expression. ]

Sarai:
"Wow! They beat the monster! That's really amazing!"

Deku:
"..."

Aiko:
"Deku-San, what's wrong sweetie?" Aiko said as Sarai look at Deku as well.

Deku:
"Nothing... Just... never thought I see them performing a good "switch" combo like that. They must've practiced it together..."

Yuuki:
"Yeah, they did practice the "Switch" ever since. Even Alice was interested in the "Switch" technique. Ever since you were away from us, everyone has been doing their part to get stronger, ya know. Even their teamwork has been improved by working hard together and trusting each other more."

Deku:
"..."

[ Flashback ]

Deku:
("As I mentioned earlier, it's simply because we're friends - I thought I made that clear. Actually, scratch that, but there's more to it than that. Kirito. Yuuki. You two are aware of this, right? You two understand that pain and solitude can be...")
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("Hmph... if that's how it is, then I'll have no choice but to brutally annihilate each and every one of those pathetic bonds! If I sever those bonds then I'll be able to achieve even greater strength than I currently possess!")
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Kirito:
("I'm stopping you, Dekarusu, no matter what it takes, because that's what friends do!")

Deku (Curse Mark):
("This is the last time you see of me, and with me gone, our connection ENDS!")

[ Flashback Ends ]

Deku:
"Is that so, huh?" Deku said as he remembered his words to his friends in the Axiom Church.

("Even though I... said things that were locked deep within my heart, it's been that way ever since SAO. And when I finally managed to get it out, the result wasn't even close to what I had hoped for, leaving me feeling unsatisfied.") Then after Deku finished with his own thoughts, Dorothy approached Kirito

Dorothy:
"That was an incredible combination move..."

Kirito:
"Huh?"

Dorothy:
"Oh... nothing! Your abilities are so impressive, I... I just..."

Kirito:
("Even after Dorothy asked me not to be too friendly, I've kept her engaged. Even so, it's rare to see Dorothy reaching out to me. Maybe my efforts are finally bearing fruit?")

"I could teach you that move, Dorothy." Then Asuna jumped in the conversation, replied, 'Hey you two, what are you talking about?"

"Oh, we were talking about Switch. I was thinking Dorothy could learn how to do it."

Asuna:
"Ohh, that would be great! Yeah, she should learn how!" Asuna said with an excited tone, leaving Dorothy confused

[ A few seconds later... ]

Dorothy:
"So, the vanguard leaps forward, attacks, and jumps back to defend the rear?"

Asuna:
"Exactly, and the old rear goes forward. Also, yell "Switch"! That's important."

Alice:
"That aside, it's a bit tricky, but it's exhilarating when you make it work."

Yuuki:
"For sure. It gets better and better the more people you have -"

Deku:
"Look out! 2 o'clock!"

Yuuki:
"Oh!" Then another monster approaches - Magma Unicorn!

Kirito:
"Looks like we'll have to finish talking later. Let's go!

Sarai:
"Be careful!"
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Dorothy:
*Spinning Scythe*
"I shall go forward! Someone, support me!" Dorothy dashes, Asuna and Alice follows behind her, then Dorothy begins to take the first strike! "Yaaahhh-!"
LEAPS - SLASHED!

Asuna and Alice:
~"Switch!" (Asuna)
~"Switch!" (Alice)

Dorothy:
*Leaps Back*

DOUBLE LEAPS - SLASHED!

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

( At 12:00 - 12:17 )

[ Through their combined efforts, Dorothy, Asuna, and Alice were able to successfully defeat the Magma Unicorn and emerge victorious! ]

Sarai:
"Amazing! That was really good to watch!"

Asuna:
"We did it! That's a successful Switch!"

Alice:
"It seems you're already used to working with Asuna."

Dorothy:
"I... I did it! I can do it too! Kirito! Deku! Did you both see that?!" Dorothy said as she looked at both Kirito and Deku

Deku:
"Yeah! It was a brilliant display of the Switch! Marvelous performance, Dorothy!"

Kirito:
"Yeah, I sure did! But... But... I wanted to do it! I was the one who was going to teach Dorothy and stuff!" Kirito said as he was bummed out by Asuna and Alice took the opportunity to teach Dorothy about the "Switch", Eugeo replied to him saying, 'Now, now. You'll have your chance."

Asuna:
"You succeeded on your very first Switch! Great job, Dorothy!"

Dorothy:
"Yes... I did! I succeeded! I did it... Thank you so much for - for helping me! Doing Switch... is very fun!"

Asuna:
"Yeah, you bet! It's a thrill when it lands just right!"

Alice:
"Miss Dorothy, work with me next. With your burst of strength, we'll pair well."

Dorothy:
"Truly? Please, then! This technique truly shows off one's skill with a sword.

Alice:
"It does, doesn't it? A knight must always pursue greater strength. Let us practice!"

Deku:
"..." Deku watching the girls chatting.

("Must be nice... but I'm glad that Dorothy is starting to get the hang of this... Don't know why I feel so left out...") Deku said to himself, as he looked a bit sad... then Yuuki spoke to him

Yuuki:
"Hey, Deku-Kun! We can practice too!" Then Deku's eyes widened a bit after hearing that.

Deku:
"You wanna practice with me?"

Yuuki:
"Yeah, duh! Even though it's been a while since we've ever practiced. We need to improve our techniques and our teamwork!" Yuuki patted his back. "Besides, we're together, we're partners, so we have to level up all the way through baby!"

Deku:
"...!" Deku couldn't help but smile.

"Ok! I-I definitely don't mind practicing with you. I actually wanted to do some more practicing and combination of moves with you and everyone else!"

Yuuki:
"That's the spirit!"

Deku:
"Now I feel more better. Thanks, Yuuki."

Yuuki:
( 😁...🤔)
"M-hm! You're welcome... huh? Um, for what?"

Deku:
"Nothing, just wanna thank you."

Yuuki:
"Um... okay."
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Kainan;
"Hm? How curious..."

Kirito:
"What's up?"

Deku:
"Is something wrong?"

Kainan:
"Cast your eyes over there." Kirito and Deku looked in the direction Kainan had taken indicated. "It seems there was a fearsome siege here, once upon a time. On such a battlefield, many powerful thoughts and emotions can linger... When they coagulate into a single entity, they form monstrosities like that. This area has always been quite dangerous, but now, even more so. I can safely say I have never seen it like this before."

Kirito:
"Still, this is our only way to Obsidia Castle, right?"

Kainan:
"As you say. Unfortunately, this is the only path I know of, at least."

Deku:
"Got it. Let's keep moving forward, but be careful we don't get surrounded."
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[ Then later, they luckily reached a stopping point... ]

Deku:
"Hey guys, we should set up camp soon. Sarai's half asleep right now."

Kirito:
"Dorothy, is it bedtime for Sarai?"

Dorothy:
"Ah! Yes... she's drifting off to dreamland."

Kirito:
"Okay, kids always come first, so let's set up camp, everyone."

Deku:
"Okay, Sarai, you ready for a nap?"

Sarai:
"Yes, but.. can... Mister Deku accompany me?" Deku was surprised as she still holds his hand. Then Dorothy replied, "Sarai, I know you can sleep on your own. Why you want Deku to accompany you?"

"Because... Sarai wants to keep holding his hand, I can really sleep with him by my side!"

Deku:
"It's cool. I don't mind, I'll keep her company and make sure that she gets her sleep."

Dorothy:
"Well, okay then."

[ Then the tent was sent out for Sarai, also accompanied by Deku, even Yuuki decided to join them to keep Sarai company as well - ]

Deku:
"..." Deku watched as Sarai slept, gently stroking her hair and softly patting her head.

("Really wish I'd had my left arm right now... so I can hold her hand while she sleeps... but I guess I don't have to, she's sleeping so soundly, just like a precious baby.")

Sarai:
"Zzzz... Zzzz..." Sarai was sleeping soundly as she was smiling in her sleep, which Deku smiled

Yuuki:
"She's sleeping so peacefully." Yuuki said in her low tone voice as she don't want to wakes Sarai, Deku did the same thing when he replied back to Yuuki

Deku:
"Yeah, she's like a little baby with a precious smile on her face."

Yuuki:
"Honestly, I never thought of you being so thoughtful to kids. Sarai really likes you so much. It's like you're her big brother."

Deku:
"I already feel like a big brother to Yuri, Silica and Leafa, so I'm happy to offer guidance and support to Sarai. And I'm not sure she looks up to me in that way."

Yuuki:
"Hehe. Trust me, the way she wants to hold your hand along the way, and she wants you to accompany her sleeping, she DEFINITELY sees you as her idol or a big brother. You're overthinking it, ya know." Yuuki giggles softly

Deku:
"Wow... guess I am."

[ Next Day - May 10, 2027... ]

As they were able to heading to the Obsidia Castle... but there was a huge problem in their way - A General Lajator was blocking their path.

"...Stay where you are! None may pass beyond here, not a single soul. Turn back now!"

Kirito:
"Sorry, but we need to pass. Could we offer something for passage?"

"Oh ho? So you need to pass, you say. How foolish. So long as I strand here, I shall guard this location, even beyond life! Do you think I would truly let you enter the battlefield? Draw your weapon, boy!"

Kirito:
"The what now-?"

Deku:
*Unsheathe Silent Angel*

Kirito:
"Wait! Hold up, Deku! The war ended here a long time, right-?"

Kainan:
"Yes, an armistice ended this war long ago. No battlefield remains. It is now little more than a road we merchants travel."

"What nonsense! You think I would be foolish enough not o believe this?!"

Kainan:
"It is far from nonsense, it is absolutely true! The war is long over! If you think it a lie, then look about you! What soldiers march, or weapons sing?"

"...Hm! I see... I do see now... So dedicated was I to my duty that I did not notice reality... My reason for guarding this place is long gone... My apologies. You may pass."

Deku:
("Y'know... I could've just used my Earth Dragon to trap him in a swamp... but I guess that'll work too...")

[ Then as they were walking away, General Lajator stops them - ]

"Hm... Wait a moment. Do you know what happened to... it?"

Deku:
"It"? What is "it" you're talking about?"

"Powerful Spellwords brought forth horrifying poison on this land. We planned to destroy the Spellword devices to neutralize it, yet... If they remain in the area, they could activate and devastate the land. I would like to see them destroyed before that happens."

Kirito:
"Is it that dangerous? If that's true, we definitely can't ignore it."

Deku:
"Just leave it to us, we'll definitely handle it."

"You two have my thanks. They were disc-like objects embedded in the ground. One should be on a "cliffside road running south," the other a cul-de-sac. The last is perhaps between the two, in a place unreachable by foot."
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Deku:
"Okay. All we need to do is disable the poison devices - 3 of them. And I'll send 9 of my clones to go and deactivate them."

Kirito:
"You can make clones?!" Kirito was shocked as he questioned his friend about making clones, then Deku hold his "Black Dragon's Blade" to answer his question.

Deku:
"Yes, and it'll save us some time so we can disarm the poison devices and make things more easier for everyone."

Kirito:
"Can the clones handle this?"

Deku:
"Don't underestimate the power of the Black Dragon, Kirito. This blade is ULTIMATELY useful for my fight against the vexing pontifex, and for other useful things like in this situation." Deku said as he summoned his clones; 9 Clones!

CHING - POOF! 9 CLONES!

Kainan:
"Ohhh! A splendid display of clones!" Kainan claps at the display of Deku summons 9 perfect clones of himself.

Kirito:
"Wow. That's really cool, Deku. How many clones can you make?"

Deku:
"Well... I don't know myself. Maybe... 50 to 100."

Kirito:
"Up to 100?! That's crazy! That'll definitely be useful in this war!"

Deku:
"Told you! I can almost do anything with this Black Dragon's Blade... Even if I don't have the Blade in my possession, I can still do anything. I can still use the elemental abilities and some other things... that I don't know of yet."

Kirito:
"You can handle all of it? Even without the Blade?!"

Deku:
"Yeah - Remember when I said that I become one with my "Silent Angel" Blade - I also become one with the Black Dragon's Blade as well. I'm basically strong enough to fight this whole war by myself."

Kirito:
"I never thought you become one with the Dragon... that's almost sound too good to be true..."

Deku:
"Trust me, I know. Anyway, let's get this started! Clones, you know what to do! Scatter-!"

CLONES! JUMPS - FLASHED!!!

"Okay... I believe that it should take... 10 to 15 or 20 minutes... In the meantime, I guess that we can do whatever until then."

[ As Deku's clones, 3 assigned to each of the three poison devices, managed to destroyed them within as planned 15 minutes, after which Deku released them from his control, causing them to vanish... ]

Deku:
"Alright! All the magical devices are now destroyed. That should stop the poison threat."

"Ah! Well done indeed. I'm sure this shall bring peace to my many comrades who perished of it. You have my deepest gratitude for agreeing to my request. It seems I yet have a little time. I shall watch over this long from the fort."

Deku:
"It's our pleasure."

"Young warriors, may you find fortune in your trails to come. Farewell!"
FLASHED - DISAPPEARED!!!

[ Then as the Human Realm finally head to their destination - It didn't take too long for them to finally reach the "Obsidia Castle"! ]

Dark Knight A:
"Stop right there."

Lipia:
"Dorothy! And Sarai's with you."

Dorothy:
"Lady Lipia..."

Sarai:
"Lady Lipia!"

Kainan:
"That is lady Lipia Zancale, Lord Shasta's right hand."

Lipia:
"What were you thinking, charging off like that? This was to be my mission!"

Dorothy:
"..."

Sarai:
"Lady Lipia, please don't be mad! Dorothy just, um, heard about you and Lord Shasta!"

Lipia:
"What... about Lord Shasta and I?"

Dorothy:
"I heard you are engaged... to be wed."

Lipia:
"Ah."

Kirito:
("There's the missing piece. This is why Dorothy's pushing herself so hard. It's all for this Lipia's sake.")

Dorothy:
"I know you're been involved for a while, and this mission was so dangerous... In fact, Dee Eye Ell pursued me from almost the moment I set out."

Deku:
"!!!" Deku's eyes widened from hearing that.

Sarai:
"And, um, she had to help me because Dee Eye Ell was really mean, and, and..."

Lipia:
"Oh, Dorothy. Even so, you should have at least consulted with me, first!"

Dorothy:
"You have been so lit to one of my... station. I was sure you'd insist on going. After reaching the Human Realm, Sir Bercouli helped me return safely, yet- Had the situation not played out as well, "the envoy" could well have died. I could not let you go. I am more expandable. It was right that I went. Whether Lord Shasta disposes of me, or you do so yourself, is of no consequence. Simply knowing you were able to remain safe with Lord Shasta is enough. Selfishly, I have foully betrayed your trust. I will accept your judgment."

Deku:
("Just like me... when I thought I was going to have to be punished... as I wanted to be punished anyway for my own actions. We're so alike, wanting to accept punishment for our actions...")

Lipia:
"I'm not going to..." Then a Dark Knight approach Lipia

"Ma'am. Lord Shasta is waiting."

Lipia:
"That he is... my human friends, I apologize for this overwrought display. I am Lipia Zanscale, the 11th Dark Knight. I shall be your guide here in Obsidia Castle." Then as Lipia takes her leave, the Dark Knight approaches Dorothy.

"Come on, Dorothy. You violated regs, but a lot of knights are glad you went."

Deku:
"..."

Dorothy:
"No... I don't deserve to be praised for this."

"Hm? Oh, no, I wasn't praising you. Losing Lady Lipia would've been a disaster. She's Shasta's right hand. It was better for YOU went instead. Not like anyone would be sad to lose you, you know?" Then Kirito and Deku was calmly enraged after hearing the Dark Knight badmouth Dorothy, then Kirito speaks to the Dark Knight.

Kirito:
"Now hang on. Where do you get off saying that to a fellow knight's face?"

Deku:
"Right. She is one of you, after all."

"Fellow knight"? And "One of us"? Heh, I suppose. But she'll never be a comrade-in-arms to us." Then both Kirito and Deku were both mad as they both close in to the knight

Kirito:
"You want to stay that one more time?"

Deku:
"Dorothy's FAR more useful and stronger than your useless ass! So what you talking about?"

Dorothy:
"Kirito! Deku! That's enough!"

Kirito:
The hell it is!"

Deku:
"Say one more thing about Dorothy-!"

"Hah, wait. Dorothy, you never told them that you're the Child of Sin? Guess I gotta fill them in, then. You see, this girl here - She's the cursed offspring of parents of the Human Realm and Dark Territory!"

Kirito:
"What?"

Deku:
"..."

"Disgusting, right? She doesn't belong here OR in your realm."

Kirito:
"You insult Dorothy one more time, and I swear..."

"What, you going to start a fight right here, Mr. Envoy of Peace?"

Deku:
"-!!!"
MARCHED-!

Dorothy:
STEPS IN!

[ Deku was going to attack the Dark Knight but luckily, Dorothy quickly stopped Deku from attacking the Dark Knight and making things worse - ]

Dorothy:
"Lady Lipia is keeping an eye on us already. Enough. We should move on."

"Hmph..." The Dark Knight walked away, then Eugeo approached Dorothy

Deku:
("I promise you on everything I love - If Dorothy didn't get in my way, I would DEFINITELY have smashed his face in with his helmet! ...I can't let that get to me... in order to make peace, no violence...") Deku said to himself as he calmed down

Eugeo:
"Dorothy... you okay?"

Dorothy:
"Everyone... I'm very sorry I did not tell you everything. I'm sure you're angry... Obviously you'd want to get rid of me if you knew..."

Deku:
"A... Child of Sin?!"

Kirito:
"No way! Where'd you get that idea?"

Dorothy:
"..."

Kirito:
"Dorothy, please, talk to us, okay?"

Dorothy:
"...We can speak of me later. Let us head into Obsidia Castle Town for now."
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Lipia:
"I'm sure your journey has been long. Come to Obsidia Castle when you are ready."

Kainan:
"Ah yes, the Ten Lords await, so you must look your best! I do happen to -"

Lipia:
"Kainan..."

Kainan:
"Ah, mm, fearsome as always! Well, for now, let me show you to your base here."
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"Welcome to your new base. Please, feel free to leave your luggage here."

Kirito:
"Um, Kainan, can I borrow you for a moment?" As Kirito wanted to talk to Kainan, Deku was there as well. "We wanted to ask about Dorothy..."

Kainan:
"Ah. If you both wish to hear about her parents, I do now think I should -"

Deku:
"No, it's not that at all, Kainan. It's about her in the Dark Army. It's bad to Dorothy."

Kainan:
"Kirito, Deku... you both didn't hear this from me, you both understand?" Kirito and Deku both nodded in agreement. "Personally, I care only whether people can pay. I care not a whit for race, but a great number of people consider Dorothy to be... hm, dirty. Strained, perhaps. Her mother was a former Dark Army Knight and a close ally of Lord Shasta. That she would lay with the enemy... it led to her becoming a pariah. You've both that out Dorothy is kind. Far kinder than most folk here."

Deku:
"..."

Kainan:
"She is not weak, but she is vulnerable. And her "comrades" do not miss that fact."

Kirito:
"So is no one trying to protect her at all?"

Kainan:
"Oh, no, she has Lipia and Shasta's full support. She is safe while they command. If anything, that's why she did it. She wished to repay her debt of kindness. Lord Shasta desires peace, thus the Knights do. But not all are so willing. None would dare challenge Shasta's rule, though. So they target Dorothy. They would be my perspective, at least, into that Dark Knight's attitude."

Kirito:
"That's... awful. I feel so bad for Dorothy."

Kainan:
"Yet is in the burden she must carry. Would it be so different in your realm? You feared her as a Dark Knight, no? Does her heritage change so much?"

Deku:
"For her to carry on a heavy burden alone... it's DEFINITELY painful for her to go through that all alone."

Kainan:
"Conversely, if we achieve peace, perhaps people like Dorothy won't be as rare to come across."

Kirito:
"Kainan..."

Kainan:
"Now, we mustn't speak too long or people will think we are conspiring! Let us go. Once we enter Obsidia, we will have to remain for some time. Do prepare!"

- To be continued -